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Exploring the striking landscape of Madagascar

Western Madagascar: River and Trekking Adventure

Example 15 Day Tour
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This 15-day Western Madagascar rafting and trekking adventure takes you to the incredible massif across the western region of this island nation. Imagine a river cruise with your tent and all of the amenities you need for an unforgettable camping experience. The sun is setting over the horizon, casting a beautiful orange glow across the Tsiribihina River cruise campsite. Explore the spectacular Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a natural treasure known for its carved-in-blade limestone cathedral. Spot lemurs, reptiles, and several bird species. Proceed to Morondava, passing through the renowned Baobab Avenue. Trek the Makay Massif, one of the island's last unspoiled areas, comprised of hundreds of convoluted gorges that have been home to an abundance of unique biodiversity for millions of years.
Stone blades of Tsingy de Bemaraha, MadagascarCheerful local children gather around for the camera.The tranquil tropical views of MadagascarAdmire the landscapes of MadagascarLook for ring-tailed lemursA red-fronted brown lemur studies it's surroundings from high in a tree.A panther chameleon wraps itself around a small branch.Enjoy some bird watching for very unique and beautiful species.A chameleon holds tight to a branch while searching it's surroundings.Exploring the striking landscape of Madagascar
Highlights
  • Discover the amazing diversity of Madagascar highlands
  • Explore the diverse landscape of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
  • Visit the famous Avenue of the Baobabs
  • Hike the remote parts of the Makay deep forest canyons
Places Visited
  • Africa
  • Madagascar
  • Antananarivo, Madagascar Tours
  • Antsirabe
  • Bekopaka
  • Makay
  • Melaky
  • Miandrivazo
  • Morondava
  • Tsiazorambo
  • Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
  • Tsiribihina
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

Arrive in Antananarivo on the flight of your choice today. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel in town.

Day 2: Antananarivo | Antsirabe

After breakfast, meet your guide and continue your journey to the south passing through Antananarivo.  See rice fields and typical villages of the Highlands. Ambatolampy is an excellent place to see how aluminum is used to build a pot for the entire country. In the afternoon, continue your journey towards Antsirabe. Experience "pousse-pousse" (Rick-Shaw) riding the primary mode of transportation for residents on a leisurely city tour.

Distance: 170 km
Duration: +/- 4 hours
 

Day 3-4: Tsiribihina River

After breakfast, meet your guide and continue your journey to Miandrivazo village. Make a quick stop at Mandato village to have a look at gold washers from the bridge. Embark on Masiakampy pier. Be ready to explore the Tsiribihina River by boat, a relaxing opportunity to see Malagasy wildlife in a quiet and peaceful environment. Stay overnight in small tents on the riverbanks, with a campfire and kids from a nearby village. This trip is an excellent way to travel from Miandrivazo to nearby the Tsingy National Park rocks.

Imagine a river cruise with your tent and all of the amenities you need for an unforgettable camping experience. The sun is setting over the horizon, casting a beautiful orange glow across this river cruise campsite. Witness the Malagasy wildlife as the rustling of trees in their natural habitat came to life with each gentle breeze and different kinds of birds.

Distance: 270 km with 30 km of track
Duration: +/- 5h

Day 5: Bekopaka

After breakfast, continue your journey cruising along the Tsiribihina River. Following lunch, be ready to navigate the roadways that can be quite an uncomfortable experience going to Bekopaka and Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. 

Distance: 100 km of track
Duration: +/- 5h
 

Day 6: Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

Continue your tour after breakfast by visiting the little town of Bekopaka. Witness the incredible Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a natural wonder featuring a limestone cathedral, a network of faults and cracks, and blocks of limestone carved into blades. Hike to the stone forest and wind your way through the park, along swinging rope bridges, climbing over jagged peaks, and squeezing through narrow crevices. At Tsingy de Bemaraha, the giant rocks are not the sole attraction. Spot lemurs, reptiles, and several bird species. Additionally, it is the home of one of the world's tiniest chameleons, the "Brookesia Perarmata."

Duration: from +/- 3 to 6h walk

Day 7: Morondava

After breakfast, drive to Morondava and cross the Manambolo and the Tsiribihina rivers by ferry. Pass through the famous Baobab Avenue or "Allée des Baobabs." Settle and rest at your hotel located in Nosy Kely on the large beach of Morondava.

Distance: 200 km
Duration: 7hours and 2 ferry boats -- in total: 9 hours

Day 8: Tsiazorambo Village

  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Leave Morondava after breakfast and continue driving towards Tsiazorambo village. Spend your time traveling through lovely Savannah villages with postcard-perfect views. As you proceed through this off-road, take in the stunning views and lush flora. It's incredibly relaxing to look at the beautiful environment, seeing peaceful fields and green trees for miles!

Stay overnight in small tents and a campfire. It's also an excellent opportunity to get plenty of exposure to outdoor nature while under the stars.

Distance: 170 km + 30km of track
Duration: 7hours

Day 9-13: Trekking Makay Massif

  • 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Prepare to explore and trek the Makay Massif following your breakfast at the campsite. It is one of the island's remaining untouched places, consisting of hundreds of intricate canyons and a natural labyrinth, and has been home to an abundance of unique biodiversity for millions of years. There is so much to discover on this rocky peak. The view from up there is breathtaking, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead on each side or in front only adds to the fascination. Explore the interior of those massive straight faults with your guide, where the sun rays rarely penetrate, resulting in high plateaus that are still partially covered in forest or bushy growth.

Cross the Sakapaly river, which winds its way through the mountains, and enter the deep canyons and gallery forests teeming with lemurs, crocodiles, and frogs. Discover several traces of massive crocodiles while observing different kinds of birds living inside the endless canyons. This trekking exploration allows you to discover unspoiled nature and wildlife.  Continue to navigate inside those canyons and stay overnight in small tents and a campfire on the white sandbanks.


Duration: from 6 to 7h of trek per day

Day 14: Trekking Makay Massif | Miandrivazo

Return to Miandrivazo in the afternoon following your trek and exploration of the Makay Massif. Settle in at the hotel for some well-earned rest.

Duration: from 6 to 7h of trekking
Distance: 80 km of track and 120 km

Day 15: Miandrivazo | Antananarivo | Return home

  • 1 Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the capital city of Antananarivo to catch your flight back home.

Distance: 400 km
Duration: 7hours

Accommodations

Plumeria Hotel and Spa

Palissandre Hotel & Spa

Palissandre Hotel & Spa
The Pool
Dinning Area

Le Soleil des Tsingy

Hotel Palissandre Côte Ouest Resort & Spa

Hotel Palissandre Côte Ouest
Hotel Palissandre Côte Ouest - Bungalow
Hotel Palissandre Côte Ouest - Bungalow Single

Tsiribihina - Hotels

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$4,789 4+ travelers

Notes

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Rates are guaranteed for a minimum of 4. Pricing for less than 4 people, please contact us for a custom quote.

Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 11 Lunches, 13 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • 13 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Private English speaking guide
  • Transfer hotel/airport 
  • Park and Entrance Fees 
  • Driver and Vehicle included
  • All excursion transfer
  • River trip on Tsiribihina
  • Kitchen equipment and camping gear
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visa Fees
  • Tips, gratuities, personal expenses:
  • Sleeping Bag - Required to bring your own
  • International Flights - International or domestic flights to or within

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
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