Behold Madagascar with Natalia Reagan!

Dates

May 29 – Jun 6, 2024

Group Size

8–18 Travelers

Duration

9 days, 8 nights

Activity Level

Exploration

About This Trip

BEHOLD!!!! This trip is a bucket list item for sure. Madagascar is one of the most unique places on Earth, with 80% of its plants and wildlife found nowhere else on the planet. The country is also home to 18 different ethnic groups originating from mainland Africa to as far as Indonesia, each having its own language, customs and culture. All of this combines to make a trip through any part of Madagascar an adventure of a lifetime. On this 9-day journey through the central highlands, you’ll come face to face with leaping lemurs, colorful chameleons, local culture and aging French colonial architecture, all while making lasting memories. We will visit Ranomafauna park which is home to TWELVE species of lemur and super cool endemic reptiles and insects! We will also explore Anja Community Reserve and meet those oh-so-adorable ring-tailed knuckleheads. I cannot wait to BEHOLD Madagascar with you! Important: Please note that Madagascar, as a developing country, may have basic overall infrastructure and limited services that might differ from your typical standards. Availability of certain products on the island is limited, and restaurants may offer a reduced variety of food with some repetitive ingredients. Facilities during transfers are limited, and restrooms may not be available on route transfers. Additionally, be aware that the duration of transfers may vary due to route conditions.
$2,675USD
$2,850USD
May 29 – Jun 6, 2024
9 days
Trip Closed

Meet Your Host

Behold Natalia!
Behold Natalia!

Hello! I’m Natalia. I’m an anthropologist, comedian, TV and podcast host, professor, and bonafide weirdo. My specialties include: 1. Chasing monkeys AND 2. Making science funny! I am an endless source of random animal facts and would love to explore this wonderful world of ours with you. Let's go on an adventure!

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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

  • Ambalavao Visit

  • Guided Lemur Trek in Anja Community Reserve

  • Pousse-Pousse Ride and Antsirabe City Tour

  • Lemurs park

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

What's included by Your Host

Leaping Lemurs!

Informal Gathering
Behold! Let me tell you ALL about the lemurs we'll be meeting at Ranomafauna National Park! There are 12 species of lemur in this park including red-bellied lemur, red-fronted brown lemur, Milne-Edwards' sifaka, small-toothed sportive lemur, eastern woolly lemur and lesser bamboo lemur – plus the rare, and recently rediscovered, greater bamboo lemur and golden bamboo lemur, both species that the park was created to protect! This talk will allow to prepare for big days in the park. And I will give you a lemur watching checklist ready to get filled up...

Itinerary

*All durations are approximate

Day 1

Info

Welcome to Madagascar! Take your group transfer to the local hotel and settle in for the adventure of a lifetime!

Airport Transfer

15 Mins

dinner

Get to know your group and Host at the included welcome dinner.

Hotel Au Bois Vert (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight in Antananarivo

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Day 2

Info

This morning you’ll immerse yourself into the fabric of Antananarivo with a guided tour of the city. Later, you'll hit the road and head south into the highlands, through rice paddies and farmlands, to the town of Antsirabe.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Antananarivo Old Town City Tour

1 Hour 30 Mins

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.

Antananarivo to Antsirabe

3 Hours 30 Mins

Kindly note that the overall infrastructure in Madagascar Island may be limited or basic. Restroom facilities might not be available during transfers. In case of necessity, your guide will recommend a roadside stop. Please be aware that the duration of transfers may vary due to route conditions.

Plumeria hotel (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/2

Overnight in Antsirabe

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Day 3

Info

Get up close and personal with the rhythms of life in Madagascar when you travel to the nearby village of Betafo. Here you'll take a guided hike through the highlands and meet locals along the way. Continue the hike after a picnic lunch in the countryside before returning to Antsirabe.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Guided Hike through the Scenic Highlands and Villages

4 Hours

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, blacksmiths and the locals who call the highlands home.

lunch

A picnic lunch in the highlands is included.

Leaping Lemurs!

Behold! Let me tell you ALL about the lemurs we'll be meeting at Ranomafauna National Park! There are 12 species of lemur in this park including red-bellied lemur, red-fronted brown lemur, Milne-Edwards' sifaka, small-toothed sportive lemur, eastern woolly lemur and lesser bamboo lemur – plus the rare, and recently rediscovered, greater bamboo lemur and golden bamboo lemur, both species that the park was created to protect! This talk will allow to prepare for big days in the park. And I will give you a lemur watching checklist ready to get filled up...

