Itinerary :
Flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
Early morning departure to southern Madagascar. Discover the central Highlands with their rice fields and red laterite brick houses. Stop in the small town of Ambatolampy, located at the foot of the Ankaratra massif, home to the third highest peak on the Big Island. Continue to Antsirabe. Option to stop at the Andraikiba crater lake.
After breakfast, take an orientation tour of the city by rickshaw. A spa and resort town, this tour will immerse you in the atmosphere of the Highlands and a city that has preserved beautiful Merina houses and a few colonial buildings, including the spa, built at the beginning of the century on the shores of the lake. Drive to Ambositra, the capital of Malagasy crafts: visit the Zafimaniry artisans, skilled sculptors and inlayers who work with rosewood, ebony, and other precious woods. Continue to Ranomafana along a winding mountain road lined with eucalyptus and mimosa trees. Photo stop along the way in small villages. The last few kilometers of the trail already offer a glimpse of the tropical rainforest. Arrival at the end of the day and check-in at the hotel. At sunset, night visit to the reserve.
Ranomafana was best known for its spa. Its mountain range, an ancient volcano, produces hot springs with healing properties. Then, in 1986, the idea for the National Park was born thanks to the discovery of a previously unseen species of lemur, the Hapalemur Aureus, which feeds mainly on bamboo shoots containing cyanide, in daily quantities capable of killing 10 humans! The park is also home to many varieties of endemic plants. In the early afternoon, drive to Fianarantsoa, the capital of Betsileo. Short tour of the city and check-in at the hotel.
Departure for Ambalavao, home to one of the largest livestock markets in the south (Wednesdays and Thursdays only) and the center of Madagascar’s wine industry.
Visit the famous Antemoro paper factory, which uses a centuries-old process invented by the first Arab migrants to transcribe the Koran, which had been badly damaged by humidity during the sea crossing. Continue to Ranohira, with its rocky landscapes bordered by mountains, some of which are sacred, Continue to Ranohira, with its rocky landscapes bordered by mountains, some of which are sacred, then pass through the legendary southern gate and the Horombe plateau.
Early in the morning, transfer by vehicle to the foot of the Isalo massif, where the park tour begins on foot. A combination of two sites will be chosen on the day. Sites on the program include canyons, natural pools, and the Nymphs Waterfall. At the end of the day, stop at the Isalo Window to watch a magnificent sunset.
After breakfast, departure for Tulear. Encounter the first baobab trees and impressive Antandroy and Mahafaly sculptures, which bear witness to the importance of ancestors in Malagasy society. Tour of Tulear and various possible visits: Antsokay Arboretum, Saint Augustine cliffs.
Free morning until your transfer to Tulear airport for your return flight to the capital, Antananarivo. Welcome on arrival and vehicle provided until your international flight.