Madagascar itinerary (7, 10 & 14 days)

Madagascar feels like nowhere else on Earth. Separated from mainland Africa 160 million years ago, it has wildlife you won’t see anywhere else, from lemurs that move in surprising ways to baobab trees that look like they’re upside down. The landscapes change constantly too, from quiet beaches to highlands that feel a little like Scotland, and communities shaped by African, Asian, and French influences.

Getting around this island take,s some planning. Distances are long, roads can be rough, and each region has a very different feel, which makes putting together a Madagascar itinerary a bit tricky. Here are some our favorite ways to see the “eigth continent”.

Want to skip the planning? Rough Guides’ local travel experts can take care of the logistics, from internal flights to remote lodges, so you can focus on your trip to Madagascar. 

Best Madagascar itinerary at a glance

Most visitors to Madagascar choose between 7, 10, or 14-day itineraries. You could spend a few days snorkeling with whale sharks off Nosy Be, walk through spiny forests to see ring-tailed lemurs, or catch the sunrise at the Avenue of the Baobabs. How you get between destinations and how long you stay in each place makes a big difference to what you see and experience.

• 7 days in Madagascar itinerary: If it’s your first trip, a week lets you focus on the main highlights. You could explore Andasibe-Mantadia National Park to see indri lemurs, watch the sun set at the Avenue of the Baobabs, and choose between Tsingy de Bemaraha’s limestone pinnacles or the canyons of Isalo National Park. This schedule gives a sense of Madagascar’s variety without spending too much time on long drives.
• 10 days in Madagascar itinerary: Ten days give more breathing room to see wildlife, landscapes, and local life. You could include Andasibe for lemurs, spend some time in Antananarivo in the highlands, visit Morondava for the baobabs, and decide between the western Tsingy formations or the southern Isalo canyons. This length gives a wider view of Madagascar while still keeping travel manageable.
• 14 days in Madagascar itinerary: Two weeks let you cover multiple ecosystems from rainforest to spiny desert. You could combine the major parks, explore both western and southern routes, spend time in highland villages, and finish with some island-hopping around Nosy Be or Diego Suarez. With this itinerary, you can take in the full range of Madagascar’s landscapes and wildlife at a steady pace.

Travel should be fun, not frustrating. Our Madagascar travel experts can take care of the details.

7 days in Madagascar itinerary

How to plan a trip to Madagascar that's only a week long? This Madagascar itinerary gives you enough time to split your trip between the capital and the rainforest. You’ll get a feel for city life in Antananarivo and then head east to Andasibe to hear the eerie calls of the indri and see lemurs up close. Seven days isn’t enough for the whole island, but it’s a good first trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

You’ll land at Ivato International Airport and head into Tana, as locals call the capital. On the drive in you might just see crowded markets, zebu carts rolling alongside cars, and hillside houses made of red earth. Most travelers stay in Isoraka, a central district with older buildings and plenty of restaurants. In the evening, sit down to your first Malagasy meal. Try ravitoto, a hearty dish of cassava leaves and pork. Since the city is about 4,200 feet (1,280 meters) above sea level, take it easy your first night to get used to the elevation.

Insider tip: Change money at the airport bureau for better rates than hotels. Grab a local SIM card here too, it’ll save you money on data.

Day 2: Antananarivo to Andasibe

Travel time: It’s a three to four hour drive along Route Nationale 2. Most people hire a driver or go with a tour.

Heading east, you’ll cross the highlands where rice fields terrace the hills and red-brick houses line the road. Peyrieras Nature Farm is an easy stop along the way. You’ll see panther chameleons shifting colors, leaf-tailed geckos blending into bark, and the bright red tomato frog.

After lunch in Moramanga, a town tied to the 1947 Rebellion, continue to Andasibe. Once it’s dark, go on a night walk with a guide. Mouse lemurs with huge eyes dart through the trees, chameleons sleep on low branches, and if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of a fosa moving silently through the undergrowth.

Insider tip: A headlamp with a red filter helps you see animals at night without disturbing them.

