The great discovery

  • 20 Days
  • From Antananarivo
  • Private Tours

Overview

In short: The great discovery is a 20-day private tour of Madagascar starting in Antananarivo, visiting Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Morondava, Bekopaka, Belo-sur-Mer, Morombe, Ranohira, Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana, Ambositra and Tsingy de Bemaraha. Price: from €1,530 per person. Guiding: English-speaking guide. Best season: April – November (dry season). The itinerary can be adapted to your dates and interests.

Madagascar Baobab Tour & Tsingy Adventure for 20 days 

Discover the incredible diversity of Madagascar during this unforgettable 20-day Baobab Tour through the south and west of the island. From the highlands of Antananarivo to the paradise beaches of the Mozambique Channel, this adventure combines spectacular landscapes, unique wildlife, national parks and authentic cultural experiences. 

Discover Madagascar's Baobab Alley, Tsingy & West Coast Beaches.

Your Madagascar journey begins in Antsirabe, a charming highland town famous for its thermal springs, colorful pousse-pousse and traditional Malagasy atmosphere. The tour then heads toward the west coast, where the scenery changes dramatically with dry forests, baobab trees and tropical landscapes leading to Morondava. 

One of the highlights of this Madagascar baobab tour is the discovery of the legendary Baobab Alley, one of the island's most iconic natural sites. The adventure continues to Bekopaka and the UNESCO-listed Tsingy de Bemaraha. National Park, famous for its spectacular limestone formations, hanging bridges and exceptional biodiversity. Crossing the Tsiribihina River by ferry and exploring the rugged western tracks offer a true off-the-beaten-path experience.

A Unique Madagascar Adventure from Baobab Alley to Ifaty Beach

 

The tour continues along the wild west coast of Madagascar with relaxing stops in Belo sur Mer, Morombe and Salary Bay, where pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons and traditional fishing villages create unforgettable moments. After this coastal adventure, enjoy a relaxing stay on the beautiful beaches of Ifaty before continuing inland toward Isalo National Park. 

In southern Madagascar, discover the breathtaking canyons, sandstone mountains and natural pools of Isalo National Park, one of the country's most famous trekking destinations. The route then returns through the Malagasy highlands via Ambalavao and Fianarantsoa, heart of the Betsileo culture and traditional wine region. 

Explore the Wild Landscapes and Natural Wonders of Southern Madagascar

Before returning to Antananarivo, the tour ends with the discovery of Ranomafana National Park, a tropical rainforest known for its lemurs, orchids, waterfalls and exceptional biodiversity. This complete Madagascar itinerary offers the perfect combination of nature, adventure, beaches and cultural discovery for travelers looking for an authentic and unforgettable experience. 

Highlights

  • Discover the Avenue of the Baobabs at Morondava, with magical sunsets.
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tsingy de Bemaraha – trekking among spectacular limestone formations.
  • Scenic ferry crossing of the Tsiribihina River.
  • Relax on pristine beaches: Belo sur Mer, Morombe, Salary, Ifaty and enjoy the Mozambique Channel.
  • Adventure along off-road coastal tracks with views of thorny forests and endemic baobabs.
  • Visit Isalo National Park – canyons, natural pools, and the famous “Window of Isalo” sunset.
  • Experience Ranomafana National Park – rainforest, lemurs, orchids, and thermal waters.
  • Cultural encounters: Traditional handicraft workshops in Ambositra (wood carving, silk weaving). Anja Reserve to see the iconic ring-tailed lemur (Catta Maki). Discover Antsirabe, the “City of Water,” with hot springs and artisan workshops.
  • Visits to local villages, rice terraces, Mahafaly tombs, and Malagasy traditions.
  • Guided tours with English-speaking drivers and local park guides.
  • A perfect mix of adventure, culture, wildlife, and relaxation across Madagascar’s south and southwest.

Itinerary

Day 01ANTANANARIVO

Arrival at Ivato airport. Formalities for the visa. Guests are welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. Installation at the hotel.
Night and lodging in hotel.

Day 02ANTANANARIVO - ANTSIRABE

Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure for Antsirabe. On the road, panoramic view of terraced rice fields and also the tombs of the high land of Madagascar. Stop in to visit a handcrafted aluminum pots factory in Ambatolampy and visit of the city. Continue to Behenjy for lunch. Arrival in Antsirabe in the afternoon. Visit of the City of Water and some workshops of artisans in Madagascar.
Night and lodging in hotel.

Day 03ANTSIRABE - MORONDAVA

Breakfast at hotel
Leaving the hotel in the morning for joining Morondava. View of the first baobab alley in the west of Madagascar and typical landscape with rice paddies. Arrival in Morondava, visit of the city and the beach.
Overnight at hotel

Day 04MORONDAVA - BEKOPAKA

Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure early in the morning for joining Bekopaka, in dirt track road. Transfer by ferry in
Belo sur Tsiribihina. Then continuation towards Bekopaka. Late in the afternoon, arrival at the hotel
Overnight at hotel

Day 05BEKOPAKA

Breakfast at the hotel.
Day dedicated to the visit of the National Park Tsingy of Bemaraha. It is important to note that this park is ranked among the heritages of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning, we make a visit at least 4 hours to see and admire the big Tsingy. In the afternoon, a visit to 1 to 1h30 for discovering the small Tsingy.
Overnight at hotel

