Deep South of Madagascar

The Highlands and the City of Water Depart after breakfast for Antsirabe, the famous “City of Water”. The road crosses the Malagasy Highlands, with terraced rice fields, traditional villages, and classic highland scenery along the way. Stop in Ambatolampy to visit a traditional aluminium pot workshop and discover local “gasy” sweets. Continue to Antsirabe for a city tour and a visit to a lapidary workshop. Check in at the hotel, followed by dinner and overnight in Antsirabe. Accommodation: ROYAL PALACE

Myths, traditions, and rural life Discover Lake Andraikiba before heading to the mysterious Lake Tritriva, a volcanic gem surrounded by local legends and ancestral beliefs. A walk around the site offers spectacular panoramic views. Continue to the village of Betafo for an authentic immersion into the daily life of local farmers and rural communities. Return to Antsirabe in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Antsirabe. Accommodation: ROYAL PALACE

Zafimaniry art and rainforest landscapes Take the road to Ambositra, capital of Zafimaniry art and renowned for its exceptional woodcarving and marquetry. Visit local workshops and discover this living heritage of the Malagasy Highlands. After lunch, continue towards Ranomafana. The landscapes gradually become greener and more humid as you approach the eastern rainforest. Check in and enjoy a first discovery of this emblematic region of Madagascar’s biodiversity. Dinner and overnight in Ranomafana. Accommodation: Centrest Hôtel

National Park and exceptional biodiversity Spend the day exploring Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar’s natural jewels, set in a humid rainforest recognized as part of a UNESCO-listed ecosystem. Hike through an exceptional world of biodiversity: lemurs, including Hapalemur aureus and Eulemur fulvus rufus, endemic birds such as the Pitta-like Ground Roller, Rufous-headed Ground Roller, Madagascar Serpent Eagle, and Yellow-browed Oxylabes, as well as butterflies, frogs, giant ferns, orchids, epiphytes, waterfalls, and lush jungle scenery. Dinner and overnight in Ranomafana. Accommodation: Centrest Hôtel

From Betsileo country to the South Depart towards southern Madagascar, crossing landscapes that gradually shift from the green Highlands to wide open savannas. Stop in Ambalavao, renowned for its traditional Anteimoro paper, handmade silk, and local craftsmanship. Visit the workshop and showroom, with the opportunity to purchase handmade souvenirs. After lunch, continue to Anja Community Park, famous for close encounters with ring-tailed lemurs, Lemur catta, as well as pachypodium plants and outstanding panoramic views. Continue across the vast Ihorombe plateau, gateway to the Deep South. In the late afternoon, enjoy sunset at the iconic Window of Isalo. Dinner and overnight in Ranohira. Accommodation: Le Jardin dy Roy

Canyons and natural oases of Isalo Spend the day exploring Isalo National Park, a spectacular landscape of canyons, sandstone formations, and natural oases. Hike through scenery shaped by time, with the possibility of swimming in natural pools hidden deep within the canyon. Dinner and overnight in Ranohira. Accommodation: Le Jardin dy Roy

Free day in the heart of Isalo’s landscapes Enjoy a free day at your own pace in the majestic landscapes of Isalo: gentle walks, relaxation, or further exploration of the surrounding area. Dinner and overnight in Ranohira. Accommodation: Le Jardin dy Roy

Baobabs, sapphires, and southern lands Travel towards Tulear, the “City of the Sun”, through the dry and emblematic landscapes of southern Madagascar. Pass through Ilakaka, famous for its sapphire deposits, with a visit to a mining site and the COLORLINE gemstone showroom. The journey crosses unforgettable scenery: majestic baobabs, southern villages, and Mahafaly tombs decorated with Aloalo, traditional funerary sculptures. Arrive in Tulear in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Tulear. Accommodation: Auberge de la Table

Turquoise lagoons and seaside relaxation Transfer to the port, then board a boat to Anakao, a small coastal paradise in south-western Madagascar. Settle in at your hotel, then enjoy a free afternoon on the white-sand beaches and in the turquoise lagoon. Dinner and overnight in Anakao. Accommodation: LONGO VEZO

Nosy Ve and snorkeling Take an excursion to Nosy Ve, a wild and protected islet known as a breeding site for the Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda). The island offers a preserved environment of coral sand, turquoise waters, and dry coastal vegetation. Go snorkeling in the turquoise waters to explore coral reefs and observe colorful tropical fish, or simply relax on a peaceful white-sand beach. Dinner and overnight in Anakao. Accommodation: LONGO VEZO