Day 3: Analamazaotra Special Reserve

Wake up to the sound of indri lemurs calling through the forest. This is the best place to see these large, black-and-white lemurs with a cry that carries for miles. A local guide will help you find other species too, like brown lemurs grooming, bamboo lemurs feeding, and woolly lemurs curled into tree forks.

The reserve is also home to over a hundred bird species, so keep an eye out for the velvet asity, blue coua, and paradise flycatcher. After lunch at Feon’ny Ala Hotel, head to Lemur Island at Vakona Lodge. The lemurs here are used to people, and you’ll see them leaping around branches just a few feet away.

Insider tip:  The rainforest often gets sudden showers, even in dry season. A lightweight rain jacket will come in handy.
 

Day 4: VOIMA forest & cultural village

In the morning you head into VOIMA forest, a reserve cared for by the local community. Book a guide from the Betsimisaraka people show you how they use the forest for food and medicine without harming the lemurs that live there. You’ll see plants still used in healing today, like the rosy periwinkle that ended up changing modern cancer treatment.

Later, visit Ambodiriana village, just a 10‑minute walk from the forest entrance. Meals are cooked over open fires, and you can try romazava, a zebu and greens stew, or vary sosoa, a simple rice porridge. In the evening, the village hosts a hira gasy performance with music, dance, and storytelling.

Insider tip: Try the local rum, toaka gasy, but don’t do it on an empty stomach.

Day 5: Antananarivo

Travel time: 3–4 hours by car

Before leaving Andasibe, take one last forest walk. It’s a good chance to see anything you missed earlier, like a leaf-tailed gecko blending into bark or the tiny Goodman's mouse lemur, which was only identified in 2005. Back in the village, stop by the craft market. You’ll find wood carvings of lemurs and chameleons, along with raffia baskets made by local women’s cooperatives.

On the drive back, stop at Mandraka Park. The botanical gardens here are filled with native plants and clouds of butterflies. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the comet moth, a huge yellow silk moth with long trailing tails.

The drive along Route National 2 takes you through farmland and eucalyptus forests before climbing into the highlands

Insider's tip: Leaving after lunch usually avoids the worst of Antananarivo’s traffic.
 

Day 6: Antananarivo

Start day 6 of this Madagascar itinerary with Ambohimanga, a sacred hill and UNESCO site where Merina kings once ruled. You’ll see wooden palaces, blue-painted gates, and sacred trees still visited today. From there head to the Rova palace. It was badly damaged by fire in the 1990s, but the hilltop setting gives you some of the best city views.

Back downtown, Analakely Market is busy and full of scents from vanilla, cloves, and peppercorns. You’ll also find herbs, jewelry, and semi-precious stones. If you want to see fossas and different lemur species, Tsimbazaza Zoo is a good stop. Along Independence Avenue, grab a slice of koba from a vendor. It’s a dense cake made with peanuts and rice flour, wrapped in banana leaves.

Insider's tip: Use official guides at historic sites. They’ll explain inscriptions and local taboos that aren’t obvious at first glance.

Day 7: Final day

Spend your last morning of this Madagarcar itinerary at Lemurs’ Park, about 14 miles (22 km) from the city. Nine species live here, and it’s one of the easiest places to watch them up close. Ring-tailed lemurs like to warm themselves in the sun with arms stretched wide, while sifakas cross open ground with their sideways jump.

Afterward you can stop at the Antaimoro paper workshop to see how bark from the avoha tree is turned into handmade paper decorated with flowers. If you want more context on Malagasy traditions, the Museum of Art and Archaeology has carved wooden burial posts and exhibits on ancestor worship.

For last-minute shopping, Independence Avenue is lined with stalls selling vanilla, embroidered linens, and even sapphires.

Discover the easiest way to travel with itineraries created by local travel experts.
 

10 days in Madagascar itinerary

A 10 day Madagascar travel itinerary is enough to give you a real taste of the island. You’ll move from the highlands through rainforest to the coast, with plenty of time to see lemurs, reptiles, and day-to-day Malagasy life. This itinerary moves at a brisk pace, and extra days could be added if you wanted more down time.

Day 1: Antananarivo

You’ll start this Madagascar itinerary in Antananarivo, or Tana as everyone calls it. The drive from the airport takes you past markets, traffic, and hillside neighborhoods before you reach the city center.

