Wild Madagascar
From CAD $6,935
Guarantee
Small Group
Unknown
Rating
Experience Overview
Ready to go wild… really wild? Then join us in Madagascar to explore the east and rarely visited north of the island. Guided by tour leaders expertly tuned to the island’s wildlife, we hike through animal-rich national parks, marvel at tsingy stone forests, and end in the tropical paradise of Nosy Be. Expect oodles of wildlife – bouncing lemurs, camouflaged chameleons and colourful marine life – and an adventure found nowhere else on Earth.
Profile
— Accommodation: 13 Classic nights (hotels) — Travel by private bus, boat and internal flight — Group normally 4 to 12, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 13 Classic nights (hotels) — Travel by private bus, boat and internal flight — Group normally 4 to 12, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging) with a Wildlife Rating of Three. For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Madagascar is a rewarding destination with a wealth of flora and fauna; however, before you decide to travel, we would like to highlight the following considerations:
Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world and the infrastructure reflects this.Travelling by vehicle in Madagascar can be uncomfortable as road conditions are far worse than in Europe and North America. Expect many narrow, winding and uneven sections of road. Roads away from the population hubs and main routes are generally unpaved dirt roads, which can be very bumpy.We do have some longer drives but the diverse scenery more than makes up for time spent on the bus. We break up our road journeys with stops at villages to take photos and stretch our legs.There are a lot of very early starts and long days on this itinerary.For the best wildlife viewing opportunities, there are some early starts and tracking the wildlife can involve walking through difficult terrain at a quick pace.Parts of Madagascar are mountainous. You need to be prepared to walk in hills for up to four hours. The trails are fairly gentle in Andasibe but steeper in all the other national parks.The tourist infrastructure in Madagascar is new and some services are limited. It is not unusual for there to be changes to accommodation or internal flights and for this reason the order of the itinerary (but not the content) may sometimes change. However, what tourism does exist is of a good standard and you may be impressed by the level of service in some of the places we stay.
This itinerary includes the use of pontoon ferries, which do not (typically) offer emergency safety equipment, such as flotation devices. We have risk assessed these crossings and find them to be low risk. However, if you are concerned about this aspect, please consider an alternative trip as we are unable to facilitate the provision of Western safety equipment.
Eating Drinking
Food standards in Madagascar can vary and are probably not of the same standard you are used to at home. The cuisine has been strongly influenced by the French and a three-course meal should cost 43,000-70,000 ariary (US$10-US$16). A one-course lunch should cost (US$4.40-US$7.60). Please allow approximately 1.4m ariary (US$325) for the meals not included, plus a little more if you enjoy a drink with dinner. Malagasy lager is reasonably priced and easily available. Malagasy wine is also reasonably priced but is not to everyone’s taste. It is sometimes possible to get hold of French or South African wine. Flavoured rums are a delicacy here, and are widely sold at a very reasonable price.
If you do not eat fish or meat, your food options will be limited (ie omelette, cheese, pasta, vegetables and rice). Breakfasts are usually simple: eggs, a baguette, jam and coffee or tea, and sometimes fruit. You may wish to bring something to supplement your morning meal (spread, peanut butter etc).
Transportation
Private bus, 4×4, boat and internal flight.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Relais des Plateaux, Lot 66 B, Talatamaty
Phone: +261 32 05 678 93
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm.
Airport: Ivato International Airport (TNR)
Getting to the start hotel
We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s one group transfer to Fascene Airport (NOS), which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
A day room (available 2pm to 8pm) can be requested if required. This is subject to availability at the time of booking.
Weather Information
Madagascar has a tropical climate with two seasons: rainy and dry. The driest season extends from April to October. It can be cold on the central plateau (including Antananarivo) in the evenings, and in the rainforest areas, so bring warm clothes (fleece and waterproof). There is considerable regional variation, but coastal areas are normally very hot and dry. Expect daytime temperatures in the shade up to 38C (100F) from October to December and up to 30C (86F) during the trips running from April to June and September.
Spending Money
A Visa or Mastercard can be used to obtain local cash at some banks, but we advise you to bring your spending money in euros or US dollars cash as these are easiest to change to local currency. Bills of €100 or US$100 usually get a better rate than bills of 20 or less. British pounds can only be exchanged at banks at the airport, but even there, they are not always accepted. You can bring a maximum of €7,500 or the corresponding amount in another currency without declaring it on arrival. Above that amount, you have to declare it. Please note, you can import and export a maximum of 400,000 ariary. You cannot rely on credit cards for payment as they are rarely accepted and the ATMs do not always work; American Express or Diners cards are also rarely accepted in Madagascar.
