south tour of madagascar for 8 days :

Day 1: Arrival in Madagascar - Welcome to Antananarivo

Upon your arrival at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, you will be welcomed by our driver and transferred to your hotel in the city. Antananarivo, affectionately known as “Tana” is the capital and largest city of Madagascar. Located in the heart of the Central Highlands at an altitude of approximately 1,280 meters (4,200 feet) above sea level, the city enjoys a pleasant and mild climate throughout much of the year. Depending on your arrival time, you may have some time to relax at your hotel or, if time permits, enjoy a short introductory tour of the city. This will give you your first glimpse of Madagascar's fascinating history, unique culture, traditional architecture, and vibrant everyday life.

• Hotel le grand mellis. (Bed and breakfast are included)

Day 2: antananarivo - antsirabe.

After breakfast, depart Antananarivo with your private driver and begin your journey south along the famous Route National 7 (RN7). As you travel through the picturesque Central Highlands, enjoy stunning views of terraced rice fields, traditional Merina villages, and the region's distinctive ancestral tombs. Make a short stop in Behenjy, renowned as Madagascar's foie gras capital, where you may sample this local specialty (optional). Continue to Ambatolampy, the country's main center for handcrafted aluminum cookware, and visit one of the traditional workshops to see skilled artisans at work. Arrive in Antsirabe in the afternoon, Madagascar's charming spa town known for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and colorful rickshaws (pousse-pousses). The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may explore the city on foot or enjoy an optional pousse-pousse (rickshaw) tour to discover Antsirabe's local markets, artisan workshops, and lively streets. Optional activities and personal expenses are not included.

• Hotel royal palace. (Bed and breakfast are included)

Day 3: antsirabe - ambositra - ranomafana national park.

After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Antsirabe, Madagascar's charming spa town. Visit a precious stone workshop, discover the town's famous thermal spring, and learn about the area's unique history and craftsmanship. Leaving Antsirabe, continue south along the legendary RN7 toward Ranomafana National Park. This is one of the most scenic drives in Madagascar, passing through rolling highland landscapes, rice terraces, traditional villages, and eucalyptus forests. After approximately 89 km, arrive in Ambositra, the capital of Malagasy wood carving and marquetry. Renowned for its exceptional Zafimaniry-inspired handicrafts, Ambositra is the perfect place to browse beautifully handcrafted wooden sculptures, furniture, and souvenirs at artisan workshop prices. Following a lunch stop (optional), continue through the lush highlands as the landscape gradually transforms into tropical rainforest. By late afternoon, arrive at Ranomafana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its rich biodiversity, rare wildlife, and lush rainforest. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the peaceful surroundings in preparation for the next day's wildlife exploration. Driving distance: Approximately 260 km with Driving time: 6-7 hours (excluding sightseeing and stops)

• Hotel setam lodge. ( bed and breakfast are included )

Day 4: explore ranomafana national park.

After breakfast, your driver will take you to the entrance of Ranomafana National Park, where you will meet your experienced local naturalist guide. Ranomafana, meaning "hot water" in Malagasy, is one of Madagascar's most remarkable protected areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and lush rainforest. The park is famous for being home to the critically endangered Golden Bamboo Lemur, which was discovered here in 1986, as well as the Greater Bamboo Lemur. During your guided hike, you will have the opportunity to search for several of the park's 12 lemur species, along with a fascinating variety of wildlife, including colorful chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos, frogs, butterflies, orchids, and numerous endemic plants. Ranomafana is also one of Madagascar's premier birdwatching destinations, with more than 100 bird species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or simply a nature enthusiast, the park offers excellent opportunities to observe Madagascar's unique avian life. A network of well-maintained trails winds through dense tropical rainforest, crossing crystal-clear streams, scenic waterfalls, and natural pools, creating an unforgettable experience in one of the island's richest ecosystems. After your visit, return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.

• Hotel setam lodge. ( bed and breakfast are included )

Day 5: ranomafana national park - fianarantsoa - ambalavao - isalo national park.

