Wild Madagascar

Wild Madagascar Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Destination: Madagascar
Programmes: Wildlife
Activity Level:
4 out of 7 - Moderate & Challenging
14 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: WEN

Trip Overview

Venture even deeper into Africa’s wildest island, spotting animals seen nowhere else on the planet

Ready to go wild… really wild? Then join us in Madagascar to explore the east and rarely visited north of the island. Guided by tour leaders expertly tuned to the island’s wildlife, we hike through animal-rich national parks, marvel at tsingy stone forests, and end in the tropical paradise of Nosy Be. Expect oodles of wildlife – bouncing lemurs, camouflaged chameleons and colourful marine life – and an adventure found nowhere else on Earth.

At a Glance

Accommodation: 13 Classic nights (hotels)
Travel by private bus, boat and internal flight
Group normally 4 to 12, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Highlights

Explore the wildest parts of Madagascar with an expert tour leader
Join local guides for wildlife-watching in several national parks
Glide over the serene waters of the Canal des Pangalanes
Marvel at the iconic tsingy stone forests
Snorkel with green turtles and, in season, observe whale sharks
Finish the adventure on the tropical island of Nosy Be

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging) with a Wildlife Rating of Three. For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Madagascar is a rewarding destination with a wealth of flora and fauna; however, before you decide to travel, we would like to highlight the following considerations:

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world and the infrastructure reflects this.
Travelling by vehicle in Madagascar can be uncomfortable as road conditions are far worse than in Europe and North America. Expect many narrow, winding and uneven sections of road. Roads away from the population hubs and main routes are generally unpaved dirt roads, which can be very bumpy.
We do have some longer drives but the diverse scenery more than makes up for time spent on the bus. We break up our road journeys with stops at villages to take photos and stretch our legs.
There are a lot of very early starts and long days on this itinerary.
For the best wildlife viewing opportunities, there are some early starts and tracking the wildlife can involve walking through difficult terrain at a quick pace.
Parts of Madagascar are mountainous. You need to be prepared to walk in hills for up to four hours. The trails are fairly gentle in Andasibe but steeper in all the other national parks.
The tourist infrastructure in Madagascar is new and some services are limited. It is not unusual for there to be changes to accommodation or internal flights and for this reason the order of the itinerary (but not the content) may sometimes change. However, what tourism does exist is of a good standard and you may be impressed by the level of service in some of the places we stay.

This itinerary includes the use of pontoon ferries, which do not (typically) offer emergency safety equipment, such as flotation devices. We have risk assessed these crossings and find them to be low risk. However, if you are concerned about this aspect, please consider an alternative trip as we are unable to facilitate the provision of Western safety equipment.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 12

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Antananarivo
End City: Nosy Be

Land Only Itinerary

Begin your adventure in Antananarivo (Tana to most), the characterful capital of Madagascar.

Around 5pm, say salama (that’s hello in Malagasy) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Madagascan welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Want more time in Tana? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation: Relais des Plateaux (or similar)

Meals included: Dinner

Bid farewell to Tana this morning and transfer (approximately five hours) to Andasibe National Park, also known as Perinet. In the afternoon, we have a forest walk (1hr 30min-2hr) in the community-run Vondron’olona Miaro Mitia Ala Reserve, where we can see several species of lemurs and birds.

The reserve is an untouched paradise for endemic animals and plants. There are groups of indris, which we hope to see in their natural habitat, and their white-headed relatives, the diademed sifakas, which jump between the treetops. For reptiles and amphibian lovers, the reserve is home to countless frogs along the crystal-clear river and several amazing chameleons live in the forest.

Around 5pm to 6pm, we embark on a night walk (around 1hr 30min) with an expert park guide. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of lemurs, nose-horned chameleons and green bright-eyed frogs.

Accommodation: Sahatandra River Lodge (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Dive deeper into the wild wonders of Andasibe today, visiting the Analamazoatra section of the park on a four to five-hour walk. This area is well known for being home to indri, the largest of the lemur family, which we hope to spot with the help of our tour leader and national park guide. We may also spot diademed sifkas, black-and-white-ruffed lemurs, plenty of birdlife and a variety of reptiles and amphibians.

Accommodation: Sahatandra River Lodge (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Begin with a drive (about five hours) to the quaint fishing village of Manambato, where we catch a boat to the reserve of Ankanin’ny Nofy (better known as Le Palmarium Reserve). Our 1hr 30min transfer takes us through the Canal des Pangalanes, a serene network of natural and human-made waterways stretching along Madagascar’s east coast, lined with lush vegetation, traditional villages and vibrant birdlife.

Take the afternoon to explore the reserve at your leisure; before sunset, hop on the boat and make your way to Aye-Aye Island to catch a glimpse of this fascinating lemur. Visitors can observe these animals in semi-free conditions, offering close encounters while maintaining ethical standards. The reserve also shelters vibrant chameleons and rare tropical plants.

