What unique cultural experiences are available in Antananarivo before heading out on tour?

The capital city provides several noteworthy cultural stops. The UNESCO World Heritage site Ambohimanga Royal Palace stands as a testament to Madagascar's royal heritage. Local artisans display their work at La Digue market where visitors can browse traditional crafts. The Queen's Palace (Rova) situated at the city's highest point offers panoramic views and historical context. One TourRadar traveler shared: "Starting our tour with a visit to Ambohimanga gave us great insights into Madagascar's royal history and traditional architecture before heading into the wilderness."

How much time should I allow for the journey from Antananarivo to the first major destination?

The first leg of most Madagascar tours takes between 3-5 hours on the road. Common first stops include Andasibe National Park located 145km away or Antsirabe at 170km from the capital. One TourRadar traveler described: "The drive from Antananarivo to Andasibe took about 4 hours with scenic stops allowing us to see beautiful highland landscapes and traditional villages along the way."

What wildlife can I expect to see in the first few days after departing Antananarivo?

The initial days of exploration yield diverse wildlife sightings particularly at Andasibe National Park 145km east of the capital. Visitors regularly encounter multiple lemur species such as the Indri Indri diademed sifaka and red-bellied lemurs. The area also hosts numerous chameleon species exotic birds and nocturnal creatures. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Just outside Antananarivo at Peyrieras reserve we saw almost all chameleon species of Madagascar as well as leaf-tailed geckos and butterflies before even reaching the main parks."

What are the most popular national parks visited on tours starting in Antananarivo?

Three major parks dominate tour itineraries from the capital. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park houses 14 lemur species including the distinctive Indri Indri. Ranomafana National Park protects rare golden bamboo lemurs while Isalo National Park features rugged canyon landscapes and varied wildlife. One TourRadar traveler noted about Andasibe: "This park is one of the best places to observe the Indris given that there are several families habituated to humans - an amazing experience seeing them in their natural habitat."

What accommodation options are available for the first night in Antananarivo?

The capital offers several reliable 3-4 star properties. Le Louvre Hotel & Spa Grand Urban Hotel and Hotel Sakamanga provide modern conveniences and central locations. These establishments serve as comfortable starting points for Madagascar adventures. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Our first night at Le Louvre Hotel in Antananarivo was very comfortable with excellent service setting us up well for the adventure ahead."

What transportation is used for tours departing from Antananarivo?

Tours primarily use 4x4 vehicles equipped for Madagascar's diverse terrain. For destinations like Morondava or Nosy Be some operators combine road travel with domestic flights. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Our 4x4 vehicle starting from Antananarivo was very comfortable and well-maintained which was crucial for the long journeys ahead."

What's the best time of year to start a tour from Antananarivo?

The dry season from April through November offers optimal touring conditions. September and October prove especially popular with visitors. During these months Isalo National Park near Ranohira provides clear hiking conditions while coastal spots like Ifaty feature good beach weather. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Consider adding an extra hour or two to long drives due to conditions. Perhaps go in a cooler period to make this a bit easier."

Madagascar Tours from Antananarivo

Find your perfect adventure! We have 152 tours of Madagascar that start in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The most popular month is July, and tour lengths range between 1 and 29 days.

