Standard Safari

8-Day The Unique Highlands of Madagascar

by 261 Exp8 dayssouth africa, zimbabwe, madagascar

Overview

Tour Overview

Madagascar Safari: Nature and culture! The Highlanders of Madagascar are a group formed by multiple ethnicities called Ambaniandro, people very attached to the customs

Day by Day

Itinerary

1

Arrival in Madagascar

Day 1Arrival in Madagascar Arrival in Madagascar Upon arrival, your driver guide will greet and brief you on your trip. You will then enjoy a city tour of Antananarivo, also known as the 'City of a Thousand', the economic and political capital of Madagascar. After the tour, you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in and overnight stay on a half-board basis at Les 3 Métis, a mid-range guest house. Main Destination: Antananarivo (City) Accommodation: Les 3 Métis Mid-range guest house located in Antananarivo (City) +8 Photos +7 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

2

Vakinakaratra

Day 2Vakinakaratra Vakinakaratra Departure for Antsirabe, also known as the 'Malagasy Vichy' because of its many thermal and mineral springs. Antsirabe, Madagascar's third-largest city, boasts clean air and a cool climate all year round, making it an ideal destination for a holiday with family or friends. Exploring the town by rickshaw along the broad avenues lined with jacaranda trees offers a new adventure. Enjoy an overnight stay with half board at the Eco Lodge Les Chambres Du Voyageur. Main Destination: Antsirabe (City) Accommodation: Eco Lodge Les Chambres Du Voyageur Mid-range bungalow located in Antsirabe (City) +3 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

3

Betafo Angaa

Day 3Betafo Angaa Betafo Angaa After breakfast, depart for a trek in the village of Betafo. The village is located 22km (14mi) west of Antsirabe, on the Route de l'Ouest, and it is a fine example of Highlands architecture with its arcades and delicate wrought iron decorations. A notable feature of the village is the first Lutheran church founded by Norwegian missionaries, which showcases beautiful brick architecture dating back to the late 19th century. Enjoy a picnic lunch and return to the hotel in the afternoon. You will be staying overnight on a half-board basis at Eco Lodge Les Chambres Du Voyageur. Main Destination: Antsirabe (City) Accommodation: Eco Lodge Les Chambres Du Voyageur Mid-range bungalow located in Antsirabe (City) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

4

Itasy

Day 4Itasy Itasy On the way to Ampefy, you will travel through the coldest region of Madagascar via Route Nationale 43. The route takes you on a renovated mountain road through beautiful countryside, following a chain of extinct volcanoes. Thanks to its trachytic soil, the landscape is lush and rich in orchards and rice fields. Do not hesitate to taste the seasonal fruits—all natural! Upon arrival in Ampefy, you can have lunch at your leisure and then visit the surrounding area and the Lily River waterfalls. You will stay overnight on half-board at L'Auberge du Kintanafleuron chez le Belge. Main Destination: Ampefy (Village) Accommodation: L'Auberge du Kintanafleuron chez le Belge Budget guest house located in Ampefy (Village) +7 Photos +6 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

5

Bezanozano

Day 5Bezanozano Bezanozano In the morning, depart for Andasibe, passing through the city of Antananarivo. You will have lunch in the capital city. Then, continue on to Andasibe, a small village in the eastern part of the island. This village is best known for its national park, which offers visitors a unique experience surrounded by tropical biodiversity. The park is renowned for its exceptional flora and fauna, making it a must-see destination for nature and wildlife lovers. Upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel. You will be staying overnight with half board at Relais de Mantadia. Main Destination: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Best Time To Visit April, May, October and November (Best weather, less rain) High Season July, August and December holidays (The park is busy) Best Weather April, May, October and November Wildlife in Andasibe-Mantadia NP Indri Common CommonBrown Lemur Common OtherChameleons Common Leaf-tailedGeckos Common Diademed Sifaka Occasional Show more Red-belliedLemur Occasional GreyBamboo Lemur Occasional Mouse Lemurs Occasional Sportive Lemurs Occasional Parson'sChameleon Occasional Painted Mantella Occasional Black-and-whiteRuffed Lemur Rare MadagascarTree Boa Rare Fossa Very Rare Accommodation: Relais de Mantadia Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Andasibe-Mantadia NP +8 Photos +7 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

6

Rainforest

Day 6Rainforest Rainforest On this day, the plan is to visit Andasibe Mantadia National Park. 2 to 5 hours of walk depending on your demand. This terrestrial national park features dense evergreen rainforest and is home to various species of amphibians, reptiles, and lemurs. The park consists of 80% primary forest and 13% secondary forest, which has been affected by human activity. The special reserve within the park is focused on protecting the Indri indri, which is Madagascar's largest lemur. In the afternoon, there will be a visit to the Vakona Reserve, then returning to the hotel. We will be staying overnight at Relais de Mantadia on a half-board basis. Main Destination: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Accommodation: Relais de Mantadia Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Andasibe-Mantadia NP Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

