Madagascar Family - Land of the Lemurs Itinerary

Welcome to the island paradise of Madagascar, a beautiful setting nicknamed the land of the lemurs after the cuddly primates that are only found here. A leisurely day to stroll through the city, exploring its sights and delights, or simply relax by the hotel pool.

Follow in the footsteps of Malagasy royalty with a visit to the Ambohimanga Palace. Admire the sweeping views across rice fields and the lush green countryside and be amazed by the colourful moves of a traditional Hira Gasy dance show. Get a taste of Madagascar’s stunning landscape on the drive to Andasibe National Park where it’s time to don a head torch and set off on a night walk in search of lemurs. With different species to be discovered, spend the next morning experiencing the thrill of gently trying to creep up on these delightful creatures to observe them in action. Head to Lemur Island in the afternoon to meet the four species who call that reserve home.

From countryside to culture, head into the hills for an insight into the country’s industrially important heartlands. Stop off at an aluminium pot factory on the way to Antsirabe and, for an unusually sweet treat, explore the buzzing city on the back of a traditional rickshaw before watching something delicious being made at a local candy factory.

Having rested travel-weary limbs in the swimming pool, wake to the sound of the forest coming to life. Get an insider’s view into lemur behavior thanks to the experts at the ValBio Research Centre. Check off the lemur species spotted while exploring the jungle setting and teach the kids about the importance of reforestation while planting saplings with local school children.

An interesting day travelling cross-country towards Isalo National Park’s majestic mountain setting, stopping at local villages and a sapphire mine along the way. Walk through Madagascar’s version of the Grand Canyon and be inspired by the incredible scenery that acts as a backdrop to the park’s extraordinary bounty of flora and fauna. Take the plunge and head to one of the park’s many natural pools.

Before making tracks for the coast, explore the tremendous range of trees preserved in the Antsokay arboretum and find out more about their natural medicinal properties. With no further ado, it’s beach time with the choice of making the next few days as leisurely or active as each family would like. For those keen to make the most of the sea, snorkelling and fishing can be arranged locally, while eagle eyes should look out for the migrating whales which pass nearby in July and August.

Today is your farewell to the beach and ocean as you take a domestic flight back to Antananarivo. This is your last chance to buy your special souvenirs, or you may unwind and chill in the garden by the pool.

Grab a window seat for bird’s eye views across the island on the way back to the capital – a fitting farewell to this amazing animal adventure.