Journey to the Ends of Madagascar: Navigation on the Manambolo, Tsingy, Forests and Lagoons
From the secret gorges of the Manambolo to the limestone peaks of the Tsingy, to the beaches of Sainte-Marie.
Duration
16 days
From
€1,820/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
"Journey to the Ends of Madagascar: Manambolo, Tsingy, Forests and Lagoons", this original itinerary takes you first on foot into a remote area, inaccessible by vehicle. Our team and our canoes await us. We set off to discover the Manambolo River and its gorges which lead us to the foot of the [Tsingy of Bemaraha](#/reference/content/edit/Tsingy of Bemaraha). In the heart of its hot and arid massif, we will explore the famous Tsingy, hidden limestone peaks. The second part of our journey takes us to the Highlands. From the Malagasy capital, we will head to the East Coast. We then discover a lush region. The Mantadia National Park allows us to become familiar with its endemic fauna and flora.
Ideal period: May to August, due to the optimal water level on the Manambolo, allowing for a smooth descent.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Antananarivo > Ampfy
In the afternoon, visit to the Lily Waterfall. Check-in at the hotel for the night.
We take the scenic road westward, passing through the traditional villages of the Central Highlands. As we continue our journey, magnificent volcanic cones gradually come into view. Upon reaching the shores of Lake Itasy, we settle into the charming little town of Ampefy.
Ampefy > Tsiroanomandidy
Departure around 8:30 AM, visit to Ilot de la Vierge, a viewpoint overlooking Lake Itasy and a volcanic crater.
Then continue to Tsiroanomandidy, the zebu route of the Malagasy Middle West, crossing a mountainous landscape arranged in cultivated fields. Picnic lunch during the journey. Arrival in the afternoon and free time.
Night at the inn.
Route from Tsiroanomandidy to Bongolava Massif
Departure after breakfast through dry, arid and mountainous landscapes towards Belobaka. The journey is made by secondary road in 4x4, offering an authentic and adventurous experience.
Lunch at Belobaka in a Malagasy restaurant, then continuation for a few kilometres to set up our camp. Night in bivouac in nature.(camping)
Trek in the Bongolava: from Tsiafapapango to Ankavandra
After breakfast, early departure for 4 to 5 hours of trekking in the Bongolava, where bare hills stretch as far as the eye can see. Picnic lunch, then continue until we reach the village of Ankavandra, which we arrive at in early afternoon.
Visit of the village and meeting with the locals.
We spend the night in a guesthouse, or under tent subject to availability of the guesthouse on site.
Beginning of the Manambolo descent
After breakfast, before the heat becomes too overwhelming, we board a traditional pirogue on the Manambolo River.
After the famous "FOMBA", ritual which asks permission from the ancestors to navigate the river, the convoy can set off along the river by letting itself be guided by the current, while crossing a lunar landscape of jagged hills stripped bare by erosion.
Navigation on the Manambolo
We navigate for these three days on the Manambolo River. Throughout this journey, we cross a great diversity of landscapes, between bare hills, forests and gorges. The pirogue also allows us to meet an isolated population, whose only means of communication and travel is the Manambolo.
We gradually enter the forest, where we may have the chance to encounter Sifakas, these white diurnal lemurs with black heads.
Descent of the Manambolo, arrival at Bekopaka at the foot of the Tsingy de Bemaraha
Still on the Manambolo River during our river cruise, the landscape transforms as we approach the Bemaraha Massif. Villages become scarce and give way to impressive gorges.
We enter the foothills of the mountain, inhabitants disappear. Nature, untouched by human presence, becomes wilder.
The Manambolo Gorge conceals ancient Vazimba tombs, the first peoples to have hidden in the Tsingy. This long procession of cliffs with vertical walls carved by the river isolates us from the rest of the world.
In the early afternoon, we exit the gorges to reach the village of Bekopaka.
The Tsingy of Bemaraha
We set off to discover the great outdoors: 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, then 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.
Bekopaka > Morondava
Early in the morning, we head towards Morondava by four-wheel-drive vehicle. Despite the quality of the track, we will relive with nostalgia this intoxicating discovery of steep high cliffs and grandiose landscapes. The very particular sensation of measuring immensity creeps in once again.
