Eco traveler - Eco discovery - West coast

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

Start your journey on the RN7 towards the south of the capital. You will enter the Vakinakaratra region, renowned for its exceptional volcanic fertility.

You will reach Andriambilany, where you will be warmly welcomed by the association "Ranomiady".  Lunch prepared by the villagers. 

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.

This association will liven up your evening with traditional songs around a campfire, offering you an authentic and memorable experience.

Day notes

A full day's drive west towards Miandrivazo, the landscape gradually changes, with the green hills giving way to more arid, semi-desert landscapes. Mountains give way to plateaus, and vegetation becomes sparser, marked by baobabs and cassava plantations. 

Arriving in Miandrivazo, one of Madagascar's hottest towns, you'll find yourself on the banks of the Tsiribihina River, the starting point for the river barge trip. Miandrivazo is also known for its relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality.

Day notes

Starting point: Masiakampy

The journey generally begins at Masiakampy, a small village that serves as the embarkation point. The warm welcome from the crew and the preparation of equipment mark the start of this river adventure.

On the river: Landscapes and wildlife

Sailing on the Tsiribihina River means crossing a variety of breathtaking landscapes. The river banks are lined with dense forests, towering cliffs and verdant plains. Every turn of the river reveals a new panorama, from vast expanses of lush vegetation to spectacular rock formations.

The wildlife is another highlight of this descent. The river's waters are home to crocodiles and various species of fish, while the banks are frequented by exotic birds, chameleons and lemurs. If you're lucky, you may spot Sifaka lemurs leaping from tree to tree, or herons and ibises foraging for food.

Meetings with local populations

The river passes through several traditional villages, mainly inhabited by the Sakalava ethnic group. These village stops offer a unique opportunity to meet the locals and discover their way of life. Villagers are often open and welcoming, willing to share their customs and traditions. Traditional reed huts with rice-straw or palm-leaf roofs provide an authentic glimpse of local architecture.

Relaxation and activities

Days on the river are punctuated by moments of relaxation and varied activities. Regular stops allow you to refresh yourself in the crystal-clear waters of the river or take a dip under the waterfalls. One of the most memorable stops is the Nosy Ampela waterfall, meaning "women's island", where a refreshing swim awaits you in an idyllic setting.

Camp life

Every evening, the camp is set up on the sandy banks of the river. Meals are prepared by the crew, often using fresh local produce. Evenings are spent under the stars, around a campfire, where travelers share their experiences and let themselves be lulled by the sounds of nature.
NB: we provide South African tents, 10 cm mattresses, pillows, sheets and blankets. The bivouac is set up and dismantled by the accompanying staff.

The end of the adventure

After three days of exploration and discovery, the trip down the river ends in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. 

Day notes

End of the descent, several kilometers off-road track to Bekopaka. 

Day notes

Your morning will be devoted to exploring the Small Tsingy. Accompanied by an experienced local guide, you'll follow well-groomed trails that offer breathtaking views of the sharp rock formations. This limestone labyrinth, sculpted by millennia of erosion, is a veritable masterpiece of nature. Every turn reveals new vistas, from narrow canyons to breathtaking panoramas.

In the afternoon, explore the Manambolo Gorge by traditional pirogue. Local piroguers will guide you along the river, allowing you to discover the impressive limestone walls and lush vegetation that line the river. As you glide gently through the water, you'll visit sacred caves and Vazimba tombs, offering a glimpse into the region's history and ancestral beliefs. The tranquility of the river and the beauty of the gorges create a serene, contemplative atmosphere. 

Day notes

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you explore the Grands Tsingy de Bemaraha, an exceptional UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Your day starts early, with an early-morning departure to take full advantage of this unique adventure. Accompanied by an experienced local guide, you'll enter the heart of the Grands Tsingy, the spectacular karst formations for which the park is world-famous. These sharp limestone peaks, sculpted by erosion over thousands of years, create a fascinating, vertiginous labyrinth. Well-marked trails and suspension bridges offer breathtaking views of this unique landscape.

The Grands Tsingy are home to exceptional biodiversity. Your guide will introduce you to endemic species of plants and animals that have adapted to this rocky environment. You may be lucky enough to spot lemurs, rare birds and other fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

One of the highlights of your day will be crossing the famous Grands Tsingy suspension bridge. This bridge, suspended over karst formations, offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience. 

Day notes

Your day begins with an early departure from Bekopaka. You hit the road, passing through varied and picturesque landscapes. The journey is an adventure in itself, with off-road routes. Along the way, you'll marvel at the raw beauty of the landscape.

In the late morning, you'll arrive at Tsangajoly, an idyllic spot where nature reigns supreme. Take time to relax or explore the hotel's surroundings. 

Sundown cocktail offered. 
 

Day notes

Your day starts early at Tsangajoly, a true birdwatcher's paradise. At dawn, when nature awakens, you embark on a birdwatching session. Accompanied by a guide, you'll immerse yourself in the melodious songs and flapping wings of the many species of birds that inhabit this region.

At the end of the morning, continue on to Marofandilia.

Arriving in Marofandilia, you'll be greeted by a peaceful, natural environment. Marofandilia is known for its rich biodiversity and conservation initiatives, including the protection of baobabs and endemic species.

Day notes

Your day begins early with a visit to the Menabe Antimena protected area, one of Madagascar's jewels of biodiversity. The area is renowned for its unique ecosystems and numerous endemic species. Walking along the reserve's trails, you'll observe an incredible variety of flora and fauna. You'll spot lemurs, rare birds and perhaps even endemic reptiles.

After this visit, we're back on the road towards Morondava, an emblematic coastal town in western Madagascar. After settling into your accommodation, you'll have free time to relax at your hotel, visit the hotel's vegetable garden or go for a swim, as you wish. 

Day notes

Morning departure from Morondava for Belo sur Mer, a charming coastal village in Madagascar renowned for its natural beauty and peaceful ambience. 

On arrival at Belo sur Mer, you are greeted by the soothing view of the Indian Ocean glistening in the sun. After settling in, we visit the village, known for its traditional wooden and palm-leaf houses, which exude an authentic, unspoilt atmosphere. You can meet the locals and discover their coastal way of life.

One of Belo sur Mer's main attractions is its saltworks, where seawater is captured and evaporated naturally to produce salt. You explore this fascinating site, observing the traditional process of salt harvesting by the villagers. 

Day notes

A day tour combining Kirindy Mitea National Park, the Kirindy dunes and Nosy Be island. 

Kirindy Mitea National Park is a UNESCO MAB (Man And Biosphere) site and a RAMSAR Site. It is a center of significant local endemism and diversity linked to the presence of the biotopes of southern and western Madagascar.

The national park features several types of ecosystem: dense dry forests, savannahs, mangroves, rock forests, lakes and coastal dunes.

Day notes

Early in the day, return to Morondava. On arrival, installation at the hotel. 

Before sunset, you'll head for the Baobab Alley. You'll have the chance to stroll among these giants of nature, capturing spectacular photos and feeling the quiet, ancestral energy that emanates from this unique place.

Day notes

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

Day notes

Day to be organized according to your flight schedule. 
Your travel designer will visit you to debrief the trip before your return flight. We 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 the trip.