From CAD 4,965
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(21 reviews)
Experience Overview
Take to the wilds of Madagascar on a mission to spot rare and unique wildlife on this 14-day adventure to the island’s hotspots. You’ll be lazing on white-sand beaches, exploring tropical rainforests and spending time with a huge variety of local wildlife, including the lemur – the island's most popular animal inhabitants! Dig a little deeper into the local culture and interact with communities, getting an insight into the day-to-day life of the Malagasy peoples. Discover the French influences in Antananarivo and Antsirabe as you wander the twisting alleys and chill out in your free time, where you can go whale watching, walking or wildlife-spotting.
Highlights
- Count how many species of lemur you can spot as you explore the Isalo National Park, Ranomafana National Park and Andasibe National Park.
- Join a local guide on a night walk and catch sight of the exciting nocturnal species that come out when the sun goes down, like endemic butterflies, chameleons and mouse lemurs.
- Learn more about the important Malagasy process of silk production by visiting an association outside the village where silk weavers use their craft to preserve local tradition and support local women in the community.
- Support a noble cause while exploring Anja Community Reserve and the Mitsinjo Forest – these reserves are not just sanctuaries for wildlife but also beacons of community empowerment and conservation.
- Take a hands-on chocolate-making class and learn the secrets that make Malagasy chocolate unique and delicious. Then, sample your creations with pastries, tea, coffee and rum!
Trip Details
Product Code: 3108
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Vehicles,Plane
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: YBSN
Starts: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Finishes: Antananarivo - Departure Day, Madagascar
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (13), Lunch (4), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights) Bungalow (4 Nights) Gite (1 Night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 4965 (CAD 355 /day)
Itinerary
Tonga Soa! Welcome to Madagascar. You'll start your journey in the country's capital – the bustling Antananarivo, surrounded by rolling hills. If you arrive early, maybe head to Analakey to visit the street markets or seek out a cafe to soak up the local atmosphere. You might also like to check out the Musee de la Photographie – a small museum showcasing the history of Madagascar between 1850 and 1870 through a series of old photographs assembled into short videos. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight. After, why not keep the introductions going with an optional dinner with your group at a local restaurant.
Optional Activities:
- Antananarivo - Ambohimanga Rova Tour (per person; maximum 4) (including entry, guiding & camera) - MGA 10000 (15600 MGA)
- Antananarivo - Lemur's Park (Per Person) (80000 MGA)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Start your day with an early morning flight to Tulear, where you'll head straight to Reniala Private Park for a memorable breakfast beneath the majestic baobab trees. Afterward, a local guide will lead you on a walk through the Spiny Forest, one of the last remaining areas of primary forest in southern Madagascar. Along the botanical trail, you'll encounter fascinating trees, including the towering baobabs with varieties like the 'dwarf,' 'teapot,' and 'rhinoceros,' some reaching over 13 meters in circumference. Birdwatchers can look forward to spotting rare species such as the Long-tailed Roller and Red-headed Coua among the 65 bird species in the reserve. During your walk, you'll also learn about Madagascar's unique flora, their traditional uses, and the vital importance of preserving this fragile ecosystem. The reserve further contributes to the local community by creating employment opportunities, particularly for women.
Included Activities:
- Tulear - Reniala Private Park
Accommodation:
- Bungalow (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You might choose to relax by the pool or beach or take a stroll through the hotel’s stunning gardens. Looking for something more active? Why not visit the Recycling Museum in Tulear, an institution dedicated to environmental protection and raising awareness among locals and visitors alike.
Optional Activities:
- Tulear - Recycling Museum - Donation - Free
Accommodation:
- Bungalow (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart from Ifaty in the morning and make your way to Tulear. Here, your leader will show you the sites and sounds of Tulear with its charming buildings, wide lanes, and vibrant rickshaws (pousse-pousse) zipping through the streets. Locals prefer rickshaws over cars, keeping the air refreshingly clean for a city of its size. Explore tree-lined avenues with tamarind and flamboyant trees, and enjoy the lively atmosphere created by its diverse community. Afterward, pick up some food for lunch and continue to Isalo National Park.
Included Activities:
- Tulear - Leader-led City Tour
Accommodation:
- Bungalow (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast today, you’ll make tracks to Isalo National Park for a full day of exploration with your leader. Isalo is known for its variety of landscapes, from rainforests and rolling plains teeming with life to strange geological formations and deep-cut canyons. The park is home to over 80 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles and 14 species of mammals, including three lemur species – ring-tailed, red-fronted and the dancing sifakas lemur!