After breakfast, depart Ranomafana National Park and begin your journey south towards Ranohira, the gateway to Isalo National Park. This scenic drive follows Madagascar's famous RN7, passing through the highland city of Fianarantsoa before reaching the charming town of Ambalavao. In Ambalavao, you will have the opportunity to visit a traditional Antemoro paper workshop, where handmade paper is still produced using centuries-old techniques from the bark of the avoha plant. If your visit falls on a Wednesday, you can also experience the lively Ambalavao Zebu Market, Madagascar's largest traditional cattle market, where hundreds of zebus are traded in a colourful and authentic local atmosphere. Continue to Anja Community Reserve for a guided walk of approximately two hours. This community-managed reserve is one of the best places in Madagascar to observe wild ring-tailed lemurs in their natural habitat. The reserve is also home to impressive granite rock formations, chameleons, birds, and a variety of native plants. The lemurs are accustomed to visitors, making this an excellent location for wildlife photography. After your visit, continue through the spectacular landscapes of the Horombe Plateau, where vast grasslands and dramatic sandstone mountains create some of Madagascar's most breath taking scenery. Arrive in Ranohira, the entrance village to Isalo National Park, in the late afternoon. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax and prepare for the adventures awaiting you in Isalo National Park the following day.

• Hotel isalo ranch or hotel H1. ( bed and breakfast are included )

Day 6:trek through the timeless landscapes of isalo national park.

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the trailhead, where you will meet your personal guide and porters before beginning your trek through Isalo National Park. Although wildlife is less abundant here than in some of Madagascar's other national parks, you may encounter several species of lemurs, including sifaka and brown lemurs. The park is also home to around 80 bird species, among them the rare Benson's rock thrush, the knob-billed duck, and the crested ibis, as well as 35 species of reptiles and several endemic frog species. The true highlight of Isalo lies in its spectacular landscapes and remarkable flora. The park is home to more than 500 plant species, many of which are endemic to the region, including the distinctive elephant's foot plant, rare palms, aloes, and striking pachypodiums. During your hike, discover a natural rock shelter overlooking a crystal-clear waterfall that cascades into a deep emerald pool, shaded by graceful pandanus trees. This idyllic natural swimming pool offers a refreshing break amid the park's dramatic sandstone canyons. While you explore the park, your porters and camp cook will prepare your campsite and freshly made meals. Upon your arrival at the campsite, located within Isalo National Park, your tent will already be set up, allowing you to relax and enjoy a memorable evening beneath Madagascar's star-filled sky.

• Camping at night . (Full board is included)

Day 7: trek from isalo national park back to ranohira village.

After breakfast, continue your trek through Isalo National Park, exploring more of its breath-taking landscapes and unique natural wonders. Today's hike follows a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time to fully appreciate the park's dramatic sandstone formations, deep canyons, and striking scenery—a welcome contrast to some of the more demanding trekking days of your journey. Before the day comes to a close, visit the Window of Isalo (La Fenêtre de l'Isalo), one of Madagascar's most iconic viewpoints, to witness an unforgettable sunset. As the sun sinks below the horizon, the natural rock arch beautifully frames the glowing sky, creating a spectacular scene and one of the island's most photographed landmarks. By late afternoon, arrive in Ranohira Village, where you will be transferred to your hotel for a well-earned evening of rest.

• Hotel isalo ranch or hotel H1. ( bed and breakfast are included )

Day 8: isalo national park - tuléar - ifaty beach

After breakfast, depart Isalo National Park and continue your journey southwest toward the beautiful beaches of Ifaty. Along the way, you will pass through Ilakaka, Madagascar's famous sapphire mining town, where the discovery of precious gemstones transformed this once-small village into one of the country's busiest mining centers. As you travel farther south, the landscape gradually changes from dramatic sandstone formations to vast dry savannas and the unique spiny forests that are found only in southern Madagascar. The route also passes through villages inhabited by the Bara and Mahafaly people, offering a glimpse into their traditional way of life, distinctive architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Arrive in Ifaty in the afternoon and check in to your beachside accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to relax at your own pace. Stroll along the white sandy beach, swim in the warm turquoise waters of the Mozambique Channel, or simply unwind while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean.

• Hotel sun set ifaty or hotel lamira. ( bed and breakfast are included )

Total Price - South Madagascar Tour (8 Days).

Price: € 2 450 for 2 people (based on one double or twin room).

Included :

• Private vehicle with an English-speaking driver and fuel throughout the tour.
• Driver's meals and accommodation.
• Bed and breakfast accommodation for clients for 8 nights.
• All national park entrance fees for clients.
• Full-board camping at Isalo, including all camping equipment.
• All applicable taxes.

Excluded :

• Lunches, dinners, and beverages, except during the full-board camping experience at Isalo.
• Local guide fees at all parks except during camping at isalo national park.
• Domestic flight tickets from Tulear to Antananarivo for clients.
• Tips and gratuities.
• Personal expenses.
• Any items or services not specifically listed under Included.