Madagascar, Wildlife Tours

A Magical Overland Journey in Madagascar: Small Group

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Group Tour
16 Days
From 3165
Birding
Budget
Conservation and Rewilding
Photographic
Primate Watching
Rainforest

Tour Introduction

16 Days from  3165 per adult. Prices based on rates applicable at the time of costing which may vary. Please ask for a definitive quote

Led by Daniel Razafimandimby, one of Madagascar’s most experienced local guides, this wildlife-filled small group tour is ideal for those looking to experience Madagascar’s most contrasting environments and spectacular species on an everchanging overland journey.

Have a look at our short film here for an overview: Wild Madagascar Film

Beginning with the bizarre spiny forests and mangroves of Ifaty in the far southwest, we then move north through the transitional baobab forest of Zombitse to the sandstone canyonlands of Isalo. After time to explore this dramatic landscape, we head north again for close encounters with iconic ring-tailed lemurs at the wonderful Anja Community Park against a backdrop of impressive granite mountains. We follow that with the lush montane rainforest of Ranomafana National Park where the wildlife viewing will reveal rare lemurs, birds and frogs.

After some memorable walks and sightings of rare wildlife in the forests of Ranomafana, we make our way back to Tana before finishing at the species-rich rainforest reserves of Andasibe-Mantadia. Here we can enjoy a widely different cast of rainforest species, with a highlight being a close encounter with the largest lemur of all, the magical tail-less indri indri. There is also the chance to see the giraffe necked weevil, leaf tailed gecko, black and white ruffed lemur, diademed sifaka and rare, colourful helmet vanga .

Accommodation is generally of a good standard as you visit some of the island’s most highly rewarding and diverse National Parks and Reserves. With a no more than ten, the group has been deliberately kept small in order to maximise wildlife viewing and access to your tour leader, plus the knowledgeable local reserve guides who really know where to find their unique wildlife. This is a wide ranging group itinerary of exceptional value and breadth, escorted by one of Madagascar’s most experienced and popular tour leaders.

Click here for full 2025 tour details.

Click here for full 2026 tour details.

Full Itinerary

Price from  3165 per adult. Based on sharing double/twin rooms. Minimum group size is 6, maximum 10 plus the tour leader
Day 1
Antananarivo

Arrive in Antananarivo (Tana). Met on arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

Staying at Relais Des Plateaux. Includes No Meals.

Day 2
Ifaty Spiny Forest

After a leisurely morning, we return to the airport to take our domestic flight south to Tulear.

On arrival in Tulear we will transfer (45 minutes) along a sandy track to the small village of Ifaty, on the coast of the Mozambique Channel for some time to settle into our accommodations and rest.

This region is especially dry as it falls within a rain shadow and only receives around 500 mm of rainfall annually, which has created a unique vegetation here dominated by the cacti like Didiereacae, or octopus, trees and the local baobab, Andansonia rubrostipa. We will take a late afternoon wildlife walk here which will eventually turn to a night walk once dark.

Staying at Les Dunes D'Ifaty. Includes All Meals.

Day 3
Ifaty Spiny Forest

Very early this morning we will visit the local spiny forest habitat, unique to Madagascar's far southwest. We will search for the diurnal wildlife of the spiny forest. Birds are a highlight with several locally endemic spiny forest speciality species to look for. These include the long-tailed ground roller, sub-desert mesite, Lafresnaye’s, red-tailed and sickle-billed vangas, Archbold’s newtonia and banded kestrel. The forest is also home to many reptiles and the huge Madagascar giant swallowtail butterfly.

We will return to the hotel for breakfast and some time to rest. Later in the day (depending on the temperatures) we will visit the nearby Ifaty salt pans to look for wading birds including the endangered Madagascar plover. We then continue up the road to visit the Honko mangrove project for a guided tour of this wonderful coastal ecosystem, home to many mudskippers and crabs.

In the evening we will take another night walk which may reveal the gray-brown mouse lemur.

Staying at Les Dunes D'Ifaty. Includes All Meals.

Day 4
Zombitse National Park

Today we drive north to explore Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, which acts as a transition zone between the dry and the humid forests of Madagascar.

The flora is especially rich within the protected area with bottle baobabs and several orchids particularly common.

