Baobabs & Lemurs Safari

This morning, you will depart by air for Morondava in western Madagascar. Upon arrival, the local driver guide waiting at Morondava Airport will drive you directly to the hotel.

► Insider Tips:
From Antananarivo to Morondava, there are five flights per week, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. The schedule may adjust slightly during the low season. While the rainy season can occasionally lead to cancellations, we'll work tirelessly to find the best alternative for your trip in case of any disruptions.

► Recommended Restaurant for Dinner:
Go to the popular restaurant Bleu Soleil, to enjoy an exquisite meal. It’s located within walking distance from your hotel and by the sea - you can soak up sea breeze on its outside terrace overlooking the beach. All seafood is freshly caught and grilled or steamed in the local way and served in big portions. And be surprised by its food prices - a lobster over a kilo or two pounds costs just about USD 14 / MGA 65,000. Please note that you need to book in advance as the restaurant will always be packed at meal time. If you care less about the stunning sea views around the restaurant, perhaps try Le Corail, where you can still enjoy tasty food and live indigenous music with less spending.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Laguna Beach, Morondava (3 stars) or similar

Today, we will drive to Kirindy early in the morning and enjoy an infusive stroll through the Kirindy Forest to witness a vibrant tapestry of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for unique creatures that call this island home with an expert local spot guide. One of the stars here is fossa, the largest but elusive carnivore unique to Madagascar. The ring-tailed lemur, who would capture your attention as well with its large tail with ten to twelve black and white rings. And the tail is of great use - not only is it a signal waved to contact with other lemurs, but it can also be used to rub its scent glands to release odor to mark territory or routes. When fighting with others, it is also wielded to give off the stench to disgust their opponents. In addition, marvel at the majesty of Madagascar’s most famous baobab species, the Grandidier’s baobab, with its iconic silhouette.
 
► Insider Tips:
1. For maximum protection in the forest, long sleeves are a great choice. They shield you from the sun’s rays and help ward off mosquito bites as mosquitoes are prevalent here. Mosquito repellent is also necessary. To avoid any risks of catching malaria, you are suggested be familiar with its symptoms and prepare some medicine with the guidance of a doctor before you go. 
2. Rainforest animals can be easily startled. Observe them quietly and respectfully from a safe distance. To ensure their well-being and your safety, avoid interacting with them unless instructed by your guide.
3. When checking in, please pay attention to the electricity and hot water supply time. In Madagascar, due to the unstable electricity supply in some hotels, especially those outside big cities like the hotel for you today, charging your mobile phones is definitely the NO.1 important thing to do when you check in. If they use their own power generators, you will need to charge at the reception as there may be no electricity plug in room. Preparing power banks and a flashlight is also a wise decision before your departure. Importantly, please inform us in advance if you have to use particular equipment like breathing machine so that we can respond accordingly.

Afterwards, continue drive to a river port and unwind on a scenic boat ride across the Tsiribihina River to arrive at Belo sur Tsiribihina. Then, buckle up for a drive to our next stop, Bekopaka, and check into the hotel.

► Recommended Restaurant for Lunch in Belo sur Tsiribihina:
To boost energy for the long road trip to Bekopaka, it’s better to have a simple meal at Mad Zebu, which receives raving reviews from passing travelers. Here, you can choose to dine either indoors or on the outdoor roofed terrace, but be aware that the terrace faces the road and may be a bit noisy and dusty. Despite its basic surroundings, all of its dishes are made from local fresh ingredients such as meat from zebu (a hump-backed cattle native to Madagascar) into exquisite French cuisine at reasonable prices - a three-course set costing about USD 16 / MGA 73,000. Advance reservation would be essential according to our experience, so if you are interested, let your guide know ahead of time.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Olympe de Bemaraha, Bekopaka (3 stars) - the best local hotel

Let’s begin today’s safari deep into the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site on Madagascar’s west coast boasts an otherworldly landscape unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The park’s crown jewels are the Tsingy (‘where one cannot walk barefoot’ in Malagasy), dramatic landscapes of razor-sharp limestone sculpted by erosion. Follow your local park guide on a hike to explore the Big Tsingy area, where you will be awestruck by the towering peaks and jagged blades of rock. If the regular climbing route with very steep inclines is too adventurous and tiring for you, ask your guide to take you up from the downhill path. Of course your body will be strapped down with a safety rope attached to the rocks throughout the tour; however, please note that don’t unhook the two safety buckles on it at the same time as you move forward. With the guide’s help, you could also spot fascinating wildlife that thrives in the rainforest, including lemurs, birds, and reptiles. At noon, enjoy a self-prepared picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery. As the sun bathes the landscape in a warm glow, our driver guide will escort you back to your hotel.

