SIGNATURE ITINERARY

Madagascar: Where Nature Wrote its Own Rules

12 NIGHTS · FLEXIBLE DATES · FROM $11,090 pp

20 YEARS OF CRAFTED TRAVEL

6,000+ TRAVELLERS SERVED

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Madagascar: Where Nature Writes Its Own Rules · 12 nights

From · $11,090 pp

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ABOUT THIS JOURNEY

For kids and kids at heart who seek the world’s most incredible ecosystems and breathtaking wildlife.

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary expedition through Madagascar, a world apart where unparalleled biodiversity meets surreal geological wonders and untouched coastlines. Your story begins in the vibrant capital of Antananarivo. Driving through narrow valleys and emerald rice paddies, you’ll arrive in the mist-shrouded rainforests of Andasibe on a quest to track wild lemurs and colorful fauna. You’ll then fly south to the rugged Mozambique Channel before venturing to the dramatic canyons and emerald pools of Isalo National Park. Trekking through these lands in search of more wildlife brings you to a stretch of sun-soaked escapades in Anakao. Finally, back in Antananarivo, you’ll discover the island’s most ancient palaces for a grand, poetic ending to this exotic adventure.

DAY 1

Antananarivo

Your flight touches down in Madagascar’s energetic capital city. Antananarivo, lovingly called “Tana” by locals, is a towering metropolis with a history as layered as its design. Enjoy an unstructured evening, exploring the centuries-old houses and stone walls of Haute Ville or perusing chic galleries in the mid-town. Alternatively, you could simply unwind, take a dip in the hotel pool, and soak in the city views before dinner. At sunset, sip a cocktail as the fading light casts a glow over the sprawling clay-tiled roofs and cascading hills below. An exciting exploration into the rainforest awaits you the next day.

DAYS 2 – 3

Andasibe

The route plunges into the lush highlands on an early morning transfer to Andasibe, arriving at your eco-luxury lodge just in time for lunch. Shortly after, set off on a guided excursion to track the critically endangered Indri lemur, famous for its haunting, whale-like calls. Day two deepens the quest with a trek into the rainforest of Mantadia National Park, where you’ll spot colorful chameleons, rare reptiles, and playful lemurs before having a picnic lunch in the wild. Back at the resort, the rainforest chapter continues after dusk with an atmospheric night walk, using flashlights to track Madagascar’s elusive nocturnal lemur species moving through the canopy shadows.

DAYS 4 – 5

Toliara

The journey returns to the capital, but not without a final hike through the Perinet Special Reserve. Alongside an expert guide, make a sweep through the canopy to spot the majestic Indri Indri and rare grey bamboo lemurs before returning to the lodge for lunch. After your private transfer back to Tana, you’ll be treated to an exquisite evening of fine dining at Madagascar’s most renowned restaurant. Next, a short flight south brings you first to the coastal hub of Tulear, then to the rugged shores of Toliara. In your artfully designed hotel, enjoy a peaceful evening at the water’s edge to unwind and watch the sunset melt into the Mozambique Channel.

DAYS 6 – 7

Ranohira

Your overland exploration heads inland to Ranohira, trading the coast for the dramatic Isalo National Park. Picture massive Jurassic sandstone formations sculpted by time into spectacular shapes, rugged columns, and profound, shadowed canyons. This is a deeply spiritual place for the local Bara tribe, and if time allows, the evening offers a serene sunset tour to the iconic Giorgio’s Window. The second morning delivers a stunning walking tour through the park to track ring-tailed lemurs, dancing Verreaux’s sifakas, and over eighty endemic bird species. Led by an expert guide, you’ll be offered completely customizable hiking routes, entering the heart of this sacred land.

DAYS 8 – 11

Anakao

The route loops back to the coast, pausing for a forest walk in Zombitse National Park to spot rare endemic birds like the Appert’s greenbul, giant coua, and crested coua. Return to the shore of Toliara for a peaceful evening of coastal leisure, then board a private boat to Anakao for a three-night island escape. After a tranquil evening at the water’s edge, the adventure continues with an outing in Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, famous for its surreal baobabs and alkaline soda lakes. Your final island day is a coastal voyage to Nosy Vey, viewing nesting tropicbirds, enjoying world-class snorkeling, and savoring a premium beachside barbecue lunch.

DAY 12

Antananarivo

This spectacular Madagascar expedition comes full circle with a short flight back to the capital for one last night. In the afternoon, a private chauffeur will bring you to the historic Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This deeply revered citadel is home to the ancient palaces and fortifications of the island’s early rulers. In the evening, take time to relax by the pool, enjoy an intimate dinner, and reflect on your incredible journey through this truly singular world.

