
Madagascar is a world apart, geographically isolated, biologically unique, and culturally rich. This immersive Cholan Tours journey uncovers the island’s most iconic ecosystems and experiences, carefully designed for travellers seeking depth rather than speed. From the humid rainforests of Andasibe to the sculpted limestone labyrinth of Tsingy de Bemaraha, the journey moves through landscapes found nowhere else on Earth.
Travelling along the legendary RN7, guests witness Madagascar’s everyday beauty, rice terraces carved into hillsides, roadside villages alive with tradition, and shifting scenery from highlands to desert canyons. Encounters with rare species such as Indri, Aye-aye, sifaka, chameleons, and even the elusive fossa bring the island’s biodiversity vividly to life.
Community-based reserves like Anja offer meaningful cultural connections, while Isalo and Ranomafana National Parks balance adventure with relaxation through hikes, natural pools, and thermal springs. Western Madagascar reveals a slower rhythm, remote tracks, river crossings by pirogue, and sunset camps beneath ancient baobabs.
The journey concludes on Nosy Be, where white-sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters provide a gentle contrast to the rugged interior. This itinerary is not simply a tour, it is an exploration of Madagascar’s raw beauty, resilient cultures, and astonishing natural heritage, curated with Cholan Tours’ destination expertise.
Antananarivo, Andasibe National Park, Antsirabe, RN7 villages, Ranomafana National Park, Isalo National Park, Anja Community Reserve, Manja-Morondava track, Tsingy de Bemaraha, Kirindy Reserve, Baobab Avenue, Nosy Be.
Arrive in Madagascar’s capital city, Antananarivo, set across rolling hills dotted with colourful houses and historic landmarks. After clearing formalities, meet your Cholan Tours representative and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a gentle orientation drive, introducing the city’s French-influenced architecture, local markets, and viewpoints. The evening is at leisure to rest after your journey or enjoy a welcome dinner featuring Malagasy flavours.
Depart eastwards through lush landscapes toward Andasibe. The drive offers changing scenery, rainforest-covered hills, roadside villages, and plantations. On arrival, settle into your lodge surrounded by dense forest. Later, enjoy an evening guided walk to search for nocturnal species such as chameleons, frogs, and mouse lemurs, offering your first glimpse into Madagascar’s remarkable biodiversity.
Explore Andasibe National Park, home to the iconic Indri lemur, known for its haunting, echoing calls. Guided rainforest walks reveal orchids, giant ferns, and endemic wildlife found nowhere else. Later, visit community-run reserves to deepen understanding of conservation efforts. In the evening, relax amidst the sounds of the rainforest or enjoy lodge-led nature talks.
Return toward Antananarivo before continuing south along the RN7. The journey passes rice terraces, red-earth villages, and craft markets. Arrive in Antsirabe, a charming highland town known for colonial architecture and thermal waters. Explore local workshops producing miniature rickshaws and embroidered textiles, reflecting the town’s artisanal heritage.
Continue south through changing landscapes into the rainforest region of Ranomafana. En route, observe daily rural life unfolding along the highway. On arrival, settle into your lodge surrounded by dense forest. Later, enjoy a guided evening walk to spot nocturnal wildlife including lemurs, insects, and amphibians thriving in this humid ecosystem.
Spend the day exploring Ranomafana National Park, a UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot. Guided hikes reveal rare lemur species, colourful birds, and medicinal plants. In the afternoon, unwind in the park’s natural hot springs, a perfect contrast to the morning’s explorations. The evening is free to relax amid forest surroundings.
Travel south as rainforest gives way to open savannah and dramatic sandstone formations. Arrive at Isalo National Park, famous for its canyons, rock pools, and desert scenery. Enjoy a sunset walk to viewpoints overlooking sculpted landscapes glowing in golden light, one of Madagascar’s most photogenic moments.
Explore Isalo on foot with a guided hike through canyons, palm-lined oases, and natural swimming pools. Watch for ring-tailed lemurs and white sifaka among rocky cliffs. The afternoon offers time to relax at your lodge or enjoy optional activities such as village visits nearby.
Journey toward Anja Community Reserve, stopping to explore this successful local conservation project. Walk among granite boulders where large groups of ring-tailed lemurs live freely. Continue onward, absorbing views of southern Madagascar’s stark beauty and rural settlements shaped by tradition.
Leave the paved road behind and begin one of Madagascar’s most adventurous drives toward Manja. The route traverses remote landscapes, river crossings, and isolated villages rarely seen by travellers. This raw journey reveals the island’s untamed heart and rewards patience with unforgettable scenery.
Continue along rugged tracks toward the west coast. Cross rivers by traditional pirogue and experience true off-the-grid travel. Arrive in Morondava by evening, where coastal breezes and relaxed rhythms mark a striking contrast to the interior’s wild terrain.
Visit the iconic Baobab Avenue at sunrise or sunset, when ancient trees cast long shadows across the dusty road. Continue to Kirindy Forest Reserve for wildlife encounters, including lemurs, reptiles, and possibly the elusive fossa. Enjoy dinner as nocturnal life stirs around camp.
Travel north toward Tsingy de Bemaraha, navigating rivers and rugged tracks. The journey itself is an adventure, revealing remote villages and untouched landscapes. Arrive near the reserve and prepare for exploration of one of Madagascar’s most dramatic natural wonders.
Explore the Grand Tsingy, an extraordinary limestone labyrinth of razor-sharp pinnacles, suspension bridges, and hidden canyons. Guided hikes and climbs reveal breathtaking viewpoints and endemic wildlife adapted to this extreme terrain. A truly unforgettable geological experience.
Return toward Morondava, retracing scenic routes and river crossings. The afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the coast, or revisit Baobab Avenue under changing light conditions, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Fly to Nosy Be, Madagascar’s most celebrated island destination. Transfer to your beach resort and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, swimming, relaxing, or enjoying sunset views over the Indian Ocean.
Enjoy a full day at leisure on Nosy Be. Optional activities include snorkelling, island hopping, cultural village visits, or simply relaxing on white-sand beaches. Between July and September, whale-watching excursions may be possible nearby.
Transfer to Nosy Be airport for your onward journey, departing with deep memories of Madagascar’s wild landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich cultural encounters.