Walking in Ranomafana and Isalo National Parks

The tour starts with a couple of driving days from Anatanarivo to Ranomafana National Park (with an air charter option to save time). Ranomafana is a rainforest park teeming with unique wildlife, including rare lemurs and endemic plants, and is explored on foot and by river.

After a visit to Anja Reserve to spot ring-tailed lemurs, the highlight of the itinerary is Isalo National Park, which offers the country's best grassland overnight walks. Its landscape consists of eroded ruiniform sandstone formations dating to the Jurassic period, deep canyons with riparian forests, palm-lined oases, fire-resistant tapia forests, and open grasslands. One night is spent in a lodge there, and another camping out in the wilds. Ideally, second night of camping should be added, providing an opportunity to explore more of the park. 

Leaving Isalo by road for Toliara on the west coast, the itnerary continuees with walks in Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park. Then, there's a day to appreciate the magnificent baobabs of Reniala Reserve before visiting Toliara's Arboretum d'Antsokay (if time allows) and the flight back to Antananarivo.

It's possible to modify this itinerary to take in a 3-5 hour walk in Andringitra National Park which is known as a chameleon hotspot; to insert another night to take longer walks in Anja Reserve; and to extend the stay at Ifaty for an excursion to the baobab forest at Ambiky along the Mangoky River.

This itinerary is available for any group size from two to eight persons in 1-3 4x4 vehicles. There is no overcrowding in vehicles - the maximum per vehicle is four persons, including the driver and guide.

Day 1 

Arrive in Antananarivo and meet your guide.
Transfer and overnight at Au Bois Vert. (D)

Day 2

Drive to Antsirabe (5hrs). Walk at Tritriva Lake.
Visit town, markets, pousse-pousse ride (as time allows).
Overnight at Couleur Café. (B,D)

Day 3

Continue south to Ranomafana (8hrs with stops).
Arrive Ambositra and visit artistans, famous Zafimaniry wood carvers.
Overnight at Hotel Thermal. (B,D)

Day 4

Morning exploring Ranomafana National Park on foot.
Village visit, Center ValBio, botanical garden…
Overnight at Hotel Thermal. (B,D)

Day 5

Morning enjoy a calm water float through the rainforest on the Andranaroa River.
Self-paddle (approx. 2.5hrs).

Drive west from Ambalavao (4+hrs / with stops).
Visit Anja Reserve to spot the Ringtail lemurs (approx. 2+hrs walk).
Overnight at Betsileo Country House. (B,D)

Optional: Extended walk at Anja Reserve, with additional overnight (6hrs walk)

Day 6

Continue west to Ranohira close to Isalo National Park (Approx. 4+ hrs).

Visit Piscine Naturelle and Window Rock at sunset (as time allows).
Overnight at Isalo Rock Lodge. (B,D)

Day 7

Walking in Isalo National Park. Overnight camping. (B,L,D)

Day 8

There's a lot of driving this day (7+hrs / with stops).

Complete walk and drive west to Toliara. Short walk in Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park along the way. Continue to north to Ifaty. 
Overnight in bungalows at Dunes Hotel in Ifaty  (B,D)

Day 9

Walk in the spiny forest and visit baobab trees in Reniala Reserve.
Optional: snorkeling, sailing, whale watching (in season)
Overnight at Dunes Hotel. (B,D)

Day 10

Return south to Toliara. Visit Arboretum d'Antsokay (Botanical Garden) as time allows.

Fly to Antananarivo. Overnight or connect to outbound flights / on to other areas. (B)

Meals: B = Continental Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner

• Professional English speaking naturalist guide
• English speaking drivers from Antananarivo to Toliara / Ifaty
• 4x4 car for up to 3 people, including fuel during the trip
• Accommodations: double or twin rooms, hotels listed in the program or similar
• Half Board: Continental breakfast & Dinner
• Andranaroa River: Calm water float in the rainforest
• Entrance fees to the national parks: Ranomafana, Isalo, Zombitse-Vohibasia
• Entrance fees to reserves / sites: Anja Reserve, Arboretum d’Antsokay, Spiny Forest at Reniala Reserve (Ifaty)
• Isalo walking: Full board, drinking water, camping equipment, local guide, porters, cooks and all local and village taxes
• Local guide in the parks
• All transfers
• Pay on the road
• Application fees

• Domestic or International flights
• Meals (lunches and dinners) not included in the programme
• Free activities in Ifaty: snorkeling, sailing, whale watching
• Tips
• Drinks
• Insurance
• Visas
• Items of a personal nature (laundry, drinks, etc…)