First ferry crossing on the Manambolo River to arrive in Belo late in the morning. We have lunch there and then continue with the folksy crossing of the Tsiribihina River by ferry. We pass by the famous Avenue of the Baobabs. We will want to walk the red earth track to arrive there in time, photograph and immortalize the magnificent sunset that gives its orange tone to the baobabs.
Arrival in Morondava in the evening.
Flight Morondava > Antananarivo
Depending on your flight schedule to the capital, we take a short city tour and transfer to the airport to catch the flight between Morondava and Antananarivo.
Upon your arrival at Ivato airport in Antananarivo, a member of the Détours team welcomes you at the airport.
Transfer to your hotel for the night before continuing this beautiful journey.
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Antananarivo > Andasibe
The car picks you up at the hotel. We set off for Andasibe, heading East! We travel along the East road through lush vegetation, home to several species of animals threatened with extinction by human activity (bushfires, deforestation…)
Andasibe > Tamatave
Visit to Andasibe National Park, a conservation site for the Indri-Indri, the largest of the lemurs. We approach Andasibe's primary forest through the Analamazaotra Special Reserve crossed by the Amboasary river. This reserve is the natural habitat of a large population of lemurs including 11 other lemur species besides the Indri Indri such as bamboo lemurs, sifakas…Other animal species may be visible: chameleons, birds… The flora is equally noteworthy with several varieties of orchids such as eulophiella, rosewood, palms and medicinal plants.
Tamatave > Soanierana Ivongo > Sainte Marie
We continue along the coast heading towards Soanierana-Ivongo.
From its jetty, we take the boat to Ambodifotatra, on Sainte-Marie Island.
We head to our hotel by the sea where we can enjoy the paradisiacal beaches.
Free stay Saint Marie
A free stay dedicated to discovering this charming little island, its beaches lined with coconut trees, its tropical forest, its secluded coves and its many villages.
Many activities are possible: Diving, boat trips, discovery of coral reefs, excursion to Île aux Nattes, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, swimming, island discovery...From July to September, you can observe whales that come to give birth.
If you wish, our guide can advise you based on availability, season, your preferences and your budget.
Flight Sainte Marie > Antananarivo
Ile Sainte Marie → Antananarivo
After a final morning in this enchanting setting, we head to the airport to board a flight to Antananarivo, the vibrant capital of Madagascar, just in time to fly over the contrasting landscapes of the red island, between sparkling lagoons and verdant highlands.
Upon arrival, our local team welcomes you for your transfer to the city. End of our service
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Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
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
- Domestic flight Morondava - Antananarivo on Day 11
- The domestic flight from Sainte Marie - Antananarivo on D17
- All meals except those mentioned in the program and in the included price
- The activities not mentioned in the program and during free stay in Sainte Marie
- Single room supplement or single distribution: 400 EUR per person
- Tips, drinks and personal expenses
- Cancellation, repatriation and first aid insurance
- Visa fees
Included
- The service of a trekking guide/companion English-speaking from Antananarivo to Morondava from D1 to D10
- Accompaniment by one or more English-speaking driver guide(s) according to the size of the group from D12 to D14, from Antananarivo to Soanierana Ivongo
- Transport in 4x4 vehicle or mini-bus or bus (depending on group size) from D1 to D2, from Antananarivo to Tsiroanomandidy
- Travel by 4x4 vehicle(s) for the rest of the journey (maximum 4 travelers per 4x4)
- Double / twin room accommodation in the hotels listed in the itinerary (or similar depending on room availability at the time of booking)
- Tent nights from Day 3 to Day 7
- Breakfasts from Day 2 to Day 17
- The descent of the Manambolo by traditional pirogue with the team of pirogue operators
- Full board during the trek and bivouac (from dinner on D2 to lunch on D8)
- The J9 picnic lunch
- Dinners on Days 14, 15 and 16 in Sainte Marie (half board mandatory)
- Camping and cooking equipment for nights in bivouac (plan for a sleeping bag)
- Entrance fees at the sites mentioned
- Local guides in parks and reserves and porters in bivouac camps
- All transfers
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 partnerTravel 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 insuranceFrequently 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.
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
