Tour info
About this tour
This 10-day Madagascar Deep South Tour journey takes you deep into Madagascar’s breathtaking contrasts — from the lively capital Antananarivo to the untouched coastal paradise of Fort Dauphin. Discover lush rainforests, spiny forests and mangroves, meet iconic lemurs and colorful chameleons, stroll through craft markets and royal palaces, and cruise to hidden bays. Each day blends authentic cultural experiences with unforgettable wildlife encounters, making this the perfect introduction to Madagascar’s unique biodiversity and vibrant heritage.
Highlights
-
Guided visits to legendary Deep South reserves including Berenty and Tsarasaotra Park
-
Encounters with ring-tailed lemurs, sifakas, nocturnal species and rare aquatic birds
-
Scenic flight to Fort Dauphin, set between rainforest and golden beaches
-
Boat trip through mangrove channels to discover Lokaro Bay and fishing villages
-
Walks in the iconic spiny forest, tropical rainforests and gallery forests
-
Cultural immersion with city tours, handicraft markets and UNESCO-listed Ambohimanga royal hill
-
Quality accommodation in charming local hotels combining comfort and character
-
Free days in Antananarivo and Fort Dauphin to explore local life at your own pace
-
Souvenir shopping at Lisy Art Gallery before departure
Gallery
Itinerary
Touch down in the bustling heart of Madagascar! On arrival at Ivato International Airport, our friendly team welcomes you and transfers you to your elegant city-center accommodation. After check-in, enjoy a relaxing evening and a first taste of Malagasy hospitality.
Accommodation options (Half board)
-
Le Louvre Hotel & Spa (★★★★) – Elegant city-center hotel featuring a spa, indoor pool, and refined restaurant, perfect for a comfortable first night in Antananarivo. (Half board: dinner & breakfast included)
-
Carlton Hotel Antananarivo (★★★★★) – Luxury lakeside hotel with spacious rooms, international dining, tennis courts, and an outdoor pool, offering a premium experience in the capital. (Half board: dinner & breakfast included)
Explore the capital’s rich history and vibrant street life by a city tour. Visit the Ambohimanga Rova, a UNESCO World Heritage royal hill and sacred site symbolizing Malagasy identity. Continue to the Queen’s Palace (Rova Manjakamiadana) offering panoramic views over the city. Stroll through the handicraft markets, where skilled artisans create woodwork, embroidery, and raffia art. At lunch, savor local street food and hidden eateries to discover authentic Malagasy flavors.
Accommodation options (Half board)
-
Le Louvre Hotel & Spa (★★★★) – Elegant city-center hotel featuring a spa, indoor pool, and refined restaurant, perfect for a comfortable first night in Antananarivo. (Half board: dinner & breakfast included)
-
Carlton Hotel Antananarivo (★★★★★) – Luxury lakeside hotel with spacious rooms, international dining, tennis courts, and an outdoor pool, offering a premium experience in the capital. (Half board: dinner & breakfast included)
After breakfast and lunch at the hotel, transfer to Ivato International Airport for your flight to the south.
Departure from Antananarivo early afternoon, arrival in Fort Dauphin around 3:00–4:00 pm.
Welcome to the Madagascar Deep South!
Upon arrival in Fort Dauphin (Fort Dauphin) — a spectacular coastal town nestled between rainforest and dry spiny forest — you will be welcomed by our local team. Discover why this region is called the Paradise of Botanists: endless lush vegetation meets golden beaches and rugged hills.
Enjoy a city tour exploring local markets, colonial architecture and panoramic ocean views before settling into your hotel.
Accommodation options (Half board)
-
Croix du Sud Hotel (★★★) – A charming hotel in the heart of Fort Dauphin, offering comfortable rooms, local cuisine, and easy access to the town’s markets and oceanfront. (Half board: dinner & breakfast included)
-
Kaleta Hotel (★★★) – Located about ten minutes from the airport, facing the sea, in the heart of Fort Dauphin’s administrative area. Offers sea views, restaurant, bar, spa, free Wi-Fi, etc. (Half board: dinner & breakfast included)
After breakfast, depart south along the scenic NR13 road towards Berenty. This journey offers a fascinating transition through three distinct ecosystems: dense rainforest, transitional forest, and the arid spiny forest.
Along the way, you’ll see carnivorous plants, traditional Antanosy memorial stones, unique triangular palms, and stop at a local handicraft workshop.
Arrive at Berenty Reserve by midday and have lunch at the lodge.
In the evening, set off on a night walk into the spiny forest to spot nocturnal lemurs, chameleons and other rare wildlife as they become active after dark.
Accommodation (Half board)
-
Berenty Lodge (★★★) – The only accommodation inside Berenty Reserve, offering simple yet comfortable bungalows surrounded by spiny forest. Staying here means you’ll be immersed in nature, with lemurs, birds, and chameleons often just a few steps from your room. (Half board: dinner & breakfast included)
Note: Berenty Lodge is the only lodge within the reserve. Its exclusivity ensures a unique experience, allowing guests to enjoy both day and night walks in the forest without long transfers.
