5 Days in Antananarivo & Andasibe, Madagascar: Lemurs, Rainforest & Highlands
Madagascar is the world's eighth-largest island and a zoological wonderland: 90% of its wildlife exists nowhere else. A quick trip from the chaotic capital Antananarivo to the rainforest of Andasibe offers intimate encounters with indri, sifaka and leaf-tailed geckos, plus highland colonial charm and rice-paddy landscapes unchanged for centuries.
What to expect
- Trek Andasibe-Mantadia National Park at dawn to hear and see indri lemurs calling.
- Spot nocturnal chameleons, mouse lemurs and aye-ayes on night walks.
- Hike the Tamatave Trail through old-growth rainforest and streams.
- Explore Antananarivo's steep streets, royal palace and Sunday craft markets.
- Eat locally: rice with brèdes (leafy greens), zebu stew and fresh coffee.
Day by day
Arrive Ivato International; transfer to central hotel in Haute-Ville.
Walk steep colonial streets; visit Queen's Palace ruins and Cathedral.
Dinner at a local Malagasy restaurant; try lasopy (beef stew) and ravitoto (greens).
Explore Zoma market (Friday–Sunday) or Abosy market for crafts and spices.
Depart for Andasibe (2 hours by car); check into rainforest lodge.
Settle in; short orientation walk near lodge; early rest for dawn trek.
Pre-dawn guided trek into Andasibe-Mantadia NP; listen for indri calls.
Rest at lodge; afternoon night-walk to spot nocturnal creatures.
Dinner at lodge; guided talk on Madagascar's unique fauna.
Full-day trek on Tamatave Trail (8 km, moderate); waterfall and river swim.
Return to lodge; rest and hot shower.
Final dinner in Andasibe village; live music or informal local meal.
Drive back to capital (2 hours); lunch stop in a highland town.
Last-minute souvenir shopping at craft markets.
Depart for international airport.
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