Accommodation: Le Palmarium Reserve (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

A day excursion on the canal offers a peaceful, immersive experience: glide through calm waters by motorised canoe, observing daily life along the riverbanks, spotting endemic flora and fauna, and visiting a village where we can enjoy small interactions with the residents. A tour leader and lodge guide illuminate the experience, and we enjoy a packed lunch on the beach (no swimming).

Accommodation: Le Palmarium Reserve (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast, take the boat back to Manambato, then transfer (nine hours) back to Tana. Though it’s a long journey today, there’s lots of magnificent scenery to enjoy through the window, and stops are made to stretch legs and visit markets en route.

We arrive in the late afternoon, with the rest of the day free to relax before our flight tomorrow.

Accommodation: Relais des Plateaux (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We fly to Antsiranana (also known as Diego-Suarez), where we meet our next tour leader and start an exploration of Diego-Suarez Bay.

Upon arrival, meet with your local guide, and start exploring part of Diego-Suarez Bay, the second-largest bay in the world after the Bay of Bengal.

It starts outside the city with a visit to the summit of the French Mountain, where we can enjoy spectacular 360-degree views. We then visit three bays – Baie des Sakalava, Baie des Pigeons, and Baie des Dunes – to enjoy the coastal beauty of the area. We also enjoy a cooked picnic lunch on one of the beaches with the opportunity to take a dip in turquoise waters.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Note: A special baggage transfer will be arranged with the hotel, so you can start your day trip upon arrival at the airport.

Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

One of the great wildlife-watching destinations in Madagascar, Amber Mountain National Park is a haven for unique wildlife, including crowned lemurs, Sanford’s brown lemurs, chameleons and the amazing leaf-tailed geckos.

On a four to five-hour exploration, we walk scenic trails to waterfalls, crater lakes, and panoramic viewpoints, while also enjoying the cool climate and dense rainforest.

Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We drive (four hours) south today to the eastern entrance of Ankarana National Park. Along the way, we take a detour to the red tsingy. It’s an easy one-hour round-trip walk on a well-maintained trail, which takes us to the magnificent red-and-ochre rock formations sculpted by the Irodo River’s erosion.

Accommodation: Ankarana Lodge (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Head into Ankarana National Park this morning, joining our tour leader to explore labyrinthine trails, cross hanging bridges over tsingy, and explore sacred caves with ancient stalactites and underground rivers.

On our three to four-hour exploration, we also look for lumers (crowned, Sandford’s brown and Ankarana sportive), plus plenty of birds and reptiles. The trails are moderate but require good walking shoes.

In the afternoon, we drive (two hours) to our bush camp, Iharana, where we stay in rustic cabanas built from traditional Malagasy materials. The site also offers beautiful views over a nearby tsingy and, with luck on our side, we can enjoy a magnificent sunset.

Accommodation: Iharana Bush Camp (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Explore the tsingy of Iharana this morning, a dramatic collection of limestone pinnacles, chasms and deciduous forests. Here, we embrace our adventurous spirits with the chance to zip-line over karst peaks and, for the more daring, abseil in a cave. More relaxed options include gentle walking trails and a cycling tour.

Accommodation: Iharana Bush Camp (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Take a scenic four-hour drive (viewing lush vegetation, neat villages, and the Tsaratanana massif) to the small fishing village of Ankify.

En route, we stop in Ambanja, the cocoa capital of Madagascar, to visit the open-air market, and tour a cocoa plantation known for producing high-quality cocoa.

After the tour, enjoy a boat transfer (45 minutes) to Nosy Be island, where you are dropped off at your hotel.

Accommodation: Corail Noir (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Spend a day in paradise, starting in the tranquil waters of Nosy Sakatia, affectionately known as the ‘marine green land.’ Here, we enjoy the unforgettable experience of swimming alongside green sea turtles in their natural habitat. In the shallow, protected bays of the island, these gentle creatures glide gracefully through the sea grass beds, undisturbed by your presence.

After, we continue to Nosy Tanikely, one of the most celebrated snorkelling sites in Madagascar. This small island is part of a marine protected area, which help to keep the vibrant coral reefs and marine life healthy.

Dive into clear waters and explore corals teeming with fish, starfish, and perhaps even a curious sea turtle or two, followed by a picnic lunch on the beach.

In October and November, consider joining a marine safari with the Madagascar Whale Shark Project (MWSP) to swim with whale sharks and learn about these gentle sea giants. The day is accompanied by a volunteer from the NGO, and, by taking part, you are helping them to finance their research projects (extra cost applies).

Accommodation: Corail Noir (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

The adventure ends in Nosy Be and we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively, if you’d like more time, please speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

A selection of hotels

We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.

Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Single supplement from USD 1162

Food & Drink

Food standards in Madagascar can vary and are probably not of the same standard you are used to at home. The cuisine has been strongly influenced by the French and a three-course meal should cost 43,000-70,000 ariary (US$10-US$16). A one-course lunch should cost (US$4.40-US$7.60). Please allow approximately 1.4m ariary (US$325) for the meals not included, plus a little more if you enjoy a drink with dinner. Malagasy lager is reasonably priced and easily available. Malagasy wine is also reasonably priced but is not to everyone’s taste. It is sometimes possible to get hold of French or South African wine. Flavoured rums are a delicacy here, and are widely sold at a very reasonable price.