Independence Avenue is a good place to stretch your legs and get a feel for the place. Grab a mofo gasy, those little rice cakes cooked on street griddles, and check out the Analakely Market for crafts and everyday goods. From different points in the city, you can see the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, a reminder of the Merina kingdom that still shapes Malagasy culture.

Day 2: Antananarivo to Andasibe

Travel time: About 4 hours by car. The road is winding, and you’ll want a local driver who knows the curves.

It’s about four hours east to Andasibe. The road takes you through rice fields and villages where zebu cattle wander along the edges.

Stop at Madagascar Exotic, also called Réserve Peyriéras, to see reptiles up close. Leaf-tailed geckos, Parson’s chameleons, and a few relocated lemurs will give you a first look at Madagascar’s wildlife. By afternoon you’ll reach Andasibe. In the evening, head out with a torch at Vakona’s private reserve to catch the eye shine of mouse lemurs and hear the frogs start up around you.

Insider's tip: Pack a light jacket. Andasibe is cooler than you might expect, and showers roll in quickly.

Day 3: Andasibe

For day three of this Madagascar itinerary, you’ll spend the morning in Analamazaotra Reserve. The calls of indri lemurs carry across the forest and help guides track them.

You’ll likely see bamboo lemurs too, and bright green day geckos on tree trunks. In the afternoon, check out Mitsinjo Reserve, which is community-run and has slightly different habitats. You might spot raptors overhead or paradise flycatchers in the trees. After dark, head out again with a guide. The night walk is when you’ll see mouse lemurs, camouflaged geckos, and other creatures that only come alive after sunset.

Day 4: Andasibe to Akanin'ny Nofy

Travel time: About 3 hours by road plus 1 hour by boat. The last bit of road can be rough, lodges usually arrange the transfer,

On day four of this 10 day Madagasacar travel itinerary, you’ll start by driving further east. The scenery will shift from rainforest to coffee and fruit plantations. You’ll pass beans drying on mats and roadside stalls stacked with lychees and bananas. From Manambato, a one-hour boat ride takes you through narrow channels lined with palms and small fishing villages. The trip ends at Akanin’ny Nofy, a quiet peninsula on Lake Ampitabe with the sound of the ocean just beyond.

Insider's tip: Keep your camera gear in a waterproof bag. Afternoon rain can make the lake crossing bumpy.
 

Day 5: Akanin'ny Nofy

Spend the morning of day 5 in Palmarium Reserve. You’ll see orchids, pitcher plants, and the traveler’s palm with its giant fan of leaves. Lemurs are a highlight here. Black-and-white ruffed lemurs and crowned lemurs are used to people and sometimes come in close. In the evening, take a short boat ride to Aye-Aye Island. These nocturnal lemurs are strange and fascinating to watch as they tap along tree trunks to find grubs.

Insider's tip: Bring a red-filtered flashlight. It lets you watch aye-ayes without disturbing them.

Day 6: Akanin'ny Nofy to Toamasina

Travel time: 3 hours by boat plus 1 hour by road

You’ll leave Akanin'ny Nofy by boat and follow the Canal des Pangalanes, a 400-mile (645 km) chain of lakes and man-made channels that link villages along Madagascar’s east coast. Along the way you’ll pass pirogues carrying charcoal, chickens, and everyday goods, with stilted Betsimisaraka villages built close to the water.

Some boats stop at spice plantations, where you can see how vanilla is hand-pollinated and cured. The trip ends at Toamasina’s river port, where the atmosphere shifts quickly into the city. Wide boulevards, colonial buildings like Hotel Joffre, and the activity of Madagascar’s biggest port greet you as you arrive.

Day 7: Toamasina to Île Sainte Marie

Travel time: 45-minute flight

On day seven of this Madagascar itinerary, you’ll board a short flight to take you from Toamasina to Île Sainte Marie. From the air you’ll get great views of the reefs before touching down at the island’s small airport.

The drive south runs along the only paved road, lined with coconut plantations, small villages, and long stretches of sand. Ambodifotatra, the main town, is home to a pirate cemetery where weathered headstones mark the graves of 17th-century buccaneers. End the day at Pointe à Larrée lighthouse. It’s a simple spot for watching the sun set, and if you’re here between July and September you might see whales offshore.

