Southern Adventure: Immersion at Zafimaniry , Andringitra Trek

Day notes

Welcome to Madagascar!

We will greet you at Ivato Airport and drive you to your  hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, we will organize a briefing about the program in the evening. If you arrive late, the briefing will be scheduled for the following morning.

Day notes

After your breakfast, you will begin your day with a flight from Tana to Tuléar. Upon arrival at Tuléar Airport, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Once at the hotel, you can settle into your room and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. You will have free time to relax, explore the hotel's surroundings, or take advantage of the available facilities, such as the pool or spa.

For dinner, you can choose to dine at the hotel or explore a recommended local restaurant.

Day notes

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Sarodrano, a picturesque destination promising a day full of discoveries. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at the hotel, where you can settle in and refresh yourself.

In the afternoon, get ready for an exciting adventure: a trek to Barn Hill in Sarodrano. This trek will take you through breathtaking landscapes, offering stunning panoramic views. You’ll have the chance to explore the local flora and fauna while enjoying the fresh air and natural scenery.

Day notes

After breakfast, we will head out on National Road Number 7 to reach the small town of Ranohira. This trip will take you through varied and picturesque landscapes, offering a true immersion in the region’s natural beauty.

s you travel, you'll experience a range of landscapes, from sunlit coastlines and picturesque villages to vast savannahs. You’ll have opportunities to stop for photos, stretch your legs, or simply soak in the breathtaking views.

Upon your arrival in Ranohira, you will be warmly welcomed at your hotel. 

Day notes

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you'll head to Isalo National Park, one of Madagascar’s natural gems, for a day of memorable exploration.

Isalo National Park is renowned for its spectacular landscapes, featuring deep canyons, impressive rock formations, natural pools, and exceptional biodiversity. Your visit will begin with a hike through the park, where you can take in the rugged beauty and diverse wonders of this unique region.

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

For lunch, you'll enjoy a picnic amidst the stunning landscapes of the park. After recharging, you'll continue your exploration, visiting iconic sites such as the Natural Pool, the Monkey Canyon, and the Isalo Window, renowned for its spectacular sunsets.

Day notes

After an early breakfast in Ranohira, you will set off for Andringitra, known for its stunning mountainous scenery and rich biodiversity. The journey will take you through a variety of landscapes, from rolling plains to lush hills, with breathtaking views throughout.

Upon your arrival in the Andringitra region, you will be taken to Tsarasoa Lodge, nestled in the heart of nature.

The lodge offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Pic Boby, the second highest peak in Madagascar, rising to 2,658 meters.

Pic Boby, also known as Pic Imarivolanitra, is a must-visit for hiking and adventure enthusiasts.

Day notes

Departure to the campsite.

Your adventure begins with an early departure from Tsarasoa Lodge, where you will meet your experienced mountain guide. After a brief overview of the itinerary and safety instructions, you'll start your trek to the base camp, situated at approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. Along the way, you will traverse a diverse range of landscapes, from lush plains and imposing rock formations to crystal-clear rivers.

In the late afternoon, you will reach the base camp, where you will set up your bivouac for the night. You can relax and enjoy the tranquility of the mountains while sharing a warm meal prepared by your trekking team.

Day notes

Climbing to the second camp

After an energizing breakfast, you will begin the ascent to the second camp, located at approximately 2,200 meters above sea level. This day will feature steeper climbs and spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. You will pass through alpine meadows and sparse forests, with regular stops to rest and take in the breathtaking scenery.

At the end of the day, you will reach the second camp, where you'll set up your bivouac once again. After a hearty dinner, you can spend the evening around a campfire, sharing stories and admiring the starry sky.

Day notes

Reaching the Peak of Pic Boby

Today is the day for the final ascent to the summit of Pic Boby. After an early start, you will begin your climb to the peak at 2,658 meters. The final stretch of the hike is the most challenging, with rocky passages and steep inclines, but the reward at the top is well worth the effort. Once at the summit, you'll be greeted by breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the vast plains of Andringitra.

After taking time at the summit to capture photos and savor the achievement of your climb, you will descend to the second camp for lunch. From there, you'll continue your descent to the base camp, where you will spend your last  night camping.

Day notes

Back to the Tsarasoa Lodge

After an early breakfast, you'll start the final stretch of your trek back to Tsarasoa Lodge. As you descend, you'll have the opportunity to revisit the stunning landscapes from your ascent and share your experiences with your guide and fellow trekkers.

