The Perfect 10-Day Madagascar Itinerary

Madagascar Travel Guide:

Itinerary, Highlights & Tips from Our 2025 Traveling Black Women Trip to Madagascar

Planning a trip to Madagascar? Whether you want to spot lemurs in the wild, snorkel with sea turtles in crystal-clear waters, or dance under the stars on Nosy Be, this blog post gives you everything you need to plan your own unforgettable adventure.

In this detailed recap and itinerary, we’re sharing firsthand insights, trusted recommendations, and cultural tips. From where to stay and what to pack to the best time to visit and local experiences you don’t want to miss!

Madagascar Itinerary Overview:

Antananarivo to Nosy Be

First off, Madagascar is huge! As the world’s fourth-largest island (~587,000 km²), it stretches so wide that covering its highlights realistically requires careful planning.

Antananarivo Itinerary Highlights:

• Madagascar Exotic Reserve
• Lemurs’ Island at Vakona Lodge
• Andasibe National Park
• Lemurs’ Park
• Antananarivo City Tour

Nosy Be Itinerary Highlights :

• Island Hopping
  • Nosy Tanikely
  • Nosy Komba
  • Nosy Sakatia
  • Nosy Iranja

Day 1–3: Arrival & Andasibe Rainforest

From the moment we arrived, Madagascar exceeded our expectations. When we landed in Antananarivo, we were greeted with big smiles and warm welcomes. The Malagasy people are truly kind and friendly. We had the most engaging driver who was proud and excited to share the history and culture of the Malagasy people of Madagascar with us.

We spent our first night at the Radisson Apartments in Antananarivo City Centre in the heart of everything. That night we sat on the rooftop and enjoyed our first meal and our view of the bustling city of Tana.

Off to Andasibe…

After breakfast at our hotel in Antananarivo, we packed up early and met our driver—the same kind soul who had picked us up from the airport. Luggage was thrown into the back of our SUV, and by 7:00 AM we were on the road for our 4 hour drive to spend one night in Andasibe. 

Our First Wildlife Encounter: Pereyras Reserve

In Marozevo, we spent about 90 minutes at the Madagascar Exotic Reserve, also called Pereyras. This small but fascinating sanctuary is home to:

• Chameleons in every shade imaginable
• Crocodiles, snakes, and brightly colored frogs
• Bats and butterflies

It was our first close-up with Madagascar’s biodiversity, a preview of just how unique this island is…

We ventured to Lemur’s Island, a private reserve owned by Vakona Lodge after our Exotic Reserve visit. Lemur’s Island is one of the best places to find Lemurs in Madagascar. That night we stayed in a cabin at the Vakona Lodge Reserve just outside of Andasibe.

The Call of the Indri Indri: Andasibe National Park

After breakfast the next day, we visited Andasibe National Park just a short drive away. Andasibe National Park, one of Madagascar’s most famous rainforest reserves is known locally as Analamazaotra.

Exploring Andasibe felt like a walking safari for lemurs. We were guided by a local guide in Andasibe, whose ears seemed fine-tuned to every call in the forest. We spotted lemurs both up close and high in the canopy. He’d pause, listen, estimate the distance and direction, then scout ahead before returning to lead us right to the action.

Andasibe is home to 14 species of lemurs, including the:

• Indri Indri (Babakoto): the largest lemur in the world, found only in Madagascar
• Diademed Sifaka and Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur
• A variety of nocturnal species hidden deep in the forest

As with any rainforest, it rained off and on while we explored. FYI: A poncho or light raincoat is a must! When the showers passed through, the lemurs became harder to spot, but being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest was rewarding in itself.

From towering orchids to the iconic Ravinala “traveler’s tree,” nature here felt sacred. Andasibe is also rich with biodiversity beyond the lemurs. They also had over 100 species of orchids, colorful chameleons, rare birds, and countless reptiles call this forest home. Every corner felt alive.

The Indri Indri

The highlight, of course, was hearing the Indri Indri’s haunting howl—a sound that carries for miles. Some groups used recordings to lure the animals closer. Our guide explained why this isn’t a sustainable practice. In essence, it disrupts their natural behavior.

While I was thrilled to witness their dramatic response to the recording, I came to appreciate our guide’s perspective: respecting the forest means observing lemurs on their own terms.

Day 3–4: Back to Tana

After our visit to Andasibe National Park, we drove back to Tana to explore Lemurs’ Park, another conservation sanctuary that gave us a deeper look at Madagascar’s rich biodiversity. Lemurs’ Park was nice and offered another walking tour of Lemur’s in their natural habitat.

