Trekking of the Highlands
From the rice fields of Antsirabe to the granite massifs of Andringitra, a hiking trip through the heart of authentic Madagascar.
Duration
13 days
From
€1,490/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Itinerant travel
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
Through this journey, we explore all the essential hiking trails of the Highlands, from the Andringitra Massif to the Isalo National Park.
We take you through a kaleidoscope of exceptional atmospheres and discoveries, at the heart of Madagascar's biodiversity. A curious blend of red and green dominates the Antsirabe region, where undulating rice paddies echo the laterite of Madagascar's earth.
Continuing into the Highlands, the Andringitra Massif presents a high mountain atmosphere. Then, landscapes reminiscent of the African savanna become more pronounced, enriched by the tortured magic of the Isalo ruiniform massif.
As we approach Tuléar, the Mozambique Channel appears. At Ifaty, we savor the gentle tranquility of the West Coast of the Vezo fishermen. The harshness of the Southern Lands conceals exceptional natural and human wealth.
Our hikes are Intermediate level: 5 to 7 hours of walking per day. A journey accessible to anyone with good endurance and some hiking or sports experience. Regular pace, moderate technical difficulties for an average positive elevation gain of less than 800 meters per day.
Our journeys are presented departing from Antananarivo with a return to Antananarivo. This choice allows you to customize your flights if you arrive by international flights as well as your arrival and departure dates. We will suggest flight plans corresponding to the journey as well as the most suitable accommodations. Of course, you have full flexibility to adjust our proposals to personalize them. We also have all the knowledge necessary to offer you extensions to your itinerary to build together the project that suits you.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
The typical landscapes of the Central Highlands
Early in the morning, gather all travelers and meet your guide.
We head South.
We travel through the characteristic landscapes of the Highlands by taking a winding road bordered by a mosaic of various crop fields and terraced rice paddies.
Several stops along the way to discover the villages along National Route 7.
Lunch during the journey at your own expense.
Upon arrival in Antsirabe, city tour by rickshaw to discover the city of Antsirabe, its colonial railway station, its miniature workshops and traditional candy-making factories, and its precious stone markets, according to your preferences.
We continue our journey towardsManandona, located 25km further south, on the foothills of the Mont Ibity. We settle into a rural guesthouse, managed by a local community where residents welcome us warmly.
Basic comfort, outdoor facilities and bucket shower.
Manandona and Mount Ibity, the Highlands Trek
Through a landscape of hills and ridgelines, from village to village, often perched on mountainsides, our hiking takes us to the foothills of the Mont Ibity, reaching over 2,250m.
We meet the villagers, silkworm breeders, blacksmiths, rice farmers… most welcoming us with their spontaneous smiles and natural kindness.
We have lunch at the heights with an unobstructed panoramic view over the entire region. Through beautiful pine groves, we descend to the lodge at the end of the day.
Dinner and night with our hosts. We will spend an evening exchanging with the farmers accompanied by a memorable musical and cultural performance.
Along National Route 7, Ambositra, Ambalavao and Anja Reserve
Early morning departure to rejoin the RN7 again. On the way, visit the town of Ambositra to discover wood craftsmanship.
Continue towards Fianarantsoa for a lunch stop.
Arrival in Ambalavao, one of the most beautiful Malagasy villages, specialized in the artisanal manufacture of Antemoro paper.
We continue the journey towards the Anja Village Reserve. It is at the foot of this granite massif that we set up our camp.
At the end of the day, we venture into the forest where a few families of mischievous ring-tailed lemurs have made their home. We will also have the opportunity to find them again the next morning before our departure. The Anja reserve is managed directly by the villagers. Profits help improve the living conditions of the surrounding villages.
Trekking in Andringitra: from Anja to Manampotsy in the company of Ring-tailed Lemurs
We meet the local team of guides and porters, who will be our travel companions for the next 5 days.
Our journey begins from the Anja Village Reserve, a site managed by the village community, which is home to small colonies of ring-tailed lemurs, the ring-tailed lemurs.
Day of trekking through the Betsileo landscapes. The scenery is dominated by agriculture and livestock farming. We walk along the paths of cattle herds, until we reach the shepherd village of Manampotsy. Setting up our first bivouac not far from the town, on the next hill.
Trekking in Andringitra: from Manampotsy to Belambo between the granite massifs
To Belambo
For our second day, we trek through a landscape dominated by large granite massifs. In a desert setting, we find a whole range of succulent plants such as Kalanchöes, Alöes and Pachypodiums, accompanied by small forests nestled in the hollows of the valleys.
In the distance, the highest peaks of Andringitra appear. At the end of the day, we arrive at the Belambo camp. We are now in the Andringitra National Park.
Setting up our camp for the night.
The lunar landscapes of Andringitra, from the foot of Pic Boby to Andriampotsy
On the third day, we leave early in the morning to reach Andriampotsy, located at 2,000 m altitude. This will be the starting point for our hike the next day, towards Madagascar's 2nd highest peak: the Pic Boby, reaching 2,658 m.
The landscapes here are lunar, the Malagasy call this place "the plateau of Extra-terrestrials". A small detour to admire more closely the two Sacred Waterfalls: Riambavy (female waterfall) and Riandahy (male waterfall), passing through the Jajofo Cave.
