Accommodation: Palissandre hotel & spa
Meals: Dinner
Included activities: Pre-tour briefing

Unlike most capital cities in southern Africa Antananarivo was already a major city before the colonial era. The city was founded circa 1625 by King Andrianjaka and takes its name (the City of the Thousand) from the number of soldiers assigned to guard it. For many years it was the principal village of the Hova chiefs and gained importance as those chiefs made themselves sovereigns of the greater part of Madagascar, eventually becoming a town of some 80,000 inhabitants. In 1793 Antananarivo was made the capital of the Merina kings. The conquests of King Radama I made it the capital of almost all of Madagascar. The royal residence of the monarchs was set up at the Rova of Antananarivo.

Until 1869 all buildings within the city proper were of wood or rushes and followed traditional Malagasy architectural norms, but even then it possessed several timber palaces of considerable size, the largest being 120 ft (37 m) high. These crown the summit of the central portion of the ridge; and the largest palace, with its lofty roof and towers, is the most conspicuous object from every point of view. Since the introduction of stone and brick, the entire city has been rebuilt and now contains numerous European-style structures, including the royal palaces, the houses formerly belonging to the prime minister and nobles. The Palissandre Hôtel & SPA is full of elegance, tenderness and warmth and is situated on a hillside in the heart of the city of thousands. It opens the doors to conviviality and Malagasy hospitality.

Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge
Meals: All meals
Included activities: Visit Vakona Lemur Island; Night walk

After breakfast, we drive eastward, crossing the eastern landscape rainforest to join Andasibe for our two nights stay at Vakona Forest Lodge. In the afternoon, we visit Vakona lemur island where we may see some lemur species living in this small island. Vakona Forest Lodge is designed in line with local Malagasy architecture. Warmed by the central fireplace the dining room offers views outside whilst keeping warm or alternatively one can relax on the veranda that overlooks the lake. Vakona Forest Lodge is a comfortable eco-lodge comprising 28 Malagasy style bungalows scattered in a planted garden of palm trees and bougainvilleas. We go on a night walk to explore the crepuscular and nocturnal inhabitants of the reserve: Greater Dwarf Lemurs, Brown Mouse Lemurs.

Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge
Meals: All meals
Included activities: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park excursion

Today we visit the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. The primary forests of Andasibe Mantadia contains a dense humid forest covered with lians, moss, fern tress and more than hundred orchids species blooming between September and January. Common plants growing here are pandanus, ravinala palm-tree, tambourissa, bamboos and some precious wood, like palisander and ebano. The illegal tree falling together with the graphite mines inside the park are the main threats to the conservation of this area.

Accommodation: Le Palmarium
Meals: All meals
Included activities: Nocturnal boat excursion for a chance to see the Aye-Aye

After breakfast we depart to Manambato where we board a motorized canoe to get to Akanin’ny Nofy. The lodge is set on a small private reserve set up to preserve some of the area’s unique flora and fauna. Palm trees, orchids and even carnivorous plants can be found growing in the gardens and lemurs are easily spotted all year round. The lodge has eleven bungalows with shared or private verandas and en suite bathrooms. The bungalows are simple inside, but with all of the essentials. They have a very natural feel, with thatched roofs, polished stone floors and whitewashed walls. The main lodge area has a bar and sitting room with a few board games and comfortable chairs. Next door, the restaurant serves good food in very generous portions and the menu changes from day to day depending on what is fresh in the market. Discover the area with your guide. Early evening, we board canoes to a special reserve where we could possibly see among others, the famous nocturnal lemur, the Aye-Aye.

