Rock My Southern Madagascar Adventure
14 Nights from £3,295*
Tour Highlights
Join us for an incredible expedition in the south of Madagascar!
Starting in the capital Antananarivo, or ‘Tana’ for short, we’ll make our way to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and Lemur Island, to see some of these incredible creatures.
We’ll then head south to the vibrant cities of Antsirabe & Ambositra, and experience local life in Fianarantsoa & Ambalavao.
We’ll canoe down a lazy river in Ranomafana National Park (and try to spot more lemurs), meet King Julien in the Anja Community Reserve and hike in stunning Isalo National Park (plenty of lemurs here too).
We’ll end the trip by relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Ifaty, where we’ll visit the Reniala Reserve, also known as the ‘Spiny Forest’ where you’ll see ancient baobab trees baobab forest and there will be the options to visit go snorkelling, visit a turtle conservation project and a local Vezo village.
We’ll be accompanied on the trip by a female Malagasy naturalist guide who will tell us all about the history, culture and traditions of Madagascar.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” (African Proverb)
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Lemur Island
Antananarivo
Ranomafana
Anja Reserve
Piscine Naturelle
Isalo National Park
Ifaty
Tour Overview
Tour Dates
-
- 23 September – 7 October 2023 BOOK NOW
- Payment Plan:
- Deposit: £500 (non-refundable)
- 2nd Payment: £2,035 (due 62 days before the departure date).
- 3rd Payment: €700 (local payment, paid on arrival).
- 4th Payment: £150 (approx. – internal flight – booked and paid separately)
What’s Included
- 14 Nights Accommodation
- 14 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 11 Dinners
- Rock My Adventure Group Leader & Local Guides
- Tips for Local Guides (included activities only)
- Comprehensive Pre-Departure Information
- Most In-Country Transport (flight paid separately)
- V.O.I.M.M.A Reserve Hike
- Mitsinjo Reserve Hike
- Lemur Island
- Lake Tritriva Hike
- Pousse Pousse Ride
- Zamfimaniry Woodcarvers
- Ranomafana National Park Forest Walk
- Canoeing on the Andranaroa River
- Fianarantsoa Walking Tour
- Local Market
- Winemakers
- Papermakers
- Silk Producer
- Ambalavao Bike Tour
- Anja Reserve Walk & Ringtail Lemurs
- Window Rock
- Isalo National Park Hike
- Swimming at the Piscine Naturelle (natural pool)
- Arboretum d’Antsokay (botanical garden)
- Tropic of Capricorn Sign
- Reniala Reserve (spiny forest & baobabs)
- Sunset Cruise
Please Note
- Madagascar is generally a difficult and physically demanding place to travel, so please only sign up for this trip if you can handle the odd long/bumpy journey, love adventure, and won’t stress if we have to change things around a little bit. 😊
- There is one internal flight between Toliara and Antananarivo. This must be booked separately. We will give you all the information you need to book this when you book your tour.
“The Rock My Madagascar Adventure was incredible. We saw and experienced so much in such a short space of time. I especially loved Isalo National Park and Ranomafana. Hearing the indris calling in Andasibe was magical too. The trip to Tsingy was a real adventure. The roads are something else, but it was amazing. It was even fun when our car got stuck in a river. Helen was a great group leader, with endless energy and Stella was a wonderful and informative local guide – I feel like we learned a lot about the culture of Madagascar and the all-important ‘Fady’. It was great to travel with a group of like-minded people. Madagascar can be a rough place to travel, but we did it as a team and had SO MUCH FUN. I want to do it all again.”
LAURA / UK / ROCK MY MADAGASCAR ADVENTURE 2022
Itinerary
Day 1: Antananarivo
Arrive in Antananarivo (‘Tana’ for short) and transfer to your accommodation for the night.
Relax and get to know your fellow travellers during a welcome meal! Your Rock My Southern Madagascar Adventure starts here. Welcome to ‘The Red Island’.
* If you have the time and can arrive earlier, we can organise any other activities you wish to do. Additional accommodation and activities charged separately.
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: None
Day 2: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Leaving Tana, we’ll make our way to our hotel on the outskirts of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, which is home to 11 species of lemur, including the largest lemur, the indri, known for its incredible, haunting, and loud calls.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a nature walk in the V.O.I.M.M.A Reserve – which has a variety of lemur species.
V.O.I.M.M.A Reserve is short for ‘Vondron’olona miaro mitia ala’ which means ‘local people love the forest’ and it’s a locally-led and run reserve.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: V.O.I.M.M.A Community Reserve Hike
Day 3: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
We’ll take an early morning walk in Mitsinjo Reserve to look for the indris.
Mitsinjo was where David Attenborough observed and filmed the indri lemurs and to see them in the wild and hear their calls is a magical experience.
In the afternoon we’ll visit Lemur Island where you will have the chance to get up close to these beautiful and sacred creatures.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Mitsinjo Reserve Hike, Lemur Island
Day 4: Antananarivo
After breakfast, we’ll make our way back to the capital, Tana, staying in a great hotel, in the city centre.
