ROAD TRIPS
Madagascar Cross-Island Explorer — 16 Days
Duration
16 Days
Groupe Size
Up to 12
Price Per Person
From €3,250
Suitability
All ages, Moderate (Diverse Adventure)
Highlights of This Tour...
- East-to-west traverse
- Andasibe lemurs & Pangalanes cruise
- Ranomafana rainforest trekking
- Tsingy de Bemaraha UNESCO site
- Avenue of Baobabs sunset
- Diverse biodiversity journey
- Authentic cultural encounters
- Private 4x4 throughout
- Perfectly-paced exploration
- Cross-island adventure
Madagascar Cross-Island Explorer — 16 Days
Traverse Madagascar from east to west on this diverse adventure. Encounter lemurs in Andasibe, cruise the scenic Pangalanes Canal, trek Ranomafana's rainforest, navigate the UNESCO Tsingy de Bemaraha, and witness sunset at the Avenue of Baobabs. A perfectly-paced journey showcasing the island's incredible biodiversity and landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Welcoming
Accommodation: Hotel in Antananarivo
Elevation: 1,280m
Accommodation: Lodge near Andasibe
Elevation: 900m
Accommodation: Lodge near Andasibe
Trek Distance: 4-6km | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Accommodation: Lodge in Mahanoro
Accommodation: Village lodges & beach camps
🚤 All meals included on Pangalanes Canal cruise
Accommodation: Lodge near Ranomafana
Elevation: 1,100m
Accommodation: Lodge in Ambositra
Trek Distance: 5-8km | Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Lodge in Miandrivazo
Accommodation: Kirindy Forest Camp
Accommodation: Basic lodge near Bekopaka
Accommodation: Basic lodge near Bekopaka
Trek Distance: 4-6km/day | Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Hotel in Morondava
🌅 Sunset at Avenue of Baobabs
✈️ Domestic Flight: EXCLUDED (to be booked separately)
Inclusive and Exclusive
✓ All breakfasts throughout the 16-day tour
✓ ALL MEALS during Pangalanes Canal cruise portion (Days 5-7: B/L/D)
✓ Professional English-speaking guide throughout
✓ 15 nights accommodation (mid-range lodges, village lodges, forest camps)
✓ Private 4×4 vehicle with experienced driver for all land transfers
✓ All fuel and driver expenses
✓ Airport transfers on arrival/departure
✓ All national park entrance fees and permits
✓ Guided nature walks and wildlife encounters
✓ Pangalanes Canal cruise (2.5 days) with traditional pirogues and motorized boats
✓ Harness & equipment for Tsingy de Bemaraha exploration
✓ 24/7 in-country support with emergency protocol
✓ Pre-departure information pack with packing list
✓ Welcome orientation briefing in Antananarivo
✗ International flights to/from Madagascar
✗ Domestic flight: Morondava → Antananarivo (EXCLUDED – to be booked separately)
✗ All lunches and dinners EXCEPT during Pangalanes Canal cruise (Days 5-7)
✗ Madagascar tourist visa (~$35-50, obtainable on arrival)
✗ Travel insurance (MANDATORY – must cover medical evacuation + activities)
✗ Personal expenses, souvenirs, and shopping
✗ Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks
✗ Tips & gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (optional but appreciated)
✗ Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary (spa, diving, extra excursions)
✗ Personal gear (binoculars, camera equipment, daypack, trekking poles)
💡 TIPS FOR THIS TOUR
✅ Practice hiking on uneven terrain
✅ Build stamina for 2-4 hour daily walks
✅ No intense training required – this is a moderate tour
✅ Lightweight, quick-dry clothing
✅ Rain jacket or poncho (essential)
✅ Insect repellent (DEET 30%+ recommended)
✅ Headlamp for night walks
✅ Reusable water bottle
✅ Small daypack (15-25L) for daily essentials
✅ Camera with zoom lens (200mm+) for lemurs and landscapes
✅ Waterproof dry bag for electronics
✅ Quick-dry towel
✅ Sandals or camp shoes for evenings
✅ Portable phone charger/power bank
✅ Occasional rain showers
✅ Lush green landscapes
✅ Fewer crowds
✅ Best for Tsingy trekking comfort
✅ Cool evenings in highlands
✅ Peak tourist season
✅ Excellent photography light
✅ End of dry season
✅ Scenic routes through diverse landscapes
✅ Regular stops for photos, rest breaks, and local visits
✅ Private 4×4 vehicle ensures comfort and flexibility
✅ Hot showers (where available – some remote areas have limited facilities)
✅ Comfortable beds with mosquito nets
✅ On-site restaurants (meals excluded except Pangalanes)
✅ Early mornings = best viewing opportunities
✅ Your guide knows lemur territories and call patterns
✅ Even if rarest species elude you, the biodiversity is extraordinary
✅ Support local economies by purchasing crafts
✅ Ask permission before photographing people
✅ Learn basic Malagasy greetings (your guide will teach you!)
