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      This program is confirmed to run as a shared departure with G Adventures, which means there may be non-educator participants who book directly through G Adventures.

      • Hotels: Standard Class

      • 06/29/2025 - 07/12/2025

      • Max Participants: 16

      • 14 Days / 13 Nights

      Overview

      Experience the allure of Madagascar, a captivating island brimming with rich history, unique biodiversity, and diverse cultures—and, of course, curious lemurs. The isolated island has a fascinating blend of wildlife, landscapes, and local life. Journey to Antsirabe, a colonial town famous for its thermal lakes and precious stones, and learn traditional rituals during a community stay in the small village of Fiadanana. Discover the lush wonders of Andasibe-Perinet National Park, Indri Special Reserve, and Isalo National Park. Finally, unwind with the picturesque beaches and turquoise waters of Ifaty. Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Madagascar, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

      A map of the tour begins in Antananarivo and continues with a flight to Ifaty. The tour then continues north to the following destinations: Isalo, Ambalavao, Ranomafana, Antsirabe, and Andasibe National Park, before ending back at Antananarivo.
      What's Included:
      • Internal flight
      • Free time in Ifaty
      • Soa Zara Tree Planting Project
      • Isalo National Park visit
      • Anja Reserve walk
      • Paper factory visit
      • Antsirabe highlands walk
      • Andasibe-Perinet National Park guided walk
      • G Adventures tour leader throughout, driver throughout, local guides
      • 1 lunch – allow $400-520 USD for meals not included
      • Simple hotels (13 nts)
      • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities using private minibus and plane
      What's Not Included:
      • International air travel
      • Incidentals
      • Travel health and cancellation insurance
      • Applicable visas
      • Tips or gratuities
      • Airport taxes
      • Beverages
      • Meals not mentioned in itinerary
      • Optional tours and admissions
      • Airport transfers

      Itinerary Download PDF

      Day 1: Antananarivo Arrive in Antananarivo at any time. Meet your group for a welcome meeting around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.

      Arrive at any time. This tour begins and ends in Antananarivo, and the nearest airport is Ivato International Airport (TNR). Due to the potential for flight delays or cancellations, we recommend that you plan to arrive in Africa at least a day in advance. This will also give you time to adjust to the time difference and overcome any jet lag. We can book extra hotel nights for you in Antananarivo before and/or after the trip. Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar, is located in the island’s Central Highlands. Overlooking the city is the Rova of Antananarivo palace complex, the center of the Merina kingdom from the 17th century. It features wooden houses and royal tombs. The pink baroque Andafiavaratra Palace sits in the nearby Haute Ville neighborhood. In the city center, heart-shaped Lake Anosy is ringed by jacaranda trees. Hotel Check-in and Welcome Meeting Please note that check-in at the hotel is usually around 2:00-3:00 p.m. There are no planned activities until an intro meeting around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m., usually in the hotel lobby. Check for a sign or ask at the reception desk about the exact time and location of the group meeting. Please make every effort to arrive in time for this meeting. If you are delayed and will arrive late, please inform us. Your tour leader will then leave you a message at the front desk informing you of where and when to meet up tomorrow. After the meeting, you might choose to get dinner at a nearby restaurant with your traveling companions and your tour leader to further get to know one another. Joining Instructions After you arrive at the airport in Antananarivo and make your way out of the airport, you will see the official taxi stand. A taxi to the hotel in Antananarivo will cost approximately $28 USD and take around 45 minutes. If you have pre-arranged an arrival transfer, look for the driver holding a G Adventures sign in the arrivals hall inside the airport terminal. The sign will not have your name on it—instead, the driver will ask for your name as confirmation of your transfer. We recommend that you exchange money or withdraw the local currency from an ATM at the airport; please ask your representative for help. Please avoid and ignore any offers of help from porters in the airport, as they will demand compensation for their services and can be misleading at times. Only accept help from the G Adventures representative. Accommodation: Belvedere Hotel (or similar) * For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

