The splendors of southern Madagascar

Let's go now !

Embark on an extraordinary journey through southern Madagascar, where you'll explore breathtaking national parks, immerse yourself in vibrant local culture, and unwind on pristine beaches. This adventure offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, creating unforgettable memories.

Information
Tour plan
Advices
Gallery

You’ll travel through Madagascar’s central Highlands along Route Nationale 7, one of the country’s few paved roads. You’ll discover the local culture through artisans and bustling markets, while admiring spectacular panoramas as far as the Tsaranoro Valley. Next, you’ll explore the Grand Sud, with the majestic Isalo National Park and its rocky landscapes. Your journey ends with a well-deserved rest on the magnificent beaches of Ankasy, where you can enjoy a range of water sports.

Day	Itinerary	Hotels	Activities
1	ARRIVAL TANA	Sakamanga	Tranefr at hotel
2	TANA – AMBOSITRA	Artisan Hôtel	Visit aluminium
3	AMBOSITRA – RANOMAFANA	Ny Tanana	Night visit in Ranomafana NP
4	RANOMAFANA	Ny Tanana	Ranomafana NP
5	RANOMAFANA – AMBALAVAO	Tsienimparihy Lodge	Tanala Village
6	AMBALAVAO – TSARANORO	Camp Catta	Anjà Park
7	TSARANORO	Camp Catta	Walk through the Cameleon valley
8	TSARANORO – RANOHIRA	Isalo Ranch
9	RANOHIRA	Isalo Ranch	Isalo NP
10	RANOHIRA – ANKASY	Ankasy Lodge
11	ANKASY	Ankasy Lodge
12	ANKASY	ANkasy Lodge
13	ANKASY – TULEAR – TANA	Sakamanga	Transfer to airport
14	TANA – DEPARTURE	Sakamanga	Transfer to the hotel & airport

Day 1

Arrival in Tana

Your journey begins in Madagascar’s economic and political capital, Antananarivo. On arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed and taken to your hotel to rest after the flight. Take advantage of this day to recuperate and discover the first charms of this dynamic city, rich in history. Later in your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Antananarivo in greater detail. For now, this is where you’ll spend your first night of your Madagascar adventure.

Free dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 2

Tana – Ambositra

You explore the rural world of the Central Highlands as you head south, passing rice fields and villages where traditional red adobe houses back onto the hills. In Ambatolampy, nestled at the foot of the Ankaratra massif, you’ll visit an artisanal aluminum cookware factory. Then on to Antsirabe, where you’ll discover the atmosphere of the Hautes Terres with its Merina houses and a number of colonial buildings, including a historic spa on Lake Ranomafana. Spend the night in Ambositra. Situated at altitude, this small town is a key trading center for the Zafimaniry tribes, attracting many craftsmen from far and wide to sell their work, such as wood carvings and marquetry objects.

Distance Antananarivo – Ambositra: 260 km – approx. 8h asphalt drive

Free dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 3

Ambositra – Ranomafana

After breakfast, you’re off to explore the town of Ambositra! Famous for its Zafimaniry art workshops and boutiques, the town offers you the chance to visit a carving workshop and meet Zafimaniry craftsmen, an enriching experience to discover the art of marquetry. Then it’s back on the road to Ranomafana.

Distance Ambositra – Ranomafana: 163 km – approx. 5h asphalt road with stops

Dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 4

Ranomafana

This morning, you explore Ranomafana National Park, where a rich diversity of ferns, orchids and endemic fauna including lemurs, amphibians and reptiles await you. This dense, humid forest at low and medium altitude has been a World Heritage Site since the discovery of the golden bamboo lemur, a unique species that lives exclusively in this region.

Free Dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 5

Ranomafana – Ambalavao

You visit Tanala village first and continue your journey to Fianarantsoa to explore the historic district of the upper town. At the end of the day, you arrive in Ambalavao, renowned for hosting one of the largest livestock markets in the south on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The region is also known for its vast vineyards, producing some of the best wine in the country. You’ll visit the Antaimoro paper mill, whose origins date back to the immigration of the first Muslims to the island, specializing in the production of highly resistant paper from plant fibers.

