East & Great South Adventure – 16 Days

East & Great South Adventure – 16 Days / From Andasibe

to Isalo and Tulear

From Rainforest to Red Canyons

Overview

Discover the best of Madagascar on this 16-day East & Great South adventure. From lush rainforests and rare wildlife to dramatic canyons, highland villages, and pristine beaches, this tour blends adventure, culture, and relaxation.

Begin in Antananarivo before exploring Andasibe’s rainforest, home to the Indri-Indri lemurs, and the serene Palmarium Reserve at Akanin’ny Nofy. Travel south through the highlands to Antsirabe and Ambositra, experiencing local crafts and vibrant markets. Explore Ranomafana National Park’s rich biodiversity, then hike through the stunning canyons and natural pools of Isalo National Park.

Finish along the southwest coast in Ifaty, relaxing on white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons. With comfortable accommodations, expert local guides, and carefully curated experiences, this 16-day journey offers a complete and authentic Madagascar adventure.

East & Great South Adventure – 16 Days / From Andasibe to Isalo and Tulear

From Rainforest to Red Canyons

Overview

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Antananarivo

Arrival at Ivato International Airport
Meet & greet by our local team
Private transfer to the hotel
Tour briefing and overview of the journey
Overnight in Antananarivo

Day 2 – Antananarivo → Andasibe

Morning departure eastward towards Andasibe
Scenic drive through highlands, rice terraces, and villages
Stop at Peyrieras Reptile Reserve (optional)
Arrival in Andasibe rainforest region
Night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife
Overnight in Andasibe

Day 3 – Analamazaotra & Vakona Private Reserve

Morning guided visit of Analamazaotra National Park
Search for the Indri-Indri and other lemur species
Exploration of dense primary rainforest
Afternoon visit to Vakona Private Reserve
Lemur Island and crocodile farm visit
Overnight in Andasibe

Day 4 – Andasibe → Akanin’ny Nofy (Palmarium Reserve)

Drive towards Manambato
Boat transfer across Lake Ampitabe
Arrival at Akanin’ny Nofy, located between lake and ocean
Free time to relax in a unique natural setting
Overnight at Palmarium Reserve

Day 5 – Palmarium Reserve Exploration

Guided visit of Palmarium Private Reserve
Close encounters with several lemur species
Discovery of rare palm trees and tropical plants
Optional night walk to observe nocturnal lemurs (Aye-aye possible)
Overnight at Akanin’ny Nofy

Day 6 – Akanin’ny Nofy → Antananarivo

Morning boat transfer back to Manambato
Drive back to Antananarivo
Arrival in the late afternoon
Free evening to rest
Overnight in Antananarivo

Day 7 – Antananarivo → Antsirabe

Drive south to Antsirabe via the RN7
Landscapes of rice fields and volcanic highlands
Arrival in Antsirabe, spa town and agricultural hub
Short city orientation tour
Overnight in Antsirabe

Day 8 – Antsirabe → Ambositra → Ranomafana

Morning visit of Antsirabe workshops (pousse-pousse, crafts)
Stop in Ambositra to visit Zafimaniry wood carving ateliers
Continue to Ranomafana rainforest
Night walk to spot the nocturnal animals
Arrival in the evening
Overnight in Ranomafana

Day 9 – Ranomafana National Park

Full-day guided exploration of Ranomafana National Park
Observation of lemurs, chameleons, birds, and endemic flora
Walk along rivers, waterfalls, and forest trails
Optional visit to thermal baths
Overnight in Ranomafana

Day 10 – Ranomafana → Fianarantsoa → Ambalavao

Drive south with stop in Fianarantsoa
City viewpoint and cultural introduction
Continue to Ambalavao
Visit Antemoro paper workshop
Overnight in Ambalavao

Day 11 – Ambalavao → Isalo National Park

Visit Anja Community Reserve to see ring-tailed lemurs
Drive across the Ihorombe Plateau
Arrival in Ranohira (Isalo area)
Sunset viewpoints if time allows
Overnight near Isalo National Park

Day 13 – Isalo → Tulear → Ifaty

Drive to Tulear through dry southern landscapes
Short orientation in Tulear city
Continue north to Ifaty coastal area
Arrival at beach lodge
Overnight in Ifaty

Day 15 – Tulear ✈️ Antananarivo

Transfer to Tulear airport
Domestic flight to Antananarivo
Transfer to hotel
Free evening
Overnight in Antananarivo

Day 12 – Isalo National Park Exploration

Full-day guided hike in Isalo National Park
Exploration of canyons, sandstone formations, and oases
Swimming at the Natural Pool
Picnic lunch inside the park
Overnight in Ranohira

Day 14 – Relaxation Day in Ifaty

Free day at leisure
Optional activities: snorkeling, lagoon excursion, village visit, whale watching (seasonal)
Relaxation by the beach
Overnight in Ifaty

Day 16 – Antananarivo City Tour & International Departure

Guided city tour of Antananarivo (Upper Town, Royal Palace surroundings)
Visit local markets and craft shops
Transfer to Ivato International Airport
End of services

Ifandana - Spirit of Madagascar

Included:
Private car + fuel, English-speaking guide, airport transfers, accommodation (optional), daily support, park guide arrangements, park entrance fees, flexible itinerary.

Not Included:
International flights, domestic flights, meals not mentioned, personal expenses, visa, insurance, tips.

Highlights

Hear the Indri Indri’s call in Andasibe
Discover the Aye-Aye lemur at Palmarium Reserve
Cross the Highlands and terraced rice fields
Explore the rainforest of Ranomafana
Visit Anja Reserve with ring-tailed lemurs
Hike the Isalo Canyons and natural pools
Relax on Ifaty’s turquoise beaches
End with a Cultural City Tour of Antananarivo

Key Information

Duration: 16 days / 15 nights
Regions covered: Eastern Rainforest, Central Highlands, Great South, Southwest Coast
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Andasibe, Palmarium Reserve, Ranomafana, Isalo National Park, Ifaty Beach
Best travel period: April to November