Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Madagascar – Antananarivo – Ampefy – Andasibe – Nosy Komba
100% customisable for you
Your two-week Madagascan adventure begins today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and relax in the lounge before boarding your overnight flight. The journey takes around 15 hours, including a stopover, and lands in Antananarivo the following afternoon, so you’ll have plenty of time to lose yourself in a good book or unwind with our tailor-made playlist during the journey.
When you arrive, you’ll be privately transferred to your centrally located hotel, your home away from home for the next two nights. Settle in with a dip in the pool, enjoy a soothing massage or stretch your legs on a stroll around your new surroundings.
First on the agenda this morning is a tour of Antananarivo, or ‘Tana’, Madagascar’s capital and largest city. Accompanied by a private guide, head to the hilltop neighbourhood of Ambohipotsy, in the Haute Ville (Upper Town), where sweeping views over red-tiled roofs and church-dotted slopes await.
Then it’s onto Ambohipotsy’s historic temple, which dates back to 1863, before visiting the Andravoahangy open-air market, where you might be tempted to begin souvenir shopping at one of the many stalls showcasing local handicrafts
Feeling peckish after your morning on the move? Head to a local eatery and fuel up on a hearty lunch before an afternoon of exploring the picturesque villages that surround the city.
This evening, return to your hotel for an early night, or, if you’re after a well-deserved treat, opt for a delicious Malagasy dinner at a fine-dining restaurant, where a five-course tasting menu is sure to delight any foodies on the trip.
Wave goodbye to Tana this morning as you’re privately transferred to Ampefy, a highland village in central Madagascar. Settle in for the two-and-a-half-hour drive before arriving at a charming hotel on the shores of Lake Itasy, your home for the next two nights.
Kick back, relax and soak up your new surroundings before delving further into Malagasy culture. This afternoon, meet a local farmer, who’ll welcome you into his home and give you an insight into his way of life, from traditional farming techniques to basket weaving. It's a chance to connect with the local community and learn more about the wider Itasy region.
If you’re in the mood to explore, he can also guide you through the surrounding area, where you’ll meet local villagers and discover more about their customs.
Return to your hotel this evening and savour the flavours of Madagascar with a delicious dinner prepared using fresh local ingredients.
Rise and shine – today, you’ll be setting off on a gentle hike around Lake Itasy, accompanied by a private guide. Wander through the volcanic hills that surround the lake, enjoying plenty of photo-worthy views en route.
Nature lovers are in luck with lush landscapes, muscular mountains and fertile plains creating a postcard-perfect backdrop. Follow the trail to a charming village before making your way to the banks of Lake Itasy, keeping an eye out for the area’s rich birdlife. Then, settle in for a scenic sunset as the sky casts an orange glow over the water. Bliss.
Wake up bright and early for your journey to Andasibe, a protected rainforest area in eastern Madagascar. This scenic six-hour drive takes you through ever-changing landscapes, with the reward of a forest-fringed lodge waiting at the other end.
After wandering around your new surroundings, enjoy a cooling plunge in the pool and tuck into some delicious food as you soak up your first taste of Andasibe, your home for the next three nights.
This evening is all about spotting wildlife after dark. Set off on a guided night walk into Andasibe’s rainforest, in search of its nocturnal residents: think lemurs, chameleons and tenrecs, all waiting to be discovered beneath the beam of your headlamp.
It’s your second day in Andasibe, and a visit to the Analamazaotra Special Reserve is on the agenda. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, head into the rainforest in search of its star attraction: the indri, Madagascar’s largest living lemur. Known as babakoto in Malagasy, these fascinating creatures are famous for their loud, haunting calls, which help them mark their territory.
Wander through the lush landscape, where towering trees decorated in lianas, epiphytes and orchids await, and keep your eyes peeled for colourful birdlife. With over 100 species calling the Andasibe region home, you’ll likely be rewarded with some feather-filled views.
Look a little closer and see if you can also spot reptiles, invertebrates and some of Madagascar's incredible orchid diversity, over 80% of which are endemic.
Your Madagascar adventure continues as you explore Mantadia National Park to see – you guessed it – more lemurs. Venture into the park’s dense forest in search of its many species, from diademed sifakas and grey bamboo lemurs to red-bellied and black-and-white ruffed lemurs.
Thanks to conservation and relocation efforts within the park, Mantadia has helped reestablish populations of threatened lemurs, providing an important refuge for these playful primates.
Parson's chameleons are another fan favourite. Surprisingly large and slow-moving, these masters of disguise spend most of their time among the forest. Keep an eye out for the males, whose captivating colour can change from green and yellow to vibrant blue.
As your rainforest adventures come to an end, it’s time to begin the four-hour journey back towards Antananarivo. When you arrive, check into a comfortable hotel near the airport before heading out to explore the charming village of Ambatomanga.
Overlooked by an immense granite rock, it’s easy to see how Ambatomanga (or ‘Blue Rock’ in Malagasy) earned its name. Once a meeting point between the Merina and Bezanozano regions, this highland village was a busy trading hub, and still retains much of its 19th-century architecture.
Explore Ambatomanga with your private guide, strollling along its winding paths and visiting its historic hilltop church. In need of a snack? You’re in the right place to sample some delicious locally produced cheeses from the nearby farms.
Answer the call of island bliss this morning as you’re privately transferred to the airport for the one-hour-and-45-minute flight to Nosy Be.
When you arrive, you’ll be transferred to the port for the boat journey to Nosy Komba, your home for the next four nights on the southern side of the island.
With scenic views of the open ocean, this is the perfect place to unwind and slow down. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please, so dig your feet into the silky sand, unpack or simply kick back and relax.
As the sun sets, head to the restaurant for a delicious dinner inspired by the island’s surroundings, showcasing the best ingredients from across the Indian Ocean.
Spend the next three days exploring your tropical island haven.
From dense forests to traditional fishing villages, Nosy Komba has plenty to see and do. Stroll through lush landscapes, where sugarcane, vanilla and spices grow, and discover the craftsmanship of local women in workshops where Richelieu embroidery is still practised.
Wildlife lovers are in luck, with the chance to spot lemurs on the island, while water babies might be tempted by Nosy Tanikely Marine National Park’s colourful corals. Don a snorkel and watch as clownfish dart between the anemones, curious groupers glide past and moray eels lurk in the reefs.
Keen to stretch your legs? There’s also the option to discover the verdant plantations and hillside villages of Nosy Komba on foot with an expert guide.
Today, swap island life for city buzz as you embark on the ferry crossing back to Nosy Be. Then, you’ll be privately transferred to the airport for the one-hour-and-45-minute flight back to Antananarivo.
When you arrive, freshen up in your hotel before heading off for a tasty dinner at a restaurant handpicked by your clued-up Concierge.
If you’re after some last-minute souvenir shopping, you could also visit Antananarivo’s handicraft shops with a private guide, where handmade accessories and local treats await.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and today it’s time to say goodbye to Madagascar.
You’ll be privately transferred to the airport for your 16-hour return flight, which includes a speedy stopover. Travelling overnight, you’ll have plenty of time to unwind, reminisce about your adventures and start dreaming of your next tropical escape.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
