3-Week Madagascar Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Madagascar tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineMadagascar travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Days in Madagascar, incl. Antananarivo and Nosy Be

  A 21-day route through Madagascar spans 5 major destinations including Antananarivo, Nosy Be, and Antsiranana. The tour includes 3 nights at Madagascar Resort Nosy Be, visits to UNESCO-listed Ambohimanga Rova, and ventures into Ankarana National Park's limestone formations.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Antananarivo

    Begin your journey in "Tana," Madagascar's vibrant capital. Visit the UNESCO site Ambohimanga Rova, a sacred hill and former royal city 20km from the center. Plan to arrive by 8am to beat the crowds. Make time for local artisan workshops at the Padre Pio Charity House.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Ankarafantsika National Park

    The drive northwest spans 440km through the Tampoketsa plateaus. Stop at Maevatanana to watch traditional gold miners at work. In Ankarafantsika, take night walks to spot nocturnal lemurs and birds. The trails get slippery during wet season (November-March), so pack sturdy shoes.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Majunga

    This coastal city offers rich history and nearby "Red Circus" rock formations. Cross the Betsiboka River to Katsepy village by ferry or speedboat (30-60 minutes). The metal lighthouse provides great views but climbing 150+ steps is tough in midday heat.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Rural Madagascar

    Discover real village life around Antsohihy and Ambanja. Visit local farms growing cocoa, coffee, and ylang-ylang. Bring light clothes as temperatures often go above 30°C (86°F).

    
  • Days 10-13

    Nosy Be

    Take a ferry to "Perfume Island" for beaches and wildlife. See Lemuria Land's gardens and ylang-ylang distillery. Boat trips to Nosy Komba offer lemur watching, while Nosy Tanikely is perfect for snorkeling. Swim with sea turtles at Nosy Sakatia's marine reserve.

    
  • Days 14-16

    Ankarana & Diego Suarez

    Visit the limestone Tsingy formations and caves. Take the small Tsingy circuit for great views, but expect some climbing. Red Tsingy looks best in early morning light. Diego Suarez features colonial buildings and bay views.

    
  • Days 17-19

    Northern Coast

    If weather allows, sail to Emerald Sea (check conditions - southern winter brings rough waters). Explore Three Bays' beaches. Visit Amber Mountain National Park for forest walks and waterfalls. Bring rain gear for afternoon showers.

    
  • Days 20-21

    Return to Tana

    Fly back to the capital (1h20m). Shop for crafts at Digue market and get city views from upper town.

    

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• 20 Days in Madagascar, incl. Antananarivo and Fort Dauphin

  A 20-day adventure through 8 major cities including Antananarivo, Manakara, and Fort-Dauphin. The journey showcases 3 distinct ecosystems in Andohahela National Park, includes a train ride to Manakara, and dugout canoe excursion on Pangalanes waterway, with stays at selected properties like Rova Hotel and Safari Vezo.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Central Highlands

    Start in Antananarivo, the capital city. Spend your first evening exploring the upper town for great sunset views. On day two, take the 5-hour drive to Antsirabe. Stop in Ambatolampy to watch local craftsmen work with aluminum. A recent visitor shared: "The varied scenery is magnificent, but be prepared for the worst roads you've ever seen."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Ambositra and Fianarantsoa

    Visit the volcanic Lake Tritriva before heading to Ambositra, known for its crafts. You can watch local artisans in their Zafimaniry woodcarving workshops. Continue to Fianarantsoa afterward. Start your days early since driving times can be unpredictable.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Manakara and Pangalanes Canal

    Take the scenic train from Fianarantsoa to Manakara. The journey takes 7-10 hours. Local vendors sell snacks at each stop. Spend the next day on a dugout canoe in the Pangalanes waterway and visit vanilla plantations. Pack light clothes that dry quickly since it's humid all year.

    
  • Days 7-10

    The Southeast Coast

    Travel from Manakara to Fort Dauphin through Vangaindrano and Sandravinany. Visit Nahampoana Reserve to spot lemurs and relax at Libanona Beach. Plan extra travel time, especially during rainy season when coastal roads get tricky.

    
  • Days 11-14

    Southern Parks and Reserves

    Visit Andohahela National Park and Berenty Private Reserve with its sisal plantations. Make your way to Cape Sainte Marie, the southernmost point of Madagascar. Bring sturdy walking shoes and warm clothes for morning wildlife viewing.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Western Coast

    Drive along the coast to Anakao via Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. The drives are long but worth it. One traveler noted: "The prickly forests of cactus and euphorbias were amazing." Expect basic accommodations in remote spots.

    
  • Days 18-20

    Return to Antananarivo

    Fly back to Antananarivo from Tulear. The flight takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. Use your final days to see the Royal Palace at Ambohimanga Rova and browse the dam market. Book late afternoon flights out to avoid morning traffic.

    

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• 20 Day Madagascar Itinerary, incl. Antananarivo and Isalo National Park

  The limestone formations of Tsingy de Bemaraha and Ranomafana's rainforest highlight this 20-day Madagascar tour. Stays include 17 hotel nights at properties like Jardin du Roy and Salary Bay, plus 2 nights camping along the Tsiribihina River.

  

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  • Day 1

    Antananarivo

    Start in Madagascar's capital "Tana." Spend your first day exploring Upper Town's historic palaces to learn about Malagasy history. Try to arrive in the afternoon to skip the airport rush hour traffic.

    
  • Days 2-4

    Tsiribihina River Journey

    Take a 7-hour drive to Miandrivazo before starting a 3-day river adventure. You'll need quick-dry clothes and binoculars to spot malachite kingfishers, crocodiles and lemurs along the banks. You'll camp by the river and can swim in natural pools near waterfalls.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Bekopaka & Tsingy de Bemaraha

    Visit the incredible Tsingy limestone formations, a UNESCO site over 200 million years old. Bring shoes with good grip since limestone paths get slippery. Start early to beat the heat. Look for the Brookesia Perarmata, which holds the record for world's smallest chameleon.

    
  • Days 7-11

    Coastal Journey

    Head to Morondava to watch the sunset at Avenue of Baobabs. Travel coastal roads through Belo, Manja and Andavadoaka. The roads are rough with 4-6 hour drives between stops. Go snorkeling in Salary Bay during morning hours when the water is clearest.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Isalo National Park

    Explore Isalo's moon-like landscape on foot. Bring lots of water - at least 2 liters per person as the canyons get very hot. Want to see ring-tailed lemurs? Book an early morning walk when they're most active.

    
  • Days 14-16

    Fianarantsoa to Manakara

    Take the scenic train ride from Fianarantsoa to Manakara (running Tuesday/Thursday only). The journey often runs late so pack extra snacks and stay flexible. Visit remote villages along the Pangalanes Canal by traditional pirogue boat.

    
  • Days 17-18

    Ranomafana National Park

    Plan two days of early morning wildlife watching in this rainforest. Pack a reliable raincoat since it rains frequently all year. After hiking you can relax in the thermal baths.

    
  • Days 19-20

    Antsirabe and Return to Antananarivo

    Ride bikes around Antsirabe to visit local artisans. The drive back to Antananarivo takes about 3 hours. Book afternoon flights since morning traffic can be heavy.

    

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