Madagascar, an island of stunning beauty, offers a wide range of tours to match every interest. Whether you seek an adventure along the renowned National Road 7, a hike in Isalo National Park, or a journey through the highlands, you’ll find the perfect trip for you. Enjoy all-inclusive tours tailored to your budget for an unforgettable vacation. Pay attention to fellow travelers’ reviews and select the best time to visit. Explore the north, south, and west of this captivating island for a truly unique experience.

Touring: Exploring the south of Madagascar

Exploring the south of Madagascar is an adventure brimming with surprises. This region, rich in biodiversity, will captivate you with its diverse and contrasting landscapes.

• Start your journey in Tulear, a city of wide, straight streets and boulevards. Here you’ll feel the “Wild West” atmosphere, and can enjoy a meal in one of its fine restaurants.
• Continue on to the Isalo National Park, famous for its spectacular rock formations and endemic flora and fauna.
• Finally, don’t forget to relax on the beaches of Anakao, ideal for enjoying the pleasures of the sea and the sun.

Exploring southern Madagascar offers the chance to discover Sahelian lands marked by rich culture and stunning landscapes. Visit Ranomafana National Park, famous for its bamboo lemurs, and the Massif of Isalo, a must-see site teeming with endemic species. A trip to the south of Madagascar provides an authentic and enriching experience, bringing you close to both nature and the local people.

Hiking through Isalo

Isalo National Park, often called the “Malagasy Colorado,” is a hiker’s paradise. Its impressive rock formations, deep canyons, and lush vegetation provide a unique hiking experience.

Beginners can enjoy a half-day hike through the park’s stunning landscapes, including natural pools and panoramic viewpoints.

For the more adventurous, multi-day treks offer the chance to discover endemic wildlife, including lemurs, and to camp amid nature’s beauty.

Here are a few popular tours:

• Nymph Waterfall-Black and Blue Swimming Pools: This 3km route offers a condensed view of the park’s charms, with its phantasmagorical cliffs and grassy savannas.
• Swimming Pools of Ampasimalky and Isalo: With a vertical drop of 389m, this 11.7km hike is much appreciated for its varied scenery.
• Canyon of Makis: Accessible in 1.5 hours, this canyon is a must for lemur-watching.

To prepare for your hike, remember to bring water, a hat, sun cream and comfortable walking shoes.

Discover Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a veritable jewel of Madagascar’s biodiversity. Covering over 40,000 hectares of tropical rainforest, it is renowned for its diversity of flora and fauna.

• Here you can observe numerous endemic species, including lemurs, reptiles, amphibians and a wide variety of orchids and epiphytic plants.
• The Sahamalaotra Circuit takes you through a variety of landscapes, including the pandanus forest.
• The longer Vatoharanana Circuit takes you through bamboo forest and waterfalls to reach the primary forest.
• For a night-time experience, opt for the Vohimeva Complex.

Don’t forget to enjoy the scenery along the way, with views of the lake and waterfall.

The charm of RN7

National Road 7, commonly known as RN7, is one of Madagascar’s most famous routes, showcasing a rich mosaic of landscapes, cultures, and traditions. Stretching nearly 1,000 km, it connects the capital, Antananarivo, to Toliara. The RN7 offers an authentic journey through high plateaus, verdant valleys, and rice terraces.

This route also leads to world-renowned national parks. Along the way, you can visit Andringitra National Park, home to the famous Tsaranoro Valley, or the Anja Private Reserve, known for its dense lemur population.

Along the RN7, you’ll pass through picturesque towns and villages such as Ambalavao, known for its vibrant zebu market, one of the largest on the island. Discover the Betsileo culture, with its unique rituals and dances, offering a glimpse into one of Madagascar’s most representative traditions.

Don’t forget to take a gastronomic break to savor the rich flavors of Malagasy cuisine. You might even try preparing Romazava, a traditional Malagasy dish, for an immersive culinary experience.

