Eco traveler - Eco discovery - The authentic south

Day notes

Tongasoa in Madagascar! 

Arrival at Ivato international airport. You will be met at the airport by our team and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival, your travel designer in Madagascar will meet you at the hotel for a general briefing on your stay and activities. In the event of a late flight, the briefing will take place tomorrow.

Day notes

Antananarivo is a vibrant city with a rich history and vibrant culture. After leaving the city, you will take the RN2, one of the main national roads of Madagascar.  You will pass through several small towns and villages, where you can observe local life and colorful markets. You will arrive at the village of Sandrasoa in the early afternoon. Sandrasoa is a charming village located near the Vohimana Reserve. This is where you will leave your vehicle. In Sandrasoa, a local guide and porters will be waiting for you. They will help you with your luggage and guide you through the forest to the reserve. The last part of the journey is on foot. You will start a 30 minute hike through a lush forest. The hike is relatively easy and will allow you to immerse yourself in the surrounding nature, with the possibility of seeing endemic species of the flora and fauna of Madagascar.

Day notes

The Vohimana reserve is rich in diversified circuits, and for this day, you will explore the «Babakoto circuit». You will start your adventure at 7:30 am. This 6 km hike will allow you to meet the Indri-Indri, the largest lemur in Madagascar. During your visit, you will reach the banks of a river, where you can take a break, admire the beauty of the reserve and enjoy your picnic lunch. You will return to your accommodation in the afternoon, enriched by this unique experience in nature.

Day notes

After breakfast, you will leave around 7:30 in the morning for a hike of 3 to 5 km. You will discover other species of lemurs, such as Sifaka or Propithèques, and Lemur Bamboo. You will then continue the hike to one of the magnificent waterfalls of Vohimana, an ideal place for a picnic. After this invigorating break, you will continue your way back to the Hotel.  

Day notes

Before leaving Vohimana, leave at 7:30 am to discover the botanical trail. This one kilometer tour will allow you to admire the remains of an old railway crossing. You will be enchanted by the beauty of the waterfalls, as well as the fauna and flora typical of the reserve, such as orchids, bats and reptiles.

After this fascinating exploration, continue your way to the starting point to reach your vehicle. You will end this day by going to Andasibe, where new discoveries await you.

Day notes

Your visit to the VOIMMA park in Andasibe will be an unforgettable experience. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the majesty of the surrounding rainforest, filled with mystery and life. As you venture into the park, you will be guided through winding trails by your local guide. You will have the opportunity to observe up close the rich biodiversity of Madagascar, with its lemurs leaping from tree to tree, its brightly coloured birds and exotic plants. Your guide will share with you valuable knowledge about the different species you will encounter, as well as the importance of conserving this fragile ecosystem. 

Day notes

Start your day at 7:30 am for an excursion to the forest of Maromiazaha before taking the road towards Tana.

Your visit to Maromizaha is organized as part of a reforestation of native trees to extend the territories of primates, including lemurs. This reforestation will take place in an area degraded by human activities, thus contributing to the preservation of local biodiversity. 

After this action for nature, take the road towards Tana. Upon arrival in Tana, you will continue your journey on the RN7 towards the south of the capital. You will enter the Vakinakaratra region, renowned for its exceptional volcanic fertility.

In the afternoon you will reach Andriambilany, where you will be warmly welcomed by the association "Ranomiady". This association will liven up your evening with traditional songs around a campfire, offering you an authentic and memorable experience.

Day notes

Start your day at 7:30 am for an inspiring tour of the village of Andriambilany. You will have the opportunity to discover the daily life of the peasants, exploring the fields of culture and soaking up the authentic atmosphere of the village. Then visit the Andriambilany Public Primary School, where you can meet local children and learn about the education system in the area.

After this enriching experience, head south on the RN7. You will be amazed by the bucolic landscape of the Vakinakaratra region, with its rice fields, winding rivers and hills covered with vegetable fields. You will also discover the small traditional terracotta houses, typical of the Merina population, the largest ethnic group in Madagascar, which occupies the central highlands.

After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Antsirabe (at your expense), explore the city and its historical points. You will visit small family craft workshops where used objects are transformed into toys and decorative objects, immersing you in traditional Malagasy crafts.

Continue your journey to Ambositra, the gateway to the Betsileo territory, one of the largest ethnic groups in Madagascar, stretching from Ambositra to Ambalavao. Along the way, you will cross rice terraces that make the region famous, offering breathtaking views and unforgettable moments.

Day notes

Your day begins with an early departure from Ambositra towards Fianarantsoa, a region rich in culture and picturesque landscapes. 

