• Spotting a ring-tailed lemur or aye-aye on a trek through the rainforest.
• Snapping a photo of Madagascar’s incredible baobab trees that look like something Dr. Seuss would dream up.
• Catching a chameleon in the act of changing colors in its natural habitat, under the watchful eye of an expert guide.
• Searching for rare fluorescent frogs and geckos on night walks from your lodge.
• Watching for whales and dolphins off the coastlines.
• Staying in secluded jungle lodges either in national parks or private reserves, some reached only by airplane
• Relaxing on a beach or snorkeling in Nosy Be, the largest of Madagascar’s offshore islands, known as the “perfume island.”
• Taking an excursion to Nosy Komba, an island near Nosy Be, to see black lemurs.
• Visiting a bustling market in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital city.
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Madagascar is a very unique country. As a matter of fact, over 90% of its species, are found nowhere else in the world. Because of this, the country is trying its best to preserve its biodiversity with the creation of numerous parks and reserves across the country.

Each park is special in its own right, from inhabiting an endangered species to encompassing an area of razor, sharp limestone karst. When exploring Madagascar, much of the trip will be spent enjoying its natural beauty. With that being said, let’s get on some hiking boots and get moving!

Madagascar in Eleven Days

An eleven day vacation to Madagascar is the minimum amount of time you can spent here. It is a relatively large island and transportation here can make it difficult when going from point A to point B. This trip will be spent exploring its major cities, beaches, and, mainly, its national parks. There are so many intriguing aspects of this country and the goal of this itinerary is to capture its uniqueness in the short time you are here. 

See All Madagascar Tours in 11 Days »

Day 1 Antananarivo

On day 1, you will arrive in the country’s bustling capital of Antananarivo. It is recommended that you hit the ground running and begin exploring Antananarivo once you land since you will be leaving the next day. The top attractions in Antananarivo include the Rova of Antananarivo, Andafiavaratra Palace, Botanical Garden of Tsimbazaza, Ambohimanga, Lemur Park, and the Pirates Museum.

Day 2-3 Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Located 3 hours away from Antananarivo, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is one of the most accessible parks in Madagascar. Its primary forest offers amazing biodiversity. The park is known for inhabiting the Indri, which is the largest species of lemur whose call can be heard from up to 2 miles away. Lodging can be found right outside the park.

Day 4-5 Antsirabe

Roughly six hours away from Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Antsirabe is the second largest city in Madagascar. Its buildings date back to the early 20th century and is known for its train station, cathedral, and thermal bath centre. It is also in close proximity to Lake Tritriva. This beautiful crater lake is known for its scenic views and hot springs.

Day 6-7 Ranomafana National Park

Expect the trip here to take about 7 hours from Antsirabe. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rainforests of the Atsinanana. Ranomafana National Park is a must-see attraction while visiting Madagascar. This tropical rainforest is being studied today by ecologist from around the world due to its rich biodiversity.

Day 8-9 Isalo National Park

Isalo National Park is about 7 hours away from Ranomafana National Park. This park offers yet another type of terrain that is vastly different than the ones seen above. Isalo National Park consists mainly of limestone rocks, canyons, and grasslands. The park also has 340 animal species and over 400 plant species, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Day 9-10 Ifaty

The coastal region of Ifaty is about six hours away from Isalo. It consists of small fishing villages and offers some much needed R&R. You can also walk through spiny forests, snorkel, scuba dive, or watch for wildlife. With nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, Ifaty is a great spot to spend the last few days exploring.

Day 11 Fly back to Antananarivo

Flying back to Antananarivo is the best option and still relatively cheap. From there you can continue your trip to Africa or head home, concluding your trip to wondrous Madagascar.

Madagascar in Three Weeks

A three week trip to Madagascar gives you plenty of time to really enjoy this beautiful country. Transportation in Madagascar can be troublesome because the roads and cars are bad. Due to this, travel days have been added into the itinerary. Although most travel days are not an entire day once you reach your destination, you will want the rest of the day to recoup.

See All Madagascar Tours in 3 Weeks »

Day 1-2 Antananarivo

Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar and has the largest airport in the country. Most trips here due to this. It is very busy here so just be prepared for the hustle and bustle. While in Antananarivo, try to visit the Rova of Antananarivo, Andafiavaratra Palace, Botanical Garden of Tsimbazaza, Ambohimanga, Lemur Park, and the Pirates Museum.

Day 3 Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is located three hours from Antananarivo and is definitely worth the day trip. Mantadia is a little bit further than Andasibe but is less touristy. The hikes are more rigorous but the payoff is worth it with unique wildlife and a beautiful waterfall called  Sacred waterfall.  Lodging can be found outside the park but it's best to stay in Antananarivo since most transport starting points begin there.

Day 4  (Travel Day) Antananarivo to Antsirabe

It is about a three hours travel to Antsirabe so you can leave Antananarivo whenever but mornings are always suggested. Once in Antsirabe you can get settled and ready for the next couple of days.

Day 5-8 Antsirabe

Antsirabe is a relatively big city but has a peacefulness to it. Lake Tritriva is a crater lake that offer beautiful views and crystal waters. Its main square shops, train station, and delicious  restaurants. Their saturday market is where locals sell crafts, food, and clothes.

Day 9 (Travel Day) Antsirabe to Fianarantsoa

It is about four hours to Fianarantsoa from Antsirabe. Antsirabe offers trips to Fianarantsoa daily but you can also get a taxi or rent a car. Fianarantsoa can be explored once you arrive since the next day you will be going to Andringitra National Park.

Day 10-11 Andringitra National Park

Andringitra National Park is two hours away from Fianarantsoa. The park is mainly made up of mountain ranges, dense forest, and valleys. The park offers several different types of hikes, depending on duration and difficulty. It is one of the few parks that allows camping which really adds to experience. Outside the park there is also luxury lodges and tents which have grown in popularity in the last couple of years.

Day 12 Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana National Park is about two hours away from Fianarantsoa. You can access the park from the village of Ambodiamontana where they also offer guided tours. This park has become a favorite among tourist for its tropical rainforest and abundant wildlife. The park has 12 species of lemur, as well. It is definitely a must-see for nature lovers.

Day 13 (Travel Day) Fianarantsoato Morondava

Fianarantsoato Morondava is about an 8-12 hours drive, depending on if you are taking a taxi or bus. It is a long drive but no trip is complete without seeing Madagascar’s west coast. Once in Morondava, you can get settled and possibly head out for dinner.

Day 14-18 Morondava/Avenue of the Baobabs

There are so many things that you can do in or around Morondava so it’s best that you split up your time. Morondava is relatively cheap which makes staying here an ideal home base as you explore Madagascar’s west coast. Avenue of the Baobabs is the country’s hallmark and is absolutely stunning at sunrise or sunset. It’s about 15 mins outside the city so driving there is best. Kirindy Forest Reserve, Belo sur Mer, and spiny forests are also recommended spots to visit that are within the area.

Day 19 Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park  

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is about 3-4 hours away from Morondava. This mineral forest consists of rigid limestone rocks. You would think that these razor sharp rocks would make the area uninhabitable but it’s actually quite the opposite. There are 11 species of lemur, 45 species of reptile, and over 100 species of birds. The big Tsingy takes about a half day to get to but is worth the trek. It provides a front row view of the forest without the pokes by providing hanging bridges across the cliffs. The park also offers trekking and camping.

Day 20-21 Travel Day Morondava back to Antananarivo

Flights back to Antananarivo are recommended. The drive back takes close to 13 hours while a flight is about an 1.5 hours. Once back in Antananarivo, you can continue your journey to Africa or wherever else!