Choose this express tour to discover the island’s gems in a whirlwind adventure! Upon your arrival at the Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, aka Tana, our English-speaking driver guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. ­ ► Attention: 1. This tour is only feasible from May to the beginning of November since the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is closed from mid-November to April. Madagascar shines brightest during the dry season (April to October), but don’t be discouraged if rainy season (November to March) fits your schedule! We can craft an alternative itinerary that caters to these conditions. ­ 2. Due to the lack of local flights, the departures for this route are not available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Morondava

We will arrange for you a flight to Morondava in western Madagascar. Your driver guide will escort you to the airport. Upon arrival, another local driver guide will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day however you like, either relaxing in the hotel or exploring around the town.

Kirindy Forest Morondava Madagascar

Make an early start in the morning and we will arrive at Kirindy Forest in 2.5 hours, passing the famous Avenue of the Baobabs on the way. Enjoy your first official chance to meet Madagascar’s national treasures of lemurs, of which we will go for sifakas and red-fronted brown lemurs here with our local spot guide. Afterwards, unwind on a scenic boat ride across the Tsiribihina River to arrive at Belo sur Tsiribihina. Then, buckle up for a 4-hour drive to our next stop, Bekopaka, and check into the hotel.

This morning, we will take you to hike the spectacular stone forests of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, one of three UNESCO heritage sites in Madagascar. Tsingy, “where one cannot walk barefoot” in Malagasy, are soaring razor-sharp limestone spires, and Bemaraha has the most widespread such formations in the world. Today is for the Big Tsingy, somewhere over which spans a suspension bridge for the adventurous to cross. Apart from exploring around high above, we will also dive into the areas below where rain gathers to nurse numerous lives. There are 11 lemur species, of which Bemaraha woolly lemur - locals call it “grandfather of sifakas” - is unique to this region. Also meet clouds of bats - as there will be lots of caves for you to venture into. Enjoy a self-prepared picnic lunch before we continue to hike.

Avenue of the Baobabs

We will drive back to Morondava toady (200km/9h). En route, make a stop in Belo sur Tsiribihina, where we will take a returning boat ride across the Tsiribihina River. ­ ► Please Note: As you might notice yourself, while out on the dirt roads off the urban area there will be pits and grooves in various sizes that would make vehicles bounce and rattle, not to mention the more terrible conditions in rainy season. That’s why we will have you secured in an off-road vehicle. Also you will be provided with masks to reduce dust inhalation along the way. Late in the afternoon, a breathtaking spectacle is waiting for you - a majestic sunset over the Avenue of the Baobabs. These iconic trees silhouette against the fiery sky, creating an unforgettable memory. Once we arrive in Morondava, check into the hotel and unwind after a long road trip.

Antananarivo

Today, our driver will escort you to the airport for the flight back to Antananarivo. After landing, our driver guide based there will drive you to the hotel for check-in. ­ ► Insider Tips: Most flights arrive in Antananarivo after midday, so you may have a few hours in the afternoon to explore the city on your own. Immerse yourself in Malagasy history with a visit to the Queen’s Palace (Rova - Le Palais de la Reine). This royal complex, perched on a scenic hill, offers stunning panoramic views of the city. It is also a good choice to visit the Analakely Market near your hotel to experience the vibrant local life.

Royal Hill of Ambohimanga

Today is the last day of your Madagascar tour for seniors. Let’s visit the sacred King’s Palace on Royal Hill of Ambohimanga in the morning. Once home to the great king of Andrianampoinimerina (1787-1810) who endeavored to bring the then divided island into one, Ambohimanga is now a UNESCO-honored site offering insight to local history and culture. The site selected is strategically interesting - you can stand on the viewing platform around King’s Palace atop the hill, overlooking the surrounds just like the Merina king. ­ Following your tour’s conclusion, our driver will take you to Ivato Airport of Antananarivo, coordinating with your flight schedule for a stress-free departure. Wish you a pleasant journey home!