- Discover the best of Madagascar, one of the world’s great wildlife-watching destinations
- Team up with skilled local trackers for unforgettable encounters with wild lemurs
- Marvel at the amazing rock formations, spectacular canyons and natural swimming holes of Isalo National Park
- Discover the otherworldly spiny forest of Tsimanampetsotsa National Park
- Unwind with beach time in Anakao and a gentle walk along the white sands of Nosy Ve island
Highlights of Madagascar
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14 Days
Excluding Flights From
0 Days
from
Wildlife
Activity Level
Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
Comfort Level
Classic
Itinerary
Antananarivo Antananarivo
Start Antananarivo
Our adventure starts in Antananarivo, the picturesque capital of Madagascar, which is often shortened to Tana. There will be a group meeting and briefing in the evening followed by an optional group dinner for those who would like to join.
Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere (or similar)
Antananarivo city tour; drive to Andasibe
This morning, we embark on a two-hour city tour of the capital. With busy markets, friendly people and an ancient town on a hill with freestone churches and ancient royal places, it is a magnificent place to explore. We then drive 88mi/142km (five hours) to Andasibe through the green vegetation of the east. This first stop brings us to the humid part of the country with many primary forests and lakes. Along the way, we see Merina villages in the rocky mountains. We arrive in Andasibe around 4pm and the rest of the afternoon is free to relax. In the early evening, we take a twilight/nocturnal walk along the road, close to the Andasibe Nature Reserve, looking for the nocturnal species of lemur as the torchlights pass their eyes.
Accommodation: Hotel Feon’ny Ala (or similar)
Morning trek in Andasibe National Park and afternoon visit to Vondron’olona Miaro Mitia Ala Reserve
Discover Andasibe National Park (also known as Perinet) and its wildlife on a three-hour walk. Expert trackers work with our leader to provide the best opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park is home to the teddy bear-like indri, the largest of the lemur species in Madagascar, as well as other flora and fauna and a wide array of birdlife. Listening to the piercing yet melancholy cry of the indri in the morning is an evocative sound and for those who are prepared to follow them through the thick rainforest, the reward is often a close-up view of these beautiful creatures. A group of five diademed sifaka has recently been reintroduced to Andasibe from Mantadia; if we are lucky, we may spot one of these unusual creatures.
In the afternoon, we have a two-hour visit to Vondron’olona Miaro Mitia Ala Reserve, a community-run 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, 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. Distance from the hotel to the parks are minimal (35kms)
Accommodation: Hotel Feon’ny Ala (or similar)
Return to Antananarivo; continue to Antsirabe
We drive back to Tana, and head south to Antsirabe, across the highland landscape of beautiful rice fields. The spectacular eroded hills called lavaka remind us of the Far East with rice fields and a green landscape or vegetables and fruit trees.
Antsirabe, or the Place of Salt, is a city known as the centre of the beer industry. Founded by Norwegians in 1856, it is the only place in Madagascar that really feels and looks like a European city. It has a temperate climate and all fruits and vegetable that grow in cold climates are found here. Total drive time is 190mi/307km and should last about nine hours.
Accommodation: Les Chambres du Voyageur (or similar)
To Ranomafana
After breakfast, we drive for approximately 12 hours to Ambositra, the centre of the wood-carving industry in Madagascar. We are still in the highlands, where the houses are decorated with ornately carved wooden balconies and brightly coloured shutters. Further on we pass le col de tapia, a type of tree resistant to the bush fires of the area. The landscape is still dominated by rice fields, pine forests and eucalyptus trees, and rocky mountains. Our destination for the day is Ranomafana National Park, and the drive is 155mi/250km (nine hours.)
Accommodation: Centrest Hotel (or similar)
Full day in Ranomafana National Park
Parc National de Ranomafana, with rainforest hills and abundant wildlife, has long been considered one of the highlights in Madagascar, and is one of the most heavily visited national parks here. The entrance is about 4mi (7km) from Ranomafana village, while altitudes in the park range from 2,625ft to 3,940ft (800m to 1,200m). In addition to densely forested hills, the terrain here is characterised by numerous small streams, which plummet down to the beautiful Namorona River. Although much of the region has been logged, the easternmost part of the park retains relatively large areas of primary forest.
