Classic Family Holiday Madagascar

From £3100

Trip Details

Exploring Treasures Of The South West

A relaxed yet rewarding family journey through southwestern Madagascar, perfectly balanced between wildlife, culture and beach time. Over about two weeks, you’ll explore lush rainforests and national parks in search of lemurs and chameleons, visit artisan towns and local communities to experience authentic Malagasy life, hike mountain trails and valleys, then finally unwind on the white-sanded beaches of Ifaty facing the clear Indian Ocean waters.

Designed for families with children aged 8 and above (though it can easily be adapted for younger or older kids), this trip blends gentle adventure with comfort and downtime—perfect for wildlife lovers and families who simply want to enjoy nature, beautiful scenery and time together.

Trip Highlights

A truly one-off experience

  • Spot wild lemurs in the magnificent rainforest National Park of Ranomafana & observe the famous, much-loved ring-tailed lemurs in the Anja Reserve.
  • Explore some of Madagascar’s most famous National Parks, including Isalo – with rock scrambling and an abundance of exciting, unique wildlife
  • Encounter the dramatic sandstone canyons and natural pools of Isalo National Park, one of Madagascar’s most spectacular landscapes.
  • Experience a perfect ending to your trip in the stunning coastal town of Ifaty.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Tana

After arriving in Antananarivo (or Tana, as it is known by the locals) late pm, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel

Overnight – Hotel

Day 2

Antsirabe

After breakfast you will meet your guide and we will set out by car to Antsirabe.

Along the way you can choose to stop off and visit Ambatolampy (the biggest town between Tana and Antsirabe) where we may get the chance to see craftsmen building aluminium pots amongst other things.  Alternatively, if time allows, you can also visit Lake Tritriva which is a 2 hour round trip to a stunning lake of volcanic origin with blue/green waters, surrounded by beautiful scenery – walking around the lake will take approximately 1 hour, during this time we will likely meet many local Malagasy people. Where we will stop and what you will do today will depend on your preferences. Today will be a great chance to experience Malagasy life on the road!

Overnight – Hotel

Day 3

Ranomafana National Park

This morning we will set off for Ranomafana National Park. En-route we can stop off at Ambositra where we’ll get the chance to visit the famous woodcarving workshops, or possibly visit our reforestation project at Italavina.

We will stay just outside Ranomafana (just 10 minutes from the park entrance). If we arrive early there is the possibility of visiting the thermal baths.

Overnight – Hotel

Day 4

Ranomafana National Park

Today you have the opportunity to explore the enchanting Ranomafana National Park and search for lemurs on an adventure through lush rainforest.

We will head out on a forest trail today along some of the park’s many easy mountainous tracks, there will be plenty of opportunities to see lemurs and much of the other wildlife first hand, as well as to enjoy the stunning cascades and waterfalls.

Overnight – Hotel

Day 5

To Ambalavao

This morning we have the unique option of paddling on the Namorana River within Ranomafana National Park before heading to Ambalavao, stopping off at Fianarantsoa en-route.

After lunch, we will set off to Ambalavao.

Overnight – Hotel

Day 6

Anja Reserve

Another exciting day ahead as we visit the Anja reserve (just a few kms from Ambalavao – so you can choose to do what the Malagasy people do and walk there if you prefer).

We will spend 1 ½ hrs on a guided exploration of this stunning area as well as explore caves and experience some rock scrambling,  This afternoon we will drive approximately 2 ½ hrs to the Tsaranoro Valley in the Andringitra National Park, which will be our home for the next couple of days.

Overnight – Bungalows

Day 7-8

Tsarasoa

We will spend these days exploring this stunning area on foot and meeting all the locals.

There will also be a chance to visit Tsarasoa, which is the base for a reforestation effort we support. Depending on the time of year we may also get to plant some young saplings.

Overnight – Bungalow

Day 9

Isalo

We will have another chance to explore this area before having an early lunch and setting off by car to Isalo which should take us around 4 hours on track and road.

Overnight – Eco-Lodge

Day 10

Isalo National Park

Today we will be exploring this breathtaking National Park on foot. Included will be the opportunity to swim in a natural pool, with lunch on trail.

Overnight – Eco-Lodge

Day 11

Ifaty

Today we head to Ifaty and the Indian Ocean, with an optional stop en-route to visit the Antsokoay Botanical Park or Zombiste.

Our next few nights will be spent relaxing at a hotel facing the Mozambique Channel and superb reef of Ifaty, our hotel provides a perfect setting for a relaxing beach break at the end of your adventure.  Upon arrival in Ifaty, your driver and guide will leave you, as you will spend the next couple of days at leisure.

Overnight Hotel

Day 12

Ifaty

Local fishermen will also be happy to offer you a trip in their traditional fishing boats (pirogues). Or if you prefer you can simply relax on the stunning white sandy beaches and swim in the turquoise waters.

Overnight Hotel

Day 13

Ifaty

Today can be spent at your leisure, experiencing what beautiful Ifaty and its surrounding areas have to offer.

If you wish, this morning you can visit the Spiny Forest!

Overnight Hotel

Day 14

Antananarivo

You will be transferred to the airport where you will catch the Air Madagascar flight from Tulear to Tana.   Upon arrival you will be met by a driver/guide – Depending on your time of arrival in Tana you can visit the handicraft market, before transferring to your hotel.

Overnight Hotel

Day 15

End of Trip

Transfer to airport in time for flight home.

 

NB: This itinerary is subject to change – arrangements, routes and facilities are subject to variation depending on local conditions.  Please note times given are approximate driving times and do not include stops, the journey times are therefore longer.

On this particular trip there is a minimum age of 8 and some previous outdoors experience is useful.

We can also tailor itineraries to suit your exact requirements including catering for younger children

Expert Summary

Laurenne Director of Pioneer Expeditions

A perfectly balanced family adventure and some some well deserved R and R at the end. I first took my son to Madagascar when he was 7 and it is still one of his best travel experiences

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