Wonders of the Red Island

Day 1, 12 Sep – Arrive Antananarivo

Arrive into Antananarivo, Madagascar’s colourful highland capital, where you’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel near the airport. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and settle into the rhythm of the Red Island ahead of your adventure.

Overnight: Relais des Plateaux

Day 2, 13 Sep – Fly South to Isalo National Park

This morning the group will transfer to the airport for a private charter flight south to Isalo National Park, one of Madagascar’s most dramatic and iconic landscapes.

On arrival, settle into your lodge set beside towering sandstone cliffs and vast open canyons. The scenery here feels almost otherworldly, with sculpted rock formations, hidden pools and sweeping desert-like panoramas creating the perfect introduction to Madagascar’s wild south.

Overnight: Jardin Du Roy

Day 3–4, 14–15 Sep – Exploring Isalo National Park

Spend two days exploring the extraordinary landscapes of Isalo National Park. Deep canyons, weathered sandstone massifs and natural swimming pools make this one of the country’s most rewarding trekking destinations.

A classic walk leads through dramatic rock formations to “La Piscine Naturelle”, a crystal-clear natural pool shaded by palms and fed by a small waterfall. Along the trails, keep an eye out for ring-tailed lemurs, Verreaux’s sifaka and red-fronted brown lemurs moving through the rocky terrain.

There will also be time to relax at the lodge, enjoy the spa and swimming pool, or continue exploring the national park’s striking scenery and hidden valleys at your own pace.

Overnight: Jardin Du Roy

Day 5, 16 Sep – Isalo to Ambalavao & Anja Reserve

Leaving Isalo behind, journey north through Madagascar’s changing landscapes towards the Anja Community Reserve.

This small but remarkable reserve is famous for its thriving population of ring-tailed lemurs, dramatic granite outcrops and dry forest scenery. Enjoy a guided walk through the reserve with opportunities to observe lemurs at close range, alongside chameleons and endemic birdlife.

The reserve is community-run and plays an important role in local conservation efforts.

Overnight: Anja Reserve Lodge

Day 5 – Exploring Ranomafana National Park

Spend a full day trekking through Ranomafana’s 41,000 hectares of montane rainforest. This park is internationally significant for lemur conservation and home to 12 lemur species. Look for the golden bamboo lemur, discovered here in 1986, and the critically endangered greater bamboo lemur. Other species include Milne-Edwards’ sifaka, red-bellied lemur and red-fronted brown lemur. The park also supports over 100 bird species, reptiles and rare amphibians. Waterfalls, river rapids and mist-covered forest create a dramatic setting for wildlife viewing.

Accommodation: Hotel Thermal Ranomafana

Day 6–7, 17–18 Sep – Ranomafana National Park

Journey through Madagascar’s lush central highlands towards Ranomafana National Park, one of the island’s richest rainforest ecosystems. Along the way, stop in Fianarantsoa and gain insight into the culture and traditions of the Betsileo region before continuing into the rainforest.

Over the next two days, explore the dense jungle landscapes of Ranomafana, home to waterfalls, rivers and extraordinary biodiversity. The park protects 12 species of lemur, including the critically endangered golden bamboo lemur, discovered here only in 1986. You may also encounter Milne-Edwards’ sifakas, red-bellied lemurs and red-fronted brown lemurs while exploring the forest trails. There will also be the opportunity for a guided night walk in search of Madagascar’s nocturnal wildlife hidden within the rainforest.

Overnight: Hotel Thermal Ranomafana

Day 9, 20 Sep – Antsirabe to Ampefy

Continue west to the peaceful lakeside region of Ampefy.

In the afternoon, visit the Lily Waterfall before heading to the Îlot de la Vierge viewpoint overlooking Lake Itasy, one of Madagascar’s most beautiful volcanic lakes.

Overnight: Farihy Hotel

Day 10–11, 21–22 Sep – Andasibe Rainforest & Analamazaotra National Park

Before leaving Ampefy, visit the region’s unusual geysers, known for their striking red and orange colours, before continuing east towards the rainforests of Andasibe.

Over the next two days, explore the lush rainforest of Analamazaotra National Park with expert local guides. This mist-covered forest is one of the best places in Madagascar to encounter the indri, the world’s largest living lemur, whose haunting calls echo through the canopy in the early morning hours. Night walks in the nearby VOIMMA and Mitsinjo community reserves provide opportunities to search for Madagascar’s nocturnal wildlife.

Overnight: Mantadia Lodge

Day 12–13, 23–24 Sep – Mantadia National Park & Return to Antananarivo

Spend time exploring the rugged primary rainforest of Mantadia National Park, a remote wilderness north of Andasibe. Trails lead through untouched forest home to indri, black-and-white ruffed lemurs and the striking diademed sifaka.

Following your exploration, begin the journey back to Antananarivo. On arrival, enjoy a farewell lunch at Lokanga Boutique Hotel before joining Tamàna Kitchen for a “From Bean to Bar” chocolate workshop.

Overnight: Relais des Plateaux

Day 14, 25 Sep – Depart Madagascar

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward international flight home.

As your Madagascar journey comes to an end, leave with unforgettable memories of rainforests, rare wildlife, dramatic landscapes and one of the most unique island ecosystems on Earth.

Day 12 – Mantadia National Park

Venture deeper into primary rainforest in Mantadia National Park. Trails are steeper but wildlife rewards are significant. Look for black-and-white ruffed lemurs, diademed sifaka and rare bird species such as ground rollers and couas. The forest here remains largely untouched, offering a more remote and immersive trekking experience.

Accommodation: Mantadia Lodge

Days 13–14 – Andasibe to Departure

Return to Antananarivo for a farewell tasting menu celebrating Malagasy cuisine and local ingredients, with the option to join a chocolate workshop highlighting Madagascar’s world-renowned cacao. After your final overnight in the capital, transfer to Ivato International Airport for your onward international flight, concluding your Madagascar small group safari.Accommodation: Relais des Plateaux