We walk in the park for approximately six hours looking for lemurs, chameleons and other animals. As we track the wildlife for the best viewing opportunities, the walk has the potential to be challenging if we need to walk at a quick pace through the forest. We hope to see golden bamboo lemurs, which are unique to this park, plus other lemurs such as eastern woolly lemurs, red-bellied lemurs, grey bamboo lemurs, and red-fronted brown lemurs. This park is also home to other mammals including tenrecs, bats and carnivores such as mongooses and the Malagasy striped civets.
Accommodation: Centrest Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 – Full day in Ranomafana National Park = 5 to 6 hours hike
Drive to Ranohira, visiting Anja National Park en route
We have an early start as we leave Ranomafana National Park. The scenery changes dramatically as we head to the small town of Ranohira, a journey of approximately 211mi/340km (ten hours). We stop near Ambalavao to visit Anja National Park along the way, a small reserve where several families of ring-tailed lemurs can be seen among the vegetation.
Accommodation: Orchidee de l’Isalo (or similar)
Full-day trek in Isalo National Park visiting Monkey Canyon and natural swimming pools
After an early start, we spend our day exploring Isalo National Park, a vast region of wind-polished and water-scoured rock towers, deep canyons, gorges and oases often described as Eden. If the conditions are right, we walk in the magnificent Canyon des Makis in search of cheeky ring-tailed lemurs and the Verreaux’s sifaka. We also visit the Piscine Naturelle (Natural Swimming Pool), a beautifully lush spot in such an arid landscape where we can swim and relax. The combination of coloured rock formations, strange plants and enveloping silence make this one of the most captivating places in Madagascar.
Accommodation: Orchidee de l’Isalo (or similar)
Day 8 – Full-day trek in Isalo National Park visiting Monkey Canyon and natural swimming pools = 6 – 7 hours
To Tulear, visiting Zombitse National Park en route
After breakfast, we continue to Tulear. This brings us new scenery, among the dry forests of the west and the spiny desert of the south. On the way, admire the different Mahafaly tombs and the Antandroy tombs from the road and visit Zombitse National Park for a few hours. This drive is about 149mi/268km (seven hours). The Zombitse National Park forest is of particular interest to birdwatchers, as it is home to one of Madagascar’s rarest endemics, Appert’s greenbul, as well as other species such as giant coua, crested ibis and cuckoo roller. Verreaux’s sifakas, red-fronted brown lemurs and sportive lemurs are also seen here.
Accommodation: Hotel Victory (or similar)
Boat transfer to Anakao; free day for optional activities
This morning, we take a boat transfer to Anakao arriving at around 9am. The boat transfer takes approximately 1 hour. This Vezo (meaning the people who fish) fishing village lies on the southwest coast of Madagascar and has white-sand beaches. The rest of the day is free for optional activities, including snorkelling, diving, pirogue (a small boat similar to a canoe) excursions, swimming and more.
Accommodation: : Prince Anakao (or similar)
Almost full day in Tsimanampetsotsa National Park
An early 4×4 transfer (approximately two hours) takes us to Tsimanampetsotsa for a full day in the national park. A large, shallow soda lake is the standout feature here, while a large limestone plateau has some of the most striking spiny forest vegetation in Madagascar with countless endemic species. The park sits on a large underground aquifer that runs north, evidenced by numerous sinkholes and caves. The lake is renowned for its waterfowl, notably flamingos and other rare endemic birds including the Madagascar plover. We may even be lucky and spot the emblem of the park, the very rare Grandidier’s mongoose. In the late afternoon, we return to Anakao.
Accommodation: : Prince Anakao (or similar)
Day 11 – Full day in Tsimanampetsotsa National Park = 4-5 hours visit
Excursion to Nosy Ve to see red-tailed tropic birds nesting on this small island
Today, we take a boat excursion to the small island of Nosy Ve to see red-tailed tropic birds (white seabirds with red bills and long, thin, red tails). If we are lucky, we may see the females roosting under small shrubs, well hidden from airborne predators such as hawks or eagles. A stroll around the shoreline, including a long white-sand beach, takes about one hour. After our exploration, we return to Anakao, usually around lunchtime. The rest of the afternoon is free for optional activities.
Accommodation: : Prince Anakao (or similar)
Day 12 – Excursion to Nosy Ve to see red-tailed tropic birds nesting on this small island = approx 3 hours
Fly to Antananarivo
Today, we transfer to Tulear airport for our flight to Antananarivo. Depending on the flight schedule, you may have free time in the afternoon to explore Tana on your own.
