African Overland Tours
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Worldwide
African Overland Tours
Length
13 days
Tour SKU
ACM4112
Starts
Antananarivo
Comfort Level
Classic
Ends
Antananarivo
Age Range
All Ages
Tour Type
Accommodated
Operated in
English Guided
Group Size
Max 10
Embark on a captivating 12 day Madagascar Adventure – our Ultimate Madagascar Explorer tour is your visual masterpiece through this incredibly colourful and character-filled island. From the vibrant capital of Tana, journey through unspoilt nature, delve into the dense forests of Andasibe to meet unique lemurs, and traverse the eroded hills of Antsirabe and Fianarantsoa. Discover the dramatic landscapes of Isalo National Park, relax on the tropical beaches of Ifaty, and experience the bustling markets of Tulear. This expedition promises ever-changing scenery, encounters with fascinating tribes, and an immersive exploration of Madagascar’s unparalleled natural beauty, ensuring every view paints an unforgettable story
Your adventure begins upon arrival in Antananarivo, affectionately known as “Tana,” the buzzing capital and primary hub for visitors to Madagascar. You will be warmly welcomed by your local Madagascar guide who will assist with your transfer to your hotel in the city. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, perhaps anticipating the opportunities to delve into Madagascar’s rich history and explore attractions like the Queen’s Palace or the Royal Hills of Ambohimanga.
Accommodation: Palissandre Hotel & Spa, Raddison Water Front Hotel, or similar
Today, journey eastwards to Andasibe National Park, driving through lush, green landscapes of primary forests and serene lakes. Along the way, observe traditional Merina villages nestled among the rocky mountains. Arrive in Andasibe by lunchtime, then embark on an afternoon visit to the V.O.I.I.M.A community reserve, a sustainable project supporting rainforest conservation and local livelihoods. Here, encounter a variety of Madagascar wildlife, including brown lemurs, chameleons, geckos, and diverse bird species. As dusk falls, prepare for an exciting night walk to spot elusive nocturnal lemurs and other fascinating creatures under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mantadia Lodge Andasibe Cyperus Hotel, or similar
Included Highlights: Scenic drive through eastern Madagascar, V.O.I.I.M.A community reserve, nocturnal lemur walk
Distance: ±150 km
Begin your morning with a captivating visit to the Special Reserve of Andasibe, home to the enchanting Indri lemurs, the largest lemurs on the island, whose distinctive calls echo through the rainforest. This 810-hectare reserve boasts unique endemic fauna and flora, including a wide array of orchids, diverse canopies, and other endemic animals like chameleons and tenrecs. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic transfer back to Antananarivo.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Palissandre Hotel & Spa, Raddison Water Front Hotel, or similar
Included Highlights: Indri lemur spotting in Andasibe Special Reserve, endemic flora & fauna exploration
Distance: ± 150km
Head south today to Antsirabe, traversing picturesque highland landscapes adorned with beautiful rice fields and dramatic eroded hills known as ‘lavaka’. Stop briefly in Ambatolampy, a significant agricultural city renowned as the “capital of aluminium recycling”. Upon arrival in Antsirabe, often called ‘The place of salt’, you’ll discover an elegant city and the hub of Madagascar’s beer industry, noted for its temperate climate and European-like appearance, founded by Norwegians in 1856.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Plumeria Hotel or similar
Included Highlights: Scenic highland drive, Agricultural insights in Ambatolampy, Exploring the unique city of Antsirabe
Distance: ± 170km
After breakfast, drive to Ambositra, the vibrant center of Madagascar’s wood carving industry. Admire the distinct highland architecture, characterized by houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and brightly colored shutters. Continue through landscapes dominated by rice fields, pine forests, eucalyptus trees, and rocky mountains, passing ‘le col de tapia’. Your destination is the lush Ranomafana National Park, nestled in the southeastern highlands, a true biodiversity hotspot.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Setam Lodge or similar
Included Highlights: Ambositra’s wood carving heritage, Diverse highland scenery, Journey to Ranomafana
Distance: ± 250km
Dedicate your day to exploring the vast Ranomafana National Park, a 40,000-hectare expanse of rainforest-covered hills and abundant wildlife. This heavily visited park is a haven for endemic species, including the elusive golden bamboo lemur and the colorful Milne-Edwards’ sifaka. Enjoy immersive forest walks through its densely forested hills, spotting a myriad of lemurs, chameleons, and other animals, with over 90 species of butterflies filling the air. Discover small streams cascading down to the beautiful Namorona River, retaining large areas of primary forest.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Setam Lodge or similar
Included Highlights: Extensive wildlife walks in Ranomafana, Searching for endemic lemurs and butterflies, pristine rainforest exploration
Depart Ranomafana and embark on a culturally rich journey. Near Fianarantsoa, “the city where one learns good things,” enjoy a visit to a local wine farm for tasting. Explore Fianarantsoa, a city renowned for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and bustling marketplaces, serving as the cultural and educational hub and gateway to the South. Continue south to Ambalavao to visit the ‘Anteimoro Paper Factory’, a fascinating vestige of Arabian civilization, and partake in a community-based silk weaving project run by the “Soalandy” women’s association. Pass through the striking Andringitra mountain chain, witnessing formations like the ‘3 hillocks,’ the huge ‘archbishop’s cape,’ and the dramatic granite dome known as ‘the gate of the south,’ signaling the transition to the southern dry region. Pass Ihosy, capital of the Bara tribes, and traverse the vast ‘Plateaux de Horombe’ with its deep red soil, before arriving in Isalo.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Isalo Ranch, Jardin du Roy or similar
