Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Madagascar's vibrant capital city and acclimate to the
island's unique atmosphere with a gentle introduction to local culture and cuisine.
Morning
Airport arrival and hotel check-in
Arrive at Ivato International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in
Antananarivo. Take time to rest and adjust to the time zone. If you arrive early, take a gentle walk around your neighborhood to get oriented and observe daily life in the capital's bustling streets.
2-3 hours
$15-25 for airport transfer
Arrange airport pickup through your accommodation in advance for safety and convenience
Lunch
A local restaurant serving traditional Malagasy cuisine near your hotel
Malagasy (try romazava or ravitoto)
Budget
Afternoon
Explore Upper Town (Haute-Ville)
Visit the historic upper town area with its colonial architecture and the Rova (Queen's Palace) complex offering panoramic views of the city. Wander through local craft markets where artisans sell woodcarvings, embroidered linens, and semi-precious stones. This gentle introduction helps you understand Madagascar's complex history and contemporary culture.
3-4 hours
$10-15 including entrance fees
Evening
Dinner and early rest
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Isoraka or Analakely district featuring zebu steak and local vegetables, then rest early to prepare for tomorrow's early departure
Where to Stay Tonight
Antananarivo city center (Mid-range hotel or guesthouse)
Central location makes it easy to explore the city and convenient for tomorrow's early departure to Andasibe
Exchange some money for Ariary at the airport or official exchange bureaus - many places outside major cities don't accept cards
Day 1 Budget: $60-90
Travel east through scenic highlands to the rainforest region of Andasibe, home to Madagascar's most famous lemurs, with a stop at an exotic reptile reserve.
Morning
Drive to Andasibe with stop at Réserve Peyrieras Madagascar Exotic
Depart early for the 3-4 hour drive east through terraced rice paddies and eucalyptus forests. Stop at Réserve Peyrieras Madagascar Exotic, a private reserve showcasing Madagascar's incredible reptiles and amphibians including chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos, and colorful frogs. Knowledgeable guides help you spot camouflaged creatures you'd never see on your own.
4-5 hours including reserve visit
$40-60 for private transfer, $15 reserve entrance
Book private transfer through your Andasibe accommodation or join a shared shuttle to reduce costs
Lunch
A roadside restaurant in Moramanga serving simple Malagasy dishes
Local Malagasy
Budget
Afternoon
Arrive and explore Lemuria Land
Check into your lodge near Andasibe and visit Lemuria Land, a community-run reserve where you can observe lemurs in a semi-wild environment. This is an excellent introduction to Madagascar's most iconic animals, with several species visible at close range. The guides share fascinating information about lemur behavior and conservation efforts.
2-3 hours
$10-15
Evening
Night walk in the rainforest
Join a guided night walk near your lodge to spot nocturnal species like mouse lemurs, chameleons, and the bizarre aye-aye if you're lucky. Bring warm layers as rainforest nights are cool.
Where to Stay Tonight
Andasibe village area (Eco-lodge or forest bungalow)
Close proximity to Réserve spéciale d'Analamazaotra for tomorrow's early morning lemur tracking
Pack a headlamp with red light option for night walks - it's less disturbing to wildlife than white light
Day 2 Budget: $85-120
Experience the haunting song of the indri lemur in the pristine rainforest of Analamazaotra Reserve, Madagascar's most accessible primary rainforest.
Morning
Early morning trek in Réserve spéciale d'Analamazaotra
Wake before dawn for the highlight of Andasibe: tracking the indri, Madagascar's largest lemur. Their eerie, whale-like calls echo through the forest at sunrise. Your guide will locate family groups and you'll observe them feeding in the canopy. The reserve also hosts diademed sifakas, brown lemurs, and numerous bird species. The well-maintained trails wind through pristine rainforest with giant tree ferns.
3-4 hours
$25-35 including guide
Start by 7am for best lemur activity and book your guide the evening before
Lunch
Return to your lodge for a hearty meal
International and Malagasy fusion
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Mantadia National Park
Take a more challenging trek into the wilder Mantadia section of the national park. The trails are steeper and more remote, offering chances to see black-and-white ruffed lemurs and the elusive diademed sifaka. The pristine forest here feels truly untouched, with spectacular waterfalls and endemic plants. This is for more adventurous hikers.
