16-Day Adventure in the Heart of the Great West

The road to Antsirabe is an adventure on its own. You’ll pass through a varied landscape, from rice fields to verdant forests. Stop off in Ambatolampy, a town renowned for its aluminum pot workshops. Take the opportunity to visit these workshops and admire the skills of local craftsmen. In Antsirabe, the artisans’ expertise is renowned, enough to make a visit worthwhile. The miniature and horn workshops are a veritable institution. You’ll be amazed by the meticulousness and creativity of the craftsmen who transform raw materials such as zebu horn or tin cans into veritable works of art. Explore these workshops and discover the different stages of production.

• Travel: Around 168 km
• Overnight stay at Arotel

Begin your day with a leisurely rickshaw tour through Antsirabe, a delightful town known for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and bustling atmosphere. Drive through picturesque villages to reach the volcanic Tritriva Lake, nestled amidst a lush pine forest. Its emerald waters shimmer beneath the towering eponymous mountain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding villages and rice fields. Reach the charming town of Miandrivazo, the gateway to the Tsiribihina River. Masiakampy, the starting point for thrilling river descents, awaits your arrival.

• Travel: Around 220 km
• Overnight stay at Soa Lia

Nestled amidst lush greenery, Miandrivazo stands as a serene haven, a picturesque starting point for an unforgettable journey down the majestic Tsiribihina River. Before embarking on this aquatic adventure, a visit to the local town hall and police station is essential to ensure a smooth and safe exploration. From Miandrivazo, departure to Masiakampy. A thrilling pirogue trip will be on the program. Gliding along the peaceful waters of the river, the canoe will take you into the heart of Sakalava daily life. For an hour, we’ll be observing, marvelling at the careful movements of the fishermen casting their lines, the women washing their clothes on the banks, and the children playing in the water. The laughter and delight of people floating in the wind will take you into an authentic and warm world. Far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, your boat cruises peacefully along the river. The landscape unfolds before your eyes like a living painting, where lush nature merges with picturesque villages.

After a few hours’ sailing, you’ll arrive at Nosy Ampela, a true refuge of peace. The waterfall and natural pool await you for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. A suspended moment, where time seems to stand still. As the sun slowly sets, the village of Berevo, your bivouac site, is immersed in a soft golden light, a little corner of paradise by the river. The evening begins around a crackling campfire, with traditional animation. Sakalava songs and dances echo through the night, transporting you into their fascinating world.

• Overnight stay in a tent

Continue sailing on this last day of the Tsiribihina descent. During the descent, small pedestrian excursions to meet the local population and discover the typical villages of the region: the village of Ambatomisay. Crossing tobacco plantations and baobab forests. The landscape will vary from a very dry landscape without vegetation to a dense forest. Then we will see the gorges and the cliffs of the Tsiribihina, the immense sandbanks and the baobabs. Not to mention lemurs, water turtles, crocodiles, herons, teal, humpback ducks, guinea fowl, kingfishers, water turtles. After lunch, you will disembark at the bush port of the village of Belo sur Tsiribihina.

• Overnight stay at Hotel du Menabe

Embark on a thrilling journey from Belo sur Tsiribihina to Bekopaka, a destination renowned for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. As the sun begins its descent, prepare for a nocturnal adventure where you’ll have the unique opportunity to witness the nocturnal activities of some of the island’s most fascinating creatures. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive mouse lemurs, their tiny forms darting through the dense foliage. Spot the camouflaged chameleons, their eyes moving independently, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. And if you’re lucky, you might even encounter reptiles that emerge under the cover of darkness.

• Travel: Around 100 km
• Overnight stay at Soleil des Tsingy

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Madagascar’s wilderness, combining the thrill of canoeing the Manambolo Gorge with the awe-inspiring beauty of the Small Tsingy. Your navigation on the Manambolo River leads you into a fascinating world. You’ll dock alongside dark entrances that open onto a cave structure. Equipped with flashlight, you’ll discover a world of fantastically shaped stalagmites and stalactites. Heading upstream, in the distance you can spot the Vazimba tombs perched on the cliffs. These remains testify to centuries of human occupation of the region, and add a historical touch to the adventure. Upon reaching the Small Tsingy, prepare to be amazed by this unique geological formation. A labyrinth of towering limestone pinnacles creates a breathtaking landscape, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Explore the intricate network of canyons and crevices, marveling at the sheer scale and beauty of this natural wonder.

• Overnight stay at Soleil des Tsingy

The Great Tsingy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a geological marvel unlike any other. This labyrinth of towering limestone pinnacles creates a breathtaking landscape that will leave you in awe. As you embark on a hiking adventure through this unique site, prepare to be captivated by the sheer scale and beauty of the Tsingy. The Grand Tsingy is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including several species of lemurs. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Decken’s sifaka, a rare and endangered lemur known for its distinctive white fur and acrobatic leaps. Other primate species you might encounter include the brown lemur.

