Explore the Deep South of Madagascar
The Ultimate Aerial Safari
Skip the rugged roads and reach the unreachable. This curated expedition utilizes private charter flights to whisk you directly into Madagascar’s most remote wilderness. From the prehistoric spiny forests of the Mandrare River to the exclusive white sands of Anjajavy, you will experience the “Eighth Continent” with a level of privacy and comfort that is simply unmatched.
Immerse yourself in a tour full of luxury discovery. From wildlife to culture, you will fulfil your curiosity about Madagascar. You will be discovering different species lemurs, national parks with unique wildlife, stunning landscape, and diverse cultures as you journey through varied landscape from highland to the semi-arid South. You will enjoy walking in the breathtaking varied scenery, spotting nocturnal animals in the night walks, meeting Malagasy tribes along the way and understanding the conservation in practice.
Aleem has personally vetted the most remote corners of Madagascar, including the private peninsula of Anjajavy and the spiny forests of the Mandrare River. His expertise lies in coordinating luxury logistics—from private charter flights to exclusive tribal encounters—ensuring that Earth Trip’s high-end travelers experience the island’s ‘hidden’ gems without sacrificing comfort.
Itinerary Highlights
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The Spiny Forest: Explore an “alien” landscape at the Mandrare River, home to octopus trees, ancient baobabs, and the “dancing” Verreaux’s Sifaka.
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Anjajavy Le Lodge: A remote, luxury beachfront lodge on a private 750-hectare reserve. Highlights include private turquoise lagoons, limestone tsingy islets, and wild lemurs roaming the gardens.
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Fort Dauphin (Tolanaro): A scenic coastal city at the southern tip of the island, offering mountain backdrops and a boat tour to Lokaro Bay.
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Exclusive Logistics: The itinerary uses private charter flights and scheduled internal connections to bypass long, rugged road journeys, landing directly at private airstrips.
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Cultural Encounters: Opportunities to meet the Antandroy and Antanosy tribes to learn about their unique burial traditions and local customs.
Practical Details
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Price: From £7,890 per person (based on two sharing).
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Duration: 14 Days.
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Accommodation: Stays at “Crown Jewel” properties, including luxury tented suites at Mandrare River Camp and beachfront villas at Anjajavy.
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Best Time to Visit: The dry season from April to November.
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Expert Tip: The night walks at Mandrare River Camp are highly recommended for spotting Mouse Lemurs at close range.
Route Overview
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Antananarivo: Arrival and stay at a high-standard hotel near the capital.
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Fort Dauphin: Fly south to explore the city “at the end of the world.”
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Mandrare River: Three days of luxury camping and forest exploration in the spiny sub-desert.
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Evatra & Lokaro Bay: A day of hiking, boat lagoons, and seafood picnics on the southern coast.
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Anjajavy: A multi-day stay at an exclusive peninsula lodge for wildlife, baobabs, and relaxation by the Mozambique Channel.
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Antananarivo: Return flight for a final “sundowner” dinner overlooking the city before departure.
The Best Time To Visit
April to November
The best time to visit Madagascar is from April to November, during the dry season, when wildlife viewing and outdoor activities are at their peak.
Enquire TodayRegions You’ll Visit
View mapDay 1 – Fly to Antananarivo
Today you will start your adventure, you will fly to Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital city.
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Day 2 – Arrival → Antananarivo
‘’Manao ahoana’’ & ‘’Salama’’ Welcome to tropical paradise. You will be welcomed & greeted by your guide or representative on arrival at Antananarivo Ivato International Airport. You will be transferred to your hotel in Antananarivo. The travel time will be approximately 10 minutes depending on the road traffic.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day 3 – Fly to Fort Dauphin
Today you will fly from Antananarivo to Fort Dauphin. Fort Dauphin, the city at the end of the world, offers exceptional scenery. Nestled at the foot of the Saint Louis’ peak, the city and its regions offer incredible walks in breathtaking scenery.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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The Luxury of Time
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No Bumpy Roads: We replace 12-hour drives with 90-minute scenic flights over the “Red Island.”
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Exclusive Access: Land on private airstrips located just minutes from your lodge.
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Private Guides: Every excursion is led by a dedicated expert, ensuring your wildlife encounters are intimate and uninterrupted.
Days 4, 5 & 6: The Spirit of the Deep South at Mandrare River
The next three days are dedicated to the extraordinary landscapes and ancient traditions surrounding the Mandrare River Camp. This eco-luxury sanctuary offers exclusive access to a region few travelers ever witness, providing a seamless blend of high-end comfort and raw, prehistoric nature.
