Journey to the Ends of Madagascar: Navigation on the Manambolo, Tsingy, Forests and Lagoons
From the secret gorges of Manambolo to the limestone peaks of 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 through a remote area, inaccessible by vehicle. Our team and our canoes are waiting for us We set out 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. Our second part of the journey takes us to the Highlands. From the Malagasy capital, we will reach the East coast. We then discover a verdant 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 > Ampefy
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 towards Tsiroanomandidy, the zebu route of central-western Madagascar, crossing a mountainous landscape arranged with cultivated fields. Picnic lunch on the way. Arrival in the afternoon and free time.
Night at the inn.
Route from Tsiroanomandidy to the 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 to the village of Ankavandra, which we reach in early afternoon.
Visit of the village and meeting with the inhabitants.
We spend the night in a lodge, or under tent subject to availability of the lodge on site.
Beginning of the Manambolo Descent
After breakfast, before the heat becomes too intense, 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 depart along the river while being guided by the current, while crossing a lunar landscape of jagged hills stripped bare by erosion.
Navigation on the Manambolo
We navigate for three days on the Manambolo River. Throughout this journey, we cross a great diversity of landscapes, between bare hills, forests and gorges. The canoe 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 rare 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.
Early in the afternoon, we emerge from 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 Bekopaka village to reach gigantic limestone cathedrals, dense networks of fissures, deep crevasses, and limestone blocks carved into blades or sharp points that make up the « Tsingy ». Through canyons with humid vegetation, dry vegetation on limestone slabs, passing through labyrinths and joint systems, 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 all-terrain 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 the immensity creeps in once again.
First ferry crossing on the Manambolo river to reach Belo by late 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 along the red earth track to arrive in time, photograph and capture the magnificent sunset that gives its orange hue to the baobabs.
Arrival in Morondava in the evening.
Flight Morondava > Antananarivo
According to the 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 your hotel. We're heading to Andasibe, heading East! We cross the East Road through lush vegetation, home to several animal species 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 the primary forest of Andasibe 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 impressive with several varieties of orchids such as eulophiella, rosewood, palms and medicinal plants.
Tamatave > Soanierana Ivongo > Sainte Marie
We continue along the coast towards Soanierana-Ivongo.
From its dock, we take the boat to Ambodifotatra, on Sainte-Marie Island.
We reach our hotel on the seafront where we can enjoy the paradisiacal beaches.
Free stay Sainte 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 numerous villages.
Many activities are possible: Diving, sea 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 possibilities, season, your preferences and your budget.
Flight Sainte Marie > Antananarivo
Ile Sainte Marie → Antananarivo
After a final morning in this enchanting setting, we take the road to the airport to board the flight to Antananarivo, the vibrant Malagasy capital, just long enough to fly over the contrasting landscapes of the red island, between glittering lagoons and lush 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
- The domestic flight Morondava - Antananarivo on D11
- The domestic flight Saint Marie - Antananarivo on D17
- All meals except those mentioned in the program and included price
- Activities not mentioned in the program and during free time in Sainte Marie
- The single room supplement or shared single: 400 EUR per person
- Tips, drinks and personal expenses
- Cancellation insurance, repatriation and first aid costs
- Visa fees
Included
- The service of an English-speaking trekking guide/escort from Antananarivo to Morondava from D1 to D10
- Accompaniment by one or more English-speaking driver guide(s) depending on the group size from D12 to D14, from Antananarivo to Soanierana Ivongo
- Transport by 4x4 vehicle or minibus or bus (depending on group size) from D1 to D2, from Antananarivo to Tsiroanomandidy
- Vehicle travel in 4x4s for the remainder of the journey (maximum 4 travelers per 4x4)
- Accommodation in a double/twin room in the hotels mentioned in the program (or similar depending on room availability at the time of booking)
- Nights under tent from Day 3 to Day 7
- Breakfasts from D2 to D17
- The descent of the Manambolo in 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 compulsory)
- Camping and cooking equipment for nights in bivouac (plan for a sleeping bag)
- Entry fees to the sites mentioned
- Local guides in parks and reserves and porters in bivouac
- 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
