Trip details
Discover the extraordinary diversity of Madagascar on this immersive 13-day journey combining idyllic tropical islands, lush rainforest reserves and the dramatic landscapes of the south. From the turquoise waters and relaxed charm of Nosy Komba to unforgettable encounters with lemurs in Andasibe and the unique spiny forests of Ifotaka, this itinerary offers a wonderful balance of wildlife, culture and relaxation. Guests will experience Madagascar’s remarkable biodiversity, vibrant local traditions and spectacular scenery while staying in a collection of carefully selected lodges and camps throughout the journey.
Day 01: Arrival & Island Transfer
- Arrival: Land at Fascene Airport in Nosy Be.
- Transfer: Road transfer to Hell-City followed by a boat transfer to Nosy Komba.
- Activities: Check into Time and Tide Tsara Komba and spend the afternoon unwinding or using complimentary beach and water sports gear.
Day 02: Tropical Island Exploration
- Activities: Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax on private beaches or book optional activities like pirogue tours, diving, and village visits.
- Stay: Time and Tide Tsara Komba, Nosy Be.
Day 03: Reef & Reserve Discovery
- Activities: Choose from optional excursions such as snorkeling around Nosy Tanikely or taking a guided wildlife walk through Lokobe Reserve.
- Stay: Time and Tide Tsara Komba, Nosy Be.
Day 04: Island Leisure & Sunset Views
- Activities: Spend your final full day on Nosy Komba relaxing, enjoying water sports, or catching the sunset from Mont Passot.
- Stay: Time and Tide Tsara Komba, Nosy Be.
Day 05: Flight to Antananarivo
- Journey: Scenic road transfer east to Andasibe through highland villages, rice fields, and waterfalls.
- Night Walk: Guided evening walk after 19:00 to search for nocturnal lemurs, chameleons, and other night wildlife.
- Stay: Mantadia Lodge, Andasibe.
Day 06: Scenic Drive to Andasibe & Night Walk
- Leisure: A full day of relaxation at the coast—options include poolside lounging, beach strolls, or a bay cruise.
- Stay: Côte Ouest Palissandre, Morondava.
Day 07: Rainforest Reserves & Lemur Trekking
- Morning Trek: Guided walk through Andasibe Special Reserve to search for the Indri Indri (largest lemur species) and visit the Orchid Garden.
- Afternoon Trek: Visit V.O.I.M.M.A. Community Reserve to observe brown lemurs, chameleons, and geckos while supporting local conservation.
- Stay: Mantadia Lodge, Andasibe.
Day 08: Return to Antananarivo & City Tour
- En Route: Drive back to Antananarivo with a stop at the Reptile & Butterfly Farm.
- City Tour: Take a short orientation tour of the historic capital (“City of Thousands”).
- Stay: Palissandre Hotel and Spa, Antananarivo.
Day 09: Flight to Fort Dauphin & Spiny Forest Night Walk
- Travel: Flight to Fort Dauphin followed by a 3-hour drive west through sisal plantations to Mandrare Valley.
- Night Walk: Evening walk in Analoalo or Ambovo Forest to observe mouse lemurs, sleeping birds, and active nocturnal species.
- Stay: Mandrare River Camp, Mandrare Valley.
Day 10: Sacred Gallery Forest & Antandroy Traditions
- Morning Walk: Cross the Mandrare River to explore the sacred Gallery Forest for birdwatching and lemur spotting.
- Afternoon Exploration: Guided walk through the hallowed Spiny Forest to view ancestral Antandroy tombs, followed by riverbank sundowners.
- Stay: Mandrare River Camp, Mandrare Valley.
Day 11: Octopus Trees, Baobabs & Tribal Culture
- Morning Walk & Culture: Early walk among octopus trees, followed by visits to the local market and an Antandroy village.
- Evening Highlights: Sunset drinks among giant baobabs, followed by a potential live performance of traditional Antandroy music and dance.
- Stay: Mandrare River Camp, Mandrare Valley.
Day 12: Coastal Transfer to Fort Dauphin
- Transfer: 3-hour drive back to the coast at Fort Dauphin.
- Leisure: Spend the afternoon relaxing at Libanona Beach or lounging by the hotel pool overlooking the bay.
- Stay: The Talinjoo Hotel, Fort Dauphin.
Day 13: Onward Departure
- Transfer: Fly from Fort Dauphin to Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo to catch your onward departure flight home.
TRip highlights
- Tropical Island Relaxation on Nosy Komba (Days 1–4) Four nights at the luxurious Time and Tide Tsara Komba eco-lodge offer an ideal island escape, featuring pristine private beaches, forest-to-reef excursions, and snorkeling opportunities in the crystal-clear waters of the Nosy Be Archipelago.
- Indri Lemur Encounters in Andasibe Rainforest (Days 6–7) Exploring the lush primary rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia and the community-run V.O.I.M.M.A. Reserve gives you the chance to spot and hear the iconic Indri Indri—the largest lemur species—alongside rare chameleons and nocturnal forest wildlife.
- Cultural & Wilderness Immersion in Mandrare Valley (Days 9–11) Staying along the Mandrare River provides an off-the-beaten-track experience in the otherworldly Spiny Forest. Highlights include walking among ancient octopus trees and baobabs, exploring sacred Antandroy tribal sites, and enjoying traditional music and dance performances at sunset.
What's included
- 12 x Breakfast
- 7 x Lunch
- 7 x Dinner
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary or of similar standard
- Local driver (English Guide additional cost)
- All transport and group transfers in applicable vehicle as per tour itinerary
- Activities and excursions as mentioned
- Specialist local guides in national parks as per programme
- Internal connection flights (pricing subject to fluctuations)
- Park and reserve entrance fees
- Domestic flight package included however, will need to be recalculated at time of booking as flight prices fluctuate
- My support throughout
What's excluded
- English-speaking guide excluded from rate for 1-5 clients
- Flights: International
- Pre and post tour accommodation
- Optional activities
- All drinks & meals not specified in itinerary
- Personal expenses such as visas, travel insurance, curios, laundry, gratuities etc.
RATES 2026
All our itineraries are customisable and rates are seasonal. Current package quoted for travel from 1 Sept to 31 Oct 2026 – We will base your quote on the season you wish to travel and the amount of guests in your group as pricing drops if you have more than 2 joining you. Please reach out to discuss your unique travel plans.
| # | Traveller | Pricing (p.p.s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Traveller One | $9,076 |
| 2 | Traveller Two | $9,076 |
Your total is $18,153.
Deposit – $5,446
Please pay your deposit by 2 Jun 2026 to secure your booking.
Note: This is an example itinerary.
Our journeys are completely customisable and pricing is seasonal and based on family dynamics as well as children's ages - Please contact us to discuss your unique family requirements for an accurate quote.
Get to know your travel specialist
Claire Monson
Driven by a deep love for the continent, I founded Hassle-free Africa to make African travel effortless and deeply personal. Leveraging years of experience and a trusted, on-the-ground network of expert guides and premier lodges, I handle the complex planning so you don't have to. From gorilla trekking in Rwanda to family safaris in Kenya, I design seamless, tailor-made journeys that allow you to simply arrive, switch off, and experience the raw magic of Africa at its absolute best.
