Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo
Welcome to Antananarivo, the starting point of our journey. Today is all about arriving, and you can come to the hotel whenever suits you. Our tour leader will be there to welcome you and help with the check-in process.
At 6 pm, we’ll all come together for a special welcome dinner. This is a chance for us to meet and for you to learn some important things about the upcoming tour. If you’ll be arriving late and can’t make it to the welcome dinner, please let us know in advance.
If you get to Antananarivo early, our hotel is in a central area called Isoraka. You can easily explore the city on foot from here. You can also plan ahead and book a guided day tour of Antananarivo to make the most of your time.
Day 2: Journey to Andasibe’s Rainforests
After breakfast, our adventure begins as we hit the road towards the lush rainforests of Andasibe. This place is famous for the Indri Indri lemurs. On the way, we’ll make a few small stops to enjoy the sights before we enter the different climate of eastern Madagascar. Tonight, get ready to explore the rainforest after dark. Make sure to bring a flashlight, good walking shoes, and rain gear, so you’re all set for this exciting nighttime experience.
Day 3: Exploring Andasibe
Rise and shine! We’re up early today to catch the forest action before the Indri Indri lemurs wake up. As the morning air echoes with their calls, we’ll have a better chance to spot them and snap some amazing photos up close.
Once we’ve immersed ourselves in the national park’s beauty, we’re off to Vakona Private Park. Here, we’ll have the fantastic opportunity to get really close to some friendly lemurs. After a day full of lemur encounters and fun, we’ll return to our hotel for a delicious dinner.
Day 04: To the Highlands
On this particular day, we have a long drive ahead of us from Andasibe to Ampefy. It’s a day that will allow us to take in the ever-changing landscapes and pass through numerous villages, showcasing the local way of life. You’ll notice the rice fields stretching out before us, a testament to the region’s important agricultural practices.
During our journey, we’ll make several brief stops along the way, providing opportunities to connect with the local culture and maybe interact with the friendly locals. By the time we reach Ampefy in the afternoon, you’ll have covered a significant distance and gained a deeper sense of the varied landscapes and communities that make Madagascar unique.
Day 5: Geysers & Waterfalls
On a new day of our adventure, we will kick off our journey by visiting the enchanting Lily Waterfall and experiencing the captivating geysers in Ampefy. Following this excursion, we will embark on a scenic drive through the highlands en route to Antsirabe, where more exciting experiences await.
Day 6: Pousse, Pousse, Lakes & History
Antsirabe, a charming highland town situated approximately four hours to the south of the capital, offers an array of delightful experiences. Our visit to Antsirabe will include an exploration of local customs, such as silk-weaving, stone cutting, and the art of zebu horn carving. Additionally, we’ll embark on a brief hike to Lake Tritriva, a stunning body of water nestled within the dormant volcanic crater, encircled by awe-inspiring metamorphic cliffs. Following our time in Antsirabe, we will journey to Miandravazo, where our river cruise adventure is set to commence the following day.
Day 7: River, Waterfalls & Wildlife
After breakfast, we depart for Masiakapy, where we embark on a motorboat for a captivating journey along the Tsiribihina river. Relax and soak in the scenic beauty while spotting diverse wildlife like herons, parrots, and lemurs in the Bemaraha massif. Around noon, we shower under Madagascar’s renowned Nosy Ampela waterfall, followed by setting up camp on a sandbank. Enjoy a riverside dinner by the campfire, under the stars.
Day 8: River, Villages & Stars
Leaving our first campsite, we make a brief visit to Begidro village, connecting with the local community. Encounter Malagasy villagers, observe a primary school, traditional houses, a tobacco plantation, and a tobacco storage facility.
Our journey continues as we cruise the Tsiribihina River by motorboat, passing through Berevo village, which hosts essential amenities such as a hospital, Catholic school, and gendarmerie.
