The Great South Tour

THE GREAT SOUTH

Day 1: Antananarivo (Tana)

Upon your arrival at Ivato Airport, our representative from Options will welcome you and arrange your transfer to your hotel of choice. Overnight at Hotel Chalet des Roses or La Ribaudière (midrange), or Hotel du Louvre or Hotel Colbert (top category).

Day 2: Tana – Antsirabe

Drive from Tana to Antsirabe, passing through the high plateau landscapes of rice fields and mountains (approx. 3 hours). Visit the volcanic lake Andraikiba, known for its scenic setting and carved stone bazaar. Horse riding or canoeing on the lake is possible. Also visit Lake Tritriva, famous for its panoramic views over the Vakinankaratra plain and the legend of forbidden love.

Day 3: Antsirabe – Ambositra – Ranomafana National Park

After about two hours of driving along Route Nationale 7, reach Ambositra, renowned for its woodcrafts. Visit a few artisan shops before continuing to Ranomafana National Park. About 9 km before entering Ranomafana town, stop to admire the impressive waterfall and mist rising from the Namorona River.

Day 4: Visit Ranomafana National Park

Accompanied by your local guide, explore Ranomafana National Park, where you may see around 20 mammal species, including 12 species of lemurs, such as the famous bamboo lemur. The park also hosts:

115 bird species (around 30 strictly forest species)

90 butterfly species

98 amphibian species

Several fish species

62 reptile species, including chameleons and lizards

Overnight at Hotel Centr’Est (high midrange), Setam Lodge (top), or Cristo (midrange).

Day 5: Ranomafana – Isalo National Park

After breakfast, drive toward Ambalavao and stop at the Bougainvillées workshop to observe the production of traditional Antemoro paper. Continue to Anja Park to see ring-tailed lemurs, then proceed to Ranohira, gateway to Isalo National Park.

Isalo lies within Ranohira Commune in the Ihorombe Region, about 279 km south of Fianarantsoa. The park covers more than 81,000 hectares and consists of a vast Jurassic sandstone plateau, deeply eroded into canyons, valleys, and unique rock formations.

Day 6: Isalo

Depart from Ranohira for a full-day visit to Isalo National Park, hiking from Namaza to the natural swimming pool. Most species found here are endemic. The park shelters:

77 bird species, including the endemic Isalo thrush

Several lemur species

Numerous reptiles, amphibians, rodents, and insectivores

Day 7: Isalo – Tuléar

Depart early for Tuléar along a road lined with baobabs and Mahafaly tombs decorated with traditional carvings. Tuléar lies about 265 km from Isalo and is considered the capital of the Vezo fishing people. Near Zombitse you may see massive baobabs used as water reservoirs. Between Tuléar and Sakaraha, observe the large Mahafaly tombs decorated with sculptures depicting the life of the deceased.

Overnight at Hotel Palétuvier or Victoria (high midrange), or Hippocampo (top).

Days 8–10: Tuléar – Anakao

Take the morning boat from Tuléar to Anakao (approx. 1.5 hours). This Vezo fishing village lies about 50 km south of Tuléar. Because of poor roads, boats remain the best access, and fleets of pirogues line the shore. Its isolation has preserved the traditional lifestyle.

Wildlife of Anakao:

Outside the village, you may see ring-tailed lemurs, tortoises, chameleons, geckos, and other reptiles. Mangrove areas south of the village are ideal for birdwatching, with Madagascar plovers, flamingos, hoopoes, bee-eaters, and vasa parrots.

Overnight at Anakao Ocean Lodge (top) or Prince d’Anakao (midrange).

Day 11: Anakao – Itampolo

Continue south to Itampolo (approx. 150 km south of Toliara), famous for its pink-tinted beaches and good surfing conditions. Overnight at Hotel Sud-Sud (low midrange). Accommodation is simple, but the beach is beautiful.

Day 12: Itampolo – Lavanono

Drive to Lavanono, another fishing village on the route to Cap Sainte-Marie. Like Itampolo, accommodation is basic, but the beach is scenic and suitable for an overnight stop. Overnight at Chez Gigi (low midrange).

Day 13: Lavanono – Cap Sainte-Marie

Depart for Cap Sainte-Marie for a short visit. The reserve hosts several endemic and endangered species. Among the birds are Verreaux’s coua and Monticola species. Fossil remains of the extinct elephant bird (Aepyornis) have been found here. From August to November, humpback whales migrate past this southern tip of Madagascar.

Day 14: Cap Sainte-Marie – Berenty Reserve

After breakfast, travel to Berenty Reserve, located about 80 km from Fort Dauphin. It is one of Madagascar’s most visitor-friendly reserves.

The reserve hosts large populations of ring-tailed lemurs and the famous “dancing sifakas.” Wildlife is abundant and often approachable, and facilities meet Western standards.

Day 15: Berenty

Full-day exploration of the reserve. Ring-tailed lemurs are very habituated and photogenic. Sifakas are another highlight. Night walks may reveal the white-footed sportive lemur, grey mouse lemur, and red-grey mouse lemur.

The reserve also shelters over 100 bird species, reptiles, tortoises, chameleons, and Madagascar ground boas.

Day 16: Berenty – Andohahela National Park – Fort Dauphin

After breakfast, drive to Andohahela National Park, home to the last remnants of rainforest in southern Madagascar. The park shelters 12 lemur species, 129 bird species, 69 reptiles, and 49 amphibians. Continue afterward to Fort Dauphin.

Overnight at Hotel Lavasoa, Hotel Croix du Sud, or Kaleta Hotel.

Day 17: Fort Dauphin – Tana

Fly from Fort Dauphin to Antananarivo. Overnight at Hotel Chalet des Roses (midrange/top) or Tana Hotel (top).

Day 18: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your international flight home.

Includes:

• 4WD vehicle with driver
• Fuel
• Transfers
• Hotels with breakfast (half board in Berenty)
• Park entrance fees
• Driver’s meals and accommodation
• English-speaking guide or driver
• Taxes
• Local guide in Berenty

Excludes:

• Tips
• Drinks
• Lunches
• Dinners
• Local guides (except where mentioned)
• Insurance
• Optional activities not mentioned above