Madagascar Adventure

21 days
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4.9/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
A complete exploration of the enigmatic island 'continent' of Madagascar
11%
$5,026
From$4,490
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Hike the colourful sandstone canyons and swim in natural pools in Isalo National Park
    • Traverse the limestone pinnacles of Tsingy de Bemaraha
    • Search for lemurs in Ranomafana Nature Reserve and Kirindy Forest
    • Trek amongst the granite peaks and valleys of Andringitra National Park
    • Enjoy the magnificent sunset colours at the Baobabs Alley
    • Canoe and beach camping along the Manambolo River

What's this trip about?

    A complete exploration of the enigmatic island 'continent' of Madagascar

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAntananarivo
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Safari
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Madagascar

Activities

  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Trekking
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • 20 breakfasts, 18 lunches and 18 dinners
    • airport transfers (day 1 and 21 only)
    • 9 nights in 2 star hotels on a twinshare basis
    • 11 nights fully supported camping on a twinshare tent basis
    • group camping equipment including tent and sleeping mat (sleeping bag and pillow not included)
    • English speaking local guide (or driver-guide only for groups of 2-4 people)
    • porters and cook/camp crew for trek in Bongalava
    • canoe assistants and cook/camp crew on Manambolo River
    • permits and entry fees as listed in itinerary
    • local guide in Isalo, Tsingy, Andringitra, Ranomafana National Parks
    • private vehicle transport throughout
    • tourist taxes

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrival in Antananarivo

On arrival in Antananarivo on Day 1 you will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel for overnight. The rest of the day is at leisure. Please be sure to advise us of your flight details. If you are arriving earlier than Day 1, please make your own way to the hotel. Alternatively, we can assist with private transfers (additional cost applies)

meals : Array

Day 2 Antananarivo to Tsiroanomandidy (approx 220 kms, 4hrs)

We begin our exploration of Madagascar with a drive through typical landscape of mid-west Madagascar, a land of volcanic origin with rich soil and abundant agriculture. We will stop for lunch and explore the area around Ampefy before completing the days journey in Tsiroanomandidy, leaving us well placed for tomorrow's adventure. Overnight hotel. (approx 220 kms by 4WD, 4 hrs)

meals : B,L,D

Day 3 Drive to the Bongolava Massif via Belobaka (approx 120 kms, 6-7 hrs)

As we drive further west, the landscape is dominated by starkly eroded hills that serve as pasture land to the numerous cattle (or 'zebu') in this part of the country. The road to Belobaka is very rough but makes for an interesting journey. We have a short break here ...

Day 4 Trekking to Ankavandra and begin the descent of the Manambolo River (walk approx 3 hrs)

We begin walking through a small rocky trail along the massif. We follow a natural spring where cascades have formed a natural swimming pool. Arrival and lunch in the village of Ankavandra in the region of Menabe (big red). In the afternoon we begin Manambolo river descent. Overnight camping on the river bank. (walk approx 3 hrs)

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 Canoeing Manambolo River

This is a spectacular and isolated part of Madagascar that is only accessible by boat or by foot. We pass through scenic riverscapes of low hills, exposed low cliffs and bamboo thickets. Red, orange and yellow are the dominant colours of the cliffs due to erosion expo...

Day 7 Canoeing Manambolo Gorge, Bekopaka

After breakfast we continue our way through this imposing gorge, between limestone walls, craggy caves and overhangs on which we can see unusual vegetation, much birdlife and many colours. We may also hear the shrill cries of black parrots resounding against the rock ...

Day 8 Tsingy of Bemaraha

After breakfast we visit the “Tsingy of Bemaraha”. The World Heritage listed Tsingy is the largest reserve in Madagascar and is home to diverse wildlife including many species of Lemur. This fascinating raised limestone plateau is a complex of countless chaotic razor ...

Day 9 Bekopaka to Kirindy Forest (approx 120 kms, 6 hrs)

Today is a rugged 4WD journey (a rough and dusty road!) through the remote west of Madagascar. We stop for lunch at Belo Tsiribihina before crossing the Tsiribihina River by local car ferry. The drive beyond passes through Madagascar's endemic western dry deciduous f...

Day 10 Kirindy Forest to Morondava (walk approx 2 hrs; drive 80 kms - approx 2 hrs)

After breakfast we take another guided walk in the forest while the animals are active in the early morning period. Kirindy Forest is the only place in Madagascar where we may see Fosa (the island's largest carnivore). Striped mongoose, the giant jumping rat, the popu...