      Travel by private vehicle to the airport for your flight to Ifaty. Please note that flight times vary, and there is a possibility that you will need to be up before dawn. Upon arrival, there will be free time for optional activities on the gorgeous beaches of the Mozambican Channel. From diving and snorkeling at the beach, to quad biking, and the well-known Spiny Forest, there are many opportunities for adventure. Opt to head out in a traditional dugout canoe to see the coast from a new perspective. Accommodation: Bamboo Club (or similar)

      The next two days are free days for you to enjoy the Ifaty area. There is plenty to see and do in Ifaty, and we want to make sure that you have some time to take it all in. Optional activities include a visit to the Spiny Forest Reserve, a dugout canoe ride, or snorkeling, or you can simply relax on the beach. See our optional activities list further below for ideas on how to spend your free time. Your tour leader has more ideas if you need them. Just ask! Reniala Spiny Forest Reserve: Hike Difficulty 2/10 🥾 The hike through the Spiny Forest and optional early morning hike are generally easy, suitable for most fitness levels, with minimal elevation changes and relatively smooth terrain. Accommodation: Bamboo Club (or similar)

      Take advantage of one more free day in Ifaty. Try some more of the many optional activities, or simply relax in the sand for one more awesome beach day. Reniala Spiny Forest Reserve: Hike Difficulty 2/10 🥾 The hike through the Spiny Forest and optional early morning hike are generally easy, suitable for most fitness levels, with minimal elevation changes and relatively smooth terrain. Accommodation: Bamboo Club (or similar)

      Leave Ifaty and drive through the wide-open and vast desert landscape, passing through several unique frontier-style sapphire mining towns. We'll also spot some beautiful baobab trees and pass by the tombs of the Mahafaly, a local tribe in Madagascar known predominantly for its large tombs. They were built for chiefs and kings and are covered in stones, sculptures, and horns. The more important the deceased, the more horns and statues with which the tomb is adorned. One of the largest tombs has over 700 zebu horns! As this is a sacred site, we will just be passing by, and photography is not permitted. In the afternoon, help address one of Madagascar's biggest environmental concerns during a tree-planting activity. You'll learn about why deforestation is such a big problem in Madagascar, how it threatens to wipe out the country's unique biodiversity, and what we can do to stop it. Get hands-on as you plant indigenous trees alongside the rest of the group as part of a project initiated by Soa Zara, a local organization working to protect the environment around the town of Ranohira through tree planting, conservation education, sanitation projects, and other initiatives. Approximate travel time: 7 hrs by private vehicle Accommodation: ITC Hotel (or similar)

      Spend the day exploring Isalo National Park, starting with a short trek in a small canyon, before taking a break from the sun and stopping at a fresh natural swimming pool. Continue to the cascades, considered to be one of the best waterfalls in Madagascar, with a large natural swimming pool. With a little luck, you may see sifaka, brown, or ring-tailed lemurs. You will be able to choose between a shorter and longer section of the trail depending on your ability, and the group will split up accordingly. Isalo National Park: Hike Difficulty 8/10 🥾 This hike is challenging, primarily due to its length, exposure to the sun, and a steep 400+ stair climb at the end. This hike is not recommended for those with mobility issues or those who are not well-conditioned for extended periods of physical exertion. Ensure you bring plenty of water, take breaks as needed, and consider opting out of additional hikes if feeling fatigued. Accommodation: ITC Hotel (or similar)

      Enjoy a scenic journey heading north. Stop along the way at Anja Park, which is known for having some of the most accessible groups of ring-tailed lemurs in the country. Enjoy watching and learning about these fascinating creatures, and observe the wildlife in the reserve managed by the local community. Continue enjoying the wonderful changes of landscape along the way to the pleasant rural town of Ambalavao. Ambalavao is famous for its "Papier Antemoro," a papyrus-type paper impregnated with dried flowers and sold throughout the island. Visit a little paper factory, where the locals will describe the traditional methods used to produce this unique, hand-made paper. You can even buy some paper and use it to write letters to your friends and family back home. If time allows, opt to visit a silk factory in Ambalavao and learn about the local way of making fabric or clothing from silk, and the process of dyeing it with natural dyes. Anja Reserve: Hike Difficulty 3/10 🥾 This hike is mostly flat with some gentle inclines, making it accessible for those with moderate fitness levels. Approximate travel time: 5 hrs by private vehicle Accommodation: Aux Bougainvillees (or similar)

