The Award-Winning Tour Specialist
Our Madagascar Untamed tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Venture into the lush rainforest of Ranomafana National Park, where you’ll have the chance to spot brilliantly colored chameleons and discover the incredible biodiversity that makes Madagascar so unique.
Wander through the atmospheric old town of Fianarantsoa, with its cobbled streets, hillside views, and centuries-old architecture that reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Encounter Madagascar’s most famous primates in a beautiful forest reserve, where playful lemurs can be observed up close in their natural surroundings.
Gain an authentic insight into Malagasy life as you meet the Betsileo people, known for their skill in rice farming, vibrant traditions, and warm hospitality.
Just outside the charming town of Fianarantsoa, head out on foot through the rural villages of the Betsileo people, glimpsing their way of life. After walking up an appetite, you’ll be warmly welcomed into the home of a local family, where you’ll get to know them over a typical lunch.
Delve into a world of endemic plants on a fascinating workshop on the edge of Isalo National Park. Learn all about local flora and how to make cosmetic products from various species, as well as produce sugar cane juice and flavoured rums.
Wander among the towering baobab trees, twisted succulents and thorny trees of Reniala Private Reserve at twilight, on the lookout for a variety of endemic species. Then, at tables nestled at the foot of an ancient baobab, enjoy a candlelit dinner and savour the majesty of nature.
Fly to Antananarivo (also called Tana), capital of the incredible island of Madagascar. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. (D)
Today you will discover the heart of Malagasy culture through its food. Start your journey at a lively local market where, led by your top local chef teacher, you’ll pick out fresh, seasonal ingredients. Then, head to the kitchen to prepare vary (rice) and laoka (tasty side dishes) using traditional techniques. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish. (B,L,D)
Head out into Madagascar’s countryside, passing through the highland territory of the Imerina people and the Ankaratra Mountains to reach landscapes of terraced fields and eucalyptus forests. As you go, you’ll get a snapshot of rural life – roadside markets, farmers ploughing with zebus and waving children. Spend the afternoon exploring Antsirabe, strolling among its colonial architecture and traditional craft workshops. (B,L,D)
Spend the morning in the countryside around Antsirabe, discovering the ‘Garden of Madagascar’ on foot. It is here that most of the country’s fruit and vegetables are cultivated and the region is known for its production of artisanal foods. Walk through villages pausing to learn about traditional activities like brickmaking, pottery and blacksmithing. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant owned by a Frenchman who is renowned for creating delicious cheeses with local spices. (B,L,D)
Leave the volcanic hills and rich soil of Antsirabe behind on a drive that will showcase just a fraction of Madagascar’s diversity. You’ll pass through the territories of two more ethnic groups, the Zafimaniry and the Betsileo, learning more about each as you cross. You’ll notice a change in scenery and weather as you approach Ranomafana and descend into the rainforest. On arrival you’ll have the option of a night walk around the outskirts of Ranomafana National Park before dinner. (B,D)
Rise early and head into the wilds of Ranomafana National Park. The park was created in 1991 to protect the critically endangered golden bamboo lemur, and it is these wonderful creatures that you are here to spot today. Keep an eye out for red-bellied lemurs, Milne-Edwards’ sifaka, chameleons, frogs and plentiful colourful insects too. This afternoon, you can continue to explore the national park or have a relaxing soak in Ranomafana’s thermal baths. (B,L,D)
Set up by primatologist Dr Patricia Wright in 2003, the Valbio Research Centre works to protect and conserve Madagascar’s ecosystems through scientific research, sustainable development and local empowerment. On your visit here, take a guided tour of the centre with a researcher or trainee, join a presentation on lemurs or biodiversity and wander the botanical gardens. (B,L,D)
A surprisingly Italianate town set magnificently on a hilltop, Fianarantsoa is a delight to explore. The capital of the Betsileo people, the town’s historic heart is at its highest point, with glorious views over lush plantations; it is here that your walking tour begins. Head into the countryside for a gentle walk through traditional Betsileo villages, and a special lunch experience. Be warmly welcomed into the home of a local family and sit down to a typical Malagasy meal and a chat with your hosts about their daily lives. After lunch continue to the Antemoro paper factory where you’ll see this traditional paper, made of the inner bark of the native havoha tree, being produced and hand-decorated with pressed local flowers. (B,L,D)
Take a short drive to the Anjà Community Reserve. After lunch, explore this community managed forest, set against dramatic granite rock formations, part of a scheme that helps prevent deforestation and generate income. Look out for the ring-tailed lemurs! (B,L,D)
Travel through more of Madagascar’s magical landscapes, passing through the Bara region, home to communities who herd zebu, and into the desert-like scenery of the south, arriving at Ranohira, the gateway to Isalo National Park. (B,D)
Today is dedicated to Isalo National Park. Head deep into its landscapes on easy walking trails that lead to natural swimming holes, dramatic canyons and hidden oases. There’s also plentiful wildlife like ring-tailed and brown lemurs, hoopoes and souimanga birds and geckos and lizards to spot. Return to the hotel in the mid-afternoon to relax. (B,L,D)
Spend a relaxed day in and around the hotel. After a leisurely breakfast, follow the ‘Crest Trail’ through the hotel’s grounds for beautiful views of the Isalo massif and to spot birds. Enjoy some free time before attending a meva workshop, where you’ll learn about endemic plants and the variety of products that can be made from them. Then enjoy a guided tour of the hotel’s organic garden, pausing at a viewpoint for sunset with drinks and snacks. (B,D)
Begin your journey to the coast. Travel through Ilakaka, a sleepy village turned booming sapphire mining town, the spiny forest of southern Madagascar, and onto the Mahafaly plateau. Here, among the rocky, flat and dusty terrain, you’ll see the fascinating Mahafaly tombs. Stop for lunch at the Antsokay Arboretum. Arrive in the small beach town of Ifaty, home to a nomadic fisher-people, the Vezo. (B,L,D)
Spend the day as you wish, enjoying the beach or relaxing by the pool. This evening there is anextra special experience that awaits you. In the nearby Reniala Private Reserve, take a twilight walk through towering baobabs, as you keep a lookout for wildlife. Sit down to a candlelight dinner at the foot of these mighty trees. (B,D)
Fly back to Tana. On arrival, navigate through the busy city and out into the countryside. Pass through the scenic Mandraka Gorge driving along roads that hug the hillsides, passing into wilder landscapes of ferns and misty valleys. Continue to Andasibe, where you’ll be plunged straight into thick rainforest. Later, take a night walk at the Voimma Community Reserve, where you can spot mouse lemurs, leaf-tailed chameleons, tree frogs and much more. (B,L,D)
Rise early and delve into Andasibe National Park. Spend the morning in the Analamazoatra section where the evergreen forest is home to the iconic indri indri, one of the largest of the lemur family, a number of other lemurs, and is a haven for birds. This afternoon, you have the option of a walk in Mitsinjo Forest, another community-led reserve. (B,L,D)
Visit Vakona Private Reserve to meet lemurs who have been rescued from captivity, the illegal pet trade and private zoos. These lemurs roam free across densely vegetated forest but cannot be returned to the wild. Drive back to Tana, where you’ll have time to relax before a farewell meal at a gourmet restaurant. (B,L,D)
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK. (B)
Places Visited: UK - Antananarivo (2N) - Andasibe(2N) - Antsirabe (2N) - Ranomafana (3N) -Ambalavao (2N) - Ranohira (3N) - Ifaty (2N) - Antananarivo (1N) - UK
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.
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Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected
dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free
airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.
There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
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