Visiting the best of Madagascar in 15 days is practically impossible as the island has many attractions to offer throughout its vast territory and the distances are enormous.
But if I had to advise an itinerary in Madagascar for a first trip to the island, taking into account my exhaustive knowledge of the destination, this would be it:
For the most adventurous travelers:
DAY 1 ✈ ANTANANARIVE
Arrival at the capital’s airport, visa formalities, reception by IndigoBe’s Spanish-speaking guide and transfer to the hotel. Brief briefing of the route and delivery of the informative material.
DAY 2 ANTANANARIVO / ANTSIRABE / MIANDRIVAZO
Early breakfast and departure to the town of Miandrivazo. Through the Malagasy “Highlands” we will reach the colonial city of Antsirabe. Antsirabe. From this town to Miandrivazo we will be accompanied by an unusual landscape, the “lavaka” deep gullies of uncertain cause.
DAY 3 DESCENT OF THE TSIRIBIHINA RIVER
Early breakfast and transfer by 4×4 to the Masiakampy pier, where we will take our Chaland (traditional motor boat prepared to accommodate a group of travelers, it has a common deck with tables and chairs protected from the sun for the rest of the passengers, as well as a solarium area and other common dependencies, Although not cabins, because at night we camp in tents on the beaches on the banks of the river itself, also has a space for our cook to prepare lunches and dinners for the group) to start our expedition on the Tsiribihina River, which we will sail for two days.
DAY 4 DESCENT OF THE TSIRIBIHINA RIVER
After breakfast we will embark once again on this adventure and visit the village of we will visit the village of BegidroAfter breakfast, we continue down the course of the river observing the changing landscape as well as the life generated by its waters. We will cross in our calm navigation with other boats carrying local passengers or with small canoes of fishermen. In the afternoon we will enter the gorges of the Tsiribihina River and we will be able, if we are lucky, to observe lemurs, crocodiles, bats…. We will have a short break on the mainland to meet the Sakalava-Menabe ethnic group in the village of Ambatomisay. A pleasant evening around a campfire under the starry sky awaits us, where incredible stories will preside over the evening animated by the traditional music of the Sakalava-Menabe ethnic group.
DAY 5 DESCENT OF THE TSIRIBIHINA RIVER / BELO SUR TSIRIBIHINA / BEKOPAKA
Early breakfast and last stretch of navigation to the authentic city of Belo sur Tsiribihina. Belo sur Tsiribihina. From here, route in 4×4 through the dusty tracks of western Madagascar, to arrive in the afternoon at the gates of the Tsingy of Bemaraha, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
DAY 6 MANAMBOLO RIVER GORGES AND SMALL TSINGYS
Breakfast and canoeing in the gorges of the Manambolo River and its imposing cliffs. We will stop at two caves, one of them with beautiful formations of stalactites and stalagmites. We will also be able to observe in a vertical wall an ancient Vazimba tomb, the first settlers of the island. In the afternoon visit of the the “little Tsingy of Bemaraha”. This visit will serve to test our fitness and our reaction to heights and narrow passages. A magnificent preamble to tomorrow’s stage.
DAY 7 BEMARAHA TSINGY NATIONAL PARK
Today holds an extraordinary discovery for us.
After breakfast and provided with our harnesses, we will move in 4×4 to the natural entrance to the “Gran Tsingy de Bemaraha”, where the visit of these unique karst formations will begin.
The only ones in the world that have the necessary characteristics to be equipped with a via ferrata that allows the ascent to the top.
We will cross various labyrinths and caves, as well as gorges and suspension bridges. In the afternoon we will make another of the most spectacular circuits of the park, the Ranotsara where giant limestone cathedrals, deep crevasses and a new suspension bridge will take us to the top of the Tsingys. This is a via ferrata in which we will walk the entire route secured by harnesses.
