Day 01: Arrival - Antananarivo
Upon reaching Ivato International Airport, visitors will be warmly greeted by Tranquil Safaris staff. The Guide will assist with the remaining arrival processes, such as exchanging currency, setting up a new SIM card for the phone, and any other necessary tasks to commence the adventure. Visitors will explore Madagascar's capital, commonly referred to as "Tana". African safari vacations in Madagascar typically begin with a stay in the capital city to discover its unique attractions.
Accommodation: Le Centell Hotel & Spa Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 02: Antananarivo – Morondava – Kirindy (45km "1h30")
Following breakfast, visitors will embark on a 45-minute tour of the Queen's Palace (Rova Manjakamiadana) before transferring to the airport for a flight (departing at 12:20 am) to Morondava on the island's west coast (arriving at 1:20 pm). Upon arrival, visitors will drive directly north for approximately 42 km along a winding secondary road to reach the renowned Kirindy Park. Visitors will check-in at the Relais du Kirindy hotel. Around 6:30 PM, visitors will participate in a guided night walk at Kirindy Reserve. Kirindy is the best location on the entire island to observe fossa. Other nocturnal species include the rare Coquerel's giant mouse lemur and pygmy mouse-lemur, fork-crowned lemur, grey mouse lemur, western fat-tailed dwarf lemur, and red-tailed sportive lemur. Several bats, tenrecs, mongoose, and rodents complete the mammal population. Safari tours in Kirindy Reserve provide the opportunity to witness unique wildlife species in their natural habitat.
Accommodation: Relais du Kirindy Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 03: Kirindy – Bekopaka (165km "7h")
After breakfast, around 7:30 AM, visitors will embark on a guided day visit to Kirindy reserve. Kirindy Reserve is home to seven species of lemur. The most common are brown lemurs and Verreaux's sifakas. These long-legged, seven-pound lemurs, white with dark patches, leap among tree trunks high in the canopy, propelled by their powerful hind legs while maintaining an upright posture. The reserve also hosts 40 bird species, 50 reptile families, and 15 amphibian species. Following the visit, visitors will board a ferry to cross to the small village of Belo sur Tsiribihina, where they will pause for lunch. The journey continues north through a landscape of rice fields and a small village, arriving at Bekopaka by late afternoon. Overnight will be at the lodge. African safari adventures in Madagascar offer ample opportunities to observe the country's unique flora and fauna.
Day 04: Bekopaka (Tsingy de Bemaraha)
After breakfast, visitors will proceed to a guided tour of the Bemaraha National Park (Grand Tsingy). Visitors will select an excursion that best suits their fitness level and enthusiasm for the day. There are circuits for all levels of fitness at this World Heritage Park. Here, nature appears to be in perfect harmony with this wild and sharp limestone mountain. The flora consists of a dry western deciduous forest and plants typical of these dry limestone areas, such as species of Aloe and baobab Andasonia, the red-flowered flamboyant tree, and Madagascar's native banana, Musa perrier. Visitors can also see typical plants growing in the rocky area, such as pachypodium and orchids. When it comes to fauna, visitors can see the stump-tailed chameleon Brookesia perarmata, 53 bird species, and 7 lemur species, including Decken's sifaka Propithecus verreauxi deckeni. A picnic organized by the guide will be enjoyed before continuing to the Small Tsingy. Safari holidays in Tsingy de Bemaraha provide a truly immersive experience in a unique and stunning landscape.
Accommodation: Soleil Du Tsingy Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 05: Bekopaka - Morondava (200km "10h")
After breakfast, visitors will embark on a lengthy drive to Morondava. They will pause for lunch at Belo sur Tsiribihina. Visitors will also stop at Baobab Amoureux and the famous Streets of Baobabs to appreciate a lavish sunset. Later, visitors will be transferred to the hotel to relax for the remainder of the evening. African safari vacations in Madagascar frequently include visits to iconic natural attractions like the Avenue of the Baobabs.
Accommodation: stay at Soleil Des Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 06: Morondava - Antsirabe (470km "9h")
Today, visitors will have another long drive to Antsirabe. After breakfast, visitors will meet their guide at 7:00 am in the hotel lobby and drive directly to Antsirabe with some stops along the road for pictures and breaks if necessary. Lunch will be in Miandrivazo, and then the journey continues to Antsirabe. The city is renowned for its buildings dating from the colonial era. Upon arrival, visitors will check in to the lodge for overnight. Safari tours in Madagascar often include visits to charming towns and villages for a glimpse into local life.
Accommodation: Royal Palace. Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 07: Antsirabe – Andasibe (290km "7h30") Early in the morning, after breakfast, visitors will commence their day with a city tour in Antsirabe by rickshaw, visiting the Avenue of Independence, the famous Hotel des Thermes, a stone market, and the little Factory of Horn. After the visit, visitors will head to Andasibe with some stops to enjoy the landscape and take photos. A special stop will be made at the Pereiras park, a fascinating park owned by the Peyrieras family, to see Coquerel's Sifaka, chameleons, and many other reptiles, as well as some other Malagasy animals such as butterflies, moths (the giant Atlas Moth), and tenrecs. Following the visit, visitors will continue directly to Andasibe. Upon arrival, visitors will check-in at the hotel and relax for the rest of the day. African safari adventures in Madagascar often include opportunities to witness unique wildlife and learn about local culture.
Accommodation: Mantadia Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 08: Andasibe (Perinet)
After breakfast, visitors will join their guide to Analamazaotra National Park (leaving the hotel at 7:30 AM) to observe the Indri-Indri and the Diademed Sifaka in their forest home. The visit takes about 4 hours. Within a mile of the park, visitors can hear the peculiar call of the indri very early in the morning until noon and again in the late afternoon. Indris (called Babakoto in Malagasy) are the largest living lemurs, about 1 meter tall. Andasibe is the best place to observe the Indris, given that there are a couple of families habituated to humans. It lives in small groups and cannot survive in captivity. Several legends try to explain its origins since it is considered a sacred animal in all of Madagascar. Apart from the Indri, another 13 lemur species inhabit these forests, such as woody lemur, grey bamboo lemur, diademed sifaka, brown lemur, red mouse-lemur, red-bellied lemur, black and white ruffed lemur, and even aye-aye. After lunch in the afternoon, visitors will enjoy an amazing up-close and personal experience with lemurs on the private Lemurs Island and then view many other species in the Vakona Reserve Zoo, where they will see many crocodiles in the huge river enclosure, native birds, and other wildlife in well-kept surroundings. Around 6:30 PM, visitors will start their guided night walk in the park for about one hour before driving back to the hotel. Safari holidays in Andasibe National Park provide ample opportunities to witness unique lemur species and other endemic wildlife.
Accommodation: Mantadia Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 09: Andasibe - Antananarivo (130km "3h30")
Today, visitors will transfer back to the capital, Antananarivo. Upon arrival, they will drive to the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of a royal city and an ensemble of sacred places. The Queen's Palace here is a symbol of the Merina Kingdom, the dynasty that made Madagascar a modern state. This is a place of pilgrimage and the burial ground for its sovereigns since 1817. Sitting atop the highest hill in Antananarivo, it offers spectacular views of the surroundings. Visitors will then transfer to the hotel. African safari vacations in Madagascar often conclude with a visit to the capital city to explore its historical and cultural attractions.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner Accommodation: Pietra
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, before leaving, visitors will stroll to the shopping mall and markets to purchase some souvenirs at the craft market of La Digue. Visitors will be dropped off at the airport according to their flight to catch their next destination. End of services. Safari adventures in Madagascar come to an end, leaving lasting memories of incredible landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences.
