Immerse yourself in the heart of Madagascar on this exceptional trip. Discover the breathtaking diversity of this island starting on Route Nationale 7, then embark on a picturesque descent of the Tsiribihina River. Explore the Tsingy de Bemaraha and the Kirindy reserve, before marvelling at the emblematic Allée des Baobabs. Finish off with a relaxing visit to Belo sur Mer, with its pristine white sandy beaches. An adventure rich in discovery and wonder awaits you every step of the way.
Unforgettable Journey Through Madagascar: Scenic Routes, Unique Landscapes, and Island Charm
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Madagascar’s most enchanting landscapes. Start with a scenic drive along the country’s iconic southern route, then drift down the tranquil Manambolo River. Traverse the rugged beauty of stone forests and immerse yourself in the wildlife-rich parks before experiencing the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset. Conclude your adventure with a peaceful retreat on Madagascar’s unspoiled beaches. Each stop offers unforgettable discoveries and moments of pure wonder.
Highlights of an Epic Adventure
- Tsingy de Bemaraha: Discover a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its spectacular karst formations.
- Avenue des Baobabs: Admire the emblem of Madagascar, this majestic alignment of baobabs.
- Kirindy Reserve: Discover a reserve renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, including lemurs and fosa.
- Tsiribihina River: Enjoy a picturesque adventure aboard a traditional barge, discover the life of the local people and explore the local flora and fauna.
Itinerary
Upon landing at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, you will be greeted by your personal driver, who will ensure a smooth transfer to your accommodation. Unwind and rejuvenate after your travels, preparing for the exciting adventure ahead.
Start your day with an early departure, heading straight for the famous National Road 7, more commonly known as the “Route du Sud”, linking Antananarivo to Tuléar. This emblematic circuit is a real invitation to discover the treasures of Madagascar. Your first stop is Antsirabe, 170 km from the capital. On the way, you'll stop off in the charming town of Ambatolampy, also known as the Mimosa Capital due to its spectacular blossoming in July and August. Ambatolampy is famous for being home to the Ankaratra massif, the third highest peak on the Grande Île, as well as for its artisanal foundries and distilleries. Take a stroll through the town to discover the small workshops of local artisans, where you can admire their skills in gem-cutting, rickshaw and miniature bicycle making, as well as the creation of works of art in zebu horn, among others. Don't miss a visit to TsenaSabotsy, Madagascar's largest open-air market, where you can unearth local treasures. Overnight in Antsirabe.
Your hotel: Menabel Hotel
Website : www.antsirabe-hotelmenabel.com/en/
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, your driver will take you to the Masiakampy pier, where you'll board a barge for an unforgettable adventure: the descent of the Tsiribihina River. This 150 km descent, spread over three days and two nights, will enable you to discover the life of the local people, their culture and traditions. You'll be lulled to sleep by the gentle murmur of the river and the joyful cries of children along its banks. On the way down, you'll have the chance to admire exceptional flora and fauna, including lemurs coming to drink, crocodiles gliding silently through the waters, and a variety of exotic birds. You'll also discover four species of baobab trees, adding a touch of majesty to this enchanting landscape. Meals will be served on board the barge and the night will be spent under the stars, on the large sandbanks, in an authentic bivouac.
Your hotel: Bivouac
Continue your peaceful descent along the Tsiribihina River aboard the barge. A revitalizing stop awaits you at the foot of a waterfall, where you'll have the opportunity to join a refreshing natural pool for an invigorating swim. You'll then return aboard the barge for lunch and dinner, and spend a restful night on the large sandbanks, immersed in the tranquility of the surrounding nature.
Your hotel: Bivouac
Today's journey begins with a delicious breakfast on board the barge, as you prepare to complete this unforgettable journey down the Tsiribihina River. The peaceful atmosphere of the river will envelop you as you gently navigate to Belo sur Tsiribihina, the final point of your river adventure, where you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to Bekopaka by 4X4 car. This journey through dry forest will add another dimension to your trip, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Bekopaka, your final destination, is a small town nestled in the heart of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, renowned for its unique karst formations and exceptional biodiversity. You'll marvel at the wild beauty of this unspoilt region, where thrilling adventures await, from exploring the Tsingy to meeting lemurs in the dense forest. In Bekopaka, you'll be warmly welcomed at your hotel at the end of the day. Night in Bekopaka.
Your hotel: L'Olympe du Bemaraha
Website : www.tsingy-olympedubemaraha.com/en/
In the early morning, you'll board local pirogues for a fascinating adventure. You'll travel up the Manambolo River to the caves and vazimba tombs, an experience that will plunge you into the heart of Madagascar's history and nature. The Manambolo gorges are a breathtaking sight. Aboard the pirogues, you'll glide through a multitude of caves, some even home to crocodiles. One of these caves still contains bones, allegedly those of the Vazimba, the island's first inhabitants. You'll then discover the wonders shaped by nature, equipped with lamps to explore the stalactites and stalagmites. Then you'll reach the small Tsingy, offering an unusual atmosphere tinged with mystery. These rock formations, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, resemble limestone cathedrals sculpted into sharp blades or needles. You'll cross narrow passages between the walls, walk on suspension bridges and climb ladders fixed to the walls, offering extraordinary scenery at every turn. After a day of adventure, return to your hotel for the night. Overnight in Bekopaka.
