info@cactus-madagascar.com Cactus Tours Madagascar

Combo Overland Great South & East tours - 15 days

More than the RN7

You’ll be welcomed into a world where the raw beauty of nature blends harmoniously with the rich tapestry of local cultures.

Your journey starts in the mountainous central Highlands, a land painted with red lateritic soil and cascading terraced rice fields. As you descend, the lush rainforest of the Eastern slope unfurls before you, transitioning into the contrasting semi-arid savannah and rugged canyons of the south.

It’s an intimate encounter with Madagascar’s unique wildlife. The national parks and reserves are sanctuaries where you can marvel at the diverse fauna and flora, including several species of lemurs, which are surprisingly easy to spot in their natural habitat.

The cultural mosaic of Madagascar is equally attractive. Throughout your tour, you’ll have the chance to meet and learn about various ethnic groups, each with their own distinct traditions and way of life. From the Merina in the highlands to the coastal Vezo, each community offers a glimpse into their unique customs and beliefs.

As your adventure winds down, the journey takes you to the Spiny forest of Ifaty, a wonderland of Baobab trees, endemic birds, and turtles, set against a backdrop of pristine waters and white sand beaches.

  • Hiking
  • Wildlife safari
  • Botanical exploration
  • Birdwatching
  • Nocturnal walks
  • Cultural immersion
  • Sea excursions
  • Possibility of snorkeling
  • Possibility of diving
  • Beach farniente
  • Endemic wildlife and biodiversity at Andasibe and Ranomafana National Parks.
  • The great sceneries of the eastern, the highlands and the southern Madagascar
  • The handicrafts and mineral workshops in Antsirabe and Ambositra
  • The rice fields in terrace of the Highlands
  • The breathtaking outer space landscapes of Isalo
  • The Baobabs of the south amongst other typical vegetations
  • The spiny forest of the southern regions
  • The typical villages of different tribes
  • The pristine beaches of Ifaty
Itinerary outline
  • Antananarivo Andasibe [Périnet]
  • Andasibe/Mantadia National Park
  • Andasibe – Antsirabe
  • Antsirabe – Ambositra – Ranomafana
  • Ranomafana National Park
  • Ranomafana – Fianarantsoa – Ambalavao
  • Tsaranoro/Andringitra
  • Isalo National Park
  • Isalo – Zombitse – Tulear – Ifaty
  • Ifaty – Tulear – Antananarivo

Detailed itinerary

Arrival in Antananarivo. You will be met at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and briefing.

Drive eastwards to Andasibe throughout the eastern slopes. En route, visit the reserve of Peyrieras at Mandraka. In Andasibe, visit of VOIMMA nature reserve managed by the local community. Night walk.

   

Hike at Mantadia Reserve – a primary rainforest.

   

Early morning visit of Analamazaotra National Park.
Head southwards to Antsirabe.

   

Continue down south to Ranomafana. Several sightseeing on the way including and handicraft workshops and villages.

 

Walking safari in the park to spot lemurs and other wildlife and plants. Visit of the village of Ranomafana. Evening walks.

  

Depart southwards. Visit of historical sites in Fianarantsoa. Continue to Anja Reserve and hike in the reserve to spot the famous Ring-tailed lemurs. Continue off-road to the valley of Tsaranoro.

 

Full day excursions and explorations of the western parts of Andringitra National Park and the valley of Tsaranoro.

 

Depart to Isalo. Sun downing at Isalo.

    

Full day hike at Isalo National Park through and on the canyons.

   

Drive southwards.
Visit of the Zombitse National Park.
Sightseeing along the way.
Continue to coastal and small town of Ifaty.
    
Day at leisure at Ifaty.
Boat excursion.
Possibility of snorkeling and eventually diving.
Day at leisure.
 

Day at leisure.

 

City tour in Tulear and visit of the local market.

Fly back to Antananarivo.

Trip notes

Plan trip to Madagascar

Departure

Any day

Trip planning

Period

Whole year round

Madagascar best transportations

Transportation

4WD - Motorboat - Domestic flights

Accommodation in Madagascar

Accommodation

Hotels - Lodges

Madagascar plan

City of departure

Antananarivo, the Capital city.

Leisurely hike in Madagascar

Ease of access

medium

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