Détours MadagascarBy Nomadays
Heading to southwestern Madagascar to explore its baobab forests alongside specialist Cyrille Cornu
Arid South & Bushlands 14 days rustique

Heading to southwestern Madagascar to explore its baobab forests alongside specialist Cyrille Cornu

Alongside specialist Cyrille Cornu, unravel the mysteries of Madagascar's giants.

From€3,925per person
13 years of local expertise4.94/5 (128 reviews including 73 Google)

Duration

14 days

From

€3,925/pers.

Ideal seasons

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Style

Expeditions

Comfort

rustique

Travelers

Solo, With friends, Couple

The spirit of travel

On the sandy tracks of southwestern Madagascar, the Adansonia grandidieri baobabs stand with their monumental silhouettes against the ochre sky. Cyrille Cornu, an explorer and scientist recognized worldwide, guides this naturalist expedition between Morondava and Tuléar, revealing the extraordinary diversity of these mythical trees.

From the iconic avenue of the baobabs to the secret forests of Kirindy Mitea, each stage unveils a unique ecosystem. At Andombiry live the largest known specimens, while at Andavadaoka, dwarf baobabs with stocky forms intrigue with their morphology. On the Mahafaly plateau, local communities have developed a unique practice: hollowing out the trunk of giants to create vital cisterns in this arid region.

This crossing of Sakalava and Bara territory offers far more than a botany lesson. Between bivouacs under the stars and encounters with Vezo fishermen, the expedition reveals the ancestral bonds that unite the Malagasy peoples to their sacred trees. A journey to the heart of Madagascar, where science meets the poetry of legends.

All our trips Arid South & BushlandsTours of 14 daysTours Solo

The stages of your journey

D1
Miandrivazo
D2
Morondava
D3
Belo Sur Mer
D4
Mitea
D5
Parc National De Kirindy Mitea
D6
Fleuve Mangoky
D7
Morombe
D8
Andavadoaka
D9
Tuléar
D10
Ambola
D11
Ampotaka
D12
Parc National de Tsimanampetsotsa
D13
Tuléar
D14
Antananarivo

Highlights

Expert guidance Cyrille Cornu
Exceptional Giants of Andombiry
Bivouacs forests baobabs
Nocturnal flowers blooming
Mahafaly Plateau Diggers
Vezo Pirogue Navigation

Day-by-day itinerary

D1

On the way to Miandrivazo

Miandrivazo
Antananarivo - Antsirabe We will leave early in the morning by 4x4 from the capital Antananarivo heading towards Morondava. We will cross the landscapes of the Highlands by taking a winding road lined with a mosaic of diverse crop fields and terraced rice paddies. Along the road, I will show you how to read the consequences of deforestation in the landscape. Antsirabe - Miandrivazo After Antsirabe, we will drive due west towards Miandrivazo. Gradually, mosaics of terraced rice paddies and diverse crops, with hills overlooking red brick houses of the Central Highlands, will give way to the arid landscapes of the Middle-West Sakalava and the "bare" mountains jagged by erosion in the south of the Bongolava massif. Our first day will end in Miandrivazo, a stopover town located on the banks of the Tsiribihina river.
Morondava
D2

Sunset over the Avenue of the Baobabs

Morondava
Miandrivazo - Morondava We will resume our journey to Morondava early in the morning. About forty kilometers before we reach our destination, we will observe our first baobabs along the national road. Early in the afternoon, we will reach the famous Avenue of the Baobabs, a world-renowned site. We will visit the lover baobabs located nearby before returning to the foot of the avenue to watch the sunset there.
Belo sur mer
D3

Head to the baobab forests of Menabe

Belo Sur Mer
Morondava - Belo on Sea In the morning, we will visit the covered market of Morondava to meet fruit and baobab bark merchants. We will leave Morondava in 4x4 vehicles mid-morning. We will drive on a track through savannas, forest areas, and salt marshes before reaching the village of Belo on Sea. A journey punctuated by stops to admire the baobabs encountered along the track. The track is difficult with its share of fords, rivers and sandy sections. We will travel along this very beautiful road to arrive at the village of Belo-on-Sea. Several baobab conservation projects are underway in this region, with nursery plantations and income-generating activities for villagers, to raise awareness of the protection of this endangered species. Upon arrival at our destination, we will join our hotel, the Écologie du Menabe, on the shores of the Mozambique Channel. Moments of relaxation assured in this little corner of paradise.
D4

