Madagascar· 14 days · Guided

First Encounter with the Malagasy

▲▲▲▲▲Moderate

This 14-day tour will take you to the southern part of the island where you will meet different ethnic groups, learn about their way of life and live an incredible adventure aboard the mythical train linking the Central Highlands to the East Coast. Then, you will explore the two famous national parks in the South which are Ranomafana with its various bamboo lemurs and Isalo with its multicolored massifs and oases dated from the Jurassic era. Moreover, a visit of Anja reserve led by the village community is on the schedule to discover the Catta lemurs that will brighten up the landscape. The Zombitse national park will also make you discover other species of lemurs and the dancing sifaka lemurs of this park. After that, your journey will end with a relaxing stay at the beautiful beach of Ifaty after 1000 km away. Finally, you will return to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar to discover Ambohimanga, the cradle of the ancient monarchy, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

About this trip

A trip we'd happily do again next month

This is one of our signature guided journeys in Madagascar. We've walked it many times — alone, with friends, with our own families — and we've shaped it into something we're genuinely proud of.

You'll be in a small group, led by a local guide who knows the trails, the families along the way, and the best place to stop for lunch. Nothing rushed. Nothing generic.

Glimpses of the trip

Photos from the trail

First Encounter with the Malagasy — photo 1

First Encounter with the Malagasy — photo 2

First Encounter with the Malagasy — photo 3

First Encounter with the Malagasy — photo 4

First Encounter with the Malagasy — photo 5

First Encounter with the Malagasy — photo 6

First Encounter with the Malagasy — photo 7

First Encounter with the Malagasy — photo 8

Day by day

Your 14-day itinerary

A draft of how the trip flows — every itinerary is fine-tuned around your group, fitness and pace before we book anything.

01
Arrival in Antananarivo
Arrival and airport transfer in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.
+
Arrival and airport transfer in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.
02
Towards the Central Highlands — Antsirabe
Travel through the Central Highlands of Madagascar to Antsirabe.
+
Travel through the Central Highlands of Madagascar to Antsirabe.
03
Highland landscapes and terraced rice fields
Continue through the highlands with their terraced rice fields on the way south.
+
Continue through the highlands with their terraced rice fields on the way south.
04
FCE train from Fianarantsoa to Manakara
Unusual journey aboard the mythical FCE train linking the Central Highlands to the East Coast, from Fianarantsoa to Manakara. Picnic lunch.
+
Unusual journey aboard the mythical FCE train linking the Central Highlands to the East Coast, from Fianarantsoa to Manakara. Picnic lunch.
05
Manakara and the East Coast
Discover Manakara on the East Coast and the traditional culture of the Tanàla ethnic group, the people of the forest. Picnic lunch.
+
Discover Manakara on the East Coast and the traditional culture of the Tanàla ethnic group, the people of the forest. Picnic lunch.
06
Meeting the local communities
Meet different ethnic groups and learn about their way of life; visit various craftsmen's workshops.
+
Meet different ethnic groups and learn about their way of life; visit various craftsmen's workshops.
07
Ranomafana National Park
Discovery of Ranomafana National Park and its rainforest, home to various bamboo lemurs.
+
Discovery of Ranomafana National Park and its rainforest, home to various bamboo lemurs.
08
Bamboo lemurs of Ranomafana
Further exploration of Ranomafana's wildlife, including its bamboo lemurs.
+
Further exploration of Ranomafana's wildlife, including its bamboo lemurs.
09
Anja community reserve
Visit of the Anja reserve, led by the village community, to discover the Catta (ring-tailed) lemurs.
+
Visit of the Anja reserve, led by the village community, to discover the Catta (ring-tailed) lemurs.
10
Isalo National Park
Hiking in Isalo National Park with its multicolored massifs and oases dated from the Jurassic era.
+
Hiking in Isalo National Park with its multicolored massifs and oases dated from the Jurassic era.
11
Zombitse National Park
Discovery of Zombitse National Park and its dancing Sifaka lemurs, then onward toward the south-west coast.
+
Discovery of Zombitse National Park and its dancing Sifaka lemurs, then onward toward the south-west coast.
12
Ifaty — beach and baobabs
Relaxing stay at the beautiful beach of Ifaty and exploration of the Ifaty baobab forest.
+
Relaxing stay at the beautiful beach of Ifaty and exploration of the Ifaty baobab forest.
13
Return to Antananarivo — Antananarivo & Ambohimanga
Return to Antananarivo to discover the city and Ambohimanga, the cradle of the ancient Merina monarchy, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
+
Return to Antananarivo to discover the city and Ambohimanga, the cradle of the ancient Merina monarchy, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
14
Departure
Airport transfer and departure from Antananarivo.
+
Airport transfer and departure from Antananarivo.

Like the look of it?

Tell us when you're thinking of coming — we'll send you a draft within 24 hours.

Plan this trip

What's included

Everything that's covered

✓Local guide throughout
✓All accommodation in selected guesthouses & hotels
✓Daily breakfast and most dinners
✓Luggage transfers between stages
✓All ground transport during the trip
✓Detailed route notes and maps

Not included

What you'll arrange yourself

—International flights to/from Madagascar
—Madagascar visa (€35 on arrival)
—Travel insurance
—Drinks, tips and personal expenses

Request this trip

Tell us a little, we'll send you a draft

Roughly when, who's travelling and what kind of pace you like — that's all we need. We'll reply within 24 hours with a draft itinerary and a price. No payment until you're happy with the plan.

Or WhatsApp us directly: +261 32 40 607 07