Two‑Week tour of Madagascar

Do you dream of an authentic journey through the Indian Ocean? A two‑week tour of Madagascar is the ideal way to explore the many sides of the Great Island without rushing. Over the course of fifteen days, you can traverse several regions of Madagascar, meet its warm‑hearted people and observe its wildlife such as lemurs, chameleons and whales. Travelling with a local specialist such as Mada Tours Guide ensures seamless organisation and an immersive introduction to Malagasy culture. Prepare yourself for an adventure that blends nature, relaxing beaches and unforgettable cultural discoveries.

Summary

Why choose a two‑week tour in Madagascar?
Highlight destinations for a two‑week tour
Sample detailed itinerary for a two‑week tour of Madagascar
Why choose Mada Tours Guide as your partner for a two‑week tour of Madagascar?
Frequently asked questions about a two‑week circuit in Madagascar

Why choose a two‑week tour in Madagascar?

Spending two weeks on the island offers the perfect balance between discovery and relaxation. Over fifteen days you have time to immerse yourself in multiple Malagasy ecosystems while truly enjoying each stage without feeling rushed. A shorter stay would force you to limit the number of stops, whereas two weeks allow you to see lemurs in the jungle, wander through hilltop villages and finish on a tropical beach. It is the most popular length for fully appreciating Madagascar.

Another advantage of a two‑week circuit is that it smooths out the country’s long distances. Madagascar is vast and the roads can be slow; spreading travel out over fifteen days means you can spend two to four nights at each stop, making the journey comfortable for everyone.

Highlight destinations for a two‑week tour

Madagascar is full of exceptional sites. For a balanced two‑week itinerary, here are four must‑see destinations:

Nosy Be

Located off the north‑west coast, Nosy Be is Madagascar’s premier beach destination. This tropical island offers idyllic white‑sand beaches fringed by turquoise water, rich marine life and a relaxed atmosphere. Nicknamed the « perfume island » because of its ylang‑ylang plantations, Nosy Be appeals to both sun‑seekers and adventure lovers. Excellent diving and snorkelling spots abound around nearby islets such as Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Sakatia, where you can swim among multi‑coloured coral and tropical fish.

The island is also the starting point for excursions to Nosy Komba (famous for its habituated lemurs) and Nosy Iranja, a spectacular sandbank.

Sainte‑Marie Island

Off the east coast, Sainte-Marie Island (Nosy Boraha) is a small tropical paradise with an authentic feel. Less frequented than Nosy Be, it charms visitors with its peaceful local atmosphere, isolated coves and pirate history. Formerly a hideout for buccaneers in the seventeenth century, the island still has a pirate cemetery overgrown with vegetation. Sainte‑Marie has beautiful beaches and excellent diving around shipwrecks or the coral reef. Above all, it is a prime spot for watching humpback whales.

With little urban development, it is easy to explore the island by bicycle or on foot , discovering welcoming fishing villages and lush nature (coconut palms, pandanus trees and primary forest inhabited by endemic lemurs).

Andasibe–Mantadia National Park

Only three to four hours east of the capital Antananarivo, Andasibe–Mantadia National Park (also known as Perinet) is a must for nature lovers. This humid tropical forest is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, including the famous Indri indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur.

Andasibe is easily accessible and great for families: the trails are gentle, and you can also visit the Vakona Lemur Island, a small reserve where sociable lemurs approach visitors. The park also offers night walks along the road, allowing you to spot mouse lemurs (tiny nocturnal primates with large eyes) and other elusive creatures by torchlight.

Ankarafantsika National Park

Less known to the general public, Ankarafantsika National Park in the north‑west (on the RN4) is a gem for lovers of wide‑open spaces and tranquillity. The park features highly varied landscapes that shelter remarkable fauna. It is one of the few places where you can walk among giant baobab trees outside the well‑known Avenue of the Baobabs, often with the forest all to yourself because the site is so lightly visited.

Ankarafantsika is also the refuge of Coquerel’s sifaka, a large lemur with white and brown fur that can be seen leaping from branch to branch. Birdwatchers will be delighted, as more than a hundred species of birds live in the park, including the rare Madagascar fish eagle. Do not miss the superb Lake Ravelobe, home to crocodiles and fringed with palm trees, especially at sunset.

