Lemurs & Landscapes of Madagascar

Day 1 - Tuesday 3 August 2027

Melbourne - Antananarivo (Tana) (Meals in Flight)

Welcome to your Sisterhood adventure!  

Join your Sisterhood Tour Hostess and fellow travellers at the designated meeting point at Melbourne Airport for our flight to Madagascar.  

Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment and hospitality of our airline as we head towards Tana.

Day 2- Wednesday 4 August 2027

Antananarivo (Tana) (D)

Welcome to Antananarivo, also known as Tana, the capital of the incredible island of Madagascar. On arrival we will be met and transferred to our hotel, a journey of approximately 10 minutes.  With a late afternoon arrival, we have time to freshen up before dinner.

Antananarivo (Tana) - Antananarivo, often shortened to Tana, is the vibrant capital of Madagascar. Nestled in the island’s central highlands, Tana is a city of steep hills, colonial architecture, and bustling markets. As the political, economic, and cultural heart of Madagascar, it blends French influences with rich Malagasy traditions.

Overnight - Palissandre Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 - Thursday 5 August 2027

Antananarivo (Tana) (B,L,D)

Today, we will discover the heart of Malagasy culture through its food. After breakfast, dive into Malagasy culture through its cuisine. With a local chef, explore a lively market and handpick fresh seasonal ingredients. Head to the kitchen to prepare vary (rice) and laoka (traditional side dishes) using time-honoured techniques.

In the afternoon, visit Violette’s Ironworks Atelier, located just outside Antananarivo. A visit to this renowned ironworks atelier offers a captivating look into the world of sustainable Malagasy art. The workshop is famous for transforming discarded oil drums and scrap metal into breathtaking sculptures, ranging from intricate iron orchids to majestic metallic baobabs. At the centre of this thriving creative hub is Violette, a visionary leader who guides the workshop with incredible passion and purpose. In a traditionally male-dominated industry, Violette has successfully shaped the atelier into a powerful social enterprise that employs hundreds of local artisans. By prioritising fair wages, community solidarity, and vocational training, her leadership ensures that every exquisite piece of art purchased directly supports local families, education, and community development.

Later, enjoy hands-on Malagasy Craft Culture - The Artizaho Experience offers an entirely unique, immersive way to connect with local culture through interactive craft workshops. This innovative initiative is spearheaded by its inspiring female founder, Miora Ratsimanohatra. Recognising the isolation and lack of opportunities facing talented local artisans, Miora established Artizaho to bridge the gap between Malagasy creators and the global travel market. Through her strategic leadership and commitment to social entrepreneurship, Miora has transformed traditional craft promotion into a sustainable, modern business network. Her platform
empowers local artisans, many of whom are women and small independent creators, by giving them the digital tools, business coaching, and economic visibility needed to earn a fair, dignified living.

Overnight - Palissandre Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 - Friday 6 August 2027

Antananarivo - Antsirabe (B,L,D)

Today, we journey through Madagascar’s spectacular central highlands, travelling approximately five hours from Antananarivo to the charming town of Antsirabe. Along the way, we pass through the heartland of the Imerina people, with sweeping views of the Ankaratra Mountains, terraced rice fields, rolling hills, and fragrant eucalyptus forests that showcase the beauty of Madagascar’s rural landscapes.

A highlight of the journey is a stop in Ambatolampy, renowned as Madagascar’s aluminium-casting capital. Here, we visit a traditional workshop where skilled artisans transform recycled aluminium into an array of everyday and decorative items. Using simple tools and age-old techniques, they melt, mould, and hand-finish their creations, offering a fascinating insight into the ingenuity, resourcefulness, and craftsmanship that have been passed down through generations.

This afternoon, we gain a deeper appreciation of Madagascar’s artistic heritage with a visit to Vehivavy Mpanao Crochet, a remarkable women-led artisan cooperative. While Ambatolampy is celebrated for its metalworking traditions, it is also home to a thriving community of women dedicated to preserving the delicate art of Malagasy crochet and textile craftsmanship.