Included Activities:
- Isalo National Park - guided walk
Accommodation:
- Bungalow (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll say goodbye to Isalo National Park and hit the road for Fianarantsoa – a colourful town known for its heritage site. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Anja Community Reserve. The forest in Anja was designated a protected area by the Government of Madagascar in 1999. The reserve extends over 30 hectares and is enriched with all kinds of flora and fauna, most notable for its dense population of semi-tame ring-tailed lemurs. Anja has become a vital example of how community management of natural resources can effectively protect the area and benefit the community. Based on their individual skill sets, some locals work as guides and spotters or they perform administrative tasks for the reserve. The villagers will be your guides as you explore the reserve this afternoon. Tonight, you’ll stay at Ecole Hoteliere La Riziere at the foot of Fianarantsoa’s Old Town. This hotel sits above the town on a hill, providing views of the community and the rice fields below. It also doubles as a school, providing basic hospitality training to young people in the community, 65% of whom are female. Their education includes learning the challenges of sustainable development and the income from the establishment finances this training, making it possible to reduce the tuition fees for disadvantaged students.
Included Activities:
- Ambalavao - Antemoro Paper Factory visit
- Ambalavao - Anja Community Reserve
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll explore the long, paved roads, twisting alleys and old houses of Fianarantsoa. Wander past tiled roofs and flower-studded balconies, then visit a typical Malagasy village for an insight into how most of the island's population live. Explore the surrounding countryside, dotted with rice paddies and vineyards that produce Fianarantsoa's famous wine. You'll get a chance to sample the local cuisine with a lunch stop in the village. In the afternoon, travel to Ranomafana National Park. This area is a haven for small mammals, birds, reptiles and insects, as well as palms, bamboo, orchids and carnivorous plants. This park is also home to 13 species of lemur, including the famous golden bamboo lemur, which was first reported in the area in 1985. Its presence is one of the main reasons why the government decided to protect this forest. With your free time later this afternoon, maybe visit the thermal springs the town is named after – located across the Namorona River. The outdoor swimming pool fed by the springs is a popular spot to take a dip.
Included Activities:
- Fianarantsoa - Betsileo: village visit and walk
- Ranomafana NP - Night Walk
Optional Activities:
- Ranomafana - Station Thermale - MGA5000 (5000 MGA)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll explore Ranomafana National Park on a four-hour guided walk. Keep your eyes peeled for lemurs, striped civets, mongooses, goshawks, geckos, frogs, and butterflies. You may even spot an incredible net-casting spider or the world's smallest chameleon.
Today, you’ll explore Ranomafana National Park on a 4-hour guided walk. Keep your eyes peeled for lemurs, striped civets, mongooses, goshawks, geckos, frogs and butterflies. You may even spot the incredible net-casting spider or the world's smallest chameleon! Then, transfer to ValBio Research Centre, which sits just outside the beautifully lush national park – under the direction of renowned primatologist Patricia C. Wright, the centre works to protect Madagascar’s unique and biologically diverse ecosystems through conservation projects that directly benefit local communities. You’ll get a chance to tour the centre with a researcher and sit down for an informal session to learn about the work they do. Have some lunch here, then if you have the energy, maybe head out on another included walk through the national park to spot more wildlife.
Included Activities:
- Ranomafana National Park - Rainforest walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll make the journey to Ambositra – home to the third-largest ethnic group in Madagascar, the Betsileo people. Ambositra is known as the arts, crafts and wood carving capital of Madagascar. You’ll stop by the Id’om Art workshop and learn more about marquetry – the practise of cutting and assembling small pieces of coloured wood, using a hand-operated jigsaw. The jigsaw is created from old car tyres’ wire and it can take up to 2 months to make a 1-m-wide artwork. You’ll see how these craftsmen create their amazingly detailed marquetry with sheets of naturally coloured wood and you’ll have the opportunity to browse the impressive artworks on display.
Included Activities:
- Ranomafana - ValBio Research & Conservation Centre
- Ambositra – Woodcarving workshop visit
- Ranomafana - Conservation Lecture & Lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you'll visit the nearby Sandrandahy association to learn about the process of silk production, which is an important part of Malagasy culture. When a Malagasy is buried, their body is wrapped in a large silk sheet known as a 'lambamena' and after a few years, the family traditionally returns to the tomb to exchange the sheet for a new one. The association supports over 40 women from neighbouring villages – a holistic approach to community development, with traditional silk weaving as its hub. After learning more about this initiative, you’ll drive to Antsirabe, located in the Malagasy highlands. This evening, sit down for a group dinner in the gazebo within the grounds of the guest house.
