The EXTREME SOUTH route is love at first sight. It was our first expedition to the island continent, in 2003, which led us to travel along the arid coast of the southern tip of the island. An authentic experience that completely changed our way of understanding travel in Madagascar.
This trip starts in Antananarivo from where we will move to the east of the island in search of the country’s largest primates in the dense rainforest of Andasibe. Hearing the cry of the Indri is an experience you must live at least once in your life.
Then, the RN7 road will take us south through the “Highlands” and its landscapes of endless rice fields in the territory of the Merina and Betsileo ethnic groups. We will discover the colonial village of Antsirabe and its thousands of pousse-pousse; the rainforest of the Ranomafana Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the tea plantations of Sahambavy; the Anja Reserve and its graceful ring-tailed lemurs, as well as the Isalo National Park, one of the jewels of the island thanks to the majesty of its landscape: stoneware massifs, deep canyons, African savannah?
We will arrive in Tulear, coastal city and capital of the south, to sail to the idyllic beaches of Anakao. From here the dusty sandy tracks of the extreme south will lead us to discover the lake of Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, its pink flamingos and the famous baobab “grand mère”, as well as the pristine beaches of Itampolo and Lavanono, where we can observe the return of the vezo fishermen at sunset after a long day of fishing. We will cross settlements and villages of the Antandroy ethnic group such as Tsiombe, Amboasary or Ambovombe, one of the most anthropologically interesting ethnic groups in the country. We will also come across an infinity of radiata turtles that we will have to move aside on our way 🙂
We will stop at the Berenty Reserve, where we will be able to observe lemurs and other species of fauna and flora endemic to this area of dry thorn forest. One of the highlights of this trip, in terms of unique ecosystems, is the visit to Andohahela National Park, which combines dense rainforest (the only one on the planet below the Tropic of Capricorn) with dry thorn forest and a semi-humid and semi-arid transition forest. This experience will serve as the culmination of the expedition to finally reach the city of Fort Dauphin and explore Lokaro Bay, before returning by plane to the capital of the island.
Because adventure is not incompatible with comfort, this trip combines 3* accommodations with basic accommodations when the location has no other type of infrastructure.
Itinerary
DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN ANTANANARIVO
Arrival at the international airport of Antananarivo, visa formalities, reception by IndigoBe’s Spanish-speaking guide and private transfer to the hotel. Delivery of information material and briefing of the next stage.
AU BOIS VERT LODGE 4*.
DAY 2
ANTANANARIVO / ANDASIBE
Breakfast and departure to Andasibe National Park. Lunch in the city of Moramanga, crossroads between several secondary roads and with important confluence of ethnic groups from the east of the island: bezanozano and betsimisaraka mainly where we will visit its lively popular market. Continuation to Andasibe National Park. Installation at the Lodge.
RELAIS DE MANTADIA 3*.
Breakfast
DAY 3
ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast and early departure to Analamazaotra National Park (within the Andasibe National Park) where we will make a walking tour of ± 4 hours to observe the largest lemur of the island, the famous Indri-Indri as well as the propithecus diadema and hapalemur griseus. After lunch walk through the small village of Andasibe where we will meet the Betsimisaraka ethnic group. At the scheduled time, nocturnal visit of the VOIMMA Private Reserve, where we will appreciate various species of endemic and nocturnal fauna.
RELAIS DE MANTADIA 3*.
Breakfast
DAY 4
ANDASIBE / ANTSIRABE
Very early breakfast and continuation to the Malagasy “Highlands” between a landscape of terraced rice paddies, along the famous RN7 road. Free lunch in the city of Foie-gras, Behenjy, where we can taste various varieties of this exquisite delicacy. Continuation to Ambatolampy, to see the curious handmade manufacture of aluminum pots. In the afternoon, arrival in the colonial city of Antsirabe and installation at the hotel.
ROYAL PALACE 3*.
Breakfast
DAY 5
ANTSIRABE / AMBOSITRA / RANOMAFANA
Breakfast and tour in Pousse-Pousse (similar to Indian rickshaws) to tour the historic center of this city from another time. Visit of the Atsena Kely (small market) the Cathedral, Train station, as well as the countless buildings from the French colonial era. After the visit, departure to the capital of Malagasy handicrafts, Ambositra. Visit to the marquetry and silk workshops to observe the handicraft work of the Zafimaniry ethnic group. In the afternoon, arrival at Ranomafana National Park and installation at the hotel.
