Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo
On the first day of your journey through Madagascar, your experience may not be very eventful at first, as you are likely to arrive late at night or in the early hours at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo.
You will be picked up directly by your tour guide and taken to Villa Sibylle, located near the airport.
You can use your first night in Madagascar to mentally prepare for the upcoming tour and recover from the long flight. |
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Day 2: Driving from Antananarivo to Antsirabe
Your journey begins in the Madagascan capital of Antananarivo, taking you to the approximately 170 kilometers distant Antsirabe.
This leg of the journey will start by car, with the option to also cover smaller sections by bike if desired.
Along the way, you can make stops at various locations, such as visiting a factory where aluminum pots are uniquely crafted.
Antsirabe is the highest city in Madagascar and welcomes you with its volcanic springs, providing a wonderful place for relaxation.
Upon arrival, the bicycles will be adjusted and you will take a short bike tour around the city of Antsirabe. Later, you will head to the Chambres du Voyageur hotel where you will be staying. |
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Day 3: From Antsirabe to Lake Tritriva and Betafo
On the third day of your Madagascar vacation, you will embark on your first full day of cycling.
Two lakes are on the agenda: Lake Andraikiba and then Lake Tritriva. Both can be easily reached on well-maintained and comfortable roads.
Lake Tritriva is situated on a volcanic cone and has turquoise, slightly acidic water with no fish living in it. The volcanic cone provides an ideal platform to admire not only the breathtakingly beautiful water of the lake, but also to get a spectacular view of the surroundings.
The highland landscape is colorful and vibrant, offering excellent photo opportunities. You will then travel through the countryside on narrow tracks to Betafo.
A short hike is recommended there to explore the area on foot. The return journey will be by car, making the total distance for this third day approximately 35 kilometers.
Accommodation will once again be at the Chambres du Voyageur hotel in Antsirabe. |
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Day 4: Journey from Antsirabe to Ambositra
On the fourth day of your trip, you will bid farewell to Antsirabe and head south. The slightly hilly road takes you through well-maintained and paved roads, making this stretch not too challenging in terms of difficulty.
However, you have about 95 kilometers ahead of you on this day, which you can also cover in the support vehicle if you prefer. The journey will take you past many rice terraces, rivers, and small villages where you can experience the friendliness and joy for life of the Malagasy people.
Your destination for the day is Ambositra, where you can admire the local artisans known for their beautiful wood carvings.
You will be staying at the Artisan Hotel, designed by local artists from Ambositra, offering an impressive aesthetic experience. |
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Day 5: From Ambositra to Ranomafana
Start your fifth day in Ambositra with the support vehicle to shorten today's route a bit.
This is mainly because you will need to climb several meters in altitude on this day, which would be too strenuous on a bike. You will first head to Ambohimahasoa and then continue the tour on two wheels.
The route takes you through remote villages and fascinating landscapes until you finally reach the Ranomafana National Park.
This national park, also known as the mountain rainforest, will immediately captivate you with its fascinating flora and fauna, and after about 25 kilometers you will reach Ranomafana.
The route will now mainly take you downhill until you reach the Grenat Hotel, which welcomes you for tonight's accommodation. |
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Day 6: Explore Ranomafana National Park
On the sixth day, leave your bikes at your accommodation and venture on foot into Ranomafana National Park.
You can arrange individual tours with the local guide according to your preferences.
These tours typically last between two and six hours and provide you with truly exceptional insights into the nature of the montane rainforest.
Bamboo lemurs, numerous bird species, reptiles, and amphibians may cross your path on this tour.
Afterward, you will be welcomed back at the Grenat Hotel with its comfortable beds. |
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Day 7: From Ranomafana to Sahambavy
Start the seventh Day in the support vehicle to avoid the steep sections of the route.
Once the road levels out, hop on your bike towards Fianarantsoa. Soon, you will veer off the main road onto a pleasant gravel path.
Here, you will find a tea plantation and the Lac Hotel.
Enjoy a breathtaking view of a lake and spend the night in one of the cozy bungalows.
Accommodation is scheduled for the evening.
In the afternoon, you can visit the Sahambavy Tea Plantation and learn about the local production process.
Alternatively, we can suggest other activities for your afternoon. |
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Day 8: From Sahambavy to Fianarantsoa to Ambalavao
On the eighth day of your Madagascar adventure, you will start the day in the support vehicle as usual.
You will head to Fianarantsoa, where you can admire the intricate photographs of internationally acclaimed photo artist Pierrot Men.
Exploring Fianarantsoa will be done on bicycles, before continuing on to Ambalavao, 53 kilometers away.