Accommodation: Le Palmarium
Meals: All meals
Included activities: Palmarium Reserve, Nocturnal boat excursion to see the Aye Aye

Today we visit the Palmarium Reserve. Palmarium reserve or Akanin’ny nofy (which means “nest of dreams”) is located on a peninsula in Eastern Madagascar. It covers an area of 0, 5 km² and is privately owned. Akanin’ny nofy is mostly known for its many, partly very tame lemurs. Indris, Coquerell Sifakas, Black and white ruffed lemurs, Crowned lemurs, Mouse lemurs and Black lemurs count among the curious inhabitants of the reserve. Plant lovers will find big amounts of carnivorous pitcher plants nearby the bungalows. We go on another evening boat excursion for a chance to see Aye-Aye

Accommodation: Palissandre hotel & spa
Meals: All meals
Included activities: Scenic boat transfer; fly back to Antananarivo

After breakfast at the Le Palmarium we transfer by boat to Tamatave. We fly back to Antananarivo.

Accommodation: Arotel
Meals: All meals
Included activities: Scenic drive to Antsirabe

Today we drive to Antsirabe for our stay at Arotel. Take the time to escape to a luxurious and peaceful corner in the heart of the city. The comfortable Arotel rooms welcome you for an unforgettable stay.

Accommodation: Hotel Thermal
Meals: All meals
Included activities: Scenic drive to Ranomafana

We enjoy breakfast and then drive to Ranomafana for our two nights stay at Hotel Thermal. At the very edge of Ranomafana National Park and in the heart of its colourful village, the hotel is slightly overhanging, surrounded by a landscaped garden where green nature is queen and meant to brighten you up! The chef concocts a daily gourmet menu based on regional and seasonal products from the market and/or directly from the vegetable garden where they pamper aromatic herbs, fruits and vegetables to be tasted “as at home”! Enjoy the well-being village: slip quietly into one of the 2 private pools to experience the relaxing effects of the spring water (the well named “rano mafana”) and privileged moments with birds, nature and life itself! Balancing this warm bath with a gentle massage parenthesis or a short muscular break in the gym will promote a peaceful sleep which is a precious asset to recharge and get back on the road!

Accommodation: Hotel Thermal
Meals: All meals
Included activities: Ranomafana National Park excursions; Night walk

We visit Ranomafana National Park. Ranomafana means ‘hot water’ in Malagasy. Ranomafana National Park was originally set up to preserve two of Madagascar’s endangered lemur species, the Golden bamboo lemur and the Greater bamboo lemur. So, this 40,000-hectare area is great for spotting the majestic creatures, as well as being great for birding! It was classified a World Natural Heritage site in 2007. It shelters a big wealth in endemic biodiversity. The park is also the genetic reservoir of some rare and endemic plant species. Several animal species have been recorded as well as 115 species of birds, 90 species of butterflies, 98 amphibian species and 62 reptile species. Special birds in the area include Henst’s goshawk, Rufous-headed Ground roller, Velvet asity and the threatened Crested ibis. The park contains twelve Lemur species. Aside from the Golden bamboo lemur, visitors can spot Eastern woolly lemur, Red-bellied lemur, Eastern grey bamboo lemur and Greater bamboo lemur. We take part in a night walk for a chance to see the Mouse lemurs.

Accommodation: Le Jardin du Roy
Meals: All meals
Included activities: Isalo National Park excursion

Today we enjoy a full day excursion to the Isalo National Park. The Isalo Terrestrial National Park is a unique ecological representation within the Madagascar National Parks network: a uniform massif of continental sandstone dating from the Jurassic with its typical geomorphology and endemic rupicolous vegetation (Aloes, Euphorbias, Pachypodes, Kalanchoe, etc.) and specific fauna of this exceptional habitat (rock reptiles, the vast majority of which are endemic).

Accommodation: Hotel Nautilus
Meals: All meals
Included activities: Scenic drive to Ifaty; Zombitse National Park excursion

After an early breakfast, we drive to Tulear and take part in a Zombitse Vohibiasa National Park excursion. En route we may see some species of birds such as Madagascar buzzard, Namaqua dove, Madagascar coucal, Pied crow and Madagascar red fody; then drive to Ifaty for our two-night stay at Hotel Nautilus.

