Berenty Tour

Day 1: Antananarivo

You will be met at Ivato International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Antananarivo, the picturesque capital of Madagascar. With its bustling markets, friendly people, and ancient town perched on a hill with freestone churches and historic royal palaces, it is unique among the world’s capitals.

Day 2: Antananarivo – Antsirabe

Depart for Antsirabe, a charming thermal town that combines typical Malagasy style with the tranquility of a small European provincial town. Antsirabe means “where there is much salt” and is one of Madagascar’s major trading centers for semi-precious stones and minerals.

We drive through landscapes of mountains and rice fields. In Antsirabe, enjoy a city tour including visits to Lake Andraikiba and the legendary Tritriva Crater Lake. It is said that the lake’s water level decreases during the rainy season and increases during the dry season. We will also visit a gemstone factory where you can observe the cutting and polishing process and purchase souvenirs. [BD]

Day 3: Antsirabe – Ranomafana National Park

After breakfast, drive toward Ranomafana National Park, one of the richest areas for biodiversity in Madagascar’s eastern humid forest. Located in a mountainous and very rainy region, it is often called the “misty land.”

The tropical forest is home to 12 species of lemurs, including the golden bamboo lemur, as well as birds, colorful chameleons, and frogs.

In Ambositra, we stop to visit Zafimaniry woodcarving workshops. Zafimaniry art is expressed through everyday objects such as honey pots, weaving looms, stools, and plates, as well as architectural elements like doors and windows. We then continue to Ranomafana, where we rest in preparation for the park visit the next day. [B]

Day 4: Ranomafana – Fianarantsoa

In the morning, explore the park to see lemurs, chameleons, and frogs living in the rainforest, along with pandanus, ferns, orchids, and medicinal plants in the undergrowth.

After lunch, continue to Fianarantsoa for a city tour. The capital of the Betsileo region lies in one of Madagascar’s most fertile agricultural zones and is known for its vineyards, tea plantations, and terraced rice fields. [B]

Day 5: Fianarantsoa – Ranohira

Depart early for Ranohira. On the way, stop in Ambalavao, a commercial center of the southern Betsileo region known for its folk art and crafts. Visit a wine producer for a tasting and the Antemoro Paper workshop, where you can observe the traditional handmade process and purchase local paper products.

The famous Antemoro paper is decorated with flowers and made from the fibers of the avoha tree.

Upon arrival in Ranohira, check in at Isalo Ranch and relax before the next day’s trek. [BD]

Day 6: Ranohira / Isalo National Park

Spend the full day trekking in Isalo National Park. Erosion has sculpted dramatic sandstone formations, from sharp pinnacles to massive blocks balanced on narrow bases.

Although the park appears dry, it contains many streams feeding the Mangoky River basin. It is also a sacred area with Bara ancestral tombs carved into cliffs.

Discover the Isalo Massif, its canyons, endemic plants (such as pachypodium and aloes), and wildlife, including lemurs and birds. Enjoy a refreshing swim in a natural rock pool. [BD]

Day 7: Ranohira – Beza

After breakfast, drive along a straight road through landscapes of dry spiny forest, baobabs, and decorated Mahafaly tombs. Reach Andranovory and continue on the track to Beza National Park, which protects important areas of spiny and gallery forest and shelters ring-tailed lemurs, tortoises, birds, and sifakas. [B]

Day 8: Beza – Beheloka

After a morning park visit to see lemurs, sifakas, birds, and radiated tortoises, continue to Beheloka, a typical coastal fishing village. Overnight at Chez Bernard, the only hotel in the village. [B]

Day 9: Beheloka – Tsimanampetsotsa

Drive to Tsimanampetsotsa National Park (43,000 ha). The lake, whose color varies from turquoise blue to green, forms an oasis in one of Madagascar’s driest regions. Vegetation adapts dramatically to drought, creating unusual landscapes.

Birdlife is the main attraction, especially large groups of flamingos and grebes in the dry season. You may also see several lemur species, including the ring-tailed lemur. The park’s name means “the lake without dolphins,” referring to the blind cave fish found here. [B]

Day 10: Tsimanampetsotsa – Itampolo

Drive along the coast to reach Itampolo, a peaceful fishing village. Along the way, you may spot wild radiated tortoises on the sandy tracks. Overnight at Gîte d’Étape Sud, the only hotel in Itampolo. [B]

Day 11: Itampolo – Faux Cap

Travel along the coastal road to Faux Cap, known for its white sand beach and scenic views of Madagascar’s southern coastline. [B]

Day 12: Faux Cap – Berenty Reserve

Drive to Berenty, a private reserve along the Mandrare River. The reserve allows close observation of ring-tailed lemurs, brown lemurs, sifakas, birds, and nocturnal species, and protects one of the last gallery forests in the region. [BD]

Day 13: Berenty – Fort Dauphin

After exploring Berenty, continue to Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin), a charming coastal town in southeastern Madagascar. Surrounded by green hills, beaches, and scenic bays, it is one of the country’s most attractive locations.

At the foot of Saint Louis Peak, the town lies between two bays. The first settlers who later colonized Réunion departed from this area in 1674. The town is also famous for its annual crayfish festival. [BD]

Day 14: Fort-Dauphin – Antananarivo

After breakfast, visit Nahampoina Reserve, located just 7 km from the city, before transferring to the airport for your return flight to Antananarivo.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for your final night. You may explore the capital’s steep streets, architecture, and atmosphere, or visit the historic Rova palace for panoramic views.

Day 15: Antananarivo – Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Included in the Price

Accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis in twin rooms at mid-range hotels, half board where specified, camping equipment, all transfers and 4×4 transport mentioned in the program, English-speaking driver, specialist park guides, entrance fees, and all excursions listed.

Not Included in the Price:

English-speaking tour guide (unless specified), excursions not mentioned, bottled water, drinks, laundry, international flights, domestic flight from Fort Dauphin to Antananarivo, visas, travel insurance, lunches, dinners unless specified, and personal expenses.