This inspiring initiative beautifully combines traditional skills with contemporary, sustainable fashion. Local women work together to create intricate handcrafted pieces using natural fibres such as raffia and wild silk, carefully sourcing, preparing, and transforming these materials into exquisite designs. More than a workshop, the cooperative serves as a centre for empowerment and community support, providing fair incomes, skills development, and economic independence for women and their families. A visit here offers an authentic and uplifting glimpse into the role of female entrepreneurship and social enterprise in Madagascar’s highlands.

Continuing on, we arrive in Antsirabe, often referred to as the "City of Water" due to its thermal springs and volcanic origins. Madagascar’s third-largest city is known for its colourful pousse-pousse rickshaws, vibrant artisan workshops, and picturesque setting amidst rolling countryside and volcanic lakes, including the beautiful Lake Tritriva. The city’s pleasant climate and relaxed atmosphere make it one of Madagascar’s most charming destinations.

Overnight - Arotel Antsirabe (or similar)

Day 5 - Saturday 7 August 2027

Antsirabe (B,L,D)

This morning, explore the picturesque countryside surrounding Antsirabe on foot, discovering why this fertile region is known as the “Garden of Madagascar.” Renowned as one of the country’s most productive agricultural areas, it is here that much of Madagascar’s fruit and vegetables are grown, along with a variety of artisanal products including locally crafted cheeses, honey, and fruit preserves.

Our walk takes us through traditional villages and rural landscapes, offering a genuine insight into daily life in Madagascar’s highlands. Along the way, pause to observe local artisans at work and learn about time-honoured crafts such as brickmaking, pottery, and blacksmithing, skills that have been passed down through generations.

This evening, enjoy dinner at a charming local restaurant owned by a French expatriate who has earned a reputation for producing exceptional cheeses infused with distinctive Malagasy spices and flavours.

Today's sightseeing will involve approximately 4–5 hours of walking, covering up to 10 kilometres at a relaxed pace through mostly rural terrain.

Overnight - Arotel Antsirabe (or similar)

Day 6 - Sunday 8 August 2027

Antsirabe - Ranomafana (B,L,D)

This morning, depart Antsirabe and travel south towards Ranomafana, leaving behind the volcanic hills and fertile farmlands of Madagascar’s central highlands. Today's journey of approximately 6½ hours showcases the remarkable diversity of the island, with ever-changing scenery unfolding along the route.

Travelling through the traditional lands of the Zafimaniry and Betsileo peoples, we'll pass through picturesque villages, terraced rice fields, rolling hills, and forested landscapes while learning about the unique cultures and traditions of these regions. As the day progresses, the landscape gradually transforms, giving way to the lush rainforest environment of southeastern Madagascar.

By afternoon, descend into the misty forests of Ranomafana, where rainfall is more frequent and dense vegetation blankets the hillsides. The cooler, humid climate signals your arrival in one of Madagascar's most biodiverse regions.

Before dinner, there is the option to join a guided evening walk around the outskirts of Ranomafana National Park. As darkness falls, the rainforest reveals a different side of itself, with opportunities to spot colourful chameleons, tree frogs, insects, and other fascinating nocturnal wildlife that emerge after sunset.

Ranomafana, meaning "hot water" in Malagasy, is named after the natural thermal springs found in the area. Surrounded by lush rainforest and renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, the region is one of Madagascar's premier wildlife destinations and the gateway to the famous Ranomafana National Park.

Overnight - Ny Tanana Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 - Monday 9 August 2027

Ranomafana (B,L,D)

Rise early this morning and venture into the lush rainforest of Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar’s most celebrated wildlife reserves and a true biodiversity hotspot. Accompanied by expert local guides, explore a network of forest trails as you search for some of the park’s remarkable endemic wildlife.

