Undiscovered Southern Madagascar
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Unlike some of its continental neighbours, Madagascar still has a raw and adventurous feel to it with many places still largely unexplored by most foreign tourists. With wildlife-rich national parks and deserted golden beaches, it is an unmatched combination of wild adventure and sun-kissed idyll. Taking in the rugged beauty of the Andasibe National Park, the Antandroy tribe of Ifotaka Community ...
Unlike some of its continental neighbours, Madagascar still has a raw and adventurous feel to it with many places still largely unexplored by most foreign tourists. With wildlife-rich national parks and deserted golden beaches, it is an unmatched combination of wild adventure and sun-kissed idyll. Taking in the rugged beauty of the Andasibe National Park, the Antandroy tribe of Ifotaka Community Forest and the Malagasy coast of Fort Dauphin, this rapturous journey provides an unforgettable Madagascan experience.
After spending your first night in the island’s capital you will be whisked off to the beautiful setting of the Andasibe National Park, a haven for lemurs, birds and warm Malagasy hospitality that presents an ideal spot for guided walks amongst some of the rarest wildlife on the planet. After returning to Antananarivo for another night, you then head on Fort Dauphin, to while away your days enjoying warm turquoise waters and pristine beaches.
From Fort Dauphin, you will transfer to Ifotaka Community Forest for three nights, to discover of the story of the Antandroy tribe who protect the reserve. Finally, return to Antananarivo and reflect upon the incredible journey.
Meet the Expert
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE TANA
Arriving in the Madagascan capital this evening you will be met at the airport and transferred to your overnight hotel where the rest of the day will be at leisure.
Day 2 EXPLORE TANA
Enjoy a guided city tour. Antananarivo or “Tana” is a city rich in history and a morning spent exploring with your guide is a very rewarding experience. You will be taken to the royal hill of Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which consists of a historical royal city, burial site and pilgrimage site. It is associated with the Malagasy Royal families and was in use between the 15th and 19th centuries. A number of monarchs were buried here and pilgrims still visit today.
Day 3 TANA - ANDASIBE- MANTADIA NATIONAL PARK
From Antananarivo, you will be transferred East to Mantadia Lodge to the south of the Andasibe National Park. The drive takes around four hours and passes through some truly stunning scenery. On the way you will visit the Lemurs Park set on a bend of the river Katsaoka. This private nature reserve is a beautiful spot that contains a number of different lemur species including Coquerel’s sifakas, ring-tailed lemurs and black-and-white ruffed lemurs. Although captive, most of the animals are former pets or were threatened in their natural habitat and are part of a breeding program together with other private sanctuaries. In Andasibe National Park this evening, enjoy a night safari by foot with your park guide in search of nocturnal animals. Dwarf lemurs, woolly lemurs and mouse lemurs are commonly spotted as well as different species of frogs, chameleons and lots of insects.
Day 4 EXPLORE ANDASIBE- MANTADIA NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast you will head off on a three to four-hour hike in Andasibe National Park. This huge area of tropical rainforest is home to no fewer than nine species of lemur including the beautiful Indri Indri, the largest lemur on the island. Later in the day, you will visit Andasibe village, a typical Betsimisaraka (the Many-inseparable) village. The Betsimisaraka people are the second largest ethnic group in Madagascar. This particular community are farmers who spend most of their day cultivating rice and working on vanilla plantations.
Day 5 ANDASIBE- MANTADIA NATIONAL PARK - TANA
Depart this morning to Mantadia National Park where you will meet your local guide and set off on a walk within this primary rainforest. The reserve has only recently been accessible to visitors. It is very rich in wildlife and the ideal place to spot a variety of species of lemurs and reptiles. Then, transfer back to Tana which will take around three and a half hours including a stop en route to stretch your legs and take in the breathtaking landscapes that characterise this part of the country.
Day 6 TANA - IFOTAKA COMMUNITY FOREST
Depart Antananarivo on an early morning Air Madagascar flight to Fort Dauphin. You will be met at the airport by a representative of Mandrare River Camp who will take you on the three-hour journey to the Ifotaka Community Forest. The journey is bumpy but the reward at the end is worth it. This evening you can relax to prepare for the next few days of activities from your lodge.
