Big Tour: From West to the South

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Welcome to Madagascar!

We are pleased to welcome you at Ivato Airport and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will receive a briefing about your stay. For late arrivals, the briefing will be conducted the following morning before departure on the tour.

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Your day will begin with a visit to the Rova of Antananarivo, the royal palace of Madagascar that majestically overlooks the capital. Perched on a hill, the Rova offers breathtaking views of Antananarivo and its surroundings, while serving as an important historical and cultural symbol of the country. You will explore its towers and restored buildings, soaking in the atmosphere rich with Madagascar's vibrant history.

After this cultural immersion, you will head towards Antsirabe, a picturesque spa town known for its hot springs and lush landscapes. 

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Your day will begin with a delightful exploration of the city of Antsirabe aboard a traditional rickshaw. This picturesque mode of transport will allow you to discover lively streets lined with French colonial architecture and colorful shops selling local handicrafts.

After immersing yourself in the charm of Antsirabe, you will head towards Miandrivazo, a picturesque town located on the banks of the Tsiribihina River.

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Embark on an epic adventure along the Tsiribihina River, a journey that takes you through the spectacular landscapes and tranquility of Madagascar. Departing from Miandrivazo, this three-day, two-night excursion aboard a traditional pirogue will immerse you in the natural beauty and daily life along the riverbanks.

Day one: Departure from Miandrivazo

Your journey begins in Miandrivazo, where you will embark on a peaceful descent of the Tsiribihina River aboard the traditional pirogue. As you glide along the water, you will pass through lush forests, impressive limestone cliffs, and picturesque villages. Along the way, make a stop at the stunning Anosinampela waterfall, where you can refresh yourself and admire the natural beauty of this enchanting place.

Day Two: Exploration and Relaxation

In the morning, after breakfast by the water's edge, continue your descent of the Tsiribihina River. You will have the opportunity to spot the majestic Za baobabs (Adansonia za), characteristic of this region of Madagascar. These iconic trees stand tall amidst the picturesque landscapes along the river, adding a touch of mystery and beauty to your journey.

Take advantage of stops to explore isolated villages, meet friendly locals, and discover their traditional way of life. You'll also have the opportunity to swim in the refreshing waters of the river and relax under the tropical sun.

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Arrival at Belo sur Tsiribihina

Your river adventure concludes at Belo sur Tsiribihina, where you will be greeted by a ready-to-go off-road vehicle to transport you to Bekopaka, the gateway to the famous Tsingy de Bemaraha.

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Welcome to one of Madagascar's most extraordinary natural treasures: the Grand Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park. Today is dedicated to exploring unique karst landscapes shaped by millions of years of erosion and geological formation.

Your day starts early to fully enjoy the morning freshness and discover the vastness of the limestone formations of the Grand Tsingy. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will navigate rocky trails and suspended walkways, leading you through a maze of karst formations sculpted into true stone cathedrals.

During your exploration, keep a keen eye out to observe the unique biodiversity thriving in this spectacular landscape. You may spot endemic plant species, agile lemurs moving through the trees, and a variety of colorful birds soaring above the Tsingy peaks.

Each step will reveal new natural wonders: sharp limestone needles reaching towards the sky, mysterious caves carved into the rock, and panoramic views of the surrounding plains. You'll also have the opportunity to discover exceptional viewpoints, offering impressive perspectives of the park's unique geological formations. Not to mention crossing the suspended bridge, which provides a breathtaking view of the Tsingy and the surrounding area, adding an adrenaline rush to your exploration.

After an intense day of exploration, you will return to your accommodation in Bekopaka, where you can relax and reflect on this unforgettable experience.

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Your day will begin early in Bekopaka, after exploring the majestic Tsingy de Bemaraha. Leaving this spectacular region behind, you will embark on a colorful journey towards Morondava, a coastal town renowned for its iconic baobabs.

The journey will take you through diverse landscapes, traversing  a long track: a true Malagasy adventure!

You will arrive just in time at the Avenue of the Baobabs to witness the sunset behind these ancient trees, creating a spectacular backdrop of warm colors and towering silhouettes.

