Tour Details
With the aim of offering you the best of southern Madagascar, we have designed this tour for you, rich in discovery, encounters, and sharing.
Are you passionate about hiking or trekking? Are you looking for the most beautiful treks?
This tour is for you. Designed for seasoned travelers, this trip will reveal the most remote corners of the south. With villages still unknown to tourists in Madagascar, direct interactions with the local population, and canoe trips to picturesque locations, this trip will undoubtedly be one of the most beautiful journeys of your life.
We invite you to book your next expedition with us for an unforgettable Madagascar trip.
HIGHLIGHTS / MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
- Spa town of Antsirabe
- Terraced rice field
- Tsaranoro Valley
- Sunset on the window of Isalo
- Betsileo Culture
- Art Zafimaniry
- Andringitra National Park
- Beautiful Anakao beach with its rich underwater biodiversity and magnificent landscapes
- Southern landscape
- Matsiatra River
- Isalo National Park
- City of a thousand or capital of Madagascar rich in history and culture.
Itinéraire
Upon your arrival at Ivato International Airport, our team will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel we have carefully booked for you.
Overnight at the hotel.
Departure after breakfast to Ambositra, the famous City of Art and tourist town in the central highlands. Along the way, you'll encounter lush green landscapes adorned with mountain ranges and simply magnificent river tributaries.
We'll enjoy a short visit to the artisanal aluminum kitchen utensil workshop in Ambatolampy.
We arrive in Antsirabe. "The rickshaw is the ideal means of transportation for discovering the city's cultural and historical heritage." Visit the embroidery, gemstone cutting, and zebu horn workshops.
Lunch in Antsirabe.
We continue our journey in the afternoon. At the gates of Ambositra, the capital of marquetry and wood carving, you'll have the opportunity to purchase Zafimaniry art objects as souvenirs in the workshops and specialized shops.
Overnight at the hotel.
Early morning departure for Antoetra, the capital of the Zafimaniry people, famous for its architecture and woodcarving expertise.
We will then begin a 4-hour hike through magnificent landscapes to reach the village of Sakaivo, with an elevation gain of 100 meters. Along the way, we will be immersed in eucalyptus and mimosa forests, offering exceptional views of the surrounding nature.
The descent will be on a granite slab, leading directly to the village of Sakaivo. Upon arrival, we will have the opportunity to visit the typical stilt huts, built of carved wood, true testaments to Zafimaniry art and culture.
We will enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature, before savoring a traditional dinner and spending the night with a local family, in a warm and authentic setting, at the heart of the local culture.
After a hearty breakfast, we'll set off on a 6-hour hike through the Zafimaniry region. We'll begin with a scenic descent through rice paddies nestled deep in the valley. Once at the bottom, a 150-meter climb awaits us to reach another plateau, offering spectacular views of the region.
We'll arrive at the village of Antoetra, our starting point, where we'll have the privilege of visiting a Zafimaniry art workshop. This is an opportunity to discover the incredible local craftsmanship, renowned for its sculptures and woodcuts.
After the visit, we'll return by car, taking the dirt road and National Road 7 to Fianarantsoa.
Arrival in Fianarantsoa, where we'll settle into a hotel for the night, after a day rich in discoveries and emotions.
Overnight at the hotel.
We will start this immersive day trip at 7:00 AM, departing from Fianarantsoa to explore the daily life of the Betsileo villagers. On the agenda: a deep dive into their everyday routines, using their traditional means of transport and observing their daily activities.
Our first stop will be the village of Mangarivotra, where we will take a canoe to cross the Mahatsiatra River, which separates two former Betsileo kingdoms. This canoe ride will be an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking landscapes and gain a better understanding of the relationship between the locals and their natural environment.
After about two hours of canoeing downstream, we will arrive at the Liamena waterfall, where we will take a well-deserved break for a picnic, while soaking in the beauty of the surroundings.
We will then continue our adventure towards the village of Iseta, following picturesque trails. There, a short hike of 1 to 2 hours will lead us through the famous tea fields of the Fianarantsoa region, renowned for their exceptional quality. We will take a relaxing break by the lake, offering a peaceful moment in nature.
Next, we will visit a local tea plantation, where we will learn about the different stages of tea cultivation and harvesting.
In the late afternoon, we will drive to Ambalavao, where we will conclude this day full of discoveries and encounters with the inhabitants of this fascinating region.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
Visit a workshop producing "Anteimoro paper," a parchment paper made from plant fibers;
Opportunity to attend the "zebu market" on Wednesdays, the second largest zebu market in Madagascar, with 2,000 heads on sale each week;
Departure for Andringitra National Park;
46 km of red trail to reach the park entrance;
Meet the local population, the Betsileo villagers, who have preserved their ethnic values;
A 4-hour walk (600 m elevation gain) to climb to the campsite at the foot of the cliff at an altitude of 2,050 m. Enjoy the panoramic view of the cliff and the two waterfalls, Riandahy and Riambavy;
Overnight in a bivouac.