Insider’s tip: Flights use small planes with strict baggage limits. Leaving extra bags in Toamasina makes the trip easier.

Day 8: Île Sainte Marie

If you’re here during whale season, head out early for a boat trip. Mothers and calves come close to shore, and sometimes you’ll hear the males singing through the hull. Later, take a pirogue to Îlot Madame, where the reefs are alive with parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels, and the occasional turtle surfacing nearby.

In the afternoon, visit vanilla and clove plantations to see how both crops are grown and prepared. The Betsimisaraka community often shares traditions too, from fishing methods to palm wine and stories about navigating by stars and winds.

Day 9: Île Sainte Marie

Start day nine of this Madagascar itinerary with a walk to the Piscine Naturelle, a rock pool formed by centuries of wave action. The trail winds through pandanus trees where fruit bats roost before opening to the pools.

If you want more walking, Forêt d’Ambohidena is one of the last stands of primary forest here, with orchids high in the canopy and paradise flycatchers darting between tamarind trees. In the afternoon, grab a kayak and paddle the east coast.

Quiet coves open up along the way, and dolphins sometimes come close to shore. Dinner at Baie d’Ampanihy usually means lobster or octopus, with sega musicians playing in the background.

Insider’s tip: Bring reef shoes if you plan to poke around tidal pools. Sea urchins like to wedge themselves in the rocks.

Day 10: Île Sainte Marie to Antananarivo

Travel time: 1.5-hour flight

Spend your last morning at Ambodifotatra’s market. It’s a good place to pick up wood carvings, woven lamba textiles, and fresh vanilla. The short flight back to Antananarivo gives you one more look at Madagascar’s coastline before the highlands come back into view. For your final evening, try romazava, the national dish made with zebu and local greens. It’s a fitting end to the trip.

Take the guesswork out of travel with itineraries from local travel experts.

14 days in Madagascar itinerary

A two weeks in Madagascar gives you enough time to get close to wildlife, spend days in the rainforest, and still connect with local culture without feeling rushed. This is the most popular amount of time that most travelers spend in Madagascar.

Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

You’ll start in the capital, Antananarivo, usually called Tana. After landing at Ivato International Airport, make your way into the city, which sits at about 4,200 feet (1,280m). In the evening, walk along Avenue de l’Indépendance. Colonial-era buildings line the street, vendors are out selling vanilla, gemstones, and street food, like zebu steak with vary sosoa (rice and sides). The city feels busy and chaotic, but the greetings are warm.

Day 2: Antananarivo to Andasibe-Mantadia

Travel time: 3 to 4 hours by road

Head east on the RN2 toward Andasibe. The road winds past rice fields and villages built from red clay bricks. Most people arrange a driver or private transfer. Stop at Mandraka Park for a first look at some of Madagascar’s wildlife.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is your goal today. The cool, misty forest makes it a prime place for lemurs. Guides know the trails inside out and explain how the park is managed. In the evening, you’ll get a short briefing to set you up for tomorrow’s trek.

Insider tip: Bring warm layers. Nights in the highlands are colder than you’d expect.

Day 3: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

At dawn, you’ll hear the calls of the indri lemurs echoing through the trees. They’re the largest lemurs in Madagascar, and their voices carry for miles. A guided walk in Analamazaotra Reserve helps you track family groups while learning about their lives. In the afternoon, head into Mantadia, where you might see diademed sifakas leaping sideways between trees, woolly lemurs resting, and paradise flycatchers flashing through the canopy.

Insider tip: Binoculars are essential here. Most lemurs stay high in the trees.

Day 4: Second day in Andasibe

Spend the morning on Lemur Island, a sanctuary for rescued animals. Ring-tailed and brown lemurs are curious and often come close, showing the impact of conservation projects. In the afternoon, head to Analamazaotra village to browse the market. You’ll find woven baskets, honey, and plants used for medicine. After dark, join a night walk. This is when you’ll see mouse lemurs darting around, leaf-tailed geckos blending perfectly into bark, and chameleons sleeping on branches.

Insider tip: A red-light flashlight or app is best for night walks.
 

