Descent of the Tsiribihina in chaland and the Tsingy de Bemaraha in October
Pangalanes Canal 11 days rustique

Descent of the Tsiribihina in chaland and the Tsingy de Bemaraha in October

Navigate along the waters of the Tsiribihina River before exploring the limestone cathedrals of the Bemaraha

From€1,250per person
13 years of local expertise4.93/5 (125 reviews including 72 Google)

Duration

11 days

From

€1,250/pers.

Ideal seasons

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Style

Guided tour

Comfort

rustique

Travelers

Couple, Solo, With friends

The spirit of travel

The Tsiribihina River winds through the arid lands of western Madagascar, carrying its brown waters between banks populated with crocodiles and lemurs. For three days, traditional boats glide at the calm pace of the current, carrying travelers through savanna and dry forest. Bivouacs under the stars punctuate this soothing descent, far from the noise of the modern world.

At the end of this navigation, the Tsingy de Bemaraha massif reveals its extraordinary geological formations. These sharp limestone skyscrapers, sculpted by erosion over millions of years, form a vertical labyrinth listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Between the sharp blades grows vegetation adapted to this unique geology, a refuge for remarkable endemic species.

This circuit crosses the Sakalava territories of the West to the central highlands of the Merina people, revealing the cultural diversity of Madagascar. Between the terraced rice paddies of Antsirabe and the red brick houses characteristic of the Merina region, the journey unveils the deep soul of the Great Island and its striking contrasts.

The stages of your journey

D1
Antananarivo
D2
Miandrivazo
D3–4
Fleuve Tsiribihina
D5–7
Bekopaka
D8
Morondava
D9
Miandrivazo
D10
Antsirabe
D11
Antananarivo

Highlights

Authentic descent by flatboat
Wild Riverbank Bivouacs
Tsingy listed as UNESCO World Heritage
Traditional Sakalava Encounters
Mythical Avenue of the Baobabs
Spectacular limestone canyons

Day-by-day itinerary

Antananarivo
D1

Arrival of your long-haul flight in Madagascar

Paris - Antananarivo Air France flight to Antananarivo. The Detours Madagascar Team welcomes you at the airport. Check-in at your hotel in the city.
D2

From the capital Antananarivo to Miandrivazo

200000 Antananarivo - Antsirabe Departure for Antsirabe located 180km from Antananarivo. Crossing the landscapes of the Highlands by taking a winding road bordered by a mosaic of fields with various crops and rice paddies arranged in terraces. Several stops along the way to meet the peasants and villages along National Route 7. Antsirabe - Miandrivazo Heading due west towards Miandrivazo. The journey is enhanced by visits to markets in the villages we pass through. As we progress, the mosaic of rice paddies in terraces and various crops, with hills overlooking red brick houses of the Central Highlands, gives way to the arid landscape of the Middle-West Sakalava region and the "bare" mountains jagged by erosion in the south of the Bongolava massif. We arrive in mid-afternoon at the town of Miandrivazo on the edge of the Tsiribihina river.
D3

Transfer to Masiakampy and start of the Tsiribihina river descent by motorized canoe

Morning transfer to the landing stage, and start of navigation on the Tsiribihina river. We leave our driver-guide here, who will meet us with the car at the Tsimafana/Belo-sur-Tsiribihina landing stage in 2 days. For 3 days and 2 nights, following the water, we admire the savanna and dry forest landscape of the West unfolding before our eyes with various species of aquatic birds, lemurs, chameleons. Swimming in waterfalls and walks are planned, to meet the fishing villages bordering the river and living to its rhythm. You will sometimes be able to admire the body of a crocodile stretched lazily in the sun on the riverbank, with here and there a few baobabs… Nights in bivouac on the banks.
D4

2nd day - Canoe descent on the Tsiribihna

On the second day, the Nosy Ampela waterfall is a wonderful invitation to swim in its natural pool, which also allows us to freshen up before resuming navigation. This takes us in about 2 hours to the village of lemurs, Begidro.

We visit the village and have lunch there before drifting on the water to Berevo, where we spend our second night camping.

Bekopaka
D5

Last day of descent - Road to Bekopaka

Belo on Tsiribihina - Bekopaka After breakfast, we will continue our descent for a few more hours. Gradually, villages appear and the river becomes increasingly busy. Crossing of the Tsiribihina river by ferry. Late in the morning, we dock at Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. After lunch on board, a chaotic and tedious track awaits us, several stops will be necessary to stretch our legs but at the end of the journey, the spectacle is worth the effort. We disembark and head due north towards Bekopaka where we arrive at the end of the day, at the foot of the Tsingy de Bemaraha Massif, classified as a natural heritage of Humanity by Unesco.
Bekopaka
D6

Visit of the Manambolo and the Little Tsingys

Day visit to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, an extraordinary place! The Tsingy are true limestone cathedrals. This dense network of fissures, crevasses and limestone blocks carved into blades is one of the most spectacular landscapes in Madagascar. By canoe and on foot, through canyons and labyrinths, we set off to discover vast spaces, dizzying heights and thrilling sensations.
Bekopaka
D7

