Madagascar South 9-Day Tour
Want to experience the most iconic, post-card-perfect scenery in Madagascar? Our South 9-Day Tour takes you on the island’s classic journey. Starting from the sunny beach city of Toliara, this itinerary leads you through the highlands to Isalo, Anja, and Fianarantsoa before heading back to the capital.
The tour in details
![The downtown of Antananarivo Tana with the lake Anosy view and Carlton 5 star Hotel FAR Madagascar Tour Operator Travel Agency]()
Upon your arrival at Ivato International Airport, our team will be delighted to welcome you at the arrival gate, no matter what time you land.
After assisting you with essentials like currency exchange and getting a SIM card, we will head to the vehicle and drive to your hotel.
Board a southbound flight over the semi-arid landscapes and « bush » country of the deep south.
Touch down in Tuléar, the sun-drenched coastal capital of the Vezo people. This flight typically takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, allowing you to bypass the long drive of the RN7.
Our team will be delighted to welcome you right at the airport arrival gate. Depending on the domestic flight schedule, we can plan visits in Toliara or directly transfer to Ifaty.
We will drive through the city of Toliara before joining the RN9 leading to Ifaty. A few kilometers after the Fiherenanan bridge, we will start to spot some baobabs trees on the right side (Adansonia Rubrostipa) while on some parts enjoying views of the Mozambique Channel on the left side.
Transfer to you hotel in Ifaty.
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Morning visit to the Reniala Reserve, this reserve is home to a thousand endemic plant species and features a protected baobab forest, making it one of the best spots to learn about these iconic trees. The wildlife here is primarily composed of endemic bird species and reptiles.
Close to the forest, we will discover the Tortoise Village, a dedicated conservation area where rescued tortoises are protected in a natural environment.In the afternoon, visit of the Arboretum d’Antsokay in Toliara, this is a dedicated botanical garden where we can learn about the unique and typical flora of the Madagascar South. This conservation site hosts over 900 plant species, many of which are endemic to the region’s spiny forest. Depending on your interest, we can also do a night visit to the reserve.
The next morning, departure from Toliara to reach Ranohira for the night.
On the road, we will stop at the Zombitse Vohibasia National Park mostly renowned for birdwatching but also a transitionary deep forest between the spiny south and the highland.
At Zombitse, besides the approximate 72 bird species such as Blue Vangas, Crested couas and coucals (Madagascar coucal, coquerell coua), the animal wildlife is completed by lemurs ( 3 species day active lemur, 5 species night active lemur). Depending on our luck, we may see the Sifaka verreaux, and reptiles like the Standing’s day gecko which is specific to the southwestern region.
Between the animal life treasure, we will also see some giants Baobab trees, the species Adansonia Za this time and orchids (depending the blooming season).
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The day is dedicated for exploring Isalo National Park, a landscape characterized by Jurassic-era sandstone massifs, deep canyons, and vast savanna.
We will hike through diverse ecosystems, from Tapia forests to arid areas home to the endemic Pachypodium (elephant’s foot), while observing wildlife such as ring-tailed and red-fronted brown lemurs.
The trek concludes with a visit to a natural swimming pool, a lush oasis fed by a waterfall within the rock formations.We will conclude the day with a drive to the Isalo Window where we will appreciate the sunset through the natural hole formation of the sandstone rock.
After breakfast, we will depart Ranohira for the journey to Fianarantsoa. We will first cross the vast, arid grasslands of the Ihorombe Plateau, a flat savanna dominated by zebu grazing, and pass through Ihosy, the regional capital.
As we leave the territory of the Bara tribe, we will pass through the Bonnet de Pape rock formation (the Gateway to the South), marking the dramatic transition from semi-desert scenery back to the green mountains of the Betsileo highlands. Before arriving in Fianarantsoa, we will pass through Ambalavao and its famous vineyards, known for local wine production.
Near Ambalavao, we will visit the Anjà Community Reserve, a sanctuary managed by the local community to protect the Maki (Ring-tailed lemur) population.
We will explore a terrain of massive granite boulders and dry forest, where these lemurs are easily observed in their natural habitat alongside various chameleons and lizards.![]()
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We leave Fianarantsoa in the morning and drive back to Antsirabe. We will have a short detour to the Sahambavy Tea Plantation before continuing the road along the national road 7.
We will have lunch in Ambositra. Then in the afternoon, a visit of a woodcarving workshop is on the program. This craft is recognized by UNESCO as it passes down stories and skills from generation to generation. Depending on your preference, we will have time for shoping for souvenirs after the visit.
Drive until Antsirabe as the sunlight reflects a golden color over the hills. Arrival in Antsirabe and check-in at the hotel.
Our last day in the central Highlands, we plan the visit of Antsirabe by rickshaw (pousse-pousse).
After the visit, road to an excursion to Lake Tritriva, a crater lake with a mysterious deep emerald color. There, we will listen to the legend of Rabeniomby and Ravolahanta, two lovers who decided to take their life together after a unacceptable marriage.
Lunch is in Antsirabe, followed by the drive back to Antananarivo. Check-in at the hotel.
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![The Queen Palace Rovan'i Madagasikara in the Analamanga Hill overlooking the Antananarivo Tana downtown picture by FAR Madagascar]()
Today marks the last day of our expedition in Madagascar. Depending on your flight schedule, we can take you on a city tour to explore « The City of a Thousand », including the historic Queen’s Palace, some local private parks, or any specific places you would like to see if time permits.
Our team will ensure your transfer to the airport, we will make some stops at the craft market for souvenirs.
At the airport, we will make sure you are safely guided to your check-in line, and then it will be time to say our goodbyes.
We wish you a safe flight. We say to you « VELOMA! »
End of the services
Price coverage
CONDITIONS
Price based on 2 people sharing a Private 9-day & 8-night Tour.
Tailored rates based on group size
Validity: Travel dates until 31st October 2026.
Seasonal Supplement: Due to national parks fee increase effective November 2026, about €15 /pers/national park supplement depending the national park category applies to tours departing between 1st November and 31st December 2026.
Accessibility:Suitable for all travelers and fitness levels.
Traveling Solo, in a Group or with Kids under 12 years old? Contact us for special tailored rates.
Hotel details provided upon inquiry. Any changes due to availability will be equivalent in quality and discussed transparently.
No hidden fees & Fully Customizable.
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