How to Plan Your Private Tour for the Highlights of Madagascar

If you’re planning a trip to Madagascar and want to make the most of your time, a private tour is a great way to go. With a private tour, you’ll get a personalized experience that lets you see the best of what Madagascar has to offer. Viator offers a Private Tour for the Highlights of Madagascar that covers everything from cultural sites to natural landscapes. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to plan your private tour effectively and make the most of your time on this tour.

Overview of the Tour

The Private Tour for the Highlights of Madagascar is a twelve-day tour that starts at your hotel’s doorstep. The itinerary takes you through the bustling towns of Ambositra and Antsirabe, where you’ll be surrounded by remarkable mountains, visit wood carving workshops and discover picturesque lakes. After that, you’ll visit the stunning natural landscapes of Ranomafana, Andringitra, Isalo National Park and Analamazaotra Special Reserve.

The tour includes daily breakfast, entrance tickets to parks, and the services of an air-conditioned vehicle. All fees and taxes are also included, and you’ll have snacks along the way.

Itinerary

Here’s a breakdown of the itinerary for the tour:

Day One: Arrival in Antananarivo-Ivato
On this day, you’ll be welcomed at the international/national airport of Antananarivo-Ivato by the tour guide. You’ll then be dropped off at your hotel.

Day Two: Antsirabe
On this day, you’ll visit Antsirabe, which is a small town full of rickshaws and colorful building that showcases its rich cultural history. You’ll visit wood carving workshops and the picturesque nearby lake of Tritriva.

Day Three: Ambositra
You’ll head to Ambositra on this day, this town is known for its zebu farming,(zebu is a type of cow) it is also a craft capital that showcases its talent for creating unique puzzles and wooden crafts.

Day Four and Five: Ranomafana National Park
These two days are dedicated to exploring the Ranomafana National Park. Trekking, you will discover the beauty of the rainforest, see lemurs, and take a dip in hot springs.

Day Six and Seven: Parc National de l’Andringitra
This national park is one of the most special places to trek in Madagascar. You will cross the Tsaranoro Valley and trek along the Tsaranoro peak range.

Day Eight and Nine: Isalo National Park
You will visit Isalo National Park on these days, taking in the stunning scenery of sandstone formations, deep canyons, and lush forests. Trekking through the park will give you remarkable views of Madagascar’s nature.

Day Ten: Analamazaotra Special Reserve
On this day you’ll visit Analamazaotra Special Reserve, again you’ll be trekking through the rainforest, where you can observe indri indris lemurs and other wildlife.

Day Eleven: Return to Antananarivo
You’ll return to Antananarivo on this day, visiting the unique landscape of rice paddies as you travel back.

Day Twelve: Departure
This day is solely dedicated to prepare to leave. After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the airport.

What’s included in the tour?

As mentioned earlier, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle to facilitate transport to each site in the itinerary. Daily breakfast is included so that you’ll start each day strong. Entrance to national parks is covered by your tour ticket. Additionally, you’ll have the services of the tour guide throughout the twelve-day trip.

Booking Your Tour

Viator offers a Private Tour for the Highlights of Madagascar, and you can book the tour here:

book the tour here

This tour is a great way to explore the highlights of Madagascar, enjoying the beauty of natural sceneries and the richness of the cultural heritage the island has to offer. With proper planning, you can enjoy every aspect of this tour and have an experience to remember forever.

An Insider’s Guide to Antananarivo, Madagascar

Madagascar is an island country known for its unique flora and fauna, but Antananarivo, its capital city, is a gem that is often overlooked by tourists. This guide offers an insider’s perspective on must-visit attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to make your private tour of the highlights of Madagascar unforgettable.

Local Attractions

When visiting Antananarivo, there are many fascinating sites to explore beyond the usual tourist attractions. The Rova, the ancient palace of the Merina kings, is a must-visit and gives visitors a glimpse into Madagascar’s history. The Andohalo cathedral is another impressive sight that should not be missed. But if you’re looking for something more off-the-beaten-path, visit the Ambohimanga Royal Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Dining Spots

Malagasy cuisine offers a myriad of flavors and aromas influenced by its diverse geography and cultures. One of the must-visit spots is La Varangue, situated in the heart of Antananarivo, offering fusion cuisine and a relaxing atmosphere. For a more authentic Malagasy experience, the Ny Hary Resto-Grill serves up local delicacies in a lively atmosphere. Don’t miss trying the varied street food stalls that offer sweet treats like the famous coconut donuts or savory options such as “mofo gasy” (Malagasy bread) and “koba sy voanio” (peanut candy).

Cultural Experiences

Antananarivo celebrates its cultural heritage through its traditions, festivals, art, music, and customs. The city has a thriving arts and crafts scene where local artisans make beautiful objects like woodcarvings, textiles, and fine jewelry. Be sure to visit the Analakely market and Tana Waterfront for some shopping. To experience Madagascar’s traditional music, visit the Kabary Jazz Club, which features unique performances combining traditional instruments such as the valiha or marovany, with modern jazz.

Local History

Antananarivo’s history is rich and varied, influenced by the Merina monarchy, French colonization, and the country’s independence. Visitors should not miss the chance to learn about the story of Ratsimilaho, the first king of Madagascar, or the stories of the Malagasy people’s resistance to French colonization. The Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie features a fascinating collection of artifacts providing insight into Madagascar’s history and culture.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you want to stray from the conventional paths, hike up to the Tsarasaotra Park and enjoy the beautiful views of the city. To experience Madagascar’s natural wonders, hike through the Reniala Reserve and explore its biodiversity of flora and fauna. To escape the bustling city, visit the Ambohimanga Rova Park or the botanical park and zoological garden of Tsimbazaza.

In conclusion, Antananarivo has much to offer, and with this insider’s guide, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience exploring the highlights of Madagascar. Take advantage of the hidden gems, mouth-watering cuisine, rich cultural experiences, fascinating history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to make the most of your private tour.