Distance Ranomafana – Ambalavao: 115 km – Approx. 3.5 hrs on tarmac road with stops

Free Dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 6

Ambalavao – Tsaranoro

Before leaving Ambalavao, you explore the remarkable Anja Reserve, dedicated to preserving local wildlife while providing economic support to the community. This reserve is home to many ring-tailed lemurs and shy makis. Next, you follow the Vohitsaoka laterite track, a long red dirt road, into the Tsaranoro valley, where the majestic mountains of the Andringitra massif dominate a spectacular landscape. You settle in for the night in a comfortable gîte.

Distance Ambalavao – Tsaranoro: 57 km – approx. 2 hrs drive with stops

Free Dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 7

Tsaranoro

This day is devoted to exploring the Tsaranoro valley, one of the jewels of the south of the country nestled between the Andringitra mountain range and the Tsaranoro cliff. You start with a hike to the Pic du Caméléon, with the option of climbing to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Andringitra massif. Next, you’ll cross the sacred Tsaranoro forest, where the graves of the valley’s inhabitants lie, and you may catch a glimpse of lemurs enjoying the first rays of sunshine. A picnic lunch is provided, and the day ends with you settling into your hotel.

Free dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 8

Tsaranoro – Ranohira

You now leave the valley and continue your journey southwards. As you enter the Grand Sud, the climate changes and the landscapes become increasingly rocky, with sacred massifs dotting the way. You cross the Portes du Sud and the Horombe plateau, crossing the lands of the Bara, a semi-nomadic pastoral people.

At the end of the day, you approach Isalo National Park, where you settle in for the night.

Distance Tsarasoa – Ranohira: 210 km +/- 4h to 4h30 depending on stops, including 76 km for 1h of track.

Free dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 9

Ranohira

At the start of the day, you set off by car towards the entrance to the Isalo National Park, taking a close look at its singular relief. This imposing massif, formed during the Jurassic period, is home to a unique biodiversity and is ideal for exploring on foot.

A short, easy hike takes you to a natural pool of warm water fed by a waterfall. Along the way, you’ll pass through different geological ages and discover burial sites of the Bara and Sakalava ethnic groups who cohabit the area. For hiking enthusiasts, an extension of this walk leads to the Namaza forest, offering breathtaking views of the canyon from the ridges. In the forest, several species of lemur, including the famous Sifaka with its distinctive characteristics, can be observed. A picnic is provided before continuing on to the Cascade des Nymphes, a superb waterfall also accessible by car for those who prefer not to walk. It’s known to be home to rare birds, lizards and butterflies in an enchanting environment. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Free Dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 10

Ranohira – Tuléar – Ankasy

After breakfast, you set course for Ranohira, heading for Tuléar. The landscape changes once again, giving way to typical southern vegetation, punctuated by baobabs, euphorbia and aloes. Along the way, you come across imposing herds of zebu and the tombs of the Mahafaly ethnic group. The road crosses stretches of desert dotted with small villages established by sapphire miners. As you approach Tuléar, the road offers a breathtaking spectacle of rocky massifs with unique and impressive shapes.

After lunch, we return to Ankasy Lodge, some 80 km away. Nestled in an exceptional setting, this lodge borders a lagoon of emerald and turquoise waters, bordered by a beach of fine white sand, making it one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. In this little corner of paradise, time seems to stand still. Make the most of every moment to soak up the tranquility of the place and discover the local culture. You can explore the nearby village and meet the locals, whose lives are intimately linked to fishing.

Distance Ranohira – Ankasy: 320 km – Approx. 8 hrs drive with stops

Free dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 11 & 12

Ankasy

You have two days entirely at your leisure to take full advantage of this enchanting setting. There are plenty of activities for you to choose from. For water sport enthusiasts, you can try waterskiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing or snorkeling. If you prefer to explore the mainland, you can visit the village of Tsiandamba or watch the pink flamingos along the Fianamarasay lagoon. Ankasy Lodge & Spa also offers a variety of options such as archery, kite flying and beach volleyball, to suit all tastes!