The afternoon is free to explore the city, go shopping at the wonderful craft market, take part in a chocolate-making workshop or take a Malagasy cooking lesson (Malagasy food is very delicious).
In the evening, your guide will organise a group meal at the fabulous restaurant at our hotel for those who’d like to join.
Or, if you’d like to do your own thing, you can sample some of the other restaurants in town (we can recommend some great ones).
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: None
Day 5: Antsirabe
From Tana, we’ll drive to the vibrant city of Antsirabe.
In the afternoon, we’ll go on a relatively easy and hike around beautiful, emerald-coloured Lake Tritriva and take a fun pousse-pousse ride through the town.
In the evening we’ll enjoy a group dinner together. There may be some time to explore the town and sample the Malagasy nightlife.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Lake Tritriva Hike, Pousse-Pousse Ride
Day 6: Ranomafana National Park
We’ll then continue to the lush and green Ranomafana National Park, which is home to 12 species of lemur.
The word ‘ranomafana’ means ‘hot water’ in Malagasy, and it is named for the many hot springs found in the area.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Zamfimaniry Woodcarvers
Day 7: Ranomafana National Park
After lunch, we’ll canoe down the beautiful Andranaroa River, which is a super fun experience. Beers optional!
The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the town or visit the public thermal pool, which is a popular recreation and picnic venue for both locals and visitors, so you are welcome to take a dip.
You could also book a relaxing massage at the local spa or visit the ValBio Reserve where you can hear about the conservation work being done in the region.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Ranomafana Forest Hike, Canoeing
Day 8: Ambalavao
After breakfast, we’ll make our way to the historical city of Fianarantsoa, which has stunning views over the surrounding countryside.
Here we’ll take a walk around the city, visiting a local market, before we have a local lunch, so you can get a first-hand insight into Malagasy life and taste the local cuisine.
We’ll then head to the photogenic and picturesque town of Ambalavao, which is surrounded by mountain peaks, rice fields, and vineyards – stopping at a winemakers enroute.
Here you will find the Betsileo people (the ‘invincible ones’) which are the third largest tribe in Madagascar. We’ll also visit traditional paper and silk producers.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Fianarantsoa Walking Tour (market, winemakers), Village Lunch, Silk & Paper Co-operatives
Day 9: Isalo National Park
In the morning, we’ll take a bike tour to get a true feel for the local area (bike tour is optional, if you don’t want to cycle you can go with the bus). We’ll end up at the Anja Reserve where you will have the opportunity to see the ring-tailed lemurs, aka King Julien in the film, ‘Madagascar’.
The lemurs are habituated (used to humans) so you can get relatively close to them. This is an incredible experience that you will love.
We’ll have a picnic at Anja before continuing our epic adventure, heading towards Ranohira, which lies on the outskirts of Isalo National Park, one of the most beautiful places in Madagascar, known for its striking rock formations.
If time permits, we’ll visit Window Rock for sunset (but if not, we’ll visit tomorrow instead).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Bike Tour, Anja Reserve
Day 10: Isalo National Park
Today we’re off on a hike in Isalo National Park which has incredible landscapes and lots of wildlife, including Madagascar’s famous lemurs, as well as reptiles and birds.
We’ll explore the natural pools of Rat Canyon (there may be the opportunity for some wild swimming at the Piscine Naturelle), Maki’s Canyon, and climb to the Namaza Lookout.
In the afternoon there will be time to swim and relax at the hotel before we enjoy a delicious dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Isalo National Park Hike
Day 11: Ifaty
We’ll head towards the coastal town of Ifaty which will be our home for the next 3 nights.
On the way we’ll visit Arboretum d’Antsokay (Botanical Garden) and make a photo stop at the Tropic of Capricorn sign before heading to Ifaty, where the afternoon is free to relax by the pool at our gorgeous hotel.
In the evening we’ll enjoy dinner at the hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Arboretum d’Antsokay, Tropic of Capricorn Sign
Day 12: Ifaty
Today we’ll go on a morning excursion to see the unusual spiny forest and baobab trees at Reserve Reniala near to the village of Ifaty-Mangily.
The spiny forest is one of the most unique habitats on the planet with species found nowhere else on Earth. It hosts more than 2,000 plant species, 95% of which are endemic to this rare habitat including the alien-like octopus trees.
In the reserve, you will come across some of the most spectacular and oldest baobabs in Madagascar as well as many interesting animals and birds.
We’ll also visit a local Vezo village where you can learn first-hand about local life and customs on the coast of Madagascar, which is quite different from the highlands we visit earlier in the trip.
In the evening, your guide will organise a group dinner which you are welcome to join, or feel free to do your own thing!
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Reserve Reniala (Spiny Forest), Vezo Village
Day 13: Ifaty
Today is a free day for you to relax at the hotel pool or on the beach.
However, if you’re feeling more active you may want to use today to explore the local area.
Activities include snorkelling, scuba diving trips or visiting the Tortoise Village (a tortoise conservation project).
