This journey combines adventure, authenticity, and comfort, alternating 4×4 travel, river navigation, hiking, and relaxation. An unforgettable experience at Madagascar’s gentle pace, ideal for lovers of wide open spaces and unspoiled nature, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Arrival at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo and transfer to the city center. Settle into your accommodation, ready to begin your grand Malagasy adventure.
Havana Resort Hotel or similar.
Day 2 – Antananarivo → Antsirabe (180 km, approx. 4 hours)
Departure south toward Antsirabe, a charming thermal town founded by Norwegians, via National Road 7. En route, stop in Ambatolampy to visit a traditional aluminum foundry producing Madagascar’s famous cookware. Admire typical Highland landscapes with red-brick villages, vast rice fields, and green hills. In Antsirabe, enjoy a city tour by rickshaw, visiting silk workshops, precious stone cutters, and zebu horn sculptors, offering a glimpse into local craftsmanship.
Royal Palace Hotel or similar.
Day 3 – Antsirabe → Miandrivazo → Masiakampy (280 km, approx. 6 hours)
Departure toward western Madagascar. Begin with a visit to the volcanic lakes Andraikiba and Tritriva (approx. 2 hours), steeped in local legends. Continue to Miandrivazo, where landscapes become arid and expansive, revealing a different side of the island. Arrival in Masiakampy around 3 PM. Free afternoon to relax by the pool or walk through the village, preparing for your river journey.
Eden de la Tsiribihina Hotel or similar.
Days 4 & 5 – Masiakampy / Tsiribihina River Descent
Morning departure aboard a traditional barge to begin the Tsiribihina River descent (approx. 150 km). Enjoy breathtaking scenery including tropical plants, rice fields, tobacco plantations and abundant birdlife such as herons, egrets, and ibis. Experience full-board camping in nature, under the stars. The first day includes a refreshing swim in a natural pool, a true highlight of this tranquil journey.
Day 6 – Tsiribihina River → Belo-sur-Tsiribihina → Bekopaka (120 km, approx. 4 hours track)
End of your serene river journey. Continue by 4×4 to Bekopaka through arid plains, marshlands, baobab forests, and remote villages, witnessing the evolving landscapes of Madagascar’s west. Cross the Manambolo River by ferry, an authentic local experience.
Olympe de Bemaraha Hotel or similar.
Day 7 – Bekopaka (40 km, approx. 2 hours)
A full day dedicated to the exploration of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover a spectacular limestone labyrinth formed over millions of years, home to 90 bird species, 8 reptiles, and around 12 lemur species. Embark on a thrilling 5-hour hike in the Grand Tsingy, navigating its unique geological formations.
Olympe de Bemaraha Hotel or similar.
Day 8 – Bekopaka → Morondava (220 km, approx. 8 hours)
Morning departure from Bekopaka. Stop for a well-deserved lunch in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina (not included). Your journey culminates with arrival at the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset, a truly magical and unforgettable sight.
Laguna Beach Hotel or similar.
Day 9 – Morondava → Belo-sur-Mer (90 km, approx. 4 hours)
Journey south along the west coast to Belo-sur-Mer, a charming village famous for traditional dhow building. The scenery transforms to spiny forests, more majestic baobabs, rice fields, and isolated villages, offering insight into coastal life. Enjoy a free afternoon at the beach, relaxing by the Indian Ocean.
Belo Beach Hotel or similar.
Day 10 – Belo-sur-Mer / Kirindy Mitea National Park
Today, visit Kirindy Mitea National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems including dunes, rich birdlife, intricate mangroves, and impressive baobabs. This approximately 3-hour visit offers a chance to explore a unique biodiversity hotspot.
Belo Beach Hotel or similar.
Day 11 – Belo-sur-Mer → Morombe (270 km, approx. 12 hours)
A long but scenic travel day via Manja, traversing remote and wild landscapes. Experience crossing the Mangoky River by hand-pulled ferry, adding an element of local adventure to your journey.
Paletuvier Hotel or similar.
Days 12–14 – Morombe → Tsiandamba (120 km, approx. 6 hours)
Continue your coastal drive, passing by the sacred millennial baobab and the Enchanted Baobab Forest. Your destination is Tsiandamba, an isolated fishing village boasting a paradisiacal beach, perfect for relaxation and immersion in local life.
Manga Bay Lodge or similar.