Day 06BEKOPAKA - MORONDAVA

Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure early in the morning to return to Belo sur Tsiribihina. Then transfer by ferry to Tsimafana. Then dirt track till Morondava. Sunset in the famous baobab alley. Arrival in Morondava at the end of the afternoon.
Overnight at hotel

Day 07MORONDAVA - BELO SUR MER

Breakfast at the hotel.
We continue our adventure on the dirty road with an unforgettable landscape. Arrival in Belo sur Mer, visit of the village. Possibility of spending time at the beach Belo sur Mer
Overnight at hotel

Day 08BELO SUR MER –MOROMBE

Breakfast at the hotel.
We continue our adventure on the dirty road with an unforgettable landscape. Arrival in Belo sur Mer, visit of the village. Possibility of spending time at the beach Belo sur Mer
Overnight at hotel

Day 09MOROMBE – SALARY

After the breakfast, we will continue our adventure on the coastal track of zebu carts. We will passe through a thorny jungle where we will find many endemic trees of the island. Possibility also to admire the baobab alley of Madagascar.
Accommodation at the hotel

Day 10SALARY

Breakfast at the hotel.
Day off
Accommodation at the hotel

Day 11SALARY - IFATY

Breakfast at the hotel.
We continue our adventure through the sand of the southern coast of Madagascar. We will see during the trip the Mozambique channel with villages of fishermen.
Accommodation at the hotel

Day 12IFATY

Breakfast at the hotel.
Day off
Overnight at hotel

Day 13IFATY - TULEAR - RANOHIRA

Breakfast at the hotel.
Exit to leave the southern part of the big island during this baobab tour. On the road, admiration of other varieties of baobab alley and the arid landscape of the south with the famous Mahafaly tombs.
Overnight at hotel

Day 14RANOHIRA

Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure by car to the National Park of Isalo. A day dedicated for visiting the fauna and flora of the park, and also the natural pool, the black and blue pool. The park is known for its Canyon also.
In the afternoon, sunset in the famous ``window of Isalo``.
Overnight at hotel

Day 15RANOHIRA - FIANARANTSOA

Breakfast at the hotel.
Leaving Ranohira early in the morning to follow up this baobab tour. In Ambalavao visit of Anja reserve where we can admire the famous lemur Catta Maki emblem of Madagascar. Then we visit the papermaking workshop Antemoro in Ambalavao and weaving silk. We arrived at late afternoon in the capital of Betsileo.
Overnight at hotel

Day 16FIANARANTSOA - RANOMAFANA

Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure to the village of Ranomafana. Visit of the National Park of Ranomafana. A visit of 3 to 4 hours to admire the lemurs, several faunas and floras endemic to this part of Madagascar. In the afternoon, visit the village. Possibility to swim in the thermal water of Ranomafana.
Overnight at hotel

Day 17RANOMAFANA - ANTSIRABE

Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure to Antsirabe. Along the way, we can admire the scenery with the typical architecture of Betsileo ethnic and rice fields. Arrival in Ambositra, visit of some craft stores. Ambositra is the capital of the Malagasy handicrafts and wood carving. After we will continue the journey till Antsirabe, possibility to visit the Avenue of Antsirabe in rickshaw (pousse-pousse).
Overnight at hotel

Day 18ANTSIRABE - ANTANANARIVO

Breakfast at the hotel.
Road back to the capital of Madagascar after this long baobab tour. Arrived in Antananarivo visit of the old city and the center.
Overnight at hotel

Day 19ANTANANARIVO - DEPARTURE

Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the craft market, the largest market in the capital. Transfer to Ivato airport for your international flight. Boarding formalities

Cost

The Cost Includes

  • Cars with fuel and driver who speaks english
  • English speaking guide for tour groups
  • Tourist thumbnails
  • Airport transfers – hotel – airport
  • Canoe / barge / speedboat
  • Meals during the descent of the river Tsiribihina
  • Local guides in national parks and nature reserves
  • Entrance fees at national parks and nature reserves mentioned in the circuit
  • Hotel rooms including breakfast
  • Insurance long stay in Madagascar

The Cost Excludes

  • Visa
  • International flights and domestic flights
  • Personal expenses
  • Drinks
  • Tips

FAQs

How long is The great discovery tour?

20 days and 19 nights. The day-by-day programme is in the Itinerary section above.

How much does The great discovery tour cost?

From €1,530 per person. The final price depends on the number of travellers, dates and hotel level; send us your request for an exact quote.

What is included in the price?
  • Cars with fuel and driver who speaks english
  • English speaking guide for tour groups
  • Tourist thumbnails
  • Airport transfers – hotel – airport
  • Canoe / barge / speedboat
  • Meals during the descent of the river Tsiribihina
  • Local guides in national parks and nature reserves
  • Entrance fees at national parks and nature reserves mentioned in the circuit
  • Hotel rooms including breakfast
  • Insurance long stay in Madagascar

Not included: Visa; International flights and domestic flights; Personal expenses; Drinks; Tips

Where does the tour start?

Antananarivo.

When is the best time to do this tour?

April – November (dry season).

Customize this tour

You can send your enquiry via the form below.