Wildlife Madagascar | Nature & Culture trips

Journey to Palmarium Reserve

Scenic Drive Toward Manambato

After breakfast, your adventure continues as you make your way toward the Palmarium Reserve. The journey takes approximately seven hours, including planned stops along the way for photos, stretching breaks, or anything you may need. This road trip offers beautiful landscapes, rural villages, and a first glimpse of Madagascar’s eastern environments.

Boat Transfer to Palmarium

Upon arrival in Manambato, you will board a boat that will take you across the tranquil waters leading to the Palmarium. This final part of the journey is peaceful and picturesque, providing a smooth transition into the lush, protected forest area that awaits you.

Hotel Check-In and Evening Wildlife Experience

You will reach the reserve by late afternoon. After checking in at your hotel, your guide will accompany you on a night walk, a highlight of the experience. This guided outing gives you the opportunity to observe Madagascar’s remarkable nocturnal wildlife—species that can only be seen after sunset.

Accommodation

Night at PALMARIUM BEACH – Half Board

Exploration of Palmarium Reserve

Morning Guided Walk in the Reserve

In the morning, you will begin a guided day walk inside the Palmarium Reserve. This protected peninsula is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife. The reserve offers an immersive experience in a peaceful natural setting, making it one of the highlights of Madagascar’s eastern region.

A Sanctuary for Lemurs

Palmarium is famous for hosting ten different lemur species, all living in semi-free conditions and easily observable. During your walk, you may encounter the Indri, Sifaka, Coronatus, Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur (Varecia variegata), Propithecus species, and of course the renowned Aye-Aye, one of Madagascar’s most fascinating nocturnal animals. This is an excellent opportunity for close wildlife observation and photography.

Unique and Endemic Flora

The reserve is equally remarkable for its flora. You will discover some of Madagascar’s rarest and most endemic palm species, including Dypsis, Ravenea, Orania, Voanioala, and Lemurophoenix. These ancient palms contribute to the botanical significance of the area and create an exceptional environment for nature enthusiasts.

Accommodation

Night at PALMARIUM BEACH – Half Board

Transfer to Andasibe and Evening Wildlife Experience

Scenic Drive to Andasibe

After breakfast, you will continue your journey toward Andasibe, one of Madagascar’s most famous wildlife regions. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge and take some time to relax before the evening exploration begins.

Guided Night Walk in a Local Reserve

In the early evening, you will head out for a guided night walk in a nearby village reserve. This is one of the best ways to observe Madagascar’s fascinating nocturnal wildlife, including active lemur species, chameleons, frogs, and other night-time creatures.
The walk lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, offering an exciting introduction to the region’s biodiversity. After the visit, you will return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful night.

Accommodation

Night at MATADIA LODGE – Half Board

Full-Day Exploration of Andasibe–Mantadia National Park

Morning Start in the Primary Forest

Early in the morning, you will begin your visit to Andasibe–Mantadia National Park, one of Madagascar’s most iconic protected areas. The park consists of two distinct zones: the Analamazaotra Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park. Almost the entire area is covered by untouched primary forest, offering an exceptional opportunity to explore an environment that has remained intact for thousands of years.

A Natural Refuge for Wildlife

The park serves as a sanctuary for an incredible variety of species. During your visit, it is common to encounter lemurs, numerous bird species, colorful chameleons, and a wide range of butterflies and insects. Andasibe is especially renowned for the Indri, the largest living lemur, whose unique call echoes through the forest in the early morning hours.

Trekking Through Pristine Landscapes

You will spend the entire day exploring this majestic forest. Your guided trek will take you through lush vegetation, ancient trees, and scenic viewpoints. The trail also leads to a natural swimming pool, offering a peaceful and refreshing stop amid the beauty of the rainforest.

Accommodation

Night at MATADIA LODGE – Half Board

Morning Visit to Analamazaotra National Park

Early Departure for the Best Wildlife Encounters

After breakfast, you will begin a guided visit to Analamazaotra National Park. It is recommended to leave the hotel at 7:30 AM to maximize your chances of observing the Indri-Indri and the Diademed Sifaka in their natural habitat.
This morning excursion lasts approximately four hours and offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the region. Within a short distance of the park, the haunting call of the Indri can be heard from early morning until noon, and again in the late afternoon—a unique and unforgettable experience.

