7 Days Primates of Madagascar: Lemur Trekking, Rainforests & Wildlife Reserves

From $2,180 per person (based on 2 travelers)
Track Madagascar’s Most Iconic Primates Over 7 Days – Indri, Sifaka, Bamboo Lemurs & More

Madagascar Lemur Safaris | Primate Tours | Andasibe-Mantadia National Park | Ranomafana Lemur Trekking | Madagascar Wildlife Tours

Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo – Welcome to Madagascar

Arrive at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo. You’ll be met by your driver-guide and transferred to your hotel in the city. The rest of the day is free to relax or enjoy a short walk around the capital depending on your arrival time.

Overnight at Hotel Belvedere or similar.

Day 2: Antananarivo to Andasibe – Night Walk for Nocturnal Lemurs

After breakfast, drive east to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, a journey of about 3.5 hours. This route crosses highland terrain and rural communities. Arrive in the afternoon and check in to your forest lodge.

In the evening, take a guided night walk along the forest edge. Look for mouse lemurs, dwarf lemurs, chameleons, frogs, and insects.

Overnight at Vakona Forest Lodge, Andasibe Hotel, or similar.

Day 3: Andasibe National Park – Indri Indri & Diademed Sifaka Trekking

Spend the full morning inside Andasibe National Park, a primary rainforest known for its populations of the Indri indri – the largest lemur species, recognized by its loud, haunting calls. With help from a local guide, track Indri families as they move through the forest canopy.

You may also see common brown lemurs, bamboo lemurs, and the elegant diademed sifaka.

In the afternoon, visit the nearby Vakona Lemur Island, where rescued lemurs of various species live in semi-captive conditions. Some may jump onto your arm for fruit handouts.

Overnight at Vakona Forest Lodge or similar.

Day 4: Mantadia National Park – Remote Lemur Habitats

After breakfast, drive to Mantadia National Park, a wilder and less-trodden area with denser forest and more challenging terrain. Hike through mature rainforest in search of black-and-white ruffed lemurs, red-bellied lemurs, and rare orchid species.

Birdlife here is also excellent, and sightings may include ground rollers, vangas, and couas. A picnic lunch is served inside the park.

Return to your lodge by late afternoon.

Overnight at Vakona Forest Lodge or similar.

Day 5: Drive Back to Antananarivo – Cultural Stop at Ambohimanga

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Antananarivo. On the way, visit Peyrieras Reptile Reserve, home to several chameleon species, geckos, and amphibians.

Continue to the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal residence important to the Merina people. Explore its palace ruins and sacred forest before returning to your city hotel.

Overnight at Hotel Belvedere or similar.

Day 6: Lemurs’ Park and Tsimbazaza Zoo – Overview of Madagascar’s Primates

In the morning, drive to Lemurs’ Park, a private botanical garden where over 9 lemur species live in semi-natural enclosures. Species include Coquerel’s sifaka, crowned lemur, mongoose lemur, and ring-tailed lemur.

Later, visit Tsimbazaza Zoo, the national zoological and botanical garden. While not a substitute for wild encounters, the zoo features several species difficult to access in remote parks, like the aye-aye and the greater bamboo lemur.

Overnight at Hotel Belvedere or similar.

Day 7: Departure – Transfer to Ivato Airport

Depending on your international flight time, you’ll be transferred to Ivato International Airport for your journey home. If time allows, a stop at the artisan market can be arranged for souvenir shopping.

Included

• Airport transfers and private transport
• 6 nights’ accommodation in lodges and city hotels
• Daily breakfast and dinner
• Entry fees to national parks and reserves
• Local wildlife guides and park rangers
• Guided day walks and night excursions

Not Included

• International flights
• Tourist visa fees (payable on arrival)
• Travel insurance
• Lunches, drinks, and personal expenses
• Optional activities and gratuities