3-Day Madagascar Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Madagascar tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineMadagascar travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Madagascar, incl. Antananarivo and Andasibe

  A 290km round-trip from Antananarivo takes you to Marozevo's Peyrieras reserve, Mantadia National Park, and Analamazaotra Reserve. The itinerary includes full-day birdwatching, nocturnal wildlife walks, and accommodations at FEON'NY ALA or GRACE LODGE.

  

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  • Day 1

    Antananarivo to Andasibe

    Leave Tana early to avoid heavy morning traffic. The 145km eastern journey takes about 5 hours on National Road 2 through the central highlands. Pack motion sickness medication for the winding road with frequent elevation changes. You can visit Marozevo's Peyrieras reserve to see endemic chameleons along the way. Make sure to wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip since the paths get slippery in the humid weather. In the evening take a night walk near your lodge to spot nocturnal wildlife like microcebus lemurs and small tree frogs.

    
  • Day 2

    Mantadia National Park

    Start your day at dawn around 6 AM when birds are most active. The primary rainforest of Mantadia offers great spots to see native species like Madagascar pond herons and red fodys. Bring small binoculars since birds can be hard to spot in the thick canopy. Pack a raincoat because afternoon showers often pop up without warning. While you're focusing on birds you'll probably hear and see the famous Indri indri lemurs. Their distinctive calls carry up to 2km through the forest.

    
  • Day 3

    Analamazaotra Reserve to Antananarivo

    Head out early to Analamazaotra Reserve (also called Périnet). Morning light gives you the best chance to spot Madagascar pygmy kingfishers and sparrow hawks. The walking trails here are easier than Mantadia's paths. Plan to start your 4-hour drive back to Tana with enough daylight since rural roads don't have good lighting.

    

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• 3 Days in Southern Madagascar, incl. Toliara and Ifaty

  The beachfront journey between Toliara and Ifaty showcases a 7-hectare turtle sanctuary and 40km coral reef. Daily activities feature zebu cart rides through baobab forests, village visits, and water adventures. Nights are spent at Hotel Sur La Plage Chez Cecile.

  

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  • Day 1

    Toliara to Ifaty Beach Resort

    Land at Toliara (Tuléar) airport and take a 1-hour drive north to Ifaty. The road isn't smooth so take motion sickness medication if needed. Try to arrive before 2 PM to enjoy your first afternoon at the beach. The Ranobe lagoon's turquoise waters are perfect for swimming especially in late afternoon during high tide. Watch the sun set over the Mozambique Channel but bring a light jacket since evening breezes can get cool.

    
  • Day 2

    Turtle Conservation and Spiny Forest

    Head out early at 7 AM to see the turtle conservation center when the 500 rescued turtles are most active. For your afternoon spiny forest visit wear closed shoes to protect against the thorny plants that make this ecosystem special. You'll travel by zebu cart through local villages to see authentic Vezo fishing community life. The ride gets bumpy so bringing a cushion is a good idea.

    
  • Day 3

    Lagoon Exploration and Return

    Go snorkeling in the Ranobe lagoon between 9-11 AM when the water is clearest. The coral reef runs for 40 kilometers with the best spots about 30 minutes out by traditional pirogue boat. When you visit the fishing villages bring small bills in Malagasy Ariary for local crafts. If you're flying from Toliara plan for a 90-minute return trip since road conditions can change.

    

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• 3 Day Morondava Itinerary, incl. Baobab Avenue and Kirindy Forest

  Wildlife and nature unfold in Morondava's highlights: full-day animal viewing in Kirindy Forest Reserve, sunset photography at 800-year-old Baobab Avenue, and relaxation at Kimony Beach. SELECT HOTEL provides lodging during expert-guided tours. Total costs around $1,300.

  

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  • Day 1

    Morondava City Discovery

    Start your Madagascar adventure in Morondava, a sunny coastal town that opens the door to some of the country's most incredible landscapes. Plan to arrive in the morning since flights from Antananarivo take about 1 hour. Spend your morning walking through the relaxed city center. Use your afternoon to adjust to Madagascar's tropical climate where temperatures often reach 85°F (29°C). Be aware that afternoon flights can be unpredictable during rainy season from December to March.

    
  • Day 2

    Kirindy Forest and Baobab Avenue

    Start your day early at 7 AM for the 70km trip to Kirindy Forest Reserve. The drive takes about 2 hours on rough roads, so pack motion sickness medication if you need it. Kirindy offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Madagascar. You might spot the fossa (the island's biggest predator) and seven different types of lemur. Make sure to wear closed shoes and long pants since the forest trails are uneven. After a picnic lunch, visit the iconic Avenue of Baobabs for sunset around 5:30 PM. These incredible trees are up to 800 years old and create stunning shadows as the sun goes down. Take plenty of water and your camera to catch the perfect late afternoon light. The road between Kirindy and the Baobabs can get muddy in rainy season, so plan for extra travel time.

    
  • Day 3

    Kimony Beach

    Spend your last day at Kimony Beach, which offers a quieter experience than Morondava's main beach. Get there before 10 AM to see local fishermen with their morning catch and avoid the intense midday sun. Since the beach has minimal shade, remember sunscreen and a hat. For afternoon flights, allow 45 minutes to drive from Kimony back to Morondava airport.

    

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