The park is home to eight lemur species, including the acrobatic Verreaux´s sifaka, which we often see leaping great distances between trees. We will also hope to spot the locally endemic Hubbard´s (Zombitse) sportive lemur and the striking Standing’s day gecko. Zombitse also supports a wide variety of interesting bird species, many of them endemic, with Zombitse’s special attraction being the rare Appert´s tetraka. We then drive 1 hour to Isalo National Park.

Staying at Le Jardin du Roy . Includes All Meals.

Day 5
Isalo National Park

Today we can enjoy exploring Isalo National Park.

The park, an eroded limestone massif, contains wonderful scenery and unusual plants like the endemic ‘elephant’s foot’ Pachypodium rosalatum and is a sacred burial ground for the Bara tribe. There are many interesting geological sites and places to swim in the park alongside its curious natural history.

We might walk the easy and shaded trail at Namahaza where we can enjoy sightings of ring-tailed and red-fronted brown lemurs, plus jewled chameleons and birdlife such as the local Benson's rock thrush.

Staying at Le Jardin du Roy . Includes All Meals.

Day 6
Isalo National Park

A further day to explore Isalo National Park. Perhaps have a morning walk and relax in the afternoon.

Staying at Le Jardin du Roy. Includes All Meals.

Day 7
Anja Community Reserve

Transfer by road (approx. 4.5 hours) via one of the most scenic drives in Madagascar to your next lodge. Have lunch on arrival, then in the afternoon we will visit the community-managed ANJA PARK where we can enjoy close encounters with groups of ring-tailed lemurs as they go about their day. The lemurs here are well protected and used to people, thus affording exceptionally good views and excellent photographic opportunities. During our walk we will also hope to see the large Oustalets's chameleon and tiny Brookesia brunoi chameleon, and the stunning painted locust.

Staying at Betsileo Country Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 8
Ranomafana

After breakfast at Betsileo Country Lodge, we will continue driving north (approx. 3.5 hrs) through ever-changing scenery to arrive at our lodge just outside Ranomafana National Park. In the evening we'll do a night walk, in search of some of the nocturnal species found here.

Staying at Setam Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 9
Ranomafana National Park

Today we will explore Ranomafana National Park on morning and afternoon walks in search of its wonderful rainforest wildlife. Ranomafana is an exceptionally rich high-altitude rainforest where the very rare golden bamboo lemur and eleven other lemur species exist.

With the help of experienced local guides and spotters we will hopefully find the rare golden bamboo lemur for which the Park was established in 1991. We will also search for the beautiful Milne Edwards’s sifaka, red-fronted brown lemur and the only two remaining greater bamboo lemurs in the Park.

Over 100 bird species have also been recorded in Ranomafana as well as a staggering 120 species of endemic frogs.

This evening we will take a night walk along the nearby road in search of sleeping chameleons such as the huge O'Shaughnessy's chameleon and beautiful elephant ear’s chameleon, Madagascar tree boa, colourful boophis tree frogs and if lucky a satanic leaf-tailed gecko or the huge Madagascar comet moth.

Staying at Setam Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 10
Ranomafana National Park

Today we have another day to explore Ranomafana National Park. This morning we will perhaps explore more of the higher-altitude stunted forest on the Vohiparara circuit, which is the best location to find many special birds.

These include the yellow-bellied and common sunbird asity, the skulking brown mesite and elusive rufous-headed and short-legged ground rollers, the rare Pollen’s vanga and white-throated and yellow-browed oxylabes. This area of forest is home to many frogs, and we will look for the for the colourful Tsarafidy Madagascar Frog (Guibemantis pulcher) in the Pandanus plants and the striking Baron's mantella frog (Mantella baroni). In the evening we can enjoy another night walk.

Staying at Setam Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 11
Antsirabe

Today we will transfer north through ever changing landscapes (7 hours total but with many stops) to the interesting spa and Handicraft town of Antsirabe. There will be many interesting stops on the way including the woodcarving centre of Ambositra, the origin of the intricate inlayed wood designs that are found throughout Madagascar.

Staying at Bira Hôtel. Includes All Meals.

Day 12
Andasibe

Today we will make the journey (4 hours) from Antsirabe to Tana for lunch. After a few stops we will continue to drive (4.5 hours) to Andasibe passing through many villages and rice paddies. We will stop for a picnic lunch at a nice spot by the river at Mandraka Park on the journey.