The landscape along the way becomes increasingly rocky, with some wine-growing regions lining the path on both sides.
Ambalavao itself is a charming small town, and the Tsienimparihy Lodge extends a warm welcome to you here. |
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Day 9: From Ambalavao to Tsaranoro
On the ninth day, you leave Ambalavao behind and head south.
You will travel about 12 kilometers over a rocky pass that offers breathtaking views.
A small village community will greet you on your way, and a local guide will accompany you to a privately managed nature reserve where many lemurs and chameleons call home.
Continuing on with your bike, the landscape gradually transforms into a savannah dotted with granite rocks.
This section of the route is mainly downhill, and the paved road makes for a very pleasant ride.
After a while, you will turn off into the Tsaranoro Valley and face a 20-kilometer stretch that will take you to the Tsaranoro Mountains and the Tsarasoa Lodge, where a comfortable night's rest awaits you.
The last 10 kilometers of the track are rather challenging and can be covered by car if needed. |
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Day 10: A hike in the Tsaranoro Mountain Range
Today, leave your bikes behind and head straight to the Pic Chamäleon after breakfast.
The ascent will take about two hours and is manageable even with average fitness levels.
Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the spectacular mountain landscape.
You can choose to either have a camping overnight stay on the mountain or return to the Camp Catta Lodge where you can enjoy a bit more comfort. |
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Day 11: From Tsaranoro to Ranohira
Start your day with a bike ride on a paved road for the first stage.
Head to Ankaramena, where you can enjoy some of the local specialties, such as sweet mango and papaya fruits.
Afterwards, hop back on the support vehicle and travel through Ihosy to Ranohira.
In the afternoon, as you cross the vast Horombe Plateau, consider biking a few kilometers to fully appreciate the spectacular landscape.
Next, you'll reach the foot of the Isalo National Park and the Islo Rock Lodge **** hotel, where you'll be staying for the night.
Some luxury and comfort are key after a challenging day. |
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Day 12: Exploration of Isalo National Park
Today, you will have the opportunity to explore Isalo National Park, which is certainly one of the most beautiful in Madagascar.
Begin by walking and exploring the impressive mountain range with a guide, where you will find a unique flora and fauna, including dense forested areas, hidden waterfalls, and a diverse range of wildlife. The individual tour will be tailored to your needs, and if desired, a bike tour through the uniquely rugged landscape can be arranged afterwards.
Once again, you will spend the night at the luxurious Isalo Rock Lodge****. |
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Day 13: From Isalo to the Mozambique Channel
On Day 13, as you leave Isalo National Park, you will quickly notice that the landscape is changing dramatically.
You will now head towards Tulear, passing the southern Tropic of Capricorn. Extremely dry landscapes, where raindrops seldom fall from the sky, present a harsh yet visually spectacular environment.
Ride your bike through savannah-like sections and enjoy the unique scenic panorama.
You will arrive at a small lodge located about 25km after Tulear, welcoming you with its special charm.
The "Belladonna Hotel" will be your home for the next few days. |
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Day 14 and 15: Ifaty on the Mozambique Channel
These two days on your Madagascar journey are free for you to enjoy.
You can relax on the stunning dream beaches of the area or choose to participate in various activities such as sailing, paragliding, diving, or visiting a nature reserve.
We are happy to assist you in planning ahead.
At this time, the bicycles will be taken back to Antananarivo by the support vehicle.
You will once again stay at the Belladonna Hotel right on the beach. |
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Day 16: Heading back to Antananarivo from Tulear
On Day 16, your Madagascar journey is almost coming to an end, as after breakfast you will first drive back to Tulear and then take a flight to Antananarivo.
Depending on the flight times, you may have either a longer stay with plenty of exploration opportunities in Tulear or Antananarivo.
On this evening, you will also enjoy a meal at an exceptional restaurant, and spend the night at Villa Sibylle, just like at the beginning of your Madagascar vacation. |
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Day 17: Exploring Antananarivo and Surroundings
On the last full day of your unique and unforgettable holiday in Madagascar, you have the opportunity to explore the capital city of the island nation, Antananarivo.
In this context, we are happy to provide you with numerous tips and suggestions and assist you with organization. For this day, we have booked a Day Use at the selected hotel, allowing you to explore Antananarivo at your own pace without worrying about your luggage.
In the evening, you will be transferred to the airport. |
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Day 18: Heading Back to Europe
On the last day of your journey, you will spend almost exclusively on the plane, depending on your individual destination.
Take this time to relax and dream about some of the highlights of your vacation in Madagascar. |
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