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Essentials of the South
Antananarivo – Antsirabe – Betafo – Ambositra – Ranomafana – Fianarantsoa – Ranohira –
Toliary – Ifaty – Toliary – Antananarivo
Essentials of the South
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Relaxation and Nature
Level: Accessible to all
Period: All year round
✓ Day 1: Arrival — ANTANANARIVO: Welcome to Madagascar!
Your adventure begins upon landing at Ivato International Airport! After completing entry formalities and obtaining your visa, our friendly representative will greet you and take you to your hotel. After some instructions and details about the exciting journey ahead, you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax and enjoy the hotel’s amenities.
✓ Day 2: ANTANANARIVO — ANTSIRABE: City of Water
170 KMS – 04H/04H30 – paved road
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, embark on the exciting journey to Antsirabe, known as the “City of Water,” located 170 km south of the capital. Along the picturesque route, you’ll witness scenic rice fields and the characteristic landscapes of the Malagasy highlands. Stop in Ambatolampy to explore a small factory and craft aluminum foundry, an essential material in the making of iconic Malagasy cooking pots.
Upon reaching Antsirabe, a charming colonial city, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in its rich history and culture. If time permits, explore some local craft workshops, discovering the skills and creativity of the region’s talented artisans. An authentic experience that will enrich your journey before returning to the hotel to relax and reflect on the day’s wonders.
✓ Day 3: ANTSIRABE — BETAFO — AMBOSITRA: Crafts and Culture
22 KMS – 30 mins – Paved road + 90 KMS – 02h – Paved road
After a delicious breakfast, head to Betafo, a sizable village known for its imposing brick houses dating back to the colonial era. Located 22 km west of Antsirabe, this typical village inhabited by the Merina ethnic group stands out for its unique architecture, characterized by arches and decorative ironwork.
In Betafo, delve into the history and culture of this place through a day hike that takes you through its fields and rice paddies. During this enriching experience, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the daily routine of farmers, learn about their habits and customs, and appreciate the authenticity of Malagasy rural life.
In the afternoon, return to Antsirabe and then continue your journey to Ambositra, carrying with you the memories from Betafo and anticipating the new experiences that await in this fascinating journey.
✓ Day 4: AMBOSITRA — RANOMAFANA: Exploring Tropical Forests
157 KMS – 4h – carretera asfaltada
Ambositra, renowned for its extraordinary marquetry and exquisite carvings in precious wood, invites us to immerse ourselves in the craftsmanship of the Zafimaniry workshops that have forged the city’s reputation. On this day, we dedicate time to explore these famous workshops, where skilled artisans create unique pieces using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Take the opportunity to acquire authentic souvenirs, carrying with you the exceptional craftsmanship of Ambositra.
After absorbing the cultural richness of the city, bid farewell to the Malagasy highlands and embark on an exciting journey to Ranomafana. This journey marks our entry into the lush areas of primary humid forests that define the east coast of the island. The change in landscape promises new experiences as we head towards the next stage of our unforgettable journey through Madagascar.
✓ Day 5: RANOMAFANA — FIANARANTSOA: Markets and Scenic Landscapes
62 KMS – 1h30 – paved road
The morning is reserved for a fascinating excursion into the heart of the Ranomafana tropical forest. This national park was established in 1991, marked by the discovery of the Golden Bamboo Lemur, an endemic lemur that feeds on bamboo leaves. Currently, the park is home to 12 lemur species, including those considered rare, such as the Flat-faced Bamboo Lemur and the Golden Bamboo Lemur.
Enriched with exceptional biodiversity, Ranomafana serves as a habitat for a varied fauna, including rare birds, amphibians, and reptiles. The diversity of its flora significantly contributes to its reputation. Unfortunately, many of these species are endangered. After this captivating visit, we resume the National Road 7 towards Fianarantsoa, the second-largest city in the south after Antananarivo. Fianarantsoa stands out for the uniqueness of its old town, founded in 1830 and recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2003. After this day full of discoveries, we enjoy a brief rest at our accommodation, ready to continue our unforgettable journey through Madagascar.