7

Lemurs

Day 7Lemurs Lemurs You will visit the Analamazaotra National Park in the morning. The reserve features diverse vegetation, including medium altitude moist evergreen forest with a canopy height ranging from 14 to 30 meters (46 to 90 miles). There are also areas of secondary forest. The park is home to various plant families, including Lauraceae, Clusiaceae, Rubiaceae, Myrtaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Phyllanthaceae, and Anacardiaceae. In the evening, you will visit the part to see the nocturnal lemurs, especially the microcebus or mouse lemur, one of the smallest lemur species. We will be staying at Relais de Mantadia overnight on a half-board basis. Main Destination: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Accommodation: Relais de Mantadia Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Andasibe-Mantadia NP Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

8

Imerina

Day 8Imerina Imerina After breakfast, we will drive back to Antananarivo, which will take approximately four hours. You will be responsible for your own lunch. Upon arriving in Tana, you will check in at the hotel. Later, we will visit the upper city of the capital, where the Queen’s palace is located. If time permits, we will also visit the Malagasy handcraft market for souvenir shopping. A farewell dinner will be arranged at your hotel, and you will stay overnight at Le Combava on a half-board basis. The next day, we will organize a transfer to the airport based on your flight schedule. This will conclude our services. Main Destination: Antananarivo (City) Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included End of tour (See Getting There for more details)End of tour (See Getting There for more details) Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport. Interested in This Tour? Request a Quote We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why) Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly Next: Overview Next: Day by Day Next: Rates Next: Inclusions Next: Getting There Next: Offered By Best price guarantee Your request will be sent directly to the operator If preferred, you can contact the operator directly Next: Request a Quote Request a Quote Disclaimer This tour is offered by 261 Exp,

What's covered

Included & Excluded

Included

  • A transfer from and back to the airport is included

Not Included

  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost

What travellers say

Verified Reviews

Reviews are aggregated from SafariBookings, TripAdvisor, Google, and Trustpilot — weighted by platform reliability and review volume to give a balanced composite score.
Barbara & Valerio 5.0/5

Our trip with 261 exp agency was great! We spent 20 days all around Madagascar. The guide, The driver and The home team have been always very kind, available, satisfying all our needs and solving any kind of issues we had to face during the...

Laetitia 5.0/5

An incredible tailor-made trip organized by 261-Exp in Madagascar !! A real immersion into wild nature, local encounters, and breathtaking landscapes. The team knows the terrain inside out — and that makes all the difference in...

Athena & Elliot 5.0/5

From the first message we sent, Christina was fast to reply and answered all of our concerns. She gave us all of the relevant information and helped make the booking process simple. The programs offered by Christina were tailored to our...

Maurane 5.0/5

I spent eight days exploring the fabulous islands of Madagascar with the agency 261 Exp. Everything was very well organized beforehand. The team is attentive and adapts to your preferences. Once the itinerary is confirmed, a detailed...

Giovanna 5.0/5

We had a terrific tour with 2 4WD cars and excellent drivers who took us from Tana to Antsirabe to the Tsiribihina river, where we left for three days in a boat and slept for two nights in tents on beaches along the river. The two guides...

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

How much does 8-Day The Unique Highlands of Madagascar cost?

8-Day The Unique Highlands of Madagascar starts from USD 2,374 per person. This is a standard-level safari spanning 8 days. Prices vary by season and group size, with low season offering the best rates.

How long is 8-Day The Unique Highlands of Madagascar?

This safari runs for 8 days and 7 nights across south africa, zimbabwe, madagascar. The itinerary is designed to maximize wildlife viewing while allowing comfortable travel between parks and lodges.

What comfort level is 8-Day The Unique Highlands of Madagascar?

This is a standard safari featuring comfortable mid-range lodges with ensuite facilities and good service. Operated by 261 Exp ensures a high standard of experience throughout the journey.

Is 8-Day The Unique Highlands of Madagascar well-rated?

Yes, this safari has an aggregate rating of 5.0 out of 5 based on 11 verified reviews. 261 Exp consistently receives positive feedback for wildlife sightings and overall experience.

Who operates 8-Day The Unique Highlands of Madagascar?

8-Day The Unique Highlands of Madagascar is operated by 261 Exp, a safari company based in south africa, zimbabwe, madagascar. You can view their full profile, other tours, and verified reviews on SafariPicked to compare before booking.

What is included in 8-Day The Unique Highlands of Madagascar?

This tour typically includes A transfer from and back to the airport is included. Inclusions may vary by season and availability. Check the full itinerary on SafariPicked for the complete breakdown of what's covered.

How do I book 8-Day The Unique Highlands of Madagascar?

You can compare pricing and availability for 8-Day The Unique Highlands of Madagascar on SafariPicked, then book directly with 261 Exp. Most operators offer free cancellation 30–60 days before departure. We recommend booking 3–6 months in advance for peak season dates.