Departure
3 August 2026
Duration
16 days
Price
EUR 3,490 per person in a double room
A 16-day small-group journey through lemurs, baobabs, rainforests, wild coastlines and remote villages.
Madagascar is not just another island. It is a world of its own: a place of ancient baobabs, rare lemurs, red-earth roads, rainforest sounds, ocean villages and landscapes that feel almost unreal.
This small-group trip to Madagascar is designed for travellers who love nature, wildlife, authentic culture and journeys that go beyond the obvious. From the Avenue of the Baobabs and Kirindy Forest to Belo sur Mer, Andasibe and the call of the Indri, we follow the rhythm of “mora mora” – slowly, slowly – and discover the island with curiosity, respect and wonder.
A Few Words About Madagascar
Madagascar lies in the Indian Ocean, east of Africa and opposite Mozambique. It is the fourth-largest island in the world and one of the planet’s most distinctive natural destinations. With landscapes that constantly change – from rainforests and canyons to savannahs and white-sand beaches – Madagascar is home to extraordinary biodiversity. More than 80% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Avenue of the Baobabs: We witness one of Madagascar’s most iconic landscapes at sunset, surrounded by ancient baobabs that rise like natural monuments from the red earth.
- Kirindy Forest: We explore one of the island’s most unique dry forests, searching for rare wildlife, nocturnal lemurs and the elusive fossa.
- Andasibe Rainforest: We hike through lush rainforest in search of the Indri, the largest living lemur, whose unforgettable call echoes through the trees.
- Belo sur Mer: We spend time in a remote fishing village by the ocean, discovering the Vezo way of life, traditional boatbuilding and the slower rhythm of the coast.
- Wildlife & Night Walks: With local guides, we enter the forest after dark to discover chameleons, frogs, nocturnal lemurs and the hidden life of Madagascar.
- Local Culture: We meet local communities, visit markets and villages, and experience everyday life beyond the classic tourist route.
- Nosy Havoa: Optional boat excursion to a small island with white sand, turquoise waters and time for swimming, snorkelling and quiet exploration.
- A Journey of Contrast: From highlands and savannahs to dry forests, rainforests and wild beaches, Madagascar changes completely from one day to the next.
Day 1 - Monday 3/8: Athens to Antananarivo
Flight from Athens at 15:35 to Antananarivo via an intermediate stop.
Day 2 - Tuesday 4/8: Arrival | First Encounter with Antananarivo
Arrival in the early hours (02:25) at Ivato International Airport and transfer to our hotel.
Antananarivo, or “Tana” as locals call it, welcomes travellers with its distinctive character. Built on hills, the capital is a living blend of history and everyday life, with colonial mansions, royal palaces, red-clay neighbourhoods, the Haute-Ville and the busy Analakely market.
From the palace hill, panoramic views tell the story of a city shaped by the Merina kingdom, French colonial heritage and the pulse of modern Madagascar.
Accommodation: Antananarivo, Palissandre Hotel or similar
Day 3 - Wednesday 5/8: Antananarivo to Antsirabe | The Central Highlands
We head south, leaving the capital behind and crossing the mountainous landscapes of central Madagascar. The route reveals highland scenery and amphitheatre-like rice fields embracing the hillsides.
We arrive in Antsirabe, the country’s third-largest city, known for its colonial architecture, tree-lined avenues and colourful pousse-pousse rickshaws.
Route: Antananarivo to Antsirabe / approx. 4-5 hours / approx. 170 km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Antsirabe, Mahafaly Hotel or similar
Day 4 - Thursday 6/8: Antsirabe to Miandrivazo | Towards the Wild Side of the Island
In the morning, we visit Lake Tritriva, a volcanic crater lake with deep blue-green waters and a local legend woven into its cliffs.
We continue to Betafo village, where local life unfolds through traditional buildings and the everyday rhythm of the countryside. Then we drive towards Miandrivazo, the gateway to western Madagascar.
Route: Antsirabe to Miandrivazo / approx. 5-6 hours / approx. 220 km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Miandrivazo, Princesse Tsiribihina or similar
Day 5 - Friday 7/8: Miandrivazo to Morondava | Avenue of the Baobabs at Sunset
Today we continue west towards Morondava. The route is long, but the scenery rewards us as the vegetation becomes lower and open savannah begins to dominate.
In the afternoon, we visit the Avenue of the Baobabs, one of Madagascar’s most iconic and photographed landscapes, to enjoy the sunset among ancient trees that can live for more than a thousand years.