CENTREST HOTEL 3*
Breakfast
DAY 6
RANOMAFANA / SAHAMBAVY NATIONAL PARK
Early breakfast and walking tour of the Ranomafana National Park, which belongs to the “Atsinanana Rainforest” and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will hike for ± 4 hours in search of lemurs such as the propithecus Edwardsi, the Hapalemur Griseus Ranomafanensis, the Eulemur Rubriventer and with a little luck the Varecia Variegata, crossing a rainforest full of huge tree ferns, orchids, pandanus, giant bamboo (cathariostachys, endemic to Madagascar). After lunch panoramic view of the waterfall on the Namorona River. Continuation to the rural village of Sahambavy where we will walk through the famous tea plantations, unique on the island. We will learn firsthand the process of elaboration and taste the different varieties of tea that are produced. Installation in the hotel next to the plantation and over the lake of Sahambavy.
LAC HOTEL 3* (Bungalow overwater)
Breakfast
DAY 7
SAHAMBAVY / ANJA RESERVE / ISALO
Breakfast and departure to Ranohira. Walk through the “old city” of Fianarantsoa and panoramic view of the city from the “Haute Ville”. Continuation to the village of Ambalavao, where we will visit the Antemoro paper factory and the Anjà Natural Reserve, where we will see lemurs of the maki catta species with ease, as well as chameleons and betsileo-Sur tombs (Hiking ± 01h30). Lunch and continuation to Isalo National Park. In this stage, we finish our journey through the highlands and begin our descent through the Malagasy savannah, desert landscapes, and towns grown in the middle of nowhere.
RELAIS DE LA REINE 3*
Breakfast
Dinner
DAY 8
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 and the spectacular sunset from the “window of the Isalo”. This national park is one of the most famous in the country and has a variety of landscapes that make it a unique enclave. The most visited park on the island has deep canyons where water flows in the form of streams, Bara tombs, caves where the Portuguese and Arabs used to hide… this park is a living testimony of the history of Madagascar. Isalo is a real natural zoo where there are several species of lemurs such as the Eulemur Fulvus, Rufus, Eulemur Rufifrons, Propithecus Verreauxi Verreauxi among others, as well as the endemic palm of Isalo, Bismarkia nobilis, aloes, pachypodiums… Return to the lodge.
RELAIS DE LA REINE 3*
Breakfast
Dinner
DAY 9
ISALO / ZOMBITSE NATIONAL PARK / TULEAR
Early breakfast and drive 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 photographing the first baobabs of southern Madagascar before Sakaraha. We will also visit the Zombitse National Park, where we will take a simple 1h30 walk where we will be able to see lemurs of the Sifaka species (Propithecus Verreauxi), as well as chameleons and baobabs of the Adansonia Za species. Before arriving in Tulear we will make a detour to visit the Tropic of Capricorn Monument. After lunch transfer to the Reniala Reserve and its baobab forest. Walking tour of 1 hour to observe these beautiful endemic trees of the island. Return to Tulear.
MORINGA HOTEL 3*
Breakfast
DAY 10
TULEAR / ANAKAO
Breakfast and transfer by speedboat to Anakao. This fishing village of the Vezo ethnic group is famous for its paradisiacal beaches and the coral islands of Nosy Ve and Nosy Satrana. Arrival and installation at the lodge. At sunset we will be able to witness the spectacle of dozens of lakanas returning from a hard day’s fishing.
LALANDAKA LODGE 3*.
Breakfast
DAY 11
ANAKAO / SACRED ISLAND OF NOSY VE / ANAKAO
Breakfast and navigation in traditional lateen sailing canoe, lakana vezo, to Nosy Ve, (approximately 1h) where we can snorkel in this tropical aquarium, in addition to visiting this sacred islet for the vezo ethnic group and where an endemic bird unique to the island inhabits the “paille en queue” (Phaethon rubricauda). Possibility to have a picnic on the island or return to Anakao for lunch.
LALANDAKA LODGE 3*.