In the late afternoon, we’ll take a sunset cruise on the beautiful Mozambique Channel.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Sunset Cruise
Day 14: Antananarivo
The morning is free before we head to the airport for our flights back to Tana.
In the evening we’ll enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner with traditional music and dance.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Traditional Music & Dance Show
Day 15: Departure Day
Today is always a sad day as we say goodbye to our new friends, but the memories and shared experiences of Madagascar will last a lifetime!
If you need any support with your pre or post-tour Africa travels, please don’t hesitate to contact us. It’s all part of the Rock My Adventure service.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: None
- Activities: None
Please bear in mind that the itinerary is subject to minor changes, ‘This is Africa’! But whatever happens, we’ll ensure you have an amazing trip!!
Have a question? Feel free contact us here or take a look at our FAQ’s page.
Essential Info
Dates:
- 23 September – 7 October 2023 BOOK NOW
Start: Antananarivo
Finish: Antananarivo
Maximum Group Size: 10 people
Minimum Age: 18
Total Cost: £3,295
Payment Plan:
- Deposit: £500 (non-refundable)
- 2nd Payment: £2,035 (due 62 days before the departure date)
- 3rd Payment: €700 (local payment, paid on arrival)
- 4th Payment: £150 (approx. – internal flights – paid separately)
Support
- Rock My Adventure Group Leader, comprehensive pre-departure information & planning advice.
- Female Naturalist Guide.
Tips
- Tips for Local Guides (for included activities only).
Meals
- 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 11 dinners.
Accommodation
- 14 nights accommodation in good quality/unique hotels and guesthouses.
Transport
- All transport within Madagascar to and from included excursions and between the main destinations on the tour (includes – taxi, boat, tuk-tuk, bus & minibus).
- Airport transfers.
Activities
- V.O.I.M.M.A Reserve Hike
- Mitsinjo Reserve Hike
- Lemur Island
- Lake Tritriva Hike
- Pousse Pousse Ride
- Zamfimaniry Woodcarvers
- Ranomafana National Park Forest Walk
- Canoeing on the Andranaroa River
- Fianarantsoa Walking Tour
- Local Market
- Winemakers
- Papermakers
- Silk Producer
- Ambalavao Bike Tour
- Anja Reserve Walk & Ringtail Lemurs
- Window Rock
- Isalo National Park Hike
- Swimming at the Piscine Naturelle (natural pool)
- Arboretum d’Antsokay (botanical garden)
- Tropic of Capricorn Sign
- Reniala Reserve (spiny forest & baobabs)
- Sunset Cruise
- International flights.
- Internal flights (approximately £150).
- Visas (if needed).
- Medications, antimalarials or vaccinations.
- Travel/health insurance (required).
- Drinks & meals not mentioned.
- Optional activities.
- Tips for optional excursions and bag handlers.
You will make 3 payments:
- Deposit: Paid in GBP upon booking.
- Balance: The remainder of the GBP balance (minus deposit) paid 62 days before arrival.
- Local Payment: Paid on arrival to your Tour Leader in Africa
The local payment is separate from the initial price you pay prior to the trip. You pay the local payment to your Tour Leader in US Dollars or Euros (trip dependent) upon arrival in Africa.
This includes some of the on tour expenses that we cannot pay prior to arrival, such as national park entry fees, food, local transport and some activities.
Travel insurance is essential for ALL Rock My Adventure trips.
Your health and safety when travelling is of the utmost importance, so it is vital that you have travel insurance policy that covers you for your trip to Africa. Adequate travel insurance is a condition of your contract with us and you will not be able to join a trip without it.
You must be satisfied that your insurance fully covers all your personal requirements including cancellation charges, theft, medical expenses and repatriation in the event of accident or illness.
Your insurance should also cover you for any adventurous activities that you wish to do – this includes the ‘included’ activities on the tour and any ‘optional’ activities.
Please be aware that some hazardous activities such as (but not limited to) white water rafting on grade 5 rapids, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, safari walks, bungee jumping and sky diving may not be covered by all policies, so you may have to take out a higher level of cover.
Medical care is not free in Africa and even the cost of getting to hospital can be super expensive, so you need to be covered in case of a medical emergency, including air ambulance evacuation and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. For example, if your appendix bursts whilst we are in the Serengeti, you will need to be evacuated by helicopter to Nairobi. Without insurance you would need to pay for that out of your own pocket.
If you are bringing along any electrical equipment such as cameras and laptops, you should also ensure your insurance covers those items too. Some policies only have this as an add-on.
If you are travelling to an area that is subject to foreign office warnings, this may void your travel insurance, so you may need to take out an additional policy for the days you are in the danger zones.
Please always read the small print.
Your tour leader will collect your travel insurance details on the first day of your trip, so please have the following information ready for them:
- Name of insurance provider.
- Your policy number.
- The telephone number to call in the event of an emergency.
- Your next of kin name and number.
What are you waiting for?
Have a question? Then contact us using the form below!
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CONTACT INFO
Email: [email protected]
Whatsapp: +447809710257
Address: 353 - 355 Station Road, Bamber Bridge, Preston PR5 6EE
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