On Foot West of Tana, Antongona and Itasy
Between volcanic cones and local traditions, three days of immersion in the heart of the fertile lands of Itasy.
Duration
3 days
From
€225/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
To the west of Tana, the Itasy region is located 2 hours' drive from the Malagasy capital. With its very specific morphology, it is a haven of peace for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers.
A fertile land, benefiting from an advantageously warm and sunny climate, it is the granary of the Highlands. Among its volcanic cones, its countless lakes, its tumultuous rivers and its traditional villages with warm hospitality, exploring the Ampefy region remains a privileged and remarkable experience.
Along the way, our gaze is drawn to a beautiful granite ridge topped by two wooden structures, it is the hill of Antongona … Thus, let us be guided by our steps towards one of the most remarkable places in the Analamanga region. Here, the villagers work with wild silk. The endemic tapia forests (Uapaca Bojeri) persist in the rocky foothills.
For 3 days, we hike between culture, tradition and the daily life of traditional peasant communities. Détours Madagascar offers trips on set dates, made-to-measure stays and pre-established programs for organized groups.
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Full west, the Antongona peak and the Itasy region
Departing from the Malagasy capital, we head due West towards the Itasy region.
Early afternoon, drive to Ampefy, a small town on the shores of Lake Kavita. Crossing through typical villages of the Highlands and volcanic landscapes of the Itasy region.
Morning hike to the Antongona hill, two rocky domes located west of Antananarivo at altitudes of 1,406m and 1,515m respectively, which have become archaeological sites. Two villages were built on these locations to serve as lookout posts for the Merina kingdom against invasions by the Sakalava peoples from the West. Immersion in the country's history.
Early afternoon, drive to Ampefy, a small town on the shores of Lake Kavitaha. Crossing through typical villages of the Highlands and volcanic landscapes of the Itasy region.
Hiking at Lake Itasy and Île de la Vierge
We set out for a day of hiking through hills and forests. The shores of Lake Itasy are dotted with rice paddies and other subsistence crops, with the dance of canoes as a backdrop.
We reach Virgin Island, considered the geographical center of Madagascar. From the top of the hill, the view encompasses the entire region. By car, we return to Ampefy.
Volcano Hike and Return to the Capital
Above the village of Ampefy rises a myriad of volcanic cones. This loop trek allows us to immerse ourselves in the soul of Madagascar's Middle West. Our hike will take us through the mountains west of Ampefy that overlook the entire region. We climb and walk along extinct volcanoes, through crops that shape the landscapes we traverse, meeting peasants at the very place of their work, with their generous and often very discreet smiles. The end of our walk leads us, to the west, to the legendary Lily Falls. Afternoon visit to the Amparaky geysers.
In mid-afternoon, we retrieve our vehicles to resume our journey towards Tana. We will return to Madagascar's capital by the end of the day.
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
- The single supplement: €65
- Beverages and personal expenses.
Included
- Transport in minibus, fuel included
- The services of a guide
- Accommodation at Hôtel Kintana Fleuron or similar
- Full board (from the picnic lunch on Day 1 to that on Day 3)
- Visits and hikes as described
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
