Along the red-earth road, further into the interior.
Beyond the landscapes everyone knows lies Madagascar.
A quiet core you reach precisely because it is your second visit.
-
A deep-dive southern route that traverses south from Antsirabe, visiting Zafimaniry village, Antemoro paper makers, Isalo National Park, and the baobab groves of Morombe.
Rather than the well-trodden tourist sites, you will steadily encounter local culture, the sculpted beauty of the dry land, and the simple life of village communities.
This is a nine-day experience of Madagascar’s depth—something you can choose because it’s your second time here.
Signature points
Penetrating beyond the typical sights: a southbound traverse
A dynamic route heading south from Antsirabe through Fianarantsoa, Ranohira, Toliara, and Morombe. Although the travel distances are long, the scenery shifts constantly—red-earth highlands, rice paddies, and dry zones—allowing you to physically comprehend the country’s geography and climate rather than just seeing superficial attractions.
Encountering intangible culture and craftsmanship in Madagascar
Visits include Zafimaniry village, known for its traditional carpentry without nails, and workshops making Antemoro paper that reflect Arab cultural influences—places that focus not only on natural scenery but also on human activity. These are not mere observations but moments to feel firsthand the transmission of culturally rooted traditions.
A non-mainstream baobab experience
We select relatively less-visited spots such as the Andonbili baobab groves near Morombe and the Reniala Reserve. The solitary giant trees standing on the dry earth take on a magical appearance at dusk. Because these are not the “famous single-lane” spots, you can encounter a more primordial Madagascar landscape.
Itinerary
Day1
Madagascar - Antananarivo
Private transfer
Meet with the guide at airport on arrival
Departure for Antsirabe, on the way, enjoying the landscape
transfer to hotel (very late arrival)
(170Km)
Madagascar - Antsirabe
Hotel Hasina
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day2
a.m.
Sightseeing of the rickshaw town, Cathedral…
Sightseeing in the rickshaw town allows visitors to experience the lively streets where rickshaws remain a common mode of local transportation and an emblem of everyday life. The town is also home to a cathedral located at its center, standing as a religious and historical landmark worth visiting.
[Japanese Guide]
Private transfer
Departure for Ambositra, on the way, enjoying the attractive rice-fields in level, typical houses….
(90Km)
Madagascar - Ambositra
Private transfer
Transfer to Antoetra
(40Km)
Madagascar - Antoetra
Visit of the famous "Zafimaniry village"
A mountain village known for its woodcarving culture, registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is characterized by traditional architecture built without nails and intricate geometric carved patterns. This is a Madagascar-specific experience where you can encounter a simple way of life and a unique handicraft culture.
[Japanese Guide]
Private transfer
And then proceed to Fianarantsoa
Transfer to hotel
Madagascar - Fianarantsoa
Zomatel
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day3
Private transfer
Departure for Ambalavao
(56Km)
Madagascar - Ambalavao
Visit of the Antemoro paper making
Visit the production site of the traditional craft "Antemoro paper," which developed under the influence of Arab culture. The rustic, warm paper made from tree bark is characterized by decorative elements with embedded pressed flowers. Through the handmade processes, you can learn about the culture and techniques passed down in the region.
[Japanese Guide]
Private transfer
Continue to Ranohira, on the way, enjoying the Majestic rock mountain of Ifandana "Pope’s hat"
transfer to hotel
(342Km)
Madagascar - Ranohira
Hotel Orchidée de l'Isalo
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day4
a.m.
Half day visit of the National Park of Isalo
A national park known for its vast landscapes of sandstone rock formations, canyons, and natural pools. It also features flora typical of arid regions and diverse ecosystems including ring-tailed lemurs. Through trekking, you can experience Madagascar's unique landform beauty.
[Japanese Guide]
Private transfer
Departure for Toliara, en route, enjoying the south part of Madagascar's typical landscape, the Ilakaka town "The Sapphire center"
transfer to hotel
(250Km)
Madagascar - Toliara
Hôtel Chez Alain
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day5
Private transfer
Departure for Morombe, on the way, sightseeing of baobabs and local villages
transfer to hotel
(210Km)
Madagascar - Morombe
Hotel Le Palétuvier
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day6
Visit of the Baobabs of Andombiry
A baobab grove spread across the southwest. The towering giant trees on the dry land give an overwhelming presence, and especially at dusk a fantastical landscape unfolds. There are relatively few tourists, allowing you to enjoy the charm of the baobabs in a more natural atmosphere.
[Japanese Guide]
Hotel Le Palétuvier
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day7
Private transfer
Drive back to Ifaty
transfer to hotel
Madagascar - Ifaty
Bamboo Club
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day8
Visit of the Reniala Reserve
A dry forest reserve located near Toliara. It is home to many endemic species such as baobabs and spiny plants, and you can also observe ring-tailed lemurs and a variety of birds. On a guided walk, you can learn up close about the unique ecosystems and flora of southwestern Madagascar.
[Japanese Guide]
Private transfer
Transfer to airport
Madagascar - Antananarivo
Private transfer
On arrival, transfer to hotel
Le Chalet des Roses
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day9
a.m.
