The Highlands
DAY 1: ANTANANARIVO – AMBOSITRA
- Distance: 300 km
- Description: A charming and peaceful town, Ambositra is located in the Highlands of Madagascar, approximately 300 km from Antananarivo and 134 km from Antsirabe. It is renowned as a hub of traditional craftsmanship, recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. The landscape is enchanting, with terraced rice fields covering the hills and beautifully designed red-earth or clay houses, known as “tany manga,” blending seamlessly into the scenery. Ambositra is a region celebrated for its authenticity and is a must-visit for travelers heading south in Madagascar.
- Lodging: Artisan Hotel
DAY 2: AMBOSITRA – FIANARANTSOA – AMBALAVAO
- Distances:
- Ambositra to Fianarantsoa: 155 km
- Fianarantsoa to Ambalavao: Approximately 55 km
- Fianarantsoa:
Located in the Highlands of Madagascar, in the Haute Matsiatra region, Fianarantsoa is a city rich in culture and history. It is particularly famous for its wine production, being the only wine-producing region in Madagascar. - Ambalavao:
This charming town is situated in the southeastern part of the Haute Matsiatra region, at the crossroads between the Highlands and the South. Ambalavao is well known for its Antaimoro paper, natural pools, and the renowned Andringitra National Park, making it a must-visit destination. - Activity:
A journey back in time… Explore the Zafimaniry villages and their unique woodcraft traditions. - Lodging: Tsarasoa Permalodge (Half-board)
DAY 3: AMBALAVAO – RANOHIRA
- Distance: 250 km
- Description:
Ranohira is a small town in the deep south of Madagascar. It serves as the gateway to the breathtaking Isalo Massif, one of the country’s most famous natural attractions. With its stunning rock formations, deep canyons, and natural swimming pools, Isalo National Park is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. - Activity: Visit to Isalo National Park
- Lodging: Motel Isalo
DAY 4: BEROROHA – MANGOKY RIVER – BERONONO TRACK
- Description:
- Beroroha: Located in southwestern Madagascar, Beroroha is a rural commune and the capital of the Beroroha district in the Atsimo Andrefana region. Our journey begins with a pirogue crossing of the Mangoky River. From there, we embark on a hike along the Makay Riverbed, exploring the dry tropical forest. Along the way, we visit a cave adorned with ancient rock paintings, believed to have been created by Portuguese explorers in the 17th century.
- Beronono Track: The route takes us through several villages, including Vohimalaza, Ambalabe, and Sotana. These villages, characterized by their traditional earth-and-thatch houses, offer a glimpse into the authentic rural lifestyle. The 50 km stretch from Beroroha to Beronono is dotted with breathtaking landscapes and warm, welcoming locals.
- Activities: Hiking, interaction with villagers, and discovery of idyllic landscapes.
- Lodging: Bivouac
DAY 5: DISCOVERING THE MAKAY MASSIF
- Description:
Located in southwestern Madagascar, the Makay Massif is a vast mountain range spanning 4,000 km², north of the Isalo Massif. This breathtaking labyrinth of deep canyons harbors an extraordinary biodiversity. The forests of Makay shelter both unique species and others endemic to Madagascar. Due to its geological composition, the massif acts as a natural water reservoir, with most of its rivers flowing east and south into the Mangoky, the longest river in Madagascar. This makes Makay a true sanctuary of biodiversity. - Activities: Hiking and discovering the exceptional flora and fauna of the massif.
- Lodging: Bivouac
DAY 6: HIKING DAY IN THE CANYONS
- Description:
The Makay is one of nature’s most monumental creations, making it a true treasure and a sanctuary for some of the planet’s most fascinating species. The canyons of Makay, filled with lush vegetation, serve as a refuge for a rich biodiversity. The Makay Canyon offers breathtaking landscapes, where xerophytic vegetation thrives throughout the season, adding to the region’s unique charm. - Activity: Hiking
- Lodging: Bivouac
DAY 7: MAKAY RIVER
- Description:
Our adventure continues as we walk on flat terrain through a dry forest, staying close to the massif. Along the way, we will pass through a charming village before heading towards the Menapanda River. - Activity: Water trekking
- Lodging: Bivouac
DAY 8: RETURN TO RANOHIRA (BY CAR)
- Description:
We will leave the Makay region and make our way back to Ranohira by car, retracing our journey through the breathtaking landscapes of southwestern Madagascar. - Lodging: Motel Isalo
DAY 9: ISALO
- Distance: 90 Km
- Description:
Welcome to one of Madagascar’s most stunning national parks, where the beauty of nature is matched only by the joy of exploring it. Isalo National Park is a natural rock massif with an otherworldly, ruin-like landscape. Formed over 150 million years ago, the park offers a striking contrast of desert-like scenery and lush green canyons, where numerous rivers flow into breathtaking natural pools. The park is also home to lemurs, which can be spotted along scenic trails leading to waterfalls and hidden oases. - Activity: Visit to Isalo National Park
- Lodging: Motel Isalo
DAY 10: ISALO – TULÉAR – IFATY
- Distance: 160 Km
- Description:
Located in the southwest of Madagascar, Tuléar, also known as the “City of the Sun” or the “White City,” is one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. It is a perfect place for history and culture enthusiasts, with various museums offering insights into the region’s rich heritage and traditions. Tuléar is also home to stunning natural wonders, such as the Tsinjoriake Protected Area, a haven for eco-tourism lovers. From the breathtaking panoramic views of Montagne de la Table to the fascinating Binabe caves and the Sarodrano Peninsula, Tuléar promises an exciting blend of culture and adventure. - Activities:
- Stop in Tuléar for lunch and a short city tour
- Sunset at Ifaty Beach
- Lodging: Hôtel Solidaire Mangily
DAY 11: LEISURE STAY IN IFATY
- Description:
After breakfast, we will witness the famous whale safari, a must-see experience between June and September in Ifaty. This idyllic destination, with its pristine white sand and turquoise waters, offers a paradise-like setting for relaxation. Ifaty is also rich in biodiversity and is home to some of the best diving spots in the region, if not in all of Madagascar, thanks to its 100 km-long coral reef. - Activities: Water activities
- Lodging: Hôtel Solidaire Mangily
DAY 12: IFATY – ANTANANARIVO (FLIGHT)
- Return by car after hotel check-out.