The dune of Mitea by the sea

Mitea
Belo sur Mer - Mitea Early in the morning, we will sail in a traditional pirogue with Vezo fishermen to reach the Mitea dune, a site accessible only by sea. From the top of the dune, we will be able to admire a forest of baobabs in perfect condition, a forest we will visit. The day will culminate in apotheosis with a sunset from the top of the dune, which reaches 42 metres in altitude. Exceptionally, we will set up a bivouac by the sea and sleep in a tent. This will offer us the unique opportunity to explore the dry forest and its baobabs at night. This visit will undoubtedly allow us to make very beautiful naturalist encounters. For this night spent in bivouac at the foot of the baobabs of the Adansonia grandidieri species, we will be in the middle of their flowering period. We should therefore be able to observe the blooming of their flowers, which, as night falls, open like little white pompoms and illuminate the crown of the trees. With a bit of luck, we will be able to witness the visit of their nocturnal guests, notably sphinx moths, majestic night butterflies attracted by their fragrance. Then, at dawn, sunbirds, graceful birds with iridescent reflections similar to hummingbirds, as well as bees, will in turn come to pollinate the still open flowers, offering a fascinating spectacle of life and poetry in the heart of Malagasy nature.
Parc National De Kirindy Mitea
D5

The baobab trail in Kirindy Mitea

Parc National De Kirindy Mitea
Mité - Kirindy Mitea National Park After one last climb to the top of the dune to watch the sunrise, we will return to Belo sur mer. We will have a meal at the hotel before taking the road to visit Kirindy Mitea National Park, a new UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. I designed a baobab trail there about ten years ago, a trail that we will explore together in the heart of one of the best-preserved baobab forests in the world. Very different from the forests found North of Morondava, Kirindy Mitea Park is largely covered with dry primary forest, which marks the transition between the landscapes of the West and South. There are thus several plant species representative of the arid climate of the South including Didiereaceae and Euphorbiaceae, as well as 3 species of baobabs. The park has a coastal section composed of a patchwork of brackish wetland zones which makes it an excellent bird watching center. A great diversity of landscapes is found on this site, between coastal dunes, islets, mangroves and savanna, hosting equally varied fauna: lemurs, reptiles, fish, birds, bats…
D6

On the banks of the Mangoky River

Fleuve Mangoky
Kirindy Mitea National Park - Mangoky River We will leave at dawn in a 4x4 to reach the famous Mangoky River, which naturally delimits the territories of the Sakalava and Bara peoples. We will camp at the foot of baobabs that populate the banks of the great wild river.
Morombe
D7

The Giants of Andombiry

Morombe
Mangoky River - Morombe For a long time, it was believed that the largest baobab in Madagascar lived in the far south in the Ampanihy region. This is not the case. The record is currently held by giants of the grandidieri species that live in the Andombiry forest northeast of the city of Morombe. The visit to this site will be one of the highlights of our journey. I will guide you to meet the giants of Andombiry. There are several hundred of them living here!
Andavadoaka
D8

The mysterious baobabs of Andavadoaka

Andavadoaka
Morombe - Andavadaoka We will follow the coastal track bordering the Mozambique Channel to arrive in late morning at Andavadaoka, a beach, fishing village... Andavadaoka Bay is one of the most beautiful bays on Madagascar's west coast. Its turquoise waters and extremely rich seabeds bordered by idyllic beaches attract many visitors. Inland, the vegetation is remarkable. Baobabs with strange shapes grow in low thorny forests. The baobabs here measure only a few meters in height. They are nicknamed bottle trees because of their round and squat shape. We will visit these baobab groves while trying to understand the origin of their so particular morphology. We will stay at the Laguna Blu hotel just steps from the lagoon. An ideal place to enjoy the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel.
Tuléar
D9

Tuléar and the Antsokay Arboretum

Tuléar
Ifaty - Tuléar We will drive along the coastline on a beautiful track before reaching the city of Tuléar where we will have lunch at the Oasis restaurant. In the middle of the afternoon, we will visit the Antsokay arboretum created in 1980 by botanist Hermann Petignat. The visit to the arboretum will allow us to expand our knowledge of the flora of southern Madagascar. Night and dinner in the idyllic setting of the arboretum.
D10

