The Splendor of the Slopes – West Coast and Tsingy of Bemaraha

Day 1 - Arrival in Antananarivo

The first thing you need to do in Madagascar is to complete the visa formalities at Ivato Airport. Right after that, your Madagascar adventure begins. We will be there to welcome you at the halls of Ivato. Depending on the time of day, there may be some activities in Tana or you may head straight to our Villa Sibylle for your first night's rest. Overnight stay at "Villa Sibylle"

Day 2: Fly Domestic to Tulear

On the second day, take a regular Air Madagascar or Madagasikara Airways flight from Antananarivo to Tulear (flight cost not included in the overall trip price). Once in Tulear, hop on a vehicle and drive along a dusty trail by the coast. You will pass by charming fishing villages that exude their own unique charm. Before arriving in Sarondrano, where mangrove forests and sand dunes dominate the landscape, make a stop for the night. The guesthouse, Résidence Eden Lodge, is truly a one-of-a-kind accommodation and one of the most beautiful in the area. Considered a hidden gem, you will not only enjoy the fabulous lodging but also delicious meals and refreshing drinks.

Days 3 and 4 - Sarondrano and Surroundings

The landscape and opportunities in the area around Eden Lodge are unparalleled in my opinion in Madagascar. You can choose from outrigger canoes, motorboats, canoes, 4x4 vehicles, visits to a huge protected area, and even paragliding. Whatever activity you decide on, reliable and competent guides are available. For relaxation, you can retreat and enjoy the sunshine with excellent food and 32°C warm water. As a tip, a trip to the island of Nosy Ve, inhabited by very rare seabirds, is highly recommended. An unforgettable picnic in this setting awaits you. Overnight stay at "Residence Eden Lodge".

Day 5 Sarondrano-Tulear-Ambatomilo

After taking some time to relax and unwind, we continue our journey northward on the N9. The adventure begins now. We drive through the Reniala thorn forest on sandy tracks until we reach Ambatomilo. This stretch of road offers the most beautiful beaches in Madagascar. I have yet to discover any that are more stunning. The water is turquoise and creates a wonderful contrast with the gleaming white sandy beaches covered in fine coral sand. The landscape is vast and almost deserted. Even by Malagasy standards, the area is extremely dry with very few villages around. Just before Ambatomilo, there are clusters of huge baobab trees that are not commonly seen, some growing in groups resembling giant bonsais. Amidst this wonderful and impressive nature, we find ourselves at a bungalow hotel that even has hot water. Overnight at the "Shangri La" hotel.

Day 6 Ambatomilo

Not taking a rest day yesterday would be almost criminal. The location is simply too impressive to just drive through. Take a day to relax in the shade of Baobabs and gather strength for the further journey north along the coast.

Day 7 Ambatomilo-Morombe

Our journey takes us through the territory of the Mikea, the legendary smallest ethnic group in Madagascar, along the coast through fantastic thorn forests towards Morombe. The road no longer deserves its name here, rather it is a deep and difficult to navigate sandy track. The feeling of driving in our car is similar to driving on a closed snow-covered road. Gigantic baobabs and euphorbias line the way and will leave you in awe. Our driver will showcase his skills on this part of the route, with a precise understanding of what is achievable, as well as what is not, essential for navigating deep sandy tracks and river crossings. You are in good hands and can enjoy the adventure to the fullest. Finally, we reach Morombe where we will be staying in a very simple and nice guesthouse. Overnight at "chez Katia" in Morombe.

Day 8 Morombe-Belo sur Mer

To avoid a night under terrible conditions that I wouldn't necessarily want to subject any of my guests to, today we have to tackle the longest stretch of the journey. We start our journey at 5 am in the darkness, crossing the dry landscape characterized by solitary thorn forests, dideraceae, baobabs, euphorbias, cacti, and sometimes even deciduous trees. After about 70km, we leave Manja behind and continue deeper into the wilderness. After a total driving time of 8.5 hours over sand, rocks, and several river crossings, we reach the salt flats of Belo sur Mer. After this exhausting day, we enjoy dinner in traditional accommodations with sanitary facilities and hot water, a friendly atmosphere, and fairly good food served at a communal table with all guests simultaneously in the Ecolodge du Menabe.

Day 9: Belo sur Mer – Morondava

Today, after a good night's sleep and a delicious breakfast, we embark on our final day of exploration on the trails of Terra Incognita. While we still have a few river crossings ahead, including one that is quite challenging, our driver navigates them with ease. Suddenly, an asphalt road appears out of nowhere, and we happily take advantage of the smooth ride. We continue on this road until we reach Morondava, where we will settle into our accommodation for the night at the "Kimony Resort."

Day 10: Explore Morondava and its surroundings

On the tenth day, you can leave your luggage at Kimony Lodge, as you will be staying here again in the evening. Before that, you will embark on an excursion to the north to explore the impressive Baobab Alley up close. Be sure to have your camera ready on site. Afterwards, head back to Morondava where you can explore this cozy town and sample the excellent local cuisine.

Day 11 Morondava-Kirindy National Park

From Morondava, it's only a 50km drive to reach the Kirindy National Park. The road consists of both asphalted paths and sandy tracks. However, after the experiences we have gathered in the past few weeks, neither the road nor the driver present any major challenges for us. On the way to the park, we pass by one of the most photographed locations in Madagascar - the Baobab Alley. The Baobab trees await us in all their splendor and uniqueness. In the park itself, there is a rare opportunity to see Madagascar's largest predator - the Fosa. These elusive creatures can still be found in this area, and Kirindy is one of the few places in Madagascar where they can be observed in the wild. Tonight, a night walk is recommended as many of the lemurs are active only in the darkness, making them easier to spot. Overnight stay at the Kirindy Resort.