The rainforests of Andasibe are home to the largest lemur, the indri and seven other diurnal species, as well as many chameleons, brightly coloured day geckos and frogs.

In the evening, we will take a night walk in the VOIMMA Reserve for a variety of nocturnal species.

Staying at Relais de Mantadia. Includes All Meals.

Day 13
Andasibe

Today we will take a morning walk in the ANALAMAZAOTRA (Perinet) Reserve to enjoy some close sightings of the magnificent tail less indri. This section of forest is also the best location to see the stunningly beautiful diademed sifaka. At this time of the year they are often feeding closer to the ground and providing excellent views. Other diurnal (day active) lemur species we will hope to see here include the common brown lemur and Eastern grey bamboo lemur.

We will also hopefully encounter some chameleons which could include the huge Parson’s chameleon and dazzling side-striped chameleon. The insect life is also fascinating and highlights will surely include the bizarre giraffe-necked weevil.

We will then have some time at leisure during the middle of the day before we take another walk in the late afternoon perhaps again in the VOIMMA Reserve for nocturnal species later on.

Staying at Relais de Mantadia. Includes All Meals.

Day 14
Andasibe

Today we rise early to drive 1 hour 30 minutes north on a bumpy track to Mantadia National Park. Here we can enjoy spending the morning and early afternoon exploring the wonderful primary rainforest of this vast protected area with its special wildlife. Wildlife highlights in this old growth forest could include the black-and-white ruffed lemur and mossy leaf-tailed geckos.

The bird diversity at Mantadia is exceptional and highlights we could to see include (with some luck and patience) the secretive scaly-ground roller, beautiful pitta-like ground roller, shy red-fronted and blue couas and the red-tailed, hook-billed and nuthatch vangas to name just a few.

Staying at Relais de Mantadia. Includes All Meals.

Day 15
Antananarivo

This morning we will visit the Mitsinjo Reserve. Here the wonderful tail-less indris are particularly habituated allowing for some very intimate and memorable sightings and photographic opportunities.

Other diurnal lemur species, tenrecs, rare frogs and birds can also be found during our time here.

In the afternoon, we will return (5 hours) by road back to Antananarivo and the Relais des Plateaux hotel for your overnight.

Staying at Relais des Plateaux. Includes Breakfast.

Day 16
Depart Madagascar

[For those flying Ethiopian] Late morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.

[For those flying Air France] Day use of a room and facilities, before transfer late at night to the airport for your flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle.

Includes Breakfast and Lunch.

Download the full details of this itinerary and start planning your trip today.

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Tour Accommodation

Madagascar Eastern Madagascar

Relais des Plateaux

Overview

Situated about 10 minutes’ drive from the airport, this comfortable three-star hotel set in exotic gardens offers well equipped, en suite rooms including air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bar, tea and coffee facilities and hair dryer. Each room is decorated in a Malagasy design using local materials and the rooms are arranged in a village layout with good access.

Other facilities in the hotel include a local handicraft shop, restaurant serving delicious French cuisine and local delicacies, bar and swimming pool (heated in the cooler months).

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
42
Facilities

Restaurant, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, mini bar, safety deposit box, satellite TV, direct-dial telephone,

Optional Activities

City tour of Antananarivo, excursion to Ambohimanga Hill, visit to Tsarasaotra Lake (aka. Lac Alarobia) in a district of Tana for some unusual Hauts Plateaux birdwatching.

Madagascar Southern Madagascar

Les Dunes d’Ifaty

Overview

One of the best hotels in Ifaty, this comfortable and well positioned accommodation is both near the spiny forest and good beaches. The hotel overlooks the Mozambique Channel and is ideally located for watching sunsets over the sea. Accommodation is 19 villas or the 22 standard rooms, all built using local materials with traditional Malagasy interior designs they all offer comfortable beds with mosquito nets, TVs and private bathrooms with 24 hour electricity. The rooms and villas are scattered throughout the gardens which feature many beautiful flowering plants.

There is a large swimming pool with deck chairs for relaxing when the tide is out and it is not suitable for swimming from the beach. The main building has a nice restaurant serving plenty of fresh seafood and tropical fruit and a variety of international dishes. Meals can be enjoyed in both the restaurant and outside on the patio area for al fresco dining with a sea breeze. There is also a friendly bar, small library and free Wi-Fi throughout the main building.