The wonders of northern Madagascar

Visit the Tsingys of Ankarana

The Tsingy of Ankarana is a must-see natural spectacle in northern Madagascar. This unique karst landscape features jagged limestone peaks stretching endlessly. The park offers various circuits to explore this astonishing terrain.

The Circuit Tourelle of Tsingy is a great introduction, combining a 1.7 km walk through the Tsingys’ crevasses with a 2 km motorized trail. This circuit takes 3-4 hours and includes a small river crossing during the rainy season.

For a more immersive experience, the Tsingy Rary Circuit offers stunning panoramic views from wooden walkways suspended above the Tsingy plains. This circuit is ideal for observing local succulents, such as pachypodiums, which add vibrant colors to the landscape.

Another highlight of Ankarana is its extensive network of underground caves, the largest in Africa. Be sure to explore this natural wonder during your visit.

As part of our commitment to protecting the environment, a guide will accompany you on your visit to the park. Their expertise will enhance your experience while ensuring that you respect the park’s rules and help preserve this natural treasure.

Relax on Nosy Be’s beaches

After an intense exploration of the national parks, there’s nothing like relaxing on the idyllic beaches of Nosy Be. Known as the “island of flagrance,” Nosy Be is famous for its palm-fringed sandy shores and turquoise waters. Beyond relaxation, Nosy Be offers a variety of water sports, including snorkeling to explore the vibrant marine life.

• Andilana is one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, ideal for sunbathing and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
• Madirokely is appreciated for its festive atmosphere, especially on Sundays when the locals come to dance.
• For nature lovers, Nosy Sakatia is the perfect destination for swimming with turtles.

Each beach has its own particularity, so you just have to choose the one that suits you best.

The wild beauty of Diego Suarez Bay

Diego Suarez Bay, also known as Antsiranana, stands as one of northern Madagascar’s premier destinations. Its rugged beauty, where turquoise seas meet lush mountains, is simply breathtaking. This bay features one of the world’s largest natural harbors, flanked by impressive cliffs.

Nature enthusiasts will marvel at the rich local flora and fauna. Endemic trees, exotic orchids, and diverse marine life thrive in this region. Adventurers can explore the trails of the Mamelon Vert circuit to encounter this unique biodiversity.

Diego Suarez Bay is equally celebrated for its pristine beaches, including Baie de Sakalava, Baie des Pigeons, and Baie des Dunes. These stretches of white sand surrounded by crystal-clear waters offer a true sanctuary of tranquility.

Lastly, a visit to the Orangea lighthouse is a must. This historic monument provides panoramic views of the Emerald Sea, completing the allure of Diego Suarez Bay.

Adventures in western Madagascar

The karst landscapes of Tsingy de Bemaraha

The Tsingy of Bemaraha, located in west-central Madagascar, is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its stunning karst formations known as Tsingy, sculpted over millions of years by erosion to create a spectacular landscape.

Exploring the park’s trails reveals gigantic limestone cathedrals, a labyrinthine network of faults, deep crevasses, and sculpted boulders. Elevated belvederes provide panoramic viewpoints of this awe-inspiring scenery. The park also hosts exceptional flora and fauna, including endemic lemurs and reptiles.

To fully enjoy this experience, we recommend visiting between mid-April and mid-November, the optimal time for exploring the park. A local guide can enhance your visit by providing insights into this intricate environment and ensuring adherence to the preservation rules of this protected site.

Pirogue trip on the Tsiribihina River

A pirogue trip on the Tsiribihina River offers a complete immersion into Malagasy life. Lasting 2 to 3 days, this journey winds through diverse landscapes, passing through lush vegetation interspersed with cliffs and waterfalls.

We recommend planning this adventure between April and November for the best conditions. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe local wildlife, including endemic bird species and lemurs.

A highlight of the trip is a stopover in the village of Begidro, where you can experience the local way of life along the river. The warm hospitality and genuine interactions with locals make this a truly memorable experience.

