Madagascar 360°: Beach, jungle, baobabs, lemurs and chameleons

2 November 202614 days, 13 nightsoperated by

What this trip feels like

  • Culture
  • Nature
  • Relax
  • Party
  • History

Itinerary

  1. 1Day 1Welcome to Madagascar!
    • Check-in: Our adventure begins in Antananarivo

      Flights to/from the destination are not included in the package, so you're free to choose where to depart from, what time, and which airline you prefer. This gives you maximum freedom of choice!

      Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and join us for a warm welcome meeting. Then, step out to explore Antananarivo – or "Tana," as the locals call it – the perfect place to get your first taste of Madagascar’s rich history and vibrant culture.

      In the evening, our welcome dinner awaits! Delight in traditional Madagascan cuisine, where rice takes center stage, served alongside pork, chicken, or zebu beef, offering an authentic introduction to the island’s flavors.

  2. 2Day 2Road to Antsirabe
    • Handicrafts in Ambatolampy

      Today, we say goodbye to the bustling capital and set off on a scenic journey through Madagascar’s stunning landscapes. Our first stop is Ambatolampy, famous for its handcrafted aluminium pans. Nestled amidst picturesque surroundings, this charming town offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional Malagasy craftsmanship. Here, culture, nature, and artisanal skill come together in a way that’s uniquely Madagascar.

    • Antsirabe – market, people and are you ready for pousse – pousse?

      After Ambatolampy, we continue our journey to Antsirabe, known as the "City of Water" for its famous thermal springs, celebrated for their healing properties. Upon arrival, two things immediately stand out: the strong French colonial influence and the pousse-pousse—Madagascar’s iconic rickshaws, still widely used as the main mode of transport.

      In the afternoon, we can explore the city either on foot or by hopping into a pousse-pousse with a local driver. This is a wonderful way to discover both the vibrant city streets and the surrounding countryside, while meeting the friendly people who call Antsirabe home.

      • A winding river flows through green and brown terraced rice paddies in a hilly landscape under a partly cloudy sky.
  3. 3Day 3Antsirabe, Mount Ibity, Lake Tritriva, Betafo and the rice fields
    • Antsirabe and all its natural gems

      Just outside Antsirabe stands Mount Ibity, rising to 2,292 meters, and we’re in for an unforgettable adventure! This quartzite massif is a true aloe paradise, showcasing some of Madagascar’s most stunning flora.

      Our day also takes us to Lake Tritriva, the picturesque rice fields of Betafo, and offers a closer look at the vibrant pousse-pousse culture that brings the streets of Antsirabe to life. Between breathtaking landscapes and cultural encounters, today promises memories that will stay with us forever.

      • A busy street with people walking, yellow auto-rickshaws, and shops, lined with tall palm trees under a clear sky.
  4. 4Day 4Ranomafana National Park
    • Towards Ranomafana National Park

      We set off early this morning, ready for a full day of travel through Madagascar’s stunning landscapes. The roads wind past lush hills and traditional villages, each kilometer bringing us closer to the famed Ranomafana National Park, celebrated for its rich biodiversity. Soon, we’ll find ourselves immersed in dense rainforest, surrounded by the island’s fascinating flora and fauna.

      Before reaching the park, we make a stop in Ambositra, a town famous for its crafts and intriguing history. Here, we’ll explore the origin of the name "Kastraten"—whether it refers to an ancient tribe or to oxen, the locals hold the stories.

      Upon arrival at Ranomafana, we’ll enjoy dinner together beneath a peaceful, star-filled sky. Tomorrow promises a full day of nature and wildlife encounters—perhaps we’ll even venture on a night hike to glimpse the park’s elusive nocturnal creatures.

      • A close-up of a bright green chameleon with textured skin clinging to a thin branch, its tail curled into a spiral.
  5. 5Day 5A natural wonder of Madagascar
    • Ranomafana National Park – 41,600 hectares of tropical forest… all for us!