Accommodation: Belvedere Hotel (or similar)
Day 13 – Fly to Antananarivo = 2 hours flight
Visit to Ambohimanga; end Antananarivo
This morning we visit Ambohimanga, the fortified village and its royal palace for one hour. Ambohimanga, otherwise known as Blue Hills, was for a long time forbidden to Europeans. The kings and queens returned to this hilltop village for rest and relaxation. From here began the line of kings and queens who united Madagascar into one country. Ambohimanga remains spiritually significant for the Malagasy people with ceremonies and rituals still taking place. Our adventure ends after Ambohimanga, with a total of two hours driving expected.
Please note: Clients must not book flights leaving before 2.30pm.
Hotels
In Madagascar, we spend 13 nights in hotels, each well located for our activities and in beautiful settings. The daily itinerary has the accommodations normally used; below are a few example properties.
Antsirabe: Les Chambres du Voyageur (night 4)
In Antsirabe, we stay at this husband and wife-owned hotel. They exhibit arts and crafts from the Zafimaniry ethnic group and there is a beautiful garden home to many endemic plants.
Ranomafana: Centrest Hotel (nights 5-6)
The Centrest Hotel is 10 minutes from the entrance to Ranomafana National Park and has enviable views of the park’s mountains and rainforest. The 18 spacious rooms are among the delightful gardens and there is an open-air restaurant and a bar to enjoy.
Anakao: Prince Anakao (nights 10-12)
On a secluded beach, Prince Anakao offers privacy at the end of a thorough tour of Madagascar. Rooms are spacious and have uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. There are a number of water sports that can be booked if you don’t feel like relaxing on the white-sand beach, plus the hotel restaurant serves freshly caught seafood and traditional Malagasy dishes.
Trip Experts
Claudia Randrianasolo
Expert Leader: Madagascar
Reviews
Add your own reviewA Great Bucket List Trip!
This was my second wildlife oriented trip with Exodus and it did not disappoint. There is some long travel days but necessary to include as many wildlife opportunities as possible. The variety of landscapes from one park to the next is diverse and with the help of great guides we were able to see a wide variety of Chameleons ,Lemurs and reptiles and birds. Photography was challenging but still able to come home with a selection of nice images. Madagascar was a bucket list trip for the opportunity to see wildlife that can not be found anywhere else in the world . Ending the trip with some beach time and wildlife was perfect.
Most Inspirational Moment
Most inspiring moments was hearing the haunting calls of the Indri in Andasibe National Park and having the opportunity to watch the Verreaux's Sifaka show off their dancing skills in Isalo National Park. And to top things off getting to see 3 owls (2 species)was the icing on the cake.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our tour leader was Bodo and she was fabulous. Knowledgeable, friendly, professional and very organized. She was great at handling the various personalities of the group and she remained calm at all times. Her nightly briefing on what to expect next day and then sent it to everyone in print as well.
Advice for Potential Travellers
My advise is if bringing USD cash to exchange be sure to bring bills that are not dated older than 2007. If older than that regardless of condition them will not accept (older than 2003) or give a lesser exchange rate(2003-2006). Also be sure you are fit as sometimes it is necessary to cover a lot of area when looking for wildlife and sometimes lots of ups and downs. Lemurs are not always in best location for viewing or photography so you need to be agile to move thru thick brush etc.
fascinating Madagascar :)
Wow where do I start?! I have dreamed of visiting Madagascar for many years now and it didn’t disappoint. There were a few unfortunate moments along the way, but I’m so chuffed I got to experience this truly unique destination. I wanted to visit Madagascar due to how biodiverse the country is, animals found nowhere else and bizarre trees and plants, but not only did these astonish me but the people too are also very unique. 18 different ethnic groups listening to different music, living in different houses and dressing really brightly and uniquely. Just watching them as we travelled was captivating. The children were so sweet, not having much but making the most out of playing with stones and making little boats out of wood and plastic, laughing with their friends was heartwarming to see. I’m not going to lie though the poverty was really hard to witness, I have never seen poverty like it, just wishing there was something I could do to help. Witnessing the devastation of slash and burn, loss of wonderful rainforests and with that many of the unique wildlife disappearing too, is utterly devastating. Only 30 years ago was Madagascar called the green Island, its now named the red island due to such a huge area of forest disappearing. No wildlife outside of the national parks, once it would have been abundant with many wonderful species.