Established in 1991 to protect the critically endangered golden bamboo lemur, the park is home to an extraordinary variety of species found nowhere else on Earth. Keep watch for red-bellied lemurs, Milne-Edwards’ sifaka, colourful chameleons, fascinating frogs, and an array of vibrant insects that thrive within this rich rainforest ecosystem. The dense vegetation, cascading streams, and chorus of birdlife create an unforgettable wilderness experience.

After lunch, choose to continue exploring the park’s trails and wildlife-rich forests or enjoy some leisure time soaking in Ranomafana’s famous thermal baths, whose naturally warm waters gave the region its name, meaning "hot water" in Malagasy.

A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Ranomafana National Park covers more than 400 square kilometres of pristine rainforest and is recognised as one of Madagascar’s most important conservation areas. Alongside its famous lemurs, the park protects an incredible diversity of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plant species, making it one of the island’s premier nature destinations.

Overnight - Ny Tanana Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 - Tuesday 10 August 2027

Ranomafana (B,L,D)

This morning, visit the renowned Centre ValBio, a world-leading research and conservation facility dedicated to protecting Madagascar’s unique ecosystems and wildlife. Founded in 2003 by renowned primatologist Patricia Wright, the centre plays a vital role in advancing scientific research, supporting sustainable development initiatives, and empowering local communities.

During our visit, we enjoy a guided tour of the facility led by a researcher or trainee, providing a fascinating insight into the important conservation work being undertaken in the region. Learn about ongoing studies focused on lemurs, biodiversity, rainforest preservation, and the challenges facing Madagascar’s fragile ecosystems. You will also attend an informative presentation and have the opportunity to explore the centre’s botanical gardens, which showcase many of the native plant species found throughout the surrounding rainforest.

More than just a research institution, Centre ValBio works closely with neighbouring villages to promote environmentally sustainable livelihoods and improve quality of life through initiatives focused on education, healthcare, sanitation, nutrition, and community development. The centre’s holistic approach demonstrates how conservation and community wellbeing can work hand in hand to create lasting positive change.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the tranquil rainforest surroundings of Ranomafana.

Overnight - Ny Tanana Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 - Wednesday 11 August 2027

Ranomafana - Ambalavao (B,L,D)

After breakfast, depart Ranomafana and travel approximately 1½ hours to the historic highland city of Fianarantsoa. Founded in the 19th century by Queen Ranavalona I and once the capital of the Betsileo people, this elegant hilltop city is renowned for its distinctive architecture, terraced hillsides, and sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. Often described as Madagascar’s most picturesque city, Fianarantsoa offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s cultural and colonial heritage.

On arrival, begin your exploration with a guided walk through the atmospheric Upper Town, where narrow streets, historic buildings, and panoramic viewpoints reveal the city's rich history and enduring character. Leaving the city behind, continue into the surrounding countryside for a leisurely walk through traditional Betsileo villages and fertile agricultural landscapes.

A special highlight of the day is a memorable lunch with a local Malagasy family. Enjoy a warm welcome into their home and share a traditional meal while learning about daily life, customs, and family traditions in rural Madagascar. This authentic cultural exchange provides a unique opportunity to connect with the local community and gain a deeper understanding of life in the highlands.

Following lunch, visit a traditional Antemoro paper workshop in nearby Ambalavao. Here, discover the centuries-old art of papermaking using the inner bark of the native havoha tree. Watch skilled artisans transform natural fibres into beautiful handmade paper, often decorated with pressed flowers and leaves gathered from the surrounding region.

We will also gain insight into another of Ambalavao’s treasured traditions—wild silk weaving. Known as the cultural gateway to southern Madagascar, the town is celebrated for its exquisite lamba landy, or Malagasy silk. Visit a local women-led cooperative where dedicated artisans oversee every stage of production, from preparing the raw silk fibres to weaving intricate textiles using techniques passed down through generations. This remarkable craft not only preserves an important cultural heritage but also provides meaningful economic opportunities for local women and their families.