From Miandrivazo to Morondava, this tour offers a different perspective of Madagascar, away from the usual tourist paths. A pirogue trip on the Tsiribihina River is an adventure not to be missed when exploring the western part of the island.

Meet the giant Baobabs of Morondava

Morondava, situated on Madagascar’s west coast, is renowned for its iconic baobab alley. These majestic trees, often referred to as “kings of the forest,” present a stunning spectacle, particularly at sunset. The area boasts various baobab species, notably the Adansonia grandidieri, renowned as the largest and most famous among them.

These giants can grow up to 30 meters in height and live for thousands of years. Their massive trunks, capable of storing large quantities of water, and their distinctive appearance, resembling a head of hair, make them popular subjects for photography. In addition to observing and photographing baobabs, the region provides opportunities to visit traditional villages and experience the local way of life.

All-inclusive tours in Madagascar

Motorcycle vacations in Madagascar

Choosing a motorcycle vacation in Madagascar offers a unique way to explore the Big Island. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, there are diverse options to suit your preferences. Motorcycle tours traverse a range of landscapes, from the high plateaus to the desert plains of the south.

Several tour operators offer guided tours with predefined routes and motorcycles suited to the terrain. Alternatively, you can rent a motorcycle to explore Madagascar at your leisure. Specialists like Madagascar en Liberté and Moto Tour Madagascar provide tailored motorcycles and knowledgeable guides to accompany you on your journey.

15-day tours in Madagascar

Madagascar’s 15-day tours provide a comprehensive immersion into the country’s extraordinary diversity, ensuring you make the most of your time with unique experiences.

Carefully crafted itineraries allow you to explore the natural wonders of national parks like Isalo and Ranomafana, as well as enjoy the serene beaches of Ile Sainte-Marie and visit charming villages such as Ambatolampy. These tours promise an adventure packed with discovery, blending both natural beauty and cultural richness across the island.

• The classic itinerary: This includes a visit to the capital Antananarivo, the Andasibe National Park, the National Highway 7 and relaxation on the beaches of Foulpointe and Mahambo.
• The adventure tour: For the more adventurous, a trekking tour takes you along National Route 7 to the Makay massifs.
• The balanced tour: For those seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation and culture, tailor-made itineraries are available to encapsulate Madagascar’s magnificent diversity. These tours, for example, take in Madagascar’s far south, and visit must-see places of interest such as Antananarivo and Isalo National Park.

Itinerary for a 15-day trip to the south

The itinerary for a 15-day trip to the south of Madagascar begins in Antananarivo, the capital. After exploring the city, you’ll take the famous RN7 to Antsirabe, famous for its handicraft workshops.

• Day 3 to 4: Visit Ambositra, famous for its marquetry and wood carvings.
• Day 5 to 6: Exploration of Ranomafana National Park, home to various species of lemur.
• Day 7: Discover Fianarantsoa, the Malagasy wine capital.
• Day 8 to 9: Passage through Ambalavao, discover the Antemoro paper factory and Andringitra National Park.
• Day 10 to 11: Head for Ranohira, gateway to Isalo National Park, for two days of hiking.
• Day 12 to 13: Drive to Tuléar, then Ifaty to enjoy the beaches and diving.
• Day 14 to 15: Return to Antananarivo via internal flight, final city tour and souvenir shopping before the return flight.

Itinerary for a 15-day trip to the North

For a 15-day trip to the north of Madagascar, the itinerary begins in Antananarivo. After a few days in the capital, head for Ankazobe to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Malagasy countryside. Then it’s on to the national parks, with a first stop at Ankarafantsika, renowned for its biodiversity.

• Days 1 to 3: Antananarivo
• Day 4 to 5: Ankazobe
• Day 6 to 7: Ankarafantsika
• Day 8: Mahajanga
• Day 9: Ambondromamy
• Days 10 to 11: Antsohihy
• Day 12: Ankify
• Days 13 to 14: Antsiranana
• Day 15: Nosy Be