OUR TRIP IS SOLD OUT - SORRY! 

We will be publishing the details for our 2027 trip by mid-2026.  SIGN UP HERE to be among the first to be notified when we do. 

NOTE ON PHYSICAL ABILITY:  This is a long trip (24 days) requiring a degree of stamina and physical ability.  We have some long days on rough roads, and the climate can be very warm and humid in some places. You should consider joining this trip only if you are in decent physical condition (can do a slow-paced walk for 2-3 miles / 3-5 kms in heat and humidity, on decent, but occasionally rough trails, with modest elevational gain). 

TRIP DATES:  15 October - 7 November 2026 (24 days)

STARTING AND ENDING AT:  Antananarivo

# GUESTS:  14 (Sold out)

PRICE:  There are two components to the price - LAND SERVICES and PRIVATE CHARTER FLIGHTS: 

1. LAND SERVICES (transport, guides, meals accommodations):
   
    
2. PRIVATE CHARTER FLIGHTS 

Why private charter flights? Two reasons:

- Reliability: Chartering our own air transport ensures we can stick to our schedule.  The commercial air carrier in Madagascar is notoriously unreliable.  It is not uncommon that the only flight of the day to a smaller town is delayed by several hours our outright cancelled. 

- Efficiency:  Rural roads in Madagascar are generally very poorly maintained.  A one hour flight can save us an exhausting 12 hour drive (and a lost day).  Moreover, the commercial air carrier does not serve some of the regions we are visiting.    

 A NOTE ON SOLO PRICES: This price of this trip is dictated by several factors, including trip length (23 nights), the need for private flights, fixed overhead costs that must be shared by all participants (tour leader, local guides, ground transport and more).  We can accommodate only one full solo guest.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:  

i) Deposit #1:  On booking
ii) Deposit #2:  US$$5,000 / person, 15 February 2026
iii) Balance:  Due 15 July 2026 

 

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

• experienced tour leader to ensure your trips goes as swimmingly as possible;
• all lodging in mid to higher mid-range establishments (in some rural areas, options are limited);
• all meals within Madagascar;
• tea, coffee & bottled water and soft drinks with meals;
• bottled water whilst traveling;
• baggage handling at airports;
• all tours foreseen as part of our trip;
• private charter flights;
• private road transport;
• maritime transfers to and from Masoala Forest Lodge;
• national park and preserve entrance fees;
• local guides for the main road trips, and within the national parks & preserves (English speaking when possible, although a few may be French speaking);
• tips to local guides, hotel staff, and baggage handlers at airports;
• international airport transfers on arrival and departure
• carbon offsets
• US$200,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?

• international airfare to and from Madagascar;
• passport or visa fees;
• travel insurance (emergency medical evacuation insurance is included but we recommend emergency medical, trip cancellation and trip interruption at a minimum);
• travel inoculations or medications;
• laundry service (available at all lodges / hotels where we stay a minimum of two nights and very reasonably priced)
• alcoholic drinks (except as noted);
• tips to the Tour Leader (we recommend apx. US$250/person if you are very satisfied;)
• items of a personal nature, including laundry and communications;
• any other items not indicated in the "what's included" list.

 

 

 

Our 2026 trip will be our long time tour leader's swan song.  Richard Parsons has been organizing and leading these tours since 2008 - but he has decided that it's time to pass on the baton.  Richard owns and operates the wonderful Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge outside of Quito, is heavily involved in nature conservation work there and will be dedicating all his full attention to those endeavours after this trip. 

To help with the transition, in 2026, Richard will be accompanied by two other tour leaders (our guests will be well taken care of!). 

We provide bios below: 

RICHARD PARSONS

Richard Parsons created and organized this trip, drawing upon on his personal experience living and working in Madagascar for two years.  He set up the first international study programme for US students in 1991. Since 2008, he has been organizing and leading these tours, and continues to enjoy the country and these travel experiences deeply.

 

Richard grew up in England in a family that loves nature, and travelled extensively from an early age. Languages became his passion, learning first French, then German, then Spanish  over his younger years. Malagasy came later of course! This led to spending extended periods working or travelling in Germany, Spain, various French-speaking countries and South America, where he now lives. 

In 1982, Richard started work as a naturalist guide aboard the Buccaneer in the Galapagos Islands. This led to him doing a Master’s Degree in natural resource management at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, and then working for various years as Academic Director of College Semester abroad programmes for the School for International Training based in Brattleboro Vermont, leading first of all Ecology study programmes in Ecuador. In 1991, Richard was asked to set up the Madagascar study programme for US students.