The trip itself was amazing, however I do think you have to be a hardened traveller. There are some really long days in the van (which I did know about) but it can be quite difficult, due to the fact our van was inadequate, it wasn’t made for those roads and had NO air-con which was unbearable on some of the hotter days! I would suggest reading the trip notes and day to day itinerary THOUROUGLY to make sure you can handle it, not just for yourself but also your fellow travellers. Some of the days i.e the day in Ranomafana was tough, looking for lemurs in thick bushes and on steep ledges, if you’re not fit it would be quite dangerous. Early starts and long days travelling can affect anyone no matter how fit you are. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Not only were the long drives tough, all of us on our trip got bad sickness bugs, I think your bound to get one, prepare for it with the correct medication etc. Thankfully I was bedbound on one of the beach days, as not sure what I would have done if it was a ten-hour drive, stopping every ten minutes ha-ha! Please also bare in mind you don’t get told what time your internal flight is until the day before, we got told at dinner time we had to get up and ready for our speed boat transfer at 4am. Not ideal and it put a dampener on our final meal together! I mean funny looking back, on a speed boat with no lights, whilst feeling sick! I can laugh now as I’m all comfy and well! ha-ha :).
Also, I would like to add on day 8 where is says: Full-day trek in Isalo National Park visiting Monkey Canyon and natural swimming pools. Was very misleading, our guide Claudia got me and my partner aside as she knew we had originally booked the trekking trip (which got cancelled) and said she thinks it would be better if we got a private guide which could take us on a longer hike and visit the swimming pools etc, we went ahead with this chuffed at the time. Had a fabulous day, in fact the best on the trip! But we technically paid for what should have been included anyway, so we were a little annoyed. Upon speaking to the rest of the group, we find out all they did was walked in the park for a few hours and didn’t visit the swimming pools then went back to the hotel before 12pm. We felt like they have been robbed of a fabulous day, I know one of the couples could have managed this hike and they were definitely disappointed. I don’t understand why this happened and I feel like Exodus should provide two guides, one guide for the longer hike and one guide for the people who can’t manage it.
All in all, this was a truly amazing adventure of a lifetime. I will never forget it! It was a dream come true. I mean how lucky am I to see sifaka in the wild and spend time with some truly amazing people. Thanks to my group who also made this trip amazing! Great couples and laugher made this trip even better 😊.
If you’re up for an adventure of a lifetime with some mad moments thrown in there, Madagascar is waiting for you to explore it!
Most Inspirational Moment
Hearing the call of the INDRI INDRI for the first time was wonderful, and having them jump over my head was something I’ll never forget. Seeing a family of Verreaux's sifaka looking after their baby was a privilege. Trekking in Isalo National Park and having the natural swimming pools to ourselves was unbelievable, I mean if you could dream paradise this would be it! Visiting a local’s house, walking into the bedroom/kitchen and having a cow in the lounge is something I’ll not forget ha-ha! Watching life go by on the long drives was truly fascinating, keep your eyes open you never know what you will see. Visiting the paradise beaches at the end, I mean there are literally no other tourists, that wouldn’t happen anywhere else. Just take it all in, its not called the 8th continent for no reason, there is NOWHERE like it honestly! Its worth all the sickness 😊.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Claudia our guide was extremely knowledgable and could answer all our questions about the destination. We just felt there was something missing, she didn’t seem to gel with the group as other guides have on previous trips.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Again, read the trip notes and itinerary thoroughly!!! Pack toilet roll and have it with you at all times, some of the toilets are quite hard to handle. Pack plenty of snacks and sweet for the journeys and the children along the way. Pack some layers for the highlands as it can get quite cold there. Pack sickness tablets and hand sanitiser etc. Go with an open mind and make the most as the destinations at the end of the long drives are worth it. Read about Madagascar before you go so you have an understanding of the destination, as some people can be quite shocked.
