The Great Loop 20 days from 133$/day

The Great Loop

This is our flagship tour. During 20 days you will discover the Western and Southern part of the great island by departing from the capital Antanananarivo. Few of the highlights are: the hike in the Tsingy ,canoeing on the Tsiribihina river, the famous alley of Baobabs, the white sand beaches of Salary, the Vezo fishermen villages, the Isalo, the Ranofamana rainforest and its lemurs. A very complete tour.

Itinerary

DAY : 1 - Antananarivo
A visit to the Old City, the palace of the Queen, will introduce you to the architecture and urbanism of this particular city. An introduction to the delectable cuisine from Madagascar and the Indian Ocean islands is also on the program.

DAY : 2 - Antananarivo - Miandrivazo
Drive through the uplands. Off Tritriva Lake (Extinct volcano).

DAY : 3/4/5 - Down the River Tsiribihina
You will help the pirogues'men paddling and transit through to the gorges of the Tsiribihana, cross different ecosystems along the river: tobacco plantations, waterfalls and natural pool, crocodiles, a variety of birds, small villages. The camp will be prepared every night on sand dunes.

DAY : 6 - Belo on Tsiribihana - Bekopaka
We arrive in Belo-sur-Tsiribihana where we take the road through the bush to reach the village of Bekopaka, gateway to the Tsingy. We will establish a camp for the next 2 nights.

DAY : 7 - Tsingy
Hiking and spelunking through caves, mazes and the peaks of Tsingy. You will be thrilled. Guaranteed.

DAY : 8 - Bekopaka - Morondava
We will see the famous alley of baobabs at sunset. We will stay overnight in Morondava.

DAY : 9 - Morondava - Tulear - Salary
Transfer by air to Tulear. After a lunch at Ifaty, we take the road to Salary, a small fishermen village further north to discover the Great Reef Barrier and its turquoise lagoons.

DAY : 10/11 - Salary
In this very authentic and even wild place, positioned outside major tourist routes, swimming and sunbathing on the beach are the only things we expect from you. You will be able to dive to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Here it is like time stops, only the sound of waves can disturb your peace of mind. Relax, go walk, canoe, visit fishermen villages or introduce yourself to diving.

DAY : 12 - Salary - Ifaty - Tulear
We leave Salary for Ifaty where we will visit the spiny and Baobabs’s forests on a zebu cart. Visiting the turtle's village is also on the agenda. We stay overnight in Tulear.

DAY : 13 - Tulear - Ranohira (Isalo)
We will cross some cities and villages as Ilakaka created following the rush to sapphire to get to our hotel in the middle of Isalo.

DAY : 14 - Isalo National Park
A tour through a lunar landscape in this National Park consists of playing the role of an archeologist researching through Jurassic Era Continental Sandstones. Your guide will lead you through the deep canyons, waterfalls and natural pools where you can take a swim. The day ends with a magnificent sunset to the famous Isalo window.

DAY : 15 - Ranohira (Isalo) - Ambalavao - Fianarantsoa
The first stop of the day is in the small town of Ambalavao, one of the Malagasy cultural treasures with its architectural veranda houses. There, we will visit the entirely natural Antemoro Paper Factory, an inlaid paper made from plants and flowers, which is exported nowadays everywhere to make beautiful greeting cards. We finally leave the semi arid fauna to climb slowly to the uplands. We will stay overnight in Fianarantsoa.

DAY : 16 - Fianarantsoa - Ranomafana
An early morning wake-up will enable us to arrive at the old station to embark on the Railway Line CFE dating from the early twentieth century. In a tropical primary forest landscape, the train makes two stops across it: one at the mounting tea plantations and the next at the beautiful Mandriamposty Waterfall. Each stop in both stations provides the opportunity to witness the frenzy generated by the arrival of a train! We will arrive at the Ranomafana National Park.

DAY : 17 - Ranomafana National Park
We will rush in the wet and dense forest of Ranomafana National Park where you can find a still unknown flora and fauna. Until recently, new species of plants and animals were discovered. We will also see lemurs evolve in their natural habitat.