Tsimanampetsotsa National Park After breakfast, depart for Itampolo, crossing the sub-arid landscapes of Madagascar’s Deep South. Along the way, discover richly decorated Mahafaly tombs, zebu carts, and vast semi-desert expanses that reveal the powerful identity of the southern region. Visit Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, Madagascar’s first Ramsar site. Pink flamingos, blind cave fish, majestic baobabs, and endemic pachypodiums make this one of the island’s most unusual and fascinating ecosystems. In the late afternoon, enjoy sunset over the wild beaches of Itampolo. Dinner and overnight in Itampolo. Accommodation: Villa Milahehe Mitongoa (chez Neretse)

Gateway to the far south Enjoy a free morning in Itampolo, then continue towards Lavanono, a remote village in Madagascar’s far south-west. Bordered by the Indian Ocean, this small fishing village is known for its powerful waves, attracting surfers from around the world, as well as for sea excursions in a wild and beautifully preserved environment. Dinner and overnight in Lavanono. Accommodation: LAVANONO LODGE

The end of the world and deserted beaches Enjoy a free day in Lavanono, with time to take in the Indian Ocean, deserted beaches, and the peaceful atmosphere of this isolated village at the edge of the far south. You may explore the fishing village or simply relax facing a raw, timeless landscape that still feels untouched. Dinner and overnight in Lavanono. Accommodation: LAVANONO LODGE

Cap Sainte-Marie and the landscapes of the far south Depart towards Madagascar’s southernmost point with a visit to the Cap Sainte-Marie Special Reserve. Spectacular cliffs, dunes, and spiny bush create a striking landscape, home to unique flora such as Alluaudia comosa and natural caves. Depending on the season, you may observe radiated tortoises, reptiles, endemic birds, Aepyornis eggshell remains, and even whales offshore. This is a powerful introduction to the extreme and preserved environments of Madagascar’s Deep South. Lunch en route. Continue towards Berenty through Antandroy landscapes, marked by traditional tombs decorated with zebu horns and wide grazing areas enclosed by spiny vegetation. Dinner and overnight in Berenty. Accommodation: LAVANONO LODGE

The kingdom of ring-tailed lemurs The morning is dedicated to Berenty Reserve, a true biodiversity sanctuary in southern Madagascar. In the gallery forest and spiny bush, observe the famous ring-tailed lemurs, as well as unique endemic wildlife and plants, including radiated tortoises, birds, reptiles, and bats. Enjoy a free afternoon to take in the reserve’s exceptional natural setting or quietly observe its peaceful wildlife. Dinner and overnight in Berenty. Accommodation: Berenty Lodge

between mountains, lakes and ocean After breakfast, depart for Fort-Dauphin, traveling between the landscapes of the Deep South and the coastline of the Indian Ocean. Check in at your hotel, then enjoy an excursion to Pic Saint-Louis, offering a 360-degree panoramic view over the town, beaches, lakes, and the Anosy mountain ranges. Free afternoon to enjoy the town or the seaside at your own pace. Dinner and overnight in Fort-Dauphin. Accommodation: Hotel LAVASOA

Lokaro Bay and Evatra Depart for Lake Lanirano, then cross by motorboat to the fishing village of Evatra. The one-hour boat ride through lakes, rivers, and mangroves reveals an exceptional natural setting. Choose between a three- to four-hour hike or a shorter version to discover Lokaro Bay: traditional villages, wild coves, secluded beaches including the famous Lovers’ Beach, and viewpoints over the surrounding bays. Enjoy time for swimming and a seaside lunch at Baie des Vierges. Return by boat in the late afternoon, then transfer back to Fort-Dauphin. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel LAVASOA

Sainte-Luce Bay Excursion to Sainte-Luce Bay, an emblematic fishing village on the south-eastern coast, rich in history and considered one of the first French settlement sites in Madagascar. With fine sand, turquoise waters, and an authentic coastal atmosphere, the site offers a peaceful setting for a day of relaxation and discovery. Picnic lunch in nature. Return to Fort-Dauphin in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Ambohimanga, Madagascar’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Fort-Dauphin airport and fly back to Antananarivo. On arrival, discover the capital and visit Ambohimanga, a former royal palace listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 and one of Madagascar’s most important historical and spiritual landmarks. Enjoy some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping at the craft market before transferring to your hotel or to the airport for your international flight.