► Things to Know:
1. The Tsingy tour is only feasible from May to the beginning of November since the park is closed from mid-November to April the next year. Madagascar shines brightest during the dry season (April to October), but don’t be discouraged if rainy season (November to March) fits your schedule! We can arrange the Betania Village of Morondava instead, or craft an alternative itinerary that caters to your preferences. Just feel free to contact us!
2. It’s better to keep your valuables with you while you are out exploring the park, as it is not safe enough to leave them in a hotel near Tsingy, not even in the locked safe in your room.

► Recommended Activity for Your Free Time:
If you are still energetic, ask our guide or hotel staff for advice on some relaxing short-time activities, such as a rafting trip on Manombolo River in a local pirogue. It’s nice to take in the views along the riverbanks and discover the tombs of Vazimba, the original inhabitants of Madagascar.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Olympe de Bemaraha, Bekopaka (3 stars) - the best local hotel

Drive back to Morondava toady. We’ll make a stop in Belo sur Tsiribihina, where we’ll take a short boat ride across the Tsiribihina River again. Before reaching Morondava in the late afternoon, admire a ravishing sunset over the Avenue of the Baobabs. You might’ve learnt about baobabs from classic titles like Little Princess or The Legend of Zelda, but it’s only when you set foot on the avenue yourself, when you are surrounded by hundreds of ancient baobabs, that you can truly feel the surreality oozed from those giants. Once we arrive in Morondava, check into the hotel and unwind after a long road trip.

► Poor Road Conditions in Madagascar!
Please be prepared for a bumpy ride while we drive onto Madagascar’s dirt roads, most of which are potholed, and imagine how muddy and slippery they can be in rainy days. But don’t worry too much, as we will arrange well-equipped 4x4 off-road vehicles to give you a more comfortable experience. Dust masks will also be placed in the vehicles, and you can use them whenever you are plagued by dusts. Chat or sing freely on the way to kill boredom.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Laguna Beach, Morondava (3 stars) or similar

This morning, buckle up for a scenic 10-hour long drive to Antsirabe (532 km) with our driver guide. Along the way, we’ll immerse in local life with a stop in the charming villages in Betafo. Wander through narrow country lanes to view rural scene and you may witness the endemic breed of cattle, Zebu, which differs from others in that it has a lump on its neck. Madagascar is also referred to as “a country on the back of the zebu”, where Zebus are worshipped and respected even more than in India - they are baptized and given one day per week off from work, and vehicles must give way to them if they meet. If there’s a fruit stand ahead, why not come up and find some succulent lychees to quench your thirst for your following road trip? On arrival in Antsirabe, settle into your comfortable hotel.

► Note on Antsirabe’s Cold Winter:
As it may be cold enough to freeze in Antsirabe between June and August, we have to emphasize that you pack some warm clothes like sweaters or jackets before your tour to Madagascar. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Plumeria Hotel, Antsirabe (3 stars) or similar

Today, we will drive along the RN7 national road to Ranomafana. Before getting there, we will stop by the town of Ambositra, to appreciate its UNESCO-honored woodcrafting art. The town is rich in wood craft workshops, and the craftsmen are all Zafimaniry people. A wide variety of exquisite wood carvings can be seen here, including not only Madagascar’s flagships - lemur and baobab-shaped artwares, but also masks and jewelry boxes containing Christian and other cultural elements. You can also handpick one or two pieces as souvenirs if you are interested. While in Ranomafana, check into the hotel and have a good rest.

► Recommended Nighttime Activities:
The night safari offered by the hotel is not recommended due to high price and the difficulty of seeing animals in the dark, but if you want to, you can go for an evening walk on your own around the hotel to try your luck to spot lemurs, frogs and different genera of chameleons that only appear at night. Take a flashlight to inspect tree trunks, where you may see a little creature with fur the same color as bark ready to crawl out of its hole-home to leap and forage - that is the sportive lemur!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Thermal Ranomafana (3 stars) or similar

Today, let’s spend the whole day for exploring the Ranomafana National Park. This magnificent park, established to protect the rediscovered bamboo lemurs, boasts lush rainforests climbing mountain slopes. In the morning, walk along the Varibola Trail, which will be an opportunity for you spot the bamboo lemurs, a creature once thought lost forever. It is one of the few animals in the world that rely on cyanide-contained giant bamboo for food. Surprisingly, it is still alive and kicking after taking in so much of the toxin, for reasons that scientists have not actually been worked out.

In the afternoon, explore the Sahamalaotra Forest to look for the Milne Edward’s sifaka, renowned for its acrobatic leaps, and the red-bellied lemur, easily identifiable by its namesake feature. Ranomafana isn’t just about lemurs. Be sure to watch for a variety of endemic birds, including the ground roller, vanga, tetraka, and asity. 