Included Activities:
- Ambositra - Village Visit
- Ambositra - Sandrandahy Village Lunch
Accommodation:
- Gite (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a long travel day as you make your way to Andasibe. The most visited park in Madagascar, Andasibe National Park is famous for the 11 species of lemur that call this place home. This afternoon, relax at your accommodation and get ready for tomorrow’s adventures.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll set out to discover all the unique wildlife in Andasibe National Park on a guided walk. Look out for lemurs, endemic birds, frogs and insects. Later, you'll take a night walk through the forest of Analamazaotra Special Reserve. This forest was formed in 1999 by residents of the village of Andasibe in east-central Madagascar. Today, the organisation is composed of more than 50 members from the local community who focus on conservation, research and sustainable development initiatives. In total, the reserve positively impacts more than 400 households in the Andasibe area. Experience the rainforest after dark, where nocturnal mouse lemurs, chameleons, geckos, frogs and fireflies come alive.
Included Activities:
- Andasibe National Park - Analamazaotra Special Reserve Night Walk
Optional Activities:
- Andasibe National Park - guided walk - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning you’ll head off for your final stop in Antananarivo. When you arrive back in Antananarivo, you’ll take part in a hands-on Madagascan chocolate workshop led by a local chocolate maker. Learn about the ingredients used in chocolate-making, the refinement process and some of the secrets as to why Malagasy chocolate is so unique and delicious. After preparing your own take-home chocolate creations, Malagasy pastries will be served with a selection of local teas, coffees and for the courageous, rhum arranges (flavoured rum). Tonight, why not keep the celebrations going with a final dinner with your group and toast your Madagascar adventure with a local beer or two.
Included Activities:
- Antananarivo - Malagasy Chocolate Workshop
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, your adventure ends after breakfast and you’re free to leave at any time after check-out. Departure transfers are available, just speak to your booking agent or local leader. If you’d like to extend your time in Antananarivo, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Jo - Traveled, November 2023
Madagascar is a fascinating destination and really does require you to be an Intrepid traveller. This trip offers a terrific mix of experiences that keep you smiling everyday, from the beautiful coast and clear blue seas, to magical baobab trees, swimming in oasis-like waterholes after long hot walks and of course, chameleons and lemurs galore. What a magical place!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/18/2023
Enric - Traveled, November 2023
Intrepid's Madagascar Adventure delivered a thrilling experience. We explored stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and learned about Malagasy culture from our knowledgeable guide, Patrick. Despite challenging roads, our driver navigated expertly. This first-time adventure exceeded expectations, thanks to Intrepid's planning and small group size. I highly recommend it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/07/2023
Natalia - Traveled, November 2023
Great trip to discover the beautiful country of Madagascar! 100% recommended. National parks and landscapes are very diverse. Walks are easy , just a bit adventure spirit and good hiking shoes are required. I loved watching so many lemurs and chameleons! Our tour guide Bruno and the local tour guides were excellent. Very proffesional and knowlegeble.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Kathleen - Traveled, November 2023
This trip covered a lot of ground on poor roads, navigated excellently by our driver. Lots of action-packed days hiking and looking for wildlife, not much down time. Great guide (Bruno), very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Good fitness level & a hiking staff helps on steep slippery trails in Ranomafana.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Sally - Traveled, November 2023
This was a great trip, and quite an adventure. Although the distances covered are vast, the landscape is extremely beautiful and never boring, and the bus very comfortable. Our driver was brilliant, and we had complete confidence in him, even when driving through a tropical rainstorm at night! We felt very welcome everywhere.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2023
Jenny - Traveled, October 2023
Amazing all-round variety, excellent guide who created a positive enjoyable experience and created a great dynamic. Very helpful with difficulties.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/07/2023
Deepaben - Traveled, October 2023
A well organised & insightful tour. A genuine adventure which exceeded all of my expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/07/2023
Astrid - Traveled, October 2023
This is an amazing trip, where you will learn more about wildlife, nature and local life by visiting national parks and villages. Some travel days are quite long, but this allows to see a lot of the countryside. The landscapes are very diverse so there's always something interesting to see along the way. If you don't like spending time on a bus, this trip is not for you, but otherwise this is a fantastic trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Didier - Traveled, October 2023