Day 11 Morondava to Antsirabe (approx 530 kms, 10 hrs)

Today is a long day of driving but we are rewarded by spectacular scenery. From Morondava we drive to Miandrivazo, a small town on the edge of the Tsirbihina River. We have a picnic lunch near here before continuing our drive to Antsirabe, known as the rickshaw (or ...

Day 12 Antsirabe to Ranomafana (approx 250 kms, 6 hrs)

Today we travel to Ranomafana Rainforest National Park located on the eastern mountain slopes of the island and dominated by a humid tropical climate - quite a contrast to the dry western regions. En route we stop for lunch at Ambositra, home of woodcarving (marquetry...

Day 13 Ranomafana National Park, transfer to campsite outside Andringitra National Park

Today we have a whole day exploring this evergreen primary forest. This is one of the most extensive wildlife areas. It‘s the only locality for the recently discovered Golden bamboo lemur as well as the world‘s rarest primate, the giant bamboo lemur. There, we can appreciate the views of the tumbling waters of the Namorona river. Picnic lunch. Diner and overnight in hotel.

meals : B,L,D

Day 14 Ranomafana to Andringitra (approx 200 kms, 6 hrs)

In the morning we will drive to Ambalavao to visit the factory of Antemoro paper and the market. After lunch drive to Andringitra. We arrive to our camp just outside the park in the evening to settle in for dinner and a rest ready for tomorrows adventure. (approx 200 kms, 6 hrs)

meals : B,L,D

Day 15 Andringitra National Park

There are 2 different trekking excursions for this day, however the entire group stays at the same campsite (2050m) tonight - OPTION 1 - We pass through the village of Ambalamanandray before climbing a ridge with panoramic views over the valley. We cross the Zomandao...

Day 17 Andringitra to Isalo National Park (approx 225 kms, 7 hrs)

This morning we farewell our guides, porters and crew, and drive back to Ambalavao (about 3 hrs) for lunch. In the afternoon, we travel on good road via Ihosy (zebu territory) across the Horombe plateau with its grasslands dotted with termite mounds. We reach the dram...

Day 18 Walking in Isalo National Park (walk approx 5 - 6 hrs)

Today we explore the colourful and deeply eroded sandstone plateau of the Isalo National Park. We have a great day excursion, walking in "the Canyon des Makis" where we may discover some lemurs, exploring the rugged canyons with their abstract erosion sculpturing, and...

Day 19 Isalo to Toliara (approx 240 kms, 4 hrs)

As we leave the Isalo region today we drive through a semi-arid landscape known as the "Spiny Desert" and the famous "Mahafaly Tombs". We keep driving southwards, passing through wealthy sapphire mining towns, to reach the coastal town of Toliara. Overnight hotel. (approx 240 kms, 4 hrs driving)

meals : B,L,D

Day 20 Fly from Toliara to Antananarivo

Today we say our final goodbyes to our guide/driver and make our way to the airport for our flight back to Antananarivo. (Please note: flight at own expense - schedule is subject to change and availability, and the flight is unescorted). Upon arrival in the capital ci...

Day 21 In Antananarivo, trip concludes

After breakfast, the trip concludes. You will be transferred to the airport for onward travel if you leave Tana today. For departures on any other day, airport transfers can be arranged for an additional cost.

meals : B

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,490
Price per day$214
Last Updated: 4/17/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
25 May 2024
14 Jun 2024
$4,490
22 Jun 2024
12 Jul 2024
$4,490
20 Jul 2024
09 Aug 2024
$4,490
17 Aug 2024
06 Sep 2024
$4,490
21 Sep 2024
11 Oct 2024
$4,490
13 Oct 2024
02 Nov 2024
$4,490
24 May 2025
13 Jun 2025
$4,290
21 Jun 2025
11 Jul 2025
$4,290
19 Jul 2025
08 Aug 2025
$4,290
16 Aug 2025
05 Sep 2025
$4,290

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with World Expeditions.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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World Expeditions Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,826
Great
249
Average
12
Disappointing
3
Terrible
3
N

N. Riedl

Dec 2019

Written on

I enjoyed the whole experience

My recent trip was really great. I enjoyed the whole experience and was very pleased with the overall composition of the itinerary and the organisation. Our main gui...

Y

Y. Cottam

Dec 2019

Written on

Great experience

What an awesome place and people. 21 days of exploring only part of this country was a great experience. We were looked after extremely well by the many people invol...

J

J. Beaton

Dec 2019

Written on

Absolutely fantastic

Being my first group tour experience I was slightly hesitant at first but the trip was a great experience to see some of the unique flora and fauna of Madagascar.The...

H

H. Behun

Dec 2019

Written on

The most memorable part was rowing along the Manombolo river and camping outdoors.

