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Motorcycle Journey – In the Shadow of the Tsingy of Bemaraha and West Coast

In the Shadow of the Tsingy - Trial Tour to the West

Duration: 13 Days, 12 Nights, including 11 Days on the motorcycle

1,600 km Roadtrip

Type: Trail

Motorcycles: HONDA XR 190 2019

Region: Southwest

Difficulty: moderate in the dry season, challenging in the rainy season

 

From the highlands to the savannas of the West, baobab trees, Kirindy, and the trail to the world-famous Tsingy of Bemaraha are all part of this tour.

Due to Madagascar's low road density, an extraordinary network of trails has emerged. With an area as large as France and Belgium combined, every city and village in Madagascar is connected to a network of several hundred kilometers in length. With five thousand kilometers of coastline and seven peaks over 2,000 meters high, mountains and deserts - Madagascar is a true adventure!

Welcome to our complete Baobab & Tsingy of Bemaraha Tour!

 

Our services include:

- Rental of the motorcycle (including fuel), KTM Adventure 790 R 2019

- All-inclusive motorcycle guide (shared by riders)

- Accommodation in a double or twin room with half board (excluding drinks)

- Picnics for lunch

- Entrance and guide fees to parks included in the program

- Assistance vehicle (4x4 or minibus) with driver and fuel (shared by riders)

- Airport/hotel/garage transfers

What is not included:

International flight ticket - Personal insurance for the pilot - Drinks - Souvenirs - Tips - Tickets for parks and nature reserves outside of the program, etc.

Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

Our team welcomes you directly upon your arrival at Ivato International Airport and takes you to your hotel. Villa Sibylle is a private guesthouse located near the airport, surrounded by a tropical garden. Relax from your flight and enjoy your first dinner in Madagascar with an overnight stay there.

Day 2: From Antananarivo to Ampefy

Distance: 100 miles (160 km) on asphalt and dirt roads It's time to meet your motorcycle and your guide. Get ready for your first ride: leaving the bustling and somewhat chaotic streets of Antananarivo, you'll ride on a good road between majestic mountains and rice fields heading west. Along the way, you can visit the fascinating Lemur Park. Around Ampefy, you'll have the opportunity to discover the Itasy Lake, volcanoes, geysers, and waterfalls. Dinner and overnight stay at the Farihy Hotel.

Day 3: From Ampefy to Antsirabe

Distance: 93 miles (150 km) on asphalt and dirt roads On the third Day, you will experience the unique thrill of driving on both roads and dirt tracks. You will pass through beautiful landscapes with rice fields dotted with a variety of villages featuring typical architecture. After this long journey, you will arrive in Antsirabe in the afternoon. Antsirabe is the highest city in the country, sitting at around 1600 meters above sea level. The city is home to beautiful lakes of volcanic origin. Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel Chambres du Voyageur.

Day 4: From Antsirabe to Miandrivazo

Day trip of 224 km of Asphalt roads After reaching the highest point of this tour on the highlands, you will begin your descent towards the west coast. The temperature rises quickly as you continue, just 220 km from Antsirabe, the highest city in the country, you will reach Miandrivazo. This city is known as one of the hottest in the country. Here, the Mahajilo river flows by, later becoming the Tsiribihina river, one of the most important rivers in Madagascar.

Day 5 - Miandrivazo to Morondava

Day trip of 286 km of asphalt roads On this day, you will head to the first coastal town on the Mozambique Channel, Morondava. The landscape of high plateaus gives way to arid steppes, dotted here and there with the first baobab trees of the road trip. After that, we will continue on the well-maintained highway through a savannah-like landscape down to Morondava, where we will arrive in the afternoon. Located right by the sea, Morondava is the center of the Sakalava tribe of Menabé.

