In the heart of the Zafimaniry land

Warm or cold appetizer - Main course - Dessert

First full day of hiking, and one of the most beautiful stages of the journey. The trail leaves the Antoetra plateau with a descent between eucalyptus and mimosa trees before climbing up to Lehibory Peak (1,885 m), the highest point of the day and an exceptional viewpoint over the valley. Stops in the villages of Ifasina and Tetezandrotra, where Zafimaniry craftsmen open their workshops: doors, shutters and ornate lintels tell, through their geometric patterns, this people's relationship with ancestors and the forest. Long steep descent fitted with steps carved into the stone down to Sakaivo, considered the most beautiful village in Zafimaniry country.

A day to slow down and savor Sakaivo. In the morning, short hike to the Fanandrana waterfall, where you can swim in the pools. Return to the village to share a meal with your host. The afternoon is dedicated to meeting the locals: sculpture demonstration, making a Zafimaniry lounger, weaving workshop. If luck is on your side, evening with music and traditional dombolo dances around the fire, under a rare starry sky.

We leave Sakaivo and head East, into a much less frequented section of Zafimaniry country. The trail descends towards an enclosed valley, crosses terraced rice fields and several streams, before climbing up the other slope. The vegetation gradually becomes more diverse, a sign of the eastern influence. First camp of the crossing, set up in the middle of nature near the hamlet of Ampasina.

A hilly stage that alternates gentle climbs and scenic descents. You walk through several hamlets where daily life unfolds before your eyes: women pounding rice, children returning from the fields, men working with wood. The presence of foreign walkers is rare, and the welcome is warm and curious. The vegetation becomes noticeably more humid, the forest increasingly present. Arrival in Maromanana in late afternoon.

The forest is now taking over the open landscapes. The trail follows watercourses, crosses wooden footbridges and winds between tree ferns. Fauna and flora change: endemic birds, butterflies, first orchids. It is the gentle transition between the Highlands and the eastern slope. Bivouac in a clearing near Ambodimanga, the "foot of the mango tree".

Deliberately shorter day after several challenging stages. You arrive late morning in Sandrakely, a charming little village where you are welcomed by a local resident. The afternoon is free: rest, reading, observing village activities, basket and raffia mat making. A gentle interlude before the more demanding stages of the following two days.

The most demanding stage of the route, but also one of the most spectacular. The trail climbs onto a ridge that offers, in clear weather, vast views to the East towards the foothills of the rainforest, and to the West towards the distant Highlands. Extended break at the summit for picnic. Technical descent in the afternoon to Tsaratanana, "the good earth", where the camp is set up.

You switch today to the eastern slope. The descent is gradual, in an increasingly tropical environment: lychee trees, coffee plantations, banana trees, first vanilla and clove plantations. The heat rises, as does the humidity. Upon arrival in Ifanadiana, a district capital nestled on RN25, you rediscover the modernity of a small commercial town: markets, shops, lively atmosphere. Dinner and night in a simple lodge, your first real bed in several days.

Last day of trekking, and quite an impressive one. The trail gradually climbs towards Ranomafana, crossing through Fiadanana and several mountain hamlets. The humid forest closes in around you, denser and more alive with sound. Calls of lemurs in the distance, songs of endemic birds, scents of the forest floor. You arrive in Ranomafana in late afternoon: reunion with Détours vehicles and your luggage, hot shower and thermal bath as an option to celebrate the end of the trek.

This day is a buffer day, kept in reserve to absorb any possible weather or logistical contingency during the first ten days. If it has not been used during the trek, it is converted into an additional discovery day of Ranomafana national park: long circuit Vatoharanana or Varibolomena, observation of golden lemurs at dawn, or rest day according to group preferences. Possibility of a night excursion around the park in the evening to observe nocturnal species.

A day dedicated to discovering Ranomafana National Park, listed as a natural UNESCO World Heritage site. Early departure with an authorized naturalist guide from Madagascar National Parks for the Talatakely circuit: primary forest, Namorona River, waterfalls, observation of lemurs (red-bellied lemur, Edwards' sifaka, and with a bit of luck, the rare golden bamboo lemur). Return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, relaxation at the Ranomafana thermal baths, natural hot waters at 38°C, perfect for tired muscles.