After capturing magical moments at sunset, you will continue your journey to Morondava and check into your hotel.

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ou are preparing for a picturesque journey to Belo sur Mer, a small coastal community where the ocean meets the land, offering stunning marine landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere.

The journey takes you along coastal roads with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and fishing villages. Along the way, you can stop to admire the Baobab Amoureux, a picturesque site where two large baobabs appear to intertwine, creating a striking image.

Upon your arrival at Belo sur Mer, you will begin your exploration with a visit to the local saltworks. Discover the fascinating process of salt harvesting, a traditional practice that dates back generations. You will also have the opportunity to visit workshops where traditional Malagasy outrigger canoes are handcrafted. These wooden boats are essential to local maritime life, used for fishing and coastal transport for centuries.

Check-in at the hotel will follow.

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Your day begins in the heart of Kirindy Mite National Park, a preserved natural reserve in southwest Madagascar renowned for its unique biodiversity and diverse landscapes. You start with an exploration of the dense dry tropical forest, home to a multitude of endemic species, including the famous fossa, an iconic predator of Madagascar.

After exploring the lush forest and its winding trails, your journey takes you to the vast golden sand dunes that border the park. You can climb the dunes to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, marked by the spectacular meeting of land and sea.

Your day continues with a visit to the impressive baobabs that dot the landscape, some of which are several centuries old. These majestic trees, iconic symbols of Madagascar, provide a striking contrast with the dunes and surrounding vegetation, creating unforgettable photographic scenes.

Exploring Kirindy Mite National Park, you not only discover the exceptional natural diversity of Madagascar but also delve into the local history and culture that permeate every aspect of this preserved landscape.

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The journey to Manja takes you along coastal roads offering spectacular views of the Indian Ocean on one side and fertile stretches of land on the other. You will pass through rural villages where daily life revolves around agriculture and local craftsmanship.

Check-in at the hotel.

Note: Chez Kanto Hotel is very basic accommodation and is the only lodging option available for this part of the journey.

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Today, you are preparing to travel to Andavadoaka, another coastal destination renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

As you approach Andavadoaka, you will have the opportunity to discover the natural richness of the Malagasy coast, with its white sandy beaches lined with palm trees and turquoise waters. You may also catch sight of traditional fishing villages, where locals live in harmony with the sea and depend on its resources for their livelihood.

Check-in at the hotel.

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Today, you are preparing to travel to Ankasy, another renowned coastal destination known for its tranquility and pristine landscapes.

As you approach Ankasy, you will be greeted by its immaculate beaches and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a well-deserved relaxation by the sea.

Check-in at the hotel.

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You leave the tranquil beaches behind to embark on a journey towards Tuléar, the prominent province in southwest Madagascar.

After a few hours on the road, you will arrive in Tuléar, where you will stay at Auberge de la Table, ideally located in the heart of the Antsokay Arboretum. This enchanting place hosts a unique botanical diversity from the southern region of Madagascar, featuring endemic plants and rare species.

Take advantage of the late afternoon to explore the Arboretum with its shaded pathways and fascinating plant collections. You will discover conservation efforts and educational initiatives aimed at preserving this precious ecosystem.

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A day-long journey to Ranohira awaits you, traversing diverse and picturesque landscapes that immerse you in the natural beauty of the region.

Along the way, you'll experience a changing tapestry of landscapes—from sun-drenched coasts to quaint villages and sprawling savannahs. Take advantage of stops for photos, leg stretches, and moments to simply soak in the scenery.

Settle in at the hotel upon arrival.

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Today, you will discover the renowned Isalo National Park, a natural jewel of Madagascar. After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to the park for an unforgettable day of exploration.

Isalo National Park is famous for its spectacular landscapes, including deep canyons, impressive rock formations, natural pools, and exceptional biodiversity. Your visit will begin with a hike through the park, where you can admire the wild and varied beauty of this unique region.

