Trekking in Madagascar

Picked up at your hotel by your driver who can take you to the upper town to admire the view of the capital ( Haute Ville ). Then, departing for the town of Antsirabe, you will stop along the way to the village of Behenjy famous for its foie gras, and to Ambatolampy known for its artisanal manufactures of aluminum objects including pots. Continuation to Antsirabe: the landscape and the environment reveal rich laterite lands, typical Imerina villages, Catholic or Protestant churches, lively markets. Arrival in Antsirabe, installation at the hotel. Then exit to Tritriva Lake located at 15 kms western of the city. It is one of the large crater lakes quite mysterious whose shape evokes the map of Madagascar. This lake also has its legend: two lovers whose parents refused marriage ended their day by drowning hand in hand. Back to the hotel. (Step 170 kms, 3h30) La Chambre du Voyageur.

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. Arrival late in the  afternoon. (Step: 241 Kms – 4h45)  Accomodation Chez Gaspard

Ranomafana is a park that covers 41,601 ha of forest. In 2007, it was ranked Heritage as World Natural of the Atsinanana (”The East”) .It shelters a rich endemic biodiversity, which includes rare species of lemur. The park  is also the genetic reservoir of rare and  some endemic plant species. It is traversed by many rivers that are tributaries of the river Namorona; visit of 2 to 4 hours we can adapt the visit. According to fitness. Then visit of typical village around 1h30 in the heart Tanala, which is located 15 kms in the south of Ranomafana which has 53 homes. We will visit a small royal palace, a school, a home. Meeting and exchange with farmers and we will hear songs and see a traditional dances.

Road via Fianarantsoa to Ambalavao  Visit of the Anja reserve which is near to the road and it is run by a villagers association. We discover many species of lemurs. Possibility of visiting the factory Antaimoro paper. Installation at the lodge. Ambalavao is located on the borders of Highlands and of the Betsileo country, nestled in a valley surrounded by granite mountains and dominated by the massif of Andringitra and Boby peak. This is the starting point for the trek to the boby Peak. (Step 115 Kms – 2h15). Hotel Tsinenimaparihy Lodge

An early departure tpwards the Andringitra Mountain range. Along the way, you can enjoy visiting the vineyardss Soavita and taste their wines. In Ambalavao, visit a workshops of handicraft Antaimoro paper and silk. From here, you attack the track that leads to the entrance of the national park for about 45 km.Beautiful scenery that you have enough time to contemplate cause of the state of the track. In Namoly you enter in the park and begin your first day of hiking to go to th royal bath called ”Asaramanitra” and join the capment at Andriampotsy, over a period about 4 hours of walking and 400 m of elevation. Our first camp will take place at Andriampotsy at the foot of hyge granite cliffs, at 2050 m of altitud. CAMP

The summit is located in the crest which is very exposed to the eastern climate influences with a very humid smog could quickly cover the summit; and may spoil the beautiful climb to this prestigious peak of Madagascar. After only 2h 30 minutes of walk you will reach the peak, and enjoy a wonderful view of the whole region. In very good weather, even the massif of Isalo a bit far on the south can be seen. Descended from the pick then on the circuit ”extra-terrestrial; once the trip continues you will understand soon why this tour is called thus. Strange surreal lunar landscape setting in mountainous surroundings that you won’t easily forget. On the descent after this beautiful landscape you cross the forest of endemic Palm called ”ravenea glauca” continuation to the camping site of Iantaranomby for the night. CAMP.

Departure after breakfast for the descent of the Valley of Tsaranoro. Possibility of spotting the Pachypodium of enchyflorum, different species of aloe and lizards. Once on the foot of the massif, the path continues through several villages in the Barabory; Bara and Betsileo culture mixes. From the village of Morarano, you start the cross of this beautiful valley of the Tsaranoro to finish on Camp Catta. Camp Catta / Equiped Tent.

The road is a track before finding the N7 for around five hours: the landscape becomes more desert. Crossing the plateau of Horombe. We move to Bara’s countries one of the ethnic group of the Island, known for the breeding of zebu. Arrival at the end of the afternoon at Isalo, exceptional site in Western decor which presents a variety of majestic landscapes, impressive canyons, rock formations carved by erosion. Installation at the hotel Isalo Ranch. (Step 210 kms, 5 h)

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.

Morning departure from Ranohira; 3:30 of drive to join Tuléar, Transfer by boat to Anakao Settle in hotel Longo Vezo.

Relaxing stay at the hotel in Anakao which offers serveral types of activities like : a Vezo pirogue trip along the reef up to the small island of Nosy Ve (we can admire the Phaethon), diving, fishing, snorkelling or kite surfing.. Longo Vezo

Transfer by boat back to Tuléar from Anakao, then untill the airport. Fly back to Tanà. Transfer to your hotel.. Belvédère

City tour in Antananarivo, beginning with the hightown where there is the Queen palace, Continuing to the independance avenue, limited by the railway station. Passing the artificial lake Anosy after and ending with the handicraft market to buy some souvenirs. Pick up at hotel and assistance at the airport to fly back home.