DAY : 18 - Ranomafana - Antsirabe
Drive to the uplands of Betsileo region famous for its workshops and Zafimaniry Wood Carvings. After that day, we deserve a break in Antsirabe where we will spend the night.

DAY : 19 - Antsirabe - Ambatolampy - Antananarivo
We start the day by visiting a famous precious stones facility and then a foundry of traditional pots and pans in Ambatolampy before heading to the city of a thousand, Antananarivo.

DAY : 20 - Antananarivo
Free day and relaxation in Antananarivo to make your final purchases of souvenirs.

Libertalia 6 days from 215$/day

Libertalia

Fly to the second largest bay of the world and start your discovery of the northern part of Madagascar from there. Embark with fishermen to the Emerald sea, hike through the Amber Moutain and its sacred waterfalls and rainforest, see the two types of Tsingy. A short circuit alternating very diverse activities in the sea or in the mountains.

Itinerary

DAY : 1 - Antananarivo - Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)
We directly get to the port of Antsiranana where we can see the second largest bay in the world. The afternoon will be devoted to relaxation along three bays of fine sand.

DAY : 2 - Antsiranana – Ambre Mountain
Located twenty kilometers from the port, the green Ambre Mountain Green Park is home to lemurs and sacred waterfalls. You enjoy the beautiful view of the bay on the top of the mountain.

DAY : 3 - Red Tsingy
This site is the result of erosion of land and was recently discovered. The Red Tsingy prove that the Red Island deserves its nickname.

DAY : 4 - Emerald Sea
Accompanied by experienced sailors and fishermen, you will take a boat to a small island off the Bay of Diego to reach the Emerald Sea. You will spend the day relaxing and snorkeling in clear water while your fishermen prepare food with their daily catch.

DAY : 5 - The Ankarana
The Ankarana is the second place in Madagascar where you can see the famous Tsingy. Here, we will walk through the forest where many endemic specimens live and appreciate the scenery offered by these impressive limestone formations.

DAY : 6 - Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) - Antananarivo
After a complete morning living the slow pace of Diego Suarez, passengers are transferred to the capital by air.

Lemurs of Pangalanes 11 days from 164$/day

Lemurs of Pangalanes

From Antananarivo, you will slowly head to the east cost. A stop in the Andasibe rainforest where a guide will take you deep in the forest to search the biggest lemur, the “Indri Indri”. You will then take a boat ride on the channel of Pangalanes to ultimately reach the pristine waters of Sainte Marie. Another favourite hit chosen by our customers.

Itinerary

DAY : 1 - Antananarivo
Discover the capital of Madagascar and its hectic life. A visit to the Old City will introduce you to the architecture and urbanism of this particular city from different points of view. An introduction to the delectable cuisine from Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands is also on the program.

DAY : 2 - Antananarivo - Andasibe
We leave very early in the morning for Andasibe and drove through a tortuous road. The journey which is always a great opportunity to discover these villages that often only have the railway tracks to connect to the rest of the country. Once in Andasibe, we will enter into the primary forest looking for nocturnal animals.

DAY : 3 - Andasibe-Mantadia
A day's walk through primary forest to discover the Malagasy fauna and flora Malagasy including the various species of lemurs. Waterfalls and beautiful landscapes will entertain the walk.

DAY : 4 - Andasibe - Manambato - Ankanin'Nofy
We continue our descent to the East Coast to join the Pangalanes Channel in Manambato. Then, we take the boat to go to the remote island of Ankanin'Nofy, a small town located in a strip of greenery between the Indian Ocean and the Pangalanes Channel.

DAY : 5 - Ankanin'Nofy
In this remote place, a visit of the village and its palmarium to discover the Ankanin'Nofy’s characteristic flora is on the program.

DAY : 6 - Ankanin'Nofy - Toamasina
By boat, we quickly cross back the Pangalanes Channel up to Toamasina, the largest port in Madagascar.

DAY : 7 - Toamasina - Ivoloina - Sainte Marie
Before flying to Sainte-Marie, we visit the Lemurs Observatory Park in Ivoloina, where most environmental and conservation research is undergoing. Then we fly to the Pirates Islands, Sainte Marie

DAY : 8/9 - Sainte Marie – « Ile aux Nattes »
Enjoy these two days to make a boat trip for whale watching. An excursion to the lagoon on the Ile aux Nattes is not to be missed.