As this park is more in the city, it felt a little more commercialized than the previous habitats we walked around. Still nice, but something to be aware of if you are looking for the best places to find lemurs in Madagascar.

We finished up our day with a city tour of Antananarivo and then went straight to the airport for our late night flight to Nosy Be…

Day 4–9: The Breathtaking Nosy Be

I can’t stop talking about Nosy Be. It is so beautiful. I’m serious! The beaches of Nosy Be are really the most beautiful beaches in world. Fight me!! LOL! I truly cannot stop talking about it.

Nosy Be, which is nicknamed “the island of perfumes,” actually smelled like sunshine, ocean, and ylang-ylang flowers. This African beach was everything. Dreamy & Black. Melanin & Sunshine. I loved every part of this African Paradise.

Nosy Be was the chill part of our trip. We stayed at Loharno Lodge. The most 5-starish, 4 – star hotel I’ve ever seen! We definitely got our relaxation on!

Our first day out in Nosy Be set the tone for everything to come. Our guide, who spoke Malagasy, French, English, Italian, and Spanish, confessed that we were the first Black American tourists he’d ever had. When he saw only my last name, “Duncan,” he assumed he was picking up a white man at the airport. He admitted he was nervous when he saw two Black women standing there instead. He thought he had the wrong people. By the time we got to know each other, we were laughing about it!

Locals were surprised to see us too. We’d hear them say the word “American” in conversation, and see their eyes widen in curiosity. Some asked us, “Why Madagascar?” and my favorite answer quickly became: “Why not Madagascar?” That always got a smile.

When it comes to things to do in Nosy Be, it’s all about the island hopping.

We visited:

Nosy Tanikely

A protected marine reserve. We snorkeled alongside giant sea turtles, lounged on the beach, and enjoyed a picnic lunch under the palms. Our guide even climbed a coconut tree to crack open fresh coconuts for us. It was true island life.

Nosy Koomba

The real “Lemur Island,” where lemurs happily jumped on our shoulders. We visited a village school, watched fishermen at work, and enjoyed zebu skewers for lunch. By then, locals had taught us a few Malagasy phrases, and I was proudly walking around saying, “Za Gas” (“I am Malagasy”). Sometimes it worked a little too well though… people started speaking to me in Malagasy, and I had to sheepishly admit I wasn’t fluent.

Nosy Sakatia:

Tranquil, authentic, and home to sea turtles gliding gracefully under the waves. This is where we were served lunch and given free time to relax or chill on the beach.

Nosy Iranja:

MY FAVORITE. Two islands connected by a sandbar that appears at low tide, surrounded by the bluest water I’ve ever seen. The water is crystal-clear, perfect for swimming or snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs. I spent hours just taking it all in…. the sun, the gentle waves, the lush greenery. I also wandered through the charming fishing village and climbed the lighthouse for panoramic views.

I’m not exaggerating when I say Nosy Iranja is the most beautiful beach in the world. It’s like stepping into a postcard.

Every evening, we returned to our lodge just in time to unwind, have dinner, and even catch up on work. It was the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Day 10: Back to Antananarivo

We flew back to Antananarivo on a red-eye flight. A new driver who took us shopping for souvenirs in the city center. We wanted to go to the central markets where the locals hung out, but he warned us against the market because of the pick-pocketing. I guess we looked like easy targets. So instead, we visited a few recommended shops and a local artisan area.

We returned to the Radisson Apartments for one more night and then took the long journey home the next day….

Traveling Black Women 2025 Trip Overview:

• 10 nights accommodation (half board – breakfast & dinner daily)
• All airport transfers in Madagascar
• 4×4 transportation with English-speaking driver-guide
• Guided visits to reserves and parks: Pereyras Reserve, Vakona Reserve, Andasibe National Park, Lemurs Park
• Excursions to Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Iranja, and Nosy Sakatia (with picnic lunch)
• 24/7 English-speaking support line

Not Included:

• International & domestic flights
• Visa on arrival ($30) – *Bring Cash
• Travel insurance
• Lunches (except excursion days)
• Alcoholic Drinks, personal expenses, additional activities

Tip: Book your international flight into Antananarivo (TNR) and budget for ~$400 round-trip for

Oh, but that’s not it…. Get the scoop on:

• 3 Places to Stay in Madagascar
• What to pack for your trip to Madagascar
• The best time of year to travel to Madagascar

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