Nine days in Madagascar takes you through the surreal limestone needles of Tsingy de Bemaraha, the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset, the rainforest of Ranomafana where lemurs leap through the canopy, and finally to the turquoise waters of Nosy Be for a few days on a beach that feels like the edge of the world. Madagascar is unlike anywhere else on earth.
Nine days in Madagascar takes you through the surreal limestone needles of Tsingy de Bemaraha, the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset, the rainforest of Ranomafana where lemurs leap through the canopy, and finally to the turquoise waters of Nosy Be for a few days on a beach that feels like the edge of the world. Madagascar is unlike anywhere else on earth.
Arrive in Antananarivo, Madagascar's chaotic and fascinating highland capital built on 12 sacred hills. Afternoon walk through the old city to the Rova, the hilltop Queen's Palace complex with extraordinary views over the terracotta city and surrounding rice paddies. Evening at a local restaurant for zebu steak and romazava stew. Overnight Tana.
Morning domestic flight to Morondava on the west coast. Drive to the Avenue of the Baobabs, a dirt road lined with enormous ancient baobab trees up to 800 years old - Madagascar's most iconic image. The golden hour light between 5 and 7 PM turns the scene into something from another planet. Overnight Morondava.
Full day drive north through villages and baobab-dotted savannah with a boat crossing over the Tsiribihina River. Afternoon mangrove boat ride to spot kingfishers, herons, and crocodiles in the delta. Arrive at the gateway to Tsingy. Overnight local lodge.
Full day exploring the Tsingy de Bemaraha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of razor-sharp grey limestone needles up to 30 metres tall, connected by a network of suspended rope bridges and via ferrata climbing routes. The forest in the crevices between the pinnacles shelters endemic lemurs, chameleons, and hundreds of bird species found nowhere else on earth. Overnight Tsingy lodge.
Morning flight back to Antananarivo and connecting flight south to the rainforest region. Drive to Ranomafana National Park, a steamy highland rainforest criss-crossed with rivers and waterfalls. Evening night walk with a guide to spot chameleons, geckos, and nocturnal lemurs by torchlight. Overnight Ranomafana.
Full day in Ranomafana National Park with a guided morning trek to find the golden bamboo lemur, discovered in this park in 1987 and found nowhere else. Watch red-bellied lemurs, Milne-Edwards's sifakas, and the bizarre aye-aye if lucky. Swim in a waterfall pool in the afternoon. Overnight Ranomafana.
Scenic drive through the red highland landscape to Isalo National Park, a dramatic sandstone canyon landscape with natural swimming pools, waterfalls, and ring-tailed lemurs sunbathing on the rocks. Afternoon canyon walk and swim in a crystal-clear natural pool. Overnight Isalo lodge.
Morning drive and flight north to Nosy Be, Madagascar's most beautiful island off the northwest coast. Arrive to a long crescent of white sand beach with turquoise water and the scent of ylang ylang flowers in the air. Afternoon snorkeling on the house reef or simply lying on the beach. Overnight Nosy Be resort.
Final morning snorkeling or optional whale shark swimming if the season is right (October to January). Transfer to Fascene Airport for your flight back to Antananarivo and onward connection home. End of tour.
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