In the late afternoon, we arrive at Ambatomisay village, home to the striking Andasonia Baobab tree. Explore the village, prepare for camping, and relish a traditional local dance performance around the campfire. Enjoy a night of camping beneath the stars.
Day 9: Going Offroad
After lunch, as we conclude our enchanting Tsiribihina river expedition, it’s time to prepare for an exhilarating change of pace. We shift gears to 4×4 vehicles, embarking on an offroad adventure that promises both thrills and stunning landscapes.
This rugged terrain will lead us through several exciting river crossings, setting the stage for our upcoming exploration of Tsingy de Bemaraha.
Day 10: Tombs & Small Tsingy
Our day begins with the first light of morning as we embark on a dugout canoe adventure to explore the mesmerizing gorge of Manambolo. Our canoe journey also takes us to the famous family tomb of the Vazimba tribe, who inhabited the Tsingy region in the 17th century.
In the afternoon, our exploration continues as we delve into the captivating realm of the Small Tsingy. Here, you’ll encounter a labyrinth of limestone formations, with two vanatge points offering breathtaking views of the towering pinnacles.
Keep an eye out for the largest Sifaka of the Western Madagascar, known as Decken’s Sifaka, as well as red – fronted brown lemurs, a diverse array of bird species, and even intricate spiders.
Our journey forms a perfect circle, concluding once more at the Manambolo River’s gorge, where the mesmerizing landscapes continue to unfold.
Day 11: Big Tsingy
We kick off the day with an early morning drive, covering 15 kilometers in approximately one hour, to reach the awe-inspiring Grand Tsingy.
Once we arrive, prepare for a 4 to 5-hour hike through this boundless expanse of natural wonder. Along the way, you’ll encounter a diverse array of natural marvels, including massive 30-meter high cracks, lush forest canyons inhabited by lemurs and a symphony of birdsong. The flora here is truly exceptional, featuring endemic and medicinal plants that add to the area’s uniqueness.
As you traverse this remarkable landscape, explore caves, admire the grandeur of the cathedral of rocks, and savour the panoramic views from the highest roof of the Big Tsingy. After a morning filled with exploration, we’ll return to the hotel for a well – deserved lunch and a relaxing afternoon break.
Day 12: Mysteries of the forest
Today, our journey takes us to Kirindy Forest, conveniently situated on our route to Morondava.
As we drive towards this captivating forest, be prepared to be enchanted by the unique flora and fauna that await. Kirindy Forest is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to various lemurs, including nocturnal species like the elusive mouse-lemurs and the enchanting fork-marked lemurs.
Upon arriving at Kirindy, we’ll embark on a night walk, immersing ourselves in the mysteries of the forest under the cover of darkness. This nocturnal adventure offers a rare opportunity to observe these elusive creatures in their natural habitat, making for a truly memorable and magical experience.
Day 13: Baobab Alley in sunset
Our day begins with a morning exploration of the enchanting Kirindy Dry Forest, known for its distinctive deciduous trees. Here, we’ll have the chance to encounter a variety of fascinating wildlife, including lemurs, birds, and curious rodents. After our forest adventure, we’ll enjoy a satisfying lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a leisurely drive to reach the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs, just in time for a breathtaking sunset. This is a perfect opportunity to capture the beauty of these ancient giants with your camera, as they cast striking silhouettes against the dusky sky. Following the sunset spectacle, our journey continues as we drive to Morondava.
As evening descends, we come together for our final dinner, making this last evening of our 13 – day adventure truly special, filled fond memories and camaraderie.
Day 14: End after breakfast in Morondava
As the sun rises on our final day, we wake up refreshed from a restful night’s sleep. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to this unforgettable journey.
We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers to Morondava Airport or accommodations within the city of Morondava. For those with extended travel plans or connections to other tours starting in Morondava, private transfer options are also available.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for choosing to embark on this remarkable adventure with us, and we hope to welcome you again on future adventures. Safe travels!