Great trip
Lots of different types of Lemurs, which are very cute and fascinating to watch -limited wildlife beyond them though. Broad range of scenery as you progress down the country, long days on the bus but that did have the upside of letting you see a lot of the country and people close up (the downsides of sitting on a bus for 12 hours will be obvious!). Our guide broke the journey every 2 hours or so with a stop at a village, toilet break, or something. We had a good crowd on the bus which helped the time pass. Accommodation was OK, clean everywhere, a bit basic in most hotels, especially the one in Tana (The Belvedere). WiFi was in each hotel but in half of them it was very slow (don’t expect to download or stream anything). Our guide, Claudia, was excellent, I don’t think I’d have gone as high as 4 stars without her being the guide.
Most Inspirational Moment
Dancing Lemurs.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Claudia.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for long time on buses.
Once in a Lifetime Trip
The main objective of this wildlife trip was met in that we saw 14 species of lemur thanks to the efforts of the local guides and their spotters. This was interspersed with about 90 species of birds over two thirds of which were endemic species with examples from most of the endemic families. Other wildlife such as reptiles and other mammals were few and far between mainly because the majority these are nocturnal. The travel between the National Parks enabled us to have a good insight into the culture, beliefs and customs of the local people together with visiting various historical sites. We found the hotels better than we might have expected and particularly enjoyed the 3 nights at the beach hotel at Anakao. The food also was generally good especially the fish and seafood at Anakao. Wifi was available everywhere we stayed. Insects didn’t seem to be a problem. You should easily have enough local currency if you follow the Exodus advice and most of us changed currency back to Euros at the airport before coming home.
Most Inspirational Moment
It has to be the lemurs and the anticipation as we approached each species in particular the Indri. Snorkelling off Nosy Ve and swimming in the warm ocean was the non wildlife highlight.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sol was excellent and organised the arrangements faultlessly for the six of us on the trip.. He also sorted out any special needs of individuals without any fuss. He was informative throughout whether it related to wildlife or culture and was good company. His background included wildlife guiding, in particular birds and reptiles, which is ideal for this type of trip. Although the weather was quite hot at times Sol always made sure we all had adequate water. Special mention should be made too of Andry our brilliant driver who was very careful and didn't put a foot wrong throughout and made the journeys as comfortable as possible.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The Trip Notes and previous reviews cover essential information. It is a good idea to search out some publications and read about the island before travelling other than that found in the standard travel guides.
Great trip, just a few unfortunate moments
A lovely trip exploring the highlights of Madagascar, staying in some beautiful hotels with plenty of wildlife seen (13 different species of lemur, many frogs, chemeleons, geckos, kingfishers, flamingos) and beautiful scenery. The local guides are exceptional with their level of knowledge and ability to answer all questions! However for context, I visited Costa Rica with Exodus in 2019 and personally I thought it was better than Madagascar in terms of the amount of wildlife seen, and therefore value for money. Just be aware that not every single day on this trip is jam-packed with wildlife viewing. For the first six days of the trip, four of them (8am til 6pm) were entirely on the bus. The long driving days on difficult roads are not to be underestimated, and can feel frustrating at times but really is the only way that x6 national parks in two weeks can be covered. Perhaps naively, I wasn’t prepared for the level of poverty seen, it is extremely sobering and does tug at the heartstrings. All in all a great trip, just with a few unfortunate bits along the way and the only things which let it down for me were the food and the group demographics. With a fitter and more like-minded group, and a less ‘beige’ diet, this trip would have been absolutely perfect.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader Bodo was absolutely fantastic. Our every need was met, we arrived on time for everything and her nightly briefings explaining tomorrow's timings and activities were fantastic. There were some more 'difficult' members in our group but Bodo dealt with each situation professionally and calmly. She did a brilliant job of sharing her beautiful country with us. Most of us also fell ill with some variation of a 'dodgy stomach' at some point over the trip and Bodo was lovely throughout and very caring.