South Madagascar + Anakao Tour - 12 days / 11 nights (guide in Italian)

South Madagascar Tour + Anakao – 12 days / 11 nights (guide in Italian)

An iconic itinerary along the RN7 all the way to the ocean: high plateaus with terraced rice paddies, rainforests and hot springs in Ranomafana, tè plantations in Sahambavy, canyons and natural pools in Isalo, the south coast with baobabs and thorny forests, then seaside relaxation in Anakao, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs. Tried and tested logistics, Italian-speaking local guide and visits to the parks with certified MNP guides.

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Whyé it works

• Optimised RN7 → Ocean rhythm: progressive stages, cadenced transfers, visits “top” every day.

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• Qualified guides: escort in Italian + Madagascar National Park guides in the parks (trail safety, nature reading).

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• Nature & culture mix: Ranomafana, Isalo, Reniala, Zafimaniry/Betsileo handicrafts, Vezo coast and fishing villages.

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• Finale on the sea: 3 nights at Anakao Ocean Lodge & Spa for snorkelling, hiking and relaxation.

Day-by-Day Programme

Day 1 – Antananarivo (arrival)

Welcome at the airport, assistance with formalities and transfer to the hotel. Travel briefing and time to acclimatise in the capital “Tana”: hills dotted with colourful houses, rice fields on the edge of town, bustling markets.
Overnight stay: Grand Hotel Urban – Standard Balcony – DBB.

Day 2 – Antananarivo → Antsirabe

Departure along the RN7 between Merina villages and red brick houses. Stop in Ambatolampy for a family foundry workshop (pots/hammers). Arrival at Antsirabe, “the city’of water” tree-lined boulevards, 19th-century architecture and a thousand pousse-pousse. Guided tour according to time.
Overnight stay: Chambre du Voyageur – Bungalow Standard – DBB.

Day 3 – Antsirabe → Ambositra → Ranomafana

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Descent to Betsileo territory among terraced rice fields. Stop in Ambositra: capital of woodcarving with Zafimaniry motifs (workshops and small ateliers). Arrival at Ranomafana between volcanic lakes and green valleys.
Accommodation: Centrest Hôtel – Bungalow Standard – DBB.

Day 4 – Ranomafana National Park → Sahambavy (Fianarantsoa)

Morning in the Ranomafana National Park: rainforest (600–1.400 m), streams, Bulbophyllum orchids; possibility of 2–4-hour circuits with MNP guides (among lemurs: golden hapalemur; rich birdlife and microfauna). In the afternoon, set course for Sahambavy: final track to the lodge overlooking the lake and surrounded by tè plantations. Overnight stay: Lac Hôtel Sahambavy – Bungalow Pilotis Sup. – DBB.

Day 5 – Sahambavy → Anja Community Park → Ranohira (Isalo)

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Stop at Ambalavao for Antaimoro paper (handmade floral decorations). Visit to the Anja Reserve: catta lemurs in the rocky environment, chameleons and geckos among the granite boulders. Continue over the vast plateau of the Ihorombe to Ranohira, gateway to the Isalo.
. Overnight stay: Le Relais de la Reine – Standard – DBB.

Day 6 – Isalo National Park

Trekking/discovery day: canyons, natural pools, arid vegetation with pachypodium and aloe. Circuits of your choice with your guide (e.g. Namaza 5–6 hrs, with stops at Natural Pools and maki canyons). At sunset, optional “Window of the Isalo” for memorable backlighting.
Overnight stay: Le Relais de la Reine – Standard – DBB.

Day 7 – Ranohira → Tuléar (Toliary) + Reniala Reserve

Descent to the South: Sapphire seekers' area of Ilakaka, Mahafaly tombs with aloalo (carved stems), baobabs and thorny forests. Visit to the Reniala Private Reserve near Ifaty: an educational trail among endemic thorny forest species. Arrival at Tuléar.
Overnight stay: Moringa Hotel – Standard – DBB.

Day 8 – Tuléar → Anakao (by boat)

Transfer to the harbour and powerboat to Anakao (coastal boating). Check-in at the lodge: stone and rosewood bungalows, ocean-view terraces, vezo atmosphere and white beaches protected by a coral reef.
Overnight stay: Anakao Ocean Lodge & Spa – Bungalow – DBB.

Day 9 – Anakao (sea & activitiesà)

Sea day: relaxation, snorkelling on the reef, possibility of excursions (islands, diving, boat trips; bookable locally). Spectacular sunsets and starry skies.
Overnight stay: Anakao Ocean Lodge & Spa – Bungalow – DBB.

Day 10 – Anakao (free day)

Second day of sweet doing nothing or optional activities. Recommended: offshore islands, walks through dunes and fishing villages, spa moment on the way back.
Accommodation: Anakao Ocean Lodge & Spa – Bungalow – DBB.

Day 11 – Anakao → Tuléar (internal flight) → Antananarivo

Return by boat to Tuléar and internal flight to Antananarivo (not included). Reception and transfer to hotel, time at leisure.
Overnight stay: Hotel Au Bois Vert – Standard – DBB.

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Day 12 – Antananarivo (departure)

Transfer to airport for international flight. End of services.

Settlement (or similar)

• Antananarivo: Grand Hotel Urban – upper town area; restaurant and skybar. DBB.

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• Antsirabe: Chambre du Voyageur – local architecture, gardens, Wi-Fi. DBB.

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• Ranomafana: Centrest Hôtel – bungalow in the green. DBB.

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• Sahambavy (Fianar): Lac Hôtel Sahambavy – on stilts on the lake, next to tè plantations. DBB.

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• Isalo: Le Relais de la Reine – integrated in the rock, swimming pool and activities. DBB.

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• Tuléar: Moringa Hotel – essential comfort in the city. DBB.

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• Anakao: Anakao Ocean Lodge & Spa – beachfront or highland bungalows with views. DBB.

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• Antananarivo (end of tour): Au Bois Vert – near the airport, in forest park. DBB.

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What è included

• All transfers and accommodation as per programme (land + boat Tuléar–Anakao).

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• Excursions with vehicle appropriate to the number of participants/road conditions; driver and Italian-speaking escort guide during excursions.

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• Accommodation as indicated or similar; meals according to legend (BB/DBB).

• Admission to parks/sites; certified guides MNP in parks; bottled water during excursions.

• Tourist/hotel taxes; 24h assistance.

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What is not è included

• Drinks
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• International/domestic flights and taxes.
• Visa.
• Personal extras, tips.
• Medical/Baggage and Cancellation Insurance.
• Services/excursions not mentioned.

Operational Notes

The order of visits may vary due to weather, slope condition or logistical reasons (wet season: possible inversions/replacements). Some roads are bumpy: you need adaptability and travel spirit.

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Useful info 

• Visa:applicable online; passport valid 6 months beyond re-entry.

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• Climate:Austral summer (Nov–May) warm/humid, winter (Jun–Oct) cooler/drier; along the coast warm all year round.

• Electricity: 220V, widespread European sockets; possible outages in remote areas.

• Health:no vaccination required; assess malaria prophylaxis according to doctor. Drink only bottled water.

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Health:

The local operating partner adopts recognised standards of responsible tourism (staff training, environmental policies and action plans).

Book Now!

Ready for South Madagascar and Anakao?
Please fill in the form “Are you interested?” at the bottom of the page: we will send you availability, customised proposal (room upgrades, extra nights, sea activities in Anakao) and internal flight operations.

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