Tour Details
An Exceptional Journey through Rivers, Forests, Rocks, and Traditions
For nature and tranquility lovers seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities, this tour is an invitation to disconnect. If you’re not traveling with young children and dream of an adventure worthy of Indiana Jones, the descent of the Tsiribihina River in a traditional dugout canoe will fulfill your desire for exploration.
Over the course of three days on the river, you’ll be immersed in a world of its own: breathtaking landscapes, surprising wildlife, and authentic encounters with local communities. The peaceful rhythm of the journey allows you to savor every moment in the heart of untouched nature—bird songs, lemurs leaping from tree to tree, and nights spent under the stars.
The adventure continues with a visit to the spectacular Tsingy de Bemaraha, dramatic limestone formations listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll then pass through the legendary Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset. Finally, the expedition ends in Northern Makay, a hidden gem of Madagascar, offering a wild immersion into an isolated mountain range with surreal landscapes and exceptional biodiversity.
Highlights of the West Madagascar Tour
- Exclusive descent in a traditional dugout canoe on the Tsiribihina River, for a total immersion in unspoiled nature, far from mass tourism.
- Privileged observation of local wildlife: lemurs, chameleons, endemic birds, bats... a true paradise for biodiversity lovers.
- Exploration of the Great and Small Tsingy of Bemaraha, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring unique limestone formations and spectacular canyons.
- Expedition into the Northern Makay massif, one of the most remote and untouched regions of Madagascar, featuring mineral landscapes, gallery forests, and impressive canyons.
- Authentic encounters with local communities in riverside villages, offering deeper insight into Malagasy traditions and ways of life.
- Unforgettable sunset over the Avenue of the Baobabs, one of Madagascar’s iconic landmarks—an absolute must to capture.
- Experience diverse modes of travel: dugout canoe, 4x4, zebu cart, trekking, bivouac… to fully enjoy a variety of adventures.
- Comfort in the wild: nights camping under the stars and carefully selected hotels, for a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.
- Cultural and historical discovery in Antananarivo with visits to monuments and the Queen’s Palace at the end of the trip.
Day 01 :
Arrival in Antananarivo
Welcome at Ivato International Airport by our team. Transfer to your carefully selected hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02 :
Antananarivo – Antsirabe (170 km / approx. 4 hours)
Departure by car to Antsirabe, the "City of Water." Along the way, discover the Central Highlands with their terraced rice fields, volcanic landscapes, and traditional mud-brick houses.
In the afternoon, enjoy a ride in a pousse-pousse and visit local craft workshops featuring gemstones, zebu horns, miniatures, and more.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03 :
Antsirabe – Miandrivazo (220 km / approx. 5 hours)
Departure for Miandrivazo, the starting point for the canoe descent. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of rice fields and volcanic landscapes.
Stop in Mandoto for lunch.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Miandrivazo.
Tsiribihina River canoe descent.
Day 04 :
Start of the descent
Embarkation on a traditional dugout canoe on the Tsiribihina River. The first day of navigation is marked by encounters with wildlife (lemurs, chameleons, kingfishers).
Swim break under a natural waterfall and visit a natural pool.
Overnight bivouac on a sandbank near a riverside village.
Night spent camping in a tent.
Day 05 :
Exploration of the riverbanks
Breakfast, followed by a walk in a typical village (Begidro). Navigation through wild landscapes, encounters with herons, whistling ducks, bats, and crossing tobacco plantations.
Overnight under the stars on a sandbank.
Day 06 :
End of the descent – Antanambao – Belo (46 km / 2 hours on rough roads)
Final moments on the river and discovery of a Baobab forest. Unique transfer by zebu cart, then continuation by 4x4 to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 07 :
Belo – Bekopaka (110 km / approx. 4 hours on rough roads)
Départ en 4x4 pour Bekopaka, porte d’entrée des Tsingy. Traversée du fleuve Manambolo en bac.
Nuit à l’hôtel.
Day 08 :
The Great and Small Tsingy
Early departure for the Great Tsingy, spectacular limestone formations. Hike (approx. 4 hours – Andamozavaky circuit) including crossing a suspension bridge and exploring ancient caves.