DAY BY DAY

The highlights

DAY 1

Arrive into the hilltop capital and check into the restored colonial elegance of Maison Gallieni for one night. Indonesian-influenced architecture, pool views over the city, and a dinner to ease you in.
DAY 2

Drive east through rice paddies and redbrick villages to the Andasibe rainforest, checking into Mantadia Lodge for two nights. This afternoon, visit the Mitsinjo reserve and plant a tree along the reforestation trail.
DAY 3

Full day in Mantadia National Park – Indri indri, diademed sifaka and a picnic by the Rianasoa Waterfall. After dark, a night walk reveals mouse lemurs, sportive lemurs and the fat-tailed dwarf lemur.
DAY 4

Morning walk through Perinet Reserve in search of the Indri – the teddy-bear-faced lemur that cannot survive in captivity. Drive back to Tana, and tonight, dinner at Le Marais with award-winning Chef Lalaina.
DAY 5

Fly south to Toliara and transfer to your hotel on the edge of the Mozambique Channel.
DAY 6

Drive into Isalo and check in for two nights, where sandstone canyons carve through vast rolling plains and Bara tribal burial caves line the canyon walls. Arrive in time for sundowners at Giorgio’s Window.
DAY 7

A full day on foot through the Canyon des Singes to the natural rock pool, with ring-tailed lemurs and Benson’s rock-thrush overhead.
DAY 8

Morning walk in Zombitse National Park, last stronghold of the Appert’s greenbul. Drive west to Bakuba Lodge for one night and sunset over the Mozambique Channel.
DAY 9

Speedboat to Anakao Ocean Lodge for three nights, set on a beach lapped by turquoise water, with French-Malagasy cuisine and nothing on the agenda.
DAY 10

4×4 south to Tsimanampetsotsa National Park – flamingos on a soda lake, spiny forest found nowhere else on earth, and five species of lemur.
DAY 11

Boat to Nosy Ve to visit the world’s southernmost colony of red-tailed tropicbirds. Snorkel the reef and lunch on the beach.
DAY 12

Fly north to Antananarivo, then drive to Ambohimanga, the UNESCO hilltop sanctuary of the Merina kings who unified Madagascar.
DAY 13

Transfer to the airport for your international flight.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

“The WAC Travel team did an amazing job! It was our best vacation ever. Thank you so much..”

JUDD N. · GOOGLE REVIEW

“We have been working with WAC Travel for over 10 years and every trip organized by WAC Travel agents has been delightful, well organized and enjoyable. They know their business well and they accommodate our budget and requests.”

MINA K. · GOOGLE REVIEW

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Everything taken care of

Door to door, from the moment you land until you fly home. Every road transfer and flight within Madagascar is arranged for you, so there are no tickets to buy and no connections to figure out.

Private road transfers
Flights within Madagascar
Daily breakfast (Antananarivo)
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner (all other hotels)
Private tours and excursions as listed
Park fees and community and environmental levies

International flights are not included.

PRICING

From $11,090 PER PERSON

Based on two people traveling together

2 people traveling

$11,090 pp

TRAVELING AS A GROUP?

This price is based on two people sharing. If you are traveling with family or friends, ask your travel designer about pricing for your group.

Prices are subject to change depending on your preferred dates of travel. Price does not include international flights.

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Everything you want to know

A selection of questions about this itinerary and planning a trip to Italy. For more, visit our full FAQ page.

Will we work with the same person throughout?

Yes, one travel designer stays with you from your first conversation through the trip itself, so you’re never re-explaining your preferences to someone new.

What should we look for in a travel insurance policy?

Trip cancellation and interruption coverage, medical coverage and evacuation, and coverage for any pre-existing conditions if relevant to your group.

Does the price include meals?

Breakfast is included. You’re typically on your own for lunch and dinner, unless there’s a cooking class or a food tour that includes a meal.

Should we book flights before or after the itinerary is finalized?

We recommend waiting until your itinerary is confirmed, so your flight times align with the trip rather than the other way around.

Do US citizens need a visa for Madagascar?

Yes, but it’s straightforward. Most travelers get a visa on arrival or apply for an eVisa in advance, both valid for stays of up to 90 days.

Is Madagascar a safari destination like East Africa?

Not in the traditional Big Five sense. Madagascar’s wildlife is entirely its own, lemurs, chameleons, and baobabs rather than lions and elephants, making it a distinct kind of trip.

What currency does Madagascar use?

The Malagasy ariary. Cards are accepted at some hotels and lodges, but cash is essential once you’re outside the capital.

Are there specific health precautions for Madagascar?

Rabies is present and treatment can be limited, so we’d advise against approaching stray animals. A yellow fever certificate is required only if you’re arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.

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