Ifaty has a number of diving operations where both diving and snorkelling trips can be arranged. For example there is an excellent shark dive at 31 metres on the Grand Recife and excursions to the Rose Garden and south pass are excellent for snorkelers.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
41
Facilities

Rooms are all ensuite with TV and air-conditioning. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar and Wi-Fi and swimming pool on site too.

Local Wildlife

The local spiny forest supports many endemic bird species such as sub-desert mesite, Lafresnaye’s, red-shouldered and sickle-billed vangas, Archbold’s newtonia, Madagascar nightjar, banded kestrel and the spectacular long-tailed ground roller are all possible to see. While mammals include the localised black-shouldered sportive lemur, gray and gray-brown mouse lemurs and lesser hedgehog tenrecs. While reptiles include the impressive Dumeril's ground boa, three-eyed lizard and warty chameleon. ,

Optional Activities

Excursions on offer include visits to the local spiny forest both during the mornings for birdlife and in the evening for nocturnal wildlife. There are also many dive operators that can arrange snorkelling and scuba diving and also whale watching between July and September when humpback whales are present. Watersports can also be arranged.

Madagascar Southern Madagascar

Le Jardin du Roy

Overview

Located on the edge of Isalo National Park near the village of Ranohira and about a three-hour drive from Tulear in the far south west of Madagascar, Le Jardin Du Roy is an impressive luxury hotel constructed from beautiful granite stonework with traditional wooden flooring.

It is one of the best lodges in the area, with good service, a dramatic setting and delicious food. There are a selection of air-conditioned twin and double rooms located around the lush gardens and swimming pool, all with en suite bathrooms and showers, mosquito nets and the added luxury of a private veranda. The meals are offered in a spacious dining room with open fire, as it can get cool at night.

Isalo National Park is an eroded sandstone massif blessed with dry weather, stunning scenery, unusual plants and isolated oases: it is excellent both for long hikes and shorter walks.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
40
Facilities

Restaurant, bar, air conditioning, veranda, swimming pool: the Brigitte Spa offers massages, facials and other treatments using natural Malagasy oils.

Local Wildlife

The endemic Benson’s rock thrush is one of the top birds to see and lemurs include ring-tailed, Verreaux’s sifaka, red-fronted brown lemur and mouse. There is some exceptional botany, including pachypodium, pandanus, endemic feather palm and various aloes, one of which is endemic.

Optional Activities

Wildlife watching and hikes in Isalo National Park; use of the hotel facilities such as tennis court, horse riding and massage treatments.

Madagascar Eastern Madagascar

Betsileo Country Lodge

Overview

A great option to break the long (nine hour) journey between Isalo National Park and Ranomafana. Betsileo Country Lodge is located just five minutes from the Anja Community Reserve, with its high concentration of ring-tailed lemurs, the primary attraction here. The interesting town of Ambalavao, home to the country’s largest zebu market, is less than a ten minute drive away.

Betsileo is in a wonderfully picturesque setting with a lovely atmosphere, boosted by the friendly and welcoming staff. Standard rooms are in the main building, with detached bungalows available also. The bungalows have two bedrooms and a private veranda. All room options are simple but comfortable, and have en suite bathrooms. There is complimentary Wi-Fi and an outdoor swimming pool. Refreshing drinks and tasty home-cooked food are served in a bar and restaurant in the main building.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
11
Facilities

Small outdoor swimming pool, bar and restaurant. There are eight cabins and three standard rooms, with two VIP cabins to be completed this year.

Room options available: Bungalow room - double, Bungalow room - triple, standard room - double, Standard room - family, Standard room - triple.

Local Wildlife

Ring-tailed lemur, lowland streaked tenrec.

Madagascar girdled lizard, Barbour's day gecko, Dangalia lizard.

Malagasy coucal, Madagascar harrier-hawk, bee-eaters, grey-headed lovebird.

Madagascar Eastern Madagascar

Setam Lodge

Overview

Setam is a comfortable small lodge situated in a pre-montane river valley close to the primary rainforest of Ranomafana National Park. In our opinion it is the best accommodation option in the area and a good base from which to explore the park. The rooms have comfortable beds, a wardrobe and bedside table and have excellent views towards the mountains.

