Fianarantsoa Safari Trips & Tours

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Fianarantsoa

Discover a different side to Madagascar from this Italian-style hilltop town surrounded by vineyards and tea plantations.

If there’s one thing you might not expect from Madagascar, it’s the highland town of Fianarantsoa. Split into upper and lower town, it’s the old quarter, with its attractive red-roofed buildings, schools, bookstores and traditional churches, that really captures the imagination. Stroll around the vertiginous streets, then head out to the surrounding valleys and vineyards (really!) to see an entirely different side of Mada. And there’s the famous Fianarantsoa railway line. The steepest in the world, it winds its way through forests, along cliff-edges and down dramatic descents. If you don’t have time to embark on the full 163-kilometre adventure (including all 48 tunnels and 67 bridges!), make the 25-kilometre journey to Sahambavy and visit the beautiful tea plantations instead.

Our Experts

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Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.

or call us on: +1 (646) 542 0667

Kristin Jessup

Madagascar Travel Specialist

Annie Irankunda

Madagascar Travel Specialist

Kevin Zimmermann

Madagascar Travel Specialist

Things to do

What to do in Fianarantsoa

Prepare for a proper surprise in these highlands, where red-roofed buildings cascade down steep streets and church bells chime between bustling bookshops. This rather scholarly spot offers more than just atmospheric wanderings - venture beyond the old quarter to discover vineyards that wouldn't look out of place in a European postcard (though we'd bet the local vintners might raise an eyebrow at that comparison). For railway enthusiasts, there's a treat in store - the world's steepest railway line puts on quite the show, snaking through 48 tunnels and across 67 bridges. Rather fancy the full 163-kilometre adventure? Pack a good book and settle in for the long haul. Though if time's a bit tight, the 25-kilometre jaunt to the tea plantations proves equally rewarding. Watch pickers navigate the emerald slopes with remarkable precision, while you contemplate which brew might accompany your evening nibbles. The surrounding valleys offer splendid walking opportunities - just mind those vertiginous drops as you snap photos of the rather spectacular views.

Open Map

Railway journeys

When to go

Best time to visit Fianarantsoa

Excellent

Good

Mixed

january

Wet Season — a quieter time to visit

Reviews

Based on 20 Feefo Reviews for Madagascar

Guest

South Africa & Madagascar

August 2026

16 nights in Madagascar

Kevin has been great to work with. He’s very thorough and efficient and has great knowledge of our chosen destinations. Of course, we haven’t actually taken the trip yet, so I cannot comment on how well it will all flow. I have confidence that it will be wonderful.

Guest

The perfect Africa Adventure!

October 2024

17 nights in Tanzania, Madagascar and South Africa

We will definitely use them again! That says it all. Very easy to work with, covered every detail and more. It was our first time to Africa and Kevin took our idea of what we wanted and brought it to life. Every step was seamless; planning, documentation, flights, transfers, accommodations, guides, drivers, etc., we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend!

Guest

Madagascar

September 2024

12 nights in Madagascar

I’ve now had 2 trips booked with Timbuktu and both were almost perfect. I will definitely use them again if I have any future trips. Joanna actually helped me with both trips. She is quick to respond to all emails and is so pleasant to work with. I will definitely hope to work with her again!

Wolff Maas

This has been a great experience planning our trip!

April 2024

16 nights in Madagascar, South Africa and Botswana

Everything has been great for planning and organizing. I have really appreciated the effort and experience my planner, Jeffi, has put into our trip. She has gone above and beyond my expectations for putting everything together and making this fun in the process.

Libby Palomeque

Creativity and Flexibility

February 2024

17 nights in Kenya and Madagascar

Not only did they listen to who we were and what we wanted, and create modifications to suit, but when life gave us an unexpected bump and changes were needed, they worked with us to find solutions. Highly recommended.

Guest

December 2023

15 nights in Madagascar

Responsive and good communication.

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