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Hochland Tour 20 Days with Kirindy and Tsaranoro

This very diverse and scenically varied tour will take you through the highlands, the west with Kirindy and the Baobab Alley, the mountains near Ambalavao, the rugged mineral landscapes of the Isalo Massif, all the way to the Mozambique Channel where a few days of relaxation in a beautiful lodge are in order. Highlands in many variations, dry forest with Baobab trees, rare animals like the Fossas (Cryptoprocta ferox), the only predator in Madagascar. Mountains with unforgettable landscapes, the rugged rock formations in the Isalo Mountains, Zombiste Vohibasia, Ilakaka, and heavenly tranquility under the Tropic of Capricorn are on the agenda for this journey.

Services

For single rooms, we charge a supplement of 680€.

Integrated in the base price:

English-speaking tour guide

Companionship and logistics

Accommodations including breakfast

Transfers and rides as specified

4-wheel drive vehicle with driver and fuel

Not included in the base price:

Lunch and dinner

Personal expenses

German-speaking tour guide available for an additional fee

Individual leisure activities

Entrance fees to national parks (approximately 20€ per person per park)

Sightseeing tours and excursions (approximately 20€ per person per park)

National and international flights

Visa (available at the airport for 25€)

Day 1- Arrival in Antananarivo

The first day is all about arriving in Madagascar. Upon your landing at Ivato Airport in the Malagasy capital of Antananarivo, we will pick you up and take you to your accommodation at Villa Sibylle. If you have any special requests for food and drinks upon your arrival, please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements.

Day 2 - Drive from Antananarivo to Antsirabe

On this day of your Madagascar adventure, you will travel from the capital city of Antananarivo to Antsirabe. The journey will take you through the bustling suburbs of the capital, then through Behenjy and Ambatolampy. You will stop for lunch in one of these towns and enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants. Afterwards, you will continue to Antsirabe, an important economic hub in Madagascar. The drive from Antananarivo to Antsirabe is approximately 170 kilometers long and offers exciting landscapes along the way. Antsirabe itself is known for its charming colonial villas and European feel. You will stay at the Hotel Chambres du Voyageur, where you might spot numerous chameleons and even radiated tortoises in the garden.

Day 3 - Discover Antsirabe and its surroundings

As mentioned before, Antsirabe is one of the prosperous cities and was also considered a spa town in the past. In the area surrounding this city, there are numerous extraordinary places to discover: The Antafofo waterfall, the breathtaking mountain views, and the fertile fields near Betafo, all of which you will explore on a short hike. Afterwards, enjoy an invigorating city tour, where you must take a look at the traditional market and the impressive Hotel des Thermes. Then, head back to the Chambres du Voyageur hotel to rest and recharge for the next exciting day on your journey through Madagascar.

Day 4 - From Miandrivazo to Morondava

Miandrivazo is the next major stop on your itinerary and also one of the hottest places in all of Madagascar. It is important to make sure you always have enough drinking water. The drive to Miandrivazo is very diverse, heading west and passing through the Bongolava Mountains. The road to the capital of the Menabe region, Morondava, is well-maintained. We arrive early enough at the famous Baobab Alley, then continue on to the Kimony Resort Hotel.

Day 5 – Morondava to Kirindy

Kirindy, located 50 km northeast of the city of Morondava, is a privately managed forest. Dominated by majestic baobab trees and a forest canopy reaching up to 14 meters high, this protected area of approximately 100 square kilometers is the only place where the smallest known primate in the world, the giant Jumping Rat, can be found. Kirindy is the best place on the whole island to observe Fossas, especially during the mating season between October and December. It is also home to seven species of lemurs, with the most common being the common brown lemurs and the Sifakas. 40 bird species, 50 reptile species, and 15 amphibian species can also be found in this magnificent forest. The flora is also quite unusual and includes several locally endemic plant species. The two species of baobab trees in Kirindy reach incredible sizes here. The night walk is a highlight of any visit to this area. Visitors can discover nocturnal lemurs, fossils, the giant jumping rat, reptiles, frogs, and rare insects.

Day 6 - Kirindy to Morondava

Most of the day is still available for visits to Kirindy Forest and animal observations. The Kirindy Reserve is just a two-hour jeep ride from Morondava, making it easy to catch the sunset on the Baobab Alley on the way back. Overnight stay at Kimony Resort.

Day 7 - Morondava to Antsirabe

After an early breakfast, we will travel through the newly constructed "Chinese Highway" across the savannah-like landscape up to Miandrivazo, where the Mahajilo River flows, which is called Tsiribihina further downstream. It is one of the hottest places in Madagascar. From there, we will continue upwards to the coldest and highest city that we were able to explore at the beginning of the tour - Antsirabe. Stay overnight at the "Chambres du voyageur" hotel.