By boat to Anakao, then on the road to Ambola

Ambola
Arboretum Tuléar - Anakao Transfer to Tuléar Port and boarding for a fast boat crossing of approximately 45 minutes, heading to Anakao, where you can relax and enjoy the pleasures of the beach, on the edge of a paradise lagoon. We will leave in the early hours to reach the small village of Ampotaka on the Mahafaly plateau. Around the village, baobabs are the subject of a unique practice in the world. Their trunk is hollowed out to form cavities used as cisterns. In this region without lakes or rivers, where it rains only a few months a year, these cisterns and their reserves allow the inhabitants to survive in a particularly arid and hostile environment. For two days, we will take the time to meet the baobab excavators of Ampotaka and their living cisterns. Anakao - Ambola We find our 4x4 vehicles for a transfer to Ambola, where you can relax and enjoy the pleasures of the beach. Lunch at the hotel, and free afternoon: swimming, beach, snorkeling, pirogue rides, visit to fishing villages… We will visit the Tsimanampesotsa National Park the next day.
D11

Among the Baobab Diggers

Ampotaka

Around the village, baobabs are the subject of a unique practice in the world. Their trunk is hollowed out to form cavities used as cisterns. In this region without lakes or rivers, where it rains only a few months a year, these cisterns and their reserves allow inhabitants to survive in a particularly arid and hostile environment.

For two days, we will take the time to meet the baobab carvers of Ampotaka and their living cisterns.

Parc National de Tsimanampetsotsa
D12

The baobab "grandmother"

Parc National de Tsimanampetsotsa
Ambola - Tsimanampetsotsa National Park In the morning, we will take our 4x4s to reach Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, a lake saturated with calcium sulfate that will hold beautiful botanical and wildlife surprises for us. We enter a baobab forest, which brings together different specimens. Above all, we will visit the "grandmother," the oldest known baobab in Madagascar. An abundant fauna is also present on site: birds, reptiles, turtles, and we may have the chance to encounter the famous radiated tortoise. Picnic lunch in the shade of a baobab before continuing our day exploring the park. We will enjoy a magnificent view over the lake while the sky turns red and orange at sunset. Dinner and overnight stay by the lagoon at the hotel Le Domaine d'Ambola.
Tuléar
D13

Return to Tuléar & flight to the capital

Tuléar
Ambola - Anakao After experiencing a wonderful expedition discovering the baobabs of the southwest, we will return by boat to Tuléar, the city of sun. We will have lunch at the Oasis restaurant (at your expense) then we will head to the airport for the return flight to Antananarivo.
Antananarivo
D14

Last day in Tana and return flight to CDG at night

Antananarivo
Toliara - Antananarivo Depending on the return flight schedule to the Capital, an airport transfer is planned in Toliara. Proposed flight with Tsaradia TZ719: departure from Toliara @ 14:35 - arrival in Antananarivo @ 16:25* Subject to modification by the Airline END OF OUR SERVICES.

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
  • Meals on international flight days
  • Transfers outside Air France arrivals and departures on days J1 and J15
  • The domestic flight Tuléar>Antananarivo
  • Meals not mentioned in the program: dinners on D1 and D14
  • Activities not mentioned in the program
  • Single room supplement = 350 EUR per person
  • Tips, beverages and personal expenses
  • Cancellation insurance, repatriation, and emergency medical expenses
  • Visa fees

Included

  • Accompaniment by Cyrille Cornu from Day 2 to Day 14
  • Accommodation in double or twin rooms in the hotels mentioned in the program with breakfast at Tsanga Tsanga Hôtel in Antananarivo; half board at Princesse Tsiribihina hotel in Miandrivazo, Écolodge du Menabe in Belo sur mer; Chez Laurette in Morombe; Laguna Blu in Andavadaoka; L'Auberge de la Table in Tuléar; and Le Domaine d'Ambola
  • Full board during nights in bivouac
  • The picnic lunches mentioned
  • The logistics team and cooks for overnight bivouac stays
  • 4x4 transport with the necessary fuel during land stages
  • The entrance fees for the mentioned sites
  • Mandatory local guides in Kirindy Mitea and Tsimanampetsotse parks
  • Day-use at Tsanga Tsanga Hotel on the last day
  • All airport/hotel transfers in Tuleár and Tana (for flights with Air France departures only)

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 — Wild West

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

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