Sample detailed itinerary for a two‑week tour of Madagascar

To help you picture this fifteen‑day journey, here is an example itinerary in the north‑east combining bush and beach. It can be done with a family and involves no domestic flights (only a private 4×4, boat and train).

Day	Route	Activities & discoveries (summary)	Suggested accommodation
Day 1	Arrival in Antananarivo (Tana)	Meet your guide at Ivato airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time: stroll around the capital, visit the Queen’s Palace or wander down Independence Avenue to soak up the lively atmosphere of markets and colonial buildings.	Comfortable hotel in Antananarivo
Day 2	Antananarivo - Andasibe	Morning departure by 4x4 east along RN2. Stop at Marozevo (Peyrieras reserve) to admire chameleons, butterflies and exotic reptiles. Arrive in Andasibe around midday. After lunch, settle into the lodge and take a night walk along the park edge to spot nocturnal micro‑lemurs, sleeping chameleons and other creatures.	Eco‑lodge in Andasibe, near the park
Day 3	Andasibe - Mantadia Park - Tamatave (Toamasina)	Early guided hike in Andasibe to see lemurs (indri, crowned sifakas, brown lemurs), birds and chameleons. Around 11 a.m. drive towards the east coast, crossing lush landscapes to reach Tamatave (the country’s main port). Check into your hotel late afternoon. Stroll along the coastal promenade at sunset to discover the seafront and its buzz (fresh‑coconut vendors, rickshaw rides).	Hotel in Tamatave
Day 4	Tamatave - Soanierana Ivongo - Sainte‑Marie	Early morning drive north along RN5 through palm groves and fishing villages. At Soanierana Ivongo, board the boat to Sainte‑Marie. Enjoy views of turquoise water and tropical vegetation as the island approaches. Land at Sainte‑Marie around noon. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon: relax on the fine sandy beach in front of your bungalow, swim in the calm lagoon and explore the surrounding area.	Charming beach bungalow on Sainte‑Marie
Day 5	Sainte‑Marie (east coast)	Full day on Sainte‑Marie. Morning boat excursion to watch humpback whales (July to September, supervised by specialist guides). Afternoon tour of the island by 4x4 or tuk‑tuk. Late in the day, relax on a small secluded cove with translucent water.	Charming beach bungalow on Sainte‑Marie
Day 6	Sainte‑Marie - Île aux Nattes	Take a ten‑minute dugout canoe ride to the beautiful Île aux Nattes at the south of Sainte‑Marie. Enjoy a day of escapism on this heavenly islet. Return to Sainte‑Marie in the afternoon. Free time for the rest of the day.	Charming beach bungalow on Sainte‑Marie
Day 7	Sainte‑Marie (north coast)	Last day to enjoy Sainte‑Marie. Programme: walk through vanilla and coffee plantations in the island’s north and meet the locals who cultivate these precious spices. Visit Ampanihy Bay with its emerald waters; optional kayaking through the mangroves. Lunch in a local restaurant (fresh fish and coconut). Free afternoon for a final swim or a nap to the sound of the waves.	Charming beach bungalow on Sainte‑Marie
Day 8	Sainte‑Marie - Tamatave (return to mainland)	Early start and ferry back to Soanierana Ivongo (departing at dawn, arriving on the coast around 9 a.m.). Drive back to Tamatave. Lunch en route at Foulpointe, a seaside resort favoured by locals, known for its Fort Manda and long beach. Arrive in Tamatave late afternoon. Last evening on the east coast; why not browse the Bazary Be market to pick up vanilla, spices or handicrafts as souvenirs?	Hotel in Tamatave
Day 9	Tamatave - Antananarivo	Scenic day’s drive from coastal plains back up to the Highlands via RN2. Morning departure towards the capital. Stops to stretch and appreciate the landscapes. Lunch at a Malagasy eatery in Moramanga (try ravitoto, pork with cassava leaves). Arrival in Antananarivo late afternoon. Hotel check‑in and dinner on your own in town.	Comfortable hotel in Antananarivo
Day 10	Antananarivo - Maevatanana	Early departure by 4x4 towards Madagascar’s north‑west. Leave the highlands and descend into drier landscapes. Stops along the way to observe rural life. Lunch on the road. Afternoon arrival in Maevatanana. Walk around town to discover its market and authentic Malagasy atmosphere far from tourist circuits.	Simple hotel in Maevatanana
Day 11	Maevatanana - Ankarafantsika Park	Drive to Ankarafantsika National Park; vegetation becomes greener as you approach. Check into the lodge at the park entrance before noon. Afternoon guided exploration of Ankarafantsika. At sunset, admire Lake Ravelobe, inhabited by crocodiles. Optional night walk to spot the tiny pygmy mouse lemur and listen to the shrill songs of nocturnal insects.	Rustic camp or bungalow in the heart of Ankarafantsika
Day 12	Ankarafantsika – Ambanja - Nosy Be	Wake up to birdsong and take one last morning walk near camp to watch lemurs leap from branch to branch. Then drive north on RN6 through Ambanja’s cocoa‑growing region; stop at a plantation to learn about cocoa and ylang‑ylang cultivation. Mid‑afternoon arrival at the small port of Ankify on the Mozambique Channel. Board a speedboat for Nosy Be (30‑minute crossing). Welcome to Nosy Be! Check into the hotel by evening.	Seaside hotel in Nosy Be
Day 13	Nosy Be (Nosy Komba & Nosy Tanikely excursion)	Day devoted to the paradisiacal islands around Nosy Be. In the morning, board a traditional boat to Nosy Komba, a small volcanic island covered in forest. Then head to Nosy Tanikely, an islet designated as a marine reserve; its coral reefs are ideal for snorkelling. Return to Nosy Be late afternoon. To end the day in style, ascend Mount Passot (the island’s highest point) to watch the panoramic sunset over Nosy Be and its volcanic lakes.	Seaside hotel in Nosy Be
Day 14	Nosy Be (relaxation and sightseeing)	Free day to enjoy the charms of Nosy Be. Relax on the beach, visit spice plantations or explore Hell‑Ville’s market; this day is yours to arrange as you wish.	Seaside hotel in Nosy Be
Day 15	Nosy Be - Departure	Final moments on this island paradise. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a last morning: stroll through the colourful Hell‑Ville market to buy vanilla, spices or crafts, or simply take one more swim in the warm Indian Ocean. Transfer to Nosy Be (Fascène) airport and assistance with check‑in formalities for your return flight. End of the tour.	Not applicable (departure)