Today, Richard is co-owner and general manager of Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge and Private Protected Area, in Ecuador. In fact, Bellavista was the first Private Protected Area to be created in the country as part of the National System of Protected Areas in 2019.

As a tour leader, Richard is full of energy and enthusiasm. He will play a key role in helping you appreciate the wonders of Madagascar.  

 

ONY RAKOTOARIVELA

Ony Rakotoarivelo was born in Faratsiho, a small town southwest of Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo. After studying English for seven years and working as a teacher, she became inspired by international volunteers eager to learn about Malagasy culture and traditions. This led her to train as a professional tour guide and later work at the children’s home Akany Avoko, where she served for many years as an English teacher, volunteer coordinator, and sponsorship coordinator.

In 2002, Ony began collaborating with Hilary Bradt on updates to the Madagascar Bradt Travel Guide, a role she continues today. Since 2015, she has also served as Local Director of the Ankizy Gasy Foundation, supporting vulnerable children and communities across Madagascar. Together with Kasia Bialous, she now manages her own travel company, creating tailor-made journeys that combine responsible tourism, authentic cultural experiences, and deep local knowledge of Madagascar’s remarkable landscapes, wildlife, and traditions.

 

KASIA BIALOUS

Madagascar has been Kasia's home for the past 15 years. She first arrived on the island from her native Poland as a volunteer working in a children’s home, where she also met Ony. Very quickly, she fell in love with Madagascar — its breathtaking nature, vibrant culture, and the warmth of its people.

Two years after her volunteer experience, she returned to Madagascar to create her own NGO, ANKIZY GASY – Children of Madagascar, which today supports nearly 2,000 children by providing access to education and healthcare.

Over the years, traveling extensively across the island has allowed her to discover Madagascar far beyond the guidebooks — its hidden corners, authentic experiences, trusted local guides, and the real stories of everyday life. Today, she  also work as a tour leader, guiding travelers throughout the country and sharing the Madagascar she truly knows and loves.

Together with Ony, she runs a Madagascar travel company specializing in tailor-made journeys across the island.  "Creating unforgettable experiences for travelers from around the world is much more than a profession for me — it is my passion and my life path. Madagascar is also where I met my husband and where we are now raising our two children."

NOTES ON THE ITINERARY
Be aware that situations may arise that could compel us to modify the itinerary / hotels / activities before the trip begins (we'll let you know) or even during the trip. When travelling in Madagascar, the rule of thumb is "expect the unexpected".

Day 1: ARRIVE ANTANANARIVO (TANA).  HOTEL CHECK-IN.

Independent arrival into Antananarivo, Madagascar.  

Madagascar visas may be secured on arrival. After clearing customs and immigration you will have a private transfer to a cozy hotel. 

Day 2: TANA - ROYAL PALACES AND A THOUSAND FACES

After a leisurely breakfast, and time to unwind from the long flight yesterday, we take the first part of the Malagasy Royal Tour as we visit the Palais de la Reine/Queen’s Palace and learn about the colourful history of the Malagasy Queens and Kings! Gradually, (note - you will learn the true meaning of this word as we leave Tana!) we drive out through this city of a thousand faces, with its European style churches and markets selling everything you have thought of and never thought of...  

The second part of the Malagasy Royal Tour of Tana takes us out to the country palace of Adrianaponimerina (18^th century King of the Merina) at Ambohimanga. This place is a haven of peace away from the city, and a place of great devotion and tradition for today’s Merina people. Overnight Tana: Pavillon de  l'Émyrne.

Day 3: TANA TO  ANDASIBE

This morning our transport will take us for our drive east, from the dry highlands around the capital city to the farm and rainforest dominated landscape of the Eastern slopes surrounding Andasibe National Park (Perinet). Today, we explore the wonders of the Andasibe region, home to the largest of the lemurs, the lndri! Our first hike will take us to an area where we have our first opportunity of seeing this fascinating creature close up. Lots more to discover too, so we explore these rich environs, looking for Diademed Sifaka (endemic to this region) Common Brown Lemurs, a diversity of Malagasy birds such as the jewel-like Madagascar Kingfisher, Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher, Madagascar Magpie-Robin, Common Newtonia, Madagascar Hoopee, and more. Rare birds such as the elusive Red­breasted and Red-fronted Couas, and Madagascar Raíl might be seen. Overnight: Andasibe: Eulophiella Lodge.

