Antananarivo
Upon arrival at Antananarivo International Airport, a dedicated Ortour team member will greet you warmly. You’ll be swiftly transported to your accommodation for check-in and an overnight stay at either Louvre Hotel or Palissandre (Top) or the high-midrange options of Hotel Chalet de Roses or Chat’O Park, all offering bed and breakfast services.
Antananarivo – Andasibe
After breakfast, we leave Tana and depart to Andasibe taking approximately 5-hour drive. Upon arrival in Andasibe, we head to VOI reserve, which is managed by the local community, the reserve is an untouched paradise for endemic animals and plants, some groups of Indris can be watched in their natural habitat, and its white-headed relatives, the diademed sifakas, often jump between the tree tops. Some other lemurs such as woolly lemurs can also be seen. Overnight at Top Hotel: Mantadia Lodge or Andasibe Cyperus, or in Mid-range Hotel: Feon’ny Ala or Grace Lodge, in BB.
A stop is planned on the bank of the Mangoro River to observe some endemic bird species of the Big Island, namely the Madagascan Pratincole, the Common Sandpiper, the Vintsi Kingfisher and many others.
Visit of Mantadia national park
This morning, we drive to Mantadia national park, taking around one hour drive. The park forest of Mantadia provides life for many animals by providing them shelter. 108 species of birds are known in the park, some of them play an important role in the survival of plants. Madagascar Nightjar, White-throated Oxylabes, velvet asity, yellow bellied asity, spectacular Red Fody, Pitta like ground roller, scaly ground roller, broad billed roller, cuckoo roller, red capped coua, Madagascar serpent eagle, Madagascar Ibis, Madagascar starling and so many more nests in this park. There are also 14 species of lemur, 51 species of reptiles including the famous Boa and 84 species of amphibians. Stay overnight at the top Hotel like Mantadia Lodge or Andasibe Cyperus, or in Mid-range Hotel such as Feon’ny Ala or Grace Lodge, all in BB.
Visit of Analamazaotra reserve
Explore Andasibe, renowned for its rare orchids that flourish in the forest, crucial for ecosystem stability. This lush habitat provides shelter for diverse wildlife, including the iconic Indri indri lemurs, visible year-round. The reserve boasts a rich avian population, featuring species like the Blue Coua, white-throated rail, Madagascar flufftail, and many more. Enhance your experience with accommodations such as Mantadia Lodge or Andasibe Cyperus for luxury ; or Feon’ny Ala and Grace Lodge for comfortable mid-range options, all offering bed and breakfast services.
Andasibe – Antananarivo
After breakfast, we will continue our exploration in search of elusive bird species, with the helmet vanga being our primary target for the day. Despite its elusive nature, a leisurely walk through the forest will provide numerous opportunities to spot not only the indri lemurs but also other fascinating species such as golden sifakas and eastern woolly lemurs. Endemic birds and reptiles, including the Parson chameleon and tiny nose-horned chameleons, add to the biodiversity of the area. Following our visit, we’ll depart Andasibe and overnight in Antananarivo at the Louvre Hotel or Palissandre (Top) or the Chalet des Roses (High-midrange), or at Chat’O Park (High-midrange) on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Antananarivo – Antsirabe
After breakfast, morning drive toward the national route RN7, through the high plateau’s mountainous and rice field landscape. While arriving in Antsirabe, visit the surrounding areas and various workshops of semi and precious stones. In the afternoon, visit the “Tritriva” lake also worth to see because of the panoramic view of the Ankaratra Mountain. Few stops would be necessary at certain spots where some birds could be seen including the night heron, green backed heron, squacco heron, black egret, little egret, hammer kop and so forth. Overnight in Top Hotel: Plumeria or Menabe’L Hotel ; or in High-midrange Hotel: Vatolahy or Chambre des Voyageur.
Bed and breakfast included.
Antsirabe – Ambositra – Ranomafana
Drive towards Ranomafana via Ambositra, renowned for its exquisite wood carvings. Explore local workshops for unique souvenirs during our city stop. Following lunch, continue to Ranomafana National Park, designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2007 for its exceptional endemic biodiversity. Encounter rare lemurs and endemic plant species amidst lush rainforests. Overnight options include Top Hotel: Thermal or Setam Lodge with half-board, or Midrange Hotel: Grenat or Karibo Hotel with breakfast included.
