15-Day Southern Wilderness Landscapes, Cultures and Lemurs

After breakfast, you start your journey south on National Road 7. Stopover at Antsirabe to visist “Fulgence” art gallery. Admire the creations of this famous artist who is mainly focused on painting. Indeed, his paintings are exhibited in the gallery. Then, continue the trip to Ambositra. Once there, discover Madagascar’s most productive town for handicrafts. It’s the ideal place to visit and find out ancestral art and stock up on souvenirs! The products on display at the many market stalls and in the various shops show the extent of the know-how of Ambositra’s simple, passionate craftsmen. Their art is made from precious wood carved with precision. To know more about this heritage of Ambositra’s population, you will visit the so-called ‘old Ambositra’. This is none other than the royal palace or Rova. Full of history all along the centuries, the palace was opened to visitors in 1997. The Rova is made up of two black Zafimaniry houses. Placed at the top of a very high mountain of Ambositra, it is not only a defense system against the enemies but also a splendid viewpoint giving a panoramic view of the whole village of Ambositra.

• Travel: around 260 km
• Overnight stay at L’Artisan

Before leaving Ambositra, the Ankazomivady primary forest is well worth a visit. This is one of the best places to admire orchids, as the forest is ideal for their flowering. Note the Aerangis ellisii, Cynorkis saxicola, etc. After the visit, enjoy a picnic lunch in a natural setting enhanced by the exquisite scent of orchids. You then head to Ranomafana’s village where a nocturnal visit awaits you. This is the best moment to encounter the smallest lemur named microcebus. This lemur is big as a mouse and runs away super-fast. In addition, you will meet some chameleons and amphibians.

•  Travel: around 160 km
• Overnight stay at Setam Lodge

Ranomafana National Park is a must-see when visiting the Big Island. This approximately three-hour hike will take you to the heart of the Ranomafana rainforest: a paradise on earth for nature and animal lovers. Birds, butterflies, bats and lemurs live in these forests. A spectacular sight of golden lemurs and Sifaka leaping from tree to tree in the canopy will surely amaze you. You will also find a number of unique plant species that grow only in this park. A variety of medicinal plants, orchids and carnivorous plants litter the ground and the trees. An explosion of flora and fauna. And your sense of wonder will not end there: you will also have the opportunity to interact with the Tanàla ethnic group in their village. An unforgettable experience with this warm, forest-dwelling people. Once you discover the village, the village king will welcome you to his palace and give you his blessing after a short ritual with the ancestors. The reception continues with a traditional folk dance performance called ‘Dombolo’. The villagers will also be displaying their authentic handicrafts for you to purchase.

• Overnight stay at Setam Lodge

To start the day, take a city tour of Fianarantsoa: town full of treasures from the past. It has long been the city of learning and education (hence its name “the city where one learns well”). You will be captivated not only by the texture of the city, but also by its different architectural styles which can be seen in the various houses and ancient churches, especially the Catholic ones. The walk will take you to the upper town where a panoramic view of the town awaits you. Then, take the road to Ranohira. At about 70km from Fianarantsoa, Anja community reserve is an ideal ecotourism destination. The 0.4 km2 reserve protects a population of about 600 ring-tailed lemurs and stay the best places in the country to observe and photograph these charismatic creatures. In addition, appreciate a breathtaking view on the top of this rocky mountain: a perfect mountainous landscape of the countryside. Resume the road to Ranohira. Once there, admire a pleasant sunset through the window of the Isalo: A Postcard-perfect scenery enhance by a light snack.

• Travel: around 344 km
• Overnight stay at Jardin du Roy

This tour takes you to the heart of Isalo National Park, a true paradise for nature lovers. After a short hike, you’ll reach the natural swimming pool nestled in the rocks. A waterfall feeds this crystal-clear pool, inviting you to take a refreshing dip. After a refreshing swim, you’ll continue your hike to Namaza. This viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Isalo canyons. Admire the unique rock formations and endemic vegetation. After this hike, you’ll head to Maromaniry village, a typical village of the Bara tribe, a people known for their ancestral culture and traditions. You’ll discover the customs and beliefs of the Bara people, including funeral rites and traditional dances. You’ll also witness the villagers’ daily activities, especially the zebu breeding.

• Overnight stay at Jardin du Roy

After enjoying your breakfast, the journey continues along National Route 7. On the way, visit the Zombitse Vohibasia national Park: the eldorado of birdwatchers and ornithologists. Among the many protected areas of the Big Island, this park is home to one of the most famous mammals of Madagascar: lemurs. Eight distinct varieties of lemurs take up residence in the heart of the lush vegetation, so unusual in the savannah including Verreaux’s lemur. On the flora side, the strangler tree and the Tsitake – or Protorhusabrahamia – are the most coveted specimens by researchers. The orchids with their intoxicating scents are also one of the fascinating species of the site. Continue southwards and continue to the national road 9 to Ifaty.  We end the day with a breathtaking sunset over the baobabs and thorny plants of the Fonyala primary reserve. A small afternoon snack is provided to enhance the moment accompanied by a folk show.