Day 6 - Morondava - Bekopaka

Day Stage of 200 km Track This day on 100% track takes you through the famous Baobab Alley and the Kirindy Reserve to Bakopaka, a stopover before the Tsingy of Bemaraha. Continue to Tsimafana, then cross the Tsiribihina River by ferry to Belo sur Tsiribihina. Continue to Bekopaka on mostly sandy track, through dry forest, savannah, and occasional sightings of Baobab trees. Just before arriving in Bekopaka, a short ferry transfer over the Manambolo River. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7- Tsingy of Bemaraha

Tsingy is the Malagasy word for "tiptoeing", and the almost impenetrable labyrinth of limestone needles justifies this name. The canyons, gorges, untouched forests, lakes, and mangrove swamps of the reserve exhibit an astonishing richness of fauna and flora that has not been fully documented yet. The rate of endemism is about 85%, with 47% being locally endemic. The duration of the hike and the level of difficulty will be discussed and decided on-site. Overnight stay at the same hotel.

Day 8 - Bekopaka to Morondava

Travel Day of 200 km Off-Road Departure after breakfast towards Morondava, first crossing the Manambolo River on the small ferry, then driving to Belo sur Tsiribihina. Crossing the Tsiribihina River by ferry, and then passing through the Baobab Alley, just before sunset, a magical moment! Continuing on to Morondava and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 9 - Morondava Rest Day

After all those kilometers, you will enjoy a well-deserved rest day at the hotel. Morondava is an endlessly relaxed coastal town with sandy streets and a gently decaying ambiance. There isn't much to do or see in the city itself, but nearby attractions include the famous Avenue of the Baobabs.

Day 10 - From Morondava to Manja

Travel day of 200 km off-road track Belo sur Mer is the first stop after Morondava, a charming fishing village in Vezo, located about 80 km south of Morondava. Visitors coming here will be greeted by a wonderful kilometer-long beach of bright white sand and amazingly transparent emerald green waters. Afterwards, the journey continues south to the small town of Manja. Manja is located within the Sakalava territory in the Menabe province. The town was the capital of a small kingdom in the nineteenth century.

Day 11 - Drive to Ifaty

Day trip of 50 km off-road and 150 km on-road Continue your journey south for this penultimate leg, taking you to the seaside resort of Ifaty, one of Madagascar's most beautiful beaches. You will need to cross the Mangoky River on a local ferry, which can sometimes involve a long wait. The route includes sandy tracks and then well-paved roads all the way to Ifaty. Enjoy the drive!

Day 12 – From Ifaty to Tulear and Domestic Flight

This final short leg of 35 km on the road runs along the sea, providing you with an unforgettable view. You will arrive in Tulear before lunch and then take the flight back to the capital. The domestic flight can also take place in the morning, with the flight times determining the day's schedule. Return flight to Antananarivo and accommodation at Villa Sibylle.

Day 13 – Return Flight or Extension Tour

If time allows, there are still plenty of options to enjoy this last day in Madagascar. We will take you to the airport in time for your flight, which usually departs after midnight. You will appreciate the opportunity for a "Dayuse" at the hotel, where you can relax and prepare for your flight in peace.

Day Checklist

Please keep your luggage under 45 lbs weight (equivalent to 20 kg). Bags: An ideal choice is a duffle bag, or a hiking backpack without a metal frame. You can secure your bag with a padlock. Please remember to label your bag with both your address and the address of your vacation in Madagascar. A small 20-liter backpack is suitable for daily essentials such as a camera and sunscreen. A mattress will be provided at the accommodations. If you prefer more comfort, please bring an additional foam mattress. Beds, mattresses, and blankets are available on-site. Additional comforts like pillows are up to each traveler. Clothing and personal equipment: Two lightweight pants, four shirts (including long-sleeve for sun protection), a swimsuit, sweater or jacket for cold nights, sunglasses, hat, lightweight sports shoes, flip-flops, flashlight with batteries. Special Motorcycle Gear: Motorcycle boots or waterproof hiking shoes are highly recommended, a lightweight leather or synthetic motorcycle jacket, rain gear, gloves, helmet.

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Tour Duration

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Tour Details

“Experience a 13-day, 1600 km motorcycle adventure from the highlands to the West coast of Madagascar with Motorcycle trip – Tsingy of Bemaraha and West Coast. Ride the Honda XR 190 through baobab trees, savannas and the world famous Tsingy of Bemaraha. Moderate to challenging difficulty, offering a true adventure!”

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