The Indri: A Unique Forest Dweller

Known as Babakoto in Malagasy, the Indri is the largest living lemur, reaching up to one meter in height. Analamazaotra is one of the best places in Madagascar to observe these remarkable animals because several families have become accustomed to human presence.
Indris live in small family groups and cannot survive in captivity, making sightings in the wild particularly special. In addition to the Indri, the forest is home to 13 other lemur species, including the grey bamboo lemur, diademed sifaka, brown lemur, red mouse lemur, red-bellied lemur, woody lemur, black-and-white ruffed lemur, and the rare aye-aye.

Afternoon Transfer to Antananarivo

After lunch, you will depart directly for Antananarivo, enjoying a scenic transfer back to the capital. Upon arrival, you will check in at your hotel and unwind after a rewarding day of exploration.

Accommodation

Night at the NOVOTEL – Half Board

Flight to Morondava and Night Walk in Kirindy National Park

Domestic Flight and Transfer to Kirindy

You will take your domestic flight TLE – MOQ to Morondava. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to Kirindy National Park, one of Madagascar’s most remarkable dry forests. After settling in, your evening begins with a guided night walk, an ideal time to observe the forest’s unique nocturnal wildlife.

Kirindy National Park: A Sanctuary for Rare Wildlife

Kirindy is known for its extraordinary concentration of endemic species and is the only place in Madagascar where two highly threatened mammals are reliably observed: the giant jumping rat (Hypogeomys antimena) and the island’s top predator, the fossa.
The park is also home to several species of nocturnal lemurs, including the famous Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur, recognized as the smallest primate in the world.

What Makes Kirindy Truly Unique

Kirindy hosts a remarkable diversity of wildlife, making it one of the richest dry forests in Madagascar.

Notable Lemur Species

• Red-tailed sportive lemur

• Pygmy mouse lemur

• Gray mouse lemur

• Coquerel’s giant mouse lemur

• Pale fork-marked lemur

• Fat-tailed dwarf lemur

• Verreaux’s sifaka

• Red-fronted brown lemur

Other Mammals

• Narrow-striped mongoose

• Common tenrec

• Greater hedgehog tenrec

Reptiles and Other Species

Kirindy is also home to impressive reptiles such as:

• Labord’s chameleon

• Henkel’s leaf-tailed gecko

• Big-headed gecko

• Madagascar ground boa

• Giant hog-nosed snake

• Spear-nosed snake

• Kapidolo

These nocturnal encounters make Kirindy one of the most rewarding wildlife destinations in Madagascar, especially for visitors seeking rare species and authentic natural experiences.

Accommodation

Night at RELAIS DU KIRINDY – Half Board

Day Visit in Kirindy and Sunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs

Morning Guided Walk in Kirindy Forest

After breakfast, you will continue your exploration with a guided day walk in Kirindy Forest. This is the best moment to observe diurnal species, appreciate the dry forest ecosystem, and enjoy excellent wildlife photography. Kirindy offers a completely different atmosphere during the day, allowing you to discover new species and admire the forest under natural daylight.

Transfer to Morondava With Scenic Stops

In the afternoon, you will transfer directly to Morondava, making two essential stops along the way. Your first stop will be at Baobab Amoureux, a pair of intertwined baobabs that form one of the region’s most symbolic natural landmarks. Afterward, you will continue to the world-famous Avenue of the Baobabs.

Sunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs

The Avenue of the Baobabs—also known as the Alley of the Baobabs—is a spectacular collection of Grandidier’s baobabs (Adansonia grandidieri) lining the road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina. This iconic site is one of Madagascar’s most photographed landscapes. You will enjoy the sunset, when the golden light creates unforgettable silhouettes of these ancient trees.

Accommodation

Night at PALISSANDRE – Half Board

Long Drive to Antsirabe Through Scenic Landscapes

Early Departure for a Full Travel Day

Today involves a long driving day, so it is recommended to leave as early as possible—ideally at 7:00 AM. After breakfast, you will begin your transfer directly toward Antsirabe, with several stops along the way for photos, stretching breaks, or anything you may need to stay comfortable during the journey.