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Age-suitability/fitness - please consider your own level of fitness and agility for the sake of yourself, your leader and the rest of the group. In our group of 11 we had two people, not a couple, in their 70s - one spent most of the holiday with vomiting and diarrhoea, and the other fainted one hour into a beautiful flat trek in our first national park, from standing up for too long. Not to sound unkind, but these two scenarios were not fair on the guides, group leader or the rest of the group. The trek in Ranformana is pretty treacherous in parts, and there are some challenging climbs and difficult descents. Our leader Bodo was brilliant though and arranged for the younger fitter folk to be taken ahead by the guide, to save us having to stop every 10 minutes (literally) for a water break for the elderly and unfit out-of-breath group members. In Isalo, it was blisteringly hot (35 degrees plus, in the shade) and dry when walking in the canyons, again we had to stop every 100m to stop the older people from fainting. Whilst I understand that activities need to be inclusive, it was annoying to have spent the entire previous day on the bus, only to finally go for a trek at a rate of 3km in 3 hours. Again, I really don't mean to sound unkind, but these holidays are not cheap and have been much anticipated after a long spell of not travelling during Covid. So when you miss seeing the lemurs ahead you because it takes so long for the group to get going, it's beyond irritating. So taken together and in my opinion, you don't have to have the fitness of an Olympian but this trip is much better suited to younger people, or older people with a sound level of fitness/stamina who can keep to a decent pace on the walking/searing heat days. Additionally, and perhaps this is a generational thing, the two older group members were also the ones who insisted on taking pictures of the wildlife by shoving their phone within inches of the chameleon/spider/gecko every single time, often shaking the leaf or tree which they were perched on in the process. Not only is this selfish and doesn't let other group members see, but it's also far too intrusive to the natural world and by the fifth day of this, it caused a bit of a rift within the group. You don't come to the Southern hemisphere to have your view of a chameleon blocked by an iPhone. Food - only breakfasts are included in this trip, unlike other Exodus holidays. Meals are generally OK although very basic. Expect a lot of zebu & chips, chicken & chips, and very simple (non-filling) breakfasts, typically a hot drink, a very small amount of fruit, a thin omelette and hard bread. If you are vegetarian, there isn't much choice beyond pasta & veg, noodles & veg or couscous & veg but this is a reflection of life in Madagascar though, and not at all due to the standard of hotels, Exodus or efforts of our leader. A sense of camaraderie and a willingness to engage with others in the group is essential, as without this the long days on the road feel twice as long. There was a small group of us with this ethos who got on really well, and it made these journeys much more pleasant.
How do you choose highlights?
What a remarkable journey of exploration, a rare opportunity to begin to understand, at first hand, a country, people, landscape and biodiversity unlike any I have experienced before. An intimate trip which does not try to disguise the challenges and difficulties of life in Madagascar but very honestly celebrates its diversity and energy. Whilst our main reason for taking the trip was the unique, endemic wildlife, which we were lucky enough to see so much of, we were equally staggered by the incredible range of environments and landscapes that we journeyed through and the glimpses that we got into the villages and lives of the proud, friendly people who call Madagascar home. Travelling by road in order to include so many high lights in 2 weeks is quite hard work, but surely the best way for any visitor to really appreciate this incredible country.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hearing the morning calls of the Indiri Indiris in the forest in Andasibe NP. Hearing those beautiful, mournful cries ringing out across the tree-tops was literally like listening to the voice of the rainforest and then shortly after being surrounded by a large family group of Diademed Sifakas and being with them for more than 20 minutes as they leaped and chattered- incredible.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Armel was superb! What an absolute gem! His experience and professionalism made the trip the success it was. He worked tirelessly to ensure we enjoyed every possible experience and saw as much as we possibly could in the time available and became not just a tour leader, but a friend who made us feel genuinely welcome in his country. Organising and managing a trip like ours in Madagascar cannot be easy but Mel made it appear effortless. We cannot thank him enough for his hard work, enthusiasm and humour together with his encyclopedia knowledge.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't think twice about booking this trip! Please go and enjoy this country and its wildlife. The Exodus trip helps to support local businesses and aims to help local economies which is something very important to this country. Road journeys are long but they are worth it- don't be put off- the scenery is so diverse and beautiful. We travelled in September and the first half of the trip, especially in the higher altitudes, was cooler than some of us expected so we'd suggest taking more lightweight, long sleaved trousers and shirts than shorts for example. They are not only useful when it's cooler but also help avoid scratches when hiking in the rainforest or spiny forest. On the internal flight back to Tana, hand luggage is weighed and there is a strict 5kg limit that you have to adhere to.
Madagascar in June
This was our first holiday with Exodus and our first group holiday and looking back was probably one of the best holidays we have had.
It was great to see such a wide variety of landscape and we were very lucky with the amount of wildlife we saw. We were in a group of 10 people and it was nice to share the experience with others. Our group leader, Rija made the trip so interesting.
The final few days on the beach was very relaxing.