DAY 8 BEKOPAKA / KIRINDY / BAOBAB AVENUE / MORONDAVA
Breakfast and departure to Morondava. We will cross the Manambolo and Tsiribihina rivers again by ferry to reach the Kirindy Forest Reserve and explore it in a simple walk through the dry and dense forest typical of the Menabe area. We will be able to observe baobabs of the species Adansonia rubrostipa y Adansonio za as well as diurnal species of lemurs such as the Eulemur rufifrons or the Propithecus verreauxi and the elusive “fossa”, the largest carnivorous mammal on the island, the jumping rat or the tiny lemur Microcebus berthae. Continuation by 4×4 to Morondava on the dusty track of western Madagascar, visiting the sacred baobab and the baobab amoroso. At sunset we will experience one of the most awaited moments of our expedition, the encounter with the famous “Avenue of the Baobabs”. We will enjoy the sunset accompanied by these imposing trees of the species Adansonia grandidieri.
DAY 9 MORONDAVA / BELO SUR MER
Breakfast and departure by 4×4 crossing sandy tracks to the seaside village of Belo sur Mer. Small village located 80 kilometers from Morondava, in front of the Mozambique Channel. Land of the vezo ethnic group, nicknamed “the last nomads of the windand famous for being the place of construction of the famous Malagasy butres and schooners. In the afternoon we will be able to observe the traditional manufacture of butres, as well as the village of the Vezo ethnic group and if we are lucky we may be able to attend a launching, as it is a thrilling experience. The fervor of the crowd pulling on the ropes at one, two, three and the festivities that follow the ceremony are some of the moving acts involved in the completion of a boat. The town is also known for its salt mines. Numerous families are in charge, generation after generation, of extracting salt in order to preserve the food of the population in the absence of refrigeration.
DAY 10 BELO SUR MER / KIRINDY MITE NATIONAL PARK MARINE RESERVE / BELO SUR MER
Breakfast and navigation by motorized canoe to the paradisiacal coral island of Nosy Andravoho belonging to the Marine Reserve of the Kirindy Mite National Parkwhere we can snorkel in a magnificent tropical aquarium and observe turtles, dolphins and the impressive humpback whales that navigate the waters of the Mozambique Channel in total freedom (exclusively in August and September departures).
DAY 11 BELO SUR MER / MORONDAVA
Breakfast and departure by 4×4 passing by the famous salt pans of Antsira (depending on the tides). Arrival MorondavaMorondava, the capital of the Menabe region, a city brimming with commercial activity. During our stay we will visit on foot some of its bustling and colorful markets. bustling and colorful markets such as the neighborhood of Bazary Bewhere we can buy a typical souvenir of the region, such as the sakalava bracelet, the Vangovango or the “lambaony” sarong.
DAY 12 MORONDAVA / MIANDRIVAZO / ANTSIRABE
Long route stage. Breakfast at dawn and drive to the city of Miandrivazo. We will travel from the Menabe region to the Highlands via Malaimbandy and Mahabo, where the ancient Sakalava royal villages once stood. We will stop at a popular restaurant for lunch in Miandrivazo and continue through the lavakas landscape to the village of Mandoto, where we can stretch our legs. Arrival in Antsirabe in the afternoon.
DAY 13 ANTSIRABE / MANANDONA VALLEY / ANTSIRABE
Breakfast and departure to the vast valleys of the Vakinankaratra region, one of the most fertile of the island considered the “orchard” of Madagascar. From the village of Manandona we will walk through a landscape of rice fields to learn about the agricultural culture and the daily chores of its inhabitants: we will be able to share their daily chores, visit a traditional house, and learn about their “fady” (a kind of “fady”). “fady … On the way we will observe the summit of Mount Ibity, the third highest mountain on the island with 2,345m, a waterfall and a natural pool where we can take a bath. After lunch, tour in Pousse-Pousse (similar to Indian rickshaws) or on foot to tour the historic center of the city. Visit of the Atsena Kely (small market) the Notre Dame de la Salette Cathedral, Train station, Ethnic Monumentas well as the countless buildings of the French colonial era.
DAY 14 ANTSIRABE / AMBATOLAMPY / ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK
Early breakfast and transfer by road to the Andasibe National Park, passing through Behenjy, the city of foie gras and Ambatolampywhere we can see the traditional manufacture of aluminum pots that are part of virtually every Malagasy home. The foundation is a spectacle not to be missed. Obervar the curious technique used in each of the steps of manufacture and collaborate by buying some of the aluminum figurines that we offer, will leave our small sustainable footprint. Arrival in the afternoon at the gates of Andasibe National Park.
