THE WEST AND ITS UNIQUE LANDSCAPE

Day 1: Antananarivo

Our representative will welcome you upon arrival at Ivato Airport and transfer you to the hotel. Antananarivo, "the City of a Thousand", is the capital of Madagascar, located in the Central Highlands region. It is known for its Asian influences, numerous staircases, steep hills, palaces, cobbled streets and churches, as well as its rice paddy landscapes. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 1: Antananarivo

Meals: dinner not included

Your hotel in Tana: GREEN PALACE (no website) or similar

Day 1: Antananarivo

Featuring a garden and a restaurant, the Green Palace is located 4 km from Ivato International Airport, with private parking on site. Wi-Fi is available in the common areas. Each room is equipped with cable television and air conditioning, a private terrace overlooking the garden, and an en-suite bathroom with shower.

Day 2: Antananarivo > Antsirabe

After breakfast, we head to Antsirabe, the thermal spa town along National Route 7. Along the way, we pass through the typical highlands landscape of rocky hills, savannah, and terraced rice paddies. Our first stop is Ambatolampy, a town renowned for the production of aluminium cooking pots, where we will visit a foundry workshop. Lunch at your own expense. After lunch, we continue on to the town of Antsirabe.

Day 2: Antananarivo > Antsirabe

Duration: +/- 4 hours by road

Distance: 170 km

Meals: breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included

Your hotel in Antsirabe: MENABEL HOTEL (www.antsirabe-hotelmenabel.com) or similar

Day 2: Antananarivo > Antsirabe

Located 4.2 km from Antsirabe railway station, the MENABE'L Hotel is a 3-star property offering an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a bar. The hotel provides room service and a 24-hour front desk. Antsirabe Cathedral is 4.8 km away and Lake Andraikiba is 11 km away. The air-conditioned rooms include a desk, kettle, safe, flat-screen TV, terrace, and en-suite bathroom with shower. Some rooms offer mountain views. All units include a wardrobe. A continental, American, and gluten-free breakfast is served daily.

Day 3: Antsirabe > Miandrivazo

After breakfast, we take a city tour by pousse-pousse — the local mode of transport — before continuing our journey. From Antsirabe, we travel along National Route 34, crossing the characteristic savannahs of the Menabe region. The Malagasy King Radama I, returning from his conquests of the South-West, had sent a messenger to bring a princess he wished to marry. As he meditated on a hilltop, when asked about his anxiety, he replied "Miandry vazo aho" (I am waiting for my wife). That wife was Princess Rasalimo. From that day on, the town was named "Miandrivazo". The town is also the starting point for all excursions along the Tsiribihina River. Arrival in Miandrivazo in the late afternoon, and overnight at SOA LIA.

Day 3: Antsirabe > Miandrivazo

Duration: +/- 4 hours 30 minutes by road

Distance: 220 km

Meals: breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included

Your hotel in Miandrivazo: SOA LIA (no website) or similar

Day 3: Antsirabe > Miandrivazo

The Soa Lia features a garden, a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar in Miandrivazo. This 3-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk, and includes family rooms. Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a safe. The en-suite bathroom comes with complimentary toiletries. Some rooms at the Soa Lia also have a balcony. All units include a wardrobe and a kettle. A continental and American breakfast is served on site every morning.

Day 4: Miandrivazo > Camping

After breakfast, we embark on a true adventure as we begin our descent along the Tsiribihina, one of the longest rivers on the west coast of Madagascar. A 4×4 off-road vehicle will transfer us to the embarkation point at Masiakampy. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to meet friendly and welcoming villagers who are eager to greet you and get to know you throughout the journey.

Day 4: Miandrivazo > Camping

Meals: breakfast, lunch on board & dinner at camp included

Overnight camping

Day 4: Miandrivazo > Camping

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Day 5: Camping

As we continue our descent, we discover a variety of landscapes, including the Anosiampela waterfall, dramatic cliffs, and the unmissable endemic wildlife and flora. We immerse ourselves in the daily life of the local population and take in the many wonderful sights along the river: the joyful shouts of village children on the riverbank, encounters with fellow travellers, the magic of nature through breathtaking cliff scenery, and lemurs living along the river's edge.

Day 5: Camping

Meals: breakfast, lunch on board & dinner at camp included

Overnight camping

Day 5: Camping

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Day 6: Belo sur Tsiribihina > Tsangajoly

After breakfast, we disembark at Belo sur Tsiribihina where our vehicle will be waiting. We head south towards Tsangajoly. Check-in at the lodge.

Day 6: Belo sur Tsiribihina > Tsangajoly

Distance: 15 km

Duration: +/- 1 hour by road

Meals: breakfast & lunch included, dinner not included

Your hotel in Tsangajoly: LODGE DE LA SALINE (www.tsangajoly.com)

Day 6: Belo sur Tsiribihina > Tsangajoly

The lodge runs primarily on solar energy while providing modern comfort around the clock (electricity, hot water, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, etc.). In terms of accommodation, the lodge can host up to 50 guests, spread across villas, cottages, and bungalows. The complex features a swimming pool and a wellness centre offering activities such as yoga, hammam, Zumba, fitness, as well as excursions into the mangroves, the baobab forest, and the beaches.