Arriving at the Sahambavy tea plantation, you'll marvel at the vast expanses of green tea bushes, stretching as far as the eye can see. You'll start with a guided tour of the plantation, where you'll learn all about the process of growing, harvesting and processing tea. The Sahambavy plantation is the only tea plantation in Madagascar, making this visit particularly unique. 

After the tour and lunch, continue your journey to Fianarantsoa, where you'll explore the upper town, a cultural and historical treasure. Fianarantsoa's Haute Ville is famous for its cobbled streets, colonial houses and centuries-old churches. As you stroll through this historic part of town, you'll be transported back in time, discovering the architecture and stories that have shaped this region.

Day notes

After breakfast, you'll be back on the road. In Ambalavao, you'll visit the Antemoro silk and paper workshops. Watch the craftsmen at work and learn more about the history and traditions of this unique craft.

Your journey continues to the Parc Villageois d'Anjà, a remarkable natural and cultural site near Ambalavao. This community park is famous for its lemur population, notably the maki catta lemur, which can be observed up close in their natural habitat. You'll also have the opportunity to discover the daily life of the village's inhabitants and learn more about their traditions and way of life. 

Finally, your day ends in Ranohira, a small town at the gateway to Isalo National Park. 

Day notes

Isalo National Park is one of Madagascar's most iconic destinations, offering spectacular scenery, unique biodiversity and fascinating cultural richness. The park is famous for its unique rock formations, deep canyons, verdant oases and natural pools.

One of the park's most famous attractions is the Black Pool, a natural swimming pool lined with black rocks and surrounded by lush vegetation.  The Makis Canyon is another must-see site in the park, where visitors can observe maki catta lemurs moving nimbly along the rock faces. The park is also home to a variety of endemic birds, reptiles and plants, offering unique opportunities to observe Malagasy flora and fauna.

In addition to its natural beauty, Isalo National Park is also steeped in a rich cultural heritage. The park's cliffs and caves are adorned with ancient rock paintings, bearing witness to human presence in the region for thousands of years.

A visit to Isalo National Park offers an unforgettable experience, combining outdoor adventure with the discovery of Madagascar's history and culture. Whether for a day hike or a longer excursion, this magnificent park is sure to amaze travelers with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

At sunset, we'll admire the marvellous colors on the ISALO window.

Day notes

At 7:30 a.m., you'll leave the hotel and head south again. This peaceful little village has become a veritable human anthill following the discovery of sapphires, attracting people in search of riches and dreams. 

Crossing the lands of the Mahafaly and Antandroy peoples, you'll be captivated by the region's typical landscapes. Savannah, sandstone, majestic baobabs and xerophytic thickets on limestone zones will pass before you, each telling a story. Along the way, you'll discover the traditional tombs of the Mahafaly people, testimony to their rich cultural identity.

You'll arrive at the Auberge around 1pm, where a delicious lunch awaits you. After lunch, make yourself comfortable at the Auberge de la Table hotel. 

Around 4pm, a visit to the Arboretum awaits you. The Arboretum is home to the typical flora of southern Madagascar and many endemic healing plants. The Arboretum is also a refuge for birds, microbe lemurs and reptiles, offering a unique opportunity to observe these species in their natural habitat.

Day notes

You'll leave around 7 a.m. to reach the village of Sarodrano. This day will be dedicated to discovering a unique new ecotourism site: the marine "Fishes Banking" of Sarodrano. You'll board a typical Vezo sailing pirogue to reach the site, located just a few kilometers from Sarodrano beach. While snorkeling, you'll discover a new habitat populated by various marine species such as fish, octopus and moray eels.

Lunch will be prepared by the AVIMA Association in Sarodrano. After lunch, a visit to the fishing village will allow you to immerse yourself in the daily life of the inhabitants before returning to the Auberge.

Before dinner, you'll have the opportunity to make a night visit to the Antsokay arboretum to observe the microcèbe lemur.

Day notes

At your scheduled domestic flight time, the hotel team will transfer you to Toliara  Airport. 
Once you arrive in Tana, we'll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. 

Day notes

Antananarivo, often called Tana by locals, is a fascinating city where history and modernity meet. 

Discover Tana by wandering the picturesque streets of the upper town. This part of Antananarivo is known for its French colonial architecture, colorful houses and breathtaking panoramic views.

Then, visit the Rova, Antananarivo's royal palace, located on the Analamanga hill. Once home to the kings and queens of Madagascar, this historic site offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's history. As you wander through the palace's various rooms, you'll discover royal artifacts, objets d'art and captivating tales of the Malagasy monarchy.

Day notes

Day to be planned according to your flight schedule. 
Your travel organizer will visit you to review your trip before your return flight. We will then transfer you to the international airport at your scheduled check-in time. 

Thank you for traveling with us and for making a positive impact throughout your trip.