• Travel: around 269 km
• Overnight stays at Le Paradisier

Experience the tranquility of the fishing village of Ambolimailake, home to the serene Vezo people. Witness their peaceful way of life as they harness the bounty of the ocean. Then explore the serene Honko mangrove reserve, a tranquil haven for diverse wildlife. As you drift through the tranquil waterways by kayak, immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance and admire the diverse birdlife.

Overnight stays at Le Paradisier

Today, you will be driven to Toliara where you take the flight back to the capital. After landing and installation at the hotel, we’re off to the heart of the city of Antananarivo to meet contemporary artists through their work exhibited in the Fondation H showroom. In fact, this is where you can discover the wealth of contemporary Malagasy art. Works are exhibited according to the periods devoted to them, in order to encourage exchanges, strengthen the skills of exhibitors and launch creative projects that represent and support the local art scene. This short excursion continues with a visit to the famous Queen’s Palace. Also known as Rovan’i Manjakamiadana, the royal palace crowns the highest hill in the city. Recently restored, it is now open for visitors. The remains of royal family artefacts will take you on a journey through the history of Madagascar, especially that of the Imerina.

• Travel: around 30 km
• Overnight stay at San Cristobal

Akanin’ny Nofy, meaning “The Nest of Dreams” in Malagasy, is an increasingly popular destination for travelers in pursuit of authenticity and nature. Located on Madagascar’s east coast, this region offers varied landscapes, rich wildlife and an authentic culture. Arrival in Manambato, an impressive boat ride on the Pangalanes Canal awaits you. Aboard a motorboat, you will go to Akanin’ny Nofy, which translates as the “Nest of dreams”. Installation at your hotel for a pleasant stay.

• Travel: around 275 km
• Overnight stay at the Hotel Palmarium

The Palmarium reserve is a true paradise for nature lovers. Nestling in the heart of a lush tropical forest, it is home to exceptional flora and fauna, and the stars of the reserve are without doubt the lemurs. You can observe several species of these primates endemic to Madagascar, including the Indri Indri, the largest lemur in the world. After lunch, set off to discover a typical Betsimisaraka village. Located near the Palmarium reserve, Andranokoditra is a small fishing village. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the traditional Malagasy way of life and share a special moment with the locals. A nocturnal excursion to observe the Aye-aye is an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your stay at Akanin’ny nofy. This nocturnal lemur, with its singular appearance and mysterious habits, is an endemic species of the island and one of Madagascar’s natural treasures.

• Overnight stay at the Hotel Palmarium

Akanin’ny Nofy is the right place to break away from the stresses of everyday life and recharge your batteries in the heart of nature. The whole day is at your disposal, you are free to spend the day as you wish on this relaxing site. You can take another tour of the park or enjoy a quiet moment by the lake for a day of relaxation.

• Overnight stay at the Hotel Palmarium

After breakfast, embark on a boat for a crossing of the Canal des Pangalanes to Manambato. This crossing offers magnificent scenery and the chance to observe local life. Continuation to Andasibe. Once there, we will first visit Vakona reserve which is a private reserve of the Vakona Forest Lodge hotel. The reserve’s main attraction is, of course, the opportunity to get up close to several species of lemur such as: Madagascar’s dancing lemurs also called Sifaka, the small bamboo lemurs and the black and white ruffed lemur. In addition to lemurs, the reserve also boasts a crocodile farm where you can observe these fascinating reptiles. We end the day with a nocturnal visit. Many animal species are particularly active at night. You’ll have the opportunity to observe nocturnal lemurs such as microcebes, chameleons and frogs with their beautiful sounds.

• Travel: around 130 km
• Overnight stay at Relais de Mantadia

Early in the morning, you will set off to visit the impressive forest of Andasibe National Park. A hike in Analamazaotra National Park will immerse you in this natural environment. Here, you will meet two families of Indri-Indri: the largest living lemurs. Enjoy an exceptional show as they swing from the canopy of one tree to another. Your guide will show you the best place to admire this magical and unique spectacle of the East. As well as the Indris, you will be amazed by the park’s biodiversity. Endemic plants and other animal species such as geckos and other lemurs are also worth seeing. Afterwards, you head back to Antananarivo. Once again, you’ll be able to enjoy the magnificent green landscape of the east throughout the journey. Stopover at Peyrieras private farm “Madagascar Exotique” for one-hour tour. Indeed, you will discover some endemic species of Madagascar including reptiles, Geckos, butterfly included the largest butterfly on earth called comet … Here’s the best place to see these incredible creatures up close. Resume the road to Tana.

• Travel: around 145 km
• Overnight stay at San Cristobal

Your adventure in Madagascar ends here for once. You will be transferred to the international airport for your return flight. We hope you enjoyed your stay in Madagascar and look forward to seeing you soon!