Day two sets off heading east where you’ll quickly get up close and personal with the island’s vibrant array of wildlife. Chameleons, lizards, frogs, snakes, butterflies, and Sifaka Lemurs are only the short list of creatures you’ll see first-hand at the Peyrieras Madagascar Exotic Reserve. 

With so many more species of lemurs, like Indri and ring-tailed, we will next head farther out to Andasibe, the world-renowned lemur watching paradise.

In the afternoon, the wildlife adventure continues as we visit Lemurs Island and Crocodile Park. There, you’ll walk among flora and fauna unlike anywhere else on Earth.

When night falls, perhaps your true inner explorer can come alive as we’ll hike through the forest to catch a glimpse of night lemurs and other nocturnal friends.

Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge. HB

We can’t see it all in just one day, though. Spend hours more wandering through Andasibe National Park on Day 3. Unique, rare, and endangered all describe the species of animals you’ll see here, including 11 different lemur species.

The wildlife adventure continues in the afternoon as we visit Lemurs Island and Crocodile Park. There, you’ll walk among flora and fauna unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge (or similar). HB

After a couple of days in nature, Day 4 combines travel and tour. We will depart Andasibe early in the morning, heading inland for 7.5 hours through beautiful highlands and valleys to the colorful and classic city of Antsirabe. The French called it ‘The City of water’ for its thermal springs. 

Accommodation: Royal Palace (or similar). HB

In the morning, Madagascar’s iconic rickshaws will wheel you around to all the top sites.

After lunch, we will take the Route Nationale 34 (RN 34) to Miandrivazo. Due to the steep terrain and lack of wind, it becomes the hottest town in Madagascar.

Accommodation: Soa Lia Hotel (or similar). HB

Famous for its river delta, and but even more for Baobab trees, our excursion next heads to Morondava on the west coast of Madagascar.

In the afternoon free to discover the scenic tree lines of Baobab Avenue and soak in the sunset on the coastal horizon.

Accommodation: Laguna Beach (or similar). HB

Down the river delta of Morondava on the morning of Day 7, we’ll sail through the mangroves and visit the fisherman village.

In the afternoon, we will visit an Artisanal village, you will have a chance to make a handicraft with the local artisans.

Accommodation: Laguna Beach (or similar). HB

After a restful night’s sleep at one of Morondava’s cozy hotels, our tour will return to Antsirabe on the eighth day, which is approximately a 10-hour trip. Along the way, view the landscape from the seaside to the highland looking out the window of the air-conditioned bus.

Upon arrival, the evening of day eight is about rest, so settle into your comfy hotel in Antsirabe.

Accommodation: Royal Palace (or similar) HB

The final leg of our journey sends us back to the city where it all began. After a 3.5-hour drive through beautiful and wavy central highlands, we’ll have the day to tour the famous sites of Antananarivo. Highlights of the tour on Day 9 include the Queen’s Palace, Anosy Lake, as well as the markets and French Colonial buildings of Independence Avenue.

While the island is ripe with natural beauty, an extra special tour connects you to Antananarivo’s architecture and history at the oldest train station in town, Gare Soarano.

Accommodation: Le Louvre Hotel & Spa (or similar). HB

Just as the tour began, Day 10 is yours for the taking or transfer to the airport.

Say farewell, for now, to Madagascar, a genuine island and a world apart. What a grand adventure it’s been!

BB Basis