Madagascar is often referred to by researchers as the "Museum of Living Fossils."
When the island separated from the African mainland due to tectonic shifts 150 million years ago, it created conditions that allowed numerous plant and animal species to thrive.
No other place on Earth boasts such a great diversity of species and richness of endemic flora and fauna.
By horse, you can experience the wonders of nature on the fourth largest island in the world in a very authentic way.
Seize the opportunity to explore vast landscapes and become part of the incredible beauty of the island.
On this horseback riding tour, you will discover the Highland in the middle west of the island as well as the East Coast and the famous Canal des Pangalanes, a 645 km long waterway in the East of Madagascar.
During the equestrian journey, we will show you some of the most beautiful landscapes that Madagascar has to offer.
Both in terms of riding and scenery, this is a very diverse tour, with peaceful yet challenging stages in the remote mountainous regions and exciting, joyful gallops on white dream beaches.
On request for individual planning
1. Day: Arrival in AntananarivoUpon arrival at the airport in Antananarivo, you will be transferred to the Villa Sybille. After a short transfer (approximately 10 minutes), you will reach your welcoming and cozy accommodation for the first night. Start your adventure in Madagascar on a comfortable note at Villa Sybille! |
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2. Day: Adorable Lemurs in MadagascarAfter breakfast, you will drive together to the middle West of Madagascar, the starting point of your horseback riding tour, where your horses are ready for you. On the way, you will stop at a Lemur Park, where you can observe these charming animals up close. During your first lunch, you will get a taste of the country's culinary traditions. Next, you will be taken to the ranch where you will meet your horses. After a shared dinner, you will spend the night in well-maintained guest rooms or tents. |
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3. Day: First Impressions on HorsebackToday, you will experience Madagascar for the first time from the back of a horse. You will ride north for a bit, then south, enjoying the unique views, testing out your horse in peace, and preparing for the adventures you will experience in the days to come. You will return to the ranch for dinner and overnight accommodations. |
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4. Day: A Day by the River LilyEmbark on a horseback ride from the ranch through the gentle plains of Sakay and along the Sakay River in the central west of Madagascar. Take a break for lunch in Babetville, a town founded in the 1950s by immigrant families from Réunion. Enjoy a beautiful sunset in the late afternoon and relax by the campfire during a shared dinner. Experience the impressive starry sky of the southern hemisphere and spend the night in a tent camp by the idyllic Lily River. |
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5. Day: Explore the picturesque town of Soavinandriana (Approx. 5-6 hours of horseback riding)Ride along rocky paths and volcanic terrain to reach a small crater lake called Mananasy. Enjoy a picnic of delicious local treats prepared with care by the lake shore. Once refreshed, make your way down steep paths into the quaint town of Soavinandriana. Passing by market stalls and curious locals, you'll arrive at your carefully chosen accommodation for the night: Chaumière, a charming family-run guesthouse with a stunning view of Lake Itasy. |
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6. Day: The most fantastic panorama of the island (approx. 5-6 hours riding time)Another impressive day on horseback awaits you. Riding along the mountain ridge, you will pass through rice fields and narrow plantation paths up to an altitude of 1,500m. From there, you will enjoy an impressive 360° panorama of Lake Itasy and the surrounding area. Galloping along the dam, you will then set up your camp in the east of Manazary, on the shore of Lake Amparihikely. End the day in a cozy atmosphere with a drink by the campfire, while small fishing boats peacefully sway in the evening sun. |
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7. Day: Ampefy - Warm Welcome from the Locals (Approx. 5-6 hours of riding)The next leg of your horseback journey through the highlands of Madagascar awaits! Above Lake Itasy, you will follow winding paths, passing through charming villages with cute houses and beautifully decorated wooden balconies. Riding through vast banana plantations on delightful sandy trails, you will have plenty of opportunities for a brisk gallop! After riding past an idyllic crater lake, you will re-enter civilization and reach the lush green town of Ampefy. You will spend the night at the Belle Vue accommodation - a very cozy and idyllically located inn. In the evening, an indigenous folklore group will provide you with excellent entertainment and insight into Madagascar's joyful culture. |
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8. Day: Geysers at Analavory (about 5-6 hours of riding time)Today's ride takes you through the mysterious volcanic landscape along the banks of the Lily River. You can admire the picturesque Lily Waterfalls, where the water plunges over 25m into the depths. Or purchase one of the small works of art made of pumice stone by the locals here for your loved ones back home. Afterwards, you will cross the Lily River and follow horse trails made of impressive black volcanic rock until you reach the geysers. In the evening, a typical and traditional Madagascan dinner awaits you. You will spend the night in comfortable tents in the midst of this impressive landscape. |
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9. Day: Explore the vast rice fields of the island (about 4 hours riding time)Embark on an excursion to Lake Andranomena, where you will first have to overcome the mountain foothills that overlook the plain of rice fields of Anosibe Ifanja. The irrigated rice fields cover a proud 3,000 hectares. It's no wonder this area is called the rice granary of the country! After about 4 hours, you will return to the geysers and spend a second night at the tent camp. |
