Advertisement
Just a few places on Earth offer such an intense kaleidoscope of nature as Madagascar. Sandstone canyons, limestone karsts, mountains, fertile hills cascading with terraced rice paddies, forests of every kind – wet & rainy, dry, spiny – and a laterite-rich soil that gave the country its nickname of 'Red Island'. With 5000km of coastline, the sea is never very far, turquoise and idyllic in places, dangerous in others. It is the world’s fourth-largest island and its roads are dismal.https://vimeo.com/292618272
https://vimeo.com/194405246
https://vimeo.com/224965822
The island's signature animal is the lemur of course, but there are many weird and wonderful creatures: the eerie-looking fossa (a cat-like predator), colourful and camouflaged chameleons, oddly shaped insects, vivid frogs, graceful rays and turtles, several species of sharks, and humpback whales during the winter months.Trees and plants are just as impressive with the distinctively shaped baobabs, the fanning ravinala (travellers' palm), the hundreds of orchids or the spiny forests of the desert south.
We have prepared a short but intensive program to West Coast of the island, most representative part, that will allow us cover all of the highlights in one go.
Here we go:
Day 1 – Arrival in Tana, transfer to Antsirabe
Arrival, immigration procedure. We begin with the 5-hour scenic drive south to Antsirabe. Check in to a local hotel. Evening at leisure to rest from the journey.
Day 2 – Antsirabe to Miandrivazo, start boat trip
Early morning departure around 04:30 AM with breakfast on the way. Reach Miandrivazo by late morning, then drive 1 hour to the riverbank. Board the boat and begin the Tsiribihina River expedition. Lunch and dinner served on board.
Day 3 – Full day on the Tsiribihina River
Spend the entire day enjoying downstream on the Tsiribihina River, passing landscapes with waterfalls, gorges, birds, and village life along the banks. Breaks for swimming and photography. Overnight camp by the river.
Day 4 – End river trip, drive to Tsingy via Belo
Finish the boat trip in the morning and take a local ferry across the river at Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. Continue with a 4-hour off-road drive to Bekopaka, near Tsingy de Bemaraha. Check into the lodge.
Day 5 – Explore Tsingy de Bemaraha
Spend the day hiking in the UNESCO-listed Tsingy de Bemaraha. Walk along suspended bridges, stone pinnacles, and limestone forests. Although could be perceived as moderate level trek, the path is filled with incredible views and wildlife. Return to accommodation for overnight.
Day 6 – Tsingy to Kirindy via Belo, night walk in forest
Leave early for the journey back via Belo to Kirindy Forest (approx. 6 hours including ferry). Arrive in the afternoon and check in. After dark, join a guided night walk in the reserve to sneak on nocturnal lemurs, chameleons, and their friends.
Day 7 – Kirindy walk, sunset at Baobab Alley, drive to Morondava
Take a morning nature walk in Kirindy, a dry deciduous forest with rare species like the fossa. After lunch, head to the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs for sunset. Then continue the short 3-hour drive to Morondava. Check in and relax by the beach.
Day 8 – Flight to Tana, city tour
Morning flight from Morondava to Antananarivo at 09:45 AM, landing around 10:45 AM. Transfer to the city and begin a short sightseeing tour. Visit local markets or key landmarks depending on timing. Evening at hotel or optional group dinner.
Day 9 – Departure
Airport transfer according to your international flight time. Bye, bye Mada x
Grade: Easy with elements of climbing (Tsingy Forest)
Activities: trekking, sightseeing, cruising.
Visas: Any passport can obtain a visa on arrival valid for 90 days. Stays up to 30 days are free of charge. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.
Cost: 8290 AED excl. flights.
Program is based on Ethiopian Airways schedule.
If you're flying on Emirates, you need to arrive day earlier.
Cost valid until JULY 31st. Past deadline cost will change.
Single room 1,472 AED extra.
You can use your own connection given you'll arrive earlier and depart later, ie. If you chose Emirates, you ll need to arrive day earlier.
Specifically excluded: Lunches and dinners in local restaurants.
Specifically included: Stay in local hotels, one way domestic flight, AC Minibus, 4WDs, motor boats, ferries, local English-speaking guides at the locations, entrance fees to national parks where applicable, encounter local tribes, customs and wild life with all its specifics.
Clips:
https://vimeo.com/194405246
https://vimeo.com/224965822
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050484823 / [email protected]
[Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dubai International Airport, ستاربكس, مطار دبي الدولي دبي, الإمارات العربية المتحدة, Garhoud, United Arab Emirates
Tickets