After two busy weeks, this itinerary will have shown you the essentials of Madagascar while allowing time to enjoy each stop. It is a balanced journey between adventure and relaxation. Travelling at the island’s pace… your own way, that is Mada Tours Guide’s motto for this tailor‑made fifteen‑day circuit.

Why choose Mada Tours Guide as your partner for a two‑week tour of Madagascar?

Opting for Mada Tours Guide (MTG) means choosing peace of mind and authenticity. The main advantages of this local agency for organising your two‑week circuit are:

Local expertise and experienced guides. With more than fifteen years of experience, MTG has a 100 percent Malagasy team that knows the island inside out. The founder and his guides, passionate about their country, will take you off the beaten track to secret and authentic places. Their natural history and cultural knowledge guarantees enriching encounters throughout your trip.
Tailor‑made itineraries and flexibility. With Mada Tours Guide there are no rigid, one‑size‑fits‑all itineraries. The agency specialises in personalised travel: it builds your route according to your preferences (nature, beach, adventure, local encounters), desired duration and pace. All trips are modular: you can add stages, extend a stay or choose your accommodation.
Comprehensive coverage of the country. MTG offers itineraries in all regions of Madagascar, from north to south and east to west. Want to combine several geographic areas in fifteen days? It is possible! For example, the agency organises two‑week tours covering the centre, west and north of the island.
Cultural immersion and human encounters. Travelling with Mada Tours Guide means meeting authentic Malagasy culture. The agency includes stops in remote villages, visits to local markets, meals with local families or folkloric performances so that you experience warm exchanges with the population. The guides will help you understand local customs and even learn a few Malagasy words.
Comprehensive organisation and quality service. When you choose MTG, you travel with peace of mind. The agency takes care of all logistics from start to finish: airport welcome, private 4×4 with driver, booking quality accommodation, activities and excursions, local guides at each site. Everything is taken care of during your tour. No stress about coordinating stages, the team handles it for you, including unforeseen situations (itinerary adjustments if necessary, medical assistance, etc.). In addition, MTG is known for its professionalism and attention to detail: itineraries are optimised to avoid too many hours of road in a single day, lodges are chosen for comfort, schedules are respected.
Fair pricing and responsible approach. As a local agency, Mada Tours Guide offers fair prices without intermediaries. Quotes are transparent and adapted to your budget: together you decide on the desired level of comfort (standard, superior) and the contents of the package. No unpleasant surprises: everything that is included or excluded is clearly stated in advance. By using MTG you not only get excellent value for money locally, but you also contribute directly to the Malagasy economy (jobs for guides and drivers, etc.) and to responsible tourism. The agency is committed to respecting the environment and local communities, so that your trip has a positive impact.