Breakfast
DAY 12
ANAKAO / TSIMANAMPETSOTSA NATIONAL PARK / ITAMPOLO
Today the day holds a wonderful encounter, the Tsimanampetsotsa National Park is one of our favorites. After breakfast, departure to Itampolo through a dusty track that runs along the coast for most of the route. Along the way the intense turquoise of the sea forces us to stop at Beheloha, a village of vezo fishermen. We will continue to Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, one of the least visited due to its isolation and for being off the beaten tourist track. We will make a walking tour of about 3 hours and in which we can see baobabs as the baobab “Grande Mère” of the species Adansonia Rubrostipa that has recently been dated at 1600 years by Adrian Patrut, specialist in dating baobabs, pachypodiums, caves where the “blind fish” inhabits, as well as a spectacular salt lake where pink flamingos migrate from the African coast. We will have lunch in Ambola and then continue to the pristine beaches of Itampolo.
LDS LDS
Breakfast
Dinner
DAY 13
ITAMPOLO / LAVANONO
Early breakfast and 4×4 route through the sandy tracks of the extreme south of Madagascar, where we can find plenty of radiata turtles on our way and observe many tombs of the Mahafaly or Antandroy ethnic group decorated with “aloalo” according to the tastes of the deceased. We will cross isolated villages such as Marolinta, until we arrive in the early afternoon at Lavanono, a fishing village famous for being an important spot for surfing.
LAVANONO LODGE
Breakfast
Dinner
DAY 14
LAVANONO / CAP SAINTE MARIE RESERVE / LAVANONO
Breakfast and departure to the Special Reserve of Cap Sainte Marie. We will walk for a total of +-3h through an impressive landscape of sand dunes and limestone rocks to reach Cap Sainte Marie, the southernmost tip of the island where there is still a lighthouse from colonial times. On our way we will find numerous atrochelys radiatas, considered one of the most beautiful turtles on the planet and pyxis arachnoides, an endemic turtle in serious danger of extinction through a dry thorny vegetation that shelters euphorbeas capsaintemariensis and alluaudias comosa… Between the months of June and October, with a little luck, we will be able to see humpback whales during their migration. Return to Lavanono.
LAVANONO LODGE
Breakfast
Dinner
DAY 15
LAVANONO / TSIOMBE / BERENTY RESERVE
Early breakfast and continue our expedition in 4×4 to cross several villages of the Antandroy ethnic group as Tsiombe, Ambovombe or Amboasary Atsimo where we will mingle with its population in their colorful and lively markets. Arrival at Berenty Private Reserve, where we will make a walking tour through the dry thorn forest in search of lemurs propithecus verreauxi, maki catta and eulemur fulvus as well as other species endemic to southern Madagascar.
BERENTY LODGE
Breakfast
Dinner
DAY 16
BERENTY / ANDOHAHELA NATIONAL PARK / FORT DAUPHIN
Breakfast and departure to Andohahela National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is part of the ” Atsinanana Rainforest ” designation in eastern Madagascar. This national park has a great richness in biodiversity thanks to the three types of ecosystems that coexist in it, becoming in fact a “natural corridor” between the south and the east of Madagascar with a dense humid forest of low, medium and high altitude in the east (a unique case on the planet and for which this park is recognized worldwide), This type of habitat does not exist below the Tropic of Capricorn), a xerophytic (dry thorny) forest to the south characterized by the presence of large alluaudias, baobabs and didiereas madagascariensis, and a semi-humid and semi-arid transition forest. We will walk for about 3 hours to observe a superb landscape with vegetation of the extreme south, as well as waterfalls and natural pools. More than 1300 plant species, 14 species of lemurs, 108 species of birds, 48 species of amphibians, 65 species of reptiles, 31 mammals…Continuation to the city of Fort Dauphin (Tolagnaro).
HOTEL LA CROIX DU SUD 3*.
Breakfast
DAY 17
FORT DAUPHIN / LOKARO BAY / FORT DAUPHIN
Breakfast and departure to Lac Lanirano where we will embark on our traditional motor boat to navigate for about 2 hours through the channels observing a lush tropical vegetation highlighting the “elephant ears” and carnivorous plants “Nephentes”. We will arrive at the village of Evatra where we will meet the inhabitants of the Antanosy ethnic group. From here we will continue on foot for 4km to the northern tip of Lokaro Bay, where we can take a swim in its clear waters and enjoy an exceptional panoramic view. Return to Evatra where our 4×4 will be waiting for us to return to Fort Dauphin.
HOTEL LA CROIX DU SUD 3*.
Breakfast
DAY 18
FORT DAUPHIN / ANTANANARIVO
Breakfast and at the agreed time transfer to Fort Dauphin airport to take a domestic flight to the capital. Arrival in Antananarivo, reception by an Indigo Be guide in English and transfer to the hotel. According to flight schedules, the Tanà City Free Tour and/or the visit of the handicraft market of La Digue will be offered.