Most Inspirational Moment
I really enjoyed the trip to the Chameleon research center which wasn't on the itinery but was great for getting up close to such a wide variety of chameleons.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Rija was excellent and what really made the holiday great. She was very knowledgeable, full or tales about the different tribes and passionate about her country. She made the trip special, organising birthday cakes, local dancing and when someone mentioned the beach would be a great place to have a camp fire, the next evening it appeared with more dancing. Thanks Rija.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The days were very full with lots of early starts, but it gets dark around 5:30-6:00 so plenty of time in the evening to recover. Make sure you have a good torch for the night trips. There are plenty around but it's better if you can direct it where you're looking. I had an old camera but still managed to get some great photos. I could have done with a better zoom for the lemurs but a lot of people had phone cameras which worked fine.
Wildlife Adventure of a Lifetime
I have been dreaming of seeing lemurs in the wild since I was young and this trip did not disappoint. I had never done a group tour before and was admittedly very hesitant to sign-up for one, but the itinerary allowed me to see most of what I wanted to, so I thought I’d give it a try. In the two weeks, we were able to see thirteen species of lemurs, which was thrilling and more than I had expected. The itinerary is thoughtfully laid out and even the long days travelling were made better by the many stops and stories from our group leader. I can’t describe the feeling of first arriving to our cabins in Andasibe to the sounds of Indri calls in the forest. It was really out of this world. The diversity of landscapes and parks that we visited was excellent and I couldn’t have planned it better myself. Having a local guide and engaging (mostly) with local tour operators and businesses was an important aspect of the trip for me as well. Overall, excellent adventure that I wish I could go back in time and do again.
Most Inspirational Moment
Definitely the first night we arrived in Andasibe to the call of Indris in the distance. That will be a memory that stays with me forever. The dry forests and desert landscapes were so incredible to see as well. The beach in Anakao at the end, spectacular! Getting to know our group leader as well and spending time with her on the trip was also very special, as well as the lovely people in our group. Perhaps not inspirational, more sobering, was getting to see first-hand the devastating effects of slash-and-burn agriculture. It was disheartening to witness this and other environmental destruction. The biodiversity in Madagascar is particularly precious and I fear it will be gone within the next couple decades. I'm more committed than ever in continuing to support local organizations to protect what still remains. Please do not purchase any souvenir animal products, wood products, gemstones or other trinkets that can't be sourced ethically. Foreigners continue to have a role in driving some (if not much) of the ruin you will witness.
Thoughts on Group Leader
She was excellent. I can't say enough good things about her. She is intelligent, kind and had a great sense of humour. She took her job very seriously and had so much integrity, I didn't question for a moment that we were in great hands the whole trip. We had quite a large group, 16 people (which I was not aware of before arriving in Madagascar) and initially worried about how one person was going to be able to manage so many people, but she did so with great expertise and care. It was a tough job for her, but I always felt she had all of our best interests at heart and was flexible with the schedule, depending on how people were feeling and what their needs were. I was quite sad at the end to say goodbye!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take it as it comes, be flexible and don't arrive with too many expectations. I've done a lot of traveling and don't take this privilege for granted, but this was one of the top adventures I've ever had. The opportunity to see the most endangered mammals on the planet and the exquisite biodiversity this island has to offer, really can't be matched. Try and stay in the moment and really appreciate every minute of this adventure. If you're not comfortable being in an intensive group situation or going without creature comforts, this may not however be the trip for you. Expect and plan for digestive illness, it comes with the territory. I suffered quite a bad case of food poisoning, but the group leader managed it well and allowed for me to convalesce for a couple days before rejoining the tour. Educate yourselves before coming, about the island, peoples and appropriate conduct when visiting delicate ecosystems. Do not feed the animals, ever, we had some people who did this and it was incredibly upsetting.
