Solidarity and Rural Tourism Trip

Your driver pick you up at the hotel,we can start the trip by visiting uptown and admire the capital city. Then we head to the ”thermal town” of Antsirabe, down the road we stop at the village of  Behenjy  which is famous for its ”foie gras”, Ambatolampy known for its artisanal factories of aluminum objects like canner. Continuation to Antsirabe: the landscape and the environment reveal rich land  laterite, Imerina villages, Catholic and Protestant churches, lively markets. Arrived at Antsirabe,  installation at the hotel.  (Step 170 kms, 3h30) Accommodation Chambre du Voyageur.

Morning transfer to Tritriva, mysterious lake in a volcanic crater that has the exact shape of Madagascar. We will have an amazing and amazing perspective. Then, take the RN 34 to join the villages of Betafo 22km from Antsirabe. Start of the ride with the visit of manufacturers of traditional Malagasy popcorn using very old and typical tools. Photo break and free tasting of Malagasy popcorn. To go even further, beyond the traditional paths, go to meet the real Malagasy peasants. At the top of the hill of Ambatomalaza, we will discover a very beautiful view of the whole commune, ideal place to take the ”Picnic lunch” in the open air. Then we will be greeted by very smiling families. This will be an opportunity to learn the life of farmers and learning Malagasy culinary arts. Here, it is possible to taste different types of Malagasy dishes in different families, for example ”ravimbomanga and patsa”, ”trondro maina + romazava”, sweet potato fries, etc. Meeting with the brickmakers and tile makers on site, learning the construction of houses in clay and brick or even wood. Visit Mandritsara, the village named ”Capital of blacksmiths” where they make tools used by villagers daily like the knife, the spade, the grass, the plow etc. Continuation to the famous ”Antafofo Falls” which makes this village famous. The walk leads us in the middle of rice paddies to meet Herons and Egrets. Before going to the market of Betafo (every Monday) we end with the visit of the royal tomb of a spectacular and unusual presentation. Then Night in a Rural Gite at Betafo.

A rural guided walk around Manandona (located 20 kms South of Antsirabe), picnic included. It consists to visit the villages and It is about 3h to 5h of walk. Discover an old farmers village and wild silk, Protective ditches (or hadivory), the famous ”tamboho” of old time, You will also be brought to meet different types of customs (Famadiana, Famorana, Ala volon-jaza), which may reflect the culture of Malagasy people (season: June, July, August, September). You go for a walking tour in the rural countryside, crossing rice fields and small villages in the area, schools and meeting the real highlands peasant that will make you discover their daily life Folksongs and dancing around a fire with the villagers and families who welcome us at the end of the afternoon (Tandonaka)? Then Head to Ambositra the capital of craft;  famous for its marquetry and sculptures. At the exit of the city  we take a bifurcation  for the village of Antoetra , the birthplace of Zafimaniry Country. Installation to Ecolodge Sous Le Soleil de Mada (Step: 132 kms – 2h30)

A guided walk with picnic from Antoetra to the village of Ifasina. Immersion in Zafimaniry  country. It is 4 to 5 hours two-way trip. Then  we continue to Ranomafana. Arrive late in the afternoon. (Step: 241 Km – 4h45).  Hotel Chez Gapsard.

Ranomafana, a forested park, covers 41,601 hectares. It was declared a World Natural Heritage Site in Atsinanana in 2007. It is home to a wealth of endemic biodiversity. Rare species of lemurs are found here. The park is also the genetic reservoir of some rare and endemic plant species. It is traversed by many rivers that are the tributaries of the Namorona River; guided tour in the morning of 2 to 4 hours that can be adapted according to the physical condition. In the afternoon we re-enclose the city of Fianarantsoa. Built on a site of hills alternating with valleys, your driver will take you to the Upper City, the primitive site of the city with its traditional houses and numerous churches. Overnight at the Hotel La Rizière, helped by an association that supports the formation of a hotel school. The price of the night is used to cover the cost of students’ schooling.  ( 60 kms / 1:30 )

Discover the rural areas around Fianarantsoa: from the cathedral, we take the direction of Ikianjasoa. After 2km, we reach a pass with a breathtaking view of the city of Fianarantsoa. We descend to Antsahamasina through a forest of eucalyptus, pine, and mimosa. The path leads to typical Betsileo villages and the Antsahamasina winery. The walk ends at the locals around noon with a traditional meal at the Betsileo in the heart of the life of the villagers. Back to Fianarantsoa.

Morning departure from Fianarantsoa. we cross the vineyards (possibility of wine tasting ”Lazan’ny Betsielo”) at Ambalavao. If step falls on a Wednesday or Thursday morning you can attend one of the largest markets of the Zebu: thousands of heads are delivered twice a week. Special entertainment prevails. The capital of zebu is also known for its factory Antaimoro Paper and beautiful silk weaving shop. At the South of the city, visiting the reserve Anja. This reserve was created by a villagers association that provides protection. The walks are between 45 minutes and 2 hours;we will see Catta lemurs. Continuation of the N7 south direction; the landscape becomes more desert. Crossing the plateau of Horombe. We move to Bara’s countries one the ethnic group of the Island, known for the breeding of zebu. Arrival late afternoon at Isalo, exceptional site in Western décor which presents a variety of majestic landscapes, impressive canyons, rock formations carved by erosion. Installation at the hotel Isalo Ranch. (Step 270 kms, 5 hours)

The Isalo National Park, criss-crossed by rivers and tributaries, covers 81,540 hectares. This ruiniform massif is a plateau of continental sandstone dating from the Jurassic. Heavily eroded, only witnesses fragmented by the sandy valleys and canyons remained. A truly exceptional show! There are several possible walking tours in the park. For example, you can take a walk in the morning and another in the afternoon or even make a complete loop during the day, a village association can prepare you a lunch in the middle of nature. We include 2 circuits that can be combined including:
– The natural pool ( Piscine Naturelle ): easy level, takes place in half a day, the water is very clear, you can swim there (fresh from June to August). From the pool, the park guide will take you to a lookout 10 minutes from the site (panoramic view of the Isalo)
– The waterfall of the Nymphs ( Cascade des Nymphes ): easy level up to the waterfall, it can be extended via rugged paths to the black and blue pools in the heart of lush vegetation.

Early morning departure towards Tulear, desert landscape where thorny plants emerge. On the Way visit of ONG Bel Avenir the Sapphire school. Crossing villages gems of researchers which the more known is Ilakaka, which is sapphire’s city. First glimpse of baobabs and passing by Mahafaly country’s, overlooking the famous tombs of the same name, topped by large carved posts called ”Aloalo”. We visit the arboretum of Antsokay which is located at the entrance to the South Tulear grouping typical flora and many endemic medicinal plants in Madagascar. Lunch advised at Tulear. It remains one small hour to reach the seaside resort of Ifaty. (Step 250 kms – 4h30). Accomodation at Hotel Solidaire Mangily

Beach and lstay at leisure .Excursions can be organised directly with the hotel : visit of the Baobab forest (7 species), snorkelling, nautical activities…Solidaire Mangily.

Transfert to the airport of Tuléar. Flight back to Tanà, then departure for Anjozorobe (90kms from Tanà). Depending on the time we can visit a Community immersion in Antsahabe village, supported by the “Association Fanamby” Saha Forest Camp.

Day visit in the primary forest in the morning, éco touristic tour “Shadows” in the middle of the protected area in the afternoon. Back to Tanà at the hotel Chalet Des Roses.

Pick up at your hotel and transfer to the airport.