The Backbone Route – 22 days

Immersion inside the red Island

Crossing Madagascar from the north most to the south was a dream for many travelers who visited Madagascar in the past.

Awake your explorer instinct through this grand tour of 22-day adventure which is crafted for refined travelers.

Begin in the lively Diego Suarez, continuing through the Montagne d’Ambre and the Tsingy of Ankarana Reserve, which will immerse you with the harmonic serenade of its distinct wildlife.

The Nosy Be archipelago is your next destination, a serene haven where lush forests blend with the clear sea, offering chances for snorkeling among the reefs and encounters with the island’s distinctive species.

On the way down to the west coast, Ankarafantsika National Park emerges as a naturalist’s mosaic, its wild orchestra filled with the tunes of rare birds and the sight of colorful chameleons.

Continue to the core of Madagascar, Antananarivo, a mosaic of history and culture, before delving into the eastern rainforests of Andasibe/Mantadia, echoing with the cries of the Indri lemur.

The route ascends to the highlands of Antsirabe, with its hot springs and a panorama sprinkled with terraced paddy fields and volcanic lakes, before leading you to the southern splendors of Ranomafana National Park’s verdant rainforests.

Conclude your epic at the peaceful shores of Anakao or Ifaty, musing over the unforgettable moments you’ve collected, against the serene embrace of the ocean.

This journey is available throughout the year, offering moderate accessibility, ensuring that the essence of Madagascar is always within reach. Your stay includes a variety of accommodations from hotels to lodges and tents, with travel via 4WD, motorboats, pirogues, bicycles, and domestic flights, blending the thrill of exploration with the comfort of modern amenities.

This concept is truly to make you experience the real Madagascar in its entire kaleidoscopic beauty.

Wildlife viewing inside and outside national parks and reserves
Hiking
Birdwatching
Possibility of snorkeling, diving, wind/kite
Surfing
Possibility of potholing
Orchids spotting.
Local encountering and cultural immersion
Malagasy cuisine
Possibility of sailing
Sundowning

The rainforest and their biodiversity of the Mountain d’amber, Andasibe and Ranomafana National Parks
Lemurs and reptiles amongst other wildlife typical for each regions
The famous Tsingy rock formation at Ankarana National Park
The pristine beaches and lagoons of Nosy Be
The dry deciduous forest of Ankarafantsika and its typical wildlife and birds
The thermal city of Antsirabe
The landscapes of the North, the West, the East and the Southern Madagascar
The lunar landscape and canyons of Isalo National Park
The beach of Anakao or Ifaty
Gondwana massif at Andringitra
Andringitra and its outer world landscape
The life styles of each regions
The oldest Baobab tree at Tsimanapetsotsa National Park and its reserve of turtles, birds and lemurs
The train trip from Manakara to Fianarantsoa though villages, jungles and mountains – Optional

Itinerary outline

Diego Suarez
Montagne d’Ambre
Ankarana Reserve
Nosy Be
Ankarafantsika National Park – Ampijoroa
Antananarivo
Andasibe/Mantadia
Antsirabe
Ranomafana N.P
Train trip from Manakara [optional]
Fianarantsoa
Tsaranoro Valley [optional]
Isalo N.P
Tulear
Anakao OR Ifaty
[Optional: Tsimanapetsotsa]
Antananarivo

Suggested extensions

Island hopping around the archipelago of Nosy Be
Sainte Marie Island for beach vacations and Humpback-whale safari
3-day trekking at Andringitra – The part of the Gondwana land
2-day caving and birdwatching at Tsimanampetsotsa National Park
3-day trip to the Baobab Avenue in Morondava – in the Western Baobab safari

Detailed itinerary

Day 1-3: Northern Wonders

Begin in Diego Suarez, a melting pot of cultures set against a backdrop of French colonial architecture. Venture into Montagne d’Ambre and Ankarana Reserve, where the symphony of lemurs and the rustling of rare birds provide a natural orchestra. Witness the surreal Tsingy rock formations, one of Madagascar’s geological marvels.

Day 4-6: Nosy Be - A Tropical Paradise

Reach the Nosy Be archipelago, where azure waters meet lush rainforests. Here, opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and encountering the island’s endemic wildlife abound.

Day 7-9: From the West to the Capital

Traverse to Ankarafantsika National Park, a haven for bird enthusiasts, before arriving in Antananarivo, the heart of Madagascar’s history and culture.

Day 10-12: Eastern Rainforests

Journey to Andasibe/Mantadia, immersing yourself in dense rainforests echoing with the calls of the Indri, the largest of the lemurs.

Day 13-14: Highlands and Southern gate

Experience the highland city of Antsirabe, known for its thermal springs and colorful rickshaws. This region’s landscape, characterized by terraced rice fields and volcanic lakes then continue down south to Ambositra, the capital of handicrafts of the island.

Day 15-18: Southern Wonders

Explore Ranomafana National Park’s rainforests, home to myriad species of lemurs and orchids. The optional train trip from Manakara to Fianarantsoa is a journey through time, revealing remote villages and stunning natural scenery. The Tsaranoro Valley and Anja Reserves are two hotspots to meet in King Julian – the Catta Lemurs in the wild. Witness the dramatic landscapes of Isalo National Park, where deep canyons and sandstone formations create a lunar-like environment..

Day 19-21: By the Beach

Conclude your journey at the beaches of Anakao or Ifaty, where the tranquility of the ocean offers a serene end to your adventure

Day 22: By the Beach

Reflect on your journey as you return to the capital, carrying with you memories of Madagascar’s kaleidoscopic beauty and the warmth of its people.