Antananarivo Madagascar

ACT Tours Presents:
Antananarivo & Madagascar Discovery

Introduction

Journey with ACT Tours to the extraordinary island of Madagascar — a land of unparalleled biodiversity, deep cultural heritage, and captivating landscapes. This comprehensive 10-day itinerary combines historic treasures, national parks, rainforest expeditions, traditional markets, and authentic Malagasy hospitality.
Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites, encounter lemurs and other endemic wildlife, explore thriving artisan centres, and experience local daily life as you travel across the country. Accommodations are thoughtfully selected for comfort, while expert-guided excursions provide insightful context into Madagascar’s history, people, and environment.
From the vibrant capital of Antananarivo to the lush jungles of Andasibe-Mantadia and the serene highland towns of Antsirabe and Ambositra, this journey offers an unforgettable immersion into a destination unlike anywhere else on earth.

Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Johannesburg to Antananarivo | Arrival & Leisure
• Depart from OR Tambo International Airport on an early-morning flight to Madagascar.
• Arrive in Antananarivo (Tana) and transfer to your accommodation.
• Check-in and enjoy time at leisure to settle in and familiarize yourself with your surroundings.
• Dinner served at the accommodation.
• Evening at leisure.

Day 2 – Ambohimanga Sacred Hill & Andafiavaratra Palace
• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit Ambohimanga Sacred Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site regarded as a spiritual and cultural centre.
 – Explore the historic royal palace complex, sacred sites, traditional pools, and medicinal gardens.
• Continue to Andafiavaratra Palace, noted for its historical significance and architectural beauty, offering views over the cityscape.
• Return to accommodation for the evening.
• Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 – Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Check-out and travel to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, with a short refreshment stop en route (own account).
• Enjoy a guided rainforest trek through one of Madagascar’s most biodiverse protected areas.
 – Encounter lemurs, colourful bird species, reptiles, amphibians, and remarkable endemic flora.
• Check into new accommodation near Andasibe.
• Dinner served at the property.
• Evening at leisure.

Day 4 – Andasibe to Antsirabe | Afternoon City Tour
• Early breakfast at accommodation.
• Optional additional exploration of Andasibe surroundings.
• Travel to Antsirabe, with a refreshment stop en route (own account).
• Afternoon guided tour of Antsirabe, renowned for its elegant colonial architecture, bustling markets, and famed thermal springs.
• Check-in at overnight accommodation.
• Dinner at accommodation.
• Evening at leisure.

Day 5 – Antsirabe to Fianarantsoa | Thermal Springs
• Breakfast at accommodation.
• Check-out and visit Antsirabe’s therapeutic thermal springs, celebrated for their rejuvenating qualities.
• Continue to Fianarantsoa, a historical city in Madagascar’s central highlands.
• Check-in upon arrival.
• Dinner at accommodation.
• Evening at leisure.

Day 6 – Discover Fianarantsoa
• Breakfast at accommodation.
• Explore Fianarantsoa, including visits to traditional markets, churches, and the historic old town.
• Visit nearby tea plantations and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the region’s terraced hills.
• Return to accommodation.
• Dinner at hotel.
• Evening at leisure.

Day 7 – Fianarantsoa to Ranomafana National Park
• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Check-out and travel to Ranomafana National Park, a biodiversity hotspot known for rare wildlife and scenic tropical forest.
• Embark on a guided trek to discover lemurs, birdlife, waterfalls, and natural hot springs.
• Check into accommodation.
• Dinner served at the property.
• Evening at leisure.

Day 8 – Ranomafana to Ambositra
• Breakfast at accommodation.
• Optional early exploration near Ranomafana.
• Travel to Ambositra, the artistic centre of Madagascar, celebrated for its exceptional woodcarving traditions and handicrafts.
• Check-in upon arrival.
• Dinner at accommodation.
• Evening at leisure.

Day 9 – Ambositra to Antananarivo
• Breakfast at accommodation.
• Check-out and explore Ambositra’s artisan markets and workshops noted for carved wooden art, textiles, and cultural craft.
• Lunch at own expense.
• Continue to Antananarivo.
• Check-in upon arrival.
• Dinner at accommodation.
• Evening at leisure.

Day 10 – Antananarivo to Johannesburg
• Breakfast at accommodation.
• Check-out and enjoy free time for last-minute shopping, sightseeing, or relaxation.
• Transfer to Ivato International Airport for your return flight.
• Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport, concluding the tour.

Conclusion
Thank you for choosing ACT Tours to guide you through the wonders of Madagascar. We trust this journey has enriched your understanding of the island’s remarkable ecosystems, cultural legacy, and historic landmarks. From lush rainforests and wildlife encounters to artisan villages and royal heritage sites, each day was designed to deepen your appreciation of this truly unique destination.
We look forward to welcoming you on your next ACT Tours adventure.