Return to the hotel for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the Small Tsingy (Andadoany circuit) for a botanical hike in a dry forest rich in endemic species.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09 :
Bekopaka – Morondava (220 km / approx. 7 hours on rough roads)
Early departure towards Morondava. Lunch in Belo, crossing the Tsiribihina River.
Stops at the Sacred Baobab and the Lovers’ Baobabs before arriving at the Avenue of the Baobabs to admire the unforgettable sunset.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Morondava.
Day 10 :
Morondava – Malaimbandy – Antsakoazato – Andasiberivotra
Distance: 156 km on road + 34 km on rough track – Duration: approximately 5 hours
Early morning departure by 4x4 from Morondava towards Malaimbandy. From there, the red dirt track leads us to Antsakoazato, deep in the wild nature. After a friendly outdoor lunch, we begin a hike of about 2 hours to reach our first campsite, set on the banks of the Sakapaly River.
The evening is spent in tents, around a campfire dinner, under an exceptionally clear starry sky.
Day 11 :
Andasiberivotra – Ankaramena Forest
Upon waking, a morning hike through the dense gallery forest and the impressive gorges of the Makay massif. We discover a cave adorned with rock paintings, witnesses to the ancestral past of the region. With a bit of luck, we may observe rare lemurs and endemic birds in their natural habitat.
The camp is set up by the river, creating a warm atmosphere around the campfire.
Day 12 :
Exploration of the Sakapaly Canyons
A full day dedicated to exploring the spectacular Sakapaly Canyons. We hike through narrow, mysterious passages alongside impressive cliffs. Swimming breaks are possible in natural pools with crystal-clear waters, offering a true moment of refreshment and relaxation.
Return to camp late afternoon and overnight stay in tents at the same location.
Day 13 :
Trek into the heart of the mineral massif
A challenging 6 to 7-hour hike through the upper tributaries of the Sakapaly. The landscape offers a magical atmosphere, with steep cliffs, clear rivers, and vegetation clinging to the terrain. This trek is a complete immersion into the wild nature of the Makay.
Final night in a bivouac, set in a postcard-perfect setting, perfect for reflection and contemplation.
Day 14 :
Return to Miandrivazo
After an early breakfast, a roughly 4-hour walk to reach the meeting point with our vehicle. On the way back to Miandrivazo, a stop is planned for lunch.
Check-in at the hotel in Miandrivazo for a well-deserved evening of rest.
Day 15 :
Miandrivazo – Antsirabe – Antananarivo
Distance: 390 km – Duration: approximately 10 hours
Long day of travel to reach Antananarivo via Antsirabe, a city known for its crafts and volcanic landscapes. Lunch break en route.
Arrival in the late afternoon in the capital, check-in at the hotel.
Day 16 :
Discovery of Antananarivo – Airport transfer
Matinée consacrée à la découverte culturelle et historique d’Antananarivo. Visite du centre-ville, où
se concentrent monuments, statues et vestiges du passé glorieux de la capitale. Découverte de
l’ancien palais de la reine, symbole fort de l’histoire malgache.
En fonction de l’horaire de votre vol international, transfert à l’aéroport international d’Ivato pour
votre départ.
Price: €2080
Includes
- Accommodations with continental breakfast
- Car rental and fuel (round trip)
- Supervision by a French- or English-speaking guide during the stay
- Tourist permits
- Entry fees for parks or reserves mentioned in the program and local guide fees
- Vehicle insurance
- Accommodation and meals for the driver
- Full board during the Makay trek (4 nights and 5 days)
- Full board during the Tsiribihina river descent (2 nights and 3 days)
- Pirogue rental
- Pirogue operator
- Porter in the Makay
- Meals for the porter in the Makay
- Camping equipment
- Local taxes
- Round-trip ferry crossings
Excludes
- Tips, personal expenses, and drinks
- Extra activities
- Bottled water
- Sleeping bag
- Lunch and dinner at hotel or restaurant
- Insurance
- Your personal equipment
- Umbrella
- Sunscreen
- T-shirts