All money should be exchanged at the airport on arrival, as the banks in the provincial towns take a long time to process. Also, the exchange rate at the airport is generally better than in the banks in Antananarivo or other cities.
Optional excursions
For guests arriving before the tour starts, we are happy to propose the following optional activity.
Tana
Tamàna Kitchen: Tamàna Kitchen offers a series of workshops on Madagascan cuisine and spices. Our host, Tsiky, will welcome you to a traditional house in the centre of town, where she will take you on a discovery of fine Madagascan cocoa, arranged rums and typical dishes.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work. You may feel your tour leaders have performed well and want to show your appreciation of their services. If you would like to tip your tour leaders, we suggest approximately 22,000 ariary (US$5) per person per day.
It is also courtesy to tip any extra guides/drivers you may have over the course of the trip, though certainly not compulsory. Shortly after arrival, the tour leader will suggest to the group that they donate a sum of approximately 282,000 ariary (US$65) per person towards a kitty on arrival. This money is then used for tipping local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc and will be distributed by the tour leader.
Highlights
— Explore the wildest parts of Madagascar with an expert tour leader — Join local guides for wildlife-watching in several national parks — Glide over the serene waters of the Canal des Pangalanes — Marvel at the iconic tsingy stone forests — Snorkel with green turtles and, in season, observe whale sharks — Finish the adventure on the tropical island of Nosy Be
Trip Details
Product Code: 37072
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: l flight.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: WEN
Starts: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Finishes: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, three lunches and six dinners — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout (one for the eastern leg of the tour and another for the north) — Snorkelling equipment includedAccommodation
A selection of hotelsWe aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines. Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book. Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,935 ($495 /day)
Itinerary
Begin your adventure in Antananarivo (Tana to most), the characterful capital of Madagascar. Around 5pm, say salama (that’s hello in Malagasy) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Madagascan welcome by arranging a group dinner. Want more time in Tana? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative. Accommodation: Relais des Plateaux (or similar)
Bid farewell to Tana this morning and transfer (approximately five hours) to Andasibe National Park, also known as Perinet. In the afternoon, we have a forest walk (1hr 30min-2hr) in the community-run Vondron’olona Miaro Mitia Ala Reserve, where we can see several species of lemurs and birds. The reserve is an untouched paradise for endemic animals and plants. There are groups of indris, which we hope to see in their natural habitat, and their white-headed relatives, the diademed sifakas, which jump between the treetops. For reptiles and amphibian lovers, the reserve is home to countless frogs along the crystal-clear river and several amazing chameleons live in the forest. Around 5pm to 6pm, we embark on a night walk (around 1hr 30min) with an expert park guide. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of lemurs, nose-horned chameleons and green bright-eyed frogs. Accommodation: Sahatandra River Lodge (or similar)
Dive deeper into the wild wonders of Andasibe today, visiting the Analamazoatra section of the park on a four to five-hour walk. This area is well known for being home to indri, the largest of the lemur family, which we hope to spot with the help of our tour leader and national park guide. We may also spot diademed sifkas, black-and-white-ruffed lemurs, plenty of birdlife and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. Accommodation: Sahatandra River Lodge (or similar)
Begin with a drive (about five hours) to the quaint fishing village of Manambato, where we catch a boat to the reserve of Ankanin’ny Nofy (better known as Le Palmarium Reserve). Our 1hr 30min transfer takes us through the Canal des Pangalanes, a serene network of natural and human-made waterways stretching along Madagascar’s east coast, lined with lush vegetation, traditional villages and vibrant birdlife. Take the afternoon to explore the reserve at your leisure; before sunset, hop on the boat and make your way to Aye-Aye Island to catch a glimpse of this fascinating lemur. Visitors can observe these animals in semi-free conditions, offering close encounters while maintaining ethical standards. The reserve also shelters vibrant chameleons and rare tropical plants. Accommodation: Le Palmarium Reserve (or similar)