4-5 hours
$30-40 including guide and transport
This requires a separate permit and guide - arrange through your accommodation
Evening
Relaxation and dinner
Enjoy a quiet evening at your lodge, sharing the day's wildlife sightings with fellow travelers over dinner featuring local river fish
Where to Stay Tonight
Andasibe village area (Same eco-lodge as previous night)
Convenient for tomorrow's return journey to Antananarivo
The indri cannot survive in captivity, so this reserve is your only chance to see them - take your time and savor the experience
Day 3 Budget: $75-110
Return to the capital and continue south to the charming highland town of Antsirabe, known for its thermal springs and pousse-pousse culture.
Morning
Drive back to
Antananarivo through the scenic highland landscape. The route passes through numerous villages where you'll see traditional highland architecture and terraced rice fields. Stop at roadside fruit stands to try local tropical fruits like lychees or mangoes depending on season.
3-4 hours
$40-60 for private transfer
Lunch
Malagasy or French-influenced
Mid-range
Afternoon
Drive to Antsirabe
Continue the journey south to Antsirabe, a pleasant highland town at 1,500 meters elevation. The 3-hour drive offers spectacular views of Madagascar's central highlands with their distinctive red soil and granite outcrops. Arrive in late afternoon and take a gentle pousse-pousse (rickshaw) tour of this relaxed town with its wide boulevards and colonial-era buildings.
3-4 hours drive plus town exploration
$50-70 for transfer, $10 for pousse-pousse tour
Book a private driver for the full
Antananarivo-Antsirabe route or arrange through your Antsirabe hotel
Evening
Dinner and stroll
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant near the thermal station, then take an evening walk around the town's peaceful streets
Where to Stay Tonight
Antsirabe town center (Historic hotel or colonial-style guesthouse)
Convenient stopover point between Antananarivo and the southern parks
Antsirabe is famous for its miniature crafts - visit workshops where artisans create intricate models from recycled materials
Day 4 Budget: $70-100
Embark on a spectacular drive through Madagascar's diverse landscapes, from highland plateaus to the dramatic gateway of Isalo.
Morning
Early departure for Ranohira
Begin the long but spectacular drive south toward Isalo National Park. The landscape transforms dramatically as you descend from the highlands. Pass through Ambositra, known for wood carving, where you can stop briefly to visit artisan workshops. The route continues through increasingly dry terrain as you approach the south.
4-5 hours to midpoint
$80-120 for private transfer (full day)
This is a long drive - hire a reliable driver with a good vehicle and start early
Lunch
A roadside restaurant in Fianarantsoa or Ambalavao
Simple Malagasy fare
Budget
Afternoon
Continue to Ranohira with stop at Anja Community Reserve
Visit Anja Community Reserve, an inspiring community-run conservation project protecting ring-tailed lemurs. Walk through the rocky landscape where habituated lemur troops pose photogenically on boulders. The reserve also offers short hikes with spectacular views. Continue driving through increasingly dramatic scenery, passing the Horombe Plateau before arriving at Ranohira, gateway to Isalo.
4-5 hours including reserve visit
$15 for Anja entrance
Evening
Sunset at Isalo Window
Drive to Isalo Window to watch the sunset illuminate the sandstone formations in brilliant oranges and reds - one of Madagascar's most iconic views
Where to Stay Tonight
Ranohira village (Hotel or lodge near Isalo National Park)
Perfect base for exploring Isalo National Park over the next two days
Buy snacks and water in Fianarantsoa or Ambalavao - options are limited in Ranohira
Day 5 Budget: $90-130
Trek through Isalo's otherworldly sandstone formations, swimming in natural pools hidden within dramatic canyons.
Morning
Canyon des Makis and Piscine Naturelle trek
Start early to beat the heat and trek into Isalo's stunning canyon system. The trail winds through eroded sandstone formations resembling a Martian landscape, with endemic Pachypodium plants clinging to rocks. Spot ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux's sifakas in the scattered forest patches. The highlight is the Piscine Naturelle, a crystal-clear natural pool fed by waterfalls where you can swim in the shade of canyon walls.
