Navigation on the Tsiribihina, the Essentials of the West and the Tsingy of Bemaraha
Lemurs & Endemics 9 days classique

Navigation on the Tsiribihina, the Essentials of the West and the Tsingy of Bemaraha

Navigate the Tsiribihina River and explore the limestone cathedrals of the Tsingy de Bemaraha.

From€1,235per person
13 years of local expertise4.93/5 (125 reviews including 72 Google)

Duration

9 days

From

€1,235/pers.

Ideal seasons

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

Style

Guided tour

Comfort

classique

Travelers

Couple, Solo, With friends

The spirit of travel

The Tsiribihina River winds through the savannas of central-western Madagascar, revealing a natural theater where crocodiles and lemurs coexist to the rhythm of paddles. During two days of navigation in a traditional dugout canoe, the riverbanks unveil their dry forest dotted with thousand-year-old baobabs, while aquatic birds accompany this descent toward Belo-sur-Tsiribihina.

The journey continues toward Bekopaka, gateway to the Tsingy de Bemaraha, this UNESCO world heritage site shaped by erosion. These limestone labyrinths carve out a lunar landscape where the "small" and "large" Tsingy offer hiking and climbing in the heart of secret canyons. Between deep fissures and sharp peaks, endemic fauna find refuge in these mineral cathedrals.

This circuit reveals the soul of the Sakalava people, guardians of these western lands where ancestral traditions still echo in the riverside villages. A journey that etches into memory the raw immensity of Madagascar and the quiet strength of its waterways.

The stages of your journey

D1
Miandrivazo
D2–3
Fleuve Tsiribihina
D4–6
Bekopaka
D7
Morondava
D8
Antsirabe
D9
Antananarivo

Highlights

Traditional pirogue navigation
Bivouac by the River
Tsingy de Bemaraha UNESCO
Avenue of the Giant Baobabs
Meeting with the Sakalava
Caves and Limestone Formations

Day-by-day itinerary

D1

From Antananarivo to Miandrivazo, the approach to Menabe

D2

Canoe Navigation on the Tsiribihina River

For 2 days and 2 nights, drifting along the water, we admire the savanna and dry forest landscape of the West passing before our eyes with various species of aquatic birds, lemurs, and chameleons. You will sometimes be able to admire the body of a crocodile lying lazily in the sun on the riverbank with here and there a few baobabs… Nights in bivouac on the riverbank.
D3

Canoe navigation on the Tsiribihina River

For 2 days and 2 nights, drifting along the water, we admire the savanna and dry forest landscape of the West unfolding before our eyes with various species of aquatic birds, lemurs, and chameleons. You will sometimes be able to admire the body of a crocodile lazily stretched out in the sun on the riverbank with here and there a few baobabs… Nights in bivouac on the riverbank.
Bekopaka
D4

End of Navigation on the Tsiribihina, Heading 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 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 it. 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, listed as a natural heritage site of Humanity by Unesco.
Bekopaka
D5

Pirogue on the Manambolo and Trekking in the Tsingy

Bekopaka - Bekopaka Morning dedicated to discovering Tsingy Bemaraha Before starting the visit of the small Tsingy, descent on the Manambolo river with a traditional canoe. We gradually enter caves to see the unique formation in the world. As we walk, we navigate through the labyrinths of limestone rocks. If you are lucky, you may observe its small inhabitants: the famous lemurs.
Bekopaka
D6

Hiking in the Great Tsingy of Bemaraha

Bekopaka - Tsingy de Bemaraha We set off to discover vast 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 carved 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
D7

Return to the Kingdom of Baobabs

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 particular sensation of measuring immensity creeps in again. First ferry crossing on the Manambolo River to reach Belo by late morning. We have lunch there and 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 path to get there in time, photograph and immortalize the magnificent sunset that gives its orange tone to the baobabs. Arrival in Morondava in the evening.
Antsirabe
D8

Antsirabe, the Water City

Morondava - Antsirabe Route to Antsirabe. Rice paddies pass by our window. Past the small town of Mahabo, the landscape becomes harsher until Miandrivazo. Stop to visit markets in the villages we pass through. Gradually, the arid landscape of the mid-west and the "bare" mountains jagged by erosion of the Bongolava massif give way to a patchwork of terraced rice fields and various crops, to hills overlooked by red brick houses of the Central Highlands. Arrival in Antsirabe in the late afternoon.
Antananarivo
D9

Return to the Capital

Antsirabe - Antananarivo Small tour of the city and visit to local artisans (making miniatures of bicycles and cars, working with zebu horn…) then road to Ambatolampy. Rice fields and characteristic villages of the Highlands shape the landscape. In Ambatolampy we make a stop to discover this very lively town on the RN7. Continuation in the afternoon towards Antananarivo. Upon our arrival, we drop you off at your place of residence in Antananarivo. Our services end here. Misaotra (thank you) and see you soon!

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,
  • Single supplement: 100 EUR / person
  • Lunches,
  • The activities offered by hotels,
  • The duvet for nights spent camping during river navigation,
  • Beverages, gratuities and personal expenses,
  • Insurance (illness, accident, cancellation...)
  • Visa fees

Included

  • The services of an English-speaking driver-guide throughout the entire circuit
  • The 4x4 vehicle transport throughout the circuit, fuel included
  • Navigation on the Tsiribihina River by dugout canoe, all-inclusive
  • Camping equipment during navigation, plan for a sleeping bag
  • Accommodation in double or twin room on Bed & Breakfast basis in the hotels mentioned
  • Picnic lunches during certain transfer stages
  • Entry fees to parks and reserves, including mandatory local guide fees
  • All land and river 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 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