7-Day Madagascar Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Madagascar tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineMadagascar travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Madagascar Itinerary, incl. Antananarivo and Andasibe

  The route spans 3 major destinations: Antananarivo, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, and Tamatave. You'll encounter 13 lemur species, including Indri indri at Analamazaotra park and Aye-aye at Palmarium Reserve. A 145km road trip east and scenic boat travel along Pangalanes Canal complete the adventure.

  

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  • Day 1

    Antananarivo Arrival

    Arrive at Ivato airport in Antananarivo (locals call it "Tana"). Try to book a morning flight to avoid the busy afternoon traffic. You can rest at Chalet des Roses near the airport. Getting good sleep will help you prepare for the wildlife adventures ahead.

    
  • Day 2

    Antananarivo to Andasibe (145km)

    Start early for the 4-hour drive east through scenic roads and eucalyptus forests. Visit the Peyrieras reserve in Marozevo before 11 AM to see active chameleons. A recent visitor shared: "The night walk was incredible - our guide spotted tiny mouse lemurs by their reflective eyes, something I'd never have seen alone."

    
  • Day 3

    Analamazaotra National Park

    Begin at 7 AM to hear the Indri lemurs' morning calls that travel up to 3km. The trails can get slippery so wear sturdy hiking shoes. You'll likely spot several lemur species including the Indri indri, Madagascar's largest lemur weighing 25kg. In the afternoon, visit Vakôna's "Lemur Island" where friendly lemurs might hop onto your shoulders.

    
  • Day 4

    Andasibe to Ankanin'ny Nofy

    Take a 4-hour drive and 90-minute boat ride on the Pangalanes Canal to reach Ankanin'ny Nofy. Bring motion sickness medication if needed. Stay at the Palmarium Hotel. The rooms are simple but clean and you can watch wildlife right from your balcony.

    
  • Day 5

    Palmarium Reserve

    Explore the reserve's trails in the morning. Remember to wear long sleeves to protect against mosquitoes near the water. Take an evening boat trip to see rare Aye-aye lemurs. One visitor noted: "Watching the Aye-aye use its long middle finger to fish out grubs was fascinating - worth staying up late for."

    
  • Day 6

    Pangalanes Canal to Toamasina

    Take a 2-hour boat ride north to Toamasina (also known as Tamatave). Spend the afternoon touring this busy port city to see daily Malagasy life beyond the nature parks. Stay at Ocean 501 Hotel, preferably in a room with ocean views for the cool breeze.

    
  • Day 7

    Return to Antananarivo

    Book an early morning flight back to Tana since afternoon flights often run late. If you have time, shop for souvenirs at La Digue craftsmen market. Look for authorized vendors and be ready to negotiate.

    

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• 7 Day Madagascar Itinerary, incl. Antananarivo and Morondava

  Natural and cultural wonders span 3 major destinations: Antananarivo, Morondava, and Bekopaka. The route includes UNESCO World Heritage site Tsingy de Bemaraha, Kirindy Forest's lemurs, and Avenue of the Baobabs, with 200km between locations and daily breakfast included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Antananarivo Arrival

    Plan your arrival between May and early November when Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is open. Avoid booking flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays due to limited domestic connections. The trip from Ivato International Airport to central Antananarivo takes about 45 minutes in normal traffic but can be longer during peak hours.

    
  • Day 2

    Antananarivo to Morondava

    Book your morning Madagascar Airlines flight well ahead of time. The flight takes about an hour. Remember the strict 20kg baggage limit on domestic flights. You'll have the afternoon free to check out Morondava's waterfront or rest up for the next day's activities.

    
  • Day 3

    Kirindy Forest to Bekopaka

    Leave early for Kirindy Forest. The drive takes about 2.5 hours and passes the Baobab Avenue. You'll need sturdy shoes for the 2-3 hour forest walk where you can spot sifakas and red-fronted brown lemurs. The journey continues with a boat ride across Tsiribihina River and a 4-hour drive to Bekopaka on rough roads. If you get motion sickness, bring medication.

    
  • Day 4

    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

    The Big Tsingy's limestone formations need a full day to explore. The trek is challenging with steep sections so wear shoes with good grip. Bring plenty of water. The suspension bridge offers amazing views but isn't for everyone. Your camera needs protection from limestone dust. Look carefully in the caves below for the Bemaraha woolly lemur that only lives in this area.

    
  • Day 5

    Return to Morondava via Baobab Avenue

    The 200km journey back to Morondava takes about 9 hours on rough roads. Your driver will provide masks for dust protection. Plan to reach the Avenue of Baobabs by 5:30 PM for sunset. A recent visitor shared: "The sunset light hitting those ancient baobabs creates an otherworldly scene. Get there 30 minutes before sunset to find the best photo spots."

    
  • Day 6

    Morondava to Antananarivo

    Catch an afternoon flight back to Antananarivo. You can visit the Queen's Palace for city views or explore Analakely Market. Visit the market before 4 PM and keep your belongings close as it gets crowded.

    
  • Day 7

    Ambohimanga and Departure

    Start your last day at the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga. Get there when it opens at 9 AM to avoid crowds and heat. The morning light makes the hilltop views extra special. Allow 3 hours total including travel time from Antananarivo. Book a late afternoon flight to avoid rushing.

    

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• 7 Days in Madagascar, incl. Antananarivo and Andasibe

  Madagascar's diverse landscapes encompass 4 major destinations: Antananarivo's historic sites, Morondava's baobab landscapes, Kirindy's private reserve, and Andasibe National Park's lemur territories. The 154km journey from capital to coast includes domestic flights and 4x4 transport.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Antananarivo

    Begin your journey in Madagascar's capital, known locally as "Tana." Visit the Rova palace complex at 8 AM to avoid the heat and get the best city views. The walk up is steep so wear good shoes and take water. Visit Analakely Market in the afternoon but watch your belongings in the crowds. A recent visitor shared: "Le Louvre Hotel was exceptional - a perfect base for exploring the old part of Tana with its colonial architecture."

    
  • Day 3

    Morondava & Kirindy Forest

    Your day starts at 4:15 AM for the flight to Morondava. The drive to Kirindy Forest takes about 2.5 hours on rough roads. Consider taking motion sickness medication. Stop to photograph the "Baobabs in Love" two trees growing together. Join the night walk at 5 PM to look for nocturnal lemurs and the giant jumping rat. You'll need a headlamp for the uneven trails.

    
  • Day 4

    Kirindy Reserve & Avenue of Baobabs

    Start your wildlife viewing at 6 AM when you're most likely to spot the seven lemur species before it gets too hot. Head to the Avenue of Baobabs for sunset around 6:30 PM. One visitor noted: "The guides were professional and made sure we got to the baobabs at perfect lighting - it was adventurous and enjoyable."

    
  • Day 5

    Return to Antananarivo

    Fly back to Tana in the morning. Use your afternoon to shop for vanilla spices and handicrafts at La Digue market. Local guides suggest visiting between 2-4 PM when crowds are smaller.

    
  • Day 6

    Andasibe National Park

    The 154km drive east takes about 3 hours on mountain roads. Pack ginger tablets if you get motion sickness. Visit the reptile center in Marozevo to see native chameleons. At Vakona Lodge you can visit Lemur Island for up-close encounters. The evening walk starts at 5 PM. Bring long sleeves to protect against mosquitoes.

    
  • Day 7

    Analamazaotra Reserve & Departure

    Start at 7:30 AM to find indri lemurs during their active morning hours. You can hear their unique calls from up to 3km away. The moderate hiking takes about 3 hours. Book an evening flight to allow time for the 154km drive back to Tana's airport.

    

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