DAY : 10 - Sainte Marie - Antananarivo:
From here we will take a flight to return to the highlands of Imerina.

DAY : 11 - Arts and Crafts Malagasy
Take advantage of this last day to reconnect with city life, be charmed by Antananarivo and discover Malagasy arts and crafts. Enjoy that day to relax and buy souvenirs.

The Sapphire Road 13 days from 154$/day

The Sapphire Road

The circuit which started Asisten Travel. Driving along the legendary national road #7, we will stop along the way to discover what Madagascar has to offer in a couple of weeks. The rainforest and its awesome biodiversity, the highlands, the Isalo with its canyons and natural pools, the Antemoro paper factory, the sapphire villages, the turquoise waters of South Western coast of Madagascar.

Itinerary

DAY : 1 - Relaxation and visit of Antananarivo
To quickly recover from your long journey, we suggest a relaxing massage with essential oils before making your way onto the city of Antananarivo and its hills. A visit to the Old City, the palace of the Queen, will introduce you to the architecture and urbanism of this particular city. An introduction to the delectable cuisine and the Malagasy islands of the Indian Ocean is also on the program.

DAY : 2 - Antananarivo – Antsirabe, the capital of "rickshaws"
Our journey to the South begins with the first destination: Antsirabe, a city famous for its thermal waters and the production of the famous local beer: THB (Three Horses Beer).

DAY : 3 - Crossing the highlands; Antsirabe - Ambositra - Fianarantsoa
Our highland crossing into the region of Betsileo brings you to the first stop in the town of Ambositra, famous for its workshops and Zafimaniry Wood Carvings. Then, reaching the old town of Fianarantsoa perched onto the hills with its beautiful traditional architecture reflecting the different stages of colonization.

DAY : 4 - A train journey through the rainforest; Fianarantsoa - Tolongoina - Ranomafana
An early morning wake-up will enable us to arrive at the old station to embark on a train journey through the legendary primary tropical forest. In a landscaped primary tropical forest, the train makes two stops across the landscaped primary tropical forest; one at the mounting tea plantations and the next at the beautiful Mandriamposty Waterfall. Each stop in both stations provides the opportunity to witness the frenzy generated by the arrival of a train!

DAY : 5 - Tour of Ranomafana National Park
Leaping into the dense rain forest and Ranomafana National Park, you will definitely find undiscovered plants & animal species. You will also discover lemurs in their natural habitat. A visit at night is also planned to present up close animals such as Fosa (small puma), chameleons, frogs and the smallest lemur in the world: Microcebe.

DAY : 6 - Ranomafana - Ambalavao - Ranohira (Isalo)
Leaving the Tropical Wetlands to continue your journey towards the South with its semi-dry landscape. The first stop of the day is in the small town of Ambalavao, one of the cultural treasures with its architectural houses with verandas. There, we will visit the entirely natural Paper Factory Antemoro, an inlaid paper made from plants and flowers which is exported nowadays everywhere to make beautiful greeting cards. We will arrive in Ranohira later in the afternoon to enjoy a very unique landscape.

DAY : 7 - Tour Isalo National Park
A tour through a lunar landscape in this National Park. Your guide will lead you through the deep canyons, waterfalls and natural pools where you can take a swim. The day ends on a magnificent sunset to the famous window of the Isalo.

DAY : 8 - Ranohira (Isalo) - Ilakaka - Tulear - Ifaty
Direction Sea! A passage through Ilakaka, the city "far west" of the rush to sapphire. Famous for its beaches with its forest full Baobab Trees, we will stop in Ifaty.

DAY : 9 - Ifaty - Salary
Outside major tourist routes, in a pristine place very authentic and even wild we will discover Salary. On the Salary Menu, we propose swimming and sunbathing on the deserted, divine beaches. You will be able to dive and explore Salary’s Great Barrier Reef.