With a wide variety of activities led by expert local guides, you can tailor your experience to your own interests:
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Sacred Spiny Forest Walks: Explore an “alien” landscape of octopus trees and towering Didiereaceae. These forests are home to the Verreaux’s Sifaka (the famous “dancing lemur”) and the inquisitive Ring-tailed lemur. Because these forests are sacred to the local Antandroy people, the wildlife is incredibly habituated and offers intimate sightings.
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Cultural Immersion: Gain a profound understanding of the Antandroy Tribe. Visit a local village to learn about their ancestral customs and the significance of their elaborate stone tombs, which are often far more decorative than the homes of the living.
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Gallery Forest Treks: Wander through the lush riverine forests along the banks of the Mandrare, where the canopy provides a stark, verdant contrast to the surrounding semi-arid desert.
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Night Expeditions: As the sun sets, set out with a spotlight to find Madagascar’s nocturnal residents, including various species of mouse lemurs, chameleons, and sleeping birds.
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Sunset Baobab Sundowners: A hallmark of the Deep South experience. Sip a chilled drink under the silhouette of 800-year-old baobabs as the sky turns vibrant shades of violet and gold—a moment of absolute tranquility.
Whether you are watching the morning light hit the mountains from your private tent deck or trekking through the dry forest, these days offer a deep connection to the heart of Madagascar’s southern wilderness.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 7: The Evatra Coastal Expedition & Secluded Lokaro Bay
After breakfast, your adventure continues toward the ruggedly beautiful coast of Fort Dauphin for the Evatra & Lokaro Bay expedition. This journey is a masterclass in Madagascar’s coastal diversity, combining serene waterways with dramatic trekking.
Your morning begins on the tranquil waters of Lake Lanirano. Here, you will board a private boat for a scenic 90-minute voyage through a labyrinth of lagoon and river mangroves. Keep your binoculars ready; the lush “Elephant Ear” flora and towering palms provide a sanctuary for Madagascar’s endemic birdlife.
The Hike to Lokaro Bay
Upon reaching the traditional fisherman’s village of Evatra, you’ll meet the Antanosy people and gain insight into their coastal way of life. From here, you begin a guided 3-4 hour trek (tailored to your fitness level) through one of the island’s most enchanting landscapes:
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Pristine Creeks: Wind through hidden inlets and granite outcrops that define this wild coastline.
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Secluded Swimming: Reach the breathtaking Lokaro Bay, where deserted coves and turquoise waters invite you for a refreshing swim or a session of world-class snorkeling.
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Fisherman’s Bay: Capture a stunning overlook of the second village at Evatra, where traditional pirogues dot the shoreline.
A Gourmet Seafood Experience
A true highlight of the day is your stop at the Bay of Mahanoro. Renowned for its abundant marine life, this region offers the perfect backdrop for a private seafood picnic. Relax under the shade of the palms and enjoy a fresh catch of the day while overlooking the crystalline Indian Ocean.
Between July and August, keep a close watch on the horizon; the 180° panoramic views from the cliffs offer a prime vantage point for spotting migrating Humpback whales.
In the late afternoon, you will retrace your steps through the mangroves as the golden light hits the water, arriving back at your hotel in Fort Dauphin for an evening of relaxation.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day 8 – Fly to Antananarivo
Today you will be transferred to Fort Dauphin airport for your flight to Antananarivo.
Rest of the day at leisure.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day 9 – Fly to Anjajavy
Today you will be transferred to Antananarivo airport for your flight to Anjajavy.
Anjajavy le lodge is located on the west coast of Madagascar 120 kilometres north of Majunga. Anjajavy is a remote fishing village on an extraordinary peninsula at the heart of the Boeny Sakalava territory. The lodge along this welcoming peninsula is set on a private stretch of 550 hectares surrounded by water and is a shining example of sustainable conservation.
A Private Kingdom by the Sea Accessible only by air, Anjajavy is not just a lodge; it is a 550-hectare private reserve. Here, the forest meets the sea. You can transition from a morning trek to spot the elusive Fossa to an afternoon of sailing on a traditional pirogue. For the ultimate romantic gesture, we can arrange a “Deserted Beach Picnic” where you are dropped at a hidden cove for a day of absolute solitude and turquoise waters.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Days 10, 11 & 12: Coastal Splendour at Anjajavy Le Lodge
Experience the pinnacle of secluded luxury at Anjajavy Le Lodge, a world-renowned sanctuary accessible only by air. Nestled within a 750-hectare private reserve on the turquoise shores of the Mozambique Channel, these three days offer an unparalleled balance of wildlife exploration and coastal elegance.
