3-Week Madagascar Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Madagascar tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineMadagascar travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day Madagascar Itinerary, incl. Antananarivo and Isalo National Park

  Madagascar unfolds over 21 days across 12 cities from Antananarivo to Sainte Marie. The itinerary includes 3-hour rainforest treks in Ranomafana, boat cruises on Pangalanes channel, and 3 days of beach time at Sainte Marie island.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Antananarivo & Southern Coast

    Begin in Antananarivo ("Tana" to locals). The airport transfer takes 30-45 minutes but can be longer during rush hour. On day two catch a 90-minute flight to Toliara and transfer to Ifaty on bumpy roads with beautiful coastal views.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Ifaty Beach & Baobab Forest

    Visit Reniala Reserve to see ancient baobab trees. Start your walk early before the heat sets in since the trails offer minimal shade. The afternoons are ideal for snorkeling at Ankarajelita reserve or joining Vezo fishermen on traditional pirogue trips. You'll need reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Isalo National Park Region

    Take a 5-hour drive to Ranohira through sapphire mining areas. Make time for Zombitse National Park to watch Sifaka lemurs dance. At Isalo you can hike to natural pools but be careful as trails get slippery. The sandstone formations look best when the sun sets.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Ranomafana National Park

    Golden bamboo lemurs are most active in early morning. Bring hiking boots for the muddy rainforest paths. Later visit the Tanàla village and take a dip in the thermal pools if you like. Pack waterproof gear since rain is common even in dry months.

    
  • Days 9-13

    Central & Eastern Madagascar

    Head through the highlands to Antsirabe then eastward to Andasibe for night wildlife walks. Get to Analamazaotra reserve by 7 AM to hear indri lemurs call. Take a boat ride through Pangalanes canals to Palmarium reserve. Night walks offer rare sightings of aye-aye lemurs.

    
  • Days 14-17

    Île Sainte-Marie

    A 3-hour boat trip takes you to this island paradise. Watch for whales from July to September. The island is 60 km long and fairly flat making it perfect for bike rides to local villages. The pirate cemetery near Ambodifotatra offers interesting historical context.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Return to Antananarivo

    Take a 90-minute flight back to the capital. Visit Ambohimanga royal hill early to avoid tourist crowds. Shop for souvenirs at the craft market in Tana where prices beat tourist spots. Plan extra time for airport transfers because of city traffic.

    

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• 21 Days in Madagascar, incl. Antananarivo and Nosy Be

  A 21-day route through Madagascar spans 5 major destinations including Antananarivo, Nosy Be, and Antsiranana. The tour includes 3 nights at Madagascar Resort Nosy Be, visits to UNESCO-listed Ambohimanga Rova, and ventures into Ankarana National Park's limestone formations.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Antananarivo

    Begin your journey in "Tana," Madagascar's vibrant capital. Visit the UNESCO site Ambohimanga Rova, a sacred hill and former royal city 20km from the center. Plan to arrive by 8am to beat the crowds. Make time for local artisan workshops at the Padre Pio Charity House.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Ankarafantsika National Park

    The drive northwest spans 440km through the Tampoketsa plateaus. Stop at Maevatanana to watch traditional gold miners at work. In Ankarafantsika, take night walks to spot nocturnal lemurs and birds. The trails get slippery during wet season (November-March), so pack sturdy shoes.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Majunga

    This coastal city offers rich history and nearby "Red Circus" rock formations. Cross the Betsiboka River to Katsepy village by ferry or speedboat (30-60 minutes). The metal lighthouse provides great views but climbing 150+ steps is tough in midday heat.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Rural Madagascar

    Discover real village life around Antsohihy and Ambanja. Visit local farms growing cocoa, coffee, and ylang-ylang. Bring light clothes as temperatures often go above 30°C (86°F).

    
  • Days 10-13

    Nosy Be

    Take a ferry to "Perfume Island" for beaches and wildlife. See Lemuria Land's gardens and ylang-ylang distillery. Boat trips to Nosy Komba offer lemur watching, while Nosy Tanikely is perfect for snorkeling. Swim with sea turtles at Nosy Sakatia's marine reserve.

    
  • Days 14-16

    Ankarana & Diego Suarez

    Visit the limestone Tsingy formations and caves. Take the small Tsingy circuit for great views, but expect some climbing. Red Tsingy looks best in early morning light. Diego Suarez features colonial buildings and bay views.

    
  • Days 17-19

    Northern Coast

    If weather allows, sail to Emerald Sea (check conditions - southern winter brings rough waters). Explore Three Bays' beaches. Visit Amber Mountain National Park for forest walks and waterfalls. Bring rain gear for afternoon showers.

    
  • Days 20-21

    Return to Tana

    Fly back to the capital (1h20m). Shop for crafts at Digue market and get city views from upper town.

    

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• 21 Days in Madagascar, incl. Antananarivo and Ranomafana

  A 21-day route covers 11 key destinations across Madagascar, from Andasibe's rainforests to Ifaty's beaches. The journey features 4-hour hikes in Ranomafana and Isalo National Parks, traditional village visits, and accommodations at properties like Vakôna Forest Lodge.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Antananarivo & Andasibe

    Begin in the capital "Tana." The 4-hour drive to Andasibe winds through scenic roads. Leave early to skip the capital's heavy traffic. Stop at an exotic farm to see native reptiles. Once in Andasibe take a night walk to spot mouse lemurs and chameleons in their natural habitat.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Analamazaotra Reserve & Antsirabe

    Get up early to hear the Indri's unique calls. The largest lemur in Madagascar is worth the 4-hour hike which needs moderate fitness. Bring good hiking shoes as trails get muddy. The 7-hour drive to Antsirabe includes a stop at Ambatolampy's aluminum workshops.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Western Madagascar

    Travel rough roads to Kirindy Reserve and Bekopaka. Look for the rare fosa predator and explore the stunning limestone formations at UNESCO site Tsingy de Bemaraha. Bring motion sickness pills for the bumpy ride.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Avenue of Baobabs & Morondava

    Visit the famous Avenue of Baobabs at sunset for the best views and photos. Plan for an 8-hour drive from Bekopaka starting early. Roads are rough but the views make up for it.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Ranomafana National Park

    Drive through changing landscapes to reach Ranomafana. Walk the rainforest paths to find golden bamboo lemurs and tropical birds. Pack rain gear since the forest stays misty even in dry months.

    
  • Days 13-15

    Isalo National Park & Ifaty

    Explore Isalo's beautiful sandstone canyons and hidden pools. Start hikes early to beat the heat and bring lots of water. Head to Ifaty afterward for some beach time.

    
  • Days 16-18

    Ifaty Beach Time

    Relax with snorkeling trips explore the spiny forest or watch local fishing boats. Go swimming in the morning before afternoon winds pick up.

    
  • Days 19-21

    Return to Antananarivo

    Take a morning flight back to Tana as afternoon storms are common. Visit the historic Ambohimanga hill to learn about local culture before leaving.

    

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