2. Antsirabe : The Highlands Charm: Approximately 170 km south of Antananarivo, Antsirabe is a charming highland town with a mild climate, known for its thermal springs (nicknamed the “Malagasy Vichy”). It offers a different view of Madagascar. Nearby, you can visit the mystical Lake Tritriva, a volcanic crater lake steeped in legend, or have a picnic by Lake Andraikiba. Antsirabe is also famed for its handicrafts: you can tour workshops making miniatures from zebu horn, beautiful embroideries, and wood carvings, and pick up some unique souvenirs.
4. Isalo National Park : Reaching the southwest, Isalo National Park welcomes you with a dramatic change of scenery reminiscent of the Wild West. This sandstone massif is famous for its deep canyons, striking ochre cliffs, and golden savannahs. Isalo offers spectacular and varied landscapes: erosion-carved rock formations, hidden natural swimming pools framed by ferns, and surprise oases of palm trees tucked in the gorges. Several hiking trails (with options for different ages and fitness levels) allow families to explore this otherworldly park.
| Day | Itinerary | Activities & Discoveries | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Antananarivo (Tana) | Airport pick-up and transfer to hotel. If time permits, take a short tour of the capital: explore the downtown sights, browse a craft market, and catch a glimpse of the Queen’s Palace (Rova) from outside. | Family-friendly hotel in Antananarivo (Tana) |
| 2 | Antananarivo - Antsirabe (170 km, ~4h) | Scenic drive south through the Highlands, passing terraced rice fields and red-earth villages. Stop in Ambatolampy to visit a traditional aluminum cookware workshop. Arrive in Antsirabe by midday. Afternoon: city tour by local rickshaw (pousse-pousse) and visits to artisan workshops (zebu-horn crafts, embroidery). | Hotel in Antsirabe |
| 3 | Antsirabe - Miandrivazo (220 km, ~4h) | Head west toward Miandrivazo as the landscape grows drier entering the Menabe region. Arrive in Miandrivazo, a small town on the Mahajilo River (the launching point for Tsiribihina River trips, if you opt for one). Late afternoon free to relax by the hotel pool. | Hotel in Miandrivazo |
| 4 | Miandrivazo - Morondava (260 km, ~5h) | Continue to the west coast. Arrive in the coastal town of Morondava, check in and have lunch. In the afternoon, take an excursion to the Avenue of the Baobabs (about 20 km from Morondava). Stroll among these famous giant baobabs and enjoy an unforgettable sunset. Return to Morondava in the early evening. | Hotel in Morondava |
| 5 | Morondava & Surroundings | Excursion day around Morondava. Morning: visit Kirindy Reserve (about a 2-hour drive on a dirt track) to spot unique wildlife. Return to Morondava in the afternoon. Free time to enjoy the beach or wander through the nearby fishing village of Betania. | Hotel in Morondava |
| 6 | Morondava - Miandrivazo (260 km, ~5h) | Head back eastward, leaving the coast and baobabs behind. The journey is broken up with stops in small rural villages along the way. Arrive in Miandrivazo by late afternoon. Unwind at the hotel and soak in the last views of the Menabe region landscapes. | Hotel in Miandrivazo |
| 7 | Miandrivazo - Antsirabe (220 km, ~4h) | Continue north into the Central Highlands. Arrive in Antsirabe around lunch time. Afternoon free to rest or take an excursion to Lake Tritriva nearby (a short hike up to the crater rim offers a panoramic view of this legendary volcanic lake). Dine in town and spend a second night in Antsirabe. | Hotel in Antsirabe |
| 8 | Antsirabe - Ranomafana (310 km, ~6h) | Early departure heading south-east. Stop in Ambositra (the handicraft capital of the Zafimaniry tribe) to admire intricate woodcarvings and pick up souvenirs. Continue through the verdant Betsileo mountains to Ranomafana National Park. Settle into a lodge on the edge of the park. In the evening, you have the option of a guided night walk along the park road to spot nocturnal lemurs, chameleons, and even fluorescent insects. | Lodge near Ranomafana National Park |
| 9 | Ranomafana - Fianarantsoa (70 km, ~2h) | Morning: take a guided hike (3–4 hours) in Ranomafana’s rainforest to discover waterfalls, lemurs (such as sifakas and bamboo lemurs), and the rich local flora. After lunch, drive to Fianarantsoa, the main city of the southern Highlands. Arrive in late afternoon and explore the historic upper town, known for its scenic viewpoints and old Malagasy architecture. | Hotel in Fianarantsoa |
| 10 | Fianarantsoa - Isalo (300 km, ~5h) | Depart early by 4x4 toward Isalo National Park. On the way, stop at Ambalavao to visit Anja Reserve, where a short walk lets you see families of ring-tailed lemurs up close amid granite boulders. Continue to Isalo and check in at a lodge near the park by early afternoon. Optional first hike in Isalo to the Natural Pool. Cap the day off with a panoramic sunset view at the famous “Window of Isalo.” | Lodge at Isalo (Ranohira) |
| 11 | Isalo National Park | Full day dedicated to exploring Isalo. Enjoy family-friendly hikes through the canyons and open plateaus (routes can be tailored to the kids’ ages, with shorter options if needed). Take a refreshing swim in natural rock pools hidden in the canyons. Spot endemic wildlife like dancing sifaka lemurs, ring-tailed lemurs, various birds, and butterflies. Picnic lunch in the park under the shade of an oasis. Return to the lodge by late afternoon for a well-earned rest after the adventure. | Lodge at Isalo (Ranohira) |