Day 4: ANDASIBE

We will likely experience the distant , haunting cry of the Indri as we wander down to breakfast this morning!  We will then go to a different area of the national park, where sightings of Indri close up are almost guaranteed. Many more fascinating birds, lemurs and more await us today, as we explore the trails of the national park. This evening, we take a night hike in  the private Mitsinjo Reserve, where we may discover Eastern Avahi lemur, Mouse Lemurs, strange chameleons, such as the incredibly miniature Brookesia chameleon. Overnight Andasibe: Eulophiella Lodge

Day 5:  ANDASIBE TO TANA TO ANTSIRABE

Today, we drive back west and then south through the beautiful highlands of Imerina. This long but fascinating drive takes us  through tiny villages of thatched houses and learning about the customs surrounding the dead-they are housed in buildings that are better constructed than the houses of the living, known as “cold houses”, because the belief is that the dead continue to exist on a different plane, and have influence on the lives of the living. In the larger towns the markets are bustling and fascinating. Great views and photo opportunities even just driving through! Eventually we reach the town of Antsirabe, a town famous for its thermal baths as well as THB... Three Horses Beer! We stay at a pleasant guest house outside town. Overnight: Antsirabe

Day 6:  ANTSIRABE TO RANOMAFANA

In the gardens around the guesthouse, we will expect to get nice views of some of the more common Malagasy birds, some of which adapt well to this introduced vegetation. Magpie-Robin, Madagascar Kestrel, Madagascar Coucal and more. We then continue south, climbing more into the high plateau of Imerina. Fascinating tall mud brick houses, many of which are built without cement, and so gradually melt back into the elements! We travel through villages that sometimes seem to sell just one item - maybe some unusual fruits to try… as well as the town of Ambositra, famous for its woodwork handcrafts. Time permitting, we may visit a small workshop, where everything is handmade with often very rudimentary tools.

Eventually we reach Ranomafana (see the conservation history and values on the UNESCO World Heritage Centre site here), after the final hour or so travelling through an increasingly forested landscape. A nice comfortable lodge awaits us. Overnight: Ranomafana: Setam Lodge.

Day 7:  RANOMAFANA

The morning takes us to the national park, where we will make our first hike to discover some of the amazing lemurs here. Greater Bamboo Lemur and Golden Bamboo Lemur are always the targets, but Ranomafana is also home to the delightful Milne-Edward’s Sifaka, Red­fronted Brown Lemurs and more. Lunch nearby, and then an afternoon visit to the Valbio Research Station, where we expect to be hosted by Dr. Patricia Wright of Duke University, who was the main person responsible for the creation of the national park in 1991. Dr. Wright’s busy schedule allowing, we expect to be treated to a talk on the history of how this national park carne into being. We will learn about the ongoing research on the fascinating wildlife of the park, and at the same time hope to visit some of the projects created with local people to integrate them into the park and its reason for being... reforestation, medicinal plant gardens and more. A night hike reveals chameleons and nocturnal lemurs, possibly including the Greater Dwarf Lemur. Overnight Ranomafana: Setam Lodge.

Day 8:  RANOMAFANA TO MORONDAVA

Today we take the Vohiparara trails at the park’s boundary and look for some of the specialty birds for which Ranomafana is famous: Brown Emutail, Rufous-headed Ground-Roller, Pitta­like Ground-Roller, rare amphibians, and more. Mid-afternoon, we drive two hours to Fianarantsoa, from where our short charter flight takes us to the commerce-rich city of Morondava on the west coast. We drive out of town to the Baobab Avenue, to experience this wonder of nature at sundown. These amazing trees look as if they have put their heads in the ground, and their roots in the air! Perhaps the most photogenic alley of trees in the whole of Madagsacar! Back in Morondava, we discover the oasis of Chez Maggie, nestled behind the dunes right close to the beach. Overnight Morondava: Chez Maggie

Day 9:  MORONDAVA TO KIRINDY

Today 4-wheel drive vehicles will await us and take us out on the road for the Kirindy deciduous dry forest reserve (apx. 30 miles/50 kms north of Morondava), seeing the Avenue des Baobabs in a different light. Staying at a pleasant thatched hotel, we have lunch and perhaps a siesta before heading to Kirindy. Wildlife here is spectacular: Verreaux Sifaka, Red-fronted Lemur, Grey Mouse­Lemur, Leaf-tailed Gecko and chameleons. Also, if we are lucky, Madagascar Ground Boa, the rare and strange Giant Jumping Rat, and the Fosa - Madagascar’s top predator. Birds include Crested Coua, Sakalava Weaver, Madagascar Green Pigeon, and Madagascar Nightjar. Overnight: Relais Du Kirindy.