      Drive to Ranomafana, named after the local hot springs. Opt to take a dip into a pool heated naturally by the hot springs surrounding the Namorona River. The nearby national park is one of the most important mammal sites in Madagascar. Set out on a short (2-hr) or long (4-hr) hike through the forest and get a feel for the incredible wildlife of the area. The terrain in the park is often slippery, but the mid-altitude rainforest has an incredible, unrivaled diversity of flora and fauna. The park was integrated into the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rainforests of the Atsinanana in 2007. Ranomafana National Park: Hike Difficulty 6/10 🥾 The hike in Ranomafana is moderately challenging due to slippery conditions and varying terrain. It is advisable to wear proper footwear and proceed with caution on wet paths. Approximate travel time: 4 hrs by private vehicle Accommodation: Manja Hotel (or similar)

      Leave the rainforest of Ranomafana behind and travel by private vehicle to the colonial town of Antsirabe, passing rice paddies along the way. The drive will take most of the day, but there will be stops along the way, including in Ambositra, a quaint town known for its woodcrafts where you will have some free time to eat lunch and shop at your leisure before continuing the drive to Antsirabe. Antsirabe is known for its thermal springs and baths, as well as its precious and semi-precious stones and handicrafts. Approximate travel time: 9 hrs by private vehicle Accommodation: Hotel Vatolahy (or similar)

      Travel from Antsirabe to Anjazafotsy this morning. For today's walk, there will be two options: a 9-km (5.6-mile) walk with about 700 m (.4 miles) uphill, or a 7-km (4.3-mile) walk with about 500 m (.3 miles) uphill. The path is relatively easy, and a short part will go through rice fields and along muddy terrain. Along the way, the group will stop to visit villages and observe the daily activities of the local residents. There will also be opportunities to spot wildlife including reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Enjoy a traditional Madagascar lunch. Those who do the shorter walk can opt for a cooking lesson to learn all of the steps needed to prepare the famous Koba dish (a kind of peanut dessert paté). Once finished, the group will taste their creations. If you choose the longer hike, you will meet back up with the rest of the group at the hotel in the evening. Walking Near Antsirabe: Hike Difficulty 5/10 🥾 The hike to the community village in Andranomafana involves a moderate level of exertion, with a mix of flat and uneven terrain. The length of the hike may add to the challenge. Accommodation: Hotel Vatolahy (or similar)

      Travel to Andasibe and Perinet National Park with multiple scenic stops along the route to make the drive more enjoyable. Upon arrival, the group will have the option to go on an easy night walk to observe wildlife including frogs, reptiles, mice, and lemurs. In Andasibe, you will stay in a quiet area that is a great base for exploring the Indri Special Reserve. Accommodation: Feon'ny Ala (or similar)

      Andasibe is located less than a mile outside of Andasibe-Analamazaotra National Park and the Indri Special Reserve. One of the park’s primary purposes is to protect the natural habitat of the indri, a large black and white diurnal lemur species that feeds on leaves and fruit. In addition to the indri, the park has ten other diurnal and nocturnal lemur species, large chameleons, and the rarely-seen blue boa. The flora is just as spectacular, with numerous species of trees, palms, and orchids. Andasibe-Perinet National Park: Hike Difficulty 4/10 🥾 The hikes in Andasibe, including the night walks, can be moderately challenging due to slippery conditions, especially if you opt to follow the guide off the main path to get closer to the lemurs. Caution is advised, particularly in wet conditions. Accommodation: Feon'ny Ala (or similar)

      Return to Antananarivo today and spend free time in the capital city before an optional last night out on the town with the whole group. There are many places to choose from for your farewell dinner, and your tour leader will have suggestions. Accommodation: Belvedere Hotel (or similar)

