Embark on a journey where a large part of the distance is covered on water, complemented by hikes and car excursions. This ensures that you get a maximum of variety and insights into regions of Madagascar that are far off the beaten tourist path.
Alongside our regular tour program featuring classic car tours, we have been offering many canoe tours in recent years.
These tours are often even more natural and extraordinary, appealing especially to independent-minded travelers visiting Madagascar.
For this reason, we have put together a tour that is much more than just a typical canoe trip.
Instead, we offer a comprehensive package including hikes, a river cruise on the Manambolo, a visit to the Tsingy of Bemaraha, and the Baobab Alley.
For your Madagascar vacation, you couldn't ask for a more exciting travel package.
Below, we will show you what we have planned for this proposed tour. We aim to pique your interest and provide you with a taste of the myriad unforgettable experiences you will gather on this journey through Madagascar.
If you wish to make a booking right away, simply reach out to us. And if you need more information beforehand, we are always at your service.
During this tour, a significant portion of the distance is covered on water, complemented by hikes and car excursions.
This ensures that you are presented with a maximum of variety and gain insights into regions of Madagascar that are far off the beaten tourist path.
The tour starts in Antananarivo, takes you through Tsampoketsa, to the Manambolo Gorges, all the way to the Tsingy of Bemaraha, and then to the famous Baobab Alley, home to the impressive Avenue of the Baobabs.
This tour is available between April and November and is recommended for individuals with an average physical condition.
As with all our offerings, there are numerous combination and extension options, depending on how much time you wish to spend on the beautiful island of Madagascar.
Following the detailed itinerary outlining the various stops and daily activities, you will receive a breakdown of the costs and inclusions for this trip from us.
This way, you can have a clear understanding of what to expect.
For single rooms, we charge a supplement of 320.00 Euros.
Services included in the price:
All meals, excluding lunch on Day 9 in Morondava
All road transfers from Antananarivo to Bekobaka and from Bekopaka to Morondava
Boat and camping equipment
Boatmen and guide, as well as logistics
Drinking water throughout the entire tour
All accommodations
Services not included in the price:
Lunch on Day 9 in Morondava
Park entrance fees and tours in the Tsingy of Bemaraha
Drinks before and after the tour
Day 1: Arrival in AntananarivoAfter completing the visa formalities, you will be picked up by one of our guides or directly by us at the airport. Depending on the arrival time, a hotel transfer and well-deserved rest may be on the agenda, but if time allows, various activities will also be offered. Overnight stay at the "Villa Sibylle" |
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Day 2: The journey begins with the trip to TsiroamandidyThe second day of this trip is all about the drive to the starting point of the tour and unfortunately offers few exciting experiences in itself. Early in the morning, you will set off by car on the well-maintained RN 1 heading west. Lunch can be enjoyed either on the banks of the river, with enticing views, or at one of the local restaurants in Tsiroamandidy. From there, you will travel about 40 kilometers further west, now navigating a rather bumpy track. The journey ends a few kilometers away from the village of Beloboka, where the camp is already waiting for you. In this part of the country, few people are around and the unique atmosphere of this region will surely captivate you immediately. Rest well from the strenuous and lengthy journey here, as the adventure of this impressive tour truly begins the next day. |
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Day 3: The Leap into the Unknown Begins with a HikeOn the third day of this tour, you will embark on an adventure that is likely far from anything you have experienced in your life so far. In the early morning, your porters will arrive. To ensure they can handle the luggage well, there is a maximum weight limit of 10 kilograms that you must adhere to. If this is not possible for you, be prepared for repacking, where part of your luggage may be sent ahead. The journey begins on foot with a hike that leads further west. The landscape in this part of Madagascar is hilly and characterized by sparse grass growth. Original forests are usually only found in the lowlands and larger hill valleys. The rest of the landscape was devastated by human hands decades ago. Be sure to observe the amazing erosion scars that have carved into the various hills of the area, and also be inspired by the hospitality of the people living here. While there are not many Malagasy people who still reside in this rather unpromising area today, those who live in the villages here will greet you friendly and with great interest. You will set up your campsite near the river, under the red hills, where you will also enjoy a good dinner. |
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Day 4: Exploring the Gorges of ManamboloOn the fourth day of the journey, or the second day of the hike, a completely different landscape unfolds before you: you will hike to the edge of the highlands and then descend about 500 meters down to the lowlands of the coastal region. People with knee problems should exercise caution on this stage of the trail. In this context, timely information is advisable. Here, you can admire a breathtaking panorama: in the distance, you can already see the Tsingy of Bemaraha shimmering, and closer by, the gorges of Manambolo present themselves. This time, you will set up camp halfway down to the lowlands. From here, you will have an excellent view of the sunset over the Tsingy. |
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Day 5: The Manambolo River Cruise BeginsAfter breakfast, your journey will take you down to the river in just under three hours. Upon arrival, a hearty lunch awaits you while the team takes care of the logistical tasks to prepare for the start of the boat tour. Due to the sometimes challenging conditions, traditional canoes are not part of this tour, and you will be traveling exclusively in modern boats. The first leg of the Manambolo River immediately presents some challenges: although you won't have to paddle the entire time, there are still some minor obstacles to overcome. Especially from August to November, the river tends to have low water levels. This may require you to occasionally get out of the boats and push them into deeper water. A special highlight: before you embark on your journey, a traditional Malagasy ceremony known as fomba will be performed. This is done to secure the blessing of the ancestors for a successful river cruise. After a short distance, you will notice a significant change in the landscape around you. The hills become taller and more lush, with a richer color. Human presence becomes scarce, and the end of the plain suddenly comes into view – a massive mountain range looms closer to the shore, which will be our next stop. Today, there are also a few exploration trips into the local landscape planned. Encounter lemurs, wild boars, crocodiles, chameleons, and various other animals, and search for impressive plants that are unique to Madagascar. Tonight, you will camp near the river. |