DAY 15 ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast and walking tour of the Analamazaotra National Park (Andasibe-Mantadia National Park) for ± 4h, where we will observe the largest primate, the famous Indri Indri, as well as other species of lemurs. 4h, where we will observe the largest primate of the island, the famous Indri Indri, as well as other species of lemurs, chameleons, frogs, tree ferns, pandanus madagascariensis, orchids … After lunch walk through the village of Andasibe where we will meet the Betsimitsaraka ethnic group. At the scheduled time, night safari with our headlamps in the Andasibe Private Reserve. Private Reserve in Andasibewhere we will appreciate diverse species of endemic fauna of the tropical rainforest, such as the forest, such as the endearing microcebu.
DAY 16 ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK / ANTANANARIVO
Breakfast and departure to Antananarivo, “the city of a thousand”. “the city of a thousand”, Antana- (place, population) -n- (from) -arivo (thousand). In honor of the thousand soldiers who protected the queen at the time of the Merina monarchy. Antananarivo is a historic city. King Andrianjaka in the 17th century subdued the city of Analamanga and had a palace built on the highest strategic point – today’s Rova of Manjakamiadana – and made it the capital of the kingdom with the name “Antananarivo”, the city of a thousand warriors.
Arrival in the capital and visit of the city center, Tana City TourSoarano Station, Independence Avenue, neighborhoods of Isoraka, Analakely… and panoramic visit from the famous “Haute-Ville”.
DAY 17 ANTANANARIVO ✈ RETURN FLIGHT
Breakfast and on the way to the airport visit of the large Digue Marketthe largest handicraft fair on the island and one of the largest markets in Africa. Last shopping and transfer to the airport for international flight.
END OF TRIP
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You can visit our Remote River Expedition circuit if you want to live a real Adventure Trip in Madagascar. <<You can also download>> more information about departures, itineraries and prices here.
To get an idea of what awaits you, check out the Remote River Expedition video we made in collaboration with Chavetas – the adventure is calling you!
For the most demanding travelers in search of comfort and 3* and 4* category hotels:
DAY 1 ✈ ANTANANARIVO
Arrival at the capital’s airport, visa formalities, reception by IndigoBe’s Spanish-speaking guide and transfer to the hotel. Brief briefing of the next stage, delivery of information material and welcome gift.
DAY 2 ANTANANARIVO / BEHENJY / AMBATOLAMPY / ANTSIRABE
Breakfast and early departure through the Malagasy “Highlands” to Ambatolampy, Ambatolampy, Ambatolampy, Ambatolampy, Ambatolampy and Ambatolampy. Ambatolampy, to see the curious artisanal manufacture of aluminum pots that are part of every Malagasy home. Before we will stop in the city of foie gras Behenjywhere, if we wish, we will be able to taste this exquisite delicacy (not included). Arrival in Antsirabe and Tour in Pousse-Pousse (similar to the rickshaws of India) or on foot, to tour the historic center of this city of another time. Visit of the Atsena Kely (small market), railroad station, the Notre Dame de la Cathedral of Notre Dame de la Salette, the Ethnic Monumentas well as the countless buildings of the French colonial era.
DAY 3 ANTSIRABE / AMBOSITRA / RANOMAFANA
Breakfast and departure to the capital of Malagasy handicrafts, Ambositra. At 1350 m altitude, this Malagasy town is renowned for its Zafimaniry craftsmen, masters of wood carving, declared Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. declared Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.. Located in the highlands, Ambositra is the cradle of the Betsileo ethnic group. We can visit various workshops of marquetry, or stroll through the streets and mingle with their colorful characters. If we travel between July and September in the highlands we could meet the famous “Famadihana”. “Famadihana or return of the dead. To be able to attend a “return of the dead” we must be invited, it is a family celebration, not a tourist one. However, if we are invited, we will try, if our circuit allows it, to attend the celebration for a short period of time, so as not to violate family privacy. Continuation to Ranomafana National Park. .