      There are no planned activities today, so you may depart Antananarivo at any time. If you wish to extend your stay in Antananarivo, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us. Please note that check-out time from the hotel is usually mid-morning, but luggage storage services are available at the reception desk. Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO programs in the same school year and receive a discount! GEEO will give you 10% off of the lesser value program(s) (up to 3 programs per year). If you would like to extend your time abroad but don't see another GEEO program that interests you, let us know. We can work with you to find a trip from our tour operator’s much larger catalog. Their tours are open to the general public and not designed specifically for educators, but we can still offer you and your travel companions a discounted educator price on any additional tours that you book.

      *Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

      Details

      Frequently Asked Questions
      Please read our general FAQs, where you can find essential information that applies to all of our programs.
      Resources to Learn & Teach about Madagascar
      Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.
      Terms and Conditions
      It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.
      GEEO Program Confirmation Process
      Most GEEO programs are officially confirmed to run once 4 participants have registered. If at least 8 people sign up by our designated deadline, the program will run as a private GEEO trip. Should enrollment fall between 4 and 8, the trip will still take place, but it may transition into a shared departure with our partner tour operator, G Adventures. In this scenario, the itinerary, dates, and pricing for those who have already registered will remain unchanged, although additional travelers from outside GEEO may join the trip.

      A large majority of GEEO programs remain private for just educators, retired educators, and their guests. We encourage you to sign up for any program that interests you, and we’ll keep you updated throughout the process—first when 4 participants have registered and again once 8 people have signed up. As always, we recommend exercising caution when making non-refundable travel arrangements (for example, booking flights with flexible change or cancellation policies) until your program is confirmed to run.
      Cancellation Policy
      All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at +1 347-433-6674. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.
      • If you cancel 60 days or more prior to the start of your program, all payments will be refunded excluding your $350 deposit, which is kept on file for future use and never expires. (Exception for participants who receive grants from our university partners: To address disruption caused by cancellation from grant recipients, deposits paid by grant recipients are forfeited upon cancellation.)
      • If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.
      • If you cancel within 30 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive no refund, but your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.
      Trip Notes & Expectations
      Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program contained on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that clients who read the trip details in full are happier with their experiences.
      1. ACCOMMODATION: The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe, well-located place for you to sleep. The hotels in Madagascar are pretty basic. (Feel free to google some of the hotels that are typically used: Hotel Chalets des Roses in Antananarivo, Feon’ ny Ala in Andasibe, Hasina Hotel in Antsirabe, Manja Hotel in Ranomafana, Aux Bougainvillees in Ambalavao, ITC Lodge in Ranohira, and Hotel Bamboo Club in Ifaty.
      2. TRANSPORTATION: We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Sometimes you will have full days and nights of transportation as our trips tend to cover a lot of ground. The transportation will often be an adventure in itself.
      3. LUGGAGE: You must be able to easily carry or roll your luggage, so do not over-pack. Carrying your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.
      4. ACTIVITY LEVEL & PACE: This program includes a mix of physical activities that require a moderate level of fitness. While some days involve light hiking and/or walking, please note that certain hikes, particularly in Isalo National Park, can be challenging; consider your fitness level and any pre-existing conditions when deciding to participate in these activities (see itinerary for more details). The heat and humidity are the biggest physical challenges. Make sure you stay hydrated! We recommend always carrying snacks with you. Meals can sometimes be far apart.
      5. YELLOW FEVER: According to the WHO and CDC, there is no risk of Yellow Fever in Madagascar. It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are traveling to Madagascar from a Yellow Fever endemic country. If required, Yellow Fever inoculations need to be administered at least 10 days prior to your entry into the country.
