Madagascar: a lemur expedition
- Length12 days
- Group2 to 8 people
- Formatgroup tour
- DifficultyModerate
Twelve days across Madagascar from west to east — from the Avenue of the Baobabs and the stone forest of Tsingy de Bemaraha to Palmarium and the tame lemur island at Mantasoa. Along the way: the Kirindy forest with its dancing sifakas, the singing indri of Andasibe, a night trip to see the aye-aye and chameleons from the tiny brookesia to the largest on the island.
This is a real expedition: dirt roads, river crossings, five o'clock starts and a four-to-five-hour trek in the Tsingy. You can take it as a group departure or as a private tour — in the second case only your own group travels and you choose the dates. Three- and four-star hotels and a Russian-speaking guide for the whole route.
Difficulty
The trek in the Tsingy takes four to five hours over limestone needles, two days start at five in the morning, and the drive to Bekopaka is nine hours on a dirt road with river crossings. Everything else is manageable for anyone who travels well.
Accommodation
Three- and four-star hotels
Day by day
Tap a day to see the details and highlight the spot on the map.
We land at Ivato international airport, get the visa, clear customs and you are met at the exit. We change money, pick up a local SIM card if you want one and drive to the hotel, with a stop for water and seasonal fruit on the way.
Check in, rest and get ready for the island.
Night: San Cristobal. Meals: breakfast.
What's included
- Three- and four-star hotels with breakfast
- Vehicle hire with fuel for the whole tour
- French-speaking driver
- Russian-speaking guide for the whole route
- All airport — hotel — airport transfers
- Park entrance fees as per the programme
- Local guides in the parks
- Boat transfer Mantasoa — Palmarium
- Catamaran crossings to Bekopaka
Not included
- International flights
- Madagascar visa
- Domestic flights Antananarivo — Morondava — Antananarivo
- Lunches and dinners
- Personal expenses outside the programme
- Tips
Insurance for active trips
We work with ERGO and are insured with them ourselves: their travel policy covers active holidays, hiking in the mountains and trips to exotic countries. It takes a few minutes to arrange online.
Dates & prices
- 28 July – 8 August 2027GatheringAll ages€2660
FAQ
How does the group format differ from the private one?
The route is the same; what differs is the company, the dates and the price. The group departure runs 28 July – 8 August 2027: the vehicles, the guide and the crossings are shared, so it costs less. A private tour is your own group only, from two people, on dates you choose.
How is the price calculated?
It covers hotels with breakfast, vehicles with fuel and a driver, a Russian-speaking guide for all twelve days, park entrance fees, local guides and every boat crossing. A group departure costs €2,660 per person in a group of eight; a private tour costs €3,960 per person for two. International flights, the visa and the two domestic flights are paid separately.
How demanding is the route?
This is an expedition rather than a holiday. The trek in Tsingy de Bemaraha takes four to five hours over sharp limestone needles, the drive from Morondava to Bekopaka is about nine hours on a dirt road with two river crossings, and two days start at five in the morning. Bring sturdy shoes with a firm sole and be ready for long drives.
What about the domestic flights?
The programme includes two: Antananarivo — Morondava at the start and back on day six. They are not part of the tour price because the fare depends on the date and availability. We book them together with you and tell you the current price in advance.
Do I need a visa?
The Madagascar visa is issued on arrival at Ivato airport and paid separately. The exact requirements depend on your citizenship — write to us and we will check before booking.
Are vaccinations required?
No vaccinations are required to enter. A yellow fever certificate is asked for only if you arrive from a country where the disease is present. Talk to your own doctor about malaria prophylaxis, and do bring repellent.
When is the best time to go?
The group departure runs 28 July – 8 August 2027, in the middle of the dry season. Broadly, April to November is the time to go: the roads to the Tsingy are passable and the sunsets on the Avenue of the Baobabs are clear. A private tour is arranged around your dates.
What insurance do I need?
Medical insurance for the whole trip. It is not included in the tour price. We work with ERGO and are insured with them ourselves: their policy covers active holidays, hiking in the mountains and trips to exotic countries. If you are unsure what to choose, write to us and we will explain what to look for in the terms.
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