Madagascar Classic 5 days

Day 1

Arrival in Antananarivo

Welcome to the enchanting city of Antananarivo, or ‘Tana’, as it’s affectionately known by the locals. As you step off the plane at Ivato Airport, a friendly English-speaking guide will be there to greet you. They will accompany you on a scenic journey to your hotel, nestled in the upper town of Tana.

Tana is a city that beautifully blends tradition and modernity. Its architecture is a fascinating mix of local styles and Indonesian influences, making it unique in Madagascar. Your home for the night, Maison Gallieni, is a testament to this blend. This restored colonial mansion boasts an elegant fusion of modern and traditional décor.

After settling in, why not take a refreshing dip in the pool? As you swim, you can soak up the stunning city views. Then, as evening falls, savor a delicious dinner.

Your stay at Maison Gallieni includes a comfortable standard room and is on a half-board basis. Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay and wake up refreshed for your next adventure.

Day 2

Antananarivo – Andasibe (by road)

Start your day with an early breakfast before embarking on a journey to the east, to the breathtaking Andasibe rainforest park. This scenic drive from the city takes approximately 4 hours, leading you to a world of natural wonders.

Andasibe is a sanctuary, comprising two protected areas: the Perinet Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park. It’s globally renowned for its population of Indri lemurs, the largest living species of lemurs.

As you travel to Andasibe, you’ll get a glimpse of Madagascar’s rural life. The route is adorned with lush rice fields, charming redbrick houses, and roadside stalls offering a bounty of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, prepare for an exciting visit to a private reserve managed by the local NGO, Mitsinjo. This organization is dedicated to reforestation, community education, and raising awareness about conservation issues. They also operate Madagascar’s first amphibian captive-breeding facility.

Here, you’ll encounter a stunning variety of wildlife and have the unique opportunity to plant an indigenous species along the reforestation trail.

Your day ends with an overnight stay at the Mantadia Lodge. You’ll rest in a comfortable standard room, with all meals included. Wake up refreshed and ready for your next day of adventure.

Day 3

Andasibe (Mantadia National Park)

After a hearty breakfast, prepare for an exciting journey to Mantadia National Park, which is just a 1.5-hour drive away. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the stunning natural beauty of the park.

Mantadia National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Here, you can spot a variety of lemur species, including the Indri indri, diademed sifaka, grey bamboo lemur, red-bellied lemur, and white ruffed lemur. The trails might be a bit challenging, but the rewards are immense. The forest is taller, wilder, and less crowded than Perinet, offering a truly immersive nature experience.

Birdwatchers will be delighted by the abundance of avian species, such as the scaly ground roller, the pitta-like ground roller, and the red-breasted coua. The park is a treasure trove for naturalists, with many rarely seen species of mammals, reptiles, and birds.

Enjoy your picnic lunch by the serene Rianasoa Waterfall before hiking back to your vehicle. As the day winds down, return to the lodge to rest and rejuvenate.

In the late evening, a night walk will be organized in the forest surrounding the reserve. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of nocturnal lemurs, including mouse lemurs, white-footed sportive lemur, fat-tailed dwarf lemur, and the woolly lemur.

Your day concludes with an overnight stay at the Mantadia Lodge in a standard room, with all meals included. Rest well and wake up refreshed for another day of adventure.

Day 4

Andasibe (Perinet Reserve ) – Tana (By road)

Start your day with a delightful breakfast before setting off on a guided tour of the expansive 810-hectare Perinet Reserve. This reserve is a sanctuary for the Indri indri, a lemur species known for its distinctive black and white markings and a barely visible tail. Its unique features, resembling a surprised teddy bear, make it one of the few animals that cannot survive in captivity.

As you wander through the lush rainforest, keep an eye out for the other 11 species of lemurs that call this place home. You might encounter troops of grey bamboo lemurs, common brown lemurs, diademed sifakas, and black and white ruffed lemurs.

For birdwatchers, the reserve is a paradise. Look out for the velvet asity, the blue coua, the Nuthatch vanga, and many more endemic species. The reserve is also home to a diverse range of reptiles, invertebrates, and over a thousand species of Madagascar’s orchids.

After your morning exploration, return to the lodge for a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a 5-hour road journey back to Tana. Once there, indulge in the amenities offered by your hotel. Enjoy a meal at one of the two restaurants, unwind at the spa, take a dip in the swimming pool, or simply enjoy the view from the rooftop bar.

Your day concludes with an overnight stay at the Mantadia Lodge in a standard room, with all meals included. Rest well and prepare for another day of adventure.

Day 5

Andasibe – Antananarivo (by road)

After breakfast, transfer to Ivato Airport (5 hrs) in time for your international flight.