Day 8 - Antsirabe - Sahambavy

Experience a day full of diverse landscapes, featuring the first rice terraces and the TAPIA forest. The Tapia trees attract butterflies that lay their eggs on their leaves. Local craftsmen harvest the precious fiber from the cocoons to weave the famous raw silk fabrics. We are now in BETSILEO country, driving through winding roads in a region of mountains and hills. As we pass by the rice terraces, we encounter people dressed in colorful and truly remarkable attire. After a seven-hour drive, the stage ends at one of the most beautiful hotels in Madagascar. Overnight stay at Lac Hotel.

Day 9 - Sahambavy to Ambalavao

Start your day with a guided walk through small rice fields and the beautiful Betsileo landscape. After leaving the city of Fianarantsoa, we will arrive in a small village where we will be treated to a typical Malagasy meal and have the opportunity to meet the local villagers. In the afternoon, we will continue towards Ambalavao, a town known for its Zebu trade. The landscape transitions into mountains, with vineyards decorating the valleys and massive rocks surrounded by lush greenery.

Day 10 - Ambalavao - Anja Park - Tsaranoro Mountains

Today marks the beginning of a true adventure: After breakfast, we head south to visit a reserve founded by a local community, where hundreds of lemurs and other animals can live undisturbed in a beautiful setting. We then continue about 20 km on the RN7 until we reach the turnoff to the Tsaranoro Valley, one of the entrances to the Andringitra Mountains. After a bumpy 1-hour drive, we arrive at the Tsarasoa Camp located below the famous "Pic Chameleon," living up to its name. You'll have time to embark on a 2-hour hike to the summit or – alternatively – get up close with numerous lemurs in a nearby forest area. Dinner and overnight stay at the Tsarasoa Camp.

Day 11 - Tsaranoro Mountains

Today is dedicated to hiking in the Tsaranoro mountain range. After breakfast, we slowly ascend into the Tsaranoro Valley, following ancient zebu paths through vegetation that is quite different from what we are used to: palm trees and other tropical plants indicate that we are in a completely different climate zone than the day before. In the afternoon, we return to the Tsarasoa Camp to enjoy cold drinks and the hospitality of the staff there. Depending on the guests' preferences, there can be day hikes from the lodge, or a camp can be set up in the mountains for an overnight stay, allowing for longer hiking tours. Overnight at the Tsarasoa Lodge or in tents.

Day 12 - Tsaranoro from Isalo

Today we continue our journey south, leaving behind the fertile highlands and entering a landscape dominated by huge granite rocks. We will make a short stop in Ihosy before reaching Ranohira after about 2 hours of driving, located in the vast plateau of Horombe. Here lies the famous Isalo National Park, which we will explore the next day. We will spend the night at the "Isalo Rock Lodge" hotel.

Day 13 - Exploring the Isalo National Park

On today's adventure, you will visit one of the most famous national parks in Madagascar, the Isalo National Park. This park boasts a massive mountain range where granite and sandstone sculptures alternate with waterfalls and tropical nature. Covering over 80,000 hectares of land, the park offers a wide variety of landscapes to explore. The difficulty level and length of the tour through the park will be tailored to your personal preferences and fitness level. After an exciting day of exploring, you will spend the night at the Isalo Rock Lodge (4****).

Day 14 - Drive from Ranohira to Sarondrano via Ilakaka

On this day of your Madagascar adventure, you will bid farewell to Ranohira and continue your journey further south by car. Along the way, there are various opportunities for excursions: The sapphire mines of Ilakaka, the Zombitse Vohibasia National Park, or the massive baobab trees are just a few examples. You will leave Tulear behind and head straight to Sarondrano. Here, you will find a breathtaking peninsula jutting into the sea and beautiful dream beaches awaiting you. Your overnight stay will be at the Résidence Eden Lodge, an excellent guesthouse that is still considered a hidden gem on the island.

Days 15 to 17 Stay in Sarondrano and Surroundings

During your Madagascar journey, the days at the Mozambique Channel are dedicated to various day trips and individual activities. For these three days, you will exclusively stay in Sarondrano and the nearby area, spending the nights at the wonderful Résidence Eden Lodge. You can customize your daily itinerary, and we are here to assist you: Relaxing hours at the dreamy beach, sailing trips, diving adventures, or a boat ride to see the humpback whales are all possibilities. Simply let us know your preferences, and we will tailor a program package that suits your individual desires.

Day 18 - Flight from Tulear to Antananarivo

This day is filled with excitement: After relaxing days in Sarondrano, it's time to head back to Tulear and from there take a flight directly to the capital city of Antananarivo. Depending on the time of day, you can explore the surrounding area or head straight to the Villa Sybille hotel or an exceptional restaurant with excellent dining options.

Day 20 - The Return Flight to Europe

The final day of your 20-day holiday in Madagascar is all about the journey back home. You will spend this day on a flight to Europe, likely dreaming about the various experiences and impressions from your trip through Madagascar.

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Tour Details

“Embark on the 20-day Hochland Tour with Kirindy and Tsaranoro – a diverse journey through Madagascar’s remarkable landscapes, from highlands to Baobab Alley and beyond. Marvel at animal species like the Fossa, unwind at a beautiful lodge by the Mozambique Channel, traverse mineral-rich Isalo Massif and the tranquil Tropic of Capricorn.”

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