Highlights of Madagascar

This exciting and adventurous itinerary takes you to some of Madagascar's remotest areas, staying in excellent little camps that are two of our favourite options on this mysterious island. Explore the wild life rich Mandrare and learn more about the fascinating culture of the Antandroy tribe, before flying over to Manafiafy Lodge on the beach, where you can relax, go in search of lemurs and chameleons or marvel as humpbacks breach during the migration season.

1. Fly to Antananarivo

2. Days 1-2: Antananarivo, Central Madagascar

   Land in the capital Antananarivo and transfer to an intimate guest house in the suburbs of this fascinating city. Dependent on your time of arrival, embark on a historical city tour, or you can relax and refresh in the lush green gardens of your guest house on the edge of a turquoise pool.

   Accommodation: Le Pavillon de l’Emyrne (1 night)

3. Days 2-6: Mandrare River, Southern Madagascar

   Transfer back to the airport before flying south by shared charter to Ifotaka in the south east of Madagascar. From here you will be collected and transferred to Mandrare River Camp. This delightful little camp overlooks the Mandrare River, a mecca for wildlife, and from here you will be able to walk and drive to see some of Madagascar's endemic wildlife. Choose to visit the spiny forest where you could spot the lemurs leaping from tree to tree, and marvel at the famous baobabs. Take a walk through the deciduous gallery forest and the littoral scrub forest, or scramble up the massive sand dunes at Lac Anony and enjoy the incredible views over the salt water lake. Spend some time with the Antandroy, the local tribe who have made this area their home. Discover their tombs in the Sacred forests and with your local guide learn about their local traditions and customs.

   Accommodation: Mandrare River Camp (4 nights)

4. Days 6-10: Southern Madagascar, Madagascar

   Leaving Mandrare, you will travel by shared charter to Fort Dauphin for lunch before travelling onwards (a fascinating journey) to Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge. This lodge is beautiful and secluded - set in rich vegetation right on a curving beach with crashing waves. From here you can take a boat trip into the mangroves, where the bird watching is spectacular. At certain times of the year the humpback whales pass by on their migration, and the lodge has a special whale-watching boat which is deployed the moment the whales are sighted. Snorkelling and swimming is offered inside the natural bay created by large granite outcrops stretching into the sea. Guests can also choose to take a night walk in a local area of forest, to spot the nocturnal lemurs, night moths, night birds and other Malagasy species. Spend four nights here exploring the area and enjoying Madagascar's legendary hospitality before transferring back to Fort Dauphin and flying back to Antananarivo.

   Accommodation: Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge (4 nights)

5. Fly from Antananarivo

• Antandroy traditional culture

  During your stay at Mandrare River Camp, spend time discovering the fascinating traditions and cultures of the local Antandroy people. Your guide will explain more on an unobtrusive tour, offering a fascinating insight into their culture.

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• Explore the spiny forest

  Madagascar's spiny forests are one of the island's most unique and distinctive habitats. Explore the local forest near Mandrare with your guide to learn more, looking out for wildlife including lemurs along the way.

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• Tree tent sleepout at Manafiafy

  Sleep out in a unique tree tent strung between the trees for the ultimate romantic night under the stars on a private island, just offshore from Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge. A personal chef will prepare a delicious gourmet dinner on the beach.

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• Whale watching from Manafiafy

  Between the end of June and mid November, humpback whales can be seen off the coast of Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge as they migrate past Madagascar. They calve, nurse their young and perform aqua acrobatics during these months - a real treat!

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Mandrare River & Manafiafy