Madagascar Tour — Crazy Puffin Adventures

Overview

The adventure

The eighth continent — 90% of its wildlife exists nowhere else on earth.

3-day canoe expedition down the Tsiribihina River through gorges and villages

Tsingy de Bemaraha — UNESCO limestone spires, hanging bridges & lemurs

Sunrise over the Avenue of the Baobabs

Kirindy Forest — the world's smallest primate and 6 species of nocturnal lemurs

Private tours only — your dates, your pace

Go Crazy, Go Private

Choose your
own dates.
Your own adventure.

Madagascar is exclusively a private tour. Tell us when you want to go, how long you have, and who's coming — we handle everything else.

Your dates Solo or group Custom itinerary

Go private → Free 15-min call

What you'll see

Tour highlights

Avenue of the Baobabs

Watch the sun rise and set over Madagascar's most iconic landscape — ancient baobab trees lining a red dirt road, some over 800 years old and up to 30 metres tall.

3-Day Canoe Journey

Three days paddling the Tsiribihina River through spectacular gorges, past local villages, and into wilderness — camping on the riverbank with a cook, porter, and security team.

Unique Wildlife

90% of Madagascar's wildlife is found nowhere else on earth — encounter dozens of lemur species, chameleons, fossas, and extraordinary birdlife in their natural habitat.

Tsingy National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles — traverse hanging bridges, scramble through narrow canyons, and spot lemurs clinging to the ancient karstic formations.

Kirindy Forest

The only place on earth where the giant jumping rat is found — home to 6 species of nocturnal lemurs, Verreaux's sifakas, dozens of reptile species, and 40 bird species.

Camping

Sleep under the stars on the banks of the Tsiribihina River — tents and all camping equipment provided, with meals prepared by your dedicated cook throughout the river expedition.

Day by day

Itinerary

This is a 12-day sample itinerary — we can modify the length, pace, and destinations to suit your group and schedule.

Antananarivo

Overnight: Antananarivo

Meet and greet at Antananarivo International Airport, then transfer to your hotel. Meet the team and have free time to explore the city or relax after a long flight.

Antananarivo to Antsirabe

Overnight: Antsirabe

Discover the famous RN7 through the typical highland landscape — rice fields in terraces, brick houses with thatched roofs. Upon arrival, visit handcraft workshops by tuk-tuk, Antsirabe Avenue, and the oldest 3-star hotel in Madagascar.

Antsirabe to Miandrivazo

Overnight: Miandrivazo

Depart to Miandrivazo passing through Betafo, Mandoto, and typical Malagasy villages. Notice the landscape transition from the cool highlands toward the west.

Tsiribihina River — Day 1

Overnight: Riverbank camp

Shuttle to Masiakampy and embark on your private canoe for the first day on the Tsiribihina River. Discover beautiful scenery, birds, and wildlife. Picnic lunch on the riverbank. Enter the gorge and reach the campsite at Anosin'Ampela.

Tsiribihina River — Day 2

Overnight: Riverbank camp

Take a fresh bath in the waterfall and spot lemurs before breakfast. Embark on the canoe and visit a small local village to meet local people. Continue along the river discovering the beautiful landscapes, endemic birds, and riverside communities.

Tsiribihina River — Day 3 — Bekopaka

Overnight: Bekopaka

The final day on the river through the second gorge, with baobab trees and local life along the banks. Disembark at Antserarake and meet the 4WD convoy. Ferry to Belo sur Tsiribihina, lunch at a local restaurant, then continue to Bekopaka via the Manambolo River crossing.

Tsingy de Bemaraha

Overnight: Bekopaka

Canoe trip along the Manambolo Gorge and visit a stalactite cave. Explore the small Tsingy with good chances to spot Decken's Sifaka and red-fronted brown lemurs. Then visit the Big Tsingy — the most rewarding half-day in the park — deep into the limestone forest across hanging bridges with karstic formations below your feet.

Bekopaka to Kirindy

Overnight: Kirindy

Depart with the convoy, ferry across the Tsiribihina, and continue to the Kirindy Reserve. Check in at your lodge. Evening nocturnal walk to spot 6 species of nocturnal lemurs and other nocturnal animals.

Kirindy Forest — Morondava

Overnight: Morondava

Visit the Kirindy Reserve — 100 square kilometres of forest dominated by majestic baobabs, home to the world's smallest primate, common brown lemurs, Verreaux's sifakas, giant jumping rats, 40 bird species, and 50 reptile species. Pass the Avenue of the Baobabs on the way to Morondava.

D10

Baobab Avenue — Betania Village

Overnight: Morondava

Sunrise at the Avenue of the Baobabs. After breakfast, take a canoe to Betania village — walk the sandy beach, meet local people, and learn about their daily life and culture. Return to Morondava for the local market.

D11

Morondava to Antananarivo

Overnight: Antananarivo

Early breakfast and a full day return drive to Antananarivo via Mahabo, Malaimbandy, Miandrivazo, Mandoto, Betafo, and Antsirabe. Transfer to the hotel upon arrival.

D12

Ambohimanga — Departure

End of tour

After breakfast, visit Ambohimanga Kings Palace — the cradle of the Merina dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the old stone gate, royal chambers, the summer palace of the queens, the Horse Park, and sacred ponds. Transfer to the airport for your international flight.

Did you know?

Madagascar split from the African continent over 160 million years ago, evolving in almost complete isolation. Today, over 90% of its wildlife — including all 100+ lemur species — is found absolutely nowhere else on earth.

Indian Ocean · The world's most biodiverse island

Pricing details

What's included

Everything included

Airport pick-up and drop-off

Pick-up & drop-off included

Breakfast & meals as listed

All breakfasts + river trip meals

All transportation

Private vehicles & 4WD convoy

All accommodation

Hotels, lodges & tents on the river

3-day river expedition

Canoe, cook, porter & security

All entrance fees

Every national park & site

English-speaking local guide

Experienced crew throughout

Not included

International flights

Flights to and from Antananarivo

Personal expenses

Shopping, souvenirs, extras

Tips for local guides

Greatly appreciated by your crew

Travel insurance

Required — comprehensive cover recommended

Got questions?

FAQ

Is it safe to travel to Madagascar?

Yes — Madagascar is generally safe for tourists. We take all necessary precautions and our experienced local team ensures a smooth and secure experience throughout the trip.

Why is Madagascar private-tour only?

We offer Madagascar exclusively as a private trip so we can fully tailor the experience — dates, pace, and itinerary length — to suit you perfectly, whether you're travelling solo or with a group.

How does the booking process work?

Your spot is secured as soon as we receive your deposit, which is refundable up to 7 days after booking. For full details please check our Terms & Conditions.

Do I need a visa?

Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival in Madagascar. We will provide you with all the information you need well in advance of your trip.

Is this trip for me?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy nature, wildlife, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. It includes camping and long travel days, making it a rewarding and immersive adventure.

What is the best time to visit?

The best time is the dry season — April to November — when the Tsiribihina River is navigable and the roads are passable. The wet season (December to March) makes many routes inaccessible.

Can I travel as a female traveller?

Yes, absolutely. Madagascar is welcoming to solo female travellers. Our experienced local team will ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the journey.