Day 10:  KIRINDY TO BEKOPAKA AND THE TSINGY

Today we continue inland and north towards the village of Bekopaka. Our journey involves two traditional river crossings by simple ferry and gives a good glimpse into the lives of the Sakalava people, with their herds of cattle and scattered homes. We stop for lunch in the bustling market town of Belo-sur-Tsiribina, and continue north, arriving at Bekopaka early evening. We’ll have time to settle in before dinner at our lovely hilltop hotel (complete with a swimming pool). Overnight Bekopaka: Hotel L ‘Orchidee Du Bemaraha.

Days 11-12: TSINGY DE BEMARAHA

We will have two full days to explore this area of amazing limestone karst landscape (a UNESCO World Heritage site); the Petit Tsingy and the Grand Tsingy - utterly indescribable landscapes, plus unique wildlife surprises such as the delightful Decken’s Sifaka, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, Sickle-billed Vanga, Tsingy Wood-rail, and maybe the rare Madagascar Fish-Eagle on the Manambolo River. The Tsingy has been made accessible via hanging bridges, sturdy ladders, and ingenious footholds - a labyrinth of fantastic explorations and vast views! A pirogue trip on the Manambolo River brings us to some amazing limestone caves, and ancient tombs high on the cliffs of the Vazimba, the original inhabitants of the Tsingy.

On day one, we go into what is known as the "Petit Tsingy" (Small Tsingy) We explore a maze-like stone labyrinth, and eventually climb up onto the "top" of the Tsingy, with great views over the nearby lake and surrounds. The hike is moderate and accessible, with a couple of difficult points. We also hike through an area of forest with good lemur sightings, chameleons and more. We aso take a dugout canoe tide up the Manambolo Gorge, visiting some limestone caves and seeing from a certain distance open tombs of the Vazimba, the first inhabitants of the region. Good birding along the gorge. 

On Day Two we drive further into this UNESCO Heritage Site, to the Grand Tsingy. Here the group is likely to divide into two : one group doing the full day hike, one group a shorter morning hike. The long hike is difficult in that at one point one is bending down to go through a cave and then one climbs up onto the top of the Tsingy via extremely secure steel "steps" cemented into the rock, with climbing harness, and clips to attach onto the thick wire cables that follow the trails. (Very well designed by professional French mountaineers). There is a level of challenge here, but the rewards are huge. The views out over this otherworldly landscape of rock and hidden green valleys with strange endemic plants  is really special, and frankly unique. Box lunch provided. 

The shorter hike takes us through the first part of the trail through a wildlife-rich forest , then out of the forest  to an overlook towards the Grand Tsingy. While of course not as deep in the Tsingy as the full day option offers, this is also a very worthwhile trip. This group returns to the hotel for lunch,  and in the afternoon have the option to relax or explore the nearby lake, where the rare Malagasy Fish-Eagle is sometimes sighted. 

Overnights Bekopaka: Hotel L´Orchidee Du Bemaraha.

Day 13: BEKOPAKA TO TANA

Today we drive the short distance to Amborodia airport (near the Tisngy) and charter flight to Tana. Afternoon activities may include a visit to a nice photo museum, and we will have time to relax at our hotel. Hotel Tana: Pavillon de  l'Émyrne

Day 14: TANA TO THE MASOALA PENINSULA

Early morning charter flight on to Maroansetra, a busy but also very Malagasy port town on the East coast. Looking down from the flight, as we near the coast the tropical greens and red earth of the highlands will give way to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. From the airport we will transfer to the port, and travel by boat to the remote Masoala Peninsula and the Masoala Forest Lodge (roughly 90 minutes by speedboat). The Masoala Peninsula is largely National Park and is a fascinating area where the rain forest comes practically down to the ocean edge, with coastal vegetation different from inland rain forest. The lodge is a luxury tented camp, with 7 rooms, so we anticipate taking pretty much the entire camp. This afternoon we make our first exploratory hike into the forest near the beautiful coastline. And on our night hike, we wíll be on the lookout for nocturnal lemurs, frogs, reptiles... Overnight: Masoala Forest Lodge.

