PRIVATE TOUR: Take in the best of western Madagascar on this 10-day private tour from the capital, Antananarivo. Explore colonial Antsirabe, relax in Miandrivazo and see the impressive Avenue of the Baobab's outside Morondava. Hike for impressive viewpoints of Little Tsingy in Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, spot endemic lemurs and the elusive fossa in Kirindy Mitea National Park and end back in the capital with a guided tour and a visit to the royal hill of Ambohimanga.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar! On arrival at the airport in the capital of Antananarivo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Your first evening in Madagascar is free to relax in the hotel or to head out and explore.
Overnight: Antananarivo | Dinner
Antsirabe & Miandrivazo
Antananarivo - Ambatolampy - Antsirabe - Miandrivazo. Today, you leave the Malagasy capital and head through granite massifs and terraced rice fields towards Ambatolampy. Stop for a short tour of Antsirabe, known for its thermal springs, colonial architecture and Lake Tritriva. The lake is the setting for a famous Malagasy folk store, with connotations to Romeo and Juliet. Rabeniomby and Ravolahanta, two lovers, are said to have committed suicide in the lake due to their forbidden love.
Your final destination for today is Miandrivazo, one of the hottest and most picturesque towns in Madagascar.
Driving time & distance: Approx 410km, 7 hours
Overnight: Miandrivazo | Breakfast, Dinner
Morondava
Miandrivazo - Morondava. After breakfast at the hotel, depart Miandrivazo for Morondava, a town on Madagascar's west coast that stands in the shadow of this island nation's impressive Baobab trees. You'll have a chance to see these tomorrow, for now why not kick back in the hotel, head down to the beach, or explore the town at your own pace.
Driving time & distance: Approx 285km, 5 hours
Overnight: Morondava | Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
Morondava - Bekopaka. As promised, you'll visit the majestic Avenue of the Baobabs this morning, with plenty of time to take photos of these towering trees, which store scarce water in their hollow trunks in order to survive drought.
Continuing your journey north, the roads get bumpy as you head into the wilderness. It might be uncomfortable, but it's an adventure! Cross the Tsiribihina and Manambolo rivers by car ferry before reaching your accommodation in the remote jungle village of Bekopaka. The village is located on the outskirts of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Bekopaka | Breakfast, Dinner
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
Today you're heading into Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, specifically to take in the Little Tsingy, the smaller of two iconic rock formations that give the park its name. You can choose from shorter, easier hiking routes or a longer trail, both will yield incredible views of the Little Tsingy and hopefully some wildlife too. Lunch is included today, and you'll spend another night at your hotel in Bekopaka.
Overnight: Bekopaka | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kirindy Mitea National Park
Bekopaka - Morondava - Kirindy. Retrace your steps, returning to Morondava. Stop for lunch in Belo before reaching the Kirindy Mitea National Park. This dry forest is located on the coast and is home to numerous species of Madagascar's endemic lemurs, including the white sifaka, red-fronted brown lemur and Coquerel's giant mouse lemur, as well as other iconic species such as the fossa, ring-tailed vontsira and the common tenrec. Head out to explore the park and hopefully spot some of these creatures - many only come out after dark.
Driving time & distance: Approx 180km, 6 hours
Overnight: Kirindy Forest | Breakfast, Dinner
Return to Morondava
Kirindy - Morondava. Head back into the forests of Kirindy this morning with a local guide, hoping to spot more lemurs and perhaps a fossa, the largest carnivore on Madagascar.
You will then return to Morondava and the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs, this time for sunset. If you thought the views were magnificent before, you're in for a real treat.
Driving time & distance: Approx 80km, 2 hours
Overnight: Morondava | Breakfast, Dinner
Antananarivo
Morondava - Antananarivo. There's free time this morning for a dip in the ocean before you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo. On arrival, transfer to the hotel, and enjoy a free evening.
Please note: The flight from Morondava to Antananarivo is not included in the cost of your tour. We can assist you with booking this flight if you wish.
Overnight: Antananarivo | Breakfast, Dinner
Ambohimanga & Antananarivo
Antananarivo - Ambohimanga - Antananarivo. This morning, you will head around 24km north of the Malagasy capital to Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This royal hill is a sacred site and former Merina kingdom capital, attracting visitors for its well-preserved palace, ancient tombs, and panoramic views.
After your visit, head back to Antananarivo for an included city tour, and visit the local craft market to do any last minute souvenir shopping. Enjoy your final night in Madagascar at leisure.
Overnight: Antananarivo | Breakfast, Dinner
Antananarivo
After breakfast at the hotel, it's time to check out. An included transfer takes you to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!
Breakfast
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Antananarivo Waterfront, Antananarivo
Radisson Blu Hotel, Antananarivo Waterfront offers a stylish and comfortable stay in Madagascar’s capital. Set in the vibrant Waterfront district, the hotel features modern rooms with sleek décor, plush bedding, and city or lake views. Guests can unwind at the indoor pool, work out in the fitness centre, enjoy international cuisine at the on-site restaurant, or relax with a drink in the garden or out on the terrace. There's also an onsite coffee shop. The hotel’s prime location provides easy access to shops, restaurants, and key attractions like the Queen’s Palace and Independence Avenue.
Soa Li Hotel, Miandrivazo
Soa Li Hotel in Miandrivazo offers a comfortable and convenient stopover for travellers exploring Madagascar’s western region. The hotel provides simple yet clean and spacious rooms, some with balconies. Guests can enjoy a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, take a dip in the outdoor pool, relax in the shaded garden or enjoy a drink in the onsite bar, and the welcoming staff are happy to assist in any way they can. Its location in Miandrivazo, known as one of the hottest places in Madagascar, makes Soa Li Hotel a practical choice for those exploring the surrounding landscapes.
Palissandre Cote Oeust, Morondava
Palissandre Côte Ouest in Morondava offers a relaxing beachfront retreat on Madagascar’s western coast. Nestled along the pristine shores of Nosy Kely Beach, this charming resort features spacious bungalows with traditional wooden furnishings, private terraces, and views of the Mozambique Channel. Free Wi-Fi is available and guests can unwind by the outdoor pool, indulge in fresh seafood at the on-site restaurant, or enjoy a sunset drink at the bar. The resort’s prime location makes it ideal for visiting the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs and exploring nearby Kirindy Forest.
Soleil des Tsingy, Bekopaka
Soleil des Tsingy in Bekopaka offers a comfortable and serene retreat near Madagascar’s famous Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Surrounded by lush greenery, this eco-lodge features spacious bungalows with wooden interiors, private terraces, and views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can relax in the infinity pool, dine at the open-air restaurant serving Malagasy and international cuisine, or unwind with a drink at the bar. There's also a private eco-park on site, perfect for discovering some of Madagascar's rich biodiversity. The lodge’s peaceful setting and attentive service make it an ideal base for exploring the dramatic limestone formations of the Tsingy, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its striking pinnacles and unique biodiversity.
Relais du Kirindy, Kirindy Forest
Relais du Kirindy offers a welcoming stay just outside Kirindy Forest, making it an ideal base for exploring Madagascar’s unique wildlife. The lodge features comfortable bungalows with simple yet modern amenities, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and private terraces overlooking the garden. Guests can cool off in the outdoor pool, wander through the garden or enjoy local and international dishes and drinks at the on-site restaurant and bar. Located near the renowned Kirindy Forest Reserve, the lodge provides excellent access to spot Madagascar’s famed wildlife, including the elusive fossa and nocturnal lemurs.