DAY 4 RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK / SAHAMBAVY
Early breakfast and walking tour of Ranomafana National Park where we will make a walk of ± 4 hours in search of lemurs such as Propithecus edwardsi, Hapalemur griseus ranomafanensis or Varecia variegata highlighting among the 12 different species of lemurs that houses the forest full of impressive tree ferns, wild orchids, pandanus … Ranomafana is nature in its purest form. Panoramic view of the waterfall on the Namorona River and continue to the rural village of Sahambavy where we will walk through the famous tea plantations, unique in the island. We will learn first-hand about the elaboration process and taste the two varieties of tea that are produced. Installation in the hotel next to the plantation and over the Sahambavy lake.
DAY 5 SAHAMBAVY / AMBALAVAO / ANJA / ISALO
Breakfast and early departure to Ranohira. Visit of the “old city” of Fianarantsoa and panoramic view from the “Haute Ville”. Continuation to the village of Ambalavao, where we will discover the curious manufacture of the antemoro paper and the Natural Reserve of Anjà, ideal place for the observation of the lemurs of the species Lemur catta with ease, as well as chameleons and betsileo-Sur tombs (Hiking ± 01h30). Continuation to the Isalo National Park. At this stage we finish our journey through the highlands and we start our descent through the Malagasy savannah, desert landscapes and overgrown villages in the middle of nowhere.
DAY 6 ISALO NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast and visit to Isalo National Park (easy-medium level). Visit the waterfall of the Nymphs, blue pool and black pool in the famous Namaza Canyon. The most visited park of the island has deep canyons where water flows in the form of streams, Bara tombs, caves where the Portuguese and Arabs hid… this park is a living testimony of the history of Madagascar where various species of lemurs such as the Eulemur fulvus, Rufus, Eulemur rufifrons, Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi among others, as well as the endemic palm of the isalo, the Bismarkia nobilis, aloes, Pachypodiums…
We will visit the village of the semi-nomadic Bara shepherds of “Antabara” in Ikazandreno and enjoy the spectacular sunset from the “Isalo window”.
DAY 7 ISALO / ZOMBITSE NATIONAL PARK / TULEAR
Early breakfast and route to the south observing on the way the famous Mahafaly tombs – stone tombs with carved funerary steles or with paintings of animals, couples, scenes of daily life … They are almost always covered with skulls and horns of zebu – and being able to photograph the first baobabs of southern Madagascar. We will walk through the Zombitse National Park for ± 1h30 through a simple path in the dense dry forest where we will find baobabs of the species Adansonia za, ficus, aloes, pandanus, orchids… and where we will be able to observe lemurs of the species Propithecus verreauxi, Eulemur fulvus rufusBefore arriving to Tulear we will take a detour to visit the Tropic of Capricorn Monument. After lunch (free) transfer to the Reniala Reserve and its baobab forest. Walking tour of ±1h to observe these endemic trees of the island.
DAY 8 TULEAR ✈ ANTANANARIVO
Breakfast and at the agreed time transfer to the airport to take domestic flight to the capital.
Arrival in Antananarivo “the city of a thousand”, Antana- (place, population) -n- (from) -arivo (thousand). In honor of the thousand soldiers who protected the queen at the time of the Merina monarchy. Antananarivo is a historic city. King Andrianjaka in the 17th century subdued the city of Analamanga and had a palace built on the highest strategic point – today’s Rova of Manjakamiadana – and made it the capital of the kingdom with the name “Antananarivo”, the city of a thousand warriors.
Visit of the city center, Tanà City TourSoarano Station, Independence Avenue, Isoraka, Analakely neighborhoods… and panoramic visit from the famous “Haute-Ville”.
DAY 9 ANTANANARIVO ✈ DIEGO SUAREZ / THE 3 BAYS
Breakfast and transfer to the airport, domestic flight to the capital of the north of the island. Arrival, reception in Spanish by the IndigoBe guide and excursion in 4×4 to visit the 3 bays of the island. 3 Bays (Sakalava Bay, Pigeons Bay and Dunes Bay) and panoramic view of the famous “Sugar Loaf” Nosy Longo, in the great bay of Diego Suarez which with a coastal extension of 156 km is positioned as the second largest in the world after Rio de Janeiro.