A 2-3 hour hike to climb to Pic Boby (2,658 m), the view is magnificent; a 2-hour hike to descend;
A 4-hour hike to cross the plateau at the foot of the cliff, at an altitude of 2,000 m, and stroll through the alien site, following the descent along the west face of the cliff and crossing the palm forest;
You can admire another magnificent view there;
Overnight bivouac near another natural pool in Lantaranomby (at an altitude of 1,600 m).
Departure after breakfast. Descent towards the Tsaranoro valley (900 m altitude) for 4 hours of walking;
Lunch at the Camp Catta hotel;
Night at hotel.
The Tsaronoro Valley is a true natural gem, offering magnificent landscapes dominated by towering mountains and home to unique endemic flora and fauna. At an altitude of 850 meters, the charming village of Morarano, with its red-hued adobe houses, blends harmoniously into the surrounding scenery.
The Tsaranoro massif is a must-visit destination for rock climbing and paragliding enthusiasts, thanks to its impressive cliffs and its environment perfectly suited for these activities. Tsaranoro stands out in particular for its majestic cliff, rising 800 meters high and offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Here are three options to discover the beauty of the Tsaronoro Valley:
Option 1 – Grand Tsaranoro Circuit:
An 8-hour hiking loop, ideal for trekking enthusiasts, offering unbeatable viewpoints. The first lookout point, located at 1,800 meters, provides a spectacular panorama, while the second at 1,700 meters showcases the grandeur of the valley and the towering cliff.
Option 2 – Chameleon Peak Circuit:
A 6-hour round-trip hike leading to the summit of Chameleon Peak at an altitude of 1,540 meters. This circuit offers stunning views of the Tsaranoro cliff, the valley, and the Andringitra mountain range—a true natural spectacle.
Option 3 – Village Circuit:
A shorter 4-hour hiking loop, perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. This circuit allows you to explore the valley, visit the village forest, and discover the sacred forest—a culturally and naturally enriching experience.
Whichever circuit you choose, the Tsaronoro Valley promises an unforgettable experience, combining adventure, natural discovery, and immersion in local culture.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
We'll hit the road again for Ranohira, a sleepy little village at the foot of the great Isalo massif;
We'll continue our journey via the Horombe plateau;
Arrival in Ranohira, check into the hotel;
Towards the end of the afternoon, we'll have an exceptional sunset rendezvous at the
Isalo window, which has given Madagascar's Far West its reputation;
In the heart of the massif, you'll be captivated by the most unusual sculptures of the ruined relief of Isalo;
Overnight at the hotel.
Isalo National Park is located south of Fianarantsoa and covers 81,540 hectares;
You will find several endemic and highly protected species, including 14 diurnal and nocturnal lemurs;
In Isalo, you will also find 77 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, carnivores, insectivores, and rodents;
The park has more than 400 plant species, the vast majority of which are endemic to Madagascar;
The Isalo savannah is populated by fire-resistant palm trees, specific to the region: the "Satrana" or "Bismarkia nobilis";
Visit the Lemur Canyon: opportunity to see ring-tailed lemurs and sifakas;
Cross the ridge path, viewpoint over Isalo, visit the Nymphe waterfall, natural pool, black and blue pool with clear water;
Swimming is possible for those who wish;
Spend the night in a tent in the Namaza Canyon;
Early afternoon of the second day, departure for a journey through the deep south to reach Tulear. On the way: discover Ilakaka, the sapphire village; baobabs and the spectacular Mahafaly and Antandroy tombs;
Overnight at a hotel.
In the morning, transfer by motorboat from Tulear to Anakao, arrival and check-in at the hotel;
Overnight at the hotel.
You'll enjoy the Anakao coastline during your free day on the tour;
You'll have the opportunity to enjoy various activities such as cruising to the neighboring islands (Nosy Ve and Nosy Satrana), scuba diving, visiting Tsimanampetsotse National Park, or sunbathing;
Overnight at the hotel.
Return to Tulear and transfer to the airport to board a flight to Antananarivo;
Reception and transfer to the hotel;
Overnight at the hotel.
We will embark on a historical and cultural discovery of the capital;
We will tour the city center, which includes almost all of the city's historical monuments and statues, testifying to its glorious past;
We will head to the Blue Hill, home to a Royal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site;
Transfer to Ivato International Airport, depending on the international flight schedule.
Price: €1390
Includes
- Meet and greet and transfer to a hotel near the airport or in downtown Antananarivo
- Guided by a French-speaking guide throughout your stay
- Accommodation with continental breakfast
- Park or reserve entrance fees as mentioned in the program and local guide fees
- Vehicle insurance
- Full board on Days 3, 6, 7, 11, and 12
- Picnic lunch on Day 5
- Pirogue and canoe rental
- Camping equipment
- Porters
- Motorboat transfer from Tulear to Anakao and Anakao to Tulear
Excluded
- Tips, personal expenses, drinks
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel or restaurant
- Visits and excursions not mentioned in the program
- International flights and the domestic flight Tulear–Antananarivo
- Entry visa
- Insurance (health, assistance, theft, baggage, accident, cancellation, etc.)
- Sleeping bag
FAQs
A raincoat, such as a K-Way
Sunscreen
T-shirt
Walking shoes
Swimsuit
A hat or cap