Discover the majesty of Isalo National Park, famous for its spectacular rock formations, deep canyons, and unique vegetation. Continue your journey with a beachside extension north of Tuléar, where white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, and authentic villages await. A perfect blend of nature adventure and oceanfront relaxation.
Scheduled activities :
Day 1 : Tulear- Ranohira
Departure for Ranohira and Discovery of Isalo National Park After breakfast at the hotel, set out towards Ranohira to explore the spectacular rock formations of Isalo and its national park—an iconic site in southern Madagascar. (Estimated travel time: approximately 6 hours) Along the way, a stop is planned at Colorline, a well-known establishment specializing in the artisanal crafting of sapphire-set jewelry. Mr. Mohammed, the owner, will welcome you for a tour of their workshop and introduce you to their sapphire mine—a fascinating immersion into the world of local gemology.
Day 2 : Ranohira- Isalo national park
Isalo National Park: A Jewel of Southern Madagascar Nestled in the commune of Ranohira, this extraordinary reserve is one of Madagascar’s most stunning national parks and a must-see destination on any southern itinerary. Covering a vast area, Isalo National Park is renowned for its spectacular landscapes, shaped by the erosion of Jurassic-era sandstone. This one-of-a-kind setting—featuring towering canyons, ochre cliffs, and savanna dotted with otherworldly rock formations—creates an atmosphere that borders on the mystical. The park offers truly breathtaking views, especially at sunset, which is said to be among the most beautiful in the country. During your visit, you’ll encounter majestic waterfalls and can take a refreshing dip in natural pools hidden within the massif’s folds. The park’s botanical diversity is equally remarkable, with numerous endemic plant species—some of them with medicinal properties. Among the most iconic are Catharanthus ovalis, Pachypodium rosulatum, and the resilient Satrana palm, a symbol of strength and survival in the face of wildfires.
Day 3 : Ranohira- Tulear- Ifaty
Return to Tuléar and Visit to the Antsokay Arboretum After breakfast at the hotel, begin your journey back to Tuléar before continuing north to the village of Mangily, located along the shores of the Ifaty lagoon—the second largest lagoon in Madagascar. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Antsokay Arboretum, a remarkable botanical site founded in the 1980s by Hermann Petignat, a Swiss botany enthusiast. Situated on poor soils composed of calcareous marl and reddish, decalcified sand, the arboretum now spans approximately 40 hectares, naturally enclosed by a living hedge. The arboretum’s original mission was to safeguard the most threatened plant species of Madagascar’s southwest coast—most of which are endemic—through seed propagation, cuttings, and transplanting. This vital conservation work has played a significant role in combating deforestation and the destructive impact of bushfires. Today, the arboretum is managed by Andry Petignat, the founder’s son, who continues this legacy with dedication. The site serves both as a sanctuary for biodiversity and as a space for education and wonder.
Day 4 : Ifaty
Explore the Reniala Reserve and Relax on Madiorano Beach After breakfast, head to the Reniala Private Reserve—a hidden gem of nature located near Mangily, renowned for its majestic baobabs and the distinctive spiny forest characteristic of southwestern Madagascar. Here, you'll discover an extraordinary level of biodiversity, including many endemic species unique to the region. Poursuite de la journée avec un moment de détente à la plage de Madiorano, célèbre pour ses cocotiers en bord de mer et son cadre paisible. Un lieu idéal pour se relaxer, profiter du sable chaud et contempler les eaux turquoise du lagon.
Day 5 : Ifaty - Salary
Departure for Salary, a Coastal Gem of Atsimo-Andrefana After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Salary, home to one of the most spectacular beaches in the Atsimo-Andrefana region. With its pristine white sands and endless stretches of turquoise sea, Salary offers an idyllic setting for an unforgettable seaside escape—perfect for relaxation, swimming, and pure wonder.
Day 6 : Salary
Encounter with the Mikea People in a Unique Ecosystem Dedicate a full day to exploring Mikea National Park and meeting one of Madagascar’s most unique communities: the Mikea, a group of hunter-gatherers who have lived in harmony with the forest for generations. The park, composed of semi-deciduous dry forests and xerophytic thickets on sandy and limestone soils, is home to an exceptional level of biodiversity. Many plant and animal species found here are endemic to this part of the island’s southwest. This immersive experience offers a rare opportunity—combining genuine human connection with the exploration of a preserved and little-known ecosystem.
Day 7 : Salary- Tuléar
Return to Tuléar after visiting the Honko Community in Belalanda After exploring the Honko Community in Belalanda—a conservation project focused on mangrove preservation and environmental awareness—you will set off on a peaceful journey back to Tuléar. This tranquil drive marks the conclusion of your immersive experience in the heart of nature and local initiatives.
