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Madagascar budget tour is an 15 Day affordable African safari in Madagascar. This Madagascar budget trip starts and ends in Antananarivo. On this Madagascar budget tour, your interest will be lemurs, birds and reptiles.
About the 15 Day Madagascar Budget Tour
This Madagascar Budget tour takes you to the diverse Island of Madagascar. This is a Madagascar tour to the 4th largest island in the world. This Madagascar Budget tour starts from the capital city of Tana (Antananarivo).
On this Madagascar safari tour, you will visit Antsirabe and Ranomafana. This beautiful reserve protects a humid rain forest. It is home to an array of wildlife including lemurs, reptiles and teeming with birds.
The Madagascar Budget tour will also go to Fianarantsoa. This is the capital of the Betsileo tribe. You’ll also go to Ranohira and Tulear which is a coastal town with a port. The old buildings make for a spectacular setting. This is against the backdrop of mangroves on the town's outskirts.
Morondava is a vibrant west coast town. It is well known for its seaside resort. This town is alos known to have a laid-back atmosphere. Morondava is a prosperous rice-growing area. It is also the southern gateway to the attractions of the west. This includes the Kirindy forest and the famous baobabs.
15 Day Madagascar Budget Tour Highlights
The highlights of this 15 day Madagascar budget tour includes:
- Forest Hikes
- Nature walks
- Lemur treks
- Birding
- Cultural immersion
- Historical indulgence
- Beach holiday
Detailed 15 Day Madagascar Budget Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Antananarivo
You’ll be met on arrival in Antananarivo by our Madagascar safari rep. You’ll enjoy a briefing on this Madagascar Budget tour. Enjoy a transfer to your budget hotel in Antananarivo.
Day 2: Antananarivo - Antsirabe
Your Madagascar Budget tour will leave after breakfast. This will be to Antsirabe that is a pretty thermal town. The town has a typical Malagasy style. This combines well with the tranquility of a small European provincial town.
Antsirabe means ‘where there is much salt'. It is one of Madagascar's major trading centres for semiprecious stones and minerals. You’ll drive through landscape that is mainly composed of mountains and rice fields. In Antsirabe you’ll go on a city tour with a visit to Andraikiba lake.
Madagascar Budget trip also visits the legendary Tritriva Crater Lake. It is said that the lake's water level decreases during rainy season. The opposite that is the level increases in dry season. You’ll visit a gemstone factory. Here you can watch the cutting and polishing process and buy souvenirs.
Day 3: Antsirabe - Ranomafana
After breakfast your Madagascar Budget tour drives to Ranomafana National Park. This is one of the richest for discovering biodiversity in the eastern humid forest. The park is nestled in a mountainous and extremely rainy region. This park accounts for its nickname the ‘misty land'.
The tropical forest is home to 12 species of lemurs. They include the golden bamboo lemur and brown lemurs. There are various species of birds, colorful chameleons and frogs. You’ll stop in Ambositra to visit some Zafimaniry woodcarving shops. This art is classified as World Intangible Heritage by UNESCO. It was revealed to the public in the fifties. When food shortage obliged this population of foresters to sell their furniture and sculptures.
Zafimaniry Art expresses itself through daily life objects. This includes honey pots, weaving-looms, stools, plates and more. There is also a construction part such as doors and windows. You’ll then head to Ranomafana Park after the Madagascar Budget trip. You’ll unwind before your exploration of the national park the following day.
Day 4: Ranomafana – Fianarantsoa
In the morning you’ll explore the National Park to see lemurs. You’ll also see chameleons and frogs living in the rainforest. You have time to discover some of the pandanus, ferns and orchids. You’ll return to your hotel for lunch. This will be preceded by a city tour of Fianarantsoa.
Fianarantsoa is the capital of the Betsileo tribe. Fianarantsoa was built on three levels. The highest level and its old and picturesque quarters are protected area. This is because of its historical and architectural interest. It lies in the heart of the most fertile agricultural area. It is for its vineyards, tea plantations and terraced rice fields.
Day 5: Fianarantsoa - Ranohira
Your Madagascar Budget tour departs Fianarantsoa early to Ranohira. On your way you’ll stop in Ambalavao. This is the commercial centre of the southern Betsileo region. It is renowned for its folks, arts and crafts. Here you’ll visit a wine producer for wine tasting and the "Antemoro Paper" factory. It is where you can watch the paper being made and buy locally.
The famous Antemoro paper is a delicate, handmade, flower-decorated paper. It is made of the fibres of a tree called "Avoha". You’ll continue your drive to Ranohira. Here you’ll visit Anja Park along the way. This is where you can see some families of ring-tailed lemurs in their natural habitat. On arrival in Ranohira you’ll check in at your overnight ranch. You’ll have the rest of the day at leisure in preparation for the next day of trekking.
