Tsiribihina River Descent by Barge

Upon your arrival at Ivato International Airport, our team will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel we have carefully reserved for you.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Departure by car to reach Antsirabe, the City of Water.

This first day offers a surprising glimpse of the rice field landscapes and the unique, rocky and mountainous scenery of the Central Highlands.

Along the road, you'll see the charm of traditional houses made of mud bricks, with thatched or tiled roofs.

Lunch in Antsirabe and check-in at the hotel.

The afternoon is dedicated to short visits and a ride in a traditional pousse-pousse.

Antsirabe is a city rich in history. Colonial-era buildings recall its glorious past under French colonization. You’ll see French-inspired architecture, tree-lined avenues, and the rustic yet majestic Hôtel des Thermes. Back then, the city was nicknamed "the Malagasy Vichy" for its therapeutic thermal springs.

As a city of arts, Antsirabe also offers the chance to visit artisan workshops, including gemstone cutting, zebu horn crafting into decorative items, and miniature pousse-pousse making.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Departure for Miandrivazo, the starting point for canoe trips on the Tsiribihina River.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy the volcanic landscape of Antsirabe, with its surprising mountain cones. Antsirabe is considered the breadbasket of the Analamanga region. You'll also admire the beautiful terraced rice fields.

Lunch stop in Mandoto.

Arrival in Miandrivazo and check-in at the hotel.

This small town is where we stock up on supplies for the river descent.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Boarding the barge in the morning to begin our journey along the Tsiribihina River.
This river cruise offers several interesting stops amidst the wild nature of the Menabe region. Depending on what nature reveals, we may spot the famous Verreaux’s sifaka lemur, as well as chameleons and kingfishers perched along the riverbank vegetation.

After passing through breathtaking cliffs, we’ll arrive at an idyllic setting featuring a beautiful waterfall and a natural pool—perfect for a refreshing swim.

Continuing the cruise, we’ll reach a nearby village where we’ll spend the night.

Bivouac setup on a white sandbank.
Overnight in bivouac.

After breakfast, a short walk is planned to meet the riverside communities living in small villages along the banks, such as the village of Begidro.

This second day of the Tsiribihina River descent offers nothing but magical landscapes and an incredible wealth of natural resources.

As we navigate through narrow channels, we’ll have the chance to observe endemic bird species such as herons and whistling ducks.

Throughout the journey, we’ll also encounter colonies of bats hanging from towering cliffs.

We’ll pass through a tobacco plantation as well.

Overnight under the stars in tents on a vast white sandbank.

After spending some authentic time meeting the local communities nearby, we set off early in the morning to reach Belo-sur-Tsiribihina.

In the afternoon, we depart by 4x4 for Bekopaka (approximately 5 hours on rough roads).

We cross the Manambolo River by ferry, then check in to the hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bekopaka.

Morning departure by 4x4 to reach the spectacular Grand Tsingy of Bemaraha, located 17 km from Bekopaka.

You will have plenty of time to admire the breathtaking beauty of this unique landscape made up of Tsingy limestone peaks.

The Grand Tsingy in Bemaraha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The most thrilling part of the hike is crossing the suspension bridge, a spot famous for photo opportunities.

You will also explore caves that bear evidence of early human presence (Andamozavaky circuit, about 4 hours of walking).

Return to the hotel at midday for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Petit Tsingy, known for the Andadoany circuit. This hike offers a chance to discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Tsingy. You’ll encounter stunning scenery featuring extraordinary reliefs and deep canyons, along with a botanical walk through a dense dry forest.

Return to the hotel late afternoon.

Overnight at the hotel in Bekopaka.

After breakfast, departure for a long journey on dirt roads to reach Morondava.

Crossing the Manambolo River by ferry.

Lunch at Karibo Restaurant in Belo sur Tsiribihina.

Early afternoon ferry crossing of the famous Tsiribihina River.

Once landed, a stop will be made at the mystical Sacred Baobab and the Lovers’ Baobabs, the two famous intertwined baobabs—a remarkable postcard-worthy sight.

In the evening, we will head to Morondava to witness the spectacular sunset over the Alley of Baobabs.

Check-in at the hotel.

Departure by 4x4 to reach the small fishing village south of Morondava. The village is renowned for its artisanal skills in building wooden dhows and pirogues. It’s a special opportunity to meet and interact with the local communities.
Overnight at the hotel.

To end our trip on a high note, we will spend two well-deserved rest days along the Mozambique Channel;
You will enjoy the beach coast of Belo sur Mer during your seaside stay.
Many activities are available on site: diving, snorkeling, traditional pirogue rides, fishing, relaxing, whale watching safari;
Don’t miss out on sunbathing under the sun.
Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer to Morondava airport to return to the capital of Madagascar;
Reception at Antananarivo airport according to the domestic flight schedule.

We will embark on a historical and cultural discovery of the capital city. A visit of the downtown area will include most of the city’s monuments and historical statues, reflecting its glorious past.

Transfer to Ivato International Airport according to the schedule of your international flight.