A day excursion on the canal offers a peaceful, immersive experience: glide through calm waters by motorised canoe, observing daily life along the riverbanks, spotting endemic flora and fauna, and visiting a village where we can enjoy small interactions with the residents. A tour leader and lodge guide illuminate the experience, and we enjoy a packed lunch on the beach (no swimming). Accommodation: Le Palmarium Reserve (or similar)
After an early breakfast, take the boat back to Manambato, then transfer (nine hours) back to Tana. Though it’s a long journey today, there’s lots of magnificent scenery to enjoy through the window, and stops are made to stretch legs and visit markets en route. We arrive in the late afternoon, with the rest of the day free to relax before our flight tomorrow. Accommodation: Relais des Plateaux (or similar)
We fly to Antsiranana (also known as Diego-Suarez), where we meet our next tour leader and start an exploration of Diego-Suarez Bay. Upon arrival, meet with your local guide, and start exploring part of Diego-Suarez Bay, the second-largest bay in the world after the Bay of Bengal. It starts outside the city with a visit to the summit of the French Mountain, where we can enjoy spectacular 360-degree views. We then visit three bays – Baie des Sakalava, Baie des Pigeons, and Baie des Dunes – to enjoy the coastal beauty of the area. We also enjoy a cooked picnic lunch on one of the beaches with the opportunity to take a dip in turquoise waters. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Note: A special baggage transfer will be arranged with the hotel, so you can start your day trip upon arrival at the airport. Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste (or similar)
One of the great wildlife-watching destinations in Madagascar, Amber Mountain National Park is a haven for unique wildlife, including crowned lemurs, Sanford’s brown lemurs, chameleons and the amazing leaf-tailed geckos. On a four to five-hour exploration, we walk scenic trails to waterfalls, crater lakes, and panoramic viewpoints, while also enjoying the cool climate and dense rainforest. Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste (or similar)
We drive (four hours) south today to the eastern entrance of Ankarana National Park. Along the way, we take a detour to the red tsingy. It’s an easy one-hour round-trip walk on a well-maintained trail, which takes us to the magnificent red-and-ochre rock formations sculpted by the Irodo River’s erosion. Accommodation: Ankarana Lodge (or similar)
Head into Ankarana National Park this morning, joining our tour leader to explore labyrinthine trails, cross hanging bridges over tsingy, and explore sacred caves with ancient stalactites and underground rivers. On our three to four-hour exploration, we also look for lumers (crowned, Sandford’s brown and Ankarana sportive), plus plenty of birds and reptiles. The trails are moderate but require good walking shoes. In the afternoon, we drive (two hours) to our bush camp, Iharana, where we stay in rustic cabanas built from traditional Malagasy materials. The site also offers beautiful views over a nearby tsingy and, with luck on our side, we can enjoy a magnificent sunset. Accommodation: Iharana Bush Camp (or similar)
Explore the tsingy of Iharana this morning, a dramatic collection of limestone pinnacles, chasms and deciduous forests. Here, we embrace our adventurous spirits with the chance to zip-line over karst peaks and, for the more daring, abseil in a cave. More relaxed options include gentle walking trails and a cycling tour. Accommodation: Iharana Bush Camp (or similar)
Take a scenic four-hour drive (viewing lush vegetation, neat villages, and the Tsaratanana massif) to the small fishing village of Ankify. En route, we stop in Ambanja, the cocoa capital of Madagascar, to visit the open-air market, and tour a cocoa plantation known for producing high-quality cocoa. After the tour, enjoy a boat transfer (45 minutes) to Nosy Be island, where you are dropped off at your hotel. Accommodation: Corail Noir (or similar)
Spend a day in paradise, starting in the tranquil waters of Nosy Sakatia, affectionately known as the ‘marine green land.’ Here, we enjoy the unforgettable experience of swimming alongside green sea turtles in their natural habitat. In the shallow, protected bays of the island, these gentle creatures glide gracefully through the sea grass beds, undisturbed by your presence. After, we continue to Nosy Tanikely, one of the most celebrated snorkelling sites in Madagascar. This small island is part of a marine protected area, which help to keep the vibrant coral reefs and marine life healthy. Dive into clear waters and explore corals teeming with fish, starfish, and perhaps even a curious sea turtle or two, followed by a picnic lunch on the beach. In October and November, consider joining a marine safari with the Madagascar Whale Shark Project (MWSP) to swim with whale sharks and learn about these gentle sea giants. The day is accompanied by a volunteer from the NGO, and, by taking part, you are helping them to finance their research projects (extra cost applies). Accommodation: Corail Noir (or similar)
The adventure ends in Nosy Be and we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively, if you’d like more time, please speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Download a personalized trip brochure!
