Rainforest lemurs at Ranomafana and the sandstone canyons of Isalo, by road from Antananarivo.
This route shows the two great parks of the south. Ranomafana is a dense, misty rainforest with a dozen lemur species, including the rare golden bamboo lemur. Isalo is a different world: sandstone canyons, natural swimming pools and ring-tailed lemurs on the rocks.
The drives are long, because Madagascar’s roads are slow, but each stop is rewarding, and the lodges are comfortable.
Madagascar
Luxury safari
Handpicked luxury lodges and camps, chosen for their setting, service and guiding.
Private safari
Your own vehicle and guide for the whole journey, never shared with other travellers.
Made to measure
Change the pace, a lodge or an activity and we rebuild the itinerary around you.
Start any day
Travel on the dates that suit you, subject to lodge and permit availability.
Solo travellers welcome
Priced for one on request, with the single supplement shown under Rates.
Pace and fitness
Balanced, fitness: moderate.
Drive south through the highlands, with a stop in Antsirabe for lunch, to Setam Lodge, beside Ranomafana National Park, arriving in the evening.
Overnight
Hillside bungalows close to the Ranomafana park entrance.
Walk into the rainforest in the morning with a guide to find golden bamboo lemurs and red-fronted brown lemurs, and take a night walk after dinner for nocturnal species.
Overnight
Hillside bungalows close to the Ranomafana park entrance.
Drive south through the high plateau and the grasslands to Isalo Rock Lodge, arriving in the evening for a sundowner among the sandstone.
Overnight
Isalo Rock Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A stone lodge built into the sandstone above the Isalo plains.
Hike into the canyons of Isalo with your guide, with a picnic lunch by a natural swimming pool, and ring-tailed lemurs on the rocks.
Overnight
Isalo Rock Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A stone lodge built into the sandstone above the Isalo plains.
Drive to Tulear and take the flight to Antananarivo, landing in the late afternoon, and settle in at the Palissandre Hotel and Spa.
Overnight
A calm hotel in the old upper town of Antananarivo, with city views.
A slow breakfast, then the transfer to the airport for your flight.
Isalo Rock Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A stone lodge built into the sandstone above the Isalo plains.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
A calm hotel in the old upper town of Antananarivo, with city views.
Breakfast & dinner
Important to know
Rates per person
| Season | Solo | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High season (Jun to Oct) | US$4,840 | US$4,100 | US$3,854 | US$3,854 | US$3,854 | US$3,854 | Get quote |
| Low season (Nov to May) | US$4,250 | US$3,600 | US$3,384 | US$3,384 | US$3,384 | US$3,384 | Get quote |
Prices are per person, in US dollars, and depend on the number of travellers sharing the vehicle and guide. They are sample rates for planning and will be confirmed when you enquire, as lodge and permit prices change each year. Lemurs are watched in the wild, never handled or fed, and sightings of any single species cannot be guaranteed. Madagascar’s roads are slow, and domestic flights can change at short notice, so we build in time.
Best time for this trip Apr to Nov
For gorilla and chimp treks, bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers you can tuck into your socks, a long-sleeved shirt, a light rain jacket and gardening gloves for grabbing vines. Porters are available at the trailhead and we recommend hiring one: it helps your trek and supports the local community.
Pack light, neutral colours for game drives, a warm fleece for early mornings, a sun hat and good sunscreen. Light aircraft have a soft-bag limit of 15 kg per person including hand luggage, so leave the hard suitcases at home.
Made to measure
Every Uwera safari is private. Slow the pace, add a night by a lake, swap a lodge or bring the children: tell us in your request and we will rebuild the itinerary around you.
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