Your hotel: L'Olympe du Bemaraha
Website : www.tsingy-olympedubemaraha.com/en/
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you'll hit the road again, heading for the Kirindy reserve. You'll cross the Manambolo and Tsiribihina rivers by ferry to reach your next destination. For lunch, you'll stop off at a local restaurant in Belo Tsiribihina, where you can sample typical local dishes. Your journey then continues to the Kirindy reserve. This reserve is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, home to a wide variety of animals emblematic of Madagascar. You'll have the chance to observe lemurs, reptiles, birds and fascinating nocturnal mammals such as fosa, civets and tenrecs. This experience will plunge you into the heart of Madagascar's wildlife, offering unforgettable encounters with the island's endemic fauna. Overnight in Kirindy.
Your hotel: Relais du Kirindy
Website: www.relaisdukirindy.com/en/
Your day begins with a guided tour of the Kirindy reserve. During this excursion, you'll have the opportunity to observe the diurnal animal species that inhabit the reserve, discovering the rich fauna of this unspoilt region. You'll also explore the botanical diversity of the dry forest, plunging you into the heart of this unique and fascinating biome. From Esnuite, you'll head for Morondava. On the way, you'll make an unmissable stop at the Allée des Baobabs, located 19 km before reaching the town. This emblematic site boasts the largest alignment of baobabs in the country, creating a spectacular landscape steeped in mystery. You'll marvel at the majesty of these centuries-old trees, known locally as “Reniala”, which bear witness to the beauty and strength of Madagascan nature. You'll arrive in Morondava in the late afternoon. Check-in at your hotel and overnight in Morondava.
Your hotel: Laguna Beach Hotel
Website: www.morondava-lagunabeach.com/en/
After a tasty breakfast, you'll set off by car towards Belo sur mer, a charming coastal town on Madagascar's west coast. This 90-kilometer drive takes you through picturesque countryside, offering spectacular views of the Malagasy countryside. Belo sur mer is renowned for its coastal charm and pristine white sand beaches, inviting you to relax and contemplate. The village's tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal place to recharge your batteries and reconnect with nature. The people of Belo-sur-Mer live mainly from fishing, and the sea plays a central role in their daily lives. You'll have the chance to explore local maritime activities and discover the age-old traditions associated with life by the sea. Overnight in Belo sur Mer.
Your hotel: Le Dauphin Vezo
Website: www.le-dauphin-vezo.com
Free time in Belo sur Mer. On site, you can choose from a range of activities (not included): snorkelling, scuba diving, exploring the salt flats of Ankevo sur Mer and discovering the daily life of the locals, pirogue excursions in the Menaky channel to discover the neighboring islets. For water sports enthusiasts, kitesurfing is also an option.
Your hotel: Le Dauphin Vezo
Website: www.le-dauphin-vezo.com
Free time in Belo sur Mer. On site, you can choose from a range of activities (not included): snorkelling, scuba diving, exploring the salt flats of Ankevo sur Mer and discovering the daily life of the locals, pirogue excursions in the Menaky channel to discover the neighboring islets. For water sports enthusiasts, kitesurfing is also an option.
Your hotel: Le Dauphin Vezo
Website: www.le-dauphin-vezo.com
Free time in Belo sur Mer. On site, you can choose from a range of activities (not included): snorkelling, scuba diving, exploring the salt flats of Ankevo sur Mer and discovering the daily life of the locals, pirogue excursions in the Menaky channel to discover the neighboring islets. For water sports enthusiasts, kitesurfing is also an option.
Your hotel: Le Dauphin Vezo
Website: www.le-dauphin-vezo.com
Enjoy a morning at leisure to relax by the sea and take in the magnificent coastal scenery of Belo sur Mer. You'll then be back on the road towards Morondava. You'll arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon. Check-in and free time. Night in Morondava. Your hotel: Laguna Beach Hotel
Website: www.morondava-lagunabeach.com/en/
Experience the convenience and breathtaking views of a flight from Morondava to Antananarivo. Discover Madagascar's diverse landscapes from above as you travel swiftly between the iconic coastal city of Morondava and the bustling capital, Antananarivo. Perfect for travelers looking to save time and enjoy scenic aerial views."
After enjoying a final breakfast at your hotel, you'll have some free time for a little sightseeing around Antananarivo, depending on the time of your return flight. On the way to the airport, you can make a stop at the La Digue craft market for your last purchases of Malagasy handicrafts, offering the perfect opportunity to take home some unique souvenirs from your trip to Madagascar. Afterwards, you'll be transferred to the airport, where our team will assist you with check-in formalities, allowing you to catch your flight home with complete peace of mind.
All-Inclusive Adventure Packages
Inclusion
- Private car rental throughout the tour, including fuel
- Accommodation and meals provided by the driver-guide
- All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- 14 nights' accommodation in the hotels mentioned or similar
- Daily breakfast
- Entrance tickets to places mentioned in the itinerary
- English-speaking tour guide from day 1 to day 9
- Barge trip down the Tsiribihina, full board
- Insurance, tolls, communal taxes, ferry crossing and car parking
Not included
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned
- Drinks and mineral water
- Domestic flights (please contact us)
- Extras, gratuities and personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned