5 Days Madagascar Self-drive Itinerary Advice

This 5 Days Madagascar self-drive Itinerary extension explores Andasibe, a remarkable rainforest park renowned for its lemur population, located approximately four hours’ drive from the capital, Antananarivo. The park has two protected regions: the Perinet Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park.

Perinet is renowned globally for its population of Indri lemurs, the largest extant lemur species.

In Mantadia National Park, observe lemur species such as the Indri indri, diademed sifaka, grey bamboo lemur, red-bellied lemur, and white ruffed lemur. Numerous avian species are present, including the scaly ground roller, the pitta-like ground roller, and the red-breasted coua.

Located approximately four hours’ drive from Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, this extension takes visitors to Andasibe, a breathtaking rainforest park well-known for its lemur population. Mantadia National Park and the Perinet Special Reserve are the two parts that make up the park. The largest known species of lemur, the Indri, live on Perinet. This fact alone has brought this island into international fame. Among the many lemur species found in Mantadia National Park are the Indri indri, diademed sifaka, grey bamboo, red-bellied, and white ruffed primates. A variety of birds can be found, including the red-breasted coua, the pitta-like ground roller, and the scaly ground roller. With numerous rare species of birds, reptiles, and animals, this is a treasure trove for nature lovers.

Madagascar Self Drive Adventure

A Detailed 5 Days Madagascar Self-drive Itinerary

Day 1

Greetings to Madagascar! Upon arrival at Ivato Airport (TNR, excluding foreign flights), you will be welcomed and transported to your accommodation, Maison Gallieni, located in the upper town of Antananarivo.

‘Tana,’ as referred to by the locals, exhibits captivating traditional architecture and displays a greater Indonesian influence compared to other regions of Madagascar. Maison Gallieni is a renovated colonial residence featuring a sophisticated blend of contemporary and traditional decor. Immerse yourself in the pool and relish the exquisite vistas of the city prior to supper.

Day 2

Following an early breakfast, your own guide will escort you east to Andasibe, a magnificent rainforest park located approximately four hours’ drive from the city. The park comprises two designated areas: the Perinet Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park. Perinet is renowned globally for its population of Indri lemurs, the largest extant lemur species. The journey to Andasibe provides first-time tourists to Madagascar with a mild introduction to rural life, characterised by rice fields, redbrick cottages, and roadside kiosks offering seasonal fruits and vegetables along the route.

Register at the hotel for lunch. This afternoon, explore a private reserve managed by the local NGO Mitsinjo. The NGO finances reforestation, community education, and awareness initiatives about conservation issues, in addition to operating Madagascar’s inaugural amphibian captive-breeding facility. This location features a remarkable variety of wildlife and offers the opportunity to plant an indigenous species along the reforestation trail.

Day 3: Mantadia National Park Guided Walk

Following breakfast, you will proceed to Mantadia National Park, which is a 1.5-hour drive away, accompanied by a picnic lunch. Seek many lemur species in this remarkable park, including the Indri indri, diademed sifaka, grey bamboo lemur, red-bellied lemur, and white ruffed lemur.

Although the trails present a moderate challenge, the rewards are substantial, as the forest is more towering, untamed, and less congested than Perinet. Numerous avian species exist, including the scaly ground roller, the pitta-like ground roller, and the red-breasted coua. This location is a treasure trove for naturalists, featuring numerous rarely observed species of animals, reptiles, and birds.

Partake in a lunch at the Rianasoa Waterfall prior to hiking back to the car and returning to the lodge.

A nocturnal excursion will be conducted in the late evening into the forest encircling the reserve, accompanied by a local guide. A diverse array of nocturnal lemurs will be observed: mouse lemurs, white-footed sportive lemurs, fat-tailed dwarf lemurs, and woolly lemurs.

Day 4

Following breakfast, partake in an excursion to the Perinet Reserve accompanied by a local guide to observe the Indri indri. This lemur, characterised by its nearly imperceptible tail, distinctive black and white patterns, and an expression reminiscent of a startled teddy bear, is among the rare species unable to thrive in captivity. As you traverse the rainforest, you may observe an additional 11 species of lemur. A troop of grey bamboo lemurs, common brown lemurs, diademed sifakas, and black-and-white ruffed lemurs may be observed.

Birdwatchers should observe the velvet asity, the blue coua, the nuthatch vanga, and numerous more indigenous species. Perinet hosts several reptiles, insects, and a selection of Madagascar’s more than one thousand orchid species.

Day 5

Following an early breakfast, proceed to drive back to Antananarivo (5 hours), where you will be dropped off at the airport for your international departure (international flights not included).

End of the 5 Days Madagascar Self-drive Itinerary