Highlights of Madagascar

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting. If you arrive early, we recommend speaking with the hotel reception to learn more about available activities around the area. Stay: Belvedere Hotel

Continue on to Ifaty today via plane where you will get to relax and enjoy the breathtaking beaches of the Mozambican Channel. While in Ifaty, opt to ride in a dugout canoe, visit the spiny forest reserve, go snorkelling or diving on the reef, or simply relax on the beach. Stay: Bamboo Club

Sit back for a full day of free time for optional activities in paradise. Opt for some hiking or hit the beach. Stay: Bamboo Club

Take advantage of one last free day in Ifaty and participate in one of the many area excursions. Perhaps try some diving off the coast in search of colourful life under the sea, or simply relax in the sand for one more awesome beach day. Stay: Bamboo Club

Drive to Ranohira and through a landscape characterized by vast Savannah stretching to the horizon and lined by impressive mountain ranges crossing the centre of the sapphire region. According to experts of precious stones, this area is among the few places on Earth that is still rich in precious stones. On the way, you will also notice a number of Mahafaly tombs—belonging to a local tribe in Madagascar—they were built for chiefs and kings, and are covered in stones, sculptures, and horns. The more important the deceased, the more horns and statues the tomb is adorned with. As those tombs ares sacred sites, we will just be passing by, and photography is not/rarely permitted. While here, please follow the instructions of your CEO carefully. Stay: ITC Hotel

In the morning, pack a lunch to take into the park with you to eat during a picnic break later in the day - your CEO can help you arrange this. Between September and October (in the most arid zones), you can witness the pachypodium blooms. Stay: ITC Hotel

As you travel to your next destination, stop for a visit of Anja Park and enjoy the area's wildlife. Continue enjoying the wonderful changes of landscape along the way to the pleasant rural town of Ambalavao. Visit a little paper factory where the locals will share their traditional methods of producing this unique, hand-made paper. If time allows, opt to visit a silk factory in town and learn about the local way of making fabric or clothing from silk, and the process of dyeing it with natural dyes. Stay: Aux Bougainvillees

Travel to Ranomafana today, a little village named after the hot springs in the valley. The nearby national park is one of the most important mammal sites in Madagascar. Set out on a short or long hike through the forest of the park and get a feel for the incredible wildlife of the area. In the afternoon enjoy free time to soak in one of the hot springs, explore on your own, or relax at your accommodations. Stay: Manja Hotel

Leave the rainforest of Ranomafana behind and travel by private vehicle to the colonial town of Antsirabe passing rice paddies along the way. To break up the drive the group will stop in Ambositra, a quaint town known for its woodcrafts. Spend free time here and eat lunch on your own before continuing onwards to the thermal city surrounded by volcanic lakes. Stay: Hotel VATOLAHY

Spend the whole day exploring the local life and communities of the Antsirabe highlands. Travel to Anjazafotsy for the start of the group walk. Choose between the longer or shorter option for this trail and visit villages along the route where you'll witness daily activities. Enjoy a traditional Madagascar lunch and in the afternoon opt for a cooking lesson to learn how to prepare famous Koba. Arrive back to Antsirabe in the early evening for free time. Stay: Hotel VATOLAHY (L)

Travel to Andasibe and Perinet National Park with scenic stops en route. Stay in a quiet area near Andasibe which is great base for exploring the Indri Special Reserve section of this massive landscape. The journey will take most of the day, but upon arrival, the group will have the option to go on an easy night walk alongside the park to observe wildlife like, frogs, reptiles, mice, and lemurs. Stay: Feon'ny Ala

The flora in this park is just as spectacular, with numerous species of trees, palms, and orchids (which flower in October/November). Stay: Feon'ny Ala

Travel by private vehicle to Antananarivo. Spend free time here before an optional last night out on the town with the whole group. There are many places to choose from and your CEO can help you with suggestions. Stay: Belvedere Hotel

Depart at any time.