Included Highlights: Wine tasting, Fianarantsoa city exploration, Anteimoro Paper Factory, Soalandy silk weaving, Stunning highland and southern transition landscapes
Distance: ± 355 km
Today is dedicated to exploring and hiking in the breathtaking Isalo National Park, a captivating landscape of dramatic sandstone formations, deep canyons, and lush oases covering 81,540 hectares. After a short drive, embark on a scenic 1½ hour walk to the iconic Natural Swimming Pool, a crystal-clear oasis and a perfect reward after a hot hike. Along the trails, admire unique vegetation like ‘elephant’s foot’ and endemic aloe species, and keep an eye out for sifakas, brown lemurs, ring-tailed lemurs, and numerous bird species. Marvel at the eroded mountains, which form various shapes like ‘the tortoise’ and ‘the masks,’ providing incredible photographic opportunities.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Isalo Rock Lodge, Jardin du Roy or similar
Included Highlights: Hiking in Isalo National Park, Exploring sandstone formations and canyons, Swimming in the Natural Swimming Pool, Searching for Isalo’s diverse wildlife
Journey from Isalo towards Tuléar, the endpoint of National Road N° Seven, passing through new scenery: the dry forests of the west and the distinctive spiny desert of the south. Observe the unique ‘Mahafaly tombs’ and ‘Antandroy tombs’ along the way. After a brief visit to Tuléar, drive to Ifaty, located on the coast in the driest part of the country, characterized by its cactus-like spiny forests of euphorbiaceae and didieraceae. Experience the daily life of the Vezo communities, who earn their living from fishing, and witness their small pirogues setting out to sea.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Le Paradisier or similar
Included Highlights: Diverse landscape transition, Traditional tomb sightings, Spiny forest exploration, Observing Vezo fishing communities
Distance: ± 265 km
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Ifaty, an idyllic beach destination perfect for diving and snorkelling due to its location within the country’s largest lagoon and protection by a large coral reef. It’s also a popular spot for birdwatchers and offers insights into the Vezo fishermen’s life. Consider optional excursions such as visiting the Reniala Forest to see two types of baobabs, spiny bush, and various reptiles including the ‘chameleon parsoni,’ one of the world’s largest chameleons. From July to mid-September, take a thrilling whale watching boat trip to witness whales migrating to Madagascar’s cool seas to give birth. In the afternoon, you can walk to Mangily village to visit a local school and further experience the Vezo fishermen’s way of life.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Vovotelo, Les Dunes D’Ifaty or similar
Included Highlights: Beach relaxation
Optional Activities: Reniala Forest baobab & chameleon tour, seasonal whale watching (July-Sept), Vezo cultural immersion, snorkelling/diving
Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Antananarivo. After checking into your hotel, you have the afternoon free for sightseeing and exploring the capital city, known as the ‘City of Thousands’. Discover its unique three-stage development: the High City (regal period, Queen’s Palace, Rova), the Mid-City (chic boutiques, administration), and the Low City (commercial area, ‘L’avenue de l’independence’). Explore the Rova, the Queen’s Palace, and the house of the first minister, now a museum, all built by Frenchman Jean Laborde during the royal period.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Palissandre Hotel & Spa, Raddison Water Front Hotel or similar
Included Highlights: Antananarivo city sightseeing, Exploring the Rova and historical districts.
Distance: ± 20km
Please Note: Internal flight Tuléar to Tana will be at your own expense EUR 340 per person
After a remarkable journey through Madagascar’s diverse landscapes and cultures, your Madagascar adventure concludes today. You will be transferred to Antananarivo airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Madagascar
Optional Activities available on this tour at your own expense
Chat to our experts to help you plan your dream trip.
Treks range from 1–6 hours over steep, muddy terrain. A moderate fitness level is recommended, but the life-changing encounter is worth every step!
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All tours will include; tents (camping tours), chairs, table, cutlery, pots, pans etc. Sleeping bags are included on select camping tours, while a sleeping bag rental option is available on others. Most travellers will bring their own sleeping bag + travel pillow + towel. Bedding is included on the accommodated tours. Sleeping mats are included on most overland tours, with the exception of a few budget overland camping tours. We will advise on this when suggesting a tour(s) for your overland adventure. The camping tour makes use of large 2-man dome canvas tents, with built in mosquito nets. They are super quick and easy to put up and take down. The accommodated tours combine the adventure of camping and comfort of bedded accommodation, making use of twin and single rooms in hotels, hostels, lodge-style bungalows, chalets and permanent tented safari camps.
Zimbabwe offers several less-traveled but equally rewarding destinations such as Chizarira National Park, Bvumba (Vumba) Mountains, Mount Selinda / Chirinda Forest, Nyanga National Park and the Chinhoyi Caves.
Absolutely! Many overlanders fly from Dar es Salaam after a Serengeti or Selous safari.
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R70,106
14 Day Madagascar Adventure Tour
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