Solidarity Tourism Trip

Meet Espace Mada representant at the airport and transfer to the hotel Chalet des Roses

Your driver pick you up at Chalet des Roses,you start the trip by visiting uptown ( ‘Haute Ville’). Then you go head to the ”thermal town” named Antsirabe, down the road , stops are scheduled at Behenjy, and Ambatolampy. Landscape around national road will reveal land  of latérite, Protestant and Catholic churches, Imerina villages, and lively markets. (Step 170 kms, 4 to 5 hours ) Accommodation Chambre du Voyageur.

Morning transfer to Tritriva, mysterious lake in a volcanic crater that has the exact shape of Madagascar. You will have an amazing and amazing perspective. Then, take the RN 34 to join the village of Betafo 22 kilometers West from Antsirabe. Start of the ride by visiting 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, meet the real Malagasy peasants. At the top of the hill of Ambatomalaza, you will discover a very beautiful view of the whole commune, ideal place to take the ”Picnic lunch” in open air. Then you will be greeted by very smiling families. This will be an opportunity to learn the life of farmers and and Malagasy culinary arts. Here, it is possible to taste different types of Malagasy dishes  for example ”ravimbomanga and patsa”, ”trondro maina + romazava”, sweet potato fries, etc. Meeting with the brick-makers, learning houses  construction 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 grass, 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) you end with the visit of the royal tomb. Then Night in a Rural Gite closed to Betafo.

Transfer 20 kms South Antsirabe for another rural guided walk around Manandona  It consists by visiting different villages for 3 to 5 hours walk. Discover an old farmers village and wild silk, Protective ditches, 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 Malagasy  culture Malagasy (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 craft capital craft, famous for its marquetry and sculptures. At the exit of the city  you take a bifurcation  for the village of Antoetra , the birthplace of Zafimaniry Country. Installation to Ecolodge Ivato River Lodge (Step: 132 kms – 2h30)

A guided walk with picnic lunch from Antoetra to the village of Ifasina. Total immersion in Zafimaniry  country. It is 4 to 5 hours two-way trip. Then  you continue to Ranomafana. Arrival scheduled  late in the afternoon. (Step: 241 Km – 6 to 7 hours ).  Hotel Chez Gapsard.

Day 6

Visit Ranomafana national park, wichh covers 41,601 hectares fo primary forest. Rare lemurs species are observed there. The guided tour lasts from two to four hours . 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 / 2 hours )

Discover the rural areas around Fianarantsoa: from the cathedral, you take the direction of Ikianjasoa. After 2 kms, you reach a pass with a breathtaking view of the city of Fianarantsoa. you 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. This excursion is called “Les Greniers du Betsileo“

Morning departure from Fianarantsoa. cross the vineyards until Ambalavao. If step is Wednesday or Thursday, you will see a largest market of  Zebu : twice a week, thousands of heads are delivered there. Special entertainment prevails. Ambalavao is also well known for its Antaimoro Paper and its very nice silk weaving shop. South of city, visit the Anja reserve  which has created by a villagers association. The walks are from 45 minutes to 2 hours; Catta lemurs observation. Continuation of the N7 south direction; Crossing desert landscape and the plateau of Horombe. You enter in Bara country. Arrival late afternoon at Isalo, National Park . Installation for 2 nights at Isalo Ranch. (Step 5 hours, 270 kms )

Visit Isalo National Park, This wonderful massif dates from Jurassic Erosion has created an exceptionnal decor. Rangers will present you different possibles day tour, like Canyon Waterfall and Natural Pool.

Early morning departure for Tolaria, 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. Passing by Mahafaly country’s ( famous tombs decorated with Aloalo ). Before Tolaira entrance, you will stop at Antsokay arboretum  re – grouping endemic medicinal plants . Lunch advised there . It will remain  1 hour road to join of Ifaty. (Step 5 to 6 hours – 250 kilometers ). Accommodation at Hotel Solidaire Mangily

Beach and stay at leisure. Excursions could be suggestif by your hotel : Baobab forest (7 species), snorkelling, nautical activities…

Transfert Tuléar Airport. Flight back to Antananarivo, then departure for Anjozorobe (90 kms from Tanà). Depending on the time, you can visit the Saha Forest camp which is a: Community immersion in Antsahabe village, supported by the Association Fanamby”.

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 international airport of Ivato .