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Day 6: Continuing the Journey on the Manambolo RiverThe sixth day of your Madagascar adventure is dedicated to the Manambolo River. The river now carries more water, resulting in a smoother ride for you. You will be navigating between dense forest edges of original dry forest, with small rocks and hills of red or orange rock appearing in the river, trying to block your path. At this point, the river cuts through the mountain range, offering a breathtaking view of the Vazimba cave tombs. The Vazimba were considered the first people to settle in Madagascar, using this area for centuries to bury their deceased. During the tour, you have the option to visit some of these tombs, while maintaining respect for the customs and traditions. Your guide will provide you with comprehensive information, not only sharing historical and cultural facts but also informing you about the specifics and etiquette of the area. You will spend the night on the banks of the Manambolo, where the crew will set up camp and serve you a nourishing meal. |
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Day 7: The Manambolo River Keeps You on CourseWhile the seventh day may not offer any extraordinary adventures, it is the perfect time to take a deep breath and appreciate the beautiful scenery passing by on the riverbanks. The landscape has a lot to offer and already differs significantly from what you encountered yesterday. Enjoy the peace, tranquility, and connection with nature, and relax in the evening at the camp, once again set up on the banks of the Manambolo. |
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Day 8: The river leads back to civilizationAfter days of almost unbelievable tranquility and plenty of distance from civilization, the surroundings around the Manambolo river are transforming once again. You are starting to see more and more people, and after a few relaxing hours of travel, Bekopaka comes into view. Here, you will leave your boats and enter a civilized environment bustling with people. Cold drinks and hearty meals await you. The exact time of your arrival in Bekopaka is usually unpredictable, as it depends on the current water level. Progress is usually smooth until mid-year, but in the second half of the year, boats often have to be pushed over shallow waters. Upon arrival in Bekopaka, you will not only enjoy the comfort of human civilization and perhaps indulge in a cold beer and a proper bed – depending on your arrival time, you may also have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the small Tsingy, which rise into the sky in the area around Bekopaka. These are more or less sharp rock formations that grow upwards from the ground into the air. The small Tsingy of Bekopaka can be seen as a preview of what awaits you tomorrow. |
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Day 9: The Tsingy of Bemaraha Await YouOn the ninth day, you will witness something truly extraordinary at the "stone forest". You will start with a relatively short but bumpy ride in a 4x4 vehicle from Bekopaka to the National Park of Tsingy de Bemaraha. This national park is truly unique, being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990 and protected in a special way. The karst landscape of this park amazes with its striking limestone formations called "Tsingy" by the locals. These limestone formations protrude from the ground like sharp needles and grow upwards from there. Visually, it resembles a forest of stone, flourishing mightily, impressively, and incredibly diverse. Contrary to popular belief, the National Park of Tsingy de Bemaraha is not solely made up of stone trees. On the contrary, numerous mangroves, lakes, and plants extend into the lower areas of the park. So far, 650 different plant species have been cataloged, with more than 85% being endemic. The animal diversity in this national park is also impressive. With some luck, you may come across Red Ruffed Lemurs, Gray Mouse Lemurs, a Madagascar Fish Eagle, numerous amphibians, and over 60 different species of reptiles. Of course, it is worth taking a guided tour in this national park. This will turn the already unique experience into a true adventure, as the guide will lead you through narrow paths and suspension bridges, taking you through canyons and showing you the park's many inhabitants in their favorite spots. In the evening, you will return to Bekopaka, where you can dream of the day's experiences in your hotel. |
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Day 10: From Bekopaka to MorondavaOn the tenth day of the trip, bid farewell to Bekopaka and continue by car to Morondava. The road in this area is relatively busy, but you should arrive in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina around noon. The Tsiribihina River is heavily trafficked, so make sure to secure your spot on the ferry in advance. Lunch will be enjoyed at Ibrahim's restaurant, where delicious food is served and the ferry is conveniently close by. After a short ferry ride, you will be greeted by the baobabs. The giant baobab trees, fascinating due to their unique growth forms, stand in rows like an alley. Some trees are intertwined like lovers, while others resemble elderly people on a park bench. In any case, these trees offer numerous beautiful photo opportunities, and the sunset especially bathes the scenery in a breathtaking atmosphere. |
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Day 11: The Tour Ends in MorondavaMorondava is a place that holds many secrets: in a way, it seems to be at a crossroads between civilization and complete seclusion. Here, the original blends with the modern, and we highly recommend soaking up this extraordinary atmosphere for at least one more day. Feel free to enjoy the beaches of the area, perfect for relaxing and unwinding. However, our guided and planned tour ends at this point unless you have booked a follow-up tour directly. If you wish to fly back to Antananarivo from Morondava, we are happy to arrange the flight for you, though it is not included in the price. Otherwise, your Madagascar adventure comes to an end here. |
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“Embark on a diverse journey to Madagascar with our exceptional tour – ‘A river cruise on the Manambolo to the Tsingy of Bemaraha’. Experience natural and unconventional canoe tours, hikes, visits to the Baobab Alley and Tsingy of Bemaraha with us. Book now!”
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