culture-malagasy-1

Meeting the Betsileo — South of Madagascar

11 days / 10 nights Year-round From 675 EUR/pax
Overview

One journey, a thousand wonders

Welcome to southern Madagascar, a region as rich in diversity as it is mysterious in its charm. Discover diverse landscapes from highlands to desert plains. Meet incredible endemic species, from playful lemurs to brightly coloured chameleons. Immerse yourself in local culture, explore colourful markets, and savour authentic cuisine with a thousand flavours.

11
days
11
stops
675€
from
Highlights

Trip highlights

Zafimaniry country
Pirogue ride on the Matsiatra river
Anja private reserve
Isalo National Park
Programme

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: Arrival > Antananarivo

Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

On arrival at the airport, welcome and transfer to your hotel by our representative. Welcome to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar! Overnight at the hotel.

GREEN PALACE · Antananarivo
With a garden and restaurant, Green Palace is 4 km from the airport. Private parking, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, private garden terrace.
Day 2

Day 2: Antananarivo > Antsirabe > Ambositra

+/- 7h drive 260 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, we drive to Ambositra via RN7. Stop at Ambatolampy to visit the foundry workshop. Passing through Antsirabe, then on to Ambositra, renowned for its woodcarving and enchanting mountain scenery.

L'ARTISAN HOTEL · Ambositra
Created by a sculptor, the hotel showcases Malagasy craftsmanship. 8 rooms and 10 bungalows. Restaurant with traditional Malagasy cuisine and traditional live music outdoors in the afternoon.
Day 3

Day 3: Ambositra > Antoetra > Sakaivo (Zafimaniry country)

5 to 6h hike Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, a 5 to 6-hour hike through forests and rocky formations. The Zafimaniry woodcarving expertise was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2003. The local dwellings are true works of art. Overnight with a local family.

Chez l'habitant · Sakaivo
Overnight with a local family in the Zafimaniry village of Sakaivo.
Day 4

Day 4: Sakaivo > Ambositra

5 to 6h hike Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, 5 to 6-hour hike back to Antoetra through mountains, valleys and Zafimaniry villages, including Ifasina village. Return to Ambositra and check-in at the hotel.

L'ARTISAN HOTEL · Ambositra
Same accommodation as D2.
Day 5

Day 5: Ambositra > Fianarantsoa

+/- 4h drive 150 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, explore Ambositra's craft market: woodcarving, textiles, basketwork, metalwork, pottery, embroidery and traditional instruments. Departure for Fianarantsoa, the Betsileo city, spread across three tiers with its traditional houses, many churches and wine culture.

AMBALAKELY HOTEL · Fianarantsoa
Charming hotel with 10 rooms in a sober and authentic style, with local wood joinery. Rice field view. Numerous paths to explore the Betsileo hinterland.
Visit hotel
Day 6

Day 6: Fianarantsoa: Matsiatra pirogue & tea plantation

Full day Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, a 25km traditional pirogue descent of the Matsiatra river, discovering local artisan life and customs. Then visit the Sahambavy tea plantation, unique in Madagascar — 300 hectares employing up to 250 farmers. Return to the hotel.

AMBALAKELY HOTEL · Fianarantsoa
Same accommodation as the previous night.
Visit hotel
Day 7

Day 7: Fianarantsoa > Ranohira: Anja park & Isalo window

+/- 7h drive 270 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, we drive to Ranohira. Stop at Ambalavao to visit the Antemoro paper workshop. Visit to Anja park, known for its Catta lemurs. At day's end, sunset at the Isalo Window, the iconic site of the national park. Check-in at the hotel.

ISALO RANCH · Ranohira
20 comfortable bungalows with pool in a magnificent tropical garden. Each bungalow: private bathroom, hot water, mosquito nets, terrace. Solar energy.
Visit hotel
Day 8

Day 8: Ranohira: Isalo National Park

Full day Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

Full day exploring Isalo National Park. Hike through sandstone formations shaped by erosion to the natural pool in deep canyons. Observation of lemurs, chameleons, birds and endemic rockface vegetation.

ISALO RANCH · Ranohira
Same accommodation as the previous night.
Visit hotel
Day 9

Day 9: Ranohira > Antsirabe

+/- 10h drive 510 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, return to the highlands via the same route through Ambalavao, Fianarantsoa, Ambositra. Overnight in Antsirabe.

SOUIMANGA HOTEL · Antsirabe
3 km from the city centre, amid a conservatory garden of endemic plants. A haven of peace promoting sustainable and ecological development.
Visit hotel
Day 10

Day 10: Antsirabe > Antananarivo

+/- 4h drive 170 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, drive to Antananarivo via Ambatolampy. Arrival in Antananarivo — up to the Upper Town to admire the sunset. Check-in at the hotel.

GREEN PALACE · Antananarivo
Back to the initial hotel.
Day 11

Day 11: Antananarivo > Departure

Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, visit to the Digue market for reasonably priced souvenirs. Transfer to Ivato airport for the return flight. Bon vol and see you soon!

Budget
Included
  • 1 French-speaking guide with allowance and accommodation
  • All transfers at Tana airport
  • Accommodation with breakfast throughout the trip
  • Picnic lunches D3 & D4, D6 & D8; dinner D3
  • Car rental and fuel
  • Entrance fees and local guide: Isalo NP, Anja Reserve
  • Visits and excursions mentioned in the programme
  • Municipal taxes and tourist stickers
  • 1L of water per day
Not included
  • Airline tickets
  • Travel insurance (luggage, cancellation, medical expenses, repatriation)
  • Lunches and dinners not mentioned in « included »
  • Activities and visits not mentioned in the programme
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Good to know

Pricing

From 675 EUR/pax

Rate applicable from 10 pax. Please contact us for a tailor-made quote.

Notes

-

Ready for the adventure?

Contact us for a tailor-made quote and explore Madagascar at your own pace.

Request a quote