      6. DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: There are limited domestic flight options for our internal flights during the trip – we are at mercy of the national flight schedule, which often is only released 5 months at a time. Though there is normally one flight a day to and from each center, we have designed the itinerary around past and current flight departure times. These times may change, however, which may result in a slight adjustment in the itinerary in order for us to match up our trip itinerary with this local constraint. Typically, this results in shuffling days of the itinerary around and does not cause any missed activities, destinations, or experiences.
      7. GROUP LEADER: Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip. All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure's group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. Our itineraries often have plenty of free time to explore on your own. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.
      Single Travelers
      Half of GEEO’s participants travel by themselves, so please don’t worry if you do not have a travel companion for your trip. Our program fee is for one traveler in double-occupancy accommodation, and GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender if you do not have a travel companion. Most of our programs have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that you can pay to have a room to yourself. You will only incur an additional charge if you specifically request a single room. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please find your program on our extra services page. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org to request a single room. Please note: If you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single accommodation for all night stops except Day 5 in Fiadanana (community guesthouse - multi-share).
      Emergency Contacts
      Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so that they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures Local Representative (Madagascar) During Office hours (Weekdays, 8am-5pm Local Time): +261 202 202 012 After hours emergency number : +261 32 07 11511 G Adventures Local Office (Nairobi, Kenya) From outside Kenya: +254 727 208 832 From within Kenya: 0727 208 832 If for any reason you are unable to reach the G Adventures local office, please call the numbers listed below to connect with their Sales team, who will happily assist you. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
      Packing List
      Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person.
      Suggested (click to expand)
      • Light fleece top
      • Warm pajamas (nights can be cold)
      • Light windproof/waterproof jacket
      • Sun hat
      • Personal clothing for weather in the 60’s to low 80’s – we recommend packing 8-9 days of outfits so you only have to do laundry once
      • At least one pair of long pants
      • Daypack
      • Sturdy walking shoes
      • Sport sandals or flip-flops
      • Sunblock
      • Sunglasses
      • Watch or alarm clock (or use your phone)
      • Small flashlight or headlamp
      • Toiletries – your hotels will have soap and shampoo
      • Camera (or use your phone)
      • First-aid kit, including: lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
      Optional (click to expand)
      • Light weight silk sleep sheet
      • Hand warmers (for cold/damp nights)
      • Travel pillow
      • Mosquito control (travel net, coil, repellat)
      • Money belt
      • Water bottle
      • Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
      • Chargers for electronics as well as converters/adapters, if needed
      • AirTags or Tile trackers
      • Packing cubes
      • Flip-flops/sandals
      • Earplugs
      • Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy here
      • Ziplock bags
      • Reading/writing material
      • Hand sanitizer/baby wipes
      Documents (click to expand)
      • Passport (with photocopies)
      • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
      • Travel insurance ID card
      • Flight itinerary/boarding pass(es)
      • USD/EUR cash
      • Credit/debit card
      • G Adventures vouchers
      • GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent a few days before departure
      Laundry
      Laundry facilities are offered at some of our hotels for a charge, or ask your group leader where the nearest laundromat is located. If you want to do your own laundry, we suggest you bring your own non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
      Passports and Visas
      All GEEO programs require that the participant have a valid passport. Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double check the information we provide below by searching the U.S. State Department's website. PASSPORT Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Madagascar. Make sure that your passport has at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. VISA All foreign nationals must obtain a visa to travel to Madagascar. For stays of up to 15 days, the visa fee is $10 USD. For stays longer than 15 days, a single-entry tourist visa costs $37 USD. The visa can be obtained upon arrival at the airport with cash U.S. dollars (credit cards are not accepted); upon arriving at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo, make your way to the border control desk closest to the Direction Generale des Impots (DGI) Office where there is a sign indicating the cost of the visa. Visitors can also purchase an e-visa in advance.