Route: Miandrivazo to Morondava / approx. 5-6 hours / approx. 270 km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Morondava, Vezo Beach or similar
Day 6 - Saturday 8/8: Morondava to Kirindy Forest | Kirindy Forest, Fossa and Night Walk
We leave for Kirindy Forest, a protected dry forest and one of the island’s most distinctive habitats. During our walk, we search for unique wildlife, including the fossa, Madagascar’s largest carnivorous mammal.
At night, we explore the forest again to encounter nocturnal species such as tiny lemurs that come alive after dark.
Route: Morondava to Kirindy / approx. 1.5-2 hours / approx. 60 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Kirindy Forest Lodge or similar
Day 7 - Sunday 9/8: Kirindy to Belo sur Mer | Where the Ocean Meets Stillness
Today we leave Kirindy Forest and travel to Belo sur Mer, a remote fishing village on the ocean coast. It is a place where time seems to pause and people live in deep harmony with the sea.
This is a beautiful opportunity to encounter the traditional way of life of local fishermen and enjoy the calm of the coast.
Route: Kirindy to Belo sur Mer / approx. 4-5 hours / approx. 100 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Belo sur Mer, Ecolodge Menabe or similar
Day 8 - Monday 10/8: Belo sur Mer | Belo sur Mer and the Vezo Fishermen
Today is dedicated to Belo sur Mer and the way of life of the Vezo fishermen. We walk through the village and visit traditional boatyards where wooden sailing boats are built by hand.
This is a rare look at a craft passed down through generations, in a place that still feels far from the fast pace of the modern world.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Belo sur Mer, Ecolodge Menabe or similar
Day 9 - Tuesday 11/8: Belo sur Mer | Ocean Rituals and Turquoise Waters
A free day to explore the area at your own rhythm.
Optional boat excursion to Nosy Havoa, a small untouched island with white sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkelling and quiet moments.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Belo sur Mer, Ecolodge Menabe or similar
Day 10 - Wednesday 12/8: Belo sur Mer to Morondava | Back to the West Coast
We begin our return journey towards Morondava, carrying with us the images of the Vezo way of life and the quiet coastline of Belo sur Mer.
Route: Belo sur Mer to Morondava / approx. 4-5 hours / approx. 80-90 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Morondava, Vezo Beach or similar
Day 11 - Thursday 13/8: Morondava to Antananarivo to Andasibe | From the West to the Rainforest
We transfer to the airport for the flight back to Antananarivo, then continue by road to Andasibe. The route gradually reveals the rainforest landscapes we will explore over the next days.
Flight: Morondava to Antananarivo / approx. 1 hour 15 minutes
Route: Antananarivo to Andasibe / approx. 3-4 hours / approx. 140 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Andasibe, Longoza Ecolodge
Day 12 - Friday 14/8: Andasibe Rainforest and the Call of the Indri
As we wake, the forest welcomes us with Madagascar’s unique melody: the otherworldly call of the Indri echoing from the treetops.
Our morning hike takes us deep into Analamazaotra Special Reserve, searching for Indri families and other endemic species such as sifakas, brown lemurs, chameleons and birds.
In the afternoon, we visit Vakona Lemur Island, where several lemur species move freely in a protected environment.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Andasibe, Longoza Ecolodge
Day 13 - Saturday 15/8: Andasibe | Mantadia National Park and Night Walk
Today we focus on the wild beauty of Mantadia National Park. The day is dedicated to hiking and wildlife observation in one of the most pristine parts of the rainforest.
After dark, the experience culminates with a night walk around Andasibe, when the ecosystem transforms and nocturnal creatures reveal their presence.
Route: Transfer to Mantadia National Park / approx. 1 hour each way
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Andasibe, Longoza Ecolodge
Day 14 - Sunday 16/8: Andasibe to Antananarivo | From Forest to Capital
We say goodbye to the green forest of Andasibe and return to the capital, enjoying the landscapes of eastern Madagascar one last time.
Arrival and check-in at our hotel.
Route: Andasibe to Antananarivo / approx. 3-4 hours / approx. 140 km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Palissandre or similar
Day 15 - Monday 17/8: Antananarivo | Tradition, Markets and Local Culture
Today is free, giving us time to relax, explore local markets for our last souvenirs or wander through the city’s streets, feeling the pulse of everyday life.
It is also the ideal moment to enjoy local cuisine or visit a place in Antananarivo that sparked our curiosity.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Palissandre or similar
Day 16 - Tuesday 18/8: Departure | A Promise to Return
With our luggage full of memories and our hearts full of Madagascar, we transfer to the airport for our international return flight.