Madagascar is a land of contrasts and wonder that reveals itself fully on a two‑week tour. From the playful lemurs of Andasibe to the turquoise waters of Nosy Be, via the living traditions of the Highlands and majestic baobabs, you will sample the full diversity of Madagascar. And above all, you will travel at your own pace, savouring every moment without rushing. Ready to live this unique experience? Contact Mada Tours Guide today. The team will be delighted to design with you the tailor‑made two‑week circuit that brings your Malagasy adventure dreams to life. Embark for Madagascar: the Red Island awaits you, and it will never cease to amaze.

Frequently asked questions about a two‑week circuit in Madagascar

What is the best time of year for a two‑week tour of Madagascar?

The ideal season for a two‑week trip to Madagascar is generally from April to October, during the austral winter. This correspond to the dry season, with pleasant temperatures around 68-77 °F and little rain.

Is this two‑week circuit suitable for children or families?

Yes! The itinerary described is designed to suit a family trip. Travel days are arranged to avoid very long drives (we try not to exceed four hours of continuous travel) and include breaks and several nights in the same place, reducing fatigue for younger travellers. Activities are varied and engaging for children: meeting lemurs up close (a magical experience for all ages), taking boat trips to islands, swimming in the calm seas around Nosy Be or Sainte‑Marie, spotting colourful chameleons on a night walk and more. Selected accommodation is comfortable and generally family‑friendly (triple or quadruple rooms, sometimes with a pool). Travelling with a local agency like MTG also ensures flexibility if needed and the presence of a guide accustomed to families.

What budget should I plan for a two‑week tour of Madagascar?

The cost varies depending on the level of comfort you choose. On average, for fifteen days on site, expect a budget of around US $1 700 to $2 900 per person for a mid‑range formula (including mid‑range accommodation, private transport with driver‑guide, most meals, park entry fees and some excursions). Madagascar is not as inexpensive as some South‑East Asian destinations, because infrastructure is limited and distances are long. However, entrusting the organisation to a local agency like Mada Tours Guide means you truly get your money’s worth in terms of experience and peace of mind.

What types of accommodation and transport are used during the circuit?

The main means of transport are a private 4×4 vehicle and boats. A 4×4 with a driver‑guide is essential for travelling the sometimes rugged roads of Madagascar safely. To reach the islands (Sainte‑Marie, Nosy Be), ferry or fast‑launch crossings are planned. No domestic flights are necessary, which avoids extra cost and potential delays; everything is done by road and sea. Regarding accommodation, we have selected comfortable and distinctive addresses: eco‑lodges deep in nature near the parks so you can be close to the animals, bungalows on the beach to enjoy the idyllic setting, and charming hotels in towns for added comfort.

What administrative and health formalities are required for a two‑week stay?

For European and North American travellers, a tourist visa is mandatory to enter Madagascar. The good news is that a 30‑day visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport (Antananarivo or Nosy Be) for about US $40, payable in cash or by card. There is therefore no need to complete prior formalities unless you prefer an e‑visa online. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. No vaccinations are compulsory, except for yellow fever if you have recently visited a risk country. Nevertheless, it is strongly recommended to be up to date with standard vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, hepatitis A and B, typhoid). A prophylactic treatment against malaria is advisable, as the disease is present year‑round in many Malagasy regions. Lastly, consider taking out travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation.

Can I customise this two‑week circuit to suit my wishes?

Absolutely! The itinerary presented here is just one example. Mada Tours Guide designs each tour according to the traveller’s preferences. With MTG, everything is flexible.

Helinirina Raharomanana

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.