After breakfast, visit to the Gallery Forest of Berenty reserve, 340 Ha along the Mandrare river that invented home to birds, lemurs and reptiles as well as flying fox, crocodiles. This private reserve was created by French family called “Jean de Haulme”.
After lunch at hotel, back to Fort Dauphin, through the same way along the NR13 to reach the rainforest forest of Anosy region and visit the town and its surroundings like market, craft shop and seashores…
Accommodation options (Half board)
-
Croix du Sud Hotel (★★★) – A charming hotel in the heart of Fort Dauphin, offering comfortable rooms, local cuisine, and easy access to the town’s markets and oceanfront. (Half board: dinner & breakfast included)
-
Kaleta Hotel (★★★) – Located about ten minutes from the airport, facing the sea, in the heart of Fort Dauphin’s administrative area. Offers sea views, restaurant, bar, spa, free Wi-Fi, etc. (Half board: dinner & breakfast included)
Drive to Lanirano Lake, then board a motorboat gliding past fishing villages, traveler’s palms and mangroves. Arrive at the fishing village of Evatraha, the gateway to the stunning Lokaro Bay. Enjoy a gentle 1.5-hour hike through secluded coves and pristine beaches — perfect for swimming and relaxation. After a picnic lunch, return by boat and vehicle to your hotel.
Accommodation options (Half board)
-
Croix du Sud Hotel (★★★) – A charming hotel in the heart of Fort Dauphin, offering comfortable rooms, local cuisine, and easy access to the town’s markets and oceanfront. (Half board: dinner & breakfast included)
-
Kaleta Hotel (★★★) – Located about ten minutes from the airport, facing the sea, in the heart of Fort Dauphin’s administrative area. Offers sea views, restaurant, bar, spa, free Wi-Fi, etc. (Half board: dinner & breakfast included)
Relax and explore at your own pace. Wander the local markets, visit craft shops, or simply unwind on the beach and soak up the laid-back coastal atmosphere of southern Madagascar.
Accommodation options (Full board)
-
Croix du Sud Hotel (★★★) – A charming hotel in the heart of Fort Dauphin, offering comfortable rooms, local cuisine, and easy access to the town’s markets and oceanfront. (Half board: dinner, lunch & breakfast included)
-
Kaleta Hotel (★★★) – Located about ten minutes from the airport, facing the sea, in the heart of Fort Dauphin’s administrative area. Offers sea views, restaurant, bar, spa, free Wi-Fi, etc. (Half board: dinner, lunch & breakfast included)
Fly back to the capital and discover Tsarasaotra Park, a tranquil lake sanctuary right in the city, home to Madagascar’s rarest aquatic birds. Recognized as a Ramsar wetland, it protects over a dozen endangered species found nowhere else on Earth.
Accommodation options (Half board)
-
Le Louvre Hotel & Spa (★★★★) – Elegant city-center hotel featuring a spa, indoor pool, and refined restaurant, perfect for a comfortable first night in Antananarivo. (Half board: dinner & breakfast included)
-
Carlton Hotel Antananarivo (★★★★★) – Luxury lakeside hotel with spacious rooms, international dining, tennis courts, and an outdoor pool, offering a premium experience in the capital. (Half board: dinner & breakfast included)
Enjoy Antananarivo at your leisure: revisit the bustling craft markets, explore historic neighborhoods, or relax at your hotel. A perfect day for last-minute photos or local discoveries.
Accommodation options (Half board)
-
Le Louvre Hotel & Spa (★★★★) – Elegant city-center hotel featuring a spa, indoor pool, and refined restaurant, perfect for a comfortable first night in Antananarivo. (Half board: dinner & breakfast included)
-
Carlton Hotel Antananarivo (★★★★★) – Luxury lakeside hotel with spacious rooms, international dining, tennis courts, and an outdoor pool, offering a premium experience in the capital. (Half board: dinner & breakfast included)
On your final day, visit the Lisy Art Gallery, where Malagasy artisans showcase quality wood carvings, textiles and jewelry — perfect for souvenirs. Return to your hotel for lunch before your transfer to Ivato International Airport and your flight home, taking unforgettable memories of Madagascar with you.
End of our memorable journey!
Tour Map
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions & Exclusions
This tour, as described, includes:
- All airport/hotel transfers and vice versa
- Vehicle with driver-guide service and fuel
- Guide services for accompanying groups
- Accommodation in double, twin, or family rooms
- Tourist vignettes and local taxes
- All meals mentioned in the program
- Local guides for excursions
- Entrance fees for sites to be visited
- All visits and excursions mentioned
- Complimentary tour leader accommodation in a single room for the group
This tour, as described, does not include:
-
International and domestic flights (Learn more about the best ways to get to Madagascar, flight tips, and airline options)
- Madagascar entry visa (see latest Madagascar visa requirements and how to apply).
- Tips, personal expenses, and beverages
- First night stay in Antananarivo (can be organised, on demand)
- Health insurance and medical evacuations
- COVID-19 detection tests if required by regulation