Africa

Madagascar | Wildlife and Culture of the Red Island

Activity Level:
MODERATE-STRENUOUS
Duration:
17 Days
Price:
From $5,900
Interests:
Natural History
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Antananarivo
Tsarafidy Madagascar Frog
Indri indri
Isalo
Malagasy women
Dwarf baobab
Ranomafana
Waterfall in Ranomafana
Malagasy Kingfisher
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Organize This Trip

About this trip

Madagascar inspires the imagination with its playful lemurs, strange-looking baobab trees, and distinct red-hued soil. The vast majority of its flora and fauna are endemic to the island, making it a true biodiversity hotspot. On this exploration of the “eighth continent,” come face-to-face with wildlife like chameleons, geckos, flying foxes, rare birds, and the country’s many lemur species, from the giant indri to the diminutive mouse lemurs. Madagascar’s vegetation is equally fascinating and is characterized by spiny forests, endangered palms, hundreds of orchid varieties, carnivorous plants, and dwarf baobabs. Take guided hikes in national parks and private reserves, learn about the Malagasy way of life, and relax in the turquoise waters off the coast of the “Great Red Island.”

Highlights

  • Visit Lemur Island, a sanctuary where you can interact with and photograph lemurs rescued from the pet trade.
  • Hike in the rainforests of Ranomafana National Park and learn about flora, fauna, and research efforts at Centre ValBio, a leading field research facility run by renowned primatologist Dr. Patricia Wright.
  • Explore the sandstone canyons, rocky deserts, and cascading waterfalls of Isalo National Park and swim in a natural pool.
  • Meet with local Malagasy community members to learn about commerce, conservation, art, and women’s initiatives.

Activity Level 4: Moderate-Strenuous

This journey provides an in-depth look at an island nation whose culture is unique, and whose flora and fauna are found nowhere else on earth. Your comprehensive itinerary covers six locations with epic landscapes ranging from towering forests to sandstone canyons to rocky deserts and idyllic beaches. But great distances and a poor infrastructure make travel between them taxing. Some days involve long drives of up to 7 hours, often on bumpy, dusty roads. Cultural discovery includes lectures and folkloric performances; plus visits to tribal villages, an historic fortress-palace, a factory, and an artisanal workshop. Expect some early mornings and hikes that may last up to 4 hours. The hike in Ranomafana is moderately difficult and uphill on the way in, with the possibility of going off-trail. The physical ability of your small group (12 members, maximum) will determine our pace. April through October is the dry season, when there is less humidity and average temperatures fall between 68–79˚F. 

11 Travelers

Land Cost

$5,900 - Jan 1, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026

$6,275 - Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2027

Book 10 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

What makes us different

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Cultural Discovery

Put culture in context as you discover the history and traditions of your destination

Custom-tailored trips

We can customize your itinerary so that it’s the ideal match for your interests, travel dates, and budget

Support local communities

We work with local guides and organizations so your trip includes authentic cultural experiences while supporting the economy of the region

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with arranging the flights for your group if desired

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the US for Madagascar.
Antananarivo
Day 2
Arrive in Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital, on a late-night flight. After clearing immigration and customs and exchanging money at the airport, meet our local guide and transfer to the hotel. Check in and rest after the long flight. (Please note: We recommend considering a stopover in Paris en route, or coming in a day early, to rest.)
Royal Palissandre
Day 2

In transit flight.