Day 12: Heading to Bekopaka

Leaving Morondava behind, you will be picked up again by the 4x4 vehicle and taken to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina for the ferry. First, you will dine at the restaurant named Mad Zebu. This eatery is no longer a hidden gem, but well-known throughout Madagascar for its delicious dishes. After that, you will continue northwards, with the track your car drives on being a bit bumpy. You will reach Bekopaka, the entrance to the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, by evening and spend the night at the Olympe d‘Bemaraha hotel.

Day 13: Explore the Small Tsingy and a Boat Ride on the Manombolo River

Before heading to the famous Big Tsingy of Bemaraha, you will have the opportunity to visit the Small Tsingy. The trek through the small, fascinating limestone needles that jut out of the ground like a labyrinth is truly captivating. Among the needles, you will discover rare Pachypodiums and various Euphorbia plants. Keep an eye out for different animals that may make an appearance during this two to three-hour excursion. You can choose to stay as long as you like, as we tailor the tour to your preferences. After a delicious lunch at a riverside restaurant, you'll enjoy another highlight of the day: a boat ride up the Manombolo River. Here, you'll encounter numerous sacred burial sites of the legendary indigenous people of Madagascar, the Vazimba. You'll spend the night at the Olympe d’Bemaraha lodge.

Day 14: The magnificent Tsingy of Bemaraha

Set off at five in the morning to make the most of your time in the world-renowned National Park Tsingy de Bemaraha today. The trek into the park begins at six in the morning, after receiving instructions on how to properly use the climbing gear. Just over an hour into the hike, you will see why this climbing gear is essential for your excursion, as you navigate through narrow caves and steep cliffs to reach a well-designed via ferrata route. This route is equipped with stairs, suspension bridges, guide ropes, and more, leading you to the most fascinating viewpoints in the park. You will be treated to a breathtaking scenery unlike anything you've ever seen before. The exact itinerary through the park will depend on your individual fitness level, as there are five different trails to explore. At the end of the day, the Olympe d’Bemaraha will be waiting for your overnight stay.

Day 15: Heading back to Morondava

After the eventful days exploring the large and small Tsingy formations, the tour is coming to an end. Early in the morning, you will drive back south and cross the river after lunch in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. The journey continues by car, leaving the dry forest of the west coast behind. You should usually arrive at the Baobab Avenue just in time for sunset. Here, the giant baobab trees cast fascinating shadows in the setting sun and are bathed in a beautiful red light. After this spectacle, you will head back to Morondava, where an attractive bungalow complex by the sea awaits you.

Day 16 Morondava - Antsirabe

Today, you can look forward to another day of driving on the so-called Chinese Highway to Antsirabe. The journey takes you through a fascinating landscape that resembles a steppe, with various rivers along the way. The road winds higher and higher until you reach Antsirabe. The temperature in Antsirabe is much cooler than in any other places you have visited in Madagascar so far. You will be staying at the Chambres du Voyageur hotel for the night.

Day 17 - Antsirabe and Surroundings

From here, you have numerous opportunities to explore the former spa town and its nearby surroundings. Enjoy bike tours with incredible panoramic views, visit lakes of volcanic origin, or take a hike through the fertile fields of the area. The Antafofo waterfall is also a popular destination among travelers. You can also take a leisurely stroll through the spa town, known for its unique colonial buildings and magnificent avenues that exude a special charm. Tonight, you will once again stay at Chambres du Voyageur before continuing your journey the next day.

Day 18 - Antsirabe – Antananarivo

After spending a long time in nature, in the heat of the deep south, and along the untouched southern east coast, we return to the bustling capital of Madagascar. This final stage of this extraordinary tour gives guests a different perspective than at the beginning when the same route was traveled in the opposite direction. These were the first impressions of Madagascar, three weeks full of unforgettable experiences have been lived since then. We return to the starting point of the journey, Antananarivo. Overnight stay at the guesthouse "Villa Sibylle."

Day 19 - Antananarivo and Surroundings

On the last day of what has surely been an unforgettable journey through landscapes and locations that are truly unique to Madagascar, you have the option to revisit the city of Antananarivo or explore nearby attractions such as Lemurs Park. Alternatively, you can relax in the tropical garden of Villa Sybille guesthouse.

Day 20 Return Flight

In the evening, we will take you to the airport, usually the return flight is after midnight, so you will appreciate the opportunity of a "Dayuse" at the hotel and can prepare everything calmly before the flight.

Overnight stay at the guesthouse of Villa Sibylle.

Special Notes about this Day

You have the option to book this tour as an individual trip on your preferred travel dates. This tour is only available from mid-May to mid-November. The south and east of Madagascar are very hot regions, with the coolest months being June to August. However, the tour is still doable in the other months when it is offered. This is an adventure tour to remote and sparsely populated areas, and we strive to provide the best accommodations wherever possible. Please be aware that some lower-quality accommodations may be necessary on this journey due to limited alternatives in certain areas. While this is not a physically demanding trip, participants should be in good health as medical assistance may be limited in remote areas off the usual tourist routes. Vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis are not required, but it is advisable to have some basic tropical medicine on hand. A good level of physical fitness is essential, and guests with heart conditions should not participate in this tour. The climate is mostly warm to hot, but it can get very cold in the winter months (June to August) in the highlands, so pack both light summer clothes and warmer attire. While there are chargers and voltage converters in the vehicle, it is recommended to bring your own power bank or extra batteries. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.