DAY : 10/11 - The sandy beaches of Salary and Vezo villages
Here, only the sound of waves can disturb your peace of mind. Go canoeing with the fishermen, go scuba diving, go visit villages or maybe, just relax!

DAY : 12 - Salary – Toliara
Finding Toliara, the largest city in the South West Region of the Island with its atmosphere calling adventurers from around the world.

DAY : 13 - Toliara - Antananarivo
From here we will take a flight of the national airline Air Madagascar to return to the highlands of Imerina. Take advantage of your last days of your trip to renew contact with the charm of Antananarivo, city life and discover Malagasy Handicrafts in its integrity.

Down to the Tsingy 11 days from 155$/day

Down to the Tsingy

Legendary post card scenaries: the Alley of Baobab and the Tsingy. Getting there will be a fantastic and unique experience, you will be canoeing on the Tsiribihana river to see the landscape change day after days.

Itinerary

DAY : 1 - Antananarivo, City of a Thousand
Discover Antananarivo and its cutting-edge life style. A visit to the Old City, the palace of the Queen, will introduce you to the architecture and urbanism of this particular city. An introduction to the delectable cuisine of Madagascar and the islands of the Indian Ocean is also on the menu.

DAY : 2 - Antananarivo – Antsirabe
Our journey to the South begins with the first destination: Antsirabe, a city famous for its thermal waters and its gemstone factory.

DAY : 3 - Antsirabe – Miandrivazo
Before continuing our journey through the highlands, we will have a walk around the Tritriva lake, a sleeping volcan. We will sleep in Miandrivazo in the Middle West; small port town beginning our next day journey down the river Tsiribihana.

DAY : 4/5 - Down River Tsiribihana
Crossing the different ecosystems along the river from the Passage of the Tsiribihana Gorges, we will discover tobacco plantations, waterfall and natural pool, crocodiles, variety of birds and small villages - which is prepared every night on the sandbanks.

DAY : 6 - Belo-sur-Tsiribihana - Bekopaka
We disembark in Belo-sur-Tsiribihana before driving to Bekopakaka, the gateway to the Tsingy.

DAY : 7 - Visit the Tsingy of Bemaraha
Experiencing awe-inspiring moments of a lifetime while hiking through caves, mazes, and the peaks of the breath-Taking Tsingy.

DAY : 8 - Bekopaka – Morondava
At sunset, we enter the world famous alley of Baobabs before continuing to Morondava.

DAY : 9 - Morondava - Belo-sur-Mer
A 4x4 adventure brings us through river crossings, salt fields and to Belo-sur-Mer, a charming fishing village isolated from the rest of the world.

DAY : 10 - Belo-sur-Mer
A trip to Belo-sur-Mer encompasses visits to traditional boat-manufacturing facilities while enjoying a canoe trip with endless possibilities of snorkelling on the nearby islands and the coral reefs ( or diving if you don’t fly the next day!)

DAY : 11 - Belo on Wednesday – Morondava
We will transfer you to Morondava by boat to take your flight back to the capital Antananarivo.

Lemur Express 3 days from 99$/day

Lemur Express

For the people in a rush who only have a few days to see the essential. Discover Antananarivo with its history and its people, see the lemurs in the rainforest.

Itinerary

DAY : 1 - Antananarivo – Andasibe
Make your way onto the city of Antananarivo and its hills. A visit to the Old City, the palace of the Queen, will introduce you to the architecture and urbanism of this particular city. In the afternoon, we will hit the twisty road to Andasibe. We can also take the train which is a good way to discover the isolated villages. Once in Andasibe, we can start to discover noctural animals and primates in the national park.

DAY : 2 - Mantadia national park
We will have a all day walk in the rainforest to discover the Malagasy flora and fauna which includes the famous Indri lemurs. Along our way, we will spot some nice waterfalls and landscapes. We can also extend your trip by a day or two to visit the Analamazaotra park and the Torotorofotsy wetland. Both parks are community managed parks and your visit will contribute directly to the benefit of the habitants.

DAY : 3 - Andasibe – Antananarivo
Before leaving Andasibe, we will visit colony of crocodiles and lemur. After lunch, our car will take you back to Antananarivo.