Madagascar
Hiking and nature in Southern Madagascar!
Itinerary : Tana – Antsirabe – Zafimaniry – Ranomafana NP – Andringitra NP – Ranohira – Isalo NP – Ifaty – Anakao
For you who like hiking, we have prepared a unique itinerary that responds to your needs and preferences! Starting from Antananarivo and driving until Toliary following the RN7. We combine different parks where you can have a long trekking among the natural wildlife and an authentic experience in the villages. Therefore, we start with Zafimaniry villages for an interaction with local people and a memorable authentic experience. We continue to go to Ranomafana NP and Anja Reserve to spot an endemic lemur that makes Madagascar unique. We trek in amazing Andringitra NP where you will reach the second highest point in the island, followed by the famous Isalo NP with its unique landscape and rock formation. And after a long trek in the unique parks of Madagascar, it’s time to relax in Anakao beach in the Mozambique channel!
Day 1 (18/11): International Airport – Tana
Arrival to the international airport of Antananarivo, meeting, welcoming and transfer to the
hotel. Briefing about our tour and overnight in Antananarivo.
Day 2 (19/11): Tana ~ Antsirabe (4h)
After breakfast, we leave Tana and drive to Antsirabe following the RN7. We stop in Ambatolampy, a small typical city of the highlands, to visit a family workshop of Aluminium that creates a variety of items like cooking utensils. Once arrived in Antsirabe, we visit also different family workshops like factory of zebu horn, miniatures and gemstones. This city is known about
« Pousse pousse » (rickshaw) and it is the best place to enjoy it. Overnight at the recommended
hotel.
Day 3 (20/11): Antsirabe ~ Ambositra ~ Zafimaniry country
After breakfast, we drive to Ambositra the capital of the Zafimaniry territory, in the Central Highlands of Madagascar. Formerly known as the city of roses, this town used its forest resources to stand out to become master in Malagasy marquetry. It is also famous for being the source of an ancestral handmade craftsmanship: Zafimaniry art. A traditional craft now listed as a Unesco world cultural heritage. We will have lunch and then, we will meet our local guide who will accompany us to Antoetra. An authentic and immersive experience starts! Overnight at the village (community guesthouse or homestay). Also, we will have the opportunity to attend a unique tradition of the Betsileo tribe, called Savika (a kind of bullfight which consists in fighting
with bare hands against a zebu, clinging to the bump or the horns of the animal. The goal is not to hurt or kill the animal, but to prove the young participant’s own strength.).
Day 4 (21/11): Zafimaniry country hiking day
Today we will hike from village to village. The local people is going to help us with our luggage and food. We will have plenty of time to interact with locals, learn about their culture and way of living. Overnight at the village.
Day 5 (22/11): Zafimaniry – Ranomafana (5h)
After breakfast, we leave the village and drive to Ranomafana. We stop in Ambositra for lunch and for visiting a family woodcarving workshop. Once arrived to the destination, possibility to organize a night walk to see some lemurs active during the night like « Mouse lemur » (the smallest species) and a sleeping chameleon, types of frogs etc. Overnight at the recommended hotel.
Day 6 (23/11): Ranomafana NP ~ Ambalavao (2,5h)
After breakfast, we are going to visit Ranomafana national park, one of the most important and beautiful National Parks of the country. This park is located in the southeastern part of Madagascar and is home to a number of rare species. The area is a haven for small mammals, birds, reptiles and insects, as well as palms, bamboos, orchids and endemic carnivorous plants. It is home to the famous “bamboo” lemur and dozens of other lemur species. After lunch, we leave the village and drive to Ambalavao passing through the big town of Fianarantsoa. Once arrived at the destination, we are going to visit Anja reserve to see the unique species of lemur in this place called « ring-tailed lemur or lemur katta ». This reserve is managed directly by the villagers.
Profits allow the improvement of the living conditions of the surrounding villages. Overnight at the recommended hotel.
Day 7-8 (24&25/11): Ambalavao ~ Andringitra NP
During the 1st day, we meet the local team who will help us and make the briefing about the trekking in Andringitra. We drive around 2 hours to reach the office, buy the tickets and meet the local guide. We start to walk in the afternoon in this amazing place, which is the second highest peak in Madagascar and is formed of granite and gneiss. An exceptional adventure awaits you: splendid landscapes, picturesque villages, and incomparable diversity. During the 2nd day, we hike to reach the 2nd highest point in Madagascar (2658m). Every night, we camp in different places.
Day 9 (26/11): Andringitra NP ~ Ranohira (4h)
Our last day in this massif, we walk to join our car to drive us to Ranohira. We stop in Ihosy for lunch. Overnight at the recommended hotel.
Day 10 (27/11): Isalo NP
Morning hike in the Isalo NP. Nestled amidst the southwest terrains of sweeping canyons, dramatic bluffs and jutting rock formations, the Isalo National Park offers some rewarding trekking opportunities amongst natural pools and through uniquely Jurassic landscapes. Overnight at the recommended hotel.
Day 11 (28/11): Isalo NP ~ Ifaty (5h)
After breakfast, morning hike in another part of the park. After lunch, we leave Ranohira and drive to Ifaty passing through the big town of Toliary. Overnight in a local lodge.
Day 12 (29/11): Ifaty ~ Anakao
After breakfast, we head to the small port of Toliara where we take a speedy boat to go to Anakao. A small seaside paradise! Overnight in a local lodge.
Day 13 (30/11): Anakao day
Free day in Anakao. Anakao and nearby seaside villages are very beautiful and interesting in terms of various activities such as snorkeling and diving in the clear turquoise waters of the Mozambique Channel, whales watching (depending on season) and of course interaction with local fishermen who still use the traditional wooden canoes for their activities. Shortly after
dawn each morning you’ll see the fishermen putting out to sea, and tens of tiny sails flutter
across the water. Overnight at the same hotel.
Day 14 (01/12): Anakao – Toliary – Tana
After breakfast, we drive to Toliary by speed boat. Depending on the internal flight schedule,
we head to the airport to take our plane back to Tana. Overnight in a hotel in the city.
Day 15 (02/12): Hotel – international airport
Depending on your international flight schedule, possibility to organize a city tour and then
transfer to the airport and end of the tour.
1.960€ per person (for private trip of 6 persons)
- Land transportation 13 days (car and fuel)
- Guide & Driver accommodation and fees
- All Park Entrances fees & guides fees
- Transfer airport – hotel – airport in Antananarivo
- All Transfer by speedy boat (to and from Anakao)
- Full board in Zafimaniry
- Full board & camping equipment in Andringitra
- Accommodations listed on the tour programme in Bed and breakfast
- 1 internal flight ticket (TLE ~ TNR)
- International flights ticket
- Visa
- Travel insurance
- Extra activities eg. in Anakao
- Food & drinks
- Tips
- Accommodation is in shared double/twin rooms. Should you wish to stay in single rooms there will be an extra cost.
- The price refers to a group of 6 persons. The trip can be organized for less persons as well, but in a higher price per person.
- Please send your participation request at [email protected] until September 25, 2022. Participations are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis and after the payment of a non-refundable deposit (300 euros).
