G Adventures
Highlights of Madagascar
Highlights of Madagascar
Lemurs, wild landscapes, village culture, beaches – Madagascar might be an island but there’s nothing small about it. For those who like to get remote, this isolated island is packed with wildlife, landscapes, and people you’ll find nowhere else. And everybody loves lemurs! You’ll get to embrace local life and still have time to relax at the beach. Best of all, there’s always a local CEO (Chief Experience Officer) there to lead the way and provide a link to the unusual and extraordinary.
Highlights
Search for lemurs and unique wildlife, learn about native flora and fauna in world-famous national parks, visit local artisan workshops, lounge on beautiful beaches, savour a traditional lunch in a highland village
Accommodation
Simple hotels (13 nts).
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer), driver throughout, local guides.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Meals Included
1 lunch
What’s Included
Your G for Good Moment: Soa Zara Tree Planting Project, Ranohira
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment – Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Ifaty. Andasibe Indri Special Reserve guided walk. Paper Factory Visit. Anja Reserve walk. Isalo National Park visit. Walking Near Antsirabe. Andasibe-Perinet National Park Guided Walk. Free time in Ifaty. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
| Day 1 |
Antananarivo, Madagascar’s vibrant capital, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and historical depth. Perched on a series of hills, the city’s layout is characterized by its steep streets and traditional architecture. The Royal Palace, or Rova of Antananarivo, is a central landmark, offering a glimpse into Madagascar's royal past. Although much of the palace was destroyed by fire in 1995, the site remains a significant cultural and historical monument. Antananarivo’s markets are bustling with life and offer a feast for the senses. The Analakely Market is a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds where you can sample local street food, buy handcrafted goods, and experience the daily hustle of Malagasy life. For a taste of the city’s colonial past, a stroll through the Avenue of Independence reveals charming buildings and vibrant local cafes Cultural enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the city’s museums, such as the Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie, which houses a collection of artifacts from Madagascar’s past, including ancient tools and sculptures. The Andafiavaratra Palace, now a museum, was once the residence of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony and offers insights into the political history of Madagascar. Fun fact: Antananarivo is named after a 17th-century Merina king, Andrianjaka, who established the city as the center of his kingdom. The name "Antananarivo" translates to "City of a Thousand" or "City of the Thousand," referring to the number of soldiers he maintained in his capital. |
| Day 2 |
Antananarivo, Madagascar’s vibrant capital, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and historical depth. Perched on a series of hills, the city’s layout is characterized by its steep streets and traditional architecture. The Royal Palace, or Rova of Antananarivo, is a central landmark, offering a glimpse into Madagascar's royal past. Although much of the palace was destroyed by fire in 1995, the site remains a significant cultural and historical monument. Antananarivo’s markets are bustling with life and offer a feast for the senses. The Analakely Market is a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds where you can sample local street food, buy handcrafted goods, and experience the daily hustle of Malagasy life. For a taste of the city’s colonial past, a stroll through the Avenue of Independence reveals charming buildings and vibrant local cafes Cultural enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the city’s museums, such as the Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie, which houses a collection of artifacts from Madagascar’s past, including ancient tools and sculptures. The Andafiavaratra Palace, now a museum, was once the residence of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony and offers insights into the political history of Madagascar. Fun fact: Antananarivo is named after a 17th-century Merina king, Andrianjaka, who established the city as the center of his kingdom. The name "Antananarivo" translates to "City of a Thousand" or "City of the Thousand," referring to the number of soldiers he maintained in his capital. |
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| Day 12 |
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, located in the eastern highlands of Madagascar, offers a captivating journey into one of the world’s most unique rainforests. Famous for its rich biodiversity, this national park is home to the largest species of lemur, the indri, whose haunting calls echo through the dense canopy. Visitors to the park can explore lush tropical landscapes filled with rare plants, birds, and other endemic wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers alike. The park is divided into two sections—Andasibe and Mantadia—each offering distinct experiences. In Andasibe, visitors can enjoy well-marked trails that provide excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, while Mantadia’s rugged terrain invites those seeking a more challenging hike through pristine rainforest. A standout feature of Andasibe-Mantadia is the chance to encounter the indri, a critically endangered species that can only be found in the wild here. Known for its distinctive, eerie calls that can carry for miles, the indri is revered by locals and visitors alike. Expert guides lead daily treks into the forest to help tourists spot these rare creatures, as well as other species such as the Diademed sifaka and the nocturnal Goodman’s mouse lemur. Birdwatchers will also delight in the park’s diverse avian population, with species like the Madagascar wagtail and the blue coua being commonly