I would definitely recommend this trip to others. I am a 26 year old female traveling solo. I always felt safe. The guides were fantastic and everyone was friendly. ...

B

B. Harvey

Dec 2019

Written on

This was an excellent trip which fulfilled our expectations

This was an excellent trip which fulfilled our expectations and gave us many “WOW” moments. We were blessed with an excellent guide in Fhurisco and a careful, safe a...

Write a Review

Other World Expeditions Reviews

M

Mary Anderson

Apr 2024

I had to leave the tour early because of illness

My tour guide, Tien, was wonderful. There was a tour participant from Australia who was a physician, and he acted like the tour medical director, demanding I leave...

M

Michael Scholer

Apr 2024

An amazing experience that was made truly possible by booking through World Expeditions

. The team in Nepal went above and beyond to ensure our every requirement was met within their control.. The sherpas, guides, cook, and porters were exemplary, very ...

T

Terence Gibson

Apr 2024

My wife and I had a wonderful trek in the Annapurna region

We are both 80 but fit and the route was designed to be less exacting than on our last visit to the same area. This allowed ample time to look at the flowering Rhodo...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

World Expeditions

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Taking the Paths Less Travelled Since 1975

Since its inception in 1975, World Expeditions has earned an outstanding reputation as an innovator and world leader in quality, small group adventure holidays. Responsible travel at our core, we always believed that it is not only where but also how you travel that truly creates an experience of a lifetime. Over the past decades World Expeditions has been operating authentic and innovative adventure holidays with a genuine focus on the paths less travelled. We are the pioneers in designing groundbreaking itineraries and many say our trips start where others end. As a leader in responsible travel, we offer big adventures with a small environmental footprint. While safety is core to how we operate, we’re also focused on the fun factor and suitably challenging you to reach that great sensation of personal achievement while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded travellers.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Internal flight Toliara/Antananarivo is NOT included
    • International flights and airport taxes
    • Arrival and departure transfers if not arriving/ departing on Days 1 & 21
    • Sleeping bag
    • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks.
    • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
    • Tips
    • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
    • Visa

Accommodation

9 nights hotel 11 nights camping/ permanent safari camp,
Requirements
This trip involves trekking, walking and canoeing for up to 5 - 7 hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean this trip is easy. Some stages will involve uneven and steep terrain. At Tsingy of Bemaraha, whilst no technical climbing experience is necessary, this is not suitable for those with vertigo or claustrophobia. During the river trip, subject to water levels, it may be necessary to drag your canoe across the braided channels of the river, although our staff are always on hand to offer assistance. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. The first half of the trip involves 8 days in a remote region whilst trekking and canoeing. You must be comfortable about travelling in remote wilderness regions and be aware that wilderness camping is often basic and will involve some participation, ie putting up tents. The optional summit ascent of Pic Boby is a strenuous 28 km and 12 hour return undertaking and is usually done over two days due to the steep and challenging terrain. Whilst this is included in our itinerary as an optional one day ascent, it requires full commitment and is only suitable for very fit and experienced trekkers walking at a fast pace with limited rest stops. Specialist gear required include walking boots, day pack and sleeping bag (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking). For the canoeing section, sandals or shoes that can get wet are recommended to protect your feet while getting in and out of the boats. Fingerless or paddling gloves are recommended for the canoeing section to protect from sunburn.,
Travel Insurance
We require that you take out a personal travel insurance policy to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. A suggested policy is enclosed with these notes. If you take out an alternative policy, we need to be advised of the details. It is your responsibility to ensure any and all pre-existing medical conditions are adequately covered by your insurer. Please note: if you choose credit card cover, in our experience, this may not insure against high cost needs. For example; helicopter emergency evacuation. If you do decide to choose credit card coverage, please check all policy details thoroughly. You should always carry your travel insurance policy, emergency card and photocopies of your passport and cash cards with you during your trip.
Visa requirements
Please check visa requirements with your reservations consultant*
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
  • 21 day trip
  • 4 days canoeing
  • 5 days trekking
  • day walks
  • 9 nights hotel
  • 11 nights camping/ permanent safari camp
Internal flight from Toliara to Antananarivo has been removed as an inclusion; and now a separate product item as flights are instant purchase, non-refundable & non-transferable & price can change subject to availability. Useful info: 1. clients can paddle on the canoe trip but if they get tired, the local guides paddle. In each canoe, there will always be 1 local paddler + 1 client. 2. Groups of 2-4 will have an english speaking driver-guide only; for groups of 5-16 an English speaking guide and a driver will accompany group. 3. The same guide (or driver-guide) from Mad Cameleon will go with the group for the whole trip.
Trip ID
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