Trekking through the ridges and canyons of Isalo

Day 1: Antananarivo > Antsirabe

Arrival at Ivato Airport. Welcome by our representative. We head directly to Antsirabe, the thermal city, along National Road 7. Antsirabe literally means "where there is a lot of salt" in Malagasy. Along the way, you will travel through the typical highland scenery — rocky hills, savannahs, terraced rice fields, and large orchards. We pass through the town of Ambatolampy, home to an aluminium foundry workshop (visit on the return journey), then continue on to the town of Antsirabe. Check-in at the hotel.

Day 1: Antananarivo > Antsirabe

Day 1: Antananarivo > Antsirabe

Three kilometres from the centre of Antsirabe, nestled in a conservatory garden of endemic Malagasy plants and species from around the world, in an exceptional setting and a haven of peace, the team at Souimanga Hotel-Restaurant welcomes you in a warm and friendly atmosphere. An original hotel that champions sustainable and ecological development through its concepts of self-sufficiency, natural farming, and community-focused projects.

Day 2: Antsirabe > Fianarantsoa

After breakfast, a city tour by cyclo-rickshaw followed by a visit to local workshops to discover traditional handicrafts: zebu horn jewellery, toys made from old tin cans... We then head towards Ambositra, the Zafimaniry village known as the crafts capital of Madagascar. After visiting several artisan markets, we continue on to Fianarantsoa. Check-in at the hotel.

Day 2: Antsirabe > Fianarantsoa

Day 2: Antsirabe > Fianarantsoa

Set in the heart of lush nature, this charming establishment shines for all its guests with 10 immaculate rooms in a simple yet authentic style, distinguished by their woodwork and furniture crafted from local timber. The view over the rice paddies will delight lovers of simple, living scenes of rural life, while numerous paths invite walkers and joggers to explore the Betsileo countryside, a landscape of rice fields, rolling hills, and welcoming hamlets offering magnificent panoramic views.

Day 3: Fianarantsoa > Ranohira

After breakfast, we visit the town of Fianarantsoa. The name Fianarantsoa comes from the Malagasy words "fianarana ny soa", meaning "where one learns what is good". The town is divided by a steep incline into a lower town and an upper town. We continue our journey with a stop in Ambalavao to visit a workshop producing handmade Antemoro paper. We then visit the ANJA private reserve, managed by the local village community. Continuing our circuit to Ranohira, upon arrival we head towards the Namaza car park — approximately 20 minutes — followed by an 800-metre walk to reach the Namaza camp. After settling in, we enjoy a short stroll around the campsite. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 3: Fianarantsoa > Ranohira

Day 3: Fianarantsoa > Ranohira

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Day 4: Isalo National Park (1st day of trekking)

After breakfast, it is time to explore Isalo National Park. This is a sandstone landscape that has been carved by wind and water erosion into rock outcrops, plateaus, vast plains, and canyons reaching depths of up to 200 metres. Fourteen mammal species have been recorded in Isalo, including several species of lemurs. We visit the Namaza canyon, where the black and blue pools and a waterfall lie at the bottom of the canyon. We then continue up to the plateau via the ridge and a panoramic viewpoint. Arrival at the natural pool at around 2:00 PM. After a swim, we return to the camp. Dinner around the campfire.

Day 4: Isalo National Park (1st day of trekking)

Day 4: Isalo National Park (1st day of trekking)

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Day 5: Isalo National Park (2nd day of trekking)

Early breakfast. We set off for a long day's walk to the Maki canyon. Beyond the wildlife, the botanical survey of the Isalo region began with Perrier de la Bâthie's collections in 1910. Of more than 400 species recorded in Isalo, only 10 are non-native. The vast majority — approximately over 70% — are vascular plants endemic to Madagascar. After visiting the site, we board the vehicle to return to the campsite outside the park.

Day 5: Isalo National Park (2nd day of trekking)

Day 5: Isalo National Park (2nd day of trekking)

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Day 6: Ranohira > Ambositra

After breakfast, we depart for Ambositra, the small Betsileo town. Ambositra is particularly well known as the capital of Malagasy craftsmanship, and is renowned for its marquetry and wood carving. Set in a mountainous landscape, Ambositra is surrounded by terraced rice fields and eucalyptus plantations stretching as far as the eye can see. Check-in at the hotel.

Day 6: Ranohira > Ambositra

Day 6: Ranohira > Ambositra

Hotel Artisan, also known as Victor, is a hotel located in the heart of Ambositra town centre. It was founded by a sculptor with the aim of showcasing Malagasy craftsmanship, particularly in the art of wood carving. The setting is peaceful and beautiful. The hotel offers 8 rooms and 10 bungalows to welcome its guests. The restaurant serves traditional Malagasy cuisine, and in the afternoons it is also possible to dine outdoors accompanied by a live traditional Malagasy music group. It is an ideal place to stay for groups of friends, families with teenagers or young children, seniors, business travellers, and independent travellers alike.

Day 7: Ambositra > Antananarivo

After breakfast, we leave the town of Ambositra and make our way back to Antananarivo, passing through Antsirabe, an elegant city. We stop in Ambatolampy, a village of metalworkers, where aluminium cast iron souvenirs are often on sale along the main road. After the visit, we continue on to Tana. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Day 7: Ambositra > Antananarivo

Day 7: Ambositra > Antananarivo

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Day 8: Antananarivo > Departure

The last day of your journey. After breakfast, a brief driving tour of Antananarivo, followed by a visit to the colourful local markets where you can pick up a few souvenirs. Transfer to the international airport for your return flight. We bid you "VELOMA" — and until next time!

Day 8: Antananarivo > Departure

Meals: breakfast included, lunch and dinner not included

Day 8: Antananarivo > Departure

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Day 5: Ranohira > Beroroha

Early breakfast, then departure from Ranohira heading north, along the Isalo massif, to the Mangoky River, 155 km away. We cross the Mangoky River by motorised ferry to reach Beroroha, the regional capital. We set up our bivouac camp on the riverbank, and spend the afternoon exploring the village of Beroroha — the district's main town and the last outpost of civilisation before venturing into the wild.

Day 5: Ranohira > Beroroha

Day 5: Ranohira > Beroroha

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