Madagascar | Eco Paradise Madagascar Journey

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BAOBABS & BEYOND *11 DAYS

Venture into the far reaches of Madagascar on this 11-day journey that reveals the diverse landscapes of one of the most spellbinding countries on the African continent. From the emerald-green crater lakes of the Antsirabe district to the golden hues of sunset in the Avenue of the Baobabs, experience Madagascar’s rainbow terrain as you leave behind the bustle of Antananarivo and traverse remote paths and waterways into the wild. Experience life along the Tsiribihina Delta on a two-day cruise, see the legendary tombs of the Vazimba people while exploring caves, float down the Manambolo River in a dugout canoe and feel the suspense as you peer down into the vast canyon of the Great Tsingy.

The visible vertical drop at the Great Tsingy is an incredible sight, however it can be quite intimidating especially for those with vertigo. If you have concerns, please discuss these with your leader once the trip commences. Some of the best scenery in Madagascar is found on hikes. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities. This trip includes river cruising on the Tsiribihina River. Camping conditions are basic along the way and there will be no access to bathroom facilities, however this means you have access to more remote parts of the region and the joy of experiencing the elements. As this is a remote part of Madagascar there will be some long travel days, but we think the unique and rewarding experiences are worth the distances travelled. Due to the conditions of the roads travel can be slow so a little patience can go a long way.

DAY 2

Best Time to VisitJune to September (General wildlife viewing is best)

JOURNEY ITINERARY:

ALL JOURNEYS ARE SAMPLE ITINERARIES WHICH WILL BE CUSTOMIZED TO YOUR NEEDS AND PREFERENCES. PRICES ARE INDICATION PRICES FOR AN ADULT ON SHARING BASIS. ACTIVITIES, EXTENSIONS OR SPECIAL EXPERIENCES CAN BE ALL ARRANGED ACCORDINGLY.

PRICING BASED ON ACCOMMODATION LEVELS:

PER PERSON TWO SHARING FROM

BRONZE $ 1,000

SILVER $ 1,000

GOLD $ 1,000

PLATINUM $ 1,000

R86 EMERALD VIP CLUB

PRICING ON REQUEST

*All journey prices are per person based on double occupancy or single occupancy unless otherwise noted, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. Prices according to low season. Optional activities are at an additional cost. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.

FEATURES:

ANIMAL WILDLIFE

CUSTOMIZED JOURNEY

MIN AGE 15+

SUITABILITY - HIGH INTENSITY

PRIVAT OR BUBBLE JOURNEY

DEPARTURE ANY DATE

GUIDED

JOURNEY INFO:

TRANSPORT:

BEST TRAVEL SEASON: JUNE - SEPT

HIGH SEASON: 23 JAN - 29 MARCH

JOURNEY TYPE: PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR

JOURNEY THEME: CULTURAL IMPRESSION

DAY 1

Antananarivo

Tonga soa! Bienvenue! Welcome to Antananarivo, Madagascar's crowded but charming capital. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you decide to arrive early, take some time to get acquainted with the city. With cobbled streets, wooden houses and impressive churches, ‘Tana’ has a distinctly romantic air. Perhaps wander the streets of Haute-Ville or visit the permanent Analakely street market. After your welcome meeting this evening, you might like to head out with your new friends for dinner in one of Antananarivo high-quality restaurants.

DAY 2

Miandrivazo

Be prepared for a long drive as you begin the journey west this morning. Maybe kick back with a book or get to know your fellow travellers during the 7-hour drive to Miandrivazo, a small city that will act as the starting point for your adventure down the Tsiribihina River. On arrival, check in to the hotel and listen to a briefing on essential information for your two-day cruise. Head out to pick any extra supplies you may need or desire for the next few days, then get some rest in preparation for tomorrow.

DAY 3

Tsirbihina River Excursion

Rise and shine for the 35-kilometre drive to Masiakampy, where you will find a traditional barge waiting to escort you along the Tsiribihina River. These flat bottom boats were once used to transport tobacco, but without that precious cargo they make a comfortable way to cruise along the water and access the remote reaches of western Madagascar. For the next few days, you’ll have the chance to spot wildlife on the banks and in the water, enjoy easy walks to hidden waterfalls and stop off in rural villages. Climb aboard and meet the crew, then settle in and enjoy some lunch as you travel through flat farming plains and enter the dramatic gorges of the Tsiribihina, stopping in the afternoon to trek to a waterfall before returning to a large sandbank to set up camp.