Day 5: Andasibe to Antananarivo

Travel time: 3 to 4 hours by road

On the way back to Tana, stop at Peyrieras Reptile Reserve. Here you’ll find everything from thumb-sized Brookesia chameleons to brightly colored panther chameleons.

Once back in the city, head up to the Haute-Ville to see palaces and old colonial houses that tell the story of the Merina kingdom. End the day at Analakely Market. It’s full of spices, fabrics, and snacks like koba, a sweet rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, along with tropical fruits such as rambutan and lychee.

Insider tip: You can bargain at the market, but remember that buying from craftspeople directly helps keep traditional work going and supports families.

Day 6: Travel to Antsirabe

Travel time: 3 hours by road

Heading south on the RN7, you’ll pass rice terraces carved into the hills and small villages built from red clay. Most locals use taxi-brousse minibuses, but hiring a private car makes it easier to stop along the way. In Ambatolampy, you can see how recycled aluminum is still turned into cooking pots by hand.

Antsirabe is known for its hot springs. The wide avenues here date back to colonial times and today they’re filled with colorful pousse-pousse rickshaws. Just outside the city, crater lakes Andraikiba and Tritriva shine green against the hills, with family tombs dotted around the shore. Ending the day with a soak in the springs is a good way to ease into the next stretch of travel.

Insider tip: Take a pousse-pousse ride around town. It’s a fun way to see the city while supporting families who rely on this work.
 

Day 7: Antsirabe to Ranomafana

Travel time: 4–5 hours by road

The road winds through the mountains before dropping into rainforest. Stop in Ambositra if you can. It’s the center of Zafimaniry woodcarving, where artisans make intricate boxes and furniture from local hardwoods.

Ranomafana village runs along the Namorona River. The name means “hot water” in Malagasy, and you’ll see why when you find the natural springs. Most people head there in the evening, which is a great way to relax before the early morning walks in the park.

Insider tip: Weeknights are quieter at the springs, so you’ll have more space to yourself than on weekends.

Day 8: Ranomafana National Park

The rainforest here is packed with wildlife. Guides will take you looking for lemurs, including the golden bamboo lemur that survives on shoots toxic to most other animals. You’ll probably also see red-bellied and greater bamboo lemurs, and if you’re lucky, the ground roller with its flashes of blue and green. Raptors circle above the canopy, while chameleons and geckos hide in the undergrowth. Afternoon hikes often end at the Namorona waterfalls, which cut through the forest in a series of cascades.

Insider tip: Stick to dark clothing. You’ll blend in better and have a higher chance of close encounters with lemurs.
 

Day 9: Second day at Ranomafana

A second day gives you time to focus on birdlife. The yellow-bellied sunbird-asity, with its curved bill, feeds from flowers, and you might spot harder-to-find species like the flufftail or mesite. The Centre ValBio research station is worth a visit to see ongoing conservation work. You can also book a guide to the nearby Tanala villages, where families have lived with the forest for generations, growing crops and using medicinal plants while keeping the forest intact.

Day 10: Ranomafana to Fianarantsoa

Travel time: 1.5–2 hours by road

The short drive takes you back into the highlands, where vineyards line the hillsides. Fianarantsoa means “place where good is learned,” and the city has a long history as a center for schools and churches.

The old Haute-Ville looks down over the modern town below. You’ll find colonial-era churches, brick houses with wooden balconies, and narrow streets that feel a world away from the rainforest you just left. This is also Madagascar’s wine region. Local producers make reds from French grape varieties, which pair well with a zebu steak dinner.

Insider's tip:  Skip tourist restaurants and try the small tavernas. You’ll get more authentic wines.
 

Day 11: FCE Train to Manakara

Travel time: 8–12 hours by train

Taking the Fianarantsoa-Côte Est railway is less about getting somewhere quickly and more about watching the country change in front of you.

The train rolls along a 1930s line, crossing bridges and slipping through tunnels cut into the hills. It stops at small stations like Sahambavy and Tolongoina, where whole villages show up to sell bananas, pineapples, coffee, and handmade baskets through the windows. You start in cool highland forest, but by the time you get close to the coast, the scenery has shifted to coconut groves and rice paddies. It is a full day’s ride, so settle in and enjoy the slow pace.

