Highlights of Southern Madagascar

Southern Madagascar Discovery – National Parks & Adventure Tour

17 Days / 16 Nights

Route:

Antananarivo – Antsirabe – Fianarantsoa – Train to Manakara – Cruise along the Pangalanes Channel – Ranomafana National Park – Ambalavao – Andringitra National Park (Hiking & Camping) – Isalo National Park – Zombitse Vohibasia – Tuléar – Ifaty – Anakao – Return to Antananarivo

Tour Overview

From Antananarivo, we travel south to explore Madagascar’s most beautiful natural and cultural highlights. Visit three major national parks, experience an unforgettable train ride through the highlands to the coast, cruise the tranquil Pangalanes Channel, and relax on the paradise beaches of Ifaty and Anakao.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01:

Arrival at Ivato Airport – Antananarivo

Arrival at Ivato International Airport and transfer to your hotel in central Antananarivo.
Overnight: Le Chalet des Roses Hotel

Day 2

Antananarivo – Antsirabe

Departure for Antsirabe, driving through beautiful landscapes and Merina tribal villages. Antsirabe, known as the “City of Hot Springs,” is also famous for its semi-precious stones and talented craftsmen.
Overnight: Flower Palace hotel

Day 3

Antsirabe – Ambositra – Fianarantsoa

After breakfast, drive south to Fianarantsoa. Along the way, pass through the scenic highlands and rice terraces of the Betsileo region. Stop in Ambositra, renowned for its fine woodcarvings and crafts.
Overnight: La Zomatel Hotel

Day 4

Fianarantsoa – Manakara (by Train)

Enjoy a full-day journey on Madagascar’s only passenger train from Fianarantsoa to Manakara. Pass waterfalls, lush valleys, and remote villages inhabited by the Tanala tribe. Meet locals transporting bananas, coffee, and other goods.
Overnight: Le Lac Vert Hotel

Day 5

Cruise on the Pangalanes Channel – Manakara

Cruise the peaceful Pangalanes Channel by traditional boat with a local guide. Visit Antaimoro fishing villages, see local life along the banks, and stop at Trou du Commissaire to meet fishermen mending their wooden pirogues.
Overnight: Le Lac Vert Hotel

Day 6

Manakara – Ranomafana – Night Walk

Drive to Ranomafana. In the evening, take a guided night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife such as mouse lemurs, frogs, and chameleons.
Overnight: Manja Hotel

Day 7

Ranomafana National Park – Fianarantsoa – Ambalavao

Morning visit to Ranomafana National Park, a rainforest sanctuary home to the golden bamboo lemur, rare birds, reptiles, and the Namorona Waterfall. After lunch, drive to Ambalavao, known for its red-earth landscapes and the largest zebu market in Madagascar (every Wednesday).
Overnight: Tsianiparihy Lodge

Day 8

Ambalavao – Namoly – Andringitra National Park (Camping)

After gathering supplies for the hike, drive to the Namoly Valley and enter Andringitra National Park. Begin your trek toward Andriampotsy Campsite.
Overnight: Camping in Andringitra National Park

Day 9

Andringitra National Park – Peak Boby – Ambalavao

Early morning hike to Peak Boby (2,658 m) for panoramic 360° views of the Tsaranoro Massif and surrounding landscapes. Return to Namoly Valley, then drive back to Ambalavao.
Overnight: Tsianiparihy Lodge

Day 10

Ambalavao – Anja Reserve – Ranohira

Morning visit to Anja Community Reserve, famous for its ring-tailed lemurs and granite formations. Continue south through savannah landscapes, cactus fields, and traditional villages. Arrive in Ranohira, gateway to Isalo National Park.
Overnight: Orchidée Hotel

Day 11

Isalo National Park – Ranohira – Isalo Window

Full-day exploration of Isalo National Park — canyons, natural pools, endemic flora and fauna, and tombs of the Bara tribe. End the day with a sunset view at the famous Window of Isalo.
Overnight: Orchidée Hotel

Day 12

Ranohira – Zombitse Vohibasia – Tuléar – Ifaty

Drive toward Tuléar, stopping at Ilakaka, the sapphire “boomtown.” Visit Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, home to lemurs and baobabs. Continue to the beaches of Ifaty.
Overnight: Nautilus Hotel

Day 13

Ifaty – Tuléar – Anakao

After breakfast, transfer to Tuléar, then take a speedboat south to Anakao, a serene coastal fishing village. Relax by the ocean.
Overnight: Anakao Ocean Lodge

Days 14–15

Anakao – Leisure Days

Free days to relax, swim, or explore the village and nearby islands.
Overnight: Anakao Ocean Lodge

Day 16

Anakao – Tuléar – Fianarantsoa

Morning boat transfer back to Tuléar, then drive north to Fianarantsoa.
Overnight: La Zomatel Hotel

Day 17

Fianarantsoa – Antananarivo – Departure

Drive back to Antananarivo and transfer to Ivato International Airport for your departure flight.

End of Tour

Tour Prices

• 1 person: €3,574
• 2 persons: €3,912

Included Services

Private car with fuel and professional driver-guide for the entire itinerary.
Accommodation as listed (16 nights in hotels or camps).
Daily continental breakfast.
All airport transfers.
Entrance fees and local guides for:

Ranomafana (Night Walk & National Park)
Anja Reserve
Isalo National Park
Zombitse-Vohibasia Park

Andringitra National Park: entrance, guides, camping equipment, porters, full board, 4×4 transport, and bottled water.
Train ticket: Fianarantsoa – Manakara.
Motorboat transfers: Tuléar ↔ Anakao.
Excursion on the Pangalanes Channel in Manakara.

Not included:

• Personal expenses
• Lunches and dinners
• Drinks and beverages
• Tips and gratuities

Travel Recommendations

• Light clothing: trousers, T-shirts, sandals, hat, sunglasses
• Mosquito repellent
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Camera and power bank
• Waterproof jacket or raincoat
• Hiking shoes
• Antimalarial tablets
• Sleeping bag