An excellent trip to discover beautiful Madagascar. There is a lot of great walks in forests, fields, etc... to discover life in the countryside and of course great wildlife (lemurs, chameleons, frogs, ...). The walks are not difficult but a minimum of stamina is required. Barnabas was an excellent leader, knowledgeable, always enthusiastic and he contributed greatly to the success of this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023
Didier - Traveled, October 2023
An excellent trip to discover beautiful Madagascar. There is a lot of great walks in forests, fields, etc... to discover life in the countryside and of course great wildlife (lemurs, chameleons, frogs, ...). The walks are not difficult but a minimum of stamina is required. Barnabas was an excellent leader, knowledgeable, always enthusiastic and he contributed greatly to the success of this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023
Cindy - Traveled, November 2023
Amazing trip and itinerary. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2023
Carol - Traveled, September 2023
I liked the fact that this tour started with a flight to Ifaty as the flights can be often cancelled. We had plenty of opportunities to see the wildlife and villages and experience the culture of Madagascar. Our group was amazing and our tour leader was super friendly, organised and knowledgeable. I had a great time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2023
Mayank - Traveled, September 2023
You’ll experience a spectrum of Malagasy civilizations from infant towns to fully developed cities. You’ll enjoy the smiles and waves of the curious residents especially the children. The long bumpy winding drives are difficult but will make you cherish each destination more. The landscape is magnificent. We got lucky with weather during end of September and October. It was amazing! Not a lot of mosquitos. You’ll be in good hands with the tour leaders. Ours (Jon) was amazing! Appreciate this country, it’s people and it’s good. Enjoy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2023
James - Traveled, September 2023
This was an excellent trip. We saw over ten different types of lemurs and some with their young. Many chameleons. There are some long travel days, the roads are bumpy, but aren't dirt tracks. I recommend bringing brown parcel tape to patch up the occasional hole in mosquito nets. Not necessary to bring your own net. The walking in Ramofana was hard due to the hills and humidity, but worth it to see the golden bamboo lemurs. Our guide was excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Sharon - Traveled, September 2023
Seeing the lemurs and other rare and endangered wildlife was beyond words. We were not happy with the Intrepid Company as a whole. We did not feel they were very customer service strong. On the ground, however, our guide was fantastic and made our trip enjoyable. Remember, Madagascar is a very, very poor Country and the abject poverty was everywhere. Be prepared for that if you choice to visit.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Charlotte - Traveled, September 2023
Madagascar is amazing. Totally underrated destination, the people are really friendly and despite being francophone the language ability is really good. Best trip we’ve ever done, I don’t think I’ve said “oh wow” or “this is the best thing I’ve ever done” so many times. Book this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2023
Esra - Traveled, August 2023
It is an indisputable fact that Madagascar is the eight continent. The nature is otherworldly, most of the species are endemic to the island. Nowhere else on this earth you can come face to face with a lemur inches away from your face before he jumps & disappears like a ghost as the meaning of its name. Long roads with potholes, ever changing weather, even an occasional hotelly belly worths it. This is an island makes you think about the past, today & future all at the same time. Esra
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/01/2023
Sahra - Traveled, August 2023
It was an incredibly beautiful and impressive journey. Madagascar has so many different facets and is definitely worth a visit. The tour is very varied and includes a little bit of everything, relaxing on the boat, climbing over rocks in the Tsingy, spotting lemurs in the national park, relaxing on the beach..
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/28/2023
Kyeong-Sook - Traveled, August 2023
Abject poverty, horrid pollution, constant swarms of beggars (especially the kids) are hard to deal with on a daily basis. This trip does offer some great hiking and trekking opportunities for people who are fit. Finding decent toilets while on roads was challenging, which probably is normal in many developing countries. Tour director was good at exposing the group to various cultural aspects of Madagascar. If you’re young and fit, ready for some raw experiences, this trip is good. Spotting lemurs, etc. was fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/26/2023
simona - Traveled, July 2023
despite the long bus journey and the horrible roads Madagascar it's a place you have to see. it will humble you, make you realize how lucky we are in the Western world. be prepared it's not an easy trip, but totally worth taking it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/04/2023
07 - Traveled, July 2023
Madagasgar is a country in transition. Hopefully tourism the right way can help. If you want western toilets and conveniences go to Europe. If you want an amazing experience go to Madagasgar. Of course the baobab trees and lemurs dont fail to excite but it's the people who welcome you. Smiles everywhere as we passed through their lives. And they're incredibly hard workers! Let an Intrepid guide take you through this wonderful land.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
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