Adventure · Discovery
Ultimate Escape in Madagascar: From Tropical Forests to Majestic Baobabs
Two iconic faces of Madagascar: the lush rainforest of Andasibe, home to the indri, and the dry, majestic landscapes of Morondava, with the famous Avenue of the Baobabs. The journey then winds down gently on the beaches of Nosy Be.
- 12 days
- East, West & North
- Quote within 48 h
At a glance
Trip highlights
- A journey full of breathtaking contrasts
- Exceptional endemic biodiversity
- The famous Avenue of the Baobabs
- Immersion in the heart of unspoilt nature
- Adventure and genuine encounters with local people
- A perfect balance of discovery, relaxation and adventure
Your route
- Antananarivo
- Andasibe
- Morondava
- Avenue of the Baobabs
- Betania
- Nosy Be
Vehicle with an English-speaking driver; return domestic flights between Antananarivo and Morondava, then between Antananarivo and Nosy Be (not included in the price).
Day by day
The itinerary
A 12-day itinerary that can be fully tailored: every stage can be adapted to your pace and wishes.
Day 01
Arrival in Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar! On arrival in Antananarivo, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Your great escape, from tropical forests to baobabs, begins here.
Dinner and overnight at the Royal Palissandre hotel
Day 02
Antananarivo – Andasibe
2.5 to 3 hours by road, including stops
After breakfast, at around 9 am, you meet your guide for a briefing on the trip, then head east on the RN2. Along the way, ravinala, bamboo and grasses known as bozaka dominate the landscape.
A short stop at Peyrieras, a private reserve better known as Madagascar Exotic, which is home to a butterfly breeding centre and a variety of other animal species. Lunch on the way, at your own expense.
The road continues to Andasibe National Park, among the most visited and most accessible sites in Madagascar. It is one of the best places in the country to see lemurs, and indeed one of the world’s finest spots for watching primates. The park lies close to the village of Andasibe, sometimes called Périnet after its former railway station. You arrive in the late afternoon and check in at your hotel.
Dinner and overnight at the Relais d’Andasibe
Andasibe
Day 03
Andasibe National Park
A day devoted to exploring Andasibe National Park, in the eastern part of the central Highlands. Nearby, the Analamazaotra Forest, a mid-altitude tropical rainforest (900 to 1,250 metres) covering some 810 hectares, borders the larger Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and other important forests, including Maromizaha. Lunch at your own expense.
If this is your first time in Madagascar, a night in the area is highly recommended: it is one of the best places in the country to see the indri (Indri indri). Two groups of indris, used to visitors, are easy to observe with the local guides; sifakas are now also fairly easy to spot in the same area.
Besides the indri, many other lemurs live in Analamazaotra, from the most visible to the most elusive.
- Goodman’s mouse lemur (Microcebus lehilahytsara)
- Crossley’s dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus crossleyi)
- Weasel sportive lemur (Lepilemur mustelinus)
- Common brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus)
- Grey bamboo lemur (Hapalemur griseus griseus)
- Eastern woolly lemur (Avahi laniger)
- Diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema)
- Occasionally, the southern black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata editorum)
- More rarely, the red-bellied lemur (Eulemur rubriventer) and the aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis)
Dinner and overnight at the Relais d’Andasibe
Andasibe
Day 04
Andasibe – Antananarivo
After breakfast, you leave the park at 9 am to head back to the capital, the “City of the Thousand”. Lunch at your own expense. An orientation tour then helps you get your bearings in the city.
Dinner and overnight at the Royal Palissandre hotel
Antananarivo
Day 05
Antananarivo – Morondava
Domestic flight
After breakfast, and depending on the flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your flight to Morondava, in the west of the island. You are met on arrival and settle into your hotel. Lunch at your own expense.
Dinner and overnight at the Palissandre Côte Ouest
Morondava
Day 06
Morondava – Zazamalala association – Avenue of the Baobabs
After an early breakfast, you meet your driver-guide. The day begins with a visit to the Zazamalala association, which takes a holistic approach to protecting nature: reforestation, safeguarding wildlife and plants, and breeding endangered species, all while involving local people.
Community development is a priority here: the association strives to give as many local people as possible paid work in forestry, helping them towards economic independence, and runs awareness campaigns on nature conservation, climate change and health. Lunch on the way, at your own expense.
In the late afternoon, you drive to the famous Avenue of the Baobabs, about 40 minutes from Morondava. Impressive baobabs line the road, but the name belongs to a stretch of around 250 metres, known for its spectacular and highly photogenic silhouette. These giants of the species Adansonia grandidieri, which can reach 30 metres in height, are among the emblems of Madagascar; some are thought to be more than 800 years old.
Dinner and overnight at the Palissandre Côte Ouest
Avenue of the Baobabs
Day 07
Morondava – Betania fishing village
Set off for Betania, a coastal village tucked away south of the mouth of the Morondava River: it is a mere ten-minute pirogue ride across the river from Nosy Kely. The village is mostly home to Vezo fishermen.
Here you discover a way of life that has remained deeply traditional: both housing and fishing are still largely untouched by Western influence. A wonderful chance to observe the villagers’ daily life up close. Lunch on the way, at your own expense.
Dinner and overnight at the Palissandre Côte Ouest
Betania village
Day 08
Morondava – Antananarivo
Domestic flight
After breakfast, and depending on the flight schedule, transfer to the airport and flight back to Antananarivo, the “City of the Thousand”. You are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Lunch at your own expense.
Dinner and overnight in Antananarivo
Antananarivo
Day 09
Antananarivo – Nosy Be
Domestic flight
After breakfast, and depending on the flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your flight to Nosy Be. You are welcomed at your hotel and settle in.
Dinner and overnight at Mangasoa Lodge
Nosy Be
Days 10 – 11
Nosy Be
Two free days to enjoy Nosy Be at your own pace, with time for the beach and relaxation. Any activities you choose during these free days are not included in the price.
Dinners and overnight stays at Mangasoa Lodge
Nosy Be
Day 12
Nosy Be – Antananarivo – Departure
After breakfast, a last morning on the beach. Depending on your flight schedule, there is a little free time left for souvenir shopping before your transfer to the airport, with assistance, and your flight home via Antananarivo. End of our services.
Domestic flight
Clear and simple
What the price includes
The price includes
- Hotel accommodation throughout the stay
- Half board (breakfast and dinner) throughout the stay
- All transport with an English-speaking driver, including fuel, road taxes and parking
- All transfers in Antananarivo
- All activities mentioned in the programme, including entrance fees and local guides in each park and reserve
The price does not include
- Activities not mentioned in the programme, and those on free days
- Tips, drinks and personal expenses
- International and domestic flights
- Insurance
Ready to go?
Ultimate Escape: From Forests to Baobabs
Ask for a detailed, no-obligation quote or book your dates straight away: we reply within 48 hours.
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