Wild Madagascar

New

14 Days Excluding Flights From

0 Days from

£ 4299

Wildlife

Activity Level

Moderate & Challenging

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Wildlife

Wildlife Rating :

Group Size :

4 - 12

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

WEN

Carbon Footprint :

51.9kg CO2e per person per day

Venture even deeper into Africa’s wildest island, spotting animals seen nowhere else on the planet

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.

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

Key Information

Accommodation: 13 Classic nights (hotels)
Travel by private bus, boat and internal flight
Group normally 4 to 12, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Countries visited: Madagascar

What's Included

All breakfasts, three lunches and six dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available
Use of snorkelling equipment

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

WEN - Wild Madagascar

Departure Date

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

For flights call us on 0203 733 5948 or enquire when booking online

Regional flights available

Competitive flight prices

Specialist Flight Support

ATOL protected

Itinerary

Antananarivo Nosy Be

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)

Meals included: Dinner

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this 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.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

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.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Antananarivo
Location end: Nosy Be

Vaccinations and Health

Madagascar

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, polio, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Protection against malaria is essential. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic on the best course of action for all the above. Additionally, dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available; therefore, we recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Please note, if you plan to stay in Madagascar for four weeks or longer, you may be asked to show, when leaving the country, a proof of polio vaccination on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) provided four weeks to one year before departure from Madagascar. Failure to do so may result in a vaccination upon departure.

Visa

Madagascar

Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Food & Drink

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).

Weather

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.

TRIP

WEN - Wild Madagascar

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

A selection of hotels

We 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.