Depart London Heathrow on an Air France flight to Paris, connecting with an onward flight to Antananarivo (13 hours), arriving later this evening. On arrival transfer to the Palissandre Hotel & Spa (or similar) for an overnight stay (15 KM/approximately 30 minutes).

After breakfast we head east this morning, towards Andasibe (145 KM/approximately 2 hours 30 minutes), traversing a landscape of fertile highlands and parts of the eastern rainforest en route to the Andasibe Mantadia National Park, comprising the Mantadia Park and the Analamazaotra Reserve. Covering nearly 13,000 hectares between them, these remarkable wilderness areas are a rich treasure house of native fauna, being home to no fewer than 11 species of lemur and a dazzling array of bird, reptile and insect life. Arriving at the Eulophiella Hotel (or similar) check in for a 2-night stay.The rest of the afternoon is free, with the possibility of taking an optional excursion to the private reserve of Vakona and its small island for lemurs. This charming island provides a sanctuary for habituated lemurs, where you can interact with the resident population, or wander the well-marked trails in search of indigenous flora and fauna.

Our destination this morning is the Analamazaotra Reserve, home to the Indri Indri, the largest living lemur on the planet, where we intend to take a walk amongst its lush landscapes to seek out this most impressive of animals. Easily detected by its loud shrieks, the Indri Indri can only be seen in the wild (its natural aversion to captivity making it impossible to keep caged). There may also be a chance of spotting common brown lemurs and eastern grey bamboo lemurs amongst the jungle foliage as well. The spectacular diversity of flora in the park is equally impressive, with several varieties of ferns, creepers, orchids and dwarf palm on display amongst the lush tropical vegetation. The reserve also benefits from an informative interpretation centre. Return to the hotel to relax prior to an evening stroll in the reserve in search of nocturnal species.

After breakfast return to Antananarivo this morning and then head south towards Antsirabe, stopping in Ambatolampy for lunch at the Rendezvous des Pecheurs restaurant. Continue into the volcanic landscapes of the fertile plains of Madagascar’s Central Highlands. Surrounded by high mountains the town is the agricultural centre of the country and is famed for its mineral water and on arrival later this afternoon check into the Hotel des Thermes for an overnight stay (313 KM/approximately 5 hours 30 minutes).

Departing after breakfast this morning we head next for the town of Ambositra, (95 KM/approximately 2 hours), the self-proclaimed ‘capital’ for Malagasy handicrafts. We’ll stop here to have a wander around the shops and markets, before continuing our journey towards Ambohimahasoa for lunch and a folklore show (90 KM/approximately 2 hours). This afternoon then sees us travelling into the heartland of the Betsileo tribes, into a region rich in tea plantations and vineyards, as we make our way to the city of Fianarantsoa (60 KM/approximately 1 hour), the southern capital and an important centre of the Catholic faith on the island, a fact highlighted by the numerous churches dotted around the city. Overnight stay at the Tsara Guest House (or similar).

Driving to the small town of Ambalavao (54 KM/approximately 1 hour) this morning we stop at the Antemoro Paper Factory, where hand crafted sheets are uniquely decorated with fresh petals to create writing paper (and lampshades) that are exquisitely different. You will also visit the local market, including the zebu market which is one of the largest in Madagascar. The visit to Ambalavao on day 6 coincides with the town’s famous weekly Zebu (cow) market, one of the largest in Madagascar. A symbol of wealth and status, the Zebu is one of the country’s most iconic symbols and cattle are transported here from far and wide. Continue to the Anja Reserve, where we hope to see ring tailed lemurs and enjoy a picnic lunch (7 KM/approximately 20 minutes). The Anja Reserve is home to families of ring-tailed lemurs, providing a truly captivating setting in which to observe these remarkable animals in their natural surroundings. Steeped in cultural history, these bizarre landscapes of granite domes and towering cliffs are riddled with caves and Bara tombs. Late afternoon then sees us arriving in Ranohira on the outskirts of the Isalo National Park (241 KM/approximately 4 hours), for a 2-night stay at Le Jardin du Roy.

Nestling on the fringes of the Isalo Mountain ranges, Ranohira provides us with the ideal base from which to explore the delights of the nearby national park. After breakfast we enter the landscapes of Isalo for a short walk (approximately 3 hours) towards Piscine Naturelle, a beautiful natural pool fed by the cascading waters of a mini waterfall. Returning to the hotel for lunch, the afternoon is then free to relax and enjoy at your leisure.

Departing the mountains of Isalo this morning we head via Toliara towards the climax of our journey and the small fishing community around Ifaty (272 KM/approximately 5 hours). Traversing a landscape of savannah and bush, we pass through villages of sapphire miners and traditional tribes, take in the enchanting sights of baobab trees and painted tombs. Arrive in Ifaty in time for lunch. Stay 2 nights at Les Dunes d’Ifaty Hotel (or similar).

With a free day around Ifaty you can choose to do as much or as little as you wish. Famed for its coral reefs, the area is ideal for snorkelling and diving, whilst those looking for more genteel relaxation can just soak up the ambience of its palm fringed beaches.

Driving south to Toliara (22 KM/approximately 1 hour) this morning fly on Air Madagascar back to Antananarivo (1 hour and 35 minutes), transferring to the Palissandre Hotel & Spa on arrival to utilise their day rooms before the evening departure for the airport. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Madagascar’s capital, perhaps taking a stroll past the picturesque houses that lie scattered across the hills of the Hauts Plateau. The old town affords some wonderful views across the city, along with a collection of stone churches and ancient palaces, making an ideal spot to wile away the afternoon. Later this evening you will transfer to the airport for the return flight to London.

Depart in the early hours on an Air France flight to Paris; connecting with an onward London bound flight later today that arrives back at Heathrow early this afternoon.