► Unwind in Natural Hot Spring in Your Hotel
Considering that you will be exhausted after a day of hiking, we have handpicked a hotel where you can enjoy a hot thermal bath to reinvigorate in the hotel’s distinctive private Jacuzzi, which will make you feel like you are soaking amidst in the rainforest. A massage at the spa center is also available. It should be noted that all of these activities are required to be booked in advance.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Thermal Ranomafana (3 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we will hit the road southwest, passing charming towns like Fianarantsoa and Ambalavao, and then pay a visit to the Anja Community Reserve, where more than 400 playful ring-tailed lemurs await - prepare for an unforgettable encounter. You are mostly likely to see them sitting in groups, facing the sun in a meditative position, which is their unique way of keeping warm. As the afternoon unfolds, we'll reach Ranohira, the gateway to the Isalo National Park. Check in at your hotel perched on the park’s edge. Later, your driver guide will whisk you away to a truly spectacular sight: the Isalo Window. Imagine dramatic sandstone cliffs framing a natural opening bathed in golden sunlight - a photographer’s dream! Hike to the window for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and eroded landscapes. Witnessing this wonder at sunset will leave you awestruck. Also meet the famed Isalo Queen nearby, a fascinating boulder looking like a silhouette of a lordly woman wearing a crown, which enjoys the same popularity as Isalo Window.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Le Jardin du Roy, Ranohira (3 stars) or similar

This would be a full day of adventure in the awe-inspiring Isalo National Park. Dramatic eroded sandstone formations paint the landscape with a kaleidoscope of colors, creating a truly unforgettable backdrop for your exploration. Follow a local guide, who will be your key to unlocking the secrets of the park. Together, you’ll marvel at the park’s unique geology and the tenacity of the succulent flora that thrives in this environment. Have the lemurs by your side on the way – mischievous ring-tailed lemurs and acrobatic sifakas are frequent visitors to the park’s trails. Throughout the day, the guide will share fascinating insights into the park’s ecosystem, pointing out hidden wonders and explaining the delicate balance of nature. Finally, our driver guide will escort you back to the hotel.

► Why Do We Opt for Le Jardin du Roy to Stay?
Le Jardin du Roy enjoys a perfect location as it sits on the edge of Isalo National Park. The stone castle style is both traditional and innovative, with walls inlaid with stone bricks. And rooms are all well-arranged, with mosquito nets helping you sleep well. At its restaurant, the ingredients for dishes are fresh and organic as they are all picked from the hotel’s kitchen garden. Perhaps ask the hotel staff to show you around the garden and a winery. For your convenience, remember to check out when the power and hot water are supplied as soon as you check in.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Le Jardin du Roy, Ranohira (3 stars) or similar

Today, our driver guide will escort you on a 5 to 6 hours’ road trip from Ranohira to Toliara on the southwest coast. We will first pass by the town of Ilakaka, known for being one of the biggest sapphire deposits in the world. Ilakaka sapphire is said to have been discovered because of a cassava! The town was once little known and had less than 50 people. One day when a farmer was planting cassava, he accidentally found a piece of sapphire. Word spread quickly, attracting countless treasure hunters from all over the world to tap into sapphire deposits which had amounted to hundreds of thousands, and then the population exploded a thousand times! Next, make a stop at the Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park for a hike. Take a 2-hour visit within the park to enjoy walking through southern dry deciduous forest where lemurs, baobab trees, endemic birds, chameleons, geckoes, and orchids can be seen. This is one of the best places for bird watching and you will probably see the Crested Coua unique to Madagascar. It looks striking, with eyes surrounded by blue-purple “eyeshadow” and a tuft of white hair floating on the crown - just pick up your binoculars and take a closer look! In the afternoon, continue to drive to Toliara, and check into our carefully selected hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Moringa Tulear (3 stars) or similar

Today we will fly back to Antananarivo. Our driver guide will pick you up from your hotel to the airport according to your flight schedule. After a 1.5-hour flight, you’ll arrive at Antananarivo, and our local driver there will transfer you to the hotel.

★ Things to Know:
There is only one domestic airline in Madagascar (Air Madagascar and its subsidiary Tsaradia), so flights are rare, plus unexpected delays and cancellations due to uncontrollable factors. If any of this happens, we may make slight adjustments to the itinerary and would inform you of the changes timely.