      We can’t wait to explore Ranomafana National Park together! This remarkable place is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and lush rainforests. As we hike through the dense forest, we’ll be on the lookout for unique wildlife, from the rare Golden Bamboo Lemur to chameleons, other reptiles, and lemurs. Along the way, we’ll also take in breathtaking landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and the park’s rich and diverse flora. Today promises an unforgettable adventure, full of discoveries and shared moments in nature.

    • Cooking like the Malagasy

      Immerse yourself in Madagascar’s culinary traditions with a hands-on cooking class! Together, we’ll cook like the locals, preparing traditional dishes such as romazava, a flavorful meat and vegetable stew, and ravitoto, a hearty dish of cassava leaves with pork.

      Using fresh, local ingredients, we’ll uncover the secrets of Malagasy cuisine. This is more than just a meal—it’s an unforgettable experience filled with flavor, laughter, and cultural exchange!

      • A Coquerel's sifaka lemur with white and brown fur sits on a branch in a lush, green forest.
  6. 6Day 6Further south from Ranomafana to the Anja Reserve and the ring-tailed lemurs
    • Off to See the Ring-Tailed Lemurs

      We like to move it! Today we arrive in Ambalavao at the Anja Reserve, one of the highlights of our journey: encountering the famous ring-tailed lemurs. It’s thrilling to see these playful creatures in their natural habitat—how close can we get? Perhaps we’ll even catch a glimpse of them at play! The reserve also offers stunning landscapes, and with a little luck, we might spot other fascinating wildlife along the way. Truly, it’s an exciting safari adventure!

      In the evening, we continue our drive and reach Ranohira, ready to rest before the next day’s adventures.

      • A large group of ring-tailed lemurs huddled together on a patch of grass.
  7. 7Day 7Isalo National Park
    • “The Malagasy Colorado” – Exploring Isalo National Park

      Isalo National Park is a true paradise for nature lovers! Dramatic gorges, towering rock formations, and crystal-clear natural pools create a breathtaking backdrop. With our guide, we’ll visit the park’s most stunning spots, including the Reine de l’Isalo, famous for its striking rock shapes, and the Canyon des Makis, where playful lemurs await us once again.

      Our adventure through Isalo promises excitement at every turn: steep climbs, hidden waterfalls, and deep gorges invite exploration. The highlight of the day will be the Fenêtre de l’Isalo, a natural rock window we’ll visit at sunset. As the golden hour bathes the landscape in magical light, it will be a moment to remember forever.

      • The setting sun shines through a natural arch in a large rock formation, with sunbeams radiating across a blue and yellow sky.
  8. 8Day 8Off to the beach!
    • Zombitse Vohibasia National Park

      Today we board our minivan for the final leg of our journey, traveling from Ranohira to Mangily Ifaty. Along the way, we pass through Zombitse Vohibasia National Park, home to the last remaining patch of endangered dry forest in southwest Madagascar.

      This remarkable park is a haven for rare birds, and its ancient baobab trees—some over 500 years old—tower majestically above us. Between the unique wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes, it’s the perfect finale to an unforgettable expedition!

    • We deserve Mangily

      We arrive in Mangily Ifaty, where pristine white sandy beaches await. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the beach or the pool, soaking up the sun and the gentle sound of the waves. Feel the warm sand beneath your feet, take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters, or sip on a fresh coconut as you unwind. This is the perfect moment to relax, recharge, and simply enjoy the beauty of Madagascar’s coast.

      • Three women in colorful clothing walk along a sandy beach, each carrying a wicker basket on her head next to turquoise water.
  9. 9Day 9Baobabs, here we come!
    • Sunrise in an oxcart between the baobabs

      Today we discover the iconic bottle-shaped baobab trees of southern Madagascar! Imagine standing amidst a forest of these majestic giants and watching the sunrise as we glide along on an oxcart ride—an experience you’ll never forget.