4-5 hours
$35-45 including mandatory guide
Book through your hotel the night before and bring plenty of water and sun protection
Lunch
Packed lunch from your hotel enjoyed at the natural pool
Picnic lunch
Budget
Afternoon
Rest and shorter hike or pool time
Return to your hotel during the hottest part of the day to rest and cool off in the pool. In late afternoon, take a shorter walk to explore the area near Isalo Window, photographing the unique rock formations in softer light. The sandstone creates endless fascinating shapes and textures.
2-3 hours
$10-15
Evening
Dinner and stargazing
Enjoy dinner at your lodge, then step outside for incredible stargazing - the dry southern skies are remarkably clear
Where to Stay Tonight
Ranohira village (Same hotel as previous night)
Second night allows thorough exploration of Isalo's different circuits
Start hikes very early in Isalo - temperatures can exceed 35°C by midday and there's little shade
Day 6 Budget: $75-110
Travel through the unique spiny forest ecosystem toward the coast, witnessing Madagascar's most unusual flora.
Morning
Sunrise trek to Isalo Window
Wake early for a final Isalo experience, hiking to Isalo Window for sunrise. The natural rock window frames the vast landscape beyond, and morning light creates magical colors. This shorter hike is less strenuous and perfect for capturing photos. Return to your hotel for breakfast before checking out.
2-3 hours
$15-20 for guide
Lunch
A restaurant in Tuléar upon arrival
Seafood and Malagasy
Mid-range
Afternoon
Drive to Tuléar via Arboretum d'Antsokay
Drive west toward the coast, watching the landscape transform into the surreal spiny forest with its bizarre drought-adapted plants. Stop at Arboretum d'Antsokay, a botanical garden preserving the unique flora of the southwest including the iconic octopus trees and various Didieraceae species found nowhere else on Earth. The passionate guides explain the ecology of this threatened ecosystem.
4-5 hours including arboretum visit
$60-80 for transfer, $10 arboretum entrance
Arrange transfer to Tuléar in advance through your accommodation
Evening
Coastal dinner and rest
Arrive in Tuléar and enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant, celebrating your arrival at the coast
Where to Stay Tonight
Tuléar (Toliara) (Beach hotel or guesthouse)
Overnight before flying north to Nosy Be tomorrow
Tuléar can be hot and dusty - it's primarily a transit point, but the seafood is excellent
Day 7 Budget: $80-115
Fly from the arid south to the lush tropical
island of Nosy Be, Madagascar's premier beach destination.
Morning
Flight to Nosy Be
Take a domestic flight from Tuléar to Nosy Be, Madagascar's largest
island off the northwest coast. The flight offers spectacular aerial views of Madagascar's diverse landscapes. Upon arrival at Fascene Airport, transfer to your beach accommodation. The contrast between the dry south and tropical Nosy Be is striking - lush vegetation, humid air, and turquoise waters.
2-3 hours including airport time
$150-250 for flight, $15-25 for transfer
Book flights well in advance as domestic routes have limited capacity
Lunch
A beachfront restaurant near your accommodation
Fresh seafood and tropical fruits
Mid-range
Afternoon
Beach relaxation and orientation
Settle into your beach accommodation and spend the afternoon relaxing after your travels. Take a swim in the warm
Mozambique Channel waters, walk along the beach, and get oriented with the
island. Visit the small local village near your hotel to arrange snorkeling trips and
island excursions for the coming days.
3-4 hours
$0-10
Evening
Sunset and dinner
Watch the spectacular sunset over the ocean while enjoying dinner at a beachside restaurant featuring grilled lobster or octopus curry
Where to Stay Tonight
Ambatoloaka or Ambondrona beaches (Beach bungalow or resort)
Good base for exploring Nosy Be's beaches and nearby islands
Negotiate prices for boat trips and activities directly with local operators at the beach - prices are often flexible
Day 8 Budget: $100-180
Snorkel in the pristine waters of Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve, encountering sea turtles and colorful coral reefs.
Morning
Boat trip to Nosy Tanikely National Park
Depart early by traditional pirogue or speedboat to Nosy Tanikely National Park, a tiny
island with some of Madagascar's best snorkeling. The marine reserve protects vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, and you're almost guaranteed to see green sea turtles grazing on seagrass. The clear waters offer visibility up to 30 meters. Between snorkel sessions, hike to the lighthouse for panoramic views.
