Trekking in Madagascar

Your driver pick you up at the hotel,we can start a trip by visiting the 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, villages Imerina, Catholic and Protestant churches, lively markets. Arrived at Antsirabe, installation at the hotel. Depending on time we can exit to Tritriva lake located 15 kms west of town.It is one of the great lakes rather mysterious crater whose shape evokes map of Madagascar. This lake has also its legend: two lovers whose the parents refused the marriage and ended their day by drowning together. Back to the hotel. (Step 170 km, 3h30). La Chambre du Voyageur.

The guided walk around rural Manandona (located 20 kms South of Antsirabe), picnic included. It is a village to village 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 . After the ballad road to Ambositra the artisanal capital known for its marquetry and sculptures. At the exit of the city bifurcation to Antoetra birthplace of Zafimaniry Country. Installation in Ecolodge. (Step: 132 Km – 02h). Sous le Soleil de Mada.

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 reach Ambositra the capital of the craft then we continue to Ranomafana. Arrival late in the afternoon. (Step: 241 Km – 4h45). Accomodation in hotel Chez Gaspard 2 nights.

Ranomafana is a park who 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, who 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 a typical village which is located 15 kms in the south of Ranomafana; it  has 53 homes. We will visit a small royal palace, a school, a home. Meetings and exchanges with farmers and we will hear songs and see a traditional dances. Bakc to the hotel after the visit. Then in the early evening departure for the nocturnal visit outside the park.
In the afternoon Visit of a typical Tanala village typique located 15 kms south Ranomafana. We will visit school, local habitation. Meet with villagers and we will asisst to traditionnal danses.

Road via Fianarantsoa to Ambalavao visit of the reserve of Anja which is near the road and it is run by a villagers association. We discover many species of lemurs. Possibility of visiting the factory Antemoro 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 Pic. (Step 115 Km – 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.

A bit of track before finding the N7 for around five hours: the landscape becomes more desert. Crossing the Horombe Tray. We move to Bara’s countries one the ethnic group of the Island, known for the breeding of zebu. Arrival middle / 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. (Step 210 km, 5 h) Isalo Ranch for 2 nights.

Ranohitra ( Isalo ) The Isalo National Park, crisscrossed by rivers and tributaries, extends over 81,540 hectares. This massive ruiniform is a sandstone plateau continental Jurassic. Heavily eroded, only the parceled witnessed by the sandy valleys and canyons remained. A truly exceptional show! There are many possible circuits in the park. We can make a walk in the morning and another in the afternoon or even make a complete loop in the day, the hotel can prepare you a picnic. We include two circuits which can be combined as follow :
– The cascade of the Nymphs : Easy level up to the waterfall, can be extended through the rugged trails to the black and blue swimming pools in the middle of lush vegetation.
– The natural pool : easy level, done in half a day, the water is very clear, we can swim (a little cool from June to August ). Since the pool, the park guide will take you to a lookout 10 minutes of the site (for panoramic view of Isalo)

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.