✅ Waterproof bag for electronics
✅ Sunscreen and hat (limited shade on boats)
✅ Insect repellent
✅ Swimsuit for beach stops
✅ Cash for souvenirs in villages
✅ Basic village lodges with shared facilities
✅ All meals included – trust your boat crew’s cooking
✅ Limited electricity in villages
✅ Embrace the slow pace – this is about the journey, not speed!
✅ Comfortable with heights (suspension bridges)
✅ Good balance for rocky terrain
✅ Harness and helmet provided – mandatory use
✅ Lightweight clothing (it’s hot in the stone forest)
✅ Water bottle (essential)
✅ Camera with secure strap
✅ Gloves optional (for gripping rocks)
✅ Stay on marked paths
✅ Watch your step – sharp limestone!
✅ Hydrate frequently
FAQs
✅ June-August: Coolest, driest conditions – best for Tsingy trekking
✅ September-October: Warming weather, excellent photography light, baby lemur season
✅ Tsingy exploration requires moderate fitness but no technical climbing
✅ Pangalanes cruise is leisurely with minimal walking
✅ Long travel days between regions (5-8 hours)
✅ Suitable for ages 8+ with reasonable fitness
Madagascar’s dry season (April to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing and comfortable travel. July-October is peak for whale watching and seeing baby lemurs. The wet season (November-March) offers lush landscapes and baby lemurs, but some roads may be challenging. We’ll advise the best timing based on your priorities!
✅ Customize your experience: Choose vegetarian, vegan, or specific dietary preferences
✅ Experience local cuisine: Discover authentic Malagasy dishes at your own pace
✅ Cruise includes full service with boat crew
✅ Fresh meals are prepared daily using local ingredients
✅ Lightweight, breathable clothing + warm layers for highlands
✅ Rain jacket or poncho (even in dry season)
✅ Sun protection: wide-brim hat, UV sunglasses, SPF 30+ sunscreen
✅ Insect repellent (DEET-based recommended)
✅ Camera with extra batteries/memory cards
✅ Binoculars for wildlife viewing (highly recommended)
✅ Reusable water bottle
✅ Basic first-aid kit & personal medications
✅ Headlamp for night walks
✅ Upgrade accommodations to luxury lodges or eco-resorts
✅ Add extra activities (whale watching in season, cultural visits)
✅ Modify trekking intensity based on your fitness level
✅ Extend your trip with beach extensions or additional destinations (Nosy Be, Sainte Marie, etc.)
✅ Trip cancellation/interruption due to weather, illness, or injury
✅ Lost/delayed baggage and gear
✅ We can assist with booking upon request
✅ Flight cost is approximately $150-250 per person
✅ Flight time is approximately 1.5 hours
✅ Alternative: Overland drive (2 days, not recommended due to time constraints)
✅ Maximum: 12 travelers for comfort and vehicle capacity
✅ Your own private 4×4 vehicle and dedicated guide throughout
✅ All meals included: Fresh local cuisine prepared by your boat crew
✅ Authentic encounters: Traditional fishing villages, vanilla plantations, local communities
✅ Wildlife: Diverse birdlife, lemurs along the banks, aquatic species
✅ Scenery: Lush vegetation, crystal-clear waters, stunning coastal landscapes
✅ Transport: Mix of traditional pirogues and motorized boats
✅ Accommodation: Village lodges and beach camps with basic but clean facilities
We require a 30% deposit to secure your booking, with the balance due 60 days before departure. For last-minute bookings, full payment is required. We accept bank transfer, credit card (3% fee), or Wise transfer. We’ll send a detailed invoice and secure payment link upon confirmation.
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John Doe
Codetic
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