5-6 hours
$40-60 including boat, guide, and park fees
Book through your hotel or local operators the day before - trips depart around 8-9am
Lunch
Packed lunch or grilled fish on the beach at Nosy Tanikely
Beach picnic
Budget
Afternoon
Return and beach relaxation
Return to Nosy Be in early afternoon. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach, perhaps trying a traditional Malagasy massage, or exploring the nearby area. Visit a local ylang-ylang distillery if interested in learning about this fragrant flower that's a major
island crop.
3-4 hours
$10-20 for distillery visit
Evening
Dinner in Ambatoloaka
Head to the lively Ambatoloaka beach area for dinner at one of the many restaurants, then enjoy the relaxed nightlife
Where to Stay Tonight
Same beach area as previous night (Beach bungalow or resort)
Convenient for multiple island excursions
Bring reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling - regular sunscreen damages the coral reefs
Day 9 Budget: $85-130
Visit the sacred lemur
island of Nosy Komba and discover Nosy Be's impressive waterfall.
Morning
Visit Tsara Komba Lodge area on Nosy Komba
Take a boat to nearby Nosy Komba, where the village has a special relationship with black lemurs considered sacred by locals. Walk through the village where lemurs approach visitors freely, creating incredible photo opportunities. The
island also offers excellent handicraft shopping - women sell embroidered tablecloths and men carve wooden sculptures. The beaches here are pristine and perfect for swimming.
4-5 hours
$35-50 including boat and village fee
Combine this with snorkeling stops for better value
Lunch
A beachside restaurant on Nosy Komba
Fresh seafood
Budget
Afternoon
Visit Cascade de Nosy Be
Return to Nosy Be and travel inland to Cascade de Nosy Be, a beautiful waterfall hidden in the tropical forest. The walk to the falls passes through vanilla plantations and spice gardens. Take a refreshing swim in the pool beneath the falls, surrounded by lush vegetation. The area is rich in birdlife and sometimes visited by lemurs.
3-4 hours
$20-30 including transport and guide
Evening
Sunset cruise or beach dinner
Either join a sunset sailing cruise around the bay or enjoy dinner at your beach resort
Where to Stay Tonight
Same beach area (Beach bungalow or resort)
Continuing your beach base on Nosy Be
Buy vanilla pods and spices on Nosy Be - they're significantly cheaper than in
Antananarivo or at home
Day 10 Budget: $80-125
Fly to the far north and explore the historic port town of Diego Suarez.
Morning
Flight to Diego Suarez (Antsiranana)
Take a short flight to Diego Suarez in Madagascar's far north. This historic port city sits on one of the world's most beautiful natural harbors. After checking into your hotel, explore the town's colonial architecture and lively market. The French influence is strong here, with wide boulevards and sidewalk cafes giving it a different atmosphere than other Malagasy cities.
2-3 hours including flight and transfer
$120-180 for flight, $10-15 for transfer
Book this domestic flight when you book your Tuléar-Nosy Be flight
Lunch
A restaurant in Diego Suarez town center
French-Malagasy fusion
Mid-range
Afternoon
Visit Tsingy Rouge
Drive out to Tsingy Rouge, a geological wonder of red-orange pinnacles created by erosion. Unlike the famous limestone tsingy, these formations are made of clay and sandstone, creating a surreal landscape of spires and canyons. The colors are particularly vivid in afternoon light. The short walks through the formations offer unique photo opportunities.
3-4 hours including drive
$40-60 including transport and entrance
Arrange through your hotel - it's about 1 hour drive south of Diego
Evening
Waterfront dinner
Dine at a restaurant overlooking Diego Suarez bay, enjoying fresh seafood and watching the sunset over the harbor
Where to Stay Tonight
Diego Suarez town center (Colonial-style hotel or guesthouse)
Central base for exploring northern attractions
Diego Suarez has the best French bread in Madagascar - stock up for park picnics
Day 11 Budget: $95-150
Explore the lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls of Montagne d'Ambre National Park.