Sightseeing of Antananarivo
Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, offers a unique blend of history and local life. From the hilltop Queen's Palace that overlooks the city, to colorful markets filled with spices and handicrafts, every corner reflects the country’s distinctive culture. The bustling streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant daily scenes create a fascinating introduction to Madagascar.
[Japanese Guide]
Private transfer
Transfer to airport
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day1
03/21(Sat)
Madagascar - Antananarivo
Private transfer
Meet with the guide at airport on arrival
Departure for Antsirabe, on the way, enjoying the landscape
transfer to hotel (very late arrival)
(170Km)
Madagascar - Antsirabe
Hotel Hasina
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day2
03/22(Sun)
a.m.
Sightseeing of the rickshaw town, Cathedral…
Sightseeing in the rickshaw town allows visitors to experience the lively streets where rickshaws remain a common mode of local transportation and an emblem of everyday life. The town is also home to a cathedral located at its center, standing as a religious and historical landmark worth visiting.
[Japanese Guide]
Private transfer
Departure for Ambositra, on the way, enjoying the attractive rice-fields in level, typical houses….
(90Km)
Madagascar - Ambositra
Private transfer
Transfer to Antoetra
(40Km)
Madagascar - Antoetra
Visit of the famous "Zafimaniry village"
A mountain village known for its woodcarving culture, registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is characterized by traditional architecture built without nails and intricate geometric carved patterns. This is a Madagascar-specific experience where you can encounter a simple way of life and a unique handicraft culture.
[Japanese Guide]
Private transfer
And then proceed to Fianarantsoa
Transfer to hotel
Madagascar - Fianarantsoa
Zomatel
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day3
03/23(Mon)
Private transfer
Departure for Ambalavao
(56Km)
Madagascar - Ambalavao
Visit of the Antemoro paper making
Visit the production site of the traditional craft "Antemoro paper," which developed under the influence of Arab culture. The rustic, warm paper made from tree bark is characterized by decorative elements with embedded pressed flowers. Through the handmade processes, you can learn about the culture and techniques passed down in the region.
[Japanese Guide]
Private transfer
Continue to Ranohira, on the way, enjoying the Majestic rock mountain of Ifandana "Pope’s hat"
transfer to hotel
(342Km)
Madagascar - Ranohira
Hotel Orchidée de l'Isalo
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day4
03/24(Tue)
a.m.
Half day visit of the National Park of Isalo
A national park known for its vast landscapes of sandstone rock formations, canyons, and natural pools. It also features flora typical of arid regions and diverse ecosystems including ring-tailed lemurs. Through trekking, you can experience Madagascar's unique landform beauty.
[Japanese Guide]
Private transfer
Departure for Toliara, en route, enjoying the south part of Madagascar's typical landscape, the Ilakaka town "The Sapphire center"
transfer to hotel
(250Km)
Madagascar - Toliara
Hôtel Chez Alain
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day5
03/25(Wed)
Private transfer
Departure for Morombe, on the way, sightseeing of baobabs and local villages
transfer to hotel
(210Km)
Madagascar - Morombe
Hotel Le Palétuvier
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day6
03/26(Thu)
Visit of the Baobabs of Andombiry
A baobab grove spread across the southwest. The towering giant trees on the dry land give an overwhelming presence, and especially at dusk a fantastical landscape unfolds. There are relatively few tourists, allowing you to enjoy the charm of the baobabs in a more natural atmosphere.
[Japanese Guide]
Hotel Le Palétuvier
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day7
03/27(Fri)
Private transfer
Drive back to Ifaty
transfer to hotel
Madagascar - Ifaty
Bamboo Club
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day8
03/28(Sat)
Visit of the Reniala Reserve
A dry forest reserve located near Toliara. It is home to many endemic species such as baobabs and spiny plants, and you can also observe ring-tailed lemurs and a variety of birds. On a guided walk, you can learn up close about the unique ecosystems and flora of southwestern Madagascar.
[Japanese Guide]
Private transfer
Transfer to airport
Madagascar - Antananarivo
Private transfer
On arrival, transfer to hotel
Le Chalet des Roses
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Day9
03/29(Sun)
a.m.
Sightseeing of Antananarivo
Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, offers a unique blend of history and local life. From the hilltop Queen's Palace that overlooks the city, to colorful markets filled with spices and handicrafts, every corner reflects the country’s distinctive culture. The bustling streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant daily scenes create a fascinating introduction to Madagascar.
[Japanese Guide]
Private transfer
Transfer to airport
Meals B/F：× LUN：× DIN：×
Price Includes / excludes
Accommodation
As stated in itinerary
Flight (Int'l)
None
Flight (Dom.)
None
Railway
None
Bus
None
Car
As stated in itinerary
Ferry/Boat
None
Other transp
None
Guide / Assistant
we add a japanese speaking guide from day 1 till day 8 in Toliara
Activity
As stated in itinerary
Meal
B/F：0 LUN：0 DIN：0
None
Includes (Others)
Hotel accommodation (standard category): 1 Single room
* All transportation and parking fees: private car, with driver and driver assistant
Excludes (Others)
*Air tickets: international (Japan/Antananarivo/Japan) and domestic (Toliara / Antananarivo)
*Meals
*Visa fee
*Tips (guides, drivers, porters…)
*All lunches
*Drinks
*All necessary entrance fees for the parks and reserves
*Insurance