10 best Madagascar tour packages from Antananarivo

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In-depth Cultural
Madagascar splendid East journey
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"This was a once a lifetime experience - exploring parts of Madagascar with its fascinating fauna and flora!"
Maria, traveled in December
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Antananarivo, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Toamasina
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Italian,French+1 more
Operator
Green Island Discovery
From
US$2,533per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
Customized 14 Days Classic Madagascar Trip, Daily Start & Exclusive Guide (Private)
4.8 (12 traveler reviews)
"Tour activities were tailored to my interests ahead of schedule. We will certainly be travelling with you for our next trip."
Taylor, traveled in April
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Antananarivo, Ifaty, Ranohira, Ranomafana National Park,Antsirabe,Andasibe+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
From
US$3,479per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Discover the Unique in Madagascar - Lemurs, Baobabs, Tsingy
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"Very good arrangement on accommodation and transportation, itineraries are very interesting."
Fannie, traveled in February
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Antananarivo, Andasibe, Antsirabe, Morondava,Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, French
Operator
Fosa Travel
From
US$2,857per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Eastern Wonder
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"I had a great time seeing lemurs at the national park."
Benjamin, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Antananarivo, Palmarium Reserve, Andasibe,Andasibe-Mantadia National Park,Ampefy+2 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Travelia Safari
From
US$2,262per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Western wonder (Baobab + Kirindy + Tsingy discovery) & Lemurs park visit
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Travelia Safari created incredible experiences along the island for our honeymoon."
SANTIAGO, traveled in April
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Antananarivo, Morondava, Tahiry Manokan’ i Kirindy,Bekopaka,Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park+2 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English, German,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Travelia Safari
From
US$2,262per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Western Madagascar Adventure 6 Days/5 Nights ( Comfort)
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Antananarivo, Morondava, Kirindy Mitea National Park,Bekopaka+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, French
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
From
US$1,867per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Active
Madagascar Nosy Be Experience for 6 Days/5 Nights
3.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Very reliable, trustworthy and organized tour agent."
JanetWangui, traveled in August
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Antananarivo, Nosy Be, Nosy Iranja
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, French
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
From
US$2,299per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
A beautiful escape to the little corner of paradise: Manambato
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Antananarivo, Andasibe, Manambato
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Italian,French+1 more
Operator
Green Island Discovery
From
US$1,860per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Active
18 days Madagascar Expedition group tour departure 2025 (especially for senior traveler)
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Antananarivo, Isalo National Park, Ambalavao,Ranomafana National Park,Antsirabe,Miandrivazo,Kirindy Mitea National Park,Andasibe-Mantadia National Park,Palmarium Reserve,Toamasina,Mahambo,Nosy Boraha+9 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English, German,Italian,French,Spanish,Chinese+4 more
Operator
HT Agency Tours
From
US$4,359per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Active
Madagascar Classic Tour 10D/9N
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Superb itinerary and great guides throughout!"
Christopher, traveled in February
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Antananarivo, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Antsirabe,Ranomafana National Park,Isalo National Park,Toliara,Ifaty+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
From
US$2,431per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
Baobab Safari
4.7 (22 traveler reviews)
"Learnt so much about the people, the country and the wildlife. Highly recommend this company, and this tour."
Li, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Antananarivo, Morondava, Tahiry Manokan’ i Kirindy,Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park+1 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English, German,Spanish,Chinese+2 more
Operator
Travelia Safari
From
US$2,239per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Active
Ranomafana National Park & Antisirabe Safari 5Days/4Nights
4.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The city tour of Antsirabe, and Lemur sighting in the Anja Valley and Ranomofana National Park were good."
Murali, traveled in December
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Antananarivo, Antsirabe
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
From
US$1,099per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Wildlife
Madagascar 9 Days Baobabs and Lemurs Tour
4.8 (17 traveler reviews)
"Plenty of lemurs and baobabs, as advertised. What makes this -- or any trip like this special - is the experience."
Ian, traveled in July
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Antananarivo, Andasibe, Antsirabe, Morondava
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, French
Operator
Fosa Travel
From
US$1,852per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Wildlife
Madagascar Baobabs & Beyond
4.4 (10 traveler reviews)
"Good variety and packed a lot in in the 10 days. Excellent local food."
Lars, traveled in November
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Antananarivo, Bekopaka, Morondava, Miandrivazo, Antsirabe
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $2,970
US$2,525per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Active
South Madagascar Discovery 9 Days /8 Nights
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Madagascar is an amazing and unique country. The itinerary was exciting and full of once in a lifetime moments."
Dominick, traveled in November
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Ranomafana National Park,Fianarantsoa,Anja National Park,Ranohira,Isalo National Park,Toliara,Ifaty+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
15% Off
From
US$2,451per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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