Summary
This hike-adventure tour takes you to discover an area still little known, located west of Madagascar "Le Ménabé". We discover the green and volcanic landscapes of Lake Itasy, then we sink into the bongolava massif where only a few collectors dare to venture. By canoe we descend the Manambolo River which winds through this wild region and crosses the imposing bemaraha massif through its majestic gorges. Visit the Park and its "Tsingy" before finishing our trip on the west coast and its imposing baobabs.
Activities
- Canoeing
- Hiking
- Landscape photography
- Sports
- Wildlife Photography
- Culture
- Photo-safari
Places
- Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
- Tsingy de Bemaraha Reserve, Madagascar
Physical Condition
- Sportive
Connectivity
- No WiFi but good phone coverage
Day-by-day Description
Day 1ANTANANARIVO - AMPEFY (lac Itasy) - TSIROANOMANDIDY
Activities Included
Fishing General Photography Landscape photography CultureDeparture for the lake of Ampefy to the west of Antananarivo. Crossing of the volcanic and hilly landscapes of the Itasy region. Small walking tour by the lake. Lunch then drive to Tsiroanomandidy where we cross convoys of carts to zebus that bring their crops to the large market. Overnight in a hotel. Accomodation Hotel du Bongolava
Day 2TSIROANOMANDIDY – BONGOLAVA
Activities Included
Hiking Sports Wildlife Photography CultureWe take a trail that crosses a landscape of hills and valleys before reaching the village of Beamboaty in the middle of an orange Grove. Then we sink into the wild massif of the Bongolava where only a few collectors dare to venture. In the afternoon we reach the western side of the massif that dominates the Great Plains where the River Manambolo winds. We end with a small walk of 30 minutes to reach our bivouac on the edge of a waterfall. Accomodation: Camping or Guest House
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
- Transfer
Location
Bongolava, Madagascar
Travel Time: 4 hrs
Day 3HIKING ANKAVANDRA – CANOËS
Activities Included
Camping Canoeing Hiking Landscape photography Wildlife Photography CultureWith our Porters we descend from the massif to the village of Ankavandra (3h). This is the starting point for our canoe trip. Boatmen, cooks, are all from this village and will be happy to make you discover. In the afternoon, after the traditional "fomba" (ritual) we start our navigation. The convoy of canoes stretched, letting itself be guided by the current. At the end of the day, bivouac on the sand banks. Accomodation: Camping
Day 4CANOEING
Activities Included
Camping Canoeing Hiking Landscape photography Wildlife Photography CultureThe course of the river gets lost in its sandy bed, and forces us to follow the boatmen that indicate the channel to be followed. Sometimes tightened between two hills, the river runs along small cliffs from which spring clear water springs. Fishermen offer us their fish. Here and there, crops on the silts are visible on the banks Accomodation: Camping
Day 5CANOEING
Activities Included
Camping Canoeing Fishing Hiking Wildlife Photography CultureAll the life of the river takes place before our eyes, at the languishing rhythm of nature and the current that carries us away. The landscape changes as the Bemaraha massif approaches. We enter the foothills of the mountain. The houses are disappearing little by little. We enter the bemaraha gorge. Accomodation: Camping
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
Location
Manambolo, Madagascar
Travel Time: 4 hrs
Day 6ARRIVAL BEKOPAKA
Activities Included
Canoeing Landscape photography Wildlife Photography CultureIn the morning we explore on foot a canyon that is surrounded by vegetation. The river has dug a succession of natural pools and clear water invites us to swim. In the afternoon we return to our canoes and our advance is made in the impressive silence of the gorges or echoes the screams of the parrots. Accomodation: Olympe de Bemaraha
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
Location
Bekopaka, Madagascar
Travel Time: 4 hrs
Day 7BEKOPAKA
Activities Included
Bird Photography Hiking Landscape photography Wildlife Photography Bird Watching CultureIn 4X4 we go to explore a very strange site. The "Tsingy of Bemaraha" (UNESCO World Heritage Site). It is a magical labyrinth of crevasses, gorges and caves dominated by sharp limestone peaks, the ‘Tsingy of Bemaraha’. Forced passage by a suspension bridge, to the lookouts that offer dazzling panoramas on the roof of the Tsingy. Return in the afternoon and visit the small village of Bekopaka. Accomodation: Olympe de Bemaraha
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
Location
Tsingy De Bemaraha, Madagascar
Travel Time: 6 hrs
Day 8BEKOPAKA – MORONDAVA
Activities Included
Wildlife Photography CultureBy the trail we take the direction of Belo on Tsiribihina. The first kilometers of the trail Cross a dry forest and then a grassy Savannah dotted with small villages. In Belo, we cross the tsiribihina River in a traditional ferry and continue along the trail to Morondava via the famous "Baobab Alley" at sunset. Arrival in the evening. Accomodation: Lagon bleu Hotel
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
- Transfer
Location
Morondava Beach, Madagascar
Travel Time: 6 hrs
Day 9MORONDAVA –TANANARIVO
Flight to Tana and City Tour Accomodation: Hotel Belvedere
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
- Transfer
Location
Morondava Airport (MOQ), Morondava, Madagascar
Travel Time: 3 hrs
Day 10TANANARIVO
Activities Included
General PhotographyTransfer to airport for international flight
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
- Transfer
Location
Aéroport International Ivato, Tananarive, Madagascar
Travel Time: 3 hrs
Offical Visa Regulations and Health Requirements
For personalized details on health and visa requirements please check the IATA travel centre here
https://www.iatatravelcentre.comhttp://www.madagascarconsulate.org.za/visa-info/