Days 15-17: MASOALA PENINSULA

Three full days of exploration in the park (also a World Heritage site - see more info on the UNESCO website), from forest streams and extensive boulder strewn empty sandy beaches. White-fronted Brown Lemurs, Red-ruffed Lemurs, Tenrecs (similar toa hedgehog, but cuter), Madagascar White-Eye, Hook-billed Vanga, Long-billed Green Sunbird, Madagascar Green Pigeon, Helmet Vanga and more all might be possible. In addition to hiking to find the endemic and very range restricted Red­ruffed Lemur, perhaps enjoy a massage in a small, tented enclosure down on the beach, or a sunset trip on a pirogue exploring the fascinating forests and coastline, there are canoe excursions and options for kayaking and snorkeling along the shoreline (kayak & snorkeling equipment included). At night we will look for Eastern Avahi Lemur, and Small-toothed Sportive Lemurs, as well as weird reptiles! Overnights: Masoala Forest Lodge.

 

Day 18: MASOALA TO TANA TO FORT DAUPHIN

Early this morning we travel by boat back to Maroansetra, and then fly onwards via Tana and down to the southwest coast at Fort Dauphin (Toalagnaro) – two flights (shown as one on the map) - by private charter aircraft.  We spend the night in Croix Du Sud Hotel, Fort Dauphin.

Day 19:  ADHOHAHELA & BERENTY

This morning we will set out by private mini bus for the inland Berenty Reserve, where large troops of curious Ring-tailed Lemurs await us! Enroute, we anticipate visiting a local market, plus stops within the Andohahela National Park with its spiny and transitional forests. Overnight: Berenty Private Reserve.

Days 20-21:  BERENTY

At Berenty we will explore the riverine gallery forest, where, as well as the Ring-tailed Lemurs, we will find the “dancing” Verreaux Sifaka, Madagascar Flying Fox, Giant Coua, Hook-billed Vanga and so much more. Explorations also take us into the dry spiny forest, right at Berenty. Of all the endemic forest ecosystems of Madagascar, this is perhaps the most other-worldly! Sifaka can climb around the Dideraceae trees with their menacing spines, as if it were an afternoon stroll! Our local guides usually locate Madagascar Scops-Owl and Madagascar Nightjar in this natural maze. We will plan a night hike here, where the White­ browed Owl often is seen.

Day 22:  FORT DAUPHIN TO TANA

After a pleasant morning in Berenty Reserve, we drive back to Fort Dauphin, with a couple of stops en route for the unexpected….. Afternoon flight back to Tana. Overnight: Pavillon de L Emyrne, Tana

Day 23:  TANA

Today we will take a morning tour to Lake Alarobia, famous for a variety of water birds including Black-crowned Night-Heron, Squacco Heron, White-faced Whistling-.Duck, nesting Cattle Egret, Red-billed Teal and more, many at very close quarters,  and with a lot of luck, the Madagascar Pond Heron. Afterwards we go to the Route des Digues, a very colourful and varied handcraft market, where you can find some quite unusual and special souvenirs on this our (sadly) final day in Madagascar. We keep our hotel rooms until late evening when after a farewell dinner, we head to the airport.

Day 24:  INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE

We count this as a "day" in the sense that at the start of day 24, just past midnight, you'll still be technically in Madagascar, but soon to board your flight.   The recommended Air France return flight to París.  While details may change by November 2026, typically this is flight AF#935 departs Tana at 1:45am, arriving at Chares-de-Gaulle airport in Paris at 10 :55am.  We'll arrange a group transfer.  If you have other flight plans, we'll arrange for a private transfer for you (included).

 

HOTELS

Accommodation throughout the trip is in good quality hotels and lodges, often the best available in any given area. You must recall that we will be traveling to remote regions and at times, options are limited. 

We avoid international hotel chains to give preference to local / international individual entrepreneurs. The hotels pictured below are the ones we have tentatively reserved - but there may be some modifications.  In either case, they will be of equal comfort level.

Antananarivo:  Au Bois Vert.  A peaceful oasis of green with a pool, close to the airport. 

 

Andasibe: Eulophiella Lodge

 

Antsirabe:  Couleur Cafe

Ranomafana: Setam Lodge

 

Morondava:  Chez Maggie

 

Kirindy: Relais du Kirindy

 

Bekopaka: Orchidée Du Bemaraha

 

Masoala: Masoala Forest Lodge

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Dauphin:  Hotel Croix du Sud

 

Berenty:  Berenty Reserve Lodge

MEALS

All meals are included in this trip. Food in Madagascar at the restaurants and hotels we use is very good and relies (close to the coast) on the catch of the day. Vegetables are grown almost exclusively without pesticides (because farmers cannot afford them). Vegetarian is always possible, vegan and other more restricted diets (gluten free) may be hard to accommodate in some places. If you are worried about specific dietary needs, it is advised to bring such items with you from home because Malagasy shops are not well-stocked, with the exception of city supermarket chains.