Day 1: Antananarivo
Start your adventure in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital city. Spend your first day exploring the city’s main attractions like the Rova, a royal palace that offers a glimpse into the country’s history.
Take a stroll around the busy streets of Analakely Market. You’ll find everything here: fruits, handicrafts, and local street food. For dinner, check out a local restaurant like Café de la Gare for some Malagasy cuisine.
Don’t forget to catch the sunset from Independence Avenue—it’s a peaceful way to end a long day.
Day 2: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Wake up early and take a 3-hour drive to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. It’s one of the best places to spot Madagascar’s famous lemurs, especially the Indri Indri, the largest species.
Plan a guided tour through the rainforest where you’ll see plenty of wildlife, including chameleons, frogs, and rare birds. For the adventurous, you might want to book a night walk to see nocturnal animals in action. Stay overnight at one of the nearby lodges like Vakona Forest Lodge.
Day 3: Perinet Reserve and Vakona Forest Lodge
In the morning, explore more of the Perinet Reserve. It’s smaller than the main park but also great for spotting wildlife up close. This day is about sinking deeper into nature without rushing.
Afterward, head back to your lodge, which likely includes some activities like canoeing or visiting a small lemur island where you can even feed the lemurs.
If you have time, relax by the campsite or nearby lakes before heading back toward Antananarivo.
Day 4: Antsirabe
Drive south to Antsirabe, which is a 3-4 hour trip from the capital. Antsirabe is known for its thermal waters and colonial architecture. It’s a laid-back town, perfect for relaxing after some busy days.
Spend the afternoon walking around the city center. Visit the Cathedral of Antsirabe and the local gemstone markets. Try out a traditional pousse-pousse ride, a kind of local rickshaw service.
For dinner, check out Zandina Restaurant if you want a mix of Malagasy and French cuisine.
Day 5: Ranomafana National Park
Get ready for a long day of traveling to Ranomafana National Park, about 5-6 hours from Antsirabe. Ranomafana is filled with dense rainforests, rivers, and more lemurs.
Once you arrive, take an easy evening walk around your lodge and enjoy the quiet vibes. Maybe book a night tour with a guide as the park’s nightlife is just as interesting as its daytime animals.
Day 6: Ranomafana Exploration
This day is all about exploring Ranomafana National Park. The park has well-marked trails so you can choose between shorter and longer hikes. It’s a good place to catch sight of more endangered lemurs and spot rare plants.
Sit by a river for lunch or take a dip in one of the hot springs to relax after your hikes. Afterward, take your time heading back to the lodge to enjoy some evening downtime.
Day 7: Return to Antananarivo
You’ll need the majority of the day for the return trip to Antananarivo, as it’s a 7-hour drive back. If you feel up for it, break up the drive by stopping in Ambositra, known for its wood carvings and local crafts markets.
Arrive in the capital in the evening and maybe enjoy your final meal at La Varangue, where you can have a mix of Malagasy and European food.
Now take some time to enjoy your last night. Reflect on all the wildlife, landscapes, and culture you’ve experienced in Madagascar!
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