| 12 | Isalo - Ifaty (via Toliara) (260 km, ~4h) | Drive toward the southwest coast. Pass through Toliara (Tuléar) and continue to the seaside village of Ifaty. Watch the scenery change as baobab “bottle” trees and cactus plants appear in the spiny desert of southern Madagascar. Arrive in Ifaty by midday and check in to a beachfront bungalow. Afternoon at leisure: relax on Ifaty’s beach, swim in the calm turquoise lagoon, or stroll through the local Vezo fishing village along the shore. | Bungalow or beach hotel in Ifaty |
| 13 | Ifaty (Free Day) | A day of relaxation and marine activities. You can choose an excursion such as snorkeling or diving on the coral reef to admire multicolored fish, a sailboat outing in a traditional pirogue with Vezo fishermen, a visit to the Reniala Reserve (a spiny forest sheltering baobabs and lemurs), or simply lounge on the beach. Children might enjoy trying traditional fishing or taking a fun zebu-cart ride along the coast. In the evening, feast on fresh seafood while watching the sun set over the ocean. | Bungalow or beach hotel in Ifaty |
| 14 | Ifaty - Fianarantsoa (580 km, ~9h) | It’s time to journey back north. Depart early from Ifaty toward the Highlands. Planned stops allow everyone to stretch their legs and take in final glimpses of the southern landscape (for example, near Zombitse National Park or in villages of the Bara tribe on the plateau). Arrive in Fianarantsoa in the evening after this extensive travel day. | Hotel in Fianarantsoa |
| 15 | Fianarantsoa - Antananarivo (400 km, ~7h) | Final road trip back to the capital. Stop in Ambositra for lunch and a last chance to shop for local crafts. Arrive in Antananarivo in the afternoon. If time permits before your flight, visit the La Digue artisan market to pick up souvenirs (wood carvings, raffia goods, spices, etc.). In the evening, transfer to Antananarivo Ivato Airport for your departure flight. | (Overnight on board your return flight) |
Madagascar can be visited all year round, but the dry season from April to October is generally recommended for a tour holiday. During this period the weather is more pleasant (minimal rain) and the interior roads are in better condition, making travel easier. Additionally, between July and September you’ll have the chance to witness majestic humpback whales migrating along the coast (especially near Ifaty or around Sainte-Marie Island).
Absolutely. The itinerary offered by Mada Tours Guide is designed with families in mind. We plan the route to limit long drives (around 3 to 4 hours maximum per day, with regular breaks) to respect the pace of little ones. We also schedule no-drive days in enjoyable locations (such as national parks or by the seaside) so kids can stretch their legs and fully enjoy activities. The accommodations we select are family-friendly, and we can arrange baby cots or connecting rooms as needed. Moreover, the guides at Mada Tours Guide are experienced with children: they’ll keep youngsters engaged with stories, games, and fun discoveries along the way. Whether it’s warming a bottle, providing a car seat, or adjusting plans for an unexpected nap time, our team will ensure your young adventurers travel comfortably and happily.
Our holiday tour packages cover most of the expenses of your trip, to ensure you enjoy a worry-free journey. In practical terms, the package typically includes: a personalized airport welcome and transfer on arrival; all overland transportation during the tour (a private 4×4 vehicle with an experienced driver-guide, fuel, and even boat transfers for excursions when applicable); accommodation throughout the trip (hotels, lodges, or bungalows as per the itinerary, usually in family rooms or doubles with breakfast included). Most packages also come with half-board or full-board meal plans. Additionally, all planned visits and activities are covered: this means park entry fees, mandatory local guide fees in reserves, and any special excursions on the itinerary (for example, boat trips or cultural shows) are included in the price.
The budget will depend on several factors (number of travelers, accommodation level, chosen activities, etc.), but we can give a ballpark figure. For a 15-day all-inclusive holiday tour by 4×4 with a driver-guide, prices start at roughly $2,200 to $2,700 USD per person for a small group of 4 people, excluding international flights. This indicative price includes standard hotels, full board (all meals), and all the visits mentioned. If you’re traveling as a couple or a very small family (2–3 people), the cost per person can be a bit higher since the fixed costs of vehicle and guide are split among fewer people. Conversely, a larger group can reduce the cost per person. Keep in mind that opting for higher-end accommodation (charming boutique hotels, ecolodges) or adding extra activities (scuba diving, private scenic flights, etc.) will increase the overall budget.
Definitely! Flexibility is at the heart of Mada Tours Guide’s offerings. The sample itinerary we present is just a starting template, it can be modified as much as you wish. You are welcome to tweak the route, change how long you stay in each place, add or skip certain stops, or include additional rest days to suit your travel style. Our goal is to craft a Madagascar tour that matches your dream holiday, so just let us know what you have in mind, and we’ll happily design a tailor-made itinerary just for you.
Helinirina Raharomanana is an independent guide, founder, and manager of the agency Madagascar Tours Guide. With extensive experience in the tourism industry, he specializes in organizing tailor-made trips across the entire Malagasy territory. Collaborating with a team of experienced guides and drivers, he is dedicated to providing an in-depth exploration of Madagascar’s landscapes, traditions, and customs.
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