      Afterwards, we’ll explore the Reniala Reserve, where a unique thorn forest awaits, along with fascinating wildlife and a rich diversity of plant species. In the afternoon, we can take a leisurely stroll through the region, visit local markets, or simply relax at the beach and soak in the coastal beauty.

      • A WeRoad group trip stands on a dirt road among towering baobab trees against a vibrant sunset sky.
  10. 10Day 10–11Snorkelling, beach & sea
    • The white beaches of Mangily

      Picture this: endless white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and us right in the heart of it all! Spend the day relaxing, soaking up the sun, and listening to the gentle waves, or dive into adventure by snorkeling, exploring the underwater world, or even taking a trip to Nosy Ve Island. The possibilities are endless, and every moment promises unforgettable memories!

      As the day winds down, we’ll enjoy a special coconut cocktail while a DJ spins lively tunes. Dance barefoot on the beach under the rising moon, savoring the magic of Madagascar’s coastline—an evening you’ll never forget.

      • A wooden boat with a furled blue and white sail rests on a sandy beach next to the ocean under a clear blue sky.
  11. 11Day 12We return to the capital Antananarivo
    • From Tulear to Antananarivo

      It’s time to bid farewell to this little paradise. Depending on our flight schedule, we may still enjoy a few relaxing hours on the beach, soaking in the sun and the sea one last time.

      Afterward, we’ll transfer to Tulear for our flight back to Antananarivo. Reflecting on the past days, it’s clear this journey has been filled with unforgettable experiences and memories that will stay with us forever.

  12. 12Day 13A day in Antananarivo
    • A day in Antananarivo - Haute-Ville, vanilla, souvenirs and farewell dinner

      Our final day takes us through the vibrant capital, Antananarivo! We’ll enjoy a city tour, explore bustling markets to pick up souvenirs and local treasures like Madagascar’s famous vanilla, and stroll through the charming Haute-Ville, the city’s most picturesque district.

      Along the way, we’ll wander the historic Avenue de l’Indépendance, admire the lively markets, and take in the characterful brick houses of the old town. A visit to the former residence of the Merina monarchy is a must—the Rova, or Queen’s Palace, perched atop a hill, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

      In the evening, we’ll celebrate our journey with a farewell dinner, reflecting on the incredible adventures we’ve shared. This trip will remain unforgettable, and already sparks excitement for the next adventure!

      • A panoramic view of a city sprawling over hills, illuminated by a golden sunset with a prominent sunburst in the sky.
  13. 13Day 14Goodbye Madagascar!
    • Check-out and farewell

      We say goodbye and look forward to the next WeRoad adventure!

What's included

  • 13 nights: Accommodation in shared rooms with private bathroom

  • Domestic flight from Tulear to Tana (day 13)

  • Minivan with driver and fuel from day 2 to day 9

  • Breakfast every day

  • Visit the local handicrafts in Ambatolampy

  • Hike Mount Ibity, Lake Tritriva, the rice fields of Betafo

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  • Visiting the locals in Ambositra

  • "Local Experience": Discover local ingredients and prepare traditional Madagascar dishes during a cooking class

  • Ranomafana National Park (Day 5)

  • Isalo National Park (Day 7)

  • Zombitse Vohibasia National Park (Day 8)

  • Oxcart ride through the baobabs at sunrise or during the day if you wish

  • Visit the protected Reniala Reserve

  • Group Leader's assistance

  • Move or modify your trip for free up to 31 days before departure

Optional extras

  • Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)

What's not included

  • Roundtrip flight to/from destination
  • Meals and drinks where not indicated

  • Local guide in all parks - approx. 42

  • Accommodation cleaning services

  • Ride with the pousse-pousse - approx. USD 4

  • Tips

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  • All the souvenirs you want to buy and can fit into your backpack

  • Anything not mentioned under “What’s included”

Good to know

  • A valid passport is required.

Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.

Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.