Visit of Ranomafana national park (Vohiparara)
Explore the Vohiparara trails on a full-day guided tour, dedicated to discovering a rich diversity of wildlife. Encounter 115 bird species, including 30 forest-specialist varieties like the Pitta-like ground roller, brown mesite, and velvet asity. Spot 12 lemur species, 90 butterfly species, and numerous endemic birds such as the stripe-throated jerry and Madagascar paradise flycatcher. The park is also home to 98 amphibian species, 62 reptile species, including chameleons and lizards. Overnight accommodations are available at top-tier options like Thermal Hotel or Setam Lodge with half-board, or mid-range choices like Grenat or Karibo Hotel with breakfast included.
Visit of Ranomafana national park
Explore the lush rainforests of Madagascar in search of unique wildlife such as the golden bamboo lemurs, greater bamboo lemurs, and Milne Edward’s sifaka. This guided hike offers a rare opportunity to encounter a diverse array of plants, trees, insects, and reptiles, including fascinating creatures like the satanic leaf-tailed geckos. With 118 bird species, 8 bat species, and abundant rodents, amphibians, spiders, and butterflies, this adventure promises an immersive experience in Madagascar’s biodiversity. Stay overnight at Top Hotel: Thermal Hotel or Setam Lodge with half-board, or choose Midrange Hotel: Grenat or Karibo Hotel with bed and breakfast accommodations.
Ranomafana – Isalo
After enjoying breakfast, we depart from Ranomafana towards Fianarantsoa, the cultural heart of the Betsileo tribe. Continuing our journey south, we arrive in Ambalavao, renowned for its paper factory and other local attractions. As we traverse southern Madagascar, we marvel at the diverse landscapes encompassing savannas, dry bush, and semi-desert terrain. Along the way, we pause to explore the Anja Reserve, managed by local communities and home to ring-tailed lemurs, ground chameleons, and other unique wildlife species. Our journey progresses towards Ranohira, famed for its dramatic grand canyon and gateway to the popular Isalo National Park. Accommodation options include the upscale Relais de la Reine or Jardin du Roi (top), in HB or H1 Hotel or Orchidée Hotel (mid-range), in BB.
Visit of Isalo national park
Experience a full-day adventure exploring the canyons and oases of Isalo National Park. Begin your journey with a scenic hike, offering panoramic views of the stunning landscape. Discover natural swimming pools and waterfalls nestled along the trail before trekking approximately 4 km to the campsite. After a satisfying lunch, continue your exploration through sheltered canyons to reach the renowned ‘Piscine Blue and Noire’ cascades. Isalo is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including the endemic Benson’s Rock thrush, Madagascar kestrel, and various nocturnal lemurs. With 98 species of amphibians and reptiles, the park offers rich biodiversity to explore. Wrap up your day with a breathtaking sunset view from the iconic Isalo Window. Overnight options include the upscale Relais de la Reine or Jardin du Roi on half-board or midrange accommodations like H1 hotel or Orchidée Hotel on bed-and-breakfast basis.
Isalo – Zombitse – Tuléar Arboretum – Ifaty
After breakfast, we drive to Toliara, the capital of the Vezo fishing people. On our way, we will pass by Ilalaka town, the capital of gems, recently formed because of the sapphire rush. Besides, the famous Mahafaly tombs abound all along the way between Sakaraha and Tulear, having distinct cultural traits of this typical southern tribe, whose tombs display images that represent the daily life or dreams of the deceased. This morning, we have a visit while stopping at Zombitse National Park, home of the appert’s Tretraka formerly known as greenbul, cuckoo roller, madagascacr hoopoe, giant coua, white browed owl, and so many more. After the visit, we continue driving until we reach Arboretum for a short visit at this famous ‘garden of the southern plants’ before taking lunch in Tuléar and then continue driving to Ifaty. Overnight at High -Midrange Hotel: Bella Donna or Bamboo Club; or at top hotel like Paradisier or La Mira Hotel, in BB.
