SOUTHERN MADAGASCAR TOUR : PARKS, RICE FIELDS, RED EARTH, SEA(RN7)

Program

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  D1

  ANTANANARIVO

  Arrival at the Antananarivo airport and overnight stay at the hotel.

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  D2

  ANTANANARIVO - ANTSIRABE

  After breakfast, departure south on the famous RN7, a journey through the Malagasy highlands characterized by rice fields and typical villages with red brick houses like the color of the earth. Upon arrival in Ambatolampy, a short visit to a family-run artisanal pottery and cookware workshop.

  Arrival in Antsirabe, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.

  In the afternoon, visit the city of Antsirabe, the third largest city, considered the "city of salt" due to its various mineral and thermal springs. Free dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

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  D3

  ANTSIRABE-RANOMAFANA

  After breakfast, departure for Ranomafana, through landscapes and highlands with magnificent terraced rice fields (originally from the Far East).

  First stop in the city of Ambositra and visit to artisanal wood workshops. Traditional Malagasy cuisine lunch with Hira gasy local music and dances, characteristic of the Merina and Betsileo ethnic groups.

  Arrival in Ranomafana in the afternoon. In the evening, visit the park to observe nocturnal lemurs and chameleons.

  Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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  D4

  RANOMAFANA - FIANARANTSOA

  Breakfast. The morning is dedicated to visiting the Ranomafana National Park. The name of this park originates from the hot springs in the region, as "Ranomafana" means "hot water" in Malagasy. Located between 600 and 1,400 meters above sea level, with an area of 41,600 hectares, the park was inaugurated in May 1991. The park exists primarily for the conservation of its dense lowland rainforest and mountainous highland areas, home to endemic plant species such as the Bulbophyllum orchids. At the same time, the park hosts a rich and still little-known fauna. For example, the discovery of the rare Hapalemur Aureus lemur dates back only to 1987. Waterfalls, streams, and rugged terrain make this natural park unique. The endemism of its fauna and flora attracts many foreign researchers, particularly Americans, who have established the VALBIO research center. The park is crossed by the Namorona River and is inhabited by the Tanala ethnic group, known for their skill in honey production and their distinctive agricultural practice called Tavy. During the park visit, various circuit options will be available. Visits are mandatory with local guides and rangers. The park is accessible year-round, preferably during the dry season from May to September. After the visit, continue to Fianarantsoa, the largest city in the central-south region, with a brief visit to the upper town of Ambositany and the Pierot Men photography museum. Dinner and overnight stay.

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  D5

  FIANARANTSOA – ISALO

  After breakfast, through noble vineyards and rural landscapes, departure for Ambalavao, famous for the handcrafted production of Antaimoro paper, made from the macerated, worked and decorated bark of the avoha (papyrus). Ambalavao is also known for its famous "Zebu Market" held every Wednesday, the largest livestock market in Madagascar.

  Continuing our descent south, a stop at the ANJA forest, a community-managed park located at the base of three huge rock complexes that are home to the white-and-black ring-tailed lemur population, where we will also discover chameleons and other reptiles of Madagascar.

  After lunch, we will reach Isalo.

  Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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  D6

  ISALO

  Full day dedicated to exploring Isalo Park, featuring the stunning Namazaha circuit with a stop at the natural pool surrounded by Pandanus plants and palms (5-6 hours of trekking).

  Discover the breathtaking flora, fauna, and unique rock formations of this Jurassic landscape, including the Maki Canyon and Rat Canyon.

  After lunch, enjoy a swim in three beautiful natural pools. In the late afternoon, witness the sunset at the Isalo Window, a remarkable rock formation offering a spectacular view.

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  D7

  ISALO – IFATY

  After breakfast, departure south, immersed in a surreal landscape, between savannah and endless stretches of bare earth without vegetation, views of the Ilakaka sapphire mines, the various forms of Alo Alo, artistically carved wooden funerary stelae, adorn the Sakalava, Mahafaly, Antandroy burials covered in striking paintings.

  Lunch in Toliara.

  In the afternoon we reach Ifaty to admire the baobab forest and the dry spiny forest of the southwest.

  Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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  D8

  IFATY- ANAKAO

  After breakfast, departure for the Tulear pier, boarding for Anakao.

  Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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  D9/10/11

  ANAKAO

  Mozambique Channel, including a sailing lesson in pirogues and lunch at a restaurant in the Vezo village (snorkeling, pirogue outings, diving).

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  D12

  ANAKAO - TULEAR - ANTANANARIVO

  Very early departure for Tulear and transfer by taxi to the Tulear airport for the flight to Antananarivo.

  Arrival in Antananarivo, welcome and transfer to the hotel.

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  D13

  ANTANANARIVO – ITALY

  In the morning, visit the city of Antananarivo and craft markets.

  Transfer to the Antananarivo airport for the intercontinental flight.