Hiking in the Grand Tsingy

We set out to discover the great open spaces: Grand Tsingy de Bemaraha. The circuit begins with a 4x4 transfer 17km north of the village of Bekopaka to reach gigantic limestone cathedrals, dense networks of fissures, deep crevasses, limestone blocks sculpted into blades or sharp points that form the "Tsingy". Through canyons with humid vegetation, dry vegetation on limestone slabs, passing through labyrinths and joint fractures, we will reach the Roof of the "Tsingy". Return to the village at the end of the day.
Morondava
D8

Return to Morondava via the Avenue of the Baobabs

Bekopaka - Morondava Early in the morning, we head towards Morondava in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Despite the quality of the track, the steep high cliffs surrounding us, this intoxicating discovery, these grandiose landscapes, this very particular sensation of traversing the immensity are well worth a little discomfort. First ferry crossing on the Manambolo River to arrive in Belo by late morning. Folkloric crossing of the lush territory of the Tsiribihina River by ferry, groups of birds punctuate the journey, then we continue our track. We pass by the famous Avenue of the Baobabs. We will walk this avenue to photograph and immortalize the magnificent sunset that casts its orange tone on the baobabs. Arrival in Morondava in the evening.
D9

From Morondava to Miandrivazo

Morondava - Miandrivazo Morning rest after the tracks. We leave Morondava for the town of Miandrivazo, Rice fields pass before our eyes. Past the town of Mahabo, the landscape becomes more rugged until Miandrivazo. Hotel check-in.
Antsirabe
D10

Back on the road to Antsirabe

Miandrivazo - Antsirabe As you leave the town of Miandrivazo, the road climbs into the hills of the Bongolava region. As we travel further, mosaics of terraced rice paddies and various crops appear, with hills overlooking the red brick houses of the Central Highlands. We gradually enter the Vakinankaratra. After the very beautiful Betafo valley dominated by the chain of volcanoes, we arrive at Antsirabe at the end of the day.
Antananarivo
D11

Return to the capital

Antsirabe - Antananarivo Brief tour of the city and visit to local artisans (making miniature bicycles and cars, zebu horn work…) then drive to Ambatolampy. Rice fields and villages characteristic of the Highlands shape the landscape. Continue in the afternoon towards Antananarivo. End of our service. Your driver-guide will take you to the hotel of your choice.

Price per person

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Not included

  • International Flights
  • All meals except breakfast
  • Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips, beverages and personal expenses
  • Cancellation, repatriation and emergency medical expenses insurance
  • Visa fees to be paid at the airport upon your arrival

Included

  • Accompaniment by an English-speaking driver guide
  • Transport in a 4x4 vehicle with necessary fuel
  • Accommodation in single, twin or double rooms in the hotels mentioned in the program with breakfast
  • Full board during the river descent from lunch on D3 to lunch on D5
  • Nights under tent, camping equipment provided (bring a sleeping bag)
  • Picnic lunches on Days 6 and 7
  • Entrance fees at the listed sites
  • The local guides in parks and reserves
  • All transfers mentioned in the program

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 30% of the total price (deposit retained)

  • Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price

  • Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

Your Passport:
Important: your passport must be valid. It must be mandatory and obligatorily valid for 6 months after the end of your stay in Madagascar.

Your travel documents

  • Your valid passport,

  • Your international and/or domestic flight tickets,

  • Your repatriation insurance/first aid expenses contract, -

  • Your vaccination record, not mandatory,

  • Your blood group card if possible.

Obtaining a visa to enter Malagasy territory

Upon arrival in the territory:
The visa cost is €35 for a stay of less than 30 days.
It is easily obtained upon your arrival in Malagasy territory.
This applies to all airports in Madagascar that receive international flights.
Upon arrival in the terminal, upon exiting the plane, a corridor for passengers is dedicated to issuing tourist visas.

This procedure is the simplest. We recommend it to you.

From the embassies and consulates of your countries of origin:
For information, download the document explaining the procedure and the constitution of the file for obtaining a visa from the Madagascar embassy.

To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.

Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.

CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!

Choose the plan that best suits you:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complementary Credit Card

Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and procedures for claiming any loss are available on the insurer's website.

Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for declaring any loss. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

A tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Ivato Airport (Antananarivo) or online (e-visa). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Before booking your trip, check with Madagascar's consular authorities for the conditions applicable to your nationality, including visa fees and authorized lengths of stay.

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 160 and 270 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1400 euros return) are additional. Long transfers and domestic flights represent a significant portion of the budget.

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) protection, which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Noro, Ambassador of Malagasy fihavanana
13years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — High Plateaus

Ambassador of Malagasy fihavanana, based in Antananarivo

For me, traveling to Madagascar is stepping into the spirit of fihavanana: sharing, helping one another, meeting people, and taking time to understand what connects them to their land.

Noro

Deposit funds guarantee Secure payment 7/7 assistance4.93/5