Accommodation: Hotel Nautilus
Meals: All meals
Included activities: Renala Spiny Forest & Mosa Park excursions

Today we explore the Renala Spiny Forest and Mosa Park in Ifaty.

Accommodation: Palissandre hotel & spa
Meals: Dinner
Included activities: Half day visit of a dry forest in Ifaty

This morning we have a half day to explore again the Renala Spiny Forest OR Mosa Park in Ifaty. Then we will be transferred to the airport of Tulear for the flight to Antananarivo. Transfer to the city.

Accommodation: Palissandre Cote Ouest
Meals: All meals
Included activities: Dug-out canoe excursion

Today we have an air transfer to Morondava. Situated on the delta of the river of the same name, Morondava is the economic and administrative capital of the Menabe region, located on the west coast of Madagascar. It has large stretches of white sand beaches. In the afternoon, we do a dug-out canoe excursion through mangroves, ending up at Betania fishermen village.

Accommodation: Relais du Kirindy
Meals: All meals
Included activities: Scenic drive to Kirindy

After breakfast, we are collected by a 4WD vehicle for a road transfer to Kirindy for our two-night stay at Relais du Kirindy. The Relais du Kirindy is a luxury hotel infrastructure, with authentic charm, located in the heart of nature, near the Kirindy natural resources, located between Morondava and Belo-Sur-Tsiribihina, on the way to Bekopaka. It is located just two hours from Morondava airport. Charm, design and comfort in a bewitching setting with a breathtaking view of the sacred Baobab of Kirindy. The Relais du Kirindy is a recent concept near the Kirindy reserve with overwater bungalows with large terrace. The energy needs are provided by the solar and a generator. The Relais de Kirindy offers a restaurant-bar by the pool with wifi, already renowned for its national and international cuisine. A selection of the best dishes composed of local and fresh products, a simple and refined decoration in a relaxed atmosphere, a sense of hospitality and a neat service await you.

Accommodation: Relais du Kirindy
Meals: All meals
Included activities: Visit to Kirindy Forest

Today after breakfast we visit the Kirindy forest. Kirindy is a privately managed forest in one of Madagascar’s most threatened ecosystems: its dry deciduous forests. It is famous for the giant jumping rat but is also home to seven species of lemur and a number of endemic reptiles. The flora is equally unusual — a number of unique species are found at Kirindy. The forest is also very dry whereas during the rainy season much of the area of flooded and bright green leaves cover most of the plants. Kirindy is not accessible from mid-January to late March due to the rain.

Accommodation: Palissandre Cote Ouest
Meals: All meals
Included activities: Baobab Avenue excursion

After breakfast we go on another discovery excursion to the Kirindy Forest, then drive back to Morondava with a stop at the Baobab Avenue before we reach Palissandre Cote Ouest Resort & Spa. The Avenue or Alley of the Baobabs is a prominent group of baobab trees lining the dirt road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in the Menabe region in western Madagascar. Its striking landscape draws travellers from around the world, making it one of the most visited locations in the region. It has been a centre of local conservation efforts and was granted temporary protected status in July 2007 by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests, the first step toward making it Madagascar’s first natural monument. Baobab trees, up to 800 years old, known locally as renala (Malagasy for “mother of the forest”), are a legacy of the dense tropical forests that once thrived in Madagascar. The trees did not originally tower in isolation over the sere landscape of scrub but stood in dense forest. Over the years, as the country’s population grew, the forests were cleared for agriculture, leaving only the baobab trees, which the locals preserved as much in respect as for their value as a food source and building material.

Accommodation: Palissandre hotel & spa
Meals: Dinner
Included activities: Visit of markets

After breakfast we will be transferred to the airport for our flight back to Antananarivo. Afternoon visit of the markets.

Accommodation: N.A.
Meals: Breakfast
Included activities: Airport transfer

After breakfast we will be transferred to the airport for our flight back home or join the extension to the north of the island.