This evening, take time to soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this charming highland region before settling in for the night.

Overnight - Aux Bougainvillees Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 - Thursday 12 August 2027

Ambalavao (B,L,D)

This morning, enjoy a relaxed start before taking a short drive to the renowned Anjà Community Reserve, one of Madagascar’s most successful community-led conservation projects. Situated amidst a spectacular landscape of towering granite outcrops and forested valleys, the reserve offers a wonderful introduction to the unique wildlife and conservation initiatives of southern Madagascar.

Following lunch, set out on a guided walk through the reserve, where scenic trails wind between dramatic rock formations, native woodland, and sacred sites important to the local Betsileo people. Established in 1999, Anjà has become a model for sustainable tourism and environmental protection, helping to preserve the forest, combat deforestation, and provide a valuable source of income for the surrounding community.

As we explore, keep watch for the reserve’s most famous residents—the charismatic ring-tailed lemurs. Often seen basking on the rocks, leaping through the trees, or foraging on the forest floor, these iconic animals provide excellent wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities. The reserve is also home to a variety of birds, reptiles, and native plant species, making it a rewarding destination for nature lovers.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Ambalavao, a charming highland town known for its traditional architecture, vibrant markets, and beautiful setting at the foot of the Andringitra Mountains. Serving as the gateway to both the Anjà Community Reserve and the rugged landscapes of Andringitra National Park, Ambalavao is one of Madagascar’s most attractive and culturally rich destinations.

Overnight - Aux Bougainvillees Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 - Friday 13 August 2027

Ambalavao - Ranohira (B,L,D)

Today, we continue our journey south through the ever-changing landscapes of Madagascar, travelling approximately 6–7 hours to Ranohira, the gateway to the spectacular Isalo National Park.

As we leave the highlands behind, the scenery gradually transforms from rolling hills and fertile farmland into the vast, rugged landscapes of southern Madagascar. Travel through the traditional lands of the Bara people, a community renowned for their strong cultural connection to zebu cattle, which play an important role in their traditions, livelihoods, and way of life.

Along the route, admire the remarkable scenery and dramatic rock formations that make this region so unique, including the impressive ‘Southern Gate’ and the distinctive ‘Bishop’s Hat’ formation. These striking sandstone landmarks rise from the landscape, creating unforgettable views and showcasing the incredible geological diversity of Madagascar.

Continue through Ihosy, the largest town in this remote southern region and an important trading hub for local communities, before arriving in Ranohira. Set among towering sandstone massifs, deep canyons, and wide-open plains, Ranohira is surrounded by the breathtaking scenery that makes this area so special.

Known as the gateway to Isalo National Park, Ranohira offers a dramatic contrast to the lush rainforests and highlands experienced earlier in the journey. The region is famous for its rugged sandstone landscapes, natural pools, hidden waterfalls, and desert-like scenery, creating one of Madagascar’s most iconic and memorable environments.

Overnight - Jardin du Roy Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 - Saturday 14 August 2027

Ranohira (B,L,D)

Today is dedicated to exploring the extraordinary landscapes of Isalo National Park, one of Madagascar’s most iconic natural wonders. After breakfast, set out along the scenic Namaza Trail, an accessible walking route that reveals the park’s incredible diversity of landscapes, from dramatic sandstone cliffs and rugged canyons to hidden oases and refreshing natural swimming pools.

As we explore this spectacular environment, keep watch for the unique wildlife that calls Isalo home. The park provides excellent opportunities to spot ring-tailed lemurs and brown lemurs, along with colourful birdlife, including hoopoes and souimanga birds. Look closely among the rocks and vegetation for fascinating reptiles such as geckos and lizards, while admiring the unusual native plants that thrive in this remarkable ecosystem.

