Discovery · Family or group
Madagascar’s Highlands Secrets
Terraced rice fields, koba and the lively market of Talata Volonondry, the lemurs of Lemurs’ Park and the Queen’s Palace: five days in the Highlands, the country’s cultural and historical heartland, with mornings of discovery and afternoons set aside for your meetings.
- 5 days
- Highlands
- Quote within 48 h
At a glance
Trip highlights
- Landscapes of deep valleys and terraced rice fields
- The cultural and historical heartland of Madagascar
- Malagasy cultural heritage: traditional architecture, craftsmanship and living traditions
Your route
- Antananarivo
- Talata Volonondry
- Lemurs’ Park
- Queen’s Palace
Transport by bus with an English-speaking guide.
Day by day
The itinerary
A 5-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! You are met and assisted at the airport, then transferred to your hotel.
Day 02
Antananarivo – Talata Volonondry
1 to 1.5 hours by road, including stops
An early start to make the most of the day: everyone here is an early riser, even the sun, which comes up at 5.30 am. After breakfast, a briefing with your guide at 7 am, then off for a morning in Talata Volonondry, a genuine immersion in the soul of Madagascar and a window onto its cultural and historical riches.
The visit is on foot and lasts between an hour and a half and two hours: just the right time to soak up the beauty of the place and uncover its hidden treasures. Talata Volonondry is renowned for its koba: you explore its lively market, then follow the preparation of this delicacy from start to finish, and learn about the history and evolution of this symbol of the region’s culinary heritage.
Lunch is included. At 2 pm, return to the hotel for your afternoon meeting, with a coffee break.
Talata Volonondry
Day 03
Antananarivo – Lemurs’ Park
An early departure towards the west of the Highlands: we leave the hotel at 6.45 am for Lemurs’ Park, a private park 25 km from central Antananarivo, on the RN 1 towards Imerintsiatosika. A symbol of Madagascar’s endemic wildlife, the lemur is undoubtedly one of the most endearing animals on the planet.
The park was created to introduce this remarkable animal to as many nature lovers as possible, and to allow lemurs born here to be returned to their natural habitat over the years. Bordered by the Katsaoka River, the 5-hectare estate is now home to 7 species of lemur from different regions of the island, along with other emblematic representatives of Malagasy flora and fauna. The park has also taken up reforestation with endemic species.
At around 11 am, we head to La Varangue for lunch. At 2.30 pm, return to the hotel, where the afternoon meeting awaits, with a coffee break.
Lemurs’ Park
Day 04
Antananarivo: city tour and the Queen’s Palace
A morning devoted to a tour of the capital and the Queen’s Palace (Rova Manjakamiadana in Malagasy), official residence of Madagascar’s 19th-century rulers. Perched on one of the city’s highest hills, it can be seen for miles around.
Since at least the 17th century, the site has been the headquarters of an important Merina royal garrison, to which the city owes its name: Antananarivo, the “City of a Thousand”, meaning a thousand soldiers. The first great royal residence was built here during the reigns of Andrianampoinimerina (1787–1810), who unified Imerina, and Radama I (1810–1828), who conquered most of the island.
Lunch at the Café du Musée, inside the Photography Museum of Madagascar. Founded in 2013 as a non-profit association, the museum digitises photographs taken in the country between 1860 and 1960, in order to preserve and promote this heritage and to encourage Malagasy people to take ownership of their history. At 2 pm, return to the hotel for the final afternoon meeting, with a coffee break.
Antananarivo
Day 05
Antananarivo – flight home
A leisurely wake-up at your hotel. After breakfast, it’s time for some souvenir shopping, followed by lunch at Combava at around 11 am. You are then transferred to the airport and assisted until your flight home. End of our services.
Clear and simple
What the price includes
The price includes
- Hotel accommodation throughout the trip
- Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) throughout the trip, except in Antananarivo
- All transport by bus with an English-speaking guide, including fuel, road taxes and parking
- All activities mentioned in the programme, including entrance fees and local guides at each visit
The price does not include
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the programme
- Activities not mentioned in the programme, and those during free time
- Tips, drinks and personal expenses
- International and domestic flights
- Insurance
Good to know The price may vary depending on the availability of accommodation.
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Madagascar’s Highlands Secrets
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