An Extraordinary Trip
Madagascar is an extraordinary country facing numerous challenges. Its national parks are excellent and much of the scenery is spectacular. It is, however, very poor and facing many environmental challenges. This makes it all the more creditable that the hotels and food on this trip were both so good.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many, but obviously the lemurs - we saw at least 15 different varieties, plus all the other wildlife, and the baobabs, plus the Highlands scenery. And the wonderful jacarandas in flower in Tana.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Vula was one of the best leaders I've ever had on an Exodus trip. She has huge warmth and charm and was never off duty. One couple had to be airlifted to Jo'burg and many of the rest of us were ill, and she was brilliant at checking we were OK. She's passionate about showing her country to visitors and was determined that we'd get the best from the trip. She went the extra mile all day every day and can't be praised too much.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip takes stamina but amply rewards it. It packs a huge amount in in a short time and the contrasts of experiences etc is excellent. Pack light (the Isola hotel does washing), be prepared for a 24-hour bug, and take plenty of Jungle Formula. Wifi was generally available, but mostly in reception rather than in the rooms. Contrary to some of the advice given we had no difficulty in finding ATMs in most of the towns we went through, so taking all cash seems a bit unnecessary. And anyway you won't spend much. I had 36 hours on my own in Tana at the start of the trip and while I was careful, I enjoyed going out, exploring and finding good lunch spots. As a 60-something female I felt perfectly safe.
One of the best trips ever!
Madagascar is amazing with so much unique wildlife, plants and trees. A well organised trip, with good accommodation. Comfortable bus with lots of breaks on the long journeys. A mixture of leisurely time on the bus and in the towns, with some very strenuous treks in the reserves. Be prepared for heavy rain and blistering heat as you pass through the varied landscapes.
Most Inspirational Moment
The ancient baobabs in the spiny forest.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very organised and efficient, but some of her commentary got lost in translation.
Advice for Potential Travellers
As above. Pack everything especially a head torch and walking poles.
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Saturday
15 Jun 2025 14 Jun 2025
Saturday Sunday
28 Jun 2025 29 Jun 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 2499Now £ 2249Saving £ 250 Usually £ 3279Now £ 3029Saving £ 250
Optional Single Supplement +£ 375
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
17 Aug 2025 16 Aug 2025
Saturday Sunday
30 Aug 2025 31 Aug 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 2449Now £ 2199Saving £ 250 Usually £ 3249Now £ 2999Saving £ 250 Book with £ 549 deposit Book with £ 749 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 375
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
24 Aug 2025 23 Aug 2025
Saturday Sunday
06 Sep 2025 07 Sep 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 2449Now £ 2199Saving £ 250 Usually £ 3249Now £ 2999Saving £ 250 Book with £ 549 deposit Book with £ 749 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 375
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
31 Aug 2025 30 Aug 2025
Saturday Sunday
13 Sep 2025 14 Sep 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 2449Now £ 2199Saving £ 250 Usually £ 3249Now £ 2999Saving £ 250 Book with £ 549 deposit Book with £ 749 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 375
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
07 Sep 2025 06 Sep 2025
Saturday Sunday
20 Sep 2025 21 Sep 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 2479Now £ 2229Saving £ 250 Usually £ 3249Now £ 2999Saving £ 250 Book with £ 557 deposit Book with £ 749 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 375
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
21 Sep 2025 20 Sep 2025
Saturday Sunday
04 Oct 2025 05 Oct 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 2479Now £ 2229Saving £ 250 Usually £ 3249Now £ 2999Saving £ 250 Book with £ 557 deposit Book with £ 749 deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 375
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
28 Sep 2025 27 Sep 2025
Saturday Sunday
11 Oct 2025 12 Oct 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 2479Now £ 2229Saving £ 250 Usually £ 3249Now £ 2999Saving £ 250 Book with £ 557 deposit Book with £ 749 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 375
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
05 Oct 2025 04 Oct 2025
Saturday Sunday
18 Oct 2025 19 Oct 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 2499Now £ 2249Saving £ 250 Usually £ 3279Now £ 3029Saving £ 250 Book with £ 562 deposit Book with £ 757 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 375
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
12 Oct 2025 11 Oct 2025
Saturday Sunday
25 Oct 2025 26 Oct 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 2499Now £ 2249Saving £ 250 Usually £ 3279Now £ 3029Saving £ 250 Book with £ 562 deposit Book with £ 757 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 375
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
26 Oct 2025 25 Oct 2025
Saturday Sunday
08 Nov 2025 09 Nov 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 2499Now £ 2249Saving £ 250 Usually £ 2499Now £ 2249Saving £ 250 Book with £ 562 deposit Book with £ 562 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 375
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
09 Nov 2025 08 Nov 2025
Saturday Sunday
22 Nov 2025 23 Nov 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 2479Now £ 2229Saving £ 250 Usually £ 2479Now £ 2229Saving £ 250 Book with £ 557 deposit Book with £ 557 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 375
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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Highlights of Madagascar
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