      Money Exchange
      The local currency in Madagascar is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA), and we recommend that local purchases be made in cash MGA. As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. Outside of Antananarivo, you will find that it is difficult to use foreign currency. In Antananarivo, you can withdraw the local currency from ATMs using a debit card linked to a major credit card network (e.g., Visa or Mastercard). ATMs may have limits on how much money can be taken out at one time. Credit cards may also sometimes be used for cash advances and/or purchases in Antananarivo, but please do not rely on them as a primary payment method, because they are not widely accepted. You should be aware that purchases with a credit card may incur international transaction fees with your financial institution.
      Tipping
      Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of this program and an expression of satisfaction with the people who assist you on your trip. Tipping is also one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the East African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, as an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal “thank you,” and the action should in no way be awkward. The best method of tipping someone who has served your entire group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope, which the tour can present to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s). You may use the following as a guideline:
      • Tour leader: $25 USD per week
      • Driver: $2 USD per day
      • Supply Crew: $1 USD per day
      • Local guides: $1-3 USD (per couple of hours)
      • Restaurant/café servers: 10% of the total bill
      • Hotel Porters: $1 USD
      Please note that tips should always be converted into Ariary, if possible. Locals can find it difficult and time-consuming to have to exchange EUR/USD tips and therefore always prefer Ariary.
      Vaccinations
      GEEO cannot provide any medical advice, so it is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. We recommend contacting Passport Health, which has travel clinics located throughout the United States. You can also check the CDC's recommended vaccinations for your destination. Please take this seriously!
      Flights
      We find the best prices for flights are often available around 90-120 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. You should wait until this trip is confirmed before you book non-refundable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. This program begins and ends in Antananarivo. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Antananarivo, which usually means departing the U.S. 1-2 days prior. You may want to arrive in Africa one or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1. You can depart from Antananarivo any time on the final day of the program.
      Plugs and Converters
      There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers (also called electrical converters). The adapter is for your device's plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two- to three-pronged power cord to fit the local outlets. The transformer/converter changes the local voltage to the voltage used in the U.S. Madagascar uses the European-style two circular prong plug (Type C or Type E) and their voltage is 220-240 Volts. (Standard U.S. electrical outlets are 120V.) Most new devices, including phones and laptops, are made to work with the different voltage rates, but some devices, like hair dryers, may only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device's plug or manual to see what voltage range it requires. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity; for example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work with voltages between 100V to 240V. If your device can’t handle the higher voltage, you’ll need to purchase a transformer/converter. You can find world transformers/converters online or at many retail stores in the travel section.
      Weather
      July and August are in the midst of the Madagascan winter, and you will get some of the best weather of the year. We will be in a few different climate zones, but expect highs in the upper 60’s to lower 70’s and lows in the 60’s. At Ifaty, it will be a bit warmer with weather typically in the upper 70’s to mid-80’s. This means trekking the naturally humid rainforests can be refreshing and airy. The rainforests are alive with unique flora and fauna, with many different species of lemurs, and other animals getting on with their daily lives in the jungle depths. Being so dry does mean that some of the species will be hibernating, mainly small mammals and reptiles. If you’re looking for marine life, you won’t miss out. You may have a chance to spot humpback whales near Ifaty.
      🗣️ Advice from Past GEEO Participants
      - The nights are cold (bring warm pajamas). I would even suggest hand warmers for those days that are damp and cold. - I would suggest bringing warmer clothes. The temperature was 40 degrees when we stayed at Vatolahy and Feon'ny. - Some of the hikes are short and easy, but others are rigorous, vigorous, and arduous.