Throughout the walk, discover the contrasting scenery that makes Isalo so special, with vast savannahs, sculpted rock formations, palm-lined valleys, and tranquil waterholes creating unforgettable views at every turn.

Return to our hotel in the mid-afternoon to relax and enjoy some leisure time before dinner, taking in the peaceful surroundings of this extraordinary region.

Located in southwestern Madagascar, Isalo National Park is renowned for its dramatic sandstone landscapes, deep canyons, natural pools, and sweeping savannah plains. The park protects a remarkable range of endemic flora, including unique palms and the distinctive elephant’s foot plant, as well as an incredible variety of wildlife, including ring-tailed lemurs, sifakas, and rare bird species.

Overnight - Jardin du Roy Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 - Sunday 15 August 2027

Ranohira (B,L,D)

After a leisurely breakfast, set out along the Crest Trail, winding through the hotel’s grounds and offering spectacular views of the dramatic Isalo massif.

Return to the lodge for some time at leisure before taking part in a meva workshop, where we’ll discover Madagascar’s unique endemic plants and learn about the wide range of products crafted from them.

Later, enjoy a guided tour of the hotel’s organic garden, followed by a short walk to a scenic viewpoint. As the sun sets over the landscape, relax with drinks and snacks while taking in the breathtaking views.

Overnight - Jardin du Roy Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 - Monday 16 August 2027

Ranohira - Ifaty (B,L,D)

Depart Isalo this morning and journey south-west towards the coast, passing through Ilakaka, a once-sleepy village that was transformed into a bustling sapphire mining town following the discovery of one of the world’s largest sapphire deposits.  At the heart of one of the world’s largest sapphire deposits, Ilakaka experienced a dramatic transformation in the late 1990s when precious stones were discovered in the region. Today, the town is a lively hub of gem traders, miners, and fortune seekers, offering a glimpse into Madagascar’s modern-day sapphire rush.

Continue through the striking spiny forest of southern Madagascar and across the vast Mahafaly Plateau, a landscape of rocky plains and arid terrain. Along the way, encounter the remarkable Mahafaly tombs, among Madagascar’s most distinctive cultural landmarks, the Mahafaly tombs are richly adorned with carved wooden poles known as aloalo, symbolic motifs, and decorative artwork depicting aspects of the deceased’s life. More than burial sites, these impressive monuments reflect the importance of ancestor veneration and serve as enduring symbols of status, identity, and memory within Mahafaly society

Stop for lunch at the Antsokay Arboretum, a unique botanical reserve showcasing the extraordinary flora of Madagascar’s dry south, before continuing to the laid-back coastal town of Ifaty. Set beside the Mozambique Channel, Ifaty is home to the Vezo people, renowned for their deep connection to the sea and traditional fishing way of life.

Overnight - Dunes d’Ifaty Hotel (or similar)

Day 15 - Tuesday 17 August 2027

Ifaty (B,L,D)

Enjoy a day at leisure in Ifaty, with time to unwind on the beach, relax by the pool, or simply soak up the laid-back atmosphere of Madagascar’s southwest coast.

As evening approaches, a truly memorable experience awaits at the nearby Reniala Private Reserve. Managed by a local conservation and research association, this protected reserve encompasses a remarkable landscape of ancient baobabs, twisted succulents, and endemic thorn forests. Join a guided twilight walk along easy trails through the reserve, where some of the majestic baobab trees are believed to be more than 1,200 years old and exceed 12 metres in circumference. As dusk falls, keep watch for the reserve’s unique wildlife emerging in the fading light.

The experience culminates with a magical candlelit dinner beneath these towering giants, offering an unforgettable setting in one of Madagascar’s most extraordinary natural landscapes.