Day 7 EXPLORE IFOTAKA COMMUNITY FOREST
Mandrare River Camp offers a huge variety of activities in the local area, all undertaken in the company of the camp's highly experienced team of local guides. Guided walks and 4x4 drives through the surrounding Gallery and Spiny Forest are the main activities on offer, where a wide variety of animal and plant life can be seen including sifakas, ring-tailed lemurs, grey mouse lemurs and grey brown mouse lemurs. The area also has an abundance of baobab trees and you will be able to spend time photographing them with the stunning landscapes as a backdrop. For those looking to get an insight into the area's rich and vibrant culture, the camp is able to arrange visits to local villages and markets, as well as organise traditional dance performances.
Day 8 EXPLORE IFOTAKA COMMUNITY FOREST
A second day being spoilt in the forest and learning about the community and their traditions.
Day 9 IFOTAKA COMMUNITY FOREST - FORT DAUPHIN
Transferring by road back to Fort Dauphin this morning, you will check into your hotel for a day at leisure overlooking the ocean. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or perhaps book a massage whilst recapping your Malagasy adventures.
Day 10 EXPLORE FORT DAUPHIN
Another day relaxing by the sea. Alternatively, tours and excursions can be organised from your hotel to explore the surrounding area.
Day 12 DEPART TANA
You will be picked up from your hotel this morning and transferred to the airport for your onward flight home.
Day 12 FORT DAUPHIN - TANA
You will be collected from the Talinjoo Hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo. On arrival, you will be met by your local guide and taken to the Lokanga Boutique Hotel for your final night in Madagascar. Your last afternoon allows you time to either rest up or perhaps do a bit of last minute shopping in the capital’s local markets.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Mantadia Lodge, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Located on a hill 100 meters high gives guests at Mantadia a panoramic view of the forest. There are 25 rooms, ten of which are twins and one of which is a family suite for five guests. All rooms provide the comfort of a three-star hotel, and are equipped with Wi-Fi, cable TV, a living room, a wood burning stove for the cooler season and a terrace that also has panoramic views. The restaurant has been designed with large windows and a 40 square meter terrace for a scenic meal with a view. There is also a calm communal living room with a reading area and a bar. In the morning you might be awakened by the singing of the Indri Indri, the endemic lemur. An infinity edge pool and two massage rooms are also at your disposal for a bit of lounging and pampering. There is also an onsite shop selling sweaters and shawls made from cashmere and natural Madagascan silk. Moreover, you can find products and souvenirs made by local artisans including jewellery, decorative objects, honey, and wild pepper.
Talinjoo Hotel, Fort Dauphin
The Talinjoo hotel is a boutique property perched on a hillside overlooking the ocean on the outskirts of Fort Dauphin and considered one of the best in the area. All eight rooms have free wireless internet access, contemporary furnishings and a deck with sea views. The Talinjoo has a beautiful swimming pool with an adjacent spa and a path that leads down to a small beach. There is also an onsite restaurant and bar area with an outdoor, ocean-facing terrace.
Lokanga Boutique Hotel, Antananarivo
Perched atop the Royal Hill in Antananarivo is the four-star Lokanga Boutique hotel. Originally built in 1930, during the French colonial era, the building was renovated in 2011. The interior is adorned with antique furniture, old prints and photographs, taking you back in time. However, the hotel has all the comforts and amenities of the 21st century. Each room contains a private bathroom, except the honeymoon suite with its romantic in-room bath. Some rooms join to a shared balcony with panoramic city views. The restaurant is located on the Lokanga terrace, allowing for fantastic sunset dining. Each morning a breakfast buffet is served featuring traditional Malagasy dishes.
Mandrare River Camp, Ifotaka Community Forest
One of the most notable properties on mainland Madagascar, Mandrare is recommended to explore the wildlife rich Ifotaka Community Forest. The camp has a safari feel and is spread along a sweep of the Mandrare River with its six tents spaced apart from one another for added privacy. Inside they are spacious with mosquito net draped four-poster beds and 24-hour hot water, and at the front the shaded terraces provide lovely spots to relax. The main thatched-roof lodge has an open sided dining and lounge area and meals are often served alfresco if the weather allows. A variety of activities are on offer including guided walks, 4x4 day and night drives, and local market and village visits.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the Expert, Clem
Clem is our Sub Saharan African expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Clementine by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
OTHER ITINERARIES IN MADAGASCAR
Check out our group tours in Madagascar
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Madagascar. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Madagascar