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Madagascar with Blake Moynes & Michelle Young
Dates
Sep 1–9, 2023
Group Size
8–16 Travelers
Duration
9 days, 8 nights
Activity Level
Exploration
About This Trip
Meet Your Host
View Full ProfileBlake Moynes
Two Reality TV personalities who share a passion of giving back & shining light on their respective fields of Conservation and Education, Blake & Michelle partner with non-profits around the world to bring awareness to causes near and dear to them! They love a new adventure & want you to come along! Join these two for a trip to remember!
Trip Activities
Antananarivo Old Town City Tour
Guided Hike through the Scenic Highlands and Villages
Ambositra Woodcarvers Visit
Lemur and Chameleon Viewing Night Walk
Guided Lemur Trek in Ranomafana National Park
Fianarantsoa Haute Ville Walking Tour
Ambalavao Visit
Guided Lemur Trek in Anja Community Reserve
Pousse-Pousse Ride and Antsirabe City Tour
Digue Crafts Market
Included in Your Trip
Double occupancy in 3-star hotels, a 4-star hotel and an eco-lodge
Local Guide throughout trip
All city transfers
Arrival airport transfer (until 6 pm on first day)
Departure airport transfer (morning of last day)
Not Included
International flights
Food and alcohol (except as noted)
Visas and travel insurance
Airport transfers outside of designated times
Tips for your Guide
Itinerary
*All durations are approximate
Info
Airport Transfer
TrovaTrip will provide 3 transfers from Ivato International Airport (TNR) between 8 am and 6 pm. Your guide will be waiting for you in the airport lobby. After changing some money at the exchange office or ATM, you will head for your hotel, not far from the airport. The transfer from airport to hotel is approx 20 mn.
dinner
Get to know your group and Host at the included welcome dinner. Dinner will be served on the hotel terrace. Your guide will give you explanations and details of your trip during the Grand Briefing, and will share this moment with you.
Hotel Au Bois Vert
Overnight in Antananarivo. Your bungalows are located in the middle of a large garden, in a peaceful setting far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Antananarivo Old Town City Tour
7:30 A.M. Affectionately called "Tana," get to know the city on this tour of the old town, starting at the Queen's Palace. Learn about colonial history and architecture, as well as the Malagasy people and their culture. Tana is an "old capital" whose first buildings date back to the 18th century. We'll walk through the narrow streets and stone staircases from Andohalo Square and the cathedral to the Queen's Palace. The architecture here is astonishing, with its old brick houses. Your guide will tell you all about the history of Madagascar, which can be seen around every corner. We are high up, overlooking the city and Lake Anosy, with the hills surrounding Antananarivo in the distance.
Plumeria
Overnight in Antsirabe. Hotel Plumeria is located in the city centre. Feel free to take a cycle rickshaw to explore the city.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Guided Hike through the Scenic Highlands and Villages
8:00 A.M. Meeting ready for a full day of discovery. Join a guided hike through the scenic highlands and local villages, with a picnic lunch in the countryside. Along the way, you'll meet artisans, farmers and the locals who call the highlands home. This day's stroll through the villages is a thoroughly enjoyable one, with no difficulties whatsoever. The walk consists of going from village to village, which are a few hundred metres apart. In each village we stop to chat with the people and ask them about their way of life and their activities. The Malagasy people are very approachable and happy to chat. Length of walk: between 5 and 12 km. No change in altitude. A few short climbs of 100m in length and 30m in height. The terrain may be muddy if it has rained overnight.
lunch
A picnic lunch in the highlands is included. We work here with a young team of local guides. They are the ones who show us around their region and who prepare a happy picnic for us somewhere in the countryside.
Plumeria
Overnight in Antsirabe. Hotel Plumeria is located in the city centre. Feel free to take a cycle rickshaw to explore the city.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Ambositra Woodcarvers Visit
10:00 A.M. Ambositra is about 2 hours drive from Antsirabe. You’ll visit Ambositra, a scenic village in Central Madagascar, home to the Zafiminary community, the renowned sculptors of wood. You’ll see firsthand the woodcarvings designated by UNESCO as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage.
Lemur and Chameleon Viewing Night Walk
6:00 P.M. Setting out from the eco-lodge after dark, you’ll tour the nearby area in search of nocturnal lemurs and sleeping chameleons. Highlights include the adorable mouse lemur, the smallest primate in the world. This walk along the road by the forest is not difficult. Bring a torch and a rain cape.
Setam Lodge
Overnight in Ranomafana
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the lodge is included.