Route: Transfer to Ivato International Airport
FLIGHTS WITH ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES 1 ET 765 03AUG ATH-ADD 15:35-20:50 2 ET 885 03AUG ADD-TNR 21:40-02:25 04AUG 3 ET 884 18AUG TNR-ADD 03:20-08:00 4 ET 764 18AUG ADD-ATH 08:55-14:35
Price per person in a double room: EUR 3,490
Single room supplement: EUR 350
- Flights and airport taxes are included
- This price is based on a minimum group size of 10 people
- Option to share a room with another traveller
- Payment by instalments via credit card available
Included:
- Air tickets & airport taxes
- 1 checked bag up to 23 kg and 1 carry-on bag
- 1 domestic flight
- Accommodation (15 overnight stays)
- Daily breakfast and 6 meals
- All transfers by private bus and by 4×4 on some more demanding routes
- Park entrance fees
- Activities, excursions and transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Local escort
- Greek tour leader
- Travel insurance
- Liability insurance
- Information material
- VAT
- Visa (approx. USD 35)
- Anything not mentioned in the included services
- Drinks and meals not mentioned
- Optional activities / transfers
- Tips
Greek passports must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry into the country.
In Madagascar, kilometres lose their usual meaning. A route is measured in time, the rhythm of the land and the changes in the landscape. Be ready for journeys that may test your patience, only to reward you with images you would never see from an airplane window.
On this trip, accommodation quality is not measured only in stars, but in experiences. We choose places that respect the environment and the local community, offering authentic hospitality. Some nights may be simpler than city comforts, but you may wake in the heart of nature, listening to the sounds of the forest or the pulse of the ocean.
There may be changes to the itinerary if conditions such as weather or road access require it. We see these changes as part of the adventure: the moments that take us off the beaten path often become the most powerful experiences.
Health & Preparation
For any matter related to vaccinations, preventive malaria medication or other medical guidance, please consult the relevant travel medicine authority or your personal doctor at least one month before departure. It is important to be fully informed and prepared.
When is the best time to visit Madagascar?
The ideal window is generally May through October, when the weather is drier and cooler. This trip takes place in August 2026, right in the heart of that sweet spot — perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting and exploring the interior.
What is the weather like in Madagascar in August?
August falls in the dry season, bringing pleasant, mostly sunny days with little to no rain. Temperatures on the central highlands around Antananarivo can feel cool at night, while the western and southern coasts are warmer, typically around 25–30°C during the day.
Who is this trip for?
This trip is for travelers who love exploration, nature and authentic experiences — solo travelers, couples, friends and families who want to discover Madagascar beyond the highlights, through its landscapes, villages, people and the rhythms of everyday island life.
What level of fitness is required?
The trip has an exploratory character, with walks in nature, village visits and activities across varied terrain and environments. It’s well suited for travelers who enjoy walking and being outdoors, with a program that shifts pace throughout the day.
What are the roads and travel times like?
Getting around Madagascar takes time. Distances are long and road conditions can be challenging, so even relatively short routes may take several hours. The itinerary has been planned at a realistic pace, so that travel becomes part of the experience rather than just a means to an end.
Do I need a visa for Madagascar?
Yes, a tourist visa is required. It is issued on arrival at Madagascar’s international airport. Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. For visa requirements specific to your nationality, feel free to get in touch.
Are vaccinations or preventive medication required?
For vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis or any other medical advice, we recommend consulting your local travel medicine clinic or your personal doctor several weeks before departure.
Is Madagascar a safe destination?
Madagascar is a captivating destination that benefits from good organization, particularly given the long distances and specific road conditions. This trip is fully organized, with a dedicated tour leader, trusted local partners and planned transfers throughout. As with any destination, basic awareness and following the group’s guidelines go a long way.
Will we actually see lemurs and baobabs?
Absolutely. The itinerary is built around Madagascar’s extraordinary natural world. We’ll spend time among the iconic baobabs — including the famous Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset — and have multiple opportunities to observe lemurs, chameleons and other endemic species in their natural habitat, always with respect for the environment.
Is this trip suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many of our travelers join on their own, and the small-group format makes it easy to connect and build genuine friendships along the way. You can opt for a single room (subject to availability, with a supplement) or share a twin room with another group member.
Why choose this trip over a standard Madagascar holiday package?
Because this trip goes deeper. It combines nature, culture and local community — lemurs, baobabs, beaches and real everyday encounters that bring you closer to the place. It’s for travelers who want to experience Madagascar more meaningfully, through its people, its landscapes and the unhurried rhythm of “mora mora.”
What if I want to book but have more questions?
We’d love to hear from you. Fill in the contact form at the bottom of the page and we’ll get back to you with everything you need to know. We also offer a short online meeting so we can get to know each other and answer all your questions face to face — no commitment, just a conversation.