Overnight - Dunes d’Ifaty Hotel (or similar)

Day 16 - Wednesday 18 August 2027

Ifaty - Andasibe (B,L,D)

Rise early this morning and transfer to Tuléar Airport for your flight back to Antananarivo (Tana)

Upon arrival, leave the bustle of the capital behind as you travel east into Madagascar’s verdant highlands. The route takes us through the dramatic Mandraka Gorge, where winding roads cling to steep hillsides and reveal sweeping views of mist-filled valleys, lush ferns, and increasingly wild landscapes. Continuing onwards, arrive in Andasibe, a small town surrounded by dense rainforest and renowned as the gateway to Madagascar’s eastern rainforest reserves. The area is at the heart of several community-led conservation initiatives and is one of the country’s most important regions for wildlife and biodiversity.

This evening, venture into the Voimma Community Reserve for a guided night walk. Created and managed by local villagers to protect their ancestral forests and the remarkable biodiversity they support, the reserve offers an authentic ecotourism experience that directly benefits the local community. During our approximately 90-minute walk through the forest, keep watch for some of Madagascar’s fascinating nocturnal creatures, including mouse lemurs, leaf-tailed chameleons, tree frogs, and a variety of other endemic wildlife that emerge after dark.

Overnight - Eulophiella Hotel (or similar)

Day 17 - Thursday 19 August 2027

Andasibe (B,L,D)

Rise early this morning and travel to Andasibe National Park, one of Madagascar’s most celebrated protected areas and a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, the park safeguards a vast expanse of lush eastern rainforest, home to numerous lemur species, colourful chameleons, rare frogs, hundreds of bird species, and an extraordinary variety of endemic plants and orchids.

Spend the morning exploring the Analamazoatra section of the park on foot. As we walk beneath the dense forest canopy, listen for the haunting calls of the indri, Madagascar’s largest living lemur and the park’s most iconic resident. Along the trails, keep an eye out for other wildlife and admire the remarkable diversity of flora that thrives within this unique ecosystem.

This afternoon, there is the option to visit Mitsinjo Forest, a community-managed conservation reserve established in 1999. In addition to protecting important rainforest habitat, Mitsinjo plays a vital role in local reforestation efforts through its tree nursery, which produces around 40,000 endemic tree seedlings each year. A walk through the reserve offers further opportunities to discover Madagascar’s unique wildlife while learning about the inspiring conservation work being undertaken by the local community.

Today’s sightseeing will involve approximately four hours of walking, covering around 5–6 kilometres along forest trails.

Overnight - Eulophiella Hotel (or similar)

Day 18 - Friday 20 August 2027

Andasibe - Antananarivo (Tana) (B,L,D)

This morning, visit Vakona Private Reserve, where we willl have the opportunity to observe several species of lemur in a natural island sanctuary. Many of the reserve’s residents have been rescued from captivity, the illegal pet trade, or private collections and, while unable to be reintroduced into the wild, now live freely on densely vegetated islands with access to natural food sources. This unique conservation initiative provides a safe environment for the animals while offering visitors an up-close appreciation of Madagascar’s remarkable wildlife.

Later, begin the scenic return journey to Antananarivo, a drive of approximately four and a half hours through the island’s lush central highlands. On arrival, enjoy some time at leisure to relax and refresh before gathering for a special farewell dinner. The evening’s meal will be served at one of the capital’s finest restaurants, where traditional Malagasy flavours are reimagined through contemporary culinary techniques, providing a fitting finale to your Madagascan adventure.

Overnight -  Radisson Blue Tana Waterfront (or similar)

Day 19 - Saturday 21 August 2027

Antananarivo (Tana) - Home (B, Meals inflight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight home, bringing your unforgettable journey through Madagascar to a close. Take with you memories of the island’s extraordinary wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural traditions.

Day 20 - Sunday 22 August 2027

Flight In Transit (Meals inflight)

In Transit

Day 21 - Monday 23 August 2027

Welcome Home

Welcome Home!  We arrive back home into Melbourne early morning.  What an adventure!  So glad you joined us and we look forward to welcoming you back