Lunch Stop in Miandrivazo

Around midday, you will stop for lunch in Miandrivazo, a small town located along the route. This break will allow you to rest before continuing your trip through Madagascar’s vast and diverse highland scenery.

Beautiful Highland Landscapes

The road to Antsirabe offers a variety of views characteristic of Madagascar’s central region. You will travel through landscapes filled with rice fields, rolling hills, traditional villages, and red soil that reflects the island’s unique natural composition. These panoramic scenes make the long journey visually rewarding.

Arrival and Check-In in Antsirabe

You will reach Antsirabe toward the end of the afternoon. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest after a full day on the road.

Accommodation

Night at PLUMERA – Half Board

Transfer to Ranomafana and Evening Exploration

Scenic Journey Toward Ranomafana

In the morning, you will travel directly to Ranomafana, located near the village of Ifanadiana. The region is famous for the Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar’s richest rainforest reserves.
Throughout the drive, you will enjoy lush green landscapes, terraced fields, and views characteristic of Madagascar’s southeastern highlands. You will arrive in Ranomafana late in the afternoon and proceed to your hotel for check-in.

Guided Night Walk in the Rainforest

Your stay in this region begins with a guided night walk, an ideal activity for discovering Ranomafana’s thriving nocturnal wildlife. If you love nature, this experience will be unforgettable. The forest is alive with birds, butterflies, frogs, and several species of nocturnal lemurs.
Ranomafana is also known for its rare and endemic plants, including medicinal species, orchids, and carnivorous plantsthat grow on the forest floor and along the trees.

Remarkable Fauna of Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana is one of the most biodiverse parks in Madagascar and a critical refuge for numerous species. Among the lemurs found here are:

Notable Lemur Species

• Peyrieras’s woolly lemur (Avahi peyrierasi)

• Daubentonia madagascariensis

• Crossley’s dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus crossleyi)

• Sibree’s dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus sibreei)

• Greater bamboo lemur (Prolemur simus)

• Golden bamboo lemur (Hapalemur aureus)

• Ranomafana grey bamboo lemur (Hapalemur griseus ranomafanensis)

• Red-bellied lemur (Eulemur rubriventer)

• Red-fronted brown lemur (Eulemur rufifrons)

• Small-toothed sportive lemur (Lepilemur microdon)

• Southern black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata editorum)

• Red mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus)

• Milne-Edwards’s sifaka (Propithecus edwardsi)

This extraordinary diversity has made Ranomafana a major scientific research site and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Accommodation

Night at THERMAL – Half Board

Full-Day Exploration of Ranomafana Rainforest

Morning Visit Inside Ranomafana National Park

In the morning, you will begin a guided visit into the heart of Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar’s last remaining rainforest corridors along the eastern region of the island. This protected area is known for its extraordinary concentration of endemic biodiversity, including highly threatened lemur species and rare plant varieties used by local communities for traditional medicine.
Your guide will introduce you to the ecological importance of this forest and help you observe its remarkable wildlife and botanical richness.

Guided Trek Through the Forest

Your exploration continues with a trek along a forest trail, passing waterfalls and lush tropical vegetation. During the walk, you may encounter several rare species, making this one of the most rewarding experiences for nature lovers and photographers.
After the visit, return to your hotel for lunch and take time to relax. You may enjoy a rest, a warm spring bath, or simply unwind after the morning adventure.

Evening Night Walk

Around 17:30, you will head out for a guided night walk, offering a new opportunity to observe Ranomafana’s nocturnal wildlife. This includes frogs, chameleons, and several species of nocturnal lemurs that become active after sunset.
Night walks in Ranomafana are considered among the best in Madagascar due to the richness of the surrounding forest.

Accommodation

Night at THERMAL – Half Board

Scenic Journey Toward Isalo National Park

Drive South Along the RN7

After breakfast, you will continue your adventure along the RN7, heading south toward the city of Ranohira, the gateway to the iconic Isalo National Park. This route is one of Madagascar’s most beautiful road journeys, offering varied landscapes, traditional villages, and panoramic views of the highlands gradually shifting into the dry southern region.

