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Highland Horseback Riding Tour – 11 Days

Highland Horseback Riding Tour

For horse enthusiasts who want to be enchanted by the uniqueness of Madagascar from the saddle, we have designed three offerings that provide both equestrian challenge and relaxed trotting.

In addition to this 11-day tour, you also have the opportunity to take an in-depth 16-day horseback riding tour or trot along the beach in seven days.

This 11-day tour into the depths of Madagascar's Highlands not only allows you to be enchanted by the impressive landscapes, but also provides insight into the diverse cultures of the island.

Madagascar offers you the opportunity to admire many different landscapes.

In the interior, the Highland rises impressively.

Rivers caress the mighty volcanic cones and craters, carrying volcanic rocks with them in a rushing descent, while small, traditional mud huts gently nestle against the hilly terrain.

Let yourself be captivated by the 11-day horseback riding tour in Madagascar's mystical Highlands and be spellbound by the magic of the island.

Upon request for customized planning

1. Day: Arrival in Antananarivo

Arrival at the Antananarivo airport. From there, you will be taken to the Villa Sybille. After a short transfer (approximately 10 minutes), you will arrive at your welcoming and cozy accommodation for the first night.

2. Day: Discover the Land and its People

Your riding tour starts in the heart of the island, where your horses will be ready for you. A knowledgeable driver will accompany you there after breakfast. On the way, you have the opportunity to visit a Lemur Park and admire the cute primates up close. After a typical local lunch, you will be taken to the ranch where you will meet your horses. You will spend the night at the ranch after a delicious dinner made from regional products.

Day 3: The first small horseback riding tour

Today you will get to know your horse properly. On this easy tour, you will have plenty of opportunities to build a friendship with your horse and get accustomed to the terrain. After a short break at midday, you will return to the ranch and gather strength for the adventurous experiences of the next few days during a shared dinner.

Day 4: Exploring the Beautiful Landscapes of River Lily (5-6 hours of horseback riding)

Start your day by riding along the Sakay River deeper into the central west of Madagascar. Enjoy lunch in Babetville, a town built by immigrant families from Réunion in the 1950s. In the late afternoon, witness a picturesque sunset and savor a traditional campfire-cooked dinner. Sleep under the stars of the Southern Hemisphere at a tent camp by the River Lily.

5. Day: The Mananasy Crater Lake and the Town of Soavinandriana (about 5-6 hours of riding time)

On the fifth day, your destination is a small crater lake that you can reach via paths made of volcanic rock. Upon arriving at Lake Mananasy, a picnic awaits you. Next, you will ride down to the town of Soavinandriana on paths that can be quite steep. In the town, you will reach your accommodation. You will spend the night at the cozy and family-friendly Chaumière, which offers you a unique view of Lake Itasy.
 

6. Day: From Ampefy to Manazary/Lake Amparihikely (about 5-6h riding time)

Ride through rice fields and narrow paths within the plantations as you climb a proud 1500m on horseback today. This challenging ride is rewarded with an impressive 360° panorama that encompasses the entire area around Lake Itasy. Gallop along the dam and finally set up your camp in the east of Manazary. At the shore of Lake Amparihikely, the small fishing boats gently sway in the waves as you end the day of riding with a drink in a cozy circle around the campfire.

7. Day: Back to Civilization - Ampefy (about 5-6 hours of riding time)

On the seventh day of your horseback riding tour, you will follow winding paths above Lake Itasy. Along the way, you will pass through charming, small villages with lovely houses and intricately decorated wooden balconies. You will ride through banana plantations and take advantage of the sandy trails for some short gallops. Next, you will reach a crater lake and eventually the well-greened town of Ampefy, where you will have plenty of time to wander around. You will spend the night at the cozy Belle Vue hotel.

Day 8: Rushing Waterfalls and Bubbling Geysers (about 5-6 hours of riding time)

Embark on a journey through a unique volcanic landscape along the banks of the Lily River, until you reach its source. Here, you will have a breathtaking view of the paradisiacal Lily Waterfalls, cascading up to 25m deep. You will also have the opportunity to purchase some souvenirs made of pumice stone, crafted by the locals themselves. After a short break, ride across black volcanic rock and arrive in the late afternoon at the bubbling geysers. In the evening, enjoy a typical local dinner. Spend the night in a cozy tent camp.
9. Day: The Rice Chamber of Madagascar (approx. 4 hours riding time) Today's itinerary includes a ride to the picturesque Lake of Andranomena. Along the way, you will cross mountain foothills and take in the breathtaking views of Madagascar's rice chamber: 3000 hectares of irrigated rice fields spread out before you. End the day once again at the geysers in the familiar camp.

Day 10: Back to Antanarivo (approx. 3 hours drive)

Leaving behind the world of geysers, you embark on your journey to the final natural spectacle of your trip. Your ride ends at the mysterious gorge known as La Marmite du Diable – the Devil's Cauldron. The river Mazy has carved a round crater into the rocks with tremendous force, creating a fascinating landscape through erosion. After a leisurely lunch, you'll drive approximately 3 hours back to Antanarivo, passing through Tana, where you'll once again stay at Villa Sibylle for the night.

11. Day: Authentic and close to Madagascar's capital

On the last day, you can design it according to your wishes. After a hearty breakfast, you have time to explore Madagascar's capital. Take a stroll through the streets of Antananarivo and witness the colorful and cheerful chaos of the city. Take your time to browse for souvenirs and taste the local specialties at the market before you begin your journey back home.

Key Information:

During our 11-day horse riding tour, you will be accompanied by an English- or French-speaking guide. You will stay in specially selected accommodations in twin rooms. For overnight stays in the countryside, we provide modern tents for you. Breakfast and dinner will be served either at the respective inn or provided by us, sometimes prepared in a traditional way over a crackling campfire. Lunch usually consists of a small snack pack or a little picnic. Unless stated otherwise in the program, we also provide light meals for you. The tour is suitable for 1 to 10 participants, all of whom should have been riding confidently for 2 to 3 years. Our stallions and geldings are well-groomed and easy-going animals. Just like the horses, you should feel confident in all 3 gaits. Mountain stages may require some riding skills. Even though the horses are extremely sure-footed and reliable, they must be able to rely on your guidance. Therefore, you should already have experience with trail rides. Ideally, your weight as a rider should be no more than 90kg. The excursions are designed for a riding time of 5 to 6 hours per day, with the pace varying depending on the condition of the trails. In the mountains, a slower pace is often necessary. The horses are ridden with an English bridle. The best weather conditions for the 11-day tour in the highlands can be found during the dry season, from April to October. We are happy to provide personal advice and take your suggestions to heart.

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Experience an 11-day Madagascar Highlands Trekking Tour, tailor-made for horse enthusiasts. Challenge yourself with equestrian adventures or enjoy relaxed trotting amidst the unique landscapes of Madagascar. Dive deep into diverse cultures, impressive vistas, mighty volcanic cones, and traditional mud huts. An optional 16-day extended tour or a 7-day beachside trot is available. Embrace the magic of this mystical island experience.

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