Madagascar, the essentials from Tana to Tuléar

ANTSIRABE
Morning arrival in Antananarivo. Morning canoeing at Katsaoka (optional) or a visit of the capital, followed by departure through rice paddy landscapes in the rural world of Madagascar’s central highlands.
Along the way, discovery of local Malagasy craftsmanship, then on to Antsirabe: the spa town.
After visiting the crater lakes of Andraikiba and Tritriva, a rickshaw ride through town.

AMBOSITRA
Visit of Antsirabe by mountain bike or on foot, meeting villagers and local craftsmen, then departure for the capital of Zafimaniry art. The next day, a hike to the village of Ifasina to appreciate the traditional architecture of Zafimaniry houses.

SAHAMBAVY – MANAKARA – Pangalanes Canal
A 167km train journey along the eastern escarpment, through magnificent low-hill scenery. Stops enlivened by street vendors selling exotic fruit and other goods. The trip normally takes 12 hours, but in Madagascar this can easily stretch to 15 or even 20 hours!
A colourful experience, full of twists and turns!
The next day, a pirogue ride along the Pangalanes Canal to discover small typical villages along the water, then back onto National Road 7.
This train journey is an extension to the Pangalanes Canal that can be omitted entirely.

RANOMAFANA
Visit of Ranomafana National Park, where you will observe the golden bamboo lemur (Hapalemur Aureus), which feeds almost exclusively on the shoots of an endemic bamboo variety. These shoots contain cyanide, and by one of nature’s mysteries, the animal ingests daily a dose capable of killing ten humans!
In this park, you will also discover a large number of plant species endemic to Madagascar.

FIANARANTSOA – ANDRINGITRA
After exploring Ranomafana park, you will quickly reach Fianarantsoa, the Betsileo capital. Visit of the old town before heading to the Tsaranoro valley, a grassy savannah dotted with imposing rock formations.
A day of hiking in the valley according to your fitness level: sacred forest and its lemurs, villages, Chameleon Peak…

ISALO MASSIF
You will then head to the Isalo Massif, stopping at the Anja private reserve to observe or photograph ring-tailed lemurs at close range.
Next, arrival in the rocky massif landscapes of the Far South.
Hikes of varying levels are offered for a day exploring canyons, natural pools and waterfalls (see our recommendations).

TULEAR
Early departure for Toliara. Passing through Ilakaka, the small boomtowns of sapphire prospectors, then on to Tuléar.
A first glimpse of southern vegetation, with the first baobabs, aloes, euphorbias, and also the impressive Mahafaly tombs.
Road to Ifaty along a sandy track between arid dry forest and mangrove, arriving at the turquoise lagoon of the island’s southwest coast.
On the program: outrigger pirogue outings at sea, diving, excursions into the baobab forests, zebu cart rides, humpback whale watching (July-August)…