DAY 10 SCHOONER SAILING IN THE EMERALD SEA
Breakfast and departure to Ramena beach where we will start our excursion by traditional sakalava schooner to sail the turquoise waters of the Emerald Sea. Emerald Sea to the island of Nosy Suarez where we will have lunch based on fish and seafood, prepared by our sailors of the Sakalava and Antakarana ethnic groups. Free time on the beaches of Nosy Suarez and the Emerald Sea. In the afternoon return to Ramena Beach by schooner.
DAY 11 DIEGO SUAREZ / TSINGYS ROJOS / AMBRE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast and early departure by 4×4 to the Red Tsingys of Irodo where we will discover a magnificent supernatural landscape unique in the world. Continuation to the Ambre Mountain National Park for an easy walk of ± 3h of duration), where we will observe some species of lemurs endemic to the island as the Eulemur coronatusthe smallest chameleon in the world, the Brookesia micra…as well as one of the most beautiful dense tropical forests in the country. Visit the sacred waterfall and the “Thousand Trees” walk.
DAY 12 AMBRE MOUNTAIN N.P. / ANKARANA NATIONAL PARK / AMBILOBE
Early breakfast and departure in a 4×4 to the Ankarana National Parkwhere we will hike during ± 2h30 to observe one of the most amazing landscapes of the island: the “tsingys”The famous limestone “needles” that rise to a height of a hundred meters to discover the fauna and flora of the park, such as the Canarium madagascariensisthe Pachypodium baroniathe baobab Adansonia perrieriorchids, orchids, pandanus, pandanus, the Eulemur coronatus, Eulemur sanfordiContinuation to Ambilobe.
DAY 13 AMBILOBE / ANKIFY / NOSY BE
Breakfast and departure to the port of Ankify among plantations of cinnamon, cocoa, coffee, ylang-ylang… Arrival at the pier of Ankify to take a speedboat to the island of Nosy Beyong. Nosy BeArrival at the port of Hell Ville, the capital of the “island of perfume”.
Undoubtedly the great attraction of Nosy Be are the paradisiacal islands located around, where snorkeling, diving or just enjoy the turquoise waters of for example the spectacular Nosy Iranja or Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve.
DAY 14 NOSY BE
Breakfast and optional excursion to the paradisiacal island of Nosy Iranja, the island of turtles for the whole day or visit to the Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve for snorkeling or Whale Safari (from July to September).
DAY 15 NOSY BE ✈ RETURN FLIGHT
Breakfast and at the agreed time, transfer to Fascene international airport for return flight.
END OF TRIP
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Looking for a more comfortable trip? We recommend our Continent Island circuit . You can download more information about departures, itinerary and prices here <<download>>.
Travel recommendations for 15 days in Madagascar
Our routes, whether they are ADVENTURE, COMFORT or LUXURYare designed by us, professionals living on the island, to cater to travelers who want to discover the island, sometimes even renouncing comfort. Our routes are designed for any type of traveler who wants to explore unique natural areas such as national parks and meet an ancient culture such as the Malagasy, completely different from ours. However, it is not a trip for everyone, IT IS NOT A TRIP FOR EVERYONE as it requires a minimum of physical fitness (all national parks and reserves are visited on foot), a spirit of sacrifice and the ability to adapt in order to overcome possible difficulties.
Any tour in Madagascar leaves room for the unexpected, hence we ask for your flexibility in approaching the trip as travelers and not as conventional tourists. Adverse weather conditions, poor infrastructure, delays, breakdowns, queues and many other factors can cause us to adapt to the new situation.
In general, any route in Madagascar combines some long and heavy driving stages with some more relaxed stages, which will allow you to enjoy a great trip. We hope you share our travel philosophy and enjoy this privileged experience.
Get to know the best of Madagascar thanks to Indigo Be
Our trips are designed from knowledge, we have been residents on the island for almost 20 years (2006-2025) and our team carries out more than 17 annual surveys throughout the geography of the island, to verify on the ground the state of parks, trails, hotels, new developments and discover new treasures that still, to this day, remain hidden in our island-continent. We are updated almost daily.