sighted. The park also offers more than just wildlife encounters. Visitors can discover its stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, and verdant vegetation, which includes rare orchids and ferns. The Vakona Reserve, located nearby, is another popular attraction where travelers can get up close to lemurs at the Lemur Island sanctuary. It’s a family-friendly experience that offers a deeper understanding of Madagascar’s wildlife conservation efforts. The reserve also features crocodile lakes and a small museum detailing the island’s unique flora and fauna. Fun fact: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is a crucial site for conservation in Madagascar, protecting not just the indri but countless other species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. For an optimal visit, consider traveling during the dry season from April to November, when the park's trails are more accessible, and wildlife sightings are abundant. |
| Day 13 |
Antananarivo, Madagascar’s vibrant capital, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and historical depth. Perched on a series of hills, the city’s layout is characterized by its steep streets and traditional architecture. The Royal Palace, or Rova of Antananarivo, is a central landmark, offering a glimpse into Madagascar's royal past. Although much of the palace was destroyed by fire in 1995, the site remains a significant cultural and historical monument. Antananarivo’s markets are bustling with life and offer a feast for the senses. The Analakely Market is a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds where you can sample local street food, buy handcrafted goods, and experience the daily hustle of Malagasy life. For a taste of the city’s colonial past, a stroll through the Avenue of Independence reveals charming buildings and vibrant local cafes Cultural enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the city’s museums, such as the Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie, which houses a collection of artifacts from Madagascar’s past, including ancient tools and sculptures. The Andafiavaratra Palace, now a museum, was once the residence of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony and offers insights into the political history of Madagascar. Fun fact: Antananarivo is named after a 17th-century Merina king, Andrianjaka, who established the city as the center of his kingdom. The name "Antananarivo" translates to "City of a Thousand" or "City of the Thousand," referring to the number of soldiers he maintained in his capital. |
| Day 14 |
Antananarivo, Madagascar’s vibrant capital, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and historical depth. Perched on a series of hills, the city’s layout is characterized by its steep streets and traditional architecture. The Royal Palace, or Rova of Antananarivo, is a central landmark, offering a glimpse into Madagascar's royal past. Although much of the palace was destroyed by fire in 1995, the site remains a significant cultural and historical monument. Antananarivo’s markets are bustling with life and offer a feast for the senses. The Analakely Market is a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds where you can sample local street food, buy handcrafted goods, and experience the daily hustle of Malagasy life. For a taste of the city’s colonial past, a stroll through the Avenue of Independence reveals charming buildings and vibrant local cafes Cultural enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the city’s museums, such as the Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie, which houses a collection of artifacts from Madagascar’s past, including ancient tools and sculptures. The Andafiavaratra Palace, now a museum, was once the residence of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony and offers insights into the political history of Madagascar. Fun fact: Antananarivo is named after a 17th-century Merina king, Andrianjaka, who established the city as the center of his kingdom. The name "Antananarivo" translates to "City of a Thousand" or "City of the Thousand," referring to the number of soldiers he maintained in his capital. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
04/18/25 - 04/20/25 |
Starting At $3,399 |
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|
05/04/25 - 05/17/25 |
Starting At $2,549 |
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|
05/11/25 - 05/25/25 |
Starting At $3,399 |
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|
06/01/25 - 06/14/25 |
Starting At $2,889 |
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|
06/22/25 - 07/05/25 |
Starting At $2,719 |
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|
06/29/25 - 07/12/25 |
Starting At $3,399 |
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|
07/06/25 - 07/19/25 |
Starting At $2,879 |
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|
07/13/25 - 08/24/25 |
Starting At $3,599 |
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|
09/07/25 - 09/28/25 |
Starting At $3,399 |
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|
10/05/25 - 10/24/25 |
Starting At $3,599 |
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|
11/09/25 - 03/29/26 |
Starting At $3,199 |
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|
04/05/26 - 06/28/26 |
Starting At $3,399 |
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|
07/05/26 - 08/30/26 |
Starting At $3,599 |
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|
09/06/26 - 09/27/26 |
Starting At $3,399 |
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|
10/04/26 - 10/25/26 |
Starting At $3,599 |
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|
11/01/26 - 12/26/27 |
Starting At $3,199 |
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Local Flights
The local flight on day 2 from from Antananarivo to Ifaty is included in the cost of your tour. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Please note you are allowed to check 1 bag (maximum weight 20 kg) and bring 1 piece of hand luggage (up to 5 kg) on this flight.
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
