Lemurs, Wildlife and Beaches! - A 9 Day Safari - From £1,475 per person

Day 1
A day to recuperate after your long flight and explore the sights and sounds of Antananarivo. Depending on time available visit the zoma (the large traditional market of Tana), the palace and the local zoo which offers the opportunity to see some of the animals that you will come across in your travels.

Day 2
Today you set off on your journey southwards and to the National Park of Ranomafana. This park protects a large tract of rainforest in the east of the island where if you are lucky you will see the rare golden bamboo lemur! Rano is Malagasy for water; mafana is Malagasy for hot. About a hundred years ago a Malagasy discovered hot springs down in the valley, and the French created a spa around them. This has now become the town of Ranomafana.
O/N Hotel Domain Nature - 14 bungalows set amongst the lush vegetation and constructed with local materials offer comfortable accommodation for the traveller.

Day 3
Today is spent exploring Ranomafana. This National Park covers an area of 41 000 hectares and has dense rainforest of medium altitude with waterfalls and rapids. It is home to 12 species of Lemur including the golden bamboo. Lemurs are not the only attraction however with the park boasting an impressive 118 species of bird! A variety of trails and footpaths lead you through this dense jungle but it's the sheer majesty of the forest itself that makes the Park so beautiful. A variety of orchids, tree palms and ferns and a huge variety of geckos, chameleons and beautiful little coloured frogs make this a thoroughly enjoyable day.
O/N Hotel Domain Nature

Day 4
Another day to explore the magical forest of Ranomafana, once you have returned from the forest why not take advantage of the hot springs...
O/N Hotel Domaine Nature

Day 5
Today you drive southwards, through a mixture of dense forests and dramatic open plains and hillsides. An eye opening experience to see the devastation that has affected these once beautiful forests. As you approach Isalo over the open plains, the distant rock massif on the horizon slowly grows bigger and the diversity and magic of this island soon becomes apparent.
O/N Relais de la Reine - A perfectly integrated hotel blending into the surrounding landscape with spectacular views over the nearby Isalo Massif. The comfortable stone chalets are a real treat when travelling through Madagascar and combined with the swimming pool offers a pleasant stop over when travelling down to the coast.

Day 6
Today you have the fantastic opportunity for some trekking through impressive canyons and along dramatic bluffs; Isalo's topography has been sculpted over the years by wind and water and now lends itself to some quite fanciful shapes! A classic walk is along the Massif affording dramatic views and arriving late in the afternoon at "La Piscine Naturelle", a natural swimming pool formed in the rocks fringed by palm trees and forever topped up by a flowing waterfall. After a day out in the sun it is hard to refuse...Travellers also have the option of visiting a variety of natural canyons in the area, horse riding or just relaxing back at the Relais de la Reine. There is no better way to finish the day however than to watch the sun setting through "La Fenetre" a natural rock formation providing a window to the setting sun!
O/N Relais de la Reine

Day 7
Today your journey continues onwards and south towards the coastal area of Ifaty. This drive presents you with new scenery once again, with the dry and spiny forests of the south.
O/N Le Paradisier - Wooden bungalows with private terraces and mezzanine levels perched on the edge of the beach offer a great place to sit back and relax. With sweeping sea views, a beautiful swimming pool and some of the best diving in the world it is impossible not to enjoy this private haven!.

Day 8
Today you can sit back, relax and enjoy your recent travels.

Day 9
Today you make your way back north to Tana and for your departing flight.