DAY 1
Fly from the UK
Start your holiday with an overnight flight to Antananarivo via Dubai.
BB = Bed & Breakfast. HB = Half Board.
This holiday can be enjoyed exactly as described or it can be amended to meet your requirements. Choose from guesthouse style accommodation or premium hotels depending on your taste and budget, the below are simply suggestions. Ask the African Pride team for their recommendations on 01904 619428.
DAY 1
Start your holiday with an overnight flight to Antananarivo via Dubai.
DAY 2
Arrive in Antananarivo and transfer to the Maison Gallieni hotel (or similar) for a one night stay. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the vibrant capital city at your own pace.
DAY 3
This morning explore the historic Upper Town of Antananarivo with your guide, visiting the Rova (Queen’s Palace) and surrounding neighbourhoods. Then take a flight to Morondava and transfer to the Palissandre Cote Quest Resort & Spa or similar for a two night stay. Depending on the tides, part of this journey may involve a pirogue ride through the mangroves and an opportunity to interact with the local fisherman as they return with their catch.
DAY 4
Visit Kirindy Forest Reserve, home to unique wildlife like the Fossa, Madagascar's largest carnivore. Explore the dry deciduous forest, spotting lemurs and endemic reptiles. Later, head to Baobab Alley to marvel at the ancient, towering trees, perfect for a sunset photography session. Alternatively, if you were unable to do so on arrival, you may wish to spend today exploring a traditional Vezo fishing village, where you'll witness the bustling local market and fishing life.
DAY 5
Fly back to Antananarivo after breakfast and travel by road to Andasibe, passing through lush highlands and rice fields. Stop at Peyrieras Butterfly Farm to see chameleons and lemurs, then check into the Mantadia Lodge (or similar) for a two night stay. This evening, visit the Mitsinjo Reserve to learn about local conservation efforts and enjoy a night walk to discover nocturnal wildlife in the rainforest.
DAY 6
Explore Mantadia National Park’s primary rainforest, home to 14 lemur species and over 80 amphibians. Enjoy a guided hike through steep trails and dense foliage to experience the incredible biodiversity of Madagascar at close quarters. Later, visit the village of Andasibe to interact with locals and learn about their traditional way of life.
DAY 7
Start the day early at the Analamazaotra Reserve, searching for the Indri Indri – the largest of Madagascar’s lemurs – on an easy 2-3 hour hike. Then visit the Vakona Reserve to interact with lemurs up close on a private island. Afterward, continue back to Antananarivo by road, passing through scenic landscapes, and arrive at the Boutique Hotel La Varangue (or similar) for a one night stay.
DAY 8
Today you will fly from Antananarivo to Toliara on the southwest coast. The flight offers stunning views of the changing landscapes, from the central highlands to the coastal plains. Embark on a scenic drive to Isalo National Park (about 4 hours), passing through the dry spiny forests of southwestern Madagascar and the surreal baobab trees. Arrive at Isalo Rock Lodge (or similar) for a two night stay with beautiful views of the sandstone landscapes. Relax by the pool or enjoy a sunset walk in this unique environment.
DAY 9
Accompanied by your park ranger, hike through the canyons of Isalo, exploring its lunar landscape to reach beautiful waterfalls. This environment was formed during the Jurassic period, and its unique flora has adapted to the harsh conditions. Isalo is home to 77 bird species, plus a variety of lemur species, including the world-famous ring-tailed lemur. Enjoy panoramic viewpoints and take the opportunity to swim in the natural pools. Later, visit the sapphire mining town of Ilakaka and marvel at the spectacular open mine before ending your day with a cocktail at the viewpoint known as Giorgio’s Window which offers breathtaking views of the surreal landscape.
DAY 10
After breakfast, depart by road for the journey back to the coast at Toliara. Along the way you will stop to explore Zombitse-Vohibasia - one of the last remaining dry deciduous forests in Madagascar. The park is home to a variety of animals, including 8 lemur species such as the Verreaux’s sifaka and ring-tailed lemur. The park is also rich in birdlife, with 85 species, making the easy hike a constant source of interest. On arrival at Toliara, enjoy a visit to the Antsokay Arboretum - a botanical reserve with over 900 plant species, 90% of which are endemic to the region. Check into Bakuba Lodge (or similar) for a one night stay.
DAY 11
Depart for the peaceful fishing village of Anakao by speedboat. Arriving before lunchtime the crossing takes less than an hour and offers scenic views of the coastline, with opportunities to spot whales (June to September), dolphins, and flying fish. After crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, you’ll arrive at Anakao Ocean Lodge (or similar) for a three night stay in this idyllic retreat featuring stunning white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
DAY 12
Today you are free to relax on the pristine beaches and reflect on your epic adventures. Alternatively, you may wish to take an optional trip to Tsimanampetsotsa National Park – additional cost applies. Home to the stunning 17 km-long Tsimanampetsotsa Lake, the park’s arid environment features spiny forests, baobabs, and vast sand dunes. It is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 100 species, including flamingos and rare birds like Archbold’s newtonia. After a picnic, enjoy some relaxation on the beach before returning to your hotel.
DAY 13
After breakfast, set sail to Nosy Ve, a small sacred island just 1 km long, where you can observe red-tailed tropicbirds nesting. The island is a great snorkelling spot with pristine beaches. After a visit to the island, you’ll return to Anakao feeling like Robinson Crusoe
DAY 14
An early start for the return boat trip to Toliara, followed by a flight back to the capital Antananarivo. Board your international flight back to the UK via Dubai.
Day 15
Welcome Home!
Ask the African Pride team or your travel agent for a personalised quotation.
*Price based on 2 adults sharing, for a departure on 1 October 2025 from London Heathrow unless otherwise specified.
Prices correct at time of publication. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. See website terms of use for further information on guide prices.
Full details of inclusions will be detailed with your holiday quotation.
Included
Economy class flights
Domestic flights within Madagascar as indicated
Accommodation
Meals as shown
Private transportation with English speaking driver/guide
Entrance and guiding fees when visiting parks and sites listed in the itinerary
Shared return boat transfers to Anakao
Not Included
Personal Travel Insurance
Visa and visa fees where relevant
Any items of a personal nature
Beverages unless otherwise shown
Gratuities
Additional activities not scheduled in the itinerary
Explore some of the best experiences that Africa and the Indian Ocean has to offer in the African Pride brochure.
View the BrochureYour choice of holiday and safari to Africa & the Indian Ocean will be unique to you.
Using our extensive knowledge, experience and passion for Africa built up over many years, we are perfectly placed to tailor your personalised itinerary.
Choose your preferred destinations or experiences to include in a holiday
Talk to your travel adviser or us about your holiday requirements
We use our expertise to design an ideal holiday based on your preferences
We use the latest deals and offers for the best price available at the time
Special occasion? We can suggest little extras and hidden gems