• Overnight stay at Soleil des Tsingy

Traversing sandy tracks as you make your way to Kirindy. This remote region offers a unique opportunity to experience the island’s diverse ecosystems and encounter some of its most fascinating wildlife. As your vehicle glides into the hotel’s parking lot, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking spectacle: a pair of ancient baobab trees, their gnarled trunks intertwined in a timeless embrace. These majestic sentinels, known locally as ‘trees of love,’ are the inspiration behind the lodge’s romantic name, ‘Camp Amoureux.’ Before embarking on your nocturnal adventure, savor the opportunity to capture the perfect photo with these iconic symbols of affection as your backdrop.

As darkness falls, venture into the forest with your guide and prepare to be captivated by the nocturnal wonders that await. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Berthe’s mouse lemur (Microcebus berthae), a critically endangered species found only in this region. Listen for the distinctive calls of the grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) and the pale fork-marked mouse lemur (Phaner pallescens) as they emerge from their hiding places. In addition to lemurs, the Akiba Forest is also home to a variety of geckos, these fascinating reptiles that come to life at night. As you explore the forest, keep your ears tuned for the haunting hoots of owls, their nocturnal calls echoing through the trees.

Today, you’ll venture into the heart of Kirindy Reserve, a sanctuary of biodiversity lovingly preserved by the local community. This verdant haven is a treasure trove of natural wonders, teeming with eight species of lemurs and a diverse array of flora. As you explore, prepare to be captivated by the graceful leaps of the iconic Sifaka lemurs and the inquisitive gaze of the brown lemur. Marvel at the ancient baobabs, their trunks reaching towards the heavens, in addition to the baobabs, the forest also provides shelters for several animal species such as reptiles, turtles, snakes, ants.

In addition, the forest is one of the best destinations for birdwatching such as the Giant Coua. In the evening, prepare for a nocturnal adventure that will unveil the hidden wonders of Kirindy Forest. Venture into the dense undergrowth, guided by your of your local guide, and keep your eyes peeled for the elusive fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), the apex predator of Madagascar. Another fascinating creature to look for is the Malagasy Giant rat (Hypogeomys antimena). This large rode is capable of leaping incredible distances, making it a difficult target for predators.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Belo sur Mer, passing through the legendary land of baobabs, Morondava. Our first stop is the iconic Baobab in Love, a towering marvel that splits into two at the base, symbolizing eternal affection. Witness its intertwined trunks and discover the fascinating myths surrounding this ancient lover. Continue your journey through the breathtaking Baobab Avenue, where hundreds of these majestic trees line the road, creating a postcard-perfect landscape. Finally, resume your journey to the coastal paradise of Belo sur Mer.

• Travel: Around 125 km
• Overnight stay at Ecolodge du Menabe

After a leisurely breakfast, embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Kirindy Mitea National Park, a vast wilderness spanning 1,500 square kilometers. Immerse yourself in a world of unparalleled biodiversity, where three distinct species of baobab trees stand as ancient sentinels. Discover a vibrant tapestry of endemic birds, their songs echoing through the lush canopy. And prepare to be enchanted by the captivating world of lemurs, as you witness their graceful leaps and playful antics.

• Overnight stay at Ecolodge du Menabe

Indulge in a day of leisure, exploring the captivating village of Belo sur Mer. The coastline, a breathtaking tapestry of rocky outcrops and pristine sandy beaches, offers stunning contrasts against the ever-changing hues of the sea. Discover the heart of the village in its historic dhow yard, where tradition meets craftsmanship. Witness the creation of dhows; specialized craftsmen shape these boats with meticulous care. Amidst the rhythmic hammering of tools and the joyful laughter of children, experience the timeless art of boatbuilding.

• Overnight stay at Ecolodge du Menabe

A four-hour journey along a scenic track leads you to Morondava, a lively town that offers a refreshing contrast to the tranquil beauty of Belo sur Mer. Just a short distance away lies the awe-inspiring Grandidieri Baobab Alley, a natural wonder that has captivated the world. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow upon the ancient trees, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking spectacle. A leisurely stroll through this iconic landscape, accompanied by light refreshments, provides the perfect opportunity to soak in the serene beauty and capture unforgettable memories.

After your wonderful stay in the land of Baobab, it’s time to prepare for your return home. You will be transferred to the domestic airport to take the flight to Tana. Arrival in the capital, you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel for a comfortable stay.

• Overnight stay at San Cristobal

Here is the day for you to say goodbye to the treasure island of Madagascar. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. We hope you enjoyed the adventure with us and hope to have the opportunity to meet you again soon for a new adventure. Veloma!