Insider's tip: Grab a seat on the right side for the best views of waterfalls and rainforest on the way down.

Day 12: Manakara to Antananarivo

Spend the morning of day 12 of this two week Madagascar itinerary getting a feel for Manakara. The Pangalanes Canal runs right into the Indian Ocean here, so you will see dugout canoes being used to fish and move goods.

The beaches stretch out in both directions, lined with palms, and in town you will see women weaving palm hats while fishermen work on their nets. In the afternoon, you fly back to Antananarivo. From the air you really see the contrasts, from flat coastal plains to thick rainforest to the highland plateau. By evening, you are back in the capital with time to regroup.

Day 13: Antananarivo area

If you want to see lemurs one more time before leaving, head out to Lemurs’ Park. It is easy to reach from the city, and you will spot ring-tailed lemurs stretched out in the sun, ruffed lemurs calling from the trees, and sifakas leaping across branches.

In the afternoon, check out Analakely Market for last souvenirs like vanilla, spices, or raffia textiles. The Museum of Art and Archaeology nearby gives you a look at objects from different kingdoms and traditions, a reminder of how diverse the island really is. In the evening, you can sit down to a farewell meal while watching hira gasy, a traditional mix of music, dance, and storytelling.

Insider's tip: Buy vanilla directly from spice sellers at the market for fresher quality and better prices than you will find abroad.

Day 14: Departure

Spend your last morning at the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga. Once the seat of the Merina kingdom, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and still holds spiritual importance.

Walking through the royal structures gives you a sense of the island’s history, and the views stretch far across the highlands. Before heading to the airport, you may want to pick up final souvenirs.

Insider's tip:  Keep your receipts for vanilla and stones handy in case customs asks where they were bought.
 

Personalize your Madagascar travel itinerary

Madagascar is large and diverse, and having local knowledge helps make the most of your time. Rough Guides' local experts understand that everyone travels differently. You might be a birder wanting to see all five endemic families, a photographer aiming for the right light on a baobab, or a family planning lemur encounters that are engaging but not exhausting.

Our local travel experts create routes based on your interests, fitness level, and travel style. They handle park permits, arrange lodges months ahead, and plan internal flights to save time. Private guides can turn a walk through the forest into a deeper look at the plants and animals you pass. Reach out today for a free trip plan.
 

Other Madagascar travel itineraries

Madagascar’s landscapes are incredibly varied, so you can shape a trip around rainforests, beaches, or the highlands. You can spend a week exploring the eastern rainforests for lemurs and chameleons, or head west for baobabs, dry deciduous forests, and coastal lagoons. Antananarivo works as a city base if you want markets, local cuisine, and connections to different regions. Here are other ideas for Madagascar itineraries.

Best family Madagascar itinerary

This Madagascar itinerary works well if you’re traveling with kids. You’ll keep the pace comfortable while still seeing plenty of wildlife and culture. This is a great opportunity to see lemurs in the highlands, go snorkeling in clear water, while having enough downtime so no one burns out.

• Days 1 & 2: Antananarivo
  • Start in the capital. The Tsimbazaza Zoo is a good first stop since you can see lemurs and fossas without long hikes. The city markets give you an early look at Malagasy life, and historic landmarks keep things interesting for adults. Plan some pool time at the hotel to help everyone shake off jet lag.
• Days 3 to 8: Nosy Be Island
  • Fly north to Nosy Be and slow things down. Kids can spend hours on the beach while you head out snorkeling or join a boat trip. Nosy Komba is where you’ll find semi-wild lemurs, and Nosy Tanikely Reserve is the go-to for colorful marine life. Evenings are relaxed with easy meals, sunsets, and sometimes cultural shows.
• Days 9 to 11: Highlands
  • Back on the mainland, head to Andasibe National Park. The Indri lemurs are the big draw here, and hearing their calls is unforgettable. If you want something easier for kids, stop at Lemurs’ Park near the capital where they can feed ring-tailed lemurs in a safe environment. It balances wild experiences with activities that work well for families.
• Days 12 to 14: Cultural experiences
  • End the trip with cultural experiences. School visits, craft workshops, and traditional music performances give you and the kids a sense of daily life here. Before flying home from Antananarivo, pick up some vanilla or locally made crafts. It is a slower close to the trip and a good way to head out on a high note.
     