Day 7: Tsangajoly

After breakfast, enjoy a full day discovering the private reserve and the salt flats, where we will see how salt is harvested. We visit a small lake where, depending on the season, flamingos and many other bird species may sometimes be spotted. We can also take an optional canoe excursion or join a night walk to observe mouse lemurs.

Day 7: Tsangajoly

Duration: full day

Meals: breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included

Your hotel in Tsangajoly: LODGE DE LA SALINE (www.tsangajoly.com)

Day 7: Tsangajoly

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Day 8: Tsangajoly > Bekopaka

After breakfast, we depart from Tsangajoly, crossing two ferries due to the two rivers that cut across the track heading west. Along the way, the arid western landscape makes its presence felt — heat and dust are very much part of the experience. We continue on to the village of Bekopaka.

Day 8: Tsangajoly > Bekopaka

Duration: +/- 4 hours by road

Distance: 80 km

Meals: breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included

Your hotel in Bekopaka: OLYMPE DU BEMARAHA (www.tsingy-olympedubemaraha.com)

Day 8: Tsangajoly > Bekopaka

Located in Bekopaka, the OLYMPE DU BEMARAHA features a garden, a common lounge, a terrace, and a restaurant. It offers a 24-hour front desk, airport shuttle service, a kids' club, and free Wi-Fi. The property has a private entrance, and garden views are available to guests.

Day 9 & 10: Bekopaka

Two days dedicated to exploring Bemaraha Park. The Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. With our local guide, we discover the famous Grand Tsingy — razor-sharp rock formations that make up one of the most spectacular landscapes in Madagascar. Through canyons and labyrinths, we venture into vast open spaces, experiencing breathtaking heights and thrilling sensations, culminating at the Roof of the Tsingy: a magnificent 360° panorama over the massif. We board a dugout canoe for a trip along the Manambolo River and visit several caves. Finally, we explore the Petit Tsingy, standing 10 to 20 metres tall, surrounded by endemic wildlife and flora.

Day 9 & 10: Bekopaka

Duration: full day

Meals: breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included

Your hotel in Bekopaka: OLYMPE DU BEMARAHA (www.tsingy-olympedubemaraha.com)

Day 9 & 10: Bekopaka

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Day 11: Bekopaka > Kirindy

After breakfast, we set off towards Kirindy. The track leading to this village is in poor condition but it is the only road to reach this park — making the journey all the more adventurous. We cross two rivers: the Belo sur Tsiribihina River by ferry, and the Tsimafana River. We arrive in Kirindy in the late afternoon. The Kirindy Forest is renowned as the only place in the world where the FOSA (Cryptoprocta ferox) — Madagascar's largest carnivore — can be observed in its natural habitat. Night visit of the reserve.

Day 11: Bekopaka > Kirindy

Duration:  +/ - 7 hours by road

Distance: 155 km

Meals: breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included

Your hotel in Kirindy: RELAIS DU KIRINDY (www.relaisdukirindy.com)

Day 11: Bekopaka > Kirindy

The Relais du Kirindy is located close to the Kirindy Nature Reserve. The bungalows are tastefully decorated with fine Malagasy hardwoods in warm tones. The hotel's restaurant and bar overlook a superb swimming pool. Home to the sacred Baobab of Kirindy.

Day 12: Kirindy > Morondava

After breakfast, we visit the reserve before returning to Morondava in the late afternoon to discover the Sakalava people and their famous baobabs. We stop at the Avenue of the Baobabs to admire the wonderful sunset. The smooth trunks reflect the orange rays of the sun — it is the perfect moment for photographs. We then continue on to Morondava.

Day 12: Kirindy > Morondava

Duration: +/- 3 hours by road

Distance: 45 km

Meals: breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included

Your hotel in Morondava: CAP KIMONY (www.morondava-capkimony.com) or similar

Day 12: Kirindy > Morondava

Part of a large hotel group, Cap Kimony is located 50 metres from its twin property, the Kimony Resort. It features 23 comfortable, air-conditioned and fan-cooled bungalows arranged in a sweeping arc across a vast sandy plain. The lodge has been designed to blend seamlessly into the living landscape. It consists of bungalows and a magnificent restaurant built in the shape of a wooden boat, serving excellent fresh fish and seafood.

Day 13: Morondava > Antananarivo

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Flight to Antananarivo. Depending on the flight schedule, a city tour of Antananarivo may be included. This return to Antananarivo marks the end of your journey through Madagascar.

Day 13: Morondava > Antananarivo

Duration: +/- 1 hour 10 minutes

Meals: breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included

Your hotel in Antananarivo: GREEN PALACE (no website) or similar

Day 13: Morondava > Antananarivo

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Day 14: Antananarivo > Home

Morning visit to the Digue craft market. Transfer to the airport for your return flight. We bid you "Veloma" — goodbye and until your next journey to Madagascar!

Day 14: Antananarivo > Home

Meals: breakfast included, lunch not included

Day 14: Antananarivo > Home

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