Trekking Tours, Climbing, and Paragliding in Madagascar
Sporting Activities in the Andringitra Mountains and Tsaranoro Valley
It was only in 1998 that the mountain landscape in the Andringitra Massif was declared a national park, this spectacular 32,000-hectare area is a unique attraction in Madagascar!
The alpine landscape is – despite some similarities with other mountain regions of the world – interspersed with tropical and highly unique animals and plants, all. Discover 15 species of lemurs in Andringitra. Mountain hikers and fans of alpine climbing will find not only days of blessed hikes with incredible panoramas, but also spectacular rock walls for free climbing. As technical climbing is not allowed, the famous rock walls in the Tsaranoro Valley have captured the hearts of numerous free climbers, with new routes being explored almost weekly in all levels of difficulty. Several camps below the walls are regularly occupied only by friends of the exciting alpine sport.
For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the extensive hiking trails reveal the magic of these diverse mountains, where two weather zones meet and therefore offer as varied a life as possible. Weather conditions vary in the Andringitra National Park. While the western side of the mountain range features tropical vegetation such as palm trees, the eastern side is characterized by vegetation similar to that of the Alps.
A climb to the 2658m high Pic Imarivolanitra, also known as “Pic Boby”, is the highlight of hiking in the Andringitra National Park. As the second highest peak in Madagascar, it is not particularly difficult to reach, with well-prepared hiking trails and artificial staircases leading the way.
In the higher regions amidst the legendary “lunar landscape” of ancient rock formations, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views. Explore the unique flora and fauna of this diverse national park while experiencing the beauty of Madagascar’s natural wonders. Experience unforgettable impressions and images of colorful sunsets in Namoly and Tsaranoro, the two mountain valleys that serve as the gateway to Andringitra. The northern entrance to the national park offers a gradual ascent from the village of Namoly, with the magnificent “Amphitheater” of Andringitra’s highest peaks in view.
The two sacred waterfalls cascade into the valley in white spray clouds, while the alpine plateau offers breathtaking views. Explore these unique landscapes for an unforgettable travel experience.
The first camp climbed may seem strangely familiar and reveals many parallels to European mountains. It is rarely cloudless up here, as the moisture-laden winds from the nearby East Coast bring a lot of water, which is why rain protection is just as advisable as warm clothing for the evening! Frost is not uncommon here!
The western access valley Tsaranoro offers itself as a relatively narrow incision into the mountains. Here, a completely different climate prevails than in Namoly, which is why Andringitra can be described as a climate and weather divide. The journey through a hot, dry, and steppe-like landscape already indicates this. Nevertheless, the heated Travelers hiking to the camps at the foot of Pic Chamäleon can take a refreshing break by the river along the way. If you want to explore the Andringitras mountain range from Tsaranoro, be prepared for a more challenging trek. While Pic Chamäleon is steep but manageable in about an hour, the ascent to “Paysage de la lune” and Pic Boby requires a strenuous uphill climb, not technically difficult but steep and long…
To truly experience the National Park, it is recommended to plan at least two camping nights, preferably three. A hike to explore the park’s countless beauties should be done without rushing. Depending on your fitness level and interests, guides in Ambalavao or on-site offer different tour options. Booking a multi-day trekking tour in advance is highly recommended. Organizers in Ambalavao usually only need one night for preparation, so booking in the afternoon allows for an early start the next morning. Of course,
Most climbing enthusiasts naturally head to Tsaranoro to expand the impressive catalog of routes in the camps below, exploring new, unheard-of routes through the attractive rock walls. The “Amphitheater of Namoly has also become a destination for free climbers, but climbers here face danger from the unpredictable weather, with rain showers quickly turning into waterfalls cascading down the rock walls, making the stay risky.
For those simply wandering through the quiet mountain world, exploring Andringitra is the best way to experience some of the most beautiful and peaceful moments of a Madagascar trip: yet another unexpected and even more beautiful scenery, rustic meals by the communal fire.
Experience the grandiose starry sky and sunrises and sunsets in the protective huts.
We also offer paragliding trips in this fantastic landscape.
For experienced hikers and multi-day tours, the Andringitra Mountains are more recommended than the completely overcrowded and expensive Isalo N.P.
