Begin your Madagascar honeymoon with a visit to the Ranomafana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its astonishing biodiversity. The park offers several well-marked hiking trails suitable for all levels of fitness that will take you through various ecosystems, past waterfalls, and rare lemur sightings. After a long day's hike, you can relax in the park's thermal hot springs, known for their rejuvenating properties.
Head to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, a protected rainforest reserve known for its unique wildlife, including the famous Indri lemur, the largest of its kind. Hike through the verdant landscape, listen to the symphony of birdcalls, and lose yourself in the beauty of the dense jungle. After dark, go on a night walk to witness the park come alive with nocturnal creatures, including chameleons and tree frogs.
Drive to Ambohimanga, a UNESCO-listed cultural site that served as a spiritual and political capital of the Merina Kingdom for centuries. Explore the well-preserved royal city, its palaces, tombs, and the sacred hills with magnificent views. You can also take a guided tour of the village and learn about the traditional rituals, customs, and beliefs of the Malagasy people.
Visit the Kirindy Forest Reserve, a unique dry deciduous forest with a plethora of endemic species, including the giant jumping rat, the fossa, and the Pygmy mouse lemur. Take a guided night tour to see the rarest of all lemurs in the reserve's forests, the critically endangered and nocturnal Madame Berthe’s lemur.
Spend your last day on your Madagascar honeymoon relaxing on the white sand and crystal-clear waters of Anakao Beach. Take a dip, sunbathe, and enjoy the local fresh seafood while watching the sunset. You can also go snorkeling or diving and discover the colorful marine life of the nearby coral reefs.
While Madagascar offers various transportation modes, including planes, boats, and taxis, renting a car with a driver is the most popular option for tourists for ease and safety reasons. The average car rental with a driver for five days costs approximately 400 USD, not including fuel, which is relatively affordable. However, keep in mind that roads in Madagascar can be challenging, so expect bumpy rides and long hours on the road.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Avenue of the Baobabs, a scenic road lined with towering baobab trees that is especially romantic during sunset. If you have less time, you can shorten the itinerary to focus only on the national parks and skip the cultural sites. Alternatively, you can book a 5-day guided tour to avoid the hassle of arranging transportation and accommodations on your own.
The main airport in Madagascar is Ivato International Airport (TNR), located about 15 km (9 miles) north of Antananarivo, the capital city. It's the busiest airport in the country, serving international and domestic flights from major airlines such as Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenyan Airways.