Stop at Anja Community Reserve

Along the way, you will stop at the Anja Community Reserve, a small but remarkable protected area managed by the local community.
This reserve is known for its concentrations of orchids, impressive granite formations, and especially its population of ring-tailed lemurs (makis catta). These black-and-white striped lemurs are highly social and often found basking on the rocks, making this stop a perfect opportunity for wildlife observation and photography.

Arrival in Isalo

After your visit, you will return to the road and continue toward Isalo, arriving at the end of the afternoon. This region is characterized by dramatic sandstone formations, canyons, natural pools, and one of the most spectacular desert landscapes in Madagascar. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Accommodation

Night at ISALO ROCK LODGE – Half Board

Fauna and Flora of Isalo National Park

Remarkable Wildlife Diversity in Isalo

Isalo National Park hosts an impressive 340 faunal species, making it one of the most ecologically diverse protected areas in southern Madagascar.
Among these species are 82 birds, 33 reptiles, 15 frogs, and 14 mammals, including several lemur species that inhabit the canyons and forests surrounding the massif.

Notable Wildlife Species

Some of the park’s most remarkable species include:

• Madagascar ground boa (Acrantophis dumerili)

• White-lipped bright-eyed frog (Boophis albilabris)

• Malagasy rainbow frog (Scaphiophryne gottlebei)

Birdlife is equally impressive, with species such as:

• Benson’s rock thrush (Monticola sharpei bensoni)

• Knob-billed duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos)

• Madagascar ibis (Lophotibis cristata)

Lemurs are also present, offering rewarding wildlife encounters throughout the park.

Unique and Endemic Flora

Isalo’s flora is equally remarkable, with more than 400 plant species, many of which occur only in this region. The vegetation has adapted to the dry, rocky landscape and includes some of Madagascar’s most iconic botanical species.

Notable Plant Species

You will discover:

• Bismarck palm (Bismarckia nobilis), resilient and quick to regenerate after fire

• Catharanthus ovalis, known for its medicinal properties

• Elephant’s foot plant (Pachypodium rosulatum), growing dramatically on rocky cliffs

• Aloe isaloensis, a succulent species named after the Isalo massif

These plants help define the striking visual identity of Isalo, blending desert-like vegetation with dramatic sandstone formations.

Accommodation

Night at ISALO ROCK LODGE – Half Board

Journey from Isalo to Tulear With a Stop in Zombitse National Park

Early Departure to Discover Zombitse National Park

You will leave Isalo early in the morning to continue your journey south toward Tulear, with an important stop at Zombitse National Park. This protected area is a transition zone between the dry forests of the west and the spiny forests of the south, making it a unique ecological corridor.

Exceptional Birdlife

Zombitse is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. A total of 90 bird species have been recorded, including 38 endemic speciesfound only in Madagascar. The park is classified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to its remarkable avifauna.
One of the rarest species here is Appert’s tetraka (Xanthomixis apperti), listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Spotting this species is one of the highlights for birdwatchers visiting the park.

Rich Fauna and Flora

Zombitse is also home to eight lemur species, including two highly threatened ones:

• Verreaux’s sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) – Endangered

• Pale fork-marked lemur (Phaner pallescens) – Endangered

The park’s vegetation is equally impressive. The spiny thickets shelter more than 2,000 plant species, many of them endemic. Visitors can also admire spectacular ancient baobabs, including a giant specimen measuring 12.5 meters in diameter, as well as the unique Didieraceae plant family, found only in Madagascar.

Continuation to Tulear and Flight to Antananarivo

After your visit, you will continue to Tulear for your flight back to Antananarivo. Upon arrival in the capital, enjoy a 45-minute visit to the Queen’s Palace (Rova Manjakamiadana), located on one of the highest hills of the city and offering panoramic views over Antananarivo.

Shopping and Final Transfer

After the palace visit, you will stop at the La Digue artisanal market, the ideal place to purchase souvenirs, local crafts, and handmade products.
Following your shopping experience, you will be transferred to the international airport for your departure flight.

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