With your choice of guided expeditions or independent discovery using the lodge’s detailed trail maps, you can curate your perfect island escape:
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Terrestrial Wonders: Navigate through the reserve’s dry deciduous forest to encounter three species of baobab and the rare Coquerel’s Sifaka. The landscape is further defined by ancient, jagged Tsingy formations—limestone cathedrals that have stood for millennia.
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The Oasis: Retreat to the lodge’s botanical garden, a lush centerpiece where lemurs often visit for an afternoon snack, providing effortless wildlife sightings right from your villa.
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Aquatic Adventures: The lodge features a stunning 200-metre infinity pool that seems to spill into the ocean. From the protected Marina, you can take to the calm waters for windsurfing, kayaking, or sailing on a traditional pirogue.
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Secluded Coves: Explore the “Alley of the Kings” or hike to one of the seven deserted beaches surrounding the property. These private sands are ideal for a refreshing swim in the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel or a curated picnic for two.
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Night Walks: Join an expert guide after dark to spot the world’s smallest primate—the Mouse Lemur—alongside rare chameleons and other nocturnal wonders unique to this microclimate.
Anjajavy is more than a destination; it is a private kingdom where the forest meets the sea, ensuring your journey through the Deep South concludes in absolute tranquility.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 13 – Fly to Antananarivo
Today you will fly to Antananarivo.
In the evening, witness the best sunset with Sundowner drinks and dinner at Lokanga. It is the best place to say “cheers” to a great trip around Madagascar with a glass of wine, a beautiful view of Antananarivo and to look back at the great memories you have made.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day 14 – Fly back home
In the morning if you like you can do shopping to buy souvenirs or explore the city
Depending on your flight time you will travel to the airport to fly back home.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Unsure Where To Start?
Let’s talk about your Earth Trip
Our travel specialists are seasoned explorers with deep local insights. Whether it’s uncovering hidden gems or planning immersive cultural experiences, we design trips that go beyond the ordinary. Get in touch today!
Request A Video MeetingI curated this route for those who want to see Madagascar’s rarest corners without compromising on comfort. By combining the remote spiny forests of Mandrare with the private peninsula of Anjajavy, we’ve created a journey that feels like having the island entirely to yourself.” — Aleem Raheem
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do we access the remote southern regions like Mandrare River? To maximize your comfort and avoid Madagascar’s famously bumpy roads, this luxury itinerary utilizes private charter flights and scheduled internal connections. This allows you to fly directly into the “Deep South,” landing on private airstrips near your lodges so you can begin your safari within minutes of arrival.
2. What makes the “Deep South” different from the rest of Madagascar? The South is home to the world-unique Spiny Forest, an alien-like landscape of octopus trees and ancient baobabs found nowhere else on Earth. It is the best place to witness the “dancing” Verreaux’s Sifakas and learn about the fascinating, elaborate burial traditions of the local Antandroy tribe.
3. Is this luxury tour truly private and exclusive? Absolutely. From your personal 4×4 driver-guide in the Highlands to the private 750-hectare reserve at Anjajavy Le Lodge, this journey is designed for seclusion. You will have a dedicated guide for all excursions, ensuring your wildlife encounters are intimate and tailored entirely to your pace and interests.
4. What is the standard of food and accommodation on this trip? We have hand-selected Madagascar’s “Crown Jewel” properties. You will stay in high-end tented suites at Mandrare River and luxury beachfront villas at Anjajavy. The cuisine is a sophisticated Malagasy-French fusion, featuring fresh seafood, organic local zebu, and tropical fruits, often served in private, scenic locations like the riverbank or the beach.
5. What should we pack for a luxury safari and beach stay? Pack lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral tones for forest walks, along with sturdy hiking shoes. For the evenings at Anjajavy, smart-casual resort wear is perfect. We also recommend a high-quality pair of binoculars and reef-safe sunscreen for your time by the Mozambique Channel.
Speak to our Madagascar travel expert today
Aleem Raheem
Expert note: Craft Your Bespoke Southern Journey This itinerary is a starting point, not a limit. With over 25 years of experience in the Indian Ocean, our specialists—including founder Aleem—can tailor every flight, lodge, and experience to your precise preferences.
Luxury Madagascar Holidays 2026 – 2027