► Recommended Activity for Your Free Time:
If the flight leaves late, you’ll have some free time before bidding farewell to Madagascar’s southern gem of Toliara. Just walk 10 minutes south of the hotel to reach the magnificent St. Augustine’s Bay, the pride of Toliara to enjoy a leisurely time. Sink your toes into the soft sand, bask in the warm sun, or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. However, if it arrives early in Tana, continue to get familiar with its vibrant life - take a city walk and find a food stall to try some local snacks, such as Koban-Dravina, a sliced dessert made from a mixture of peanuts, brown sugar and rice paste wrapped in banana leaves, as food is also a way to get to know a country. Please note that, there is a high proportion of diseases caused by water pollution in Madagascar, and since we care about your health, we prefer to recommend you to find a clean restaurant to savor local food.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Serviced Apartments Antananarivo City Centre (4 stars)

This morning, our driver guide will pick you up at the hotel and drive for 4 hours along RN2 national road to Andasibe. On the way, take a short tour at the Reserve Peyrieras Madagascar Exotic, aka “Chameleon Farm”, which shelters more than 20 species of chameleon and other Madagascar’s most treasured animals like sifaka lemurs. Prepare to get a close-up look at Parson’s Chameleon, the world’s largest chameleon. During the mating season (starting from November when the rainy season begins), you might come across an interesting scene - a male shakes his head or nods at a female for wooing, and if she gives a hiss, it means the “boy” has been rejected. On arrival in Andasibe, check into a charming forest lodge.

► Idle Away Your Evening Time at a Lodge amid Nature:
The most brilliant part of Vakona Forest Lodge we selected for you is its octagonal dining room with picture windows built on a huge lake. Perhaps enjoy a meal - the restaurant offers various vegetarian and French/Malagasy/Chinese dishes - in it or sip some whisky on the large lounge terrace outside, while taking in the glam forest scenery or watching local birds. By the way, tonight you might have to pack your bags due to your tomorrow’s agenda. Be sure to place wooden souvenirs (if you have picked some during your tour) in your luggage to be checked in in accordance with the rules of airlines.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge, Andasibe (3 stars) or similar

After breakfast, experience an exciting walk in Analamazaotra National Park with your local park guide. The Indri Indri lemurs, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, diademed sifaka lemurs, common brown lemurs, and the grey bamboo lemurs all reside here. You will encounter them unexpectedly. Hearken to the loud singing of the Indris! Their haunting calls would definitely impress you. It’s also interesting to learn that the number of white patches on Indri Indri’s black fur varies from region to region! Of course the park offers more than lemurs. Between September and November, birdwatchers will be in paradise with the opportunity to spot a dazzling array of avian wonders. Then, transfer to another lemurs’ sanctuary - Vakona Reserve (Lemurs Island). As soon as you step into the reserve, there will be lemurs you have seen before running around you constantly. They might jump on your shoulder to play with you or beg for some food. Don’t panic! Feed them bananas or water if you have any, and just take the chance to pet them or press the shutter to record their cute moments. The following activity is to delve into Malagasy everyday life in Andasibe Village and Andasibe Marketplace. Observe how local farmers work in green rice paddies discover what delicious Mada-only fruits there are on stalls. At last, with cherished memories of endemic animals and rural landscapes etched in your mind, our driver guide will escort you back to the hotel.

► Recommended Restaurant in Andasibe:
According to our research, you will find culinary delights at Feon’ny Ala Hotel Restaurant in the park, which offers Malagasy as well as other international dishes like Chinese and Italian delicacies. Various kinds of meat, vegan or beverage options such as zebu stew and hot chocolate can be found on the menu at affordable prices - USD 4 to 6 / MGA 18,000 to 28,000 of a main dish on average. Attentive waiters who speak English or French are always ready to help. Besides, the restaurant’s outdoor dining area is decorated in a pristine wooden style and offers fascinating views of rainforests, making it a nice place to dine and take instgrammable photos, with lemurs scampering across a stream flowing by in the background.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge, Andasibe (3 stars) or similar

In the morning, we’ll stroll in the Voimma Forest, a locally governed area, also filled with Madagascar’s unique flora and fauna. There is your last chance to find species of lemurs that you may have not encountered before. Particularly the Indri lemurs, seize the last chance to say hello to them! Accompanied by your local guide, expect to spot some bizarre reptiles and amphibians, such as tree frogs and leaf-tailed geckos as well. After the visit, we will start our 4-hour road trip back to the capital city Antananarivo, where you’ll catch your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

► Departure Note:
We advise you to arrive at the airport three hours ahead of your departure time. If your schedule is too tight, you might book a ticket leaving tomorrow and visit the Queen’s Palace (Rova - Le Palais de la Reine) or the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga this afternoon. Welcome to contact us if you need to add a hotel reservation for tonight, or need a guided tour for tomorrow, or any other request for a customized itinerary.