Wild Madagascar
This itinerary really showcases the bizarre wildlife that Madagascar is so famed for. Your journey will start in the east of Madagascar where you’ll witness the largest lemur in Madagascar, the Indri, in Andasibe National Park. Look out for the Golden Bamboo lemur amongst the dense forests of Ranomafana National Park and end further south, observing the ring-tailed lemur and winding your way through the cactus-like trees of the arid spiny forests.
Journey highlights
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This is a slow-paced trip, with plenty of time in each area to explore the flora and fauna fully. Discovering Madagascar by road, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery surrounding you and you won’t have the stress of flight schedules.
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With chances to see the indri, the world’s largest lemur, ring-tail lemur and the Golden Bamboo lemur, this trip presents some truly impressive wildlife sightings.
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Adventure through varied habitats such as the dense rainforests in Ranomafana and the dry, arid spiny forests in the south.
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Lemurs tend to take the spotlight in Madagascar, but you’ll be astonished by the staggering number of colourful chameleons, geckos and birdlife on this trip.
- Wild itinerary:Our Wild Journeys focus on wildlife encounters in their natural habitat, with expert guides and premium accommodation
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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Any time of year is fine for a visit except from January to March, when heavy rainfall in many areas can make some roads all but impassable, and when there’s a high risk of cyclones in the east and northeast. In general, the best time to travel in most areas is April and October/November. The coolest time to travel anywhere is during the dry season (May to October).
Average maximum temperatures vary from about 30°C in coastal areas (higher in summer) to around 25°C on the hauts plateaux. In Antananarivo and other highland areas, temperatures during winter can drop to 10°C and even lower during the night.
Itinerary
Fly to Antananarivo
Antananarivo, Central Madagascar, Madagascar
On arriving into the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, known locally as “Tana” you’ll be picked up and taken to Relais des Plateaux, just 15 minutes away from the airport. Recharge by the pool after your long-haul flight and enjoy a traditional Malagasy dinner before catching some sleep for the night.
Accommodation: Relais des Plateaux ( 1 night )
Andasibe, Eastern Madagascar, Madagascar
Now your journey through the wilds of Madagascar begins. Your private guide will pick you up early from your hotel and drive east to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. Arrive at Vakona Forest Lodge, nestled in lush, tropical rainforest, your base for the next 3 nights. On your first full day you will hike into the secondary forests of Andasibe. Feel your excitement build as you begin to hear the eerie, whale-like call of the Indri throughout the forest and as it appears, watch in complete awe at its strong legs effortlessly propelling it between branches. Tonight, head out on a night walk and scan the forests with your head torch in search for chameleons and the bright shining eyes of the adorable mouse lemur, peeking out from the trees.
The following day you’ll trek through the lush, dense, primary rainforest of the Mantadia region of the park. This isn’t as accessible as the rest of the park but far more rewarding as you clamber through without the well-trodden trails of Andasibe. Bursts of color will catch your eye as you scan the vegetation in search for amphibians, reptiles and insects. A highlight being the giraffe weevil, a bizarre red insect deriving its name from an extended neck, much like that of a giraffe. Your expert guide will point out an array of amphibians and one of the planet’s largest chameleons, the Parson’s Chameleon.
Antsirabe, Central Madagascar, Madagascar
Your drive south starts today. It’s a long drive to Ranomafana, so on the way you’ll stop for the night in the cultural melting pot of Antsirabe. Once a busy spa town, Antsirabe is infused with colonial history and the cathedral and the spas offer a totally different aspect to your trip. This is an intriguing town to explore on foot, as you meander down the boulevards and watch artisan craftsmen in their workshops. You’ll notice an unusual form of transport known as pousse-pousse, which are colourfully painted rickshaws pulled by men on foot, zipping past you at a rather impressive speed! You’ll spend the night at Couleur Café, a homely boutique hotel surrounded by walled gardens.
Accommodation: Couleur Cafe ( 1 night )
Ranomafana National Park, Southern Madagascar, Madagascar
Today you’ll feel the climate getting drier and hotter as you head further south to Ranomafana National Park, presenting some of the most biodiverse wildlife in the country. Your base for the next two nights is Setam Lodge. Spend the next couple of days hiking amongst some of the most rich and abundant rainforests in Madagascar, plunging into mountain streams and gazing up at waterfalls as you search for the Golden Bamboo lemur. You’ll be spoiled for choice with your wildlife sightings here as you search for 11 other species of lemur and have your binoculars ready for the abundance of birds here, with over 100 species endemic to Ranomafana.
Accommodation: Setam Lodge ( 2 nights )
Isalo National Park, Southern Madagascar, Madagascar
This morning you will head off early, stopping en route to Anja Reserve, where you’ll observe the Ring-Tailed lemur, which Madagascar has become most famed for. In the afternoon you’ll head to Isalo National Park, the country’s most scenically rewarding park, where you’ll be met by impressive sandstone cliffs giving way to mighty canyons. The focus for the next couple of days is to explore this breathtakingly beautiful region, spotting sifaka lemurs and brown lemurs amongst the sparse vegetation. In the heat of the day, plunge into tranquillity in Piscine Naturelle, an emerald green natural pool, encompassed by rocks and vegetation.
Accommodation: Jardin du Roy ( 2 nights )
Toliara & Ifaty, Southern Madagascar, Madagascar
Today you’ll head to the coastal area of Ifaty, stopping at Zombitse National Park en route, which is an important biodiversity spot, being the transition zone between rainforest and dry forest. Expect to see yet more lemurs and your first sightings of baobabs, the peculiar trees that Madagascar is so famed for. Spend two nights at Les Dunes d'Ifaty, which is a beautifully located lodge in a fishing village, overlooking the Mozambique Channel. While you may want to unwind at the end of your epic adventure, you won’t want to miss out on the incredible wildlife for you to discover in the area. Immerse yourself in the azure waters of the protected coral reef, spanning 100km, floating amongst and abundance of colourful fish and reef sharks. Take to the seas with the local fishermen on their traditional pirogue fishing boats. If you want to keep your feet firmly on land, explore the twisted forms and cactus-like trees of the Reniala spiny forest and get up close to some truly spectacular ancient baobab trees. Or spend your days enjoying ice cold drinks and fresh seafood on the beach, watching the fisherman bringing in their catch. The choice is yours.
Accommodation: Les Dunes d'Ifaty ( 2 nights )
Fly Home
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: ( based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2024 | $6,000 | $1,500 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | $6,000 | $1,500 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | $6,000 | $1,500 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | $6,000 | $1,500 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | $6,500 | $1,600 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | $6,500 | $1,600 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | $6,500 | $1,600 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | $6,500 | $1,600 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | $6,500 | $1,600 | plan your trip |
-
December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,000
Deposit from*$1,500
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,000
Deposit from*$1,500
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,000
Deposit from*$1,500
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,000
Deposit from*$1,500
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,500
Deposit from*$1,600
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,500
Deposit from*$1,600
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,500
Deposit from*$1,600
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,500
Deposit from*$1,600
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,500
Deposit from*$1,600
- plan your trip