DAY 4

Tsiribihina River Excursion

Enjoy a full day gliding along the water today, travelling into the heart of the river and waving to the locals on the banks and barges as you pass. In the absence of roads, nature flourishes along the river in this part of Madagascar – watch out for herds of zebus crossing the river, and flashes of colour as you look for bee-eaters, herons, and egrets in this bird lovers’ paradise. Stop occasionally for a village walk or a short trek for some lemur spotting before setting up camp at a village along the shore. This evening, light a campfire and enjoy some traditional Malagasy music and dancing with the locals.

DAY 5

Bekopaka

Enjoy one last morning along the Tsiribihina river before disembarking the boat and bidding farewell to the crew. Make a quick stop at Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, a small village nestled in the marshes and mangroves of the Delta, to check out the market and grab some lunch before beginning the 2.5-hour drive to Bekopaka. Arrive, check in to your hotel and settle in for the afternoon. Perhaps enjoy a swim or a refreshing shower and rest your weary limbs. Tomorrow you’ll be taking on the Small Tsingy.

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DAY 6

Bekopaka / The Small Tsingy

Rise early, pick a comfortable outfit and pack some snacks, as today you’ll spend up to five hours trekking through the Small Tsingy, located in Bemaraha National Park. Scramble and navigate through a labyrinth of limestone formations that resemble a forest made of rock. Stop at two lookout points along the way for photo opportunities and a chance to take in the impressive surrounds. In the afternoon, unwind with a float down the Manambolo River on a pirogue (wooden dugout canoe) under the shadow of these towering rock cliffs. Enjoy an easy afternoon cave stroll, taking the sight of stalactites, stalagmites and the eerie tombs of the Vazimba – said to be the earliest inhabitants of Madagascar.

DAY 7

Bekopaka / The Great Tsingy

Embrace another early start this morning and prepare for another action-packed trip to the Great Tsingy. Getting up early again might be a struggle, but it’s the best way to beat the heat and more intense crowds. Largely unexplored until the 1990s (the name Tsingy is very roughly translated as ‘place where one cannot walk barefoot’ in Malagasy), the area is now easier to navigate due to a series of bridges, semi-permanent climbing plugs and other equipment. Feel your heart stop as you pass over a sheer drop via a suspended bridge, a truly breathtaking experience that those with vertigo may wish to skip. Animals lovers should keep an eye out for 11 species of lemurs, 100 species of birds and 45 endemic reptiles and amphibians, including the Madagascar iguana and Antsingy leaf chameleon.

DAY 8

Morondava

There is a long day of travel ahead, so grab that book or download a podcast and prepare to keep yourself occupied as you cross the Manambolo River and the Tsiribihina River by ferry, arriving in the laid-back seaside town of Morondava in time for a spectacular sunset in the Avenue of the Baobabs. These cartoonish, towering trees are native to Madagascar, and the variety you’ll see lit from behind this evening are adansonia grandidieri, the tallest of them all. Watch the sky turn pink and yellow and finally cast these trees – many of which are up to 800 years old – in shadow. Spend the night in Morondava and take a well-deserved rest.

DAY 9

Antsirabe

Depart this morning for Antsirabe, the capital of the Vakinankaratra region. It’s another drive that will last around 8 hours, and after an orientation stroll around the city and included dinner at the hotel, it’s up to you whether you’d like to relax or explore further. The town is fairly quiet after dark, but there are a few places to grab a nightcap if you so desire. If you’re so inclined, perhaps head to travellers favourite Le Pousse Pousse, where the booths are made from rickshaws, or ask your leader for recommendations.

DAY 10

Antananarivo

Enjoy breakfast and then hit the surrounding region on a soft trek, a good way to limber up after a few long days of driving. Discover the beauty of the local lakes, including the emerald-green waters of Tritiva, an extinct crater surrounded by verdant forest. Hike through the lakes district, sitting down for a picnic-style lunch along the way. Later, continue to Antananarivo. Perhaps spend your last evening on this trip indulging in some fine Malagasy food with your fellow travellers. There’s plenty of international cuisine on offer in ‘Tana’, but why not toast to your Malagasy adventure with a Three Horses Beer and a bowl of Madagascar’s national dish, romazava (a one pot rice and meat sensation).