Madagascar Untamed
An island long isolated, Madagascar is full of unique and spectacular surprises. From lemurs to baobabs, rainforests to thorny forests, deserts to pristine beaches, this is a place unlike anywhere else, rich with wildlife, tribal culture and startlingly beautiful landscapes.
- 09 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026
from $14,980 pp twin share * - 03 May 2027 – 21 May 2027
from $14,980 pp twin share * - 07 Jun 2027 – 25 Jun 2027
from $15,380 pp twin share * - 06 Sep 2027 – 24 Sep 2027
from $15,680 pp twin share * - 04 Oct 2027 – 22 Oct 2027
from $15,380 pp twin share * - 08 Nov 2027 – 26 Nov 2027
from $14,480 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Days 1-2 – Fly to Antananarivo:
Fly to Antananarivo (also called Tana), capital of the incredible island of Madagascar. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. - Day 3 – Tamana Kitchen:
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. - Day 4 – Travel to Antsirabe:
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. - Day 5 – ‘Garden of Madagascar’:
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. - Day 6 – Travel to Ranomafana:
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. - Day 7 – Explore Ranomafana:
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. - Day 8 – Visit Valbio Research Centre:
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. - Day 9 – Discover Fianarantsoa:
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. - Day 10 – Around Ambalavao:
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! - Day 11 – Into the South:
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. - Day 12 – Explore Isalo:
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. - Day 13 – Meva Workshop:
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. - Day 14 – Travel to Ifaty:
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. - Day 15 – Relax in Ifaty:
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. - Day 16 – Return to Tana:
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. - Day 17 – Explore Andasibe:
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. - Day 18 – Lemur Island:
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. - Days 19-21 – Fly Antananarivo to Australia:
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to Australia, returning home two days later. (B)
Highlights
- Immerse in the island’s diverse landscapes, from rainforests to deserts.
- Discover traditional crafts and tribal culture in Ambalavao.
- Walk through the stunning Isalo National Park.
An island long isolated, Madagascar is full of unique and spectacular surprises. From lemurs to baobabs, rainforests to thorny forests, deserts to pristine beaches, this is a place unlike anywhere else, rich with wildlife, tribal culture and startlingly beautiful landscapes.
Inclusions
- Explore the ‘Garden of Madagascar’.
- Spot golden bamboo lemurs.
- Wander the streets of Fianarantsoa.
- Discover traditional crafts in Ambalavao.
- Walk in Isalo National Park.
- Relax in seaside Ifaty.
FAQs
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 21 days and 18 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 09 Nov 2026 and 26 Nov 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
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