Best Madagascar honeymoon itinerary

This two-week trip takes you through some of Madagascar’s most romantic places, with plenty of time for wildlife, beaches, and downtime. You’ll start in the highlands, head into the rainforest, then finish with a stretch on the coast before wrapping up in the capital.

• Days 1 to 3: Highlands & thermal springs
  • Start this Madagascar itinerary in Antsirabe, a highland town with hot springs and wide, tree-lined streets. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down after the flight. Take a pousse-pousse ride, walk around the volcanic lakes nearby, and soak in the thermal baths. Staying in one of the colonial houses adds to the atmosphere without feeling too staged.
• Days 4 to 6: Andasibe
  • From there, head east to Andasibe for rainforest hikes. Early mornings are the best time to see the Indri lemurs and hear their calls echoing through the forest. Your guide can set up breakfast under the trees, and evenings usually mean relaxed dinners outside. If you want to wind down, you can book a massage using local plant-based treatments.
• Days 7 to 11: Nosy Be
  • Next up is Nosy Be, where the focus shifts to the beach. Spend your days snorkeling, sailing, or just swimming straight off the sand. Seafood dinners by torchlight are easy to arrange, and one of the best day trips is out to Nosy Iranja. The sandbar connecting the islands is incredible to walk across, and you’ll likely have plenty of it to yourself.
• Days 12 to 14: Antananarivo
  • Wrap things up back in the capital. It’s a good chance to shop for gemstones like sapphires and garnets, have a spa day, or book a table at one of the city’s better restaurants. Before flying home, stop at Lemurs’ Park just outside the city to catch a final look at the wildlife you came to Madagascar for.

Best wildlife Madagascar itinerary

In ten days of this wildlife focused itinerary you’ll see how varied Madagascar really is, from rainforest alive with lemurs to sandstone canyons and a dry coastal plain. You’ll spend your days in national parks, walking trails that change with every region, and your nights close to wildlife you won’t find anywhere else. Along the way you’ll also get a feel for local life in small communities.

• Days 1 to 3: Eastern rainforests
  • You’ll start in the Andasibe region, one of the easiest places to hear Indri lemurs. Their calls carry across the forest at sunrise and stay with you long after. During the day you’ll follow guides into the rainforest to see chameleons and leaf-tailed geckos. After dark, torch-lit night walks give you a chance to watch mouse lemurs and other nocturnal creatures.
• Days 4 to 6: Ranomafana National Park
  • Heading south, you’ll reach Ranomafana, a rainforest that’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is where the golden bamboo lemur was first documented in the 1980s, and it’s still a stronghold for several lemur species. Trails here take you through dripping ferns, orchids, and thick canopy. Between hikes you can visit Tanala villages nearby and see how people live alongside the forest.
• Days 7 & 8: Isalo
  • Next the terrain shifts completely in Isalo National Park. Instead of rainforest you’ll be hiking among sandstone cliffs, dry canyons, and high plateaus. Trails lead to natural pools where you can cool off. It’s also where you’ll likely come across ring-tailed lemurs and sifakas moving through the rocks. If you camp inside the park, you’ll fall asleep to quiet skies and wake to wide horizons.
• Days 9 & 10: Toliara
  • You’ll finish in Toliara on the southwest coast. The Arboretum d’Antsokay is worth a visit, with hundreds of plants that only grow in Madagascar’s dry south. Out by the coast you’ll meet Vezo fishers, known for their seafaring traditions, and keep an eye out for iguanas and chameleons in the dunes. If you head into the baobab groves after dark, you may see nocturnal lemurs making their way between the ancient trees.
     

Madagascar travel itinerary FAQ

Planning a trip to Madagascar means understanding how the island works and what makes it unique. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and the key points to help you make the most of your Madagascar itinerary.

How many days do you need in Madagascar?

Most travelers spend 10-14 days to see the main highlights, though 2-3 weeks allows a more relaxed pace. Madagascar is long, almost 1,000 miles (1,600 km), and travel between destinations can take time.