Guided Lemur Trek in Ranomafana National Park
8:00 A.M. Ranomafana is home to 12 different species of lemur. You'll learn about conservation efforts in Madagascar, the history of slash and burn farming and the future of these unique primates. The visit to the park begins at 8am, when the park opens, and lasts until midday, when we have lunch in a village restaurant. These 4 hours are spent looking for lemurs in this luxuriant rainforest. When our trackers spot animals, we have to leave the path and go into the vegetation to get a better look at lemurs, chameleons and birds. The walk is not long but can be made difficult by the uneven terrain. Don't forget your rain cape! There is often mud, as it can be in the rainforest. There is not much of a difference in altitude, but the slope is often steep and you have to use the trees on the side to help you. Of the 4-hour visit, the actual walking time is around 2 hours.
Fianarantsoa Haute Ville Walking Tour
We arrive in Fianar in the middle of the afternoon. The sweeping views over the surrounding highlands and French colonial architecture in equal parts of decay and repair make Fianarantsoa's "Haute Ville," or High Town, a must-visit site. "Fianar is Tana's little sister. The topography is the same, a high hill dominating the town with the old cathedral in the square. Old colonial houses line our walkway. We take advantage of the calm of the Upper Town and return to our hotel, which is not far away.
La Rizière
Overnight in Fianarantsoa
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Ambalavao Visit
8:00 A.M. Depart from hotel in Fianarantsoa. A mix of French colonial architecture and the dusty west, Ambalavao could be mistaken for a frontier town, with a unique Malagasy twist. Today is Wednesday, the day of the Zebu Market in Ambalavao, the largest in Madagascar. All the breeders in the region come together to sell or buy one of their most important resources: the zebu. Take some time to visit the town before heading further south to Anja.
Guided Lemur Trek in Anja Community Reserve
10:00 A.M. We start our visit to the lemurs of Anja. Trek under the shadow of huge granite rocks in the best of Madagascar's community reserves. A triumph in local and government cooperation, the reserve is home to hundreds of the famous ring-tailed lemur. With only a few thousand left in the wild, visiting the reserve is a rare chance to see and photograph these beloved animals in their natural habitat. This too is an easy walk. Minimum 1 hour if you stay below in the forest, maximum 3 quiet hours if you climb the rocks to get a good view of the valley, which we encourage you to do. The difference in altitude is slight (+/- 150m) but access is not very easy, and you will sometimes have to put your hands on the ground. In all cases, progress is made slowly with the help of the guides.
lunch
Included picnic in the Anja Community Reserve.After our visit, our guides prepare a meal for us under the shelter.
La Rizière
Overnight in Fianarantsoa
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Pousse-Pousse Ride and Antsirabe City Tour
Your first trip through Antsirabe was focused on the surrounding villages and highlands, this afternoon , around 3:00 PM, you'll take some time to visit the city itself. After the trekking of the past week, rest your feet and take a rickshaw “pousse-pousse” ride through the city.
Plumeria
Overnight in Antsirabe
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Digue Crafts Market
3:00 P.M. With hundreds of stalls, containing locally crafted baskets, art and wood carvings, stroll through and barter for some authentic souvenirs at the crafts market in Tana. You'll have to haggle a bit over prices - that's part of the game!
dinner
07:00 PM Farewell dinner at a local restaurant named Grill du Rova is included. A small restaurant on the heights of Tana, zebu kebabs or romazava (the Malagasy national dish) and just for us, a group of musicians and traditional dancers. It's sure to be a great evening!
Hotel Au Bois Vert
Overnight in Antananarivo
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Airport Transfer
TrovaTrip will provide 3 transfers to Ivato International Airport (TNR) on the last day.
Physical Activity Level:Exploration
These trips require some movement, but slow and steady is the name of the game. Maybe a mid-length walking tour or at-your-pace sightseeing. No rush.
Cancellation Policy
We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:
Spot Pending
Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip
Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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FAQ
Traveling with TrovaTrip
What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?
Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.
What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?
Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:
- The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
- The Operator is the professional travel company that runs the trip on the ground. They handle it all—accommodations, local Guides, activities, and safety. Every Operator we partner with is licensed, insured, and vetted to deliver high-quality group travel.
- TrovaTrip is the platform who connects it all. We help design the trips, partner with Hosts with Operators, and support you before and during your journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.
In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.
I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?
First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:
- Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
- Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
- Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
- Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
- We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.
We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”
Can I book solo?
Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.
What if I need to cancel?
We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:
- Spot pending – 100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
- Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your trip – Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.
- Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your trip – Non-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
What's included in the trip cost?
Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.
Will I have free time?
Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.
What do the activity levels mean?
Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:
- Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
- Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
- Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
- Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
- Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)
You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.
Who can I contact with more questions?
Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!
Accommodations
What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?
When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.
Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?
Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.
Trip Operations & Compliance
Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?
Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.
Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?
If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.
General Travel Questions
Do I need any documentation to travel?
It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise.
Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.
Do I need any vaccines?
It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!
Are flights included in the trip cost?
Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.
Can you accommodate my dietary needs?
We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.