Morning
Trek in Montagne d'Ambre National Park
Drive to Montagne d'Ambre National Park, a mountain rainforest that creates a cool, misty microclimate dramatically different from the surrounding dry lowlands. Trek through moss-covered forests to discover spectacular waterfalls including the impressive Cascade Sacrée. The park hosts seven lemur species including crowned lemurs and Sanford's brown lemurs, plus chameleons and endemic birds. The vegetation is lush and prehistoric-feeling.
4-5 hours
$35-45 including transport, guide, and entrance
Arrange transport and guide through your Diego hotel the evening before
Lunch
Packed lunch from your hotel enjoyed in the park
Picnic lunch
Budget
Afternoon
Continue exploring or visit crater lakes
After lunch, either continue on longer trails to reach more remote waterfalls and viewpoints, or visit the sacred crater lakes near the park entrance. These volcanic lakes are considered sacred by locals and surrounded by forest. The afternoon light filtering through the canopy creates magical photo opportunities.
2-3 hours
Included in morning costs
Evening
Return to Diego Suarez
Return to town in late afternoon, freshen up, and enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the town center, perhaps trying Malagasy-Indian fusion cuisine reflecting the diverse population
Where to Stay Tonight
Diego Suarez town center (Same hotel as previous night)
Convenient for tomorrow's Ankarana excursion
Montagne d'Ambre can be cool and misty - bring a light jacket even though you're in tropical Madagascar
Day 12 Budget: $75-115
Discover the spectacular limestone tsingy formations and underground rivers of Ankarana Reserve.
Morning
Explore Réserve spéciale d'Ankarana
Depart early for Réserve spéciale d'Ankarana, home to dramatic limestone tsingy formations - razor-sharp pinnacles creating a stone forest. Trek through this otherworldly landscape, entering caves with underground rivers and colonies of bats. The reserve hosts crowned lemurs that bound across the sharp rocks with ease. Walk through the suspended bridge for aerial views of the tsingy. The geology here is simply extraordinary.
5-6 hours
$45-65 including transport, guide, and entrance
This is a full day trip - bring plenty of water and start early to avoid heat
Lunch
Packed lunch enjoyed at a viewpoint in the reserve
Picnic lunch
Budget
Afternoon
Continue Ankarana exploration
After lunch, explore different circuits of the reserve, perhaps visiting the bat caves or trekking to more remote tsingy viewpoints. The afternoon light creates dramatic shadows among the rock formations. Keep an eye out for the rare crowned sifaka. The contrast between the sharp rock and the life that persists here is remarkable.
3-4 hours
Included in morning costs
Evening
Return and farewell dinner
Return to Diego Suarez in the evening for a final celebratory dinner at a special restaurant, reflecting on your Madagascar adventure
Where to Stay Tonight
Diego Suarez town center (Same hotel as previous nights)
Last night before returning to Antananarivo tomorrow
Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip for Ankarana - the limestone is extremely sharp and can cut through thin soles
Day 13 Budget: $80-120
Return to the capital for last-minute shopping and departure preparations.
Morning
Take a morning flight back to
Antananarivo. Depending on your international flight time, you may have a few hours in the capital. If time allows, visit the Analakely market for last-minute souvenir shopping - look for vanilla, raphia baskets, precious stones, or woodcarvings. The market is chaotic but fascinating.
2-3 hours including flight
$130-200 for flight, $15-25 for transfer
Book this flight when arranging other domestic flights
Lunch
Malagasy or international
Mid-range
Afternoon
Final shopping and airport transfer
If you have time before your international flight, visit craft markets or shops in
Antananarivo for final souvenirs. La Digue market area has good handicrafts. Otherwise, head to the airport with plenty of time - allow at least 3 hours for international flights as check-in can be slow. Reflect on your incredible journey through one of the world's most unique destinations.
2-4 hours depending on flight time
$20-40 for shopping and transport
Evening
International departure
Depart Madagascar with memories of lemurs, tsingy, beaches, and the warm Malagasy people, already planning your return
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (Departure day)
End of itinerary
Keep some Ariary for airport departure tax if not included in your ticket, and save room in luggage for vanilla and spices
Day 14 Budget: $70-120