Day 15 – Tsiandamba → Ranohira (310 km, approx. 9 hours)
Drive via RN9 then RN7, heading inland towards the rugged beauty of Isalo. Conclude your day with a spectacular sunset at the famous Isalo Window, a natural rock formation offering panoramic views.
H1 Isalo Hotel or similar.
Day 16 – Ranohira / Isalo National Park
Spend the day exploring Isalo National Park: its dramatic canyons, towering cliffs, and refreshing natural pools. Embark on a guided hike of approximately 6 hours, discovering its unique geological formations and endemic flora.
H1 Isalo Hotel or similar.
Day 17 – Ranohira → Ranomafana (340 km, approx. 8 hours)
Journey east, starting with a visit to Anja Community Reserve, renowned for its habituated ring-tailed lemurs. Continue with a stop in Ambalavao to visit the Antaimoro paper workshop, witnessing this ancient craft.
Setam Lodge or similar.
Day 18 – Ranomafana → Ambositra (160 km, approx. 6 hours)
Explore Ranomafana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to 12 lemur species, including the elusive golden bamboo lemur. Enjoy a guided walk of approximately 3 hours through its lush rainforest.
Ivato River Lodge or similar.
Day 19 – Ambositra → Antananarivo (290 km, approx. 8 hours)
Visit Ambositra, the capital of Malagasy woodcraft and the heart of the Zafimaniry culture (also recognized by UNESCO). Observe skilled artisans at work before making your way back towards the capital.
Ikopa Hotel or similar.
Day 20 – Antananarivo → Andasibe (140 km, approx. 5 hours)
Head east to Andasibe. Visit Mitsinjo Private Reserve, contributing to local conservation efforts. Enjoy an evening walk in VOIMMA Reserve, a chance to spot nocturnal lemurs and other wildlife.
Feony Ala Hotel or similar.
Day 21 – Andasibe / Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Spend the day immersed in the rich biodiversity of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, home to 14 lemur species, including the largest, the Indri Indri. Embark on a 4-hour forest walk to observe these fascinating primates. Later, visit Vakona Reserve, known for its lemur island.
Feony Ala Hotel or similar.
Day 22 – Andasibe → Antananarivo (140 km, approx. 5 hours)
Return to Antananarivo, making a significant stop to visit the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga (UNESCO), a site of great cultural and historical importance for the Malagasy people.
Chat’o Park Hotel or similar.
Day 24 – Antananarivo / Departure
Transfer to the international airport for your departure. This meticulously planned journey culminates after 24 days, leaving you with indelible memories of Madagascar’s unparalleled biodiversity, stunning vistas, and the warm hospitality of its people. Each day was an invitation to discover a new facet of this extraordinary island, promising an adventure unlike any other. End of services.
1 traveler: €5,100 (single room)
2 travelers: €2,900 (double/twin)
3 travelers: €2,700 (triple)
4 travelers: €2,500 (double/twin)
5 travelers: €2,300 (1 triple + 1 double/twin)
6 travelers: €2,150 (double/twin)
For more options, please contact us.
Included
Private vehicle with French-speaking driver-guide | Private river barge with full board | Entrance fees | Accommodation with dinner & breakfast | All transfers
Not Included
Visa (€35) | Domestic flights | Lunches not mentioned | Drinks | Personal expenses | Anything not listed as included
Ambatolampy
Ambatolampy is a lively highland town located south of Antananarivo, best known for its traditional aluminium foundries. Here, recycled metal is transformed by hand into everyday cooking utensils using techniques passed down through generations. Surrounded by fertile farmland, Ambatolampy also serves as an important agricultural center, reflecting authentic rural life in Madagascar’s central plateau.
Antsirabe
Antsirabe is a charming spa town set in the cool climate of the central highlands, renowned for its thermal springs and colonial-era architecture. Founded by Norwegian missionaries, the city features wide avenues, colorful pousse-pousse, and vibrant markets. Nearby volcanic lakes such as Tritriva and Andraikiba add natural beauty and cultural significance to the region.
Miandrivazo
Miandrivazo lies in western Madagascar at the transition between the central highlands and the dry lowlands. Known as one of the hottest towns in the country, it is the main departure point for expeditions along the Tsiribihina River. The town plays a key role as a supply hub for river journeys and western Madagascar travel.