Along the way, you will discover breathtaking viewpoints, refreshing waterfalls, and natural pools where you can swim. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the park's geology, as well as its local fauna and flora. You may have the chance to encounter some of the park's endemic species, such as lemurs and rare birds.

For lunch, you will enjoy a picnic in the midst of nature, surrounded by the majestic landscapes of the park. After recharging, you will continue your exploration, visiting iconic sites such as the Natural Pool, Monkey Canyon, and the Window of Isalo, a famous viewpoint known for its spectacular sunsets.

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You leave Ranohira for a journey towards Ambalavao. Along the way, you will make a stop at Anjà Village Park, a true gem nestled in the heart of Madagascar's spectacular landscapes.

Anjà Village Park is more than just a natural park; it is a remarkable example of community conservation. Managed by the local community of Anjà, this park is home to impressive biodiversity, including endemic species such as lemurs, chameleons, and a variety of colorful birds.

You will have the opportunity to stroll along well-maintained trails through lush vegetation and fascinating rock formations.

After this enriching experience at Anjà, you will continue your journey towards Ambalavao.

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Before heading to Ranomafana, you will have the opportunity to discover two local artisanal treasures: the silk workshop and the Antemoro paper workshop.

At the silk workshop, you will immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Malagasy silk production. You will learn about the different stages, from raising silkworms to transforming the cocoons into precious threads used to create textiles of great finesse and beauty.

Next, you will visit the Antemoro paper workshop, where artisans perpetuate ancient techniques to produce paper from local plants.

After these enriching visits, your journey to Ranomafana will begin through varied landscapes, from green hills to winding rivers, offering spectacular panoramas throughout the journey.

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Today, immerse yourself in the heart of the exceptional biodiversity of Ranomafana National Park, a natural treasure listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in the lush mountains of Madagascar, this park is home to an incredible variety of endemic flora and fauna, offering an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts alike.

Your day begins early as you venture into the shaded trails of the park accompanied by experienced guides. You will explore diverse ecosystems, from bamboo forests to lush canopies resonating with the calls of lemurs and the songs of colorful birds.

During your visit, you will also have the opportunity to observe iconic species such as the Golden Bamboo Lemur and the Milne-Edwards' Sifaka, if you are lucky.

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Your day begins with an early departure from Ranomafana, traversing picturesque landscapes dotted with lush rice paddies and traditional Malagasy villages. After a few hours on the road, you will reach Ambositra, where you will have the opportunity to explore local craft workshops.

Ambositra is renowned for its woodworking and exquisite sculptures, reflecting the traditional craftsmanship of Malagasy artisans. You can visit workshops where talented artists transform precious wood into elegant furniture, detailed sculptures, and decorative items that captivate with their beauty and finesse.

After exploring Ambositra and perhaps doing some shopping, your journey to Antsirabe continues through rolling hills and picturesque villages in the region.

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After an early breakfast, visit the Pépinière d'Ambatolahy, an oasis and arboretum to discover! 

This nursery was created by nature-lover and craftsman Jean-Pierre Lyon and his wife. Today, a beautiful three-hectare landscaped garden has been created from flooded, uncultivated land. It's an adventure steeped in humanism to achieve such a result, since the estate had to be landscaped and then supplied with water.

After the visit, you'll take the road to Antananarivo.  The journey takes you through varied landscapes, green hills and picturesque villages, offering magnificent views of the Malagasy countryside.

Along the way, you can make a few stops to admire the panoramic viewpoints or take pictures of the picturesque scenery. 

On arrival in Antananarivo, you'll be taken to your accommodation, where you can make yourself comfortable and relax after your journey.

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Today is your last day in Madagascar, and your itinerary will be tailored to fit your international flight schedule. Your travel planner will meet with you to review your unforgettable journey through this captivating country.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Antananarivo International Airport. Your driver will ensure a safe and punctual arrival at the airport for your departure.

We hope your trip has been filled with memorable experiences, and that you've enjoyed every moment exploring Madagascar's unique treasures. Wishing you a pleasant journey back and looking forward to seeing you again soon for new adventures.