17 days in Madagascar Itinerary

Surrounded by verdant rice paddies, Madagascar's capital and the country's commercial and cultural hub, Antananarivo boasts a rich history and heritage, evident in its numerous historic buildings, colonial-era neighborhoods, and archaeological museums.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Cathedrale Catholique d Andohalo and Musee de la Photographie de Madagascar. Popular historic sites such as Ambohimanga and Mosquee Sunni are in your itinerary. Take a break from Antananarivo with a short trip to La Musee des Papillons in Ambatolampy, about 2 hours away. The adventure continues: tour the pleasant surroundings at Réserve Peyrieras Madagascar Exotic, take in the exciting artwork at Is´art Galerie, wander the streets of Andohalo, and meet the residents at Lemurs' Park.

To find maps, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Antananarivo travel route planner.

Newark, USA to Antananarivo is an approximately 28-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Newark to Antananarivo is 8 hours. In May in Antananarivo, expect temperatures between 75°F during the day and 55°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Thu) early enough to travel to Tolanaro.

On the 15th (Fri), tour the pleasant surroundings at Nahampoana Reserve, then delve into the lush surroundings at Domaine de la Cascade, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Lokaro Beach. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 16th (Sat): admire the natural beauty at Arboretum of Ranopiso and then walk around Parc National d'Andohahela.

For reviews, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Tolanaro online vacation planner .

You can fly from Antananarivo to Tolanaro in 2.5 hours. Another option is to drive. Traveling from Antananarivo in May, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be somewhat warmer in Tolanaro, with lows of 67°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sat) so you can travel to Andasibe.

When you take a trip to Andasibe, you'll discover a protected rainforest in eastern Madagascar.

On the 17th (Sun), explore the wealth of natural beauty at V.O.I.M.M.A. Community Reserve, stroll through The Mitsinjo Reserve, and then stroll through Vakona Private Reserve. Keep things going the next day: explore the striking landscape of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (Reserve of Perinet) and then delve into the lush surroundings at Analamazaotra Special Reserve.

To find more things to do, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Andasibe travel planning website .

You can do a combination of flight and taxi from Tolanaro to Andasibe in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Mon) so you can travel to Antsiranana (Diego Suarez).

On a trip to Antsiranana, a sleepy port town in Madagascar's northernmost province, you can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of its streets, lined with quaint colonial-era buildings and colorful marketplaces.

Escape the urban bustle at Montagne des Francais and Ankarana Reserve. Step off the beaten path and head to Amber Mountain National Park and Windsor Castle. Step out of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) with an excursion to Plage de Ramena in Ambanja--about 42 minutes away. There's much more to do: get outside with Mer D'Emeraude, try to win big at Grand Cercle de Diego, and stroll around Tsingy Rouge Park.

To find photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) vacation planner .

You can do a combination of taxi and flight from Andasibe to Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) in 5.5 hours. Another option is to drive. Expect a daytime high around 88°F in May, and nighttime lows around 71°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Thu) so you can travel to Nosy Be.

The island of Nosy Be, off the coast of Madagascar, remains the country's premier beach getaway renowned for its tranquil ambience, pristine shoreline, and year-round warm weather.

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Fri): identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas, then head off the coast to Nosy Fanihy, and then stroll through Lokobe Nature Special Reserve. On the 23rd (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mont Passot, stroll through Ambaro Ranch, and then head off the coast to Nosy Sakatia.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, read Nosy Be trip planner .

Traveling by combination of flight and taxi from Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) to Nosy Be takes 1.5 hours. In May, daytime highs in Nosy Be are 88°F, while nighttime lows are 72°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sat) early enough to travel back home.