14 Days Madagascar Adventure and Camping

Departure from the city of water to reach Andasibe, driving on the National Road 2. On the way we will have a visit of the Pereyras Reserve where we will discover several reptile endemics of Madagascar. Once we arrive in Andasibe, we will make a visit to the lemur’s island, the famous reserve of Vakona.

Overnight: Sahatandra

The 3rd day of this trip will be for the visit of the Analamazaotra National Park in Voi. This is to meet the legendary indri-indri the biggest lemurs in the island. After the 3-hour walk, a kayak is scheduled on our itinerary. Heading to Antsirabe after the visit, the drive may take around 3 hours to reach the edge of Antananarivo and 5 hours to reach Antsirabe city.

Overnight: Flower Palace

Early departure in a private 4WD from Antananarivo to reach Antsirabe, the city of the water. On the road we will cross the city of aluminum Mmarket. The evening we will reach Miandrivazo, the city of the Sakalava tribe, driving through a landscape of rice fields and red-land.

Overnight: Soalie Hotel or Princess Tsiribihina

Today’s destination is Belo, where we are going to take lunch. Once lunch is over, we will pursue our expedition within the desert part of Menabe on a 4WD to reach Bekopaka. On the way, we have to cross the Manambolo River on a ferry boat. Driving time today is 5 hours.

Overnight: Orchidee du Bemaraha

Today we will visit the limestone castle, a UNESCO world heritage site. Visit Andamozavaky by trekking for 4 hours. The Andamozavaky Circuit is a renowned trail within the Grand Tsingy area of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in Madagascar. This circuit offers an immersive experience into the park’s unique limestone formations and diverse ecosystems. Embarking on the Andamozavaky Circuit is a memorable adventure, offering a unique blend of physical challenge and natural beauty in one of Madagascar’s most iconic landscapes. Here’s what you can experience:

• Terrain

Vertical Ascents: Prepare for steep climbs, often requiring the use of iron ladders and steps embedded into the rock faces.

Suspension Bridges: The trail features suspension bridges that span deep gorges, providing both thrilling crossings and panoramic views of the limestone pinnacles.

Safety Gear: Due to the demanding nature of the trail, wearing a climbing harness is mandatory to ensure safety during ascents and while traversing exposed sections.

• Breathtaking Vistas

Panoramic Views: Reaching the high points of the circuit rewards hikers with expansive views over the “stone forest,” showcasing the intricate and sharp limestone formations that define the Tsingy landscape.

Unique Geological Features: The trail offers close encounters with the razor-sharp limestone needles, deep crevices, and hidden caves that have been sculpted over millennia.

• Rich Biodiversity

Flora: Despite the rugged terrain, pockets of vegetation thrive, including endemic plant species adapted to the unique microclimates within the crevices and canyons.

Fauna: The area is home to various species of lemurs, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. Observant hikers might spot Decken’s sifaka, a type of lemur native to this region.

Headto the Kirindy forest after breakfast, where taking the ferry boat from Manmbolo and Belo is part of the adventure before lunch time. Enjoy a nocturnal visit to the reserve of Kirindy to find several endemic species of lemurs unique and visible in this area including the legendary fossa of Madagascar.

Overnight: Relais du Kirindy

Enjoy a morning visit in Kirindy forest, known for its population of Verreaux’s sifaka and red-fronted brown lemurs. They are often spotted foraging in the trees or sunbathing on the ground.

Some of the flora and fauna you may see:

• Fossa: While more elusive, the fossa, Madagascar’s top predator, might be seen during the day, especially in the forest’s open areas.
• Chameleons: Madagascar is famous for its chameleons, and you can find species like the Parson’s chameleon and the Panther chameleon.
• Birds: Many endemic bird species, such as the Madagascar cuckoo-roller and Madagascar kestrel, can be spotted here.
• Insects & Reptiles: You’ll likely see various insects, like colorful butterflies and beetles, as well as reptiles like geckos and skinks.
• Flora: The forest is home to a variety of endemic plant species, including towering baobabs and spiny bushes, many of which are specially adapted to the dry, deciduous climate.

The forest’s dry deciduous habitat provides a stark contrast to the more tropical rainforests in Madagascar. You may witness the forest’s varied landscape, with dense trees giving way to open grassy areas and streams. A day time visit also gives you the opportunity to walk along marked trails and explore the forest with a local guide, who can point out these fascinating creatures and explain the ecological significance of the area.

On the way to reach Morondava we will meet the legendary Baobab of Madagascar – we can find 4 species of them on the way. The first visit will be on the “sacred baobab” followed by the “baobab lovers” and we will end up in the same place where Lonely Planet have taken their greatest photo here in Madagascar – “The baobab alley” and that will be during the golden hours, when the sun goes down.

Overnight: Treicigogne

Heading to Belou sur Mer, in a pirogue motor boat, which may take a total of 2 hours. Departure will be at 7 am, so the full afternoon will be enjoying the beautiful seaside of Belo beach. Belo sur Mer is a charming coastal village located approximately 80 km south of Morondava in Madagascar’s Menabe region. Renowned for its traditional boat-building craftsmanship, the village offers visitors a glimpse into the age-old construction of wooden dhows, known locally as ”boutres”. This artisanal practice has been preserved through generations, making Belo sur Mer a significant center for maritime heritage.

Today head to the maritime reserve of Kirindy Mitea, 45 minutes away from the hotel, located on an isolated island with pristine beaches with powdery white sands and clear turquoise waters – an idyllic setting for picnic and snorkeling.

Early departure from Belo sur Mer to head back to Morondava city on a local speed boat, which takes approximatively 2 hours, for the flight to Antananarivo. The check-in time at the airport must be 2 hours ahead before the departure. Upon landing we will head straight to the hotel.

Overnight: Green Palace or Valiha Hotel

The city tour in Antananarivo is combined with a national heritage of UNESCO the Rova Ambohimanga and the Rova Manjakamiadana. This day is called ‘in case’ to avoid any flight delay or postponement from the local company Tsaradia, our service provider, which can mainly happen during the rainy season (October – December). Therefore a proposal city tour can be included.

The drive from the hotel to the international airport is approximatively 15 minutes.

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