Great Madagascar highlight tours package
Tourists Taxes
Transfer from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport
Private car with Air Conditional
Driver/Guide (with English speaking)
Visits and excursions (following the itinerary)
Guides + entrance fees included for all national parks/reserves
Administrative management package
Bottles of water
Breakfasts
Motor boat transportation
Picnic lunch in Tsingy de bemaraha NP and in Isalo NP
- International and National flight tickets
- Insurance
- Drinks
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Travel Program and Scheduling
Your dedicated tour guide will oversee and manage all program timings throughout the journey to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated experience. Each day’s activities are carefully planned to maximize your enjoyment while maintaining comfort and flexibility.
Dietary Requirements
During the tour, regular meals are provided, typically including meat, fish, seafood, milk products, and fresh local ingredients.
If you have any special dietary requirements—such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-related restrictions—please inform HT Agency Tours in advance. Early communication allows our team and partner lodges to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs whenever possible.
Accommodation and Availability
Please note that the feasibility of this tour is subject to the availability of the proposed accommodations at the time of booking. Should a listed hotel or lodge be fully booked, we will offer a similar or higher-category alternative of comparable comfort and quality.
Airline Schedule Disclaimer
While HT Agency Tours strives to ensure seamless travel arrangements, we cannot be held responsible for any airline schedule changes, delays, or cancellations that may occur after a quote or booking has been confirmed.
Our team will, however, do everything possible to minimize disruptions and assist with necessary adjustments to your itinerary. Please note that we are not liable for any financial losses, missed connections, or unused pre-paid services resulting from external airline changes.
Madagascar Wildlife & National Parks Circuit
This unforgettable tour takes you across Madagascar’s most iconic destinations — Antananarivo, Andasibe, Morondava, Tsingy de Bemaraha, Antsirabe, Ranomafana, Isalo, Toliara, and Ifaty. From the misty rainforests to the desert canyons, every stop reveals a different side of the island’s extraordinary biodiversity and landscapes.
Andasibe National Park – Home of the Indri Lemur
Located about 140 km east of Antananarivo and only 1.5 km from the village of Andasibe, this protected area covers 16,310 hectares — divided between the Analamazaotra Special Reserve (810 ha) and Mantadia National Park (15,500 ha).
The climate here is humid with an average temperature of 18°C and 1,700 mm of annual rainfall spread over 210 days. Roughly 80% of the forest is primary, while 13% is secondary, showing minimal human impact.
Andasibe is world-famous for its Indri Indri, the largest living lemur species, known for its haunting morning calls echoing through the forest. You can also spot a variety of orchids, reptiles, and endemic birds.
The park provides three campsites and a comfortable hotel, making it ideal for nature lovers. Anyone passionate about wildlife, photography, or botany should not miss Andasibe during their Madagascar journey.
Kirindy National Park – Madagascar’s Dry Forest Jewel
About 70 km south of Morondava, in the Menabe region, lies Kirindy National Park, one of Madagascar’s most significant dry deciduous forests. It forms part of the Sakalava Kingdom territory and is now recognized as one of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, among 669 sites representing 120 countries.
Kirindy serves as a transition zone between western and southern ecosystems, hosting a dense dry forest (70% of its area), thorny thickets of Didiereaceae and Euphorbiaceae, and brackish coastal lakes.
The park shelters an incredible 97% endemic biodiversity, including lemurs, reptiles, birds, and rare mammals such as the fossa, Madagascar’s top predator. For visitors, Kirindy offers a chance to experience the raw and wild side of the island, especially during night walks when nocturnal species become active.
Isalo National Park – Canyon Landscapes and Desert Beauty
Situated in Ranohira, southern Madagascar, Isalo National Park spans over 81,540 hectares. The region is home to the Bara people, alongside diverse communities drawn by sapphire mining around Ilakaka.
Geologically, Isalo is fascinating — its rock formations date back 200 million years to the Jurassic period, shaped by erosion into deep canyons, sandstone peaks up to 200 meters, and natural pools.
The park hosts 82 bird species, 33 reptiles, 15 amphibians, and 14 mammals, including lemurs such as the ring-tailed maki, sifaka, and varika.
Hiking through Isalo feels like walking through a natural cathedral — the dramatic cliffs and sculpted rocks resemble movie sets from the Wild West. It is Madagascar’s most visited national park and a must-see for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park – Madagascar’s Stone Forest
Rising in the western region, about 200 km north of Morondava, lies the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. Covering over 150,000 hectares, the Tsingy formations are limestone pinnacles created millions of years ago from ancient coral sediments uplifted from the sea.
Over time, acidic rainwater sculpted the limestone into sharp spires, deep canyons, and tunnels, forming what is now known as the “Stone Forest.”
This park is an endemic hotspot, with 80–90% of its species found nowhere else. Scientists have recorded:
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17 rare reptile species, including the tiny Brookesia perarmata chameleon,
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11 lemur species,
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6 bird species, and
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2 local amphibians unique to the area.
The flora is equally diverse, with over 600 plant species, including baobabs, aloes, and flamboyant trees. The Tsingy de Bemaraha offers an adventure of a lifetime for hikers and explorers eager to witness Madagascar’s geological wonderland.