Facilities include 24-hour electricity and pleasant gardens. Generous platters of good food using fresh ingredients are served in the main restaurant with its picture windows offering excellent views. Breakfast can be served on a large veranda, also with good views.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
20
Facilities

Restaurant, bar, private facilities, 24-hr electricity, private veranda

Local Wildlife

The park was created to provide protection for the very rare Golden bamboo lemur, which can be easily seen with the help of local guides. The park is also the best location to see the critically endagered greater bamboo lemur and the stunning Milne Edwards sifaka as well as red-bellied lemur, black and white ruffed lemur and red-fronted brown lemur. Over 100 bird species have been recorded in the park with specialities including the attractive pitta-like, short-legged and rufous-headed ground rollers, yellow-browed oxylabels, velvet and yellow-bellied sunbird asitys and brown mesite. Reptile and frog diversity is also very high with o'shaughnessy chameleon, Madagascar tree boa, three species of leaf-tailed gecko and numerous frogs.

Optional Activities

Guided wildlife walks into the Ranomafana National Park. The trails can be steep and tough but generally the going is moderate.

©Ravo Nantenaina
Madagascar Eastern Madagascar

Bira Hôtel

Overview

Located in Antsirabe, Madagascar, Bira Hôtel offers a welcoming retreat with a blend of comfort and charm. Guests are greeted by friendly, professional staff and can unwind in neatly presented rooms featuring air conditioning, private bathrooms, and garden views. The hotel’s tranquil atmosphere is complemented by a lovely outdoor pool, a spacious terrace, and a bar where you can relax after a day of exploring or travelling along Madagascar’s bumpy roads!

Dining at Bira Hotel is a highlight, with a choice of continental, American, or à la carte breakfasts served daily, and a restaurant offering both local and international cuisine. Located just a short drive from Antsirabe’s train station and attractions like Lake Tritriva and the Cathedral, the hotel is ideally situated for discovering the region. With its clean, quiet rooms and consistently praised hospitality, Bira Hotel is a reliable and comfortable base for Antsirabe.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
11
Facilities

Garden, outdoor swimming pool, terrace, restaurant, bar, room service, 24-hr front desk, free Wi-Fi. Rooms have air-conditioning, private bathrooms, garden views, work desk, complimentary toiletries and a TV. Some rooms have a private balcony.

Madagascar Eastern Madagascar

Relais de Mantadia

Overview

Relais de Mantadia is a tranquil retreat located in the lush eucalyptus forests of Eastern Madagascar, seamlessly blending comfort with serenity. Its thoughtfully designed rooms boast stunning views and a peaceful ambience, enriched by the soothing sounds of nature. Just five minutes from Analamazaotra Reserve and around an hour from Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, the lodge serves as an ideal gateway to explore these two reserves, home to the iconic Indri lemur.

Guests can indulge in authentic Malagasy cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, featuring local specialties alongside an international breakfast buffet. The wellness centre offers therapeutic treatments using Madagascar’s essential oils, ensuring relaxation after a day of adventure.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Local Wildlife

Mammals: Indri, diademed sifaka, black-and-white ruffed lemur, Eastern grey bamboo lemur, common brown lemur, Eastern woolly lemur, furry-eared dwarf lemur, Goodman’s mouse lemur.

Birds: Madagascar blue pigeon, Madagascar long-eared owl, Madagascar starling, various species of vanga, coua, and shy ground rollers.

Reptiles: Parson’s chameleon, nose-horned chameleon, Brookesia chameleons.

Route Map

Departure Dates

Tour Dates
Adult Price
Single Supp
16/09/2025
3165
1098
15/09/2026
3448
1098

Travel Information

Are International Flights Included?

No. Please contact us for a quote if required.

Flight Info:

Fly to Antananarivo via Paris from London on Air France or Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa.

Best Visited:

September to October

Are you ATOL Registered?

Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.

Claire Pote

Area Specialist

If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965

Our highlights were the lemurs of course, but the sheer variety of them was amazing and we really loved how close some got. The spiny forest was particularly great for photographs because of such amazing backgrounds. Also loved the whale shark dive and the reefs were beautifully clear.

Mrs RW - London