Free dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 13

Ankasy – Tuléar – Tana

After relaxing in your peaceful seaside paradise, you head back to Tuléar to catch a flight to Antananarivo. If your flight to the capital allows, you can still enjoy a few more hours on the coast. Once you’ve arrived in Antananarivo, head to your hotel for your last night in Madagascar.

Free dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 14

Tana – International Departure

A car is at your disposal to discover Antananarivo at your own pace. Explore the artisanal market on the dike at your leisure and take your time. Close to the airport, a hotel room is available for a few hours so you can freshen up before your flight home.

Your wonderful trip to Madagascar is drawing to a close, but there’s still time to do some souvenir shopping. At the end of the day, a transfer will take you to the airport.

Um das Beste aus Ihrem Abenteuer im Süden Madagaskars zu machen, packen Sie mit Bedacht für die unterschiedlichen Klimazonen und Aktivitäten, denen Sie begegnen werden. Im zentralen Hochland kann es vor allem abends kühl sein. Bringen Sie daher Schichten wie eine warme Jacke oder einen Pullover mit. Im Grand Sud und in Küstengebieten wie Ankasy hingegen ist es wärmer, daher ist leichte, atmungsaktive Kleidung unerlässlich. Bei Wanderungen in Nationalparks und im Tsaranoro-Tal sind robuste Wanderschuhe mit guter Knöchelunterstützung entscheidend, um unebenes Gelände zu bewältigen. Besonders in den feuchten Wäldern von Ranomafana ist ein hochwertiges Insektenschutzmittel zum Schutz vor Mücken ein Muss. Vergessen Sie außerdem nicht, für Ihren Aufenthalt am Strand riffsichere Sonnencreme sowie eine wiederverwendbare Wasserflasche mitzubringen, um ausreichend Flüssigkeit zu sich zu nehmen. Abschließend sollten Sie darüber nachdenken, für Ihre Ausflüge einen kleinen Tagesrucksack mitzubringen, der Platz für das Nötigste wie Snacks, eine Kamera und eine Karte bietet, um sicherzustellen, dass Sie auf jeden Aspekt dieser abwechslungsreichen und bereichernden Reise vorbereitet sind.

Tour highlights

Die Schönheit der Nationalparks Ranomafana und Isalo, zwischen Lemuren und atypischen Massiven
Wandern Sie im Herzen des Tsaranoro-Tals mit seinem außergewöhnlichen Panorama
Genießen Sie die Atmosphäre der Highlands, ihr Kunsthandwerk und ihre Architektur
Beenden Sie Ihren Urlaub stilvoll an den weißen Sandstränden von Ankasy

Budget : 1370€ /person

The final rate may vary according to the number of passengers, the vehicle category chosen and the season you wish to travel in.

Included

Abholungen und Bodentransfers wie geplant
Inlandsflüge und entsprechende Flughafensteuern
Fahrzeugmiete für die Fahrt zwischen Antananarivo und Ankasy und den Tag in Antananarivo
Service eines englischsprachigen Fahrerführers
Treibstoff für die gesamte Tour
Hotelunterkunft
Frühstück, Mittag- oder Abendessen wie im Programm angegeben
Eintrittsgelder und obligatorische Gebühren für örtliche Führer für den Ranomafana-Nationalpark und den Isalo-Nationalpark
Besichtigungen und Ausflüge wie im Programm beschrieben
Kurtaxenaufkleber in Hotels
Rund um die Uhr Unterstützung während Ihrer Reise nach Madagaskar

Excluded

Internationale Flüge nach Madagaskar und entsprechende Flughafengebühren
Visum: +/-35 € pro Person für einen Aufenthalt von weniger als einem Monat in Madagaskar
Bestimmte Mahlzeiten mit dem Vermerk „auf eigene Kosten“
Getränke, Trinkgelder und persönliche Ausgaben
Ausflugs- bzw. Aktivitäten- und Servicevorschläge mit dem Vermerk „kostenlos oder Möglichkeit dazu“.
Reiseversicherung

Our other Tours

Magical getaway: Ampefy and Andasibe, between waterfalls and tropical forests

A Western interlude

For trekking enthusiasts in Madagascar

All our tours