Description
Day 1: London - Madagascar
Fly overnight to Nairobi with Virgin Atlantic.
Day 2: Antananarivo
Take an onward Air Madagascar flight to Antananarivo, the lively Malagasy capital in the central highlands. You'll be met at the airport by an English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel to rest up in readiness for your adventure. Overnight at Relais des Plateaux Hotel.
Day 3: Antsirabe
After a tasty breakfast, you'll enjoy a 2-hour journey through scenic countryside to the lively highland town of Antsirabe. En route you'll stop for coffee alfresco at Au Rendez-vous des Pecheurs, in the charming town of Ambatolampy. The afternoon gives you plenty of time to explore the buzzing highland town of Antsirabe, where you can hail a pousse-pousse (rickshaw) to take you around the main sights. Overnight at Residence Camelia. (B/D)
Day 4: Antsirabe - Ranomafana National Park
Wend your way on a 5-hour journey through some of Madagascar's prettiest, tropical landscapes. En route you will have a welcome break at Ambositra, where you can browse stalls and perhaps buy an intricate wood carving, for which the town is famous, before arriving in the picturesque Ranomafana National Park. There are several half-day walks on offer around the wildlife-rich rainforest. You'll see the lively white-water rapids of River Namorona and visit the Belle Vue feeding station to see ring-tailed lemurs, mongooses and brown mouse lemurs. Overnight at Hotel Centre Est. (B/D)
Day 5: Isalo National Park
Today your journey takes you through some of the island's most dramatic scenery, including dense rainforest, rice paddies and the unexpected wineries of the Tana district, passing through renowned estates such as Clos Malaza and Betsileo. En route you'll stop at Ambalavao, where you can buy ornate silks and visit the paper factory. You'll then visit the community tourism site at Anja where a guide will take you to see their adorable ring-tailed lemurs. You might also see tiny chameleons and Réunion harrier birds, before arriving at the 81,540-hectare Isalo. Look out for the park's impressive sandstone gorges and canyons. Overnight at Relais de la Reine. (B/D)
Days 6-7: Isalo - Ifaty Beach
Passing through the Wild West-like mining towns of Ilakaka and Sakaraha, where sparkling sapphires have been mined for years, your bumpy 3-hour trip takes you to the elaborately decorated tombs of the Mahafaly and Antandroy tribes, through spiny forests, before arriving at this beautiful beach retreat. The following day you'll be up early to explore Reniala Private Reserve where a guided walk reveals some spectacular plant and bird life. 2 nights at the Paradisier Hotel. (B/D)
Day 7: Tulear - Antananarivo
Today you'll transfer to Tulear to connect with your flight to Antananarivo. From there you'll be transferred to your accommodation for your last night in Madagascar at the Palissandre Hotel. (B)
Days 8-12 or 14: Tsarabanjina or Mauritius
Today you will take a short flight to Nosy Be where you will transfer by road and boat to Tsarabanjina for 4 nights, an exclusive and secluded resort on a private island. After 4 nights and 3 full days at glorious leisure, you will return to the UK via Johannesburg with South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic. (B/L/D)
Alternatively, you can choose to fly to Mauritius for a 6-night break at Merville Beach. Located on a stunning beach and just a short walk from bustling Grand Baie, the hotel offers the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind after your Madagascan adventure! Your return flight to the UK will be direct with Virgin Atlantic on day 14. (B/D)
Departs: Every Tue from London Heathrow.