By late morning, you'll reach the lodge, where you can refresh yourself and enjoy your lunch.

The afternoon  you will have time to relax and recover from your adventure, basking in the accomplishment of having conquered one of Madagascar's most iconic peaks.

Day notes

After an early breakfast at Tsarasoa Lodge in Andringitra, you'll continue your trip towards Ambalavao, a charming small town known for its traditional architecture and local craftsmanship. Along the way, you'll stop at Anjà Park, a nature reserve famous for its biodiversity and unique rock formations.

At Anjà Park, you’ll explore its well-maintained trails with local guides who will share their knowledge of the local flora and fauna, including the famous ring-tailed lemurs. You’ll also have the opportunity to climb the rocky massif, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valley and its picturesque villages.

After the enriching visit to Anjà Park, you will continue your journey to Ambalavao. Upon arrival, you’ll have the chance to visit a silk workshop, where you’ll learn about the fascinating process of silk production and the weaving of exquisite textiles. You’ll also visit an Antemoro paper workshop, renowned for its traditional handmade paper used to create unique artworks and artisan products.

After thevisits, check-in at your hotel.

Day notes

Today, you will depart from Ambalavao and head to Ambositra, a town renowned for its traditional Malagasy craftsmanship, particularly its intricately carved wooden items and colorful textiles. After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you will start your journey through the picturesque landscapes of central Madagascar.

Along the way, you’ll pass through verdant hills, terraced rice fields, and traditional villages, where you can observe the daily life of the local residents.

Upon arrival,check-in at your hotel.

Day notes

Day 1: You'll start with a 4-hour walk, with a cumulative climb of 300m+ and 525m-. You'll take the winding road from Ambohimahasoa into Zafimaniry country. After 3 hours and 30 minutes on the road, 15 km before arriving in Ambositra, at Ivato Centre, you'll fork right onto a red dirt track for 25 km. You'll pass through rice paddies, eucalyptus forests and Betsileo villages. After 1 hour and 30 minutes, you'll reach the main town of the Antoetra commune. Leave your car here for two days and, accompanied by a local guide, begin a 5-hour walk through eucalyptus and mimosa forests to Vohibe. This rocky platform, on which the Catholics erected a large cross, offers an exceptional view. You'll then start descending a granite slab to reach the village of Sakaivo, where you'll spend the night in a bivouac.

Day notes

Day 2: You'll be walking for 6 hours, with a cumulative ascent of 700m+ and 600m-. Although the route to the next bivouac village may not seem long, it will be rich in discoveries. After breakfast, you'll set off in a northeasterly direction, beginning with a descent through the rice fields at the bottom of the valley before immediately climbing a 150-meter slope. After a break, you'll descend through a pine forest to climb up to the village of Tetezandrotra, where you can watch local craftsmen carving various objects. After an hour's walk, you'll reach an open area ideal for a picnic. After a further 45-minute walk, you'll reach the village of Vohitrandriana, offering magnificent views and a unique glimpse of the Zafimaniry villages. After a visit to the village, you'll set off again for a 1-hour 45-minute walk to the village of Faliarivo. To end the day, you'll descend into a valley to share dinner and spend the night in a bivouac in the village of Ankidodo.

Day notes

Day 3: You'll walk for 4 hours, with a cumulative ascent of 660m+ and 365m-. After breakfast, you'll set off for a 6-hour hike. Your path winds through mountains and valleys partially denuded due to the practice of tavy by several generations of Zafimaniry. You'll pass through typical villages, including the famous Ifasina. After a picnic lunch, you'll continue on your way to the commune's main town, where you'll find your car to return to Ambositra.

Day notes

After breakfast, you'll head back to Antananarivo, with a stopover in Antsirabe for a brief city tour. 

Arriving in Antsirabe, you'll have the opportunity to take a ride on a rickshaw. This picturesque means of transport allows you to discover the lively streets lined with French colonial architecture. 

After visiting the town, 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. 

Day notes

Today is your final day in Madagascar, and your plans will be adjusted according to your international flight schedule. Your travel designer will meet with you to recap your unforgettable journey through this captivating country.

Based on your flight time, you'll be transferred to Antananarivo International Airport. Your driver will ensure that you arrive safely and punctually for your departure.

We trust that your trip has been full of memorable moments and that you've relished every moment exploring Madagascar's unique wonders. Wishing you a pleasant journey home, and we look forward to welcoming you back for future adventures.