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Journey to the South-East with the Mythic Train

14 days / 13 nights Year-round From 885 EUR/pax
Overview

One journey, a thousand wonders

Madagascar, also known as « the red island »: great diversity with unique nature that can give you a new feeling of freedom. Embark on an unforgettable journey from captivating Antananarivo to the paradise beaches of Ifaty, passing through hidden treasures along the railway line connecting Sahambavy to Manakara.

14
days
14
stops
885€
from
Highlights

Trip highlights

The mythic Sahambavy–Manakara train
The Pangalanes canal
Ranomafana National Park
Isalo National Park
The beaches of Ifaty
Programme

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: Arrival > Antananarivo

Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

Our representative welcomes you on arrival at Ivato Airport, transfer to your hotel. Welcome to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar!

GREEN PALACE · Antananarivo
4 km from Ivato airport. Garden, restaurant, private parking, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, private terrace.
Day 2

Day 2: Antananarivo > Antsirabe

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

After breakfast, drive to Antsirabe via RN7 through the highlands. Stop at Ambatolampy to visit the pot foundry workshop. Continuation to Antsirabe, known for its cycle-rickshaws.

SOUIMANGA HOTEL · Antsirabe
3 km from the city centre, amid a conservatory garden of endemic plants. Eco-friendly and sustainable hotel.
Visit hotel
Day 3

Day 3: Antsirabe > Ambositra > Sahambavy

+/- 7h drive 257 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, we head south along a winding road with typical highland scenery. Stop at Ambositra for the craft market, renowned for marquetry and woodcarving. Continuation to Sahambavy, Madagascar's only tea plantation region.

LAC HOTEL SAHAMBAVY · Sahambavy
Typical bungalows in a tropical garden, some on stilts. Lake view, attentive staff, peaceful atmosphere.
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Day 4

Day 4: Sahambavy > Manakara (mythic train)

8 to 10h by train Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, we board the train to the south-east of the island — an 8 to 10 hour adventure. 17 stations, 67 bridges and 48 tunnels before Manakara. The train is the only transport for some villages. Discovery of daily life along lush scenery.

PARTHENAY CLUB · Manakara
Set in greenery, 2-hectare tropical garden. Traditional material bungalows with solar-powered private bathrooms. Local seafood cuisine.
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Day 5

Day 5: Manakara: Pangalanes canal

Full day Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

Full-day excursion on the Pangalanes canal to discover spice and vanilla plantations, typical small villages and their traditional crafts. Stop at the « Commissaire Hole », swim in the natural pool. Picnic lunch featuring fresh seafood.

PARTHENAY CLUB · Manakara
Same accommodation as the previous night.
Visit hotel
Day 6

Day 6: Manakara > Ranomafana

+/- 5h drive 180 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After visiting the town, we leave Manakara for Ranomafana. Check-in at the hotel. Night walk: mouse lemurs, chameleons, frogs and nocturnal birds.

CENTREST SEJOUR · Ranomafana
Ideally located a short distance from Ranomafana centre. 18 spacious rooms in charming gardens. Private bathroom, mosquito nets.
Day 7

Day 7: Ranomafana: National Park

Full day Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, full day at Ranomafana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007. Around 15 endemic lemur species, numerous streams some of which are thermal. Hike with a local guide.

CENTREST SEJOUR · Ranomafana
Same accommodation as the previous night.
Day 8

Day 8: Ranomafana > Ambalavao

+/- 6h drive 122 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, departure for Fianarantsoa, the Betsileo city spread across three tiers with traditional houses and wine culture. Arrival at Ambalavao and visit to the Antemoro paper workshop, an Arabic heritage from the 16th century.

AUX BOUGAINVILLEES · Ambalavao
Discovery of Antaimoro paper-making (a type of papyrus). Individual and family rooms with private bathroom. Varied cuisine restaurant.
Day 9

Day 9: Ambalavao > Ranohira: Anja Park & Isalo Window

+/- 5h drive 210 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

Back on the road with a stop at Anja Park to observe Catta lemurs in their natural habitat. Continuation to Ranohira to watch the sunset at the Isalo Window.

ISALO RANCH · Ranohira
20 bungalows with pool in a tropical garden. Private bathroom, hot water, mosquito nets, terrace, solar energy.
Visit hotel
Day 10

Day 10: Ranohira: Isalo National Park

Full day Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

Full day at Isalo National Park, 81,540 ha of sandstone formations shaped by erosion. Hike to the natural pool in deep canyons. Endemic rockface vegetation, naturally sculpted monuments (the Window, the Boot, the Wolf…).

ISALO RANCH · Ranohira
Same accommodation as the previous night.
Visit hotel
Day 11

Day 11: Ranohira > Tuléar > Ifaty: Reniala Reserve

+/- 7h drive 295 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, drive to Ifaty, 45 km north of Tuléar. Visit to the Reniala Reserve, the last vestige of the South's primary forests. Ring-tailed lemurs, bird and reptile species. Check-in at the hotel, rest of the day free.

BELLA DONNA · Ifaty
A few steps from Ifaty beach. Garden, terrace, restaurant, bar, private beach, free Wi-Fi, 24/7 reception.
Visit hotel
Day 12

Day 12: Ifaty: free day

Free day Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

Free day to explore the bustling market, go hiking, or relax on the pristine beaches. An enriching experience at the heart of this oasis of tranquillity.

BELLA DONNA · Ifaty
Same accommodation as the previous night.
Visit hotel
Day 13

Day 13: Ifaty > Tuléar > Antananarivo

1h flight Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

Transfer to Tuléar airport and flight to Antananarivo. Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel. If time allows, visit to the Digue craft market.

GREEN PALACE · Antananarivo
Back to the initial hotel in Antananarivo.
Day 14

Day 14: Antananarivo > Departure

Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport according to your return flight schedule. Bon voyage and see you soon!

Budget
Included
  • 1 French-speaking guide, airport/hotel/airport transfers
  • Accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis throughout the trip
  • Picnic lunches D4, D5, D10
  • Car rental and fuel
  • Entrance fees and guiding: Ranomafana NP, Anja Park, Isalo NP, Reniala Reserve
  • Visits and excursions mentioned in the programme
  • Municipal taxes and tourist stickers
  • 1L of water per day
Not included
  • International flights
  • Travel insurance (luggage, cancellation, medical expenses, repatriation)
  • All lunches and dinners marked as « not included »
  • Activities and visits not mentioned in the programme
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses
  • Domestic Tsaradia flight: Tuléar – Antananarivo
Good to know

Pricing

From 885 EUR/pax

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

Domestic flights

  • Tuléar - Tana 180 à 275 EUR/pax

Notes

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Ready for the adventure?

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

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