Plumeria hotel (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/2

Overnight in Antsirabe

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 4

Info

Today you’ll travel south to Ranomafana National Park and encounter your first lemurs. Along the way, you'll stop in the town of Ambositra for lunch and visit the local crafters.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Antsirabe to Ranomafana

6 Hours

Kindly note that the overall infrastructure in Madagascar Island may be limited or basic. Restroom facilities might not be available during transfers. In case of necessity, your guide will recommend a roadside stop. Please be aware that the duration of transfers may vary due to route conditions.

Ambositra Woodcarvers Visit

1 Hour 30 Mins

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

1 Hour 30 Mins

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.

Setam Lodge (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight in Ranomafana

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Day 5

Info

Today you will travel to Ranomafana for a guided trek through the rainforest, to see multiple lemur species, chameleons and the giraffe weevil. Later, you will make your way south to the highland city of Fianarantsoa, a marvel of colonial French architecture.

lunch

A picnic lunch is included.

Guided Lemur Trek in Ranomafana National Park

7 Hours 30 Mins

We leave early in the morning with our guide, for a day of exploration of this forest with its luxuriant vegetation. We walk surrounded by huge trees, mosses and tree ferns. It is a sanctuary for many varieties of orchids. The park, located on an ancient volcano, also hides hot springs. 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. Small selection of Lemurs present: Diademed Sifaka, Golden Bamboo Lemur, Microcèbe Rufus, Red-bellied Lemur, Gray Bamboo Lemur, Woolly Avahi, Lepilemur Microdon, Greater Cheirogale, Aye-Aye, Belted Vari or Black and White Lemur, Large Bamboo lemur.

Ranomafana to Fianarantsoa

1 Hour 30 Mins

Kindly note that the overall infrastructure in Madagascar Island may be limited or basic. Restroom facilities might not be available during transfers. In case of necessity, your guide will recommend a roadside stop. Please be aware that the duration of transfers may vary due to route conditions.

La Rizière (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/2

Overnight in Fianarantsoa

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Day 6

Info

Making your way further south today, will take you to the "wild-west" town of Ambalavao, home to crumbling colonial architecture and the largest zebu (local cattle) market, held weekly. Located nearby is the community reserve of Anja, where you will take a guided trek through the rugged landscape on a search for ring-tailed lemurs.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Ambalavao Visit

1 Hour

A mix of French colonial architecture and the dusty west, Ambalavao could be mistaken for a frontier town, with a unique Malagasy twist. Take some time to visit the town before heading further south to Anja.

Guided Lemur Trek in Anja Community Reserve

5 Hours

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.

lunch

Included picnic in the Anja Community Reserve.

La Rizière (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/2

Overnight in Fianarantsoa

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Day 7

Info

Today you'll leave Betsileo country and return to Antsirabe, where you'll take a "pousse-pousse," or rickshaw tour of the city.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Fianarantsoa to Antsirabe

6 Hours

Kindly note that the overall infrastructure in Madagascar Island may be limited or basic. Restroom facilities might not be available during transfers. In case of necessity, your guide will recommend a roadside stop. Please be aware that the duration of transfers may vary due to route conditions.

Pousse-Pousse Ride and Antsirabe City Tour

1 Hour 30 Mins

Your first trip through Antsirabe was focused on the surrounding villages and highlands, this afternoon 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 hotel (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight in Antsirabe

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 8

Info

It's your final day in the Madagascar Highlands and on the way back to Tana. We head to Lemur's Park. The lemur, symbol of the endemic fauna of the island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, is undoubtedly one of the most endearing animals of our planet.

lunch

Included lunch in a restaurant near the park.

Antsirabe to Antananarivo

4 Hours

Kindly note that the overall infrastructure in Madagascar Island may be limited or basic. Restroom facilities might not be available during transfers. In case of necessity, your guide will recommend a roadside stop. Please be aware that the duration of transfers may vary due to route conditions.

Lemurs park

2 Hours

Lemurs' Park was created with the aim of making discover this surprising animal to the greatest number, to all the passionate persons, in love with nature and to thus allow, with the passing of years and births, to reintroduce in their natural environment the lemurs born in the park. Back in town and enjoy a group dinner and toasting farewell to your new friends.

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 (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 8/1

Overnight in Antananarivo

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Day 9

Info

All good things must come to an end. Until next time!

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Airport Transfer

15 Mins

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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

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 or Fewer Days 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.

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Traveling with TrovaTrip

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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 pending100% 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 tripPartially 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 tripNon-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)
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  • 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.

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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.

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Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?

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If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.

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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. 

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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.