      Costs

      Please keep in mind that this trip offers some free time to pursue activities that interest you. Make sure you look over all of the optional activities and note these additional costs when deciding whether you can afford this program. The prices below are rough estimates for budgeting your trip.
      • Tour Company Fee: See our price in the top right corner
      • Optional Activities: $40-65 USD
      • International Airfare from the United States: Roughly $1,200-2,200 USD If you require assistance searching for international flights, we would be happy to help you.
      • Airport Transfers: $60 Total. It costs about $28 USD to get a taxi from the airport to the hotel. Same for the ride back.
      • Insurance: $30-200 USD Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as an add-on.
      • Visa: A "landing authorization" of $10 is paid upon arrival. A visa is not required for a stay of less than 15 days, and a 30-day visa is available for $37 USD.
      • Tipping: $120 total should be enough. We recommend $50 USD for your tour leader, $30 for your driver, and another $10 for other tips.
      • Meals Not Listed in the Itinerary: $400-520 USD
      • Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, etc.: Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
      • Souvenirs: Variable. At your personal discretion.
      • Vaccines: Variable. Please consult with your primary care provider.
      • Non-Educator Donation: $100 USD (suggested donation) This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.

      Optional Activities

      Most optional activities are booked and paid for locally, sometimes in the local currency, and you do not have to decide in advance which ones you would like to sign up for. The prices listed are based on the latest information we have received from our participants and G Adventures. They are not guaranteed to be accurate. Please use them as a rough guide for budgeting your trip.
      ANTANANARIVO
      Antananarivo City Tour: Follow a local guide on a tour of history-rich Antananarivo, the vibrant capital of Madagascar. Get to know the real "Tana" (as locals call it) on a 3-hour walking tour. Explore the colorful, bustling market, and sites such as the Cathedral, and Queen's Palace. (Note: This activity begins at 8:00 a.m. on Day 1, which may require booking pre-trip accommodation unless your flight arrives in the very early a.m. hours.) Tsarasaotra Bird Park: 25,000 MGA per person Take a wander around this quiet park located near the city center. Hang around the lake to catch a glimpse of this park’s abundant aquatic bird life. Queen’s Palace Visit: 15,000 MGA per person (3-4 hrs) Belonging to a complex of seven monuments, the Queen's Palace (also called Manjakamiadana) was destroyed in a fire in 1995. Take a wander around the lasting stone walls of this site, 650 feet above the city centre. Admission includes entry fee and guide. The Prime Minister’s Palace Visit: 20,000 MGA per person Located on the highest hill in Antananarivo, the Andafiavaratra Palace was the residency of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony of Madagascar, who governed the island kingdom in the late 19th century. The site has now transitioned into a museum boasting over 1,400 artifacts rescued from the fire at the Rova of Antananarivo, giving visitors insight into Malagasy history.
      IFATY
      Snorkeling: 320,000 MGA per person (2-3 hrs) Grab a mask and some fins and check out what’s living just under the water. Reniala Spiny Forest Reserve Visit: 35,000 MGA per person Visit this unique ecosystem belonging to the last pieces of primary forests of Southern Madagascar. Learn more about the plant and animal life in the area, and gaze upon the largest baobab tree in Ifaty. Price includes entry fee and transportation. Dugout Canoe Ride: 30,000 MGA per person Head out in a traditional dugout canoe to see the area from a new perspective. Fishing: 30,000-800,000 MGA per person There are tons of different types of fishing opportunities available in this area. Speak to your tour leader to learn more. Quad Biking: 230000 MGA per person (4-6 hrs) Hop on an ATV to explore Ifaty. Rates will depend on duration, and if you'd like a guide to accompany you.
      AMBALAVAO
      Morning Forest Walk: €20-25 EUR per person Enjoy morning walk in the forest to see golden bamboo lemurs, greater bamboo lemurs, and other lemur species. There's a possibility of seeing reptiles such as the Madagascar boa, chameleons (the largest rainforest species being the Parson's chameleon), or the well-camouflaged leaf-tailed gecko. Thermal Pool Swim: 15,000 MGA per person Take a dip into a pool heated naturally by the hot springs surrounding the Namorona River. Opt for a massage on site to deepen your relaxation. Silk Factory Visit: €2 EUR per person Visit a silk factory in town to learn about the local way of making fabric or clothing from silk and the process of dyeing cloth with natural dyes.
      ANDASIBE
      Vondron’olona Ifotony Reserve: 45,000 MGA per person (1-2 hrs) Take a walk through this nature reserve. Managed by the locals in the area, this area works to preserve species of native plants and animals. Andasibe-Perinet National Park Guided Walk: 75000 MGA per person (1-3hrs, afternoon) Want to continue your rainforest exploration? Return to Andasibe-Perinet National Park in the afternoon for a walking tour led by a local guide for a chance to spot more animals.

      Photos