Southern escapes: National Parks and Anakao’s coastal charm

Departure for the road towards the South, the RN7. Stop at Ambatolampy, 73km from Antananarivo, to discover the workshops of pots and aluminum kitchen utensils manufacturers. Continuation to Antsirabe. We can admire the beautiful landscapes of the Highlands all along the road : sumptuous valleys, small villages, and rice paddies will fascinate you. Arrival in Antsirabe, the spa town, and the first industrial center of Madagascar. It produces two of the most famous brands of beer in the Island. In the afternoon, visit of the mythical Lake Tritriva, one of the most mysterious places in Madagascar. This ancient crater is a site in which two lovers would have drowned themselves because of their forbidden marriage, and then they reincarnated as intertwined branches with two neighboring trees coming out of a bank rock. Overnight at hotel. Included : Breakfast and Dinner.

Departure towards Ranomafana. All along the road, we will appreciate the beautiful traditional houses, typical of the highlands. Arrival in Ambositra after 2 hours,visit of the most famous Malagasy artisans' workshops ; their know-how in marquetry and woodcarving, listed in the UNESCO cultural heritage, better known as "art zafimaniry", are so sublime that one can leave the city of Ambositra only after buying some of their products as  souvenirs. After the lunch, continuation to Ranomafana. Overnight at the hotel.

Included: Breakfast and Dinner.

In the morning, visit of Ranomafana National Park which is part of the Atsinanana humid forests and therefore, registered in the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO. This tourist site is crossed by 25 rivers and is home to a great diversity of fauna and flora, amongst which is the rare golden hapalemur, an endangered species. In the afternoon, continuation to Fianarantsoa. Visit of this city and its monuments, like some fifty religious edifices. It also gained wide reputation thanks to its vineyards, it is the only wine producer (white, red, rosé and gray wines) in Madagascar. Overnight at the hotel. Included: Breakfast and Dinner.

Continuation of the road towards Ranohira. After 60 km, stop at Ambalavao to visit an Antemoro papermaking workshop which is a local handicraft specialty based on avoha, a fibrous bark. 15km further south, visit of the Anja village reserve which is a park created by the inhabitants of this place rich in biodiversity. We can observe the particular makis catta lemur. Continuation to Ranohira with a fascinating crossing of a new type of landscape, that of the Far West of Madagascar. Overnight at the hotel. Included: Breakfast and Dinner.

Day dedicated to the visit of Isalo national park. This ruiniform massif is a 80 000 ha protected area. It is the habitat of numerous species of fauna and flora, that are scattered throughout the reserve. Apart from reptiles and lemurs, 77 species of birds live there, amongst which 70% are endemic. Hiking in the canyons, and swimming in natural pools will be in the program. For the more athletic travelers, possibility to visit the reserve by bike (optional). Towards the end of the afternoon, admiration of the sunset through the Isalo Window, an opportunity to take some "picture-postcard landscape". Overnight at the hotel. Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.

Departure for Auberge de la Table, crossing the Mahafaly Plateau, renowned for its distinctive tombs adorned with Aloalo (carved wooden posts). These Mahafaly tombs feature funerary art with intricate depictions of the deceased’s past life. Enjoy the stunning baobabs set against the dramatic landscape of the Great South. We’ll also visit the Antsokay Arboretum, a haven for plant enthusiasts with approximately 900 plant species, 90% of which are endemic.

Overnight at the hotel. Included : Breakfast and Dinner.

Embark on a journey to the vibrant port of Toliara, where you’ll catch a speed boat to the pristine paradise of Anakao. Once you arrive, you’ll discover some of Madagascar’s most stunning beaches, perfect for a range of exciting sea activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. Explore the nearby Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, and unwind in the serene beauty of Anakao, nestled between two charming coral islands.

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Nosy Ve, just 5km offshore, and Nosy Satrana, within the lagoon 10km from the village, both offer delightful excursions by boat or canoe. These less-visited spots are perfect for a peaceful day trip, featuring spectacular diving sites where you can swim among vibrant, multicolored fish. Experience the ultimate coastal retreat in Anakao!

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Please note that these activities are not included in the tour price. If you wish to participate, kindly inform the hotel front desk to make the necessary arrangements.

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Overnight at the hotel. Included : Breakfast and Dinner.

Free stay. Overnight at the hotel. Included : Breakfast and Dinner.

Transfer from Anakao port to Toliara by speed boat. From Toliara, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival at Ivato Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Included: Breakfast and Dinner.

Visit of the dike craft market. Then, drop-off at the airport for international flight. Included: Breakfast.