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10. Day: Geysers - Antananarivo (approx. 3h riding time)Riding back to civilization at a brisk pace, you will pass through the La Marmite du Diable gorge – the Devil's Cauldron. Here, the Mazy River has carved a picturesque waterfall deep into the rock in a circular shape. After a leisurely lunch, you will be driven by car to Antananarivo. Tonight, you will once again spend the night in the hospitable atmosphere of the Villa Sibylle. |
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11. Day: Pure nature in the forest reserve of Andasibe (approx. 3 hours drive)If interested, after breakfast you can make a short visit to the capital city. This will give you the opportunity to exchange money and do some shopping at the local market. After that, you will embark on a three-hour drive towards the east. You will arrive at the well-known "Eulophiella Lodge" in Andasibe. In the forest reserve, you will search for the famous lemurs of Madagascar. Dinner and overnight stay at the "Eulophiella Lodge" or an equivalent accommodation. |
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12. Day: Explore the Famous Pangalanes Canal (approx. 3-4 hours of riding time)Wake up to the animal greetings of the forest in the morning and visit the famous Andasibe National Park. Afterwards, head to Brickaville, where your horses are waiting for you. You can enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice on your own. Near Route Nationale Nr 2, follow winding paths down towards the steep coast in the East. Ride to the ferry at the Pangalanes Canal and, depending on the weather, you can even swim through the canal on horseback. Next, the beach of Ambila awaits you and the gentle waves of the Indian Ocean welcome you! Set up your tent camp directly under the palm trees, close to the beach, and enjoy the magnificent view, the sound of the sea, and the tropical atmosphere. |
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13. Day: Ambila - Andevoranto at the "End of the World" (approx. 5 hours of riding)Today, you can look forward to fantastic riding trails along the tropical coast and encounters with the locals! Before that, you will ride along the beach and circle Bac on the southern side. Unforgettable gallops will take you towards the mouth of the Rianala River and the Indian Ocean, to Andevoranto, at the "End of the World", where fresh and saltwater mix impressively! Enjoy lunch under the coconut trees at the Les Cocotiers d'Andovoranto restaurant. In the afternoon, you will return to Ambila and have the option to take a dip in either salt or freshwater. You will spend the night once again at the seaside tent camp. |
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Day 14: Ambila - The Charming Fishing Village of Vavony (about 4 hours riding time)Today, a horseback ride will take you northwards. Wonderful trails and a brisk pace will make any rider's heart race, along with the breathtaking views that are constantly on offer! You will reach Vavony, a fishing village on the shores of Lake Rasoabe. In the late afternoon, return to Ambila, as the afternoon is reserved for fun and action on the beach: engage in exciting beach horseback riding games! Of course, there will be plenty of time for swimming and relaxation. You will spend your last night in your cozy tent camp. |
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Day 15: Return to Brickaville (approx. 3 hours of horseback riding)Today, it's time to pack up the tents and say goodbye to Brickaville. You will once again cross or ride alongside the Pangalanes Canal. After four days of enjoying the refreshing sea breeze, the horses are feeling rejuvenated and lively. The pace of the ride will be varied and brisk – savor the exhilarating gallops on beautiful sandy paths and along the dreamy beach. The horses will be transported back to Antananarivo, while the riders will need about 5 hours by car to reach the capital. Lunch is not included on this day, but you have the option to grab a quick snack before or after the journey. During the trip, you will make a stop at the Pereiras Reserve, where you can observe many native animals. |
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16. Day: Conclusion of an Impressive JourneyThe final day is at your leisure. In Antananarivo, you can visit the lively market once more or end your stay with a peaceful city tour. We are happy to provide you with advice on how to make this last day on our beautiful island a memorable experience for you. In the evening, you will depart with a wealth of beautiful memories in tow! |
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Important InformationOur 16-Day Horseback Riding Tours are typically offered from April to October, although alternative dates can be negotiated upon request. We take care of both accommodation and meals, ensuring that you will be accommodated in either a double room in a well-known hostel or a comfortable tent. Adequate and local cuisine made from regional ingredients is also guaranteed by the hostels. For overnight stays in tents and lunch during excursions, we provide, unless otherwise specified, appropriate snack packs or prepare a picnic for you, so you can focus on the unique landscape without any worries. |
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“Experience the unparalleled biodiversity of Madagascar with the 16-day Highland and East Coast Riding Tour. Travel on horseback through remarkable landscapes, from the mid-western Highlands to the East Coast’s Pangalanes Canal. Expect serene yet challenging routes, stunning mountainous views, and exhilarating gallops along pristine beaches. Discover why Madagascar is dubbed the ‘Museum of Living Fossils’.”
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