Southern Madagascar

Day 1. Depart London for Antananarivo

Day 2. Antananarivo

From the airport transfer to the Tana Plaza in the centre of Antananarivo, or Tana as it is fondly called.

Day 3. Antsirabe [B, D]

Drive through rolling highlands and scenic villages to Antsirabe, stopping en route at Ambatolampy to view the artisans at work. Spend the night at the Arotel Hotel.

Day 4. Ambositra [B, D]

Drive to Ranomafana, taking a welcome break in Ambositra, with it's numerous woodcarvers. Spend tonight at Ranomafana.

Day 5. Ranomafana National Park [B, D]

Your destination today is the Ranomafana National Park on the banks of the Namorona River. The park is home to twelve species of lemur, most notably Bamboo Lemurs, and an incredible diversity of flora - orchids, ferns, mosses and palms - some of which have medicinal properties. Overnight at Fianarantsoa.

Days 6 & 7. Ranohira & Isalo National Park [B, D]

As you drive down to the western plains and the picturesque Isalo National Park, the spectacular scenery and paddy fields gives way to savannah. A 2-night stay at the Relais de la Reine allows a day to visit the reserve with its endemic dwarf baobabs and aloes, and a chance to spot Ring-tailed Lemurs. The landscape is breathtaking and dominated by sculptured sandstone cliffs dotted with palm trees and pachypodiums commonly called elephant's foot.

Day 8. Tulear [B, D]

Continuing south-west, you pass the dry forest of the Zombitse Reserve with its spiny bush and strange baobabs. At Ifaty especially, the unprotected 'spiny desert' never fails to enthral. Wild Ring-tail Lemurs live near St. Augustin Bay, where a visit to the Sarodrano Cave is a must.

Days 9 to 14. Ifaty [B, D]

One of the world's largest barrier reefs runs all the way around the south-west Malagasy coastline and Ifaty is an established diving venue. Between June and September, whales can be observed off Ifaty's beautiful white beachesand the offshore islet of Nosy Ve is a terrific place for snorkelling.

You will spend seven nights in Ifaty diving the incredible passes of the reef, relaxing and interacting with friendly locals. There are a number of small hotels available, including the Le Paradisier and the Nautilus. For diving we recommend Fifi Diving with their purpose-built dive boat.

Day 15. Homeward [B}

Back to Tulear, catch your flight to Tana and onwards to the UK.

Day 16. Arrive home.