Tsiribihina River
The Tsiribihina River is one of Madagascar’s great waterways, flowing westward through dramatic landscapes of cliffs, gorges, and savannah. Multi-day descents by traditional barge reveal remote villages, wildlife such as lemurs and bats, and striking natural features, including waterfalls and limestone formations, offering an immersive experience into Madagascar’s western ecosystems.
Bekopaka
Bekopaka is a small, remote village that serves as the main gateway to the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Its isolation has preserved a traditional way of life, with agriculture and river transport dominating daily activities. Bekopaka is also a staging point for travelers preparing to explore one of Madagascar’s most extraordinary natural landscapes.
Tsingy de Bemaraha
The Tsingy de Bemaraha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its spectacular limestone karst formations, known as “tsingy,” forming a labyrinth of razor-sharp pinnacles. This unique landscape hosts highly specialized flora and fauna, including endemic lemurs, reptiles, and birds adapted to the extreme, rocky environment and hidden forest canyons.
Morondava
Morondava is a coastal town on Madagascar’s west coast, best known as the gateway to the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs. The town has a relaxed atmosphere, supported by fishing and agriculture. Morondava also offers beautiful sunsets over the Mozambique Channel and serves as a strategic base for exploring surrounding natural attractions.
Belo sur Mer
Belo sur Mer is a remote coastal village known for its traditional shipbuilding techniques using local hardwoods. Isolated and accessible mainly by dirt tracks, the village maintains a strong maritime culture. Its lagoon, mangroves, and salt flats support fishing and salt production, while its calm atmosphere reflects an untouched coastal lifestyle.
Morombe
Morombe is a quiet coastal town situated between mangroves and sandy beaches along Madagascar’s southwest coast. It is known for its strong Vezo fishing culture and access to coral reefs and lagoons. Less visited than other coastal towns, Morombe offers an authentic glimpse into traditional coastal life and marine-based livelihoods.
Tsiandamba
A remote coastal village in the Atsimo-Andrefana region of southwestern Madagascar, situated along a pristine stretch of white-sand lagoon and Indian Ocean shoreline. It is known for its natural beauty, turquoise waters, and traditional Vezo fishing culture. The area around Tsiandamba offers incredibly peaceful beaches and access to one of the most beautiful, undeveloped coastal landscapes in Madagascar, where visitors can enjoy water sports, boat excursions, and cultural encounters with local fishing communities.
Toliara (Tuléar)
Toliara, often called Tuléar, is the main city of southwestern Madagascar and a gateway to the arid south. Known for its lively markets and coastal setting, it lies near unique ecosystems such as coral reefs and spiny forests. Toliara also reflects a mix of ethnic cultures and serves as an important regional hub.
Ranohira
Ranohira is a small settlement strategically located at the entrance of Isalo National Park. Despite its modest size, it plays a key role in tourism, offering accommodation and services for visitors exploring the park. Surrounded by vast open landscapes and sandstone formations, Ranohira marks the transition into Madagascar’s southern regions.
Isalo National Park
Isalo National Park is one of Madagascar’s most iconic protected areas, characterized by dramatic sandstone massifs, deep canyons, natural swimming pools, and palm-lined oases. The park hosts unique flora such as pachypodiums and aloes, along with wildlife including lemurs, reptiles, and endemic birds adapted to this semi-arid environment.
Ihosy
Ihosy is a crossroads town located on the Ihorombe Plateau, marking the transition between Madagascar’s highlands and the southern plains. Surrounded by open savannah, it is home to pastoral communities, particularly zebu herders. Ihosy is also an important stop along the RN7 for travelers heading toward the south.
Ambalavao
Ambalavao is a culturally rich town at the southern edge of the central highlands, known for its traditional Antaimoro paper-making and vibrant zebu markets. Nearby granite landscapes and community reserves, such as Anja, make it an important center for both cultural discovery and wildlife observation, particularly ring-tailed lemurs.
Ranomafana
Ranomafana is a lush rainforest town famous for its national park and natural hot springs. The surrounding forest is one of Madagascar’s biodiversity hotspots, home to numerous lemur species, rare amphibians, and medicinal plants. The village itself grew around the park and reflects a strong link between conservation and local livelihoods.
Ambositra
Ambositra is the cultural heart of the Zafimaniry people, internationally recognized for their intricate wood carving traditions. Situated in the central highlands, the town features artisan workshops producing decorative wooden objects and architectural elements. Ambositra’s cultural heritage and scenic surroundings make it a key stop for understanding Malagasy craftsmanship.