URBAN HOTEL 3*.
Breakfast
DAY 19
ANTANANARIVE
Breakfast and transfer to Ivato international airport for return flight.
Route available all year round except January and February.
Daily departures.
THE PRICE INCLUDES
Transfer by speedboat Tulear-Anakao
Lodging in the hotels provided or similar
4×4 vehicle with driver and fuel included (3 passengers per vehicle + guide).
Transfers airport-hotel-airport mentioned in the program
Spanish-speaking guide throughout the tour
Lateen sailing canoe and crew for sailing to Nosy Ve island
AD (Bed and Breakfast) or MP (Half Board) depending on location.
Local guides (obligatory) in parks and reserves
Entrance to National Parks and Reserves
Taxes (Tourist, Stay and Municipal)
All visits and excursions mentioned as INCLUDED in the program.
Map of Madagascar
Welcome gift
Reception in Spanish by an INDIGO BE guide at the airport
24h 7/7 Spanish-speaking customer support at destination
On-site assistance in case of emergency in English 24h 7/7 in Antananarivo
Reconfirmation of domestic and return flights
24-hour emergency service in Spanish for family members
Informative dossier in Spanish
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
International or domestic airline tickets
Lunches and dinners not specified in the program
Beverages
Visa
Personal expenses
Medical Insurance
Tips
The order of the visits and excursions can be modified according to local constraints (air schedules, runway or road conditions, for example). If certain visits and/or excursions cannot be carried out for any reason beyond our control, we will try to substitute them whenever possible.
SHARE A ROOM
Request “Share room” when registering for the trip in order to avoid the single supplement. This does not exempt the acceptance of the Single supplement payment in case it is not possible to share a room. All requests for “Room Share” can be in twin or triple rooms. Depending on demand IndigoBe can accommodate up to 3 people in a triple room without prior notice.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION HOTELS
In our adventure routes and expeditions we offer variety in accommodation, in some locations it may be a 4* hotel, in others 3*, in others without stars and even some camping days. Instead of restricting our itineraries to areas that offer standard accommodation, we prefer to stay in more basic and spartan infrastructures in order to enjoy an exceptional location. The accommodations we offer on our expeditions are not selected because they have wifi, air conditioning, swimming pool or TV in the rooms, for our philosophy in adventure travel, that is not the most important thing. Our goal is to reach the most authentic, unspoiled and spectacular places. Enjoy these experiences, they are part of the trip.
CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR TRIPS
Our trips are designed from knowledge, we have been residents on the island for more than 18 years (2006-2024) 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 are still hidden in our island-continent and that for the moment we try to preserve until we have a policy of environmental protection. Our update is almost daily.
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.
To participate in our trips, a minimum level of physical fitness is required, otherwise you will not be able to enjoy the parks, landscapes, or some of the animist villages farther away from the conventional routes.
Our adventure trips are not for everyone, they are participatory trips, in which you will not be made to row or wash your cutlery, for this we give employment to the local population, however, we want your passage through the island to cause the least possible impact, neither environmental nor social, that is where we ask for your collaboration.
The hotels are varied, from some 5* to simple lodges, depending on the hotel infrastructure. Adventure is not incompatible with comfort, we will never camp (free camping is prohibited in Madagascar, it is only possible in “authorized” places although they do not have any infrastructure similar to a campsite, no toilets or showers) if right next door we have a minimally correct accommodation and that our passage can benefit the local population. We always try to include the best hotels available, but sometimes we are forced to use simple lodges because the location does not have more hotel infrastructure or because it is located in an exceptional place that deserves the stay.
Madagascar does not have a tourist infrastructure like neighboring countries in their safaris, but that gives it the charm of an unspoiled and uncrowded country (150,000 tourists per year). We ask for an open spirit and large doses of patience to our travelers. That way you will enjoy your trip much more.
sales outlets through our partner agencies worldwide
as receptive at Madagascar and Indian Ocean
inspirational for dreaming from your sofa
Spanish speakers experienced
responsible tourism and sustainable
of satisfaction
18/05/2025
A phenomenal trip
A few notes to thank you for your effort and patience. A phenomenal trip that is already asking me to come back. Delighted with the destination, the selection of activities and the organization. Nomad Photo Expeditions Photographic Group.