If you do not eat fish or meat, your food options will be limited (ie omelette, cheese, pasta, vegetables and rice). Breakfasts are usually simple: eggs, a baguette, jam and coffee or tea, and sometimes fruit. You may wish to bring something to supplement your morning meal (spread, peanut butter etc).

Transport

Private bus, 4×4, boat and internal flight.

Weather & Seasonality

Madagascar has a tropical climate with two seasons: rainy and dry. The driest season extends from April to October. It can be cold on the central plateau (including Antananarivo) in the evenings, and in the rainforest areas, so bring warm clothes (fleece and waterproof). There is considerable regional variation, but coastal areas are normally very hot and dry. Expect daytime temperatures in the shade up to 38C (100F) from October to December and up to 30C (86F) during the trips running from April to June and September.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Relais des Plateaux, Lot 66 B, Talatamaty
Phone: +261 32 05 678 93
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm.
Airport: Ivato International Airport (TNR)

Getting to the start hotel

We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Catching your return flight

There’s one group transfer to Fascene Airport (NOS), which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.

A day room (available 2pm to 8pm) can be requested if required. This is subject to availability at the time of booking.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Antananarivo
Location end: Nosy Be

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Lightweight clothing, including at least one pair of long trousers (pants) and a long‐sleeved shirt (for protection against mosquitoes and scratchy plants)
Walking boots or training shoes with good tread
Rain jacket (all year round)
Sunscreen
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Torch (flashlight) for wildlife viewing at night and powercuts
Backpack to carry water bottle, camera etc
Swimwear
Mosquito repellent

Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit of 44lb (20kg).

Water included

Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.

Optional Equipment

Warm sweater or fleece jacket (nights can be chilly)
Binoculars
Camera
Earplugs
Walking poles

Please note that tampons are virtually impossible to get hold of in Madagascar.

Due to laws in Madagascar about the dispensing of medicine, the guides are not able to carry any basic medicines should you feel unwell. These include paracetamol, Imodium and aspirin. Although they are available to buy in Madagascar, we advise you to bring them with you from home if you believe you may need them.

Practical Information

Visa

Madagascar

Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Vaccinations and Health

Madagascar

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, polio, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Protection against malaria is essential. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic on the best course of action for all the above. Additionally, dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available; therefore, we recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Please note, if you plan to stay in Madagascar for four weeks or longer, you may be asked to show, when leaving the country, a proof of polio vaccination on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) provided four weeks to one year before departure from Madagascar. Failure to do so may result in a vaccination upon departure.

Bilharzia is known to occur in some of the lakes or rivers visited on this itinerary, we therefore advise all to take advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.

Local Time

Madagascar's time zone: Indian/Antananarivo (UTC +03:00)

Electricity

Madagascar's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and E (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz

Money

Madagascar's currency: Malagasy ariary (MGA)

ATM Availability

ATMs are available in Antananarivo, Moramanga (about 17mi/28km from Andasibe), Diego-Suarez and Nosy Be. Please note: due to frequent electricity cuts, ATMs may not always be available in these towns. You cannot rely on credit cards for payment as they are not widely accepted.

Malagasy ariary can also not be used at Ravinala International Airport, only euros, US dollars (later than 2003) and credit cards are accepted at the airport.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

A Visa or Mastercard can be used to obtain local cash at some banks, but we advise you to bring your spending money in euros or US dollars cash as these are easiest to change to local currency. Bills of €100 or US$100 usually get a better rate than bills of 20 or less. British pounds can only be exchanged at banks at the airport, but even there, they are not always accepted. You can bring a maximum of €7,500 or the corresponding amount in another currency without declaring it on arrival. Above that amount, you have to declare it. Please note, you can import and export a maximum of 400,000 ariary. You cannot rely on credit cards for payment as they are rarely accepted and the ATMs do not always work; American Express or Diners cards are also rarely accepted in Madagascar.

All money should be exchanged at the airport on arrival, as the banks in the provincial towns take a long time to process. Also, the exchange rate at the airport is generally better than in the banks in Antananarivo or other cities.

Optional excursions

For guests arriving before the tour starts, we are happy to propose the following optional activity.

Tana

Tamàna Kitchen: Tamàna Kitchen offers a series of workshops on Madagascan cuisine and spices. Our host, Tsiky, will welcome you to a traditional house in the centre of town, where she will take you on a discovery of fine Madagascan cocoa, arranged rums and typical dishes.

Tipping

Our local staff are paid fairly for their work. You may feel your tour leaders have performed well and want to show your appreciation of their services. If you would like to tip your tour leaders, we suggest approximately 22,000 ariary (US$5) per person per day.

It is also courtesy to tip any extra guides/drivers you may have over the course of the trip, though certainly not compulsory. Shortly after arrival, the tour leader will suggest to the group that they donate a sum of approximately 282,000 ariary (US$65) per person towards a kitty on arrival. This money is then used for tipping local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc and will be distributed by the tour leader.

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.

Important Information

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

Seatbelts

All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.