Day 6: Ranohira
Today we will spend Madagascar Budget tour day trekking in Isalo National Park. This is the second oldest national park in Madagascar. Erosion has carved fantastic figures in the sandstone. This range from sharp needles standing up in the sky to rocky blocs.
Isalo National Park is a land endowed with an important network of streams. They feed the tributaries of the river Mangoky. It is a sacred land, as it also shelters the Bara ancestors' cemeteries. They are dug on the cliff sides to prevent pillage.
Your Madagascar Budget tour will discover the massif of Isalo. This will include its canyons and endemic flora such as Pachypodium. There are aloes, and fauna including lemurs and birds. You’ll get a chance to go for a refreshing swim in the natural cascades swimming pool.
Day 7: Ranohira - Tulear
You will start your Madagascar Budget tour with breakfast. This will be followed by a drive along straight road. This is where the landscape is composed of dry and spiny forests. There are baobab trees and some proudly decorated Mahafaly tombs.
Your Madagascar Budget trip will visit the Arboretum and an interesting private garden. This was established by a Swiss botanist. It has close to 1000 species of plants. All this are endemic to south-western Madagascar.
Your Madagascar Budget tour then go on a city tour of Tulear. This is Madagascar's most recently established provincial capital. It is the major town in south-western Madagascar. The city tour also includes a visit to the museum.
Day 8: Tulear - Antananarivo
You’ll begin your Madagascar Budget trip with breakfast this morning. You’ll then be transferred to the local airport of Tulear. This is in time for your flight back to the capital, Antananarivo. You’ll be picked up on arrival and driven to your overnight hotel in the city. The rest of the afternoon and evening of Madagascar Budget tour is spent at leisure.
Day 9: Antananarivo - Morondava
You Madagascar Budget tour will start with a transfer to the airport. This will be in time for your flight to Morondava. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to the city.
Morondava is situated in the heart of Sakalava territory. It is known for the royal sculpted tombs of the Menabe ancestors. These tombs are frequently decorated. This is done with well-executed, often erotic, funerary carvings representing life and fertility.
Day 10: Morondava – Kirindy
Your Madagascar Budget tour takes a day trip to the Kirindy Reserve. This is a dry forest that covers approximately 10,000 ha. You will have the chance to see 6 species of lemurs. They include the fat-tailed lemur and the tiny Microcebus Myoxinus. The latter is believed to be the world's smallest primate.
There are also 45 bird species and 32 reptile species. They include the rare Madagascan flat-tailed tortoise. There is also the side-necked turtle, Madagascar's only freshwater turtle. You’ll stop to admire the beauty of the famous Baobab Avenue on your way back.
Day 11 - 13: Morondava
You’ll spend the next three days on Madagascar Budget trip at leisure in and around Morondava. Soak up the sun and enjoy the pristine white beaches. You can explore the area on excursions and day trips.
Your Madagascar Budget tour may discover the marine life on deep-sea fishing trips. There are also the diving excursions. On the southern edge of town are tranquil mangrove swamps. Here you can explore by pirogue. You can observe kingfishers, egrets and more along the way.
Day 14: Morondava - Antananarivo
Today you will be transferred to the airport. This is in time for your flight back to Antananarivo. You will be met and transferred to the city. Your Madagascar Budget tour will take a transfer to your hotel in Antananarivo.
Day 15: Departure
Your Madagascar Budget tour will wake up to breakfast. You’ll later be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
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15 Day Madagascar Budget Trip Costs:
What is included in the cost of 15 Day Madagascar Budget Tour?
- Car and fuel with a driver
- Guide assistance during the whole tour
- Accommodation as per the itinerary on bed and breakfast basis
- Park entrance fees and local guide fees
- All treks
- Boat crossings and excursions
15 Day Madagascar Budget Trip Price excludes:
- Your food and drinks during the whole tour
- All your international flights
- Domestic Flights
- Items of personal use
What to Carry on the 15 Day Madagascar Budget Tour Safari
- Light and a few heavy clothing for evenings
- Closed, comfortable shoes
- Sun protection like sun cream, hat
- Insect repellent
15 Day Madagascar Budget Tour Destinations
Antisirabe
Your Madagascar budget tour goes to Antsirabe. Antsirabe means “where there is a lot of salt” because its soils and waters and rich in mineral salts. This town is located at 1500m high, and there is a renowned spa resort that merges into volcanic landscape.
Antsirabe is called the city of water, because you can lounge in its numerous natural baths that have therapeutic virtues. The city is rich in history and is surrounded by three lakes, the Tritriva, Andranomafana, and Andraikiba. You will feel strong colonial influence through the architecture of the city buildings.
Ranomafana National Park
Your 15 day Madagascar budget tour will then head to Ranomafana. Ranomafana National Park is without doubt the most popular national park in Madagascar.
