The Best of Madagascar

Fly south to the Mandrare River Camp to spend three nights ‘off the beaten track’ on the banks of the Mandrare River. Each of the seven tents in the camp are completely unique and located under the relaxing shade of old-growth tamarind trees overlooking the river. Start your day with a morning walk down the river or the nearby wetland area to spot rare birds like the colourful Malachite Kingfisher. Explore the nearby Ifotaka Sacred Forest to watch forest-mouse lemurs in the spiny trees and camouflaged chameleons. Enjoy authentic and educational cultural experiences, such as a visit to a local market to meet the Tandroy people and learn about their traditions and relationship to the forest. Finish your evenings with a gin and tonic, watching as the sun sets over a vista of 100 of Madagascar’s famous baobab trees.

Drive to Mandrare River Camp’s sister lodge, the Manafiafy Beach Lodge. Here you will be nestled into a forest-fringed cove in a beach facing thatched bungalow, looking out onto the Indian Ocean. Wake up with an early morning swim and watch as local Manafiafy fishermen return with their boats filled with fish and lobsters. Head out down the coast during the day to enjoy a picnic lunch and some fishing, or canoe through the mangrove forest for a chance to see some of the island’s tropical birds. Whale watching from the lookout tower is a must, as is a night walk through the forest to spot lemurs, coconut crabs or the flying fox bats. In the evenings, enjoy a sundowner on the beach watching the sunset on the horizon before enjoying dinner made from freshly caught lobster, fish and oysters.

Leave the remote Manafiafy Beach and return to Antananarivo for the night before exploring Andasibe the following day. Stay at the Grand Hotel Urban in the centre of town, walking distance to some of Tana’s historical landmarks and sites. Its sky lounge offers panoramic views over the city and Lake Anose which is spectacular at sunset whilst enjoying a cocktail under the fairy lights. Unwind with a yoga class or massage treatment at the spa after your travels and enjoy dinner in the hotel’s fantastic restaurant. Set out the next morning to discover the endemic inhabitants of the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park.

A short drive east of Antananarivo lies the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, containing some of the island’s endemic species. A famous inhabitant is the indri lemur, that can only be found in the park, and whose distinct whale-like sounds can be heard from the Mantadia Lodge. This lodge is located on a hill 100 metres high and therefore offers great views over the forest as well as a comfortable surrounding to relax in and a pool for a refreshing dip after your hikes through the rainforest. During these hikes on foot along forest trails, visitors can spot eleven species of lemur, the world’s largest chameleon – the Parson’s chameleon – as well as the tiny nose-horned chameleon. The hikes weave past sacred waterfalls and lakes, where you can see colourful orchids and amphibians like the leaf-tailed gecko. 

Relax after your rainforest adventures in the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, spotting flying lemurs and colourful frogs. Pick from exploring Madagascar’s capital city or simply relaxing at the Health & Wellness Spa at the Grand Hotel Urban, enjoying massages and beauty treatments. Reflect on your adventures so far with a gin and tonic up on the rooftop bar, and watch the sunset before heading out for dinner in town to sample local Madagascan dishes. The next day, take an early morning flight to the  Péninsule d’Anjajavy to spend your last four nights in Madagascar in a seafront villa within a unique protected ecosystem.