Ifaty
We head out early in the morning in search of various species of birds such as the green capped coua, the long-tailed ground roller, the local endemic sub-desert mesite, chabert’svanga, red tailed vanga; sickle billed vanga, Madagascar harrier hawk, and so many more.
Overnight at High -Midrange Hotel: Bella Donna or Bamboo Club ; or at top hotel such as Paradisier or La Mira Hotel, in BB.
Ifaty – Tuléar – Anakao – Tsimanampetsotse
In the early morning, we depart Ifaty and return to Tuléar to embark on a boat journey to Anakao. From there, we continue our adventure by 4WD towards the expansive Tsimanampesotse Lake—a significant shallow lake renowned for its diverse ecosystem. This area is home to 70 bird species, lemurs including ring tails and sifakas, spiny tailed iguanas, and unique underground caves inhabited by endemic white blind fish. Covering 43,200 hectares, Tsimanampesotse Lake is Madagascar’s premier Ramsar site, designated under the International Convention on Wetlands. It stands as the sole protected area on the limestone plateau and coastal region of the South West coastline. Accommodations for the night include options such as Relais d’Ambola, Vahombe Lodge, or Domaine d’Ambola, offering comfortable stays with breakfast included.
Visit of Tsimanampetsotse national park
Explore Tsimanampesotse National Park in Madagascar for a full day of birdwatching, aiming to sight endemic species such as the red-shouldered vanga and green-capped coua, along with greater flamingos, red-knobbed coots, Madagascar plovers, and more. This diverse park boasts 112 bird species, including 5 types of couas, 39 reptile species, and 3 lemur species, including the diurnal Lemur catta and Propithecus verreauxii, as well as Microcebus grise orufus and Lepilemur. Stay overnight in midrange accommodations like Relais d’Ambola, Vahombe Lodge, or Domaine d’Ambola, offering comfortable accommodations and breakfast included.
Tsimanampetsotse – Anakao
We set our alarm early to depart Anakao, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival, we immediately boarded for Nosy Ve Island, seeking the red-billed tropic birds, black egret, great egret, and other wildlife. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear blue sea and relaxing on the white sandy beaches added to the day’s enjoyment. We returned to Ocean Lodge or Prince d’Anakao for an overnight stay with breakfast included.
Anakao – Tuléar – Antananarivo
In the morning, take a boat transfer to Tulear followed by a transfer to the airport for your flight back to Antananarivo (Tana). Relax at your choice of accommodations : Louvre Hotel or Palissandre (Top) ; Chalet des Roses or Chat’O Park (High-midrange), all offering Bed and Breakfast.
Antananarivo – Ankarafantsika
Embark on a scenic journey departing in the morning towards Ankarafantsika National Park, approximately 7 hours by car from Antananarivo. Situated in the western region of Madagascar, this biodiverse sanctuary spans 450 km from the capital and 114 km from Mahajanga. Ankarafantsika boasts a rich variety of wildlife, including diurnal lemurs, two mixed species, and five nocturnal species such as the renowned Microcebus, the world’s smallest primate. The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with 129 bird species, 75 of which are endemic, thriving in its lush forests. Overnight accommodations are available in high-midrange bungalows or at the comfortable Blue Vanga Lodge, both offering bed and breakfast options.
Visit of Ankarafantsika national park
Explore Ankarafansika National Park with us over two immersive days, featuring a thrilling night hike in search of nocturnal creatures such as mouse lemurs, reptiles, and various bird species. Ankarafansika is renowned for its diverse endemic wildlife, including chameleons, iguanas, snakes, and freshwater turtles. Our birdwatching agenda includes spotting rare species like the brown mesite, Van Dam’s Vanga, Madagascar fish eagle, Schlegel asity, and Madagascar harrier hawk. Enjoy comfortable overnight accommodations in either a Bungalow (high-midrange) or at the Blue Vanga Lodge (midrange), both offering delightful breakfast options.
Ankarafantsika – Antananarivo
We depart Ankarafantsika for our return journey to Tana, with planned stops along the way in search of endemic birds. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation at Louvre Hotel or Palissandre (Top Tier) or Chalet des Roses or Chat’O Park (Mid-High Range), all offering comfortable lodging options.
Fly home
You will be transferred to Antananarivo international airport for flight taking you back home. End of our service.
