Madagascar culture and charm

This program will spoil you from the beginning to the end of the trip! We combine charm, culture, wellness and gastronomy for the pleasure of your taste buds. We will discover all the richness of this famous national road n°7 (RN7): its magnificent landscapes, its friendly people, its cultures, it’s fascinating history and its generous nature. At the end of the trip, we will enjoy the excursions to Sainte-Marie Island and its beautiful beaches. Relaxation and well-being will be on the agenda, some of the selected hotels will pamper you with their various attractive offers.

Highlights of the tour:

v  Visit of the historical sites of the capital Antananarivo on the way back.

v  Discovery of the highlands: from the Capital to Antsirabe

v  Discovery of Zafimaniry culture

v  Exploration of the South and East side of Madagascar

v  Admiration of the exceptional baobab

v  Exceptional hike in the famous Isalo National Park

v  Discovery of the Mahafaly culture

v  Day of relaxation on Sainte-Marie Island

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Antananarivo

DAY 2: Antananarivo - Antsirabe

DAY 3: Antsirabe

DAY 4: Antsirabe - Fianarantsoa

DAY 5: Fianarantsoa - Ranohira

DAY 6: Ranohira

DAY 7: Ranohira - Tulear

DAY 8: Tulear

DAY 9: Tulear - Antananarivo

DAY 10: Antananarivo - Sainte Marie

DAY 11-12-13: Sainte Marie

DAY 14: Sainte Marie - Antananarivo

DAY 15: Antananarivo - Country of origin

Specific information for this tour

·         Possible tour duration 15 days / 14 nights

·         Departure from 2 persons

·         Accommodation in comfort hotels, 

·         4×4 car with a professional driver and a French, English, Italian or Spanish speaking guide according to your choice.

·         Accessible all year round except in the event of an intense cyclone.

·         Variation in transportation: Car, plane, rickshaw

Tour Category

CULTURE, DISCOVERY, FAMILY

Activities

-          Hiking by car

-          Discovery of fauna and flora in national and private parks and reserves

-          Meeting with the local population

-          Relaxation on Pirate Island

-          Discovery of the whales (from mid-June to the end of September)

Group Size

Unlimited number but at least 2 people for a guaranteed departure, if solo, you justhave to pay the extra indicated in the program.

Regions

Highlands, South and East

Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

On your arrival at Ivato International Airport, welcome by our team, presentation of your tour program and delivery of your travel documents. Transfer to the hotel where you will spend the night.

·         Duration: 30 minutes

·         Distance: 15 km

·         Accommodation: ROVA HOTEL or similar

Day 2: Drive to the water city

After breakfast, departure for Antsirabe south of Antananarivo. We cross the landscapes of the Highlands and take a winding road lined with small waterfalls with a wide view of the rice paddies arranged in terraces. A stop in Ambatolampy for a visit of the artisanal manufacture of pot. Lunch at the restaurant along the way. On arrival in the early afternoon, we settle down at the hotel. Then we leave to discover the city and its craftsmen. We end the day with a  dinner in one of the best tables of the region.

·         Duration: About 4 hours

·         Distance: 170 km

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: SOA GUEST HOUSE or similar

Day 3: Visit of the industrial city of Madagascar: Antsirabe

Capital of the Vakinankaratra Region and second largest city of Madagascar, Antsirabe offers many tourist attractions not to be missed for exploration. A stroll to meet the local population is also a must in the Highlands. After a few hours of walk, we arrive in the village of the blacksmiths. Their know-how has been transmitted from father to son. The landscapes are serene and harmonious. The region remains practically green all year round. When talking about the city of Antsirabe, you shouldn't also miss the rickshaw ride, the visit of the lakes and the thermal water. You will be able to have fun, far from the daily stress and urban pollution. Life is calm and rhythmed by a cool climate.  Finally, return to the hotel. Dinner and night at the hotel.

·         Duration: All day

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: SOA GUEST HOUSE or similar

Day 4: Departure to Antsirabe to reach the capital of Betsileo.

We leave the water city after a good breakfast to reach the city of Ambositra which is considered as the capital of the Malagasy craft industry. We visit some Zafimaniry workshops and shops specializing in precious wood carvings. We continue the road to the city of Fianarantsoa and we arrive there in the early evening. Dinner and night at the hotel.

·         Duration: about 5 hours

·         Distance: 243 km

·         Incidental meals: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: TSARA GUEST HOUSE or similar

Day 5: Exceptional trip to Ranohira by discovering the Antaimoro paper making workshop and shop.

After breakfast, we go for a short visit of the city of Fianarantsoa to admire its historical monuments. Then, we continue the road to Ambalavao, we visit a small workshop and shop of Antaimoro paper craft, the silk workshop, the Anja village park. We continue our journey to Ranohira and leave behind the green landscape of the highlands. We pass the southern gate and enter the Bara territory. Then we cross the largest semi-desert plateau of Madagascar:Ihorombe and arrive in Ranohira in the late afternoon. We settle in a hotel to rest.