Antananarivo
Day 3
Enjoy a morning at leisure to recover from the long journey. After lunch and a program orientation, receive an overview of Madagascar's culture, economy, political structure, and diverse natural environments. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Royal Palissandre
Andasibe
Day 4
Today travel east to Andasibe, admiring the large Raphia farinifera palms along the way. After checking in at the hotel, visit Lemur Island, established by Vakona Lodge to provide sanctuary for displaced lemurs that were former pets and not suited for reintroduction into the wild. The lemurs are isolated on the island and accustomed to human visitors, which offers guests the unique opportunity to interact and be photographed with them. This evening, enjoy dinner overlooking the Madagascan rainforest.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Vakona Forest Lodge
Andasibe
Day 5
Rise early for a full-day exploration of the Analamazaotra Reserve in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. The primary forests of Andasibe-Mantadia contain a dense, humid, primary forest rich with lianas, moss, fern trees, and more than 100 orchid species. Other common plants growing here are Pandanus utilis, traveler's tree, Tambourissa, bamboos, and some precious woods like rosewood and ebony. Conservation of the forest is a critical challenge in this region due to the graphite mines inside the park; we will discuss conservation initiatives as they relate to natural resources. Tonight, take a walk in the Mitsinjo Analamazaotra Forest Station, a community-managed protected area, to look for nocturnal wildlife such as the locally endemic Goodman's mouse lemur, furry-eared and hairy-eared dwarf lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, and the tree frogs Boophis viridis and Boophis pyrrhus.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Vakona Forest Lodge
Andasibe
Day 6
This morning, have breakfast while listening to the peculiar call of the endangered indri, the largest living lemur species-some reach up to three feet tall! Andasibe-Mantadia is an ideal place to observe the indri, as there are some indri families there that have been habituated to humans. Considered a sacred animal in Madagascar, the indri is the focus of several myths. An additional 13 lemur species can be seen, including the woody lemur, gray bamboo lemur, diademed sifaka, brown lemur, red mouse lemur, red-bellied lemur, black-and-white ruffed lemur, and aye-aye. These forests are also home to more than a dozen other mammal species, more than 100 types of birds, 50 species of reptiles, and 80 amphibian species.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Vakona Forest Lodge
Antananarivo
Day 7
Return to Antananarivo this morning, with lunch at a local restaurant upon arrival. The afternoon is at leisure to rest.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Royal Palissandre
Antsirabe
Day 8
After breakfast, begin the drive south to Antsirabe. En route, visit the small town of Ambatolampy and its aluminum pot factory for a glimpse into Madagascan industry. Though this factory is small-scale, one craftsman can make as many as 20 of these robust pots per day! Visit the local market, where our guide will explain the seasonality of foods available and how commerce works. Have lunch at the Rendez-vous des pêcheurs in town and then continue to Antsirabe. After checking in, have dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Couleur Cafe
Ranomofana National Park
Day 9
Depart for the mountainous Ranomafana National Park, on the edge of Madagascar's High Plateau with elevations ranging from 1,640 to 4,921 feet. Ranomafana contains a variety of forest environments and is part of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana World Heritage Site. It has served as a model for subsequent parks and reserves in Madagascar and abroad. En route, stop in Ambositra to visit a workshop and discuss commerce in rural Madagascar. Check in at the lodge and have dinner. This evening, take a walk along the road bordering the national park in search of nocturnal species like chameleons and mouse lemurs.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Setam Lodge
Ranomofana National Park
Day 10
After breakfast, hike in the 102,000-acre Ranomafana National Park. Please note that hikes are moderately difficult and uphill on the way in, and often include off-trail experiences. The pace will be based on the physical ability of the participants. Ranomafana's rainforest is home to the critically endangered greater bamboo lemur, golden bamboo lemur, and 11 other lemur species, plus species of precious woods, palm trees, orchids, and carnivorous plants. Have lunch at Centre ValBio (CVB), a world-famous research station established in 2003 and managed by Stony Brook University. Run by Dr. Patricia Wright, an accomplished American primatologist and conservationist, the CVB focuses on biodiversity, community health, environmental arts, and reforestation. Receive a presentation on the flora, fauna, and research efforts at ValBio. Next, visit a nearby Tanala village to learn about this Malagasy ethnic group. Meet the village leader and enjoy singing and dancing with community members.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Setam Lodge
Isalo National Park
Day 11
After breakfast, begin the journey to the Great South and Madagascar's most-visited park, Isalo. The day's drive is along some of the best roads in the country and the scenery is breathtaking. En route, stop at Anja Community Reserve, a 74-acre forest managed by the local community and a vital example of sustainable tourism in Madagascar. The reserve boasts a diverse variety of endemic species, including several families of orchids and saxicolous plants. The target here is the ring-tailed lemur. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant, then continue the journey to Isalo. After a long day of driving, check in at the hotel, have dinner, and relax in anticipation of Isalo and its beautiful landscapes of sandstone canyons, fauna and flora, natural swimming pools, and waterfalls.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Le Relais de la Reine
Isalo National Park
Day 12
Spend the day exploring Isalo National Park, a continental sandstone plateau dating to the Jurassic Period. Hike across varied landscapes with different forms of sandstones, dotted with the famous dwarf baobab. After an hour's walk with short climbs, stop to rest in a spectacular valley with beautiful views. The overlook shows miles of azure sky, rocky desert, and winding greenery. Continue to a white-sand natural pool for the chance to go swimming before hiking back to the starting point. Return to the hotel for a cocktail and dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Le Relais de la Reine
Ifaty
Day 13
This morning, we continue the final leg of our journey southward. Stop at Antsokay Arboretum, a 100-acre site created in 1980 by Swiss amateur biologist Hermann Petignat and dedicated to conservation of the country's endemic flora. Continue to the seaside town of Toliara, situated near the Tropic of Capricorn.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Le Paradisier
Ifaty
Day 14

Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Antananarivo. This evening, have dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Le Paradasier
Ifaty
Day 14
Rise early for a special sunrise walk in Reniala Private Reserve, managed by a local environmental association working to develop ecotourism in the area. Hike some of the trails to explore the spiny forest, a unique ecosystem which only occurs in the southwest of Madagascar. The reserve contains more than 2,000 plant species, as well as impressively old baobabs, including one that is 41 feet in diameter. There are also 65 species of birds; rare endemics such as the Red-capped Coua and the Blue Vanga can easily be seen. Return to the hotel for a late breakfast, and explore the beach or hotel amenities. This evening, enjoy a special dinner under the baobab trees.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Le Paradisier
Antananarivo
Day 15
Fly back to Antananarivo today.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Au Bois Vert
Depart
Day 16
Explore the city during a drive to Ambohimanga Royal Hill, a hilltop fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the palace dwellings and heritage of Madagascar, then head to lunch at an open-air restaurant. The traditional meal will also be accompanied by the singing and dancing of a local dance troupe. Return to the hotel for dinner and time to pack, enjoying the use of a day room as we await our departure flights. This evening, head to the airport for the flight back to the US.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Au Bois Vert Day Room
U.S. arrival
Day 17
Arrive back in the US following the overnight flight.
11 Travelers

Land Cost

$5,900 - Jan 1, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026

$6,275 - Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2027

Book 10 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • All Tips except Guide and Driver
  • Bottled water or water refill station during transfers
  • Carbon Offset
  • Full time guide for the duration of your program
  • Internal flights relevant to itinerary
  • Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Items of personal nature
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Rates are based on double occupancy for participants.

Prices are valid for travel from Jan 1, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026. Holiday surcharges may apply.

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a passport with at least three blank pages and valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into Madagascar.

For stays of 15 days or fewer: A visa is not required, but travelers are required to pay a USD $10 administrative fee. You have the option of paying this fee online in advance at https://evisamada-mg.com/en/home or upon arrival in Madagascar (cash only, U.S dollars accepted).

For stays longer than 15 days: A visa is required for entry. The cost for a single-entry visa for a visit up to 30 days is USD $37. You may obtain and pay for an electronic visa in advance at https://evisamada-mg.com/en/home or you may obtain a visa upon arrival in Madagascar. If obtained upon arrival, the visa fee must be paid in cash (U.S. dollars accepted).

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please be sure to check with the Madagascan Embassy for requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Madagascar unless you are arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk (including transiting 12 or more hours through the airport of a country where yellow fever is a risk).

The CDC recommends hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid vaccines for most travelers visiting Madagascar. The CDC also recommends a single lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine for adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to Madagascar may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.

To protect against mosquitos, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.

Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.

OTHER INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES

In addition to malaria, the CDC warns that travelers may be at risk for several insect-borne illnesses carried by mosquitos, ticks, and fleas, such as dengue fever, chikungunya, African tick-bite fever, and others.

The CDC recommends that travelers to Madagascar protect themselves against insect bites using the measures noted above. After spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Resources

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Packing Recommendations

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You can find many of the items below in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services (at additional cost). If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and insect protection
  • Shorts
  • A combination of lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and insect protection and medium-weight long pants for the cooler highlands
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt (or heavier weight if visiting high-elevation areas)
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s) for the beach, if applicable, plus many hotels have pools
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs.
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more rugged itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals. If you’re visiting the beach, you may also want a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker; the rainy season is typically November to April, but it can rain at any time
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites and to be considerate of your fellow travelers.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – If you’ll be in the ocean, we strongly urge reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if traveling from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Money belt
  • Voltage converter and plug adapter
  • Chargers for electronics
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