Ranomafana National Park – The Rainforest of Wonders
Located in southeastern Madagascar, Ranomafana National Park straddles the Upper Matsiatra and Vatovavy Fitovinany regions. It lies 412 km from Antananarivo, 65 km from Fianarantsoa, and 139 km from Mananjary.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects dense lowland and mid-altitude rainforests ranging from 600 to 1,400 meters in elevation. The park shelters a breathtaking diversity of life:
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12 lemur species, including the golden bamboo lemur,
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115 bird species (many endemic),
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98 amphibians,
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58 reptiles, and
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hundreds of insects, spiders, and butterflies.
Ranomafana’s lush forest also contains rare hardwoods, bamboos, and over 90 species of orchids. Visitors will find beautiful hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and the soothing thermal springs from which the park takes its name (“Ranomafana” means hot water in Malagasy).
The park is a haven for biologists and eco-travelers, offering the perfect combination of biodiversity, beauty, and adventure.
Conclusion
From the mist-shrouded rainforests of Andasibe to the dramatic canyons of Isalo and the stone forests of Tsingy de Bemaraha, this route showcases the best of Madagascar’s national parks. Each destination reveals unique ecosystems, rare species, and breathtaking landscapes that make Madagascar one of the most biodiverse islands on Earth.
Traveling with HT Agency Tours guarantees expert guidance, comfort, and unforgettable moments immersed in the wild heart of Madagascar.
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Climate of Madagascar
Madagascar enjoys a tropical climate, yet temperatures vary greatly by region. The central highlands, including Antananarivo and Andasibe, are much cooler — sometimes dropping to 5°C at night during July and August.
The dry season typically runs from March to October, sometimes extending into November in most areas.
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The east coast is best visited between March–May and September–November.
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Cyclone season occurs from January to March.
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The southwest region is hot, dry, and semi-arid.
For nature lovers, March–April is the perfect time to admire blooming flowers and reptiles, while November (spring)is the best season for wildlife and birdwatching. Lemurs, however, can be observed throughout the year.
Weather patterns in Madagascar can sometimes be unpredictable, so travelers should prepare for occasional changes in climate.
Altitude Guide by Region
Location Altitude Antananarivo 1,300 m Andasibe 964 m Antsirabe 1,500 m Ranomafana 876 m Isalo National Park 800 m – 1,200 m Tulear (Toliara) 8 m Palmarium Reserve 52 m -
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Understanding altitude variations helps travelers prepare suitable clothing and gear for each stop.
Recommended Equipment and Clothing
HT Agency Tours provides essential items such as torches for nocturnal walks and a water bottle. However, we advise guests to bring:
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Camera film and spare batteries
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Binoculars
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Beach towel and swimwear
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Rainproof pants for rainforest walks
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Walking poles, especially for Ranomafana and Andasibe National Parks
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Lightweight walking boots or trainers
Clothing should be light and breathable, but also include a warm sweater or jacket. Even during summer, nights in higher altitudes or desert areas can be cold — particularly from July to September.
Always carry rainwear, as tropical showers can occur anytime. For winter months, pack a few extra warm layers.
Visa and Passport Requirements
For U.S. citizens, a Madagascar entry visa is required and can be obtained on arrival.
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Cost: Approximately USD 40
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Validity: 30 days
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Payment: In USD or Euro, preferably in small denominations
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Exchange rate: Adjusted daily at the airport
For a single-entry tourist visa, travelers can also apply online via the official E-Visa portal.
Once approved, print the e-visa approval letter and present it with your passport at immigration upon arrival. The approval letter takes at least 3 days to process, so apply well in advance — ideally within 6 months before your trip.
The maximum stay allowed is 90 days. Always consult your country’s Madagascar consulate or the e-visa FAQ for the latest requirements before departure.
Travel Insurance Policy
It is a mandatory condition when booking with HT Agency Tours that travelers have valid and comprehensive travel insurance.
Your policy should cover:
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Medical expenses
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Emergency repatriation
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Helicopter evacuation for medical emergencies
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Trip cancellation and delay protection
If your tour includes trekking, make sure the policy covers high-altitude activities with no upper altitude limit. Carefully read your insurer’s terms and conditions to ensure you’re protected for every planned and optional activity during your Madagascar journey.
Vaccinations and Health Precautions
While no vaccinations are compulsory, the following are strongly recommended:
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Malaria prophylaxis
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Tetanus
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Typhoid
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Hepatitis A
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Polio
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Diphtheria
Travelers aged over 9 months who have visited or transited through yellow fever risk countries must present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon arrival.
Consult your travel clinic for the most current medical advice. The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office also recommends wearing long-sleeved shirts and using mosquito repellent regularly, even during the day, as mosquitoes remain active.
Always confirm the latest health and vaccination requirements with your doctor before departure.
Food and Drink in Madagascar
Meal prices in Madagascar can vary depending on location and restaurant style. Here’s a general guide to average costs:
Item Average Price (USD) Lunch 10 Dinner 17 Beer 2 Bottled Water 1 Local restaurants tend to be affordable, offering authentic Malagasy dishes, while upmarket establishments in major cities charge slightly more. Always ensure that bottled or filtered water is used for drinking.
Conclusion
With its diverse climate, unique wildlife, and friendly people, Madagascar offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re exploring the highlands, rainforests, or coastal regions, proper preparation — from insuranceand visa requirements to clothing and vaccinations — ensures a smooth and enjoyable adventure.
HT Agency Tours remains at your service to guide you through every step of your journey.
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