The Red Island
From the mountains to the desert, from the bustling capital to the tranquil sea, an epic journey across the magical red island and its diversity of landscapes.
Three ethnic groups,
one extraordinary island
Madagascar, one of the world's largest islands, is a country of a thousand facets. The itinerary we have created following our recent visits is a collection of the most beautiful encounters, both natural and human, the island has to offer.
We will meet no less than three different ethnic groups, each proudly preserving their own traditions, the Betsileo in their mountain villages, the Maskur under the giant baobabs, and the Vezo, nomadic people of the sea along the long white sandy beaches of the south west.
All of this alongside in-depth photography training, portrait, landscape, action and post-production, tailored to your level.
Moments only Madagascar can give you
Fish with the Vezo
Get close to wildlife
Discover the white village
Marvel at giant baobabs
The itinerary
Arrival in Antananarivo
Travelers arriving from different locations are welcomed at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the heart of the city. Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
City discovery
Breakfast together in the garden, the first opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and expedition leader Thomas. After an introductory talk, we spend the day exploring the bustling capital and feasting on local specialties.
Drive to Antsirabe
We rise early for a long drive through the northern landscape of the island until we reach the town of Antsirabe, a hub of Malagasy agriculture. We go for an afternoon walk in the countryside to get a first look at the country's lifestyle.
Betsileo festival
A special event awaits us in a small village near Ambositra. Today, we will witness a traditional Savika, a ritual where young men show off their prowess by holding on the hump of a zebu. Except a large crowd of onlookers, music to entertain and fearless young men ready to face off the mighty zebu. Note: zebus are sacred animals in Madagascar and never hurt during the ceremony.
Into the jungle
We wake up at dawn to venture deep in the humid forest of Ranomafana. Surrounded by giant bamboos and arborescent ferns, we will spot endemic species of lemurs and colorful insects.
The beauty of the white village
A unique experience awaits us as we join the procession of church goers to Sunday mass in the white village of Soatanana and delight in their chants.
Upclose encounters
Anja community reserve gives us the opportunity to get upclose to families of maki lemurs. A truly heartwarming morning experience as they gather to warm up with the first rays of sunlight.
Trekking in Tsaranoro valley
We start our 2-day trek and cross betsileo villages. The view gets better as we slowly make our way up to the mountains. Expect a moderate hike and the opportunity to swim in rivers to cool off. Our staff will cook a homemade dinner by the fire and we will sleep in individual tents.
Reaching Isalo
After summitting Cameleon peak in the early hours of the morning, we continue southwards to Isalo and its extraordinary sandstone formations. We spend a relaxing afternoon at the hotel, enjoy the swimming pool and maybe indulge in a massage.
Isalo National Park
After meeting with our local guide, we explore the canyons of Isalo national park and take a cool dip in the park's mesmerising natural pools.
Reaching Tulear
Back on the road towards Tulear, the southwestern capital. We will stop south of Ilakaka, where groups of men and women search for sapphires. We reach the city by nightfall and enjoy a nice dinner at the hotel.
Village life
We reach the small village of our Maskur hosts and spend the day with them, following daily rhythms, listening to stories, photographing life as it happens, surrounded by majestic baobabs and a red earth.
A day full of unexpected encounters
We start the day with a surprise encounter before heading to the coast and enjoying an afternoon swim in the lagoon of Ankasy.
Meeting the Vezo
We join our fishermen friends for a morning sailing trip. This day is dedicated to learning Vezo traditions, fishing and sailing. For sunset, we meet them in their village for a lively photography session. We feast on fresh fish and seafood for dinner.
Heading back to Antananarivo
After a copious breakfast, we bid farewell to this little paradise we called home on the coast and head back to Tulear to catch our flight back to Antananarivo. If it is a morning flight, you can spend the afternoon shopping for last gifts or relax at the hotel. We meet for a last dinner to share all our memories from this amazing expedition.
Departure
An airport transfer takes you to your international flight home, unless you choose to stay longer in the country. We can offer extensions such as the Makay massif trek. Farewell!
Madagascar, in their words
“Our 17 day, small group expedition was led and carefully curated by Thomas and Emilie of Karai. Deeply passionate about Madagascar, Thomas and Emilie were endlessly understanding, flexible and accomodating.”
“I recently had the incredible opportunity to join an expedition in Madagascar with Karai Expeditions, and I can’t recommend them enough! Thom and Emi were absolutely amazing from start to finish.”
“Above all, what sets Karai apart is its deeply humanistic approach to travel: genuine encounters, cultural sensitivity and a sincere interest in the people and places discovered along the way.”
From first message to departure
- 01
Apply
Fill in the short application form. It takes two minutes and doesn’t commit you to anything.
Apply now - 02
Meet us
Pick a time for a video call right after applying. We get to know you, answer your questions and make sure the expedition is the right fit.
Pick a time - 03
Secure your spot
Once we both feel it’s a match, a deposit of 1 860 € confirms your place. The balance is due 90 days before departure.
- 04
Get ready
You receive our handbook with gear, clothing and reading tips, and we go over visas and travel details together.
Taxes included. Deposit of 1 860 € to secure your place.
What's included
- Pick-up and drop-off at Antananarivo airport
- 11 nights in high-standard hotels and lodges across the island
- 2 nights in a villa on the coast
- 3 nights in camps
- Single room every night, never shared
- 4x4 vehicles with dedicated drivers throughout
- 1 domestic flight
- Professional guide & translator for the full expedition
- One additional local guide per region
- Entrance fees to national parks and restricted areas
- Full board: all meals, snacks & soft drinks (days 1–16)
- Photography workshops, lectures & editing sessions by Thomas
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and tips
- Alcoholic drinks
No commitment until our call · A 1 860 € deposit confirms your place · All taxes included
Not sure yet?
Book a 20-minute callTwo of us, by your side
Sensitive to the human condition and its relationship with our environment, Thomas has traveled and worked in dozens of countries. He often works for NGOs on humanitarian and development projects, believing that well-crafted images can be a genuine force for good.
An experienced expedition leader, passionate storyteller and inspiring teacher, he will share his hard-earned access to and knowledge of the remote communities you'll visit, while helping you take your photography skills to the next level.
Emilie plans every expedition down to the smallest detail, from the first scouting trip to the last transfer. On the ground, she takes care of logistics, so that you can focus on the encounters and the photographs.
With years of film production behind her, she also brings a gentle, attentive eye to every encounter, especially with women and children.
Protecting the ocean that feeds our hosts
Our commitment in Madagascar supports the protection of marine protected areas. This goes directly towards the development of Vezo communities' sustainable livelihoods and the protection of vital marine species along the southwest coast.
With a background in humanitarian and development affairs, Karai is particularly careful about the impact of its presence as guests. On top of paying our hosts fairly, we ensure direct financial support to local initiatives.
Our environmental commitmentof marine habitat locally managed in the area
Vezo villages leading community conservation
of barrier reef system safeguarded
Questions & answers
Everything you need to know before booking. Still have questions? Write to us