Ranomafana became a national park in 1991 after the golden bamboo wall was discovered in 1986. This lemur was seriously threatened with extinction. The park consists of more than 416 km2 of rainforest, filled with unique flora and fauna.
'Rano' means water and 'Mafana' means warm in Malagasy. This name comes from the hot springs situated in the park. For this reason, the French established a spa in this area and around it the village Ranomafana developed.
Isalo National Park
You will enjoy cultural heritage on your Madagascar budget safari as you are being transfered from Ranomafana to Isalo. Isalo National Park is one of Madagascar’s most visited natural parks and is located in the country’s southwest.
The climate here is dry so you can visit year-round without having to worry about huge downpours. The park itself is made up of a savannah and desert landscape with huge canyons and hidden oases.
Visitors to Isalo will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views and some of Madagascar’s most iconic wildlife, the lemur.
Arboretum Antsokay
Arboretum d'Antsokay or Antsokay Arboretum is a botanical garden near the city of Toliara in Madagascar. About 900 plant species grow in the Arboretum, 90% of these endemic to Madagascar, 80% of them considered to have medicinal value and many threatened with extinction.
Kirindy Reserve
Your 15 day Madagascar budget safari then heads to Morondava. You will be here to explore the Kirindi Private Reserve. Kirindy is a privately managed forest in one of Madagascar's most threatened ecosystems: its dry deciduous forests.
Kirindy Private Reserve is famous for the giant jumping rat, but is also home to seven species of lemur and a number of endemic reptiles. The flora is equally unusual -- a number of unique species are found at Kirindy.
Madagascar Budget Tour Accommodation
This Madagascar tour is an African budget safari to Madagascar. on the 15 day Madagascar budget tour, you will make use of budget hotels and safari lodges in Madagascar. Below find examples of the affordable accommodation we make use of in this Madagascar safari:
Islands House
Set in Antananarivo, within 2.5 km of Monument Aux Morts Antananarivo and 3.3 km of Analakely Market, Island's House offers a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
Local points of interest like Andravoahangy Market and Lake Anosy are reachable within 5 km and 2.5 km, respectively. At the guest house, every room includes a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Guests at Island's House can enjoy a continental breakfast. Antananarivo Pirate Museum is 3.7 km from the accommodation, while Is'Art Galerie is 5 km away.
Antsirabe Hotel
Located in Antsirabe, 2 km from Asabotsy Market, Antsirabe Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a garden. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. Attractions in the area include Shoprite, 3.1 km away, or Bus Station, situated 3.5 km from the property.
With a private bathroom, rooms at the hotel also provide guests with free WiFi. Guests at Antsirabe Hotel can enjoy a continental breakfast. Cathedral Antsirabe is 2.8 km from the accommodation
Fôret Austral Ranomafana
Located in Ranomafana, Fôret Austral Ranomafana- Fianarantsoa features a lush garden and tranquil surroundings. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and 24-hour front desk.
Featuring rustic décor, the units have a private entrance and come equipped with a mosquito net, electric blankets and a private bathroom with a shower.
At Fôret Austral Ranomafana- Fianarantsoa the restaurant offers an à la carte menu and BBQ facilities are available on site.
Nearby attractions include the Ranomafana National Park which features a tropical rainforest and is home to the lemur.
ITC Lodge
ITC Lodge MomoTrek are situated between the village Ranohira and the Isalo National Park. This lodge is just down from the Madagascar National Parks office.
Coming from the north you will find Ranohira at 700 km from Antananarivo, 280 km from Fianarantsoa and coming from the south, at 240 km from Tulear.
ITC Lodge has 17 individual bungalows and a camping ground, situated in a calm, green and flowery garden with a panoramic view of the Isalo National Park. It is the ideal place for travelers, backpackers and families to stay when they visit Ranohira. ITC Lodge has single/twin/double and family bungalows (upto 6 pers).
At the Reception & Boutique, which sells; souvenirs, drinks and light snacks, a part has been set as lounge with books and games for our guests.
Professional massage and laundry service (with washing machine and dryer) is available on site. Reservations and tickets can be obtained the Reception & Shop.
Hotel Trecicogne
The hotel is situated at 100 m from the beach and its structure opens onto Heliott channel between the port and the sea ; a spectacular view allows you to discover the intense bond that unites the Vezo people at sea ; sailing canoes returning fisheries, botry laden with goods (dhow) responsible for goods returning to port or leaving supply the small villages on the coast.
Front of the hotel, during low tide, men and woman daily fishing small fish and crustaceans for the local market.
Cleanliness and environmental friendly waste disposal is one of TRECICOGNE’s priority for the environment and their guest’safety. A water filtering system provides clean drinking water analyzed and controlled by an association linked to gas of France.