Harry Fisch ESSENCES OF THE SOUTH
An extraordinary journey
I totally recommend it, direct, clear and familiar treatment Sylvia, Jaume and Sergi are charming.
Small and well-organized groups.
Santa our guide is a crack.
And Madagascar with its lemurs, its baobabs, its people and its landscapes stole my heart, I don’t know which one to choose.
A dream come true!
We are eager to return and get to know more corners of the island. And certainly with Indigo Be!!!!
Montserrat Ros DISCOVER MADAGASCAR
Impeccable organization
Everything was excellent! Highly recommended, both the country, a place of contrasts in its landscapes and its people, and agency with an impeccable organization! Thanks to Sylvia, Jaume for the organization and of course to Luca and Mami for guiding us all over the country!
Glòria Ramon ESSENCES OF THE SOUTH
Professional people who love their work
Misaotra to the whole team, after 25 years traveling and having traveled through most of Africa you can feel flattered because it is the first time we meet such professional people who love their work and put so much passion in showing and sharing their country. Thank you Sylvia for your attention and for being there when needed. Of course we will see you in your next meeting adventure.
Clara Montes REMOTE RIVER EXPEDITION
A highly prepared team
An impeccable organization, with values that I share, a very professional team, highly prepared and dedicated to the traveler. They respect the country, its people and nature, and make us love Madagascar through their accompaniment.
Antonio Maria Following the Green Heart
Baobab Expedition, tough but intense
Back home and trying to assimilate everything we learned. Thank you Silvia for joining us on this fantastic trip, it has been a privilege to have you as a guide, the group already saw that we got along from the first day, and the route was amazing. We recommend the Baobab Expedition to all travelers, hard but intense.
Sara BAOBAB EXPEDITION
Magnificent trip through Madagascar
Excellent professionals who helped us to have a great trip in Madagascar. Thank you very much, Sylvia, Jaume, Sergi, Santa (great local guide) and all the staff. We will surely come back.
Norberto Rosseti ESSENCES OF THE SOUTH
Indigo Be's affection for the country is evident.
Lupe Bote BAOBAB EXPEDITION
An authentic experience
I chose the “Baobab Expedition” itinerary with Indigo Be and it has been an unforgettable and authentic experience… Indigo Be is an agency of young professionals who love and know Madagascar in depth and transmit their passion and enthusiasm for the country to the travelers.
Our guide, Jaume, has facilitated, at all times, with his efficiency and kindness, the smooth running of the day to day.
Thanks to all the professional team of Indigo Be and ENHORABONAAAAAAAAAAA Jaume “per la feina ben feta”. A hug !!!!!
Elisabeth Segui BAOBAB EXPEDITION
Unique, surprising and unforgettable island
Madagascar; it sounds remote, like a cartoon movie and impossible animals. It is that, and also an island-country with little tourism that oozes African sap sweetened with Asian touches.
Descend a river between jungle canyons and sleep on its beaches protected from crocodiles; go deep into the jungle and listen to the sounds of its most characteristic animals, the lemurs; dive among tropical fish with the sound of humpback whales in the background; stroll at sunset along an avenue lined with giant baobabs; discover impressive rock formations in the shape of thousands of needles; taste seafood seasoned with French-influenced dyes or simply stroll along a beach waiting for the arrival of fishermen. All this is Madagascar.
Madagascar promises disconnection, adventure and exoticism…and with Indigo Be you get it!
Thank you for being wonderful hosts of this unique, surprising and unforgettable island.
Antonia Rubio BAOBAB EXPEDITION
Experiences that will stay with me for life
Among shadowy jungles, deep rock canyons and red clay moors, I found sights and experiences that will stay with me for life. And what better than from the hand of local experts like Indigo Be.
Raul Martin MADA & SEYCHELLES ADVENTURE
Ready, set... GO!
Because every trip is different and every traveller is unique, you have the opportunity to co-create YOUR PERFECT TRIP with us. And you ask yourself, how?
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OUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
A meeting via WhatsApp or Zoom with us to have a virtual tea or coffee and guide you on what we can offer you based on your travel requirements.
ROUTE DESIGN
We work with you to create a route that is 100% tailored to your preferences: accommodation, vehicle, guide, visits, activities, meetings...
SERVICES
We offer you the chance to enhance your trip with our little ‘pills’ that will make your experience unique and memorable.
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