✓ Day 6: FIANARANTSOA — RANOHIRA: Discovering Isalo National Park
297 KMS – 4h30 /05h paved road
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we head towards Ranohira with a special stop in Ambalavao. This picturesque village hosts the second-largest cattle market in Madagascar, a unique experience that takes place on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Ambalavao is also famous for its handcrafted Antemoro paper, created from the bark of a bush called Avoha, as well as the production of Madagascar’s wild silk fabrics. A visit to these local workshops is included in our program, providing us with a fascinating insight into the unique craftsmanship of the region.
We continue our journey with a highlighted stop at the Anja Park, located 15 km south of Ambalavao. Managed by the local community, this reserve offers a unique opportunity to observe closely the daily life of several colonies of Ring-tailed Lemurs that cohabit in the area. In addition to lemurs, we can discover other species of endemic fauna and flora thriving in their natural environment. After this enriching experience, we continue our way to finally reach Ranohira.
✓ Day 7: RANOHIRA: Exploring the Wonders of Isalo
This day is reserved for the amazing experience of discovering Isalo National Park. Its establishment in 1960 as a simple protected area preceded its official designation as a national park in 1999. This majestic sandstone massif, dating back to the Jurassic period, stands as one of the most impressive landscapes in Madagascar.
In Isalo, an extraordinary diversity of fauna coexists, including birdlife, rock reptiles, primates, and a unique and endemic flora of the region, including pachypodium, aloe, and euphorbia. The park offers various circuit options, adapted to the duration of the visit and available time. Throughout this adventure, we explore the various cultures of the Bara ethnic group, evidenced by several sites and sacred tombs within the park. Each step is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the richness of this unique environment.
✓ Day 8: RANOHIRA — TOLIARA — IFATY
268 KMS – 4h30 / 05h – paved road
We start our journey early towards Toliara, exploring the diversity of savannah landscapes along the route. As we progress, the iconic baobabs, symbols of Southern Madagascar, begin to stand out on the horizon. Picturesque villages along the way and their welcoming inhabitants add an authentic dimension to our journey.
Upon reaching Toliara, we take some time for a brief tour, allowing us to get an overview of this former fishing village, now turned into the largest city in southern Madagascar. After a revitalizing lunch, we continue to Ifaty, a charming coastal village north of Toliary, known for its stunning beaches. Once in Ifaty, the rest of the day is at our disposal, giving us the opportunity to enjoy the various excursion options offered by the hotel or simply relax and marvel at the sunset on the beach.
✓ Days 9–10: IFATY: Endless Options and Fulfillment in Ifaty
Days at the client’s disposal with the possibility of making the most of various water activities offered in the Ifaty area: from a serene sailboat canoe ride to the thrilling experience of diving. In season, we can also enjoy whale watching, adding a touch of magic to our day.
For those who prefer solid ground, we explore the Reniala Reserve, home to a unique diversity of flora and fauna. We discover the peculiar “turtle village” and immerse ourselves in the authenticity of the region with a relaxed ox-cart ride through picturesque fishing villages.
Whatever the choice, this day will be imprinted in memory with satisfaction and awe, offering a final opportunity to explore and delight in the wonder of Madagascar before bidding farewell to this fascinating corner of the world.
✓ Day 11: IFATY — TOLIARA — ANTANANARIVO
31 KMS – 30 mins – Paved road + Domestic flight
We start the day with a delicious breakfast before heading to the airport for our return flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, we will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel to relax and rest after our adventure.
Depending on the arrival schedule, we may have the opportunity to enjoy free time exploring the city or making a final purchase at the lively craft market in Antananarivo. This market offers a wide variety of local products, crafts, and souvenirs, allowing us to take home a tangible piece of rich Malagasy culture.
Once our activities are complete, we settle comfortably in the hotel, recalling the incredible moments experienced during our journey through Madagascar.
✓ Day 12: ANTANANARIVO — DEPARTURE: Farewell to Madagascar and Return Home
International flight