·         Duration: About 5 hours

·         Distance: 279 km

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: L’ORCHIDEE DE L’ISALOor similar

Day 6: Isalo National Park visit.

After breakfast, let's discover the Isalo Park. The day is devoted to the visit of its ruiniform massifs from 820 to 1240 km sculpted by erosion over time, its rivers, its flora and its exceptional fauna. Then, we go hiking in the heart of this exceptional site by taking well traced paths of the land and rocks by making a detour through canyons with lush vegetation and outstanding landscapes. Bathing in a natural swimming pool at the end of the walk. Picnic lunch. Apart from this, if you wish, the hotel offers several relaxations which will be available at your expense. Otherwise, you can enjoy the sunset to the Isalo window. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

·         Duration: All day

·         Meals included: Breakfast and Picnic lunch

·         Accommodation:L’ORCHIDEE DE L’ISALOor similar

Day 7: Discovery of the Mahafaly culture

We follow the road to Ilakaka, the city of sapphire, stopping at a shop selling precious and semi-precious stones. Then our journey continues to the discovery of the first baobabs and the Antandroy and Mahafaly burials. Along the way, the Mahafaly tombs and their decoration impress us endlessly. On arrival in Tulear around noon, lunch at the restaurant. We make a small city tour and visit the shell market. Let's continue the road to Ifaty. When settling in at the hotel, you will enjoy a massage session.

·         Duration: about6 hours

·         Distance: 263 km

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation : Hotel SUR LA PLAGE CHEZ CECILE or similar

Day 8: Day of discovery of the city of Tuléar

Free day at Ifaty. The hotel will propose you various activities to discover the surroundings: the beach, visit of Renala reserve by zebu cart, dugout canoe trip to the coral reef, etc... Lunch and Dinner. Night at the Hotel

·         Duration: All day

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation : Hotel SUR LA PLAGE CHEZ CECILE or similar

Day 9: Transfer to the airport for your return to Antananarivo.

According to the flight schedule, transfer to Tulear airport to fly to Antananarivo. Reception by your Guide and transfer to your hotel, lunch at the restaurant. Visit of the city center up to the Queen's Palace and the panoramic viewpoint. Dinner and night at the hotel.

·         Duration: 1 hour of flight

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: ROVA HOTEL or similar

Day 10: The journey continues to the pirate island (Sainte-Marie).

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight to Sainte-Marie. Our local team will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for relaxation and well-being. Lunch and Dinner.

·         Duration: 1 hour of flight

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: RESIDENCE MONIQUE or similar

Days 11 - 12 - 13: Days of discovery and relaxation

Free days on Sainte Marie: The hotel will be able to advise you on the activities to do.

Nosy Boraha, or Sainte Marie Island, is an island off the east coast of Madagascar. Near the main town of Ambodifotatra, the pirate cemetery has graves marked with skull and crossbones. Off the south coast of Sainte-Marie, the tiny “Île aux Nattes” and “Île aux Sables” are lined with coral reefs and populated by sea turtles.

Like the visit of the Blevec lighthouse which dates back to 1914 and is one of the oldest lighthouses of Madagascar, inherited from France; visit of the museum of “Islet Madame” which exhibits and preserves the great discovery of the team of American explorers led by archaeologist Barry Clifford. On the northern trail is a corner of paradise which consists of three (3) wave basins. They form the natural pools of Ambodiatafana (a pool of sea water formed by a barrier of jagged black rocks). The Antanandava waterfall is surrounded by a tropical forest. On the east coast, traditional sailing pirogues on the lagoon of Ampanihy Bay.

·         Duration: 3 days

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: RESIDENCE MONIQUEor similar

Day 14: Return to Antananarivo

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and departure for Antananarivo. Welcome by the guide. Transfer to the hotel. Lunch at the restaurant. In the afternoon, discovery of the handicraft market and purchase of souvenirs. Return to the hotel. Dinner and night at the hotel.

- Duration: 1 hour of flight

- Meals included: Breakfast

- Accommodation: SAHAMALAZA or similar

Day 15: A city tour before returning to the Country of Origin

After breakfast, departure for the visit of the historical remains of the capital. About twenty kilometers north of the city is the cradle of the Merina monarchy in Ambohimanga or "the blue hill". Along the way, you will discover a center committed to the education of autistic children. This is the Padre Pio Charity House, supported by our Tour Operator in its charitable activities. Free dinner and meeting with our team. Day use: the room is at your disposal until your departure in the evening. Transfer to the airport for the return flight.

·         Duration : 45 minutes

·         Distance: 20 km

·         Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

·         Accommodation: SAHAMALAZA or Similar