A week lets you explore one region, for example following the RN7 from Antananarivo to Tulear. Two weeks makes it possible to combine the highlands with the eastern rainforests for lemurs or the western dry forests and Tsingy formations.

What is the best time to visit Madagascar?

April to November generally has the most manageable conditions and is generally the best time to visit Madagascar. The dry season from May to October brings cooler temperatures in the highlands (60-75°F / 16-24°C) and very little rain.

Coastal areas are warm all year but can become very humid from December to March during the cyclone season.

Which season gives me the best animal viewing?

September to November is the main period for wildlife activity. Many lemurs give birth, making them more active and easier to see, with baby lemurs appearing in October and November.

Chameleons are brighter and easier to notice in the warmer months. Birdwatching is best from October to December when migratory birds arrive and residents breed.

Marine life varies by region. Humpback whales pass Île Sainte-Marie from July to September, and whale sharks are near Nosy Be from October to December.

How do you get around Madagascar?

Travel can be slow, so patience helps. Most visitors use a combination of flights, private cars, and local transport. Air Madagascar connects major cities but schedules often change.

Renting a car with a driver is the most reliable way to reach parks and remote areas and usually costs $50-100 per day plus fuel. Taxi-brousses are a cheaper way to travel and give a local perspective but they are crowded and run on irregular schedules. The RN7 is paved, but many other roads vary in quality and some require a 4x4.

Should I fly domestically or drive everywhere?

A mix usually works best. Flights save a lot of time on long distances. Driving from Antananarivo to Morondava takes more than 16 hours, but a flight takes about an hour.

Driving, however, shows the countryside and lets you stop at markets or viewpoints along the way. The RN7 road trip from Antananarivo to Tulear is typically done over 3-4 days with stops at Ranomafana and Isalo parks. For longer trips, fly to distant regions and explore locally by car.

Is it worth the long drive to reach remote parks?

Remote parks usually have more unique landscapes and wildlife. Tsingy de Bemaraha is 8-10 hours from Morondava, with sharp limestone pinnacles and unusual animals. Masoala Peninsula combines rainforest and coral reefs but needs both road and boat travel.

Ankarana is 2-3 hours from Diego Suarez on rough roads and has dramatic tsingy formations and caves. These areas have fewer visitors and give closer wildlife encounters and cultural experiences. If time is limited, parks like Andasibe-Mantadia, just three hours from Antananarivo, still have a lot of wildlife to see.

How much does a trip to Madagascar cost?

Costs vary widely. Backpackers can manage on around $180 per day, mid-range travelers usually spend $280 per day including accommodation, meals, and transport. Park fees are $10-25, guides $15-30 per day. Domestic flights range from $100-300 per segment. Hiring a car with driver is $50-100 daily plus fuel. Taxi-brousses handle long journeys for $5-15. Package tours simplify travel but cost $400+ per person per day. Madagascar is moderately expensive compared with mainland Africa due to its remote location and limited infrastructure.

Avenue of Baobabs vs. other baobab locations: which is worth it?

The Avenue of Baobabs near Morondava is the most visited and particularly striking at sunset. About 25 Grandidier’s baobabs line a dirt road, creating a dramatic landscape. It can get busy at sunset and there are no other attractions nearby.

Alternatives give different perspectives. Baobab Amoureux has two trees that have grown together with a local legend, and Kirindy Forest combines baobabs with wildlife like fossas. The Baobab Forest near Morondava lets you walk among scattered trees more quietly. The Avenue’s ease of access and scenery make it a main destination for many travelers.

Should I focus on just the highlands or include coastal areas?

Both regions are worth seeing if time allows. The highlands are cooler and have cultural sites like royal palaces and parks such as Ranomafana with dense forests. Coastal areas include beaches, marine life, and ecosystems that differ from the highlands.

The east coast has rainforests meeting the ocean, and the west has dry forests. Wildlife differs: bamboo lemurs and cloud forest species are mostly in the highlands, while the coast has whales, coral reefs, and other lemur species. With two weeks, you can see both. Shorter trips may focus on the highlands for simpler travel and concentrated attractions along the RN7 route.

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