We set up our camp at Andriampotsy, at 2,050 m altitude, ready for our ascent of the Pic d'Imarivolanitra the next day.
The Ascent of Pic Boby, Imarivolanitra
Early in the morning, we set off towards the 2nd highest peak of Madagascar, the Pic Bobyor Imarivolanitra, reaching an altitude of 2,658 m.
This beautiful hike is done on a well-maintained trail. We leave very early to enjoy the view from the summit. If the sky is clear enough, we can even see the East coast.
To Iantaranomby
We retrace our steps to the Andriampotsy bivouac site. We rediscover the surreal lunar plateau that deserves the nickname of "extraterrestrial" given how fantastical the erosions are. We then cross through the forest of Ravenea glauca palms, endemic to this region, until we reach our Iantaranomby bivouac site, on the banks of a beautiful river where we can cool off.
From Andringitra National Park to Tsaranoro Valley
On the fifth day, our trek takes us to the heart of the Tsaranoro Valley, where we arrive late in the morning. This superb valley is dominated by immense cliffs, highly prized by climbing enthusiasts. We encounter Lemur Catta again here, living in the preserved forest sections. The valley is vibrant, and the villages dotting it are magnificent. The simplicity and warmth of the people who inhabit them bring a magical atmosphere to the places, which we will be able to explore in the afternoon.
From Andringitra to Isalo
After breakfast, we resume the track, join National Road 7, pass through the Gates of the South and cross the town of Ihosy before tackling the Horombe plateau.
This is the road of wide open spaces. From one mountain to another… We arrive in Ranohira at the end of the day.
Isalo Massif, from the Lemur Canyon to the Natural Pool
Parc National de l'Isalo → Canyon Des Maki
Early in the morning we join the Canyon of the Lemurs, the beginning of our hike in the company of our guide to discover this ruiniform sandstone massif very different from the Andringitra.
Canyon Des Maki → Piscine Naturelle D'Isalo
We start with the canyon forests and then climb up to the plateau sculpted by erosion, where a beautiful day of hiking awaits us. This sandstone massif has been shaped since the Jurassic into strange ruiniform shapes.
These lands belong to the Bara people, an ethnic group of the South.
Our hiking itinerary will take us to the place called "the natural swimming pool". After the heat of the day, a swim in the pool is welcome.
The Mahafaly Plateau and the Mozambique Channel
We cross the villages of Ilakaka and Sakaraha, still on the immense Horombe plateau, small quiet settlements until the discovery of a huge sapphire deposit that transformed them into veritable mining towns worthy of the American Far West epic.
First glimpse of baobabs and crossing of the Mahafaly limestone plateau, its famous and impressive tombs topped with funeral sculptures called "Aloalo" and painted with naive scenes of life.
Visit of Tuléar. Road in the early afternoon to Ifaty, about thirty kilometers north of Tuléar, to reach the land of the Vezo fishermen.
On the edge of Ranobe lagoon, the fishing village of Ifaty / Mangily
Ifaty, Mangily, Madiorano and Ambolimailaka are small villages facing the majestic Ranobe lagoon with turquoise waters, renowned for its coral reef. They serve as beach resorts here.
Free stay, activities to be seen with the hotel or with your guide: hiking in the hinterland of dry forest with various endemic thorny species, euphorbias, Didiereaceae, pachypodiums and Baobabs.
The visit can be done by zebu cart or on foot; or relaxation to enjoy the beach, a beautiful invitation to swim in this magnificent lagoon.
Also on the agenda: speedboat excursion, traditional outrigger canoe ride, trolling, water skiing, snorkeling or scuba diving… Or simply a walk along the beach and meeting with the local population and discovering in depth the life of these fishing villages.
Activities at your expense, to give you more flexibility according to your…
Return to the Malagasy capital
Free time before transfer to Tuléar airport.
Flight to Antananarivo (1h), welcome upon arrival in Antananarivo and transfer to your accommodation in Tana.
END OF OUR SERVICES.
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 Tuléar - Antananarivo on day 13
- Meals on international flight days
- Lunches on D1, D11, D12, D13
- Dinner on Day 13
- The vehicle, guiding and activities during the free day in Ifaty
- Activities not mentioned in the program
- Single room supplement or shared single room: 200 EUR / person
- Beverages (mineral water, soft drinks, beers...) during and outside meals
- Tips and Personal Expenses
- Annual cancellation and repatriation insurance
- Visa fees
Included
- The service of an English-speaking driver-guide during the trip except in Ifaty (group of maximum 5 travelers)
- The service of an English-speaking guide during the trip except in Ifaty (group of 6 travelers and more)
- Vehicle transportation by 4x4 or minibus (depending on group size) during the trip except in Ifaty
- Accommodation in double/twin room in the hotels or guesthouses mentioned (or equivalent, depending on availability at booking)
- Nights under tent with camping and cooking equipment included (bring a sleeping bag)
- Half-board during nights in hotel, from breakfast on D2 to breakfast on D13
- Full board during nights in bivouac, from Day 3 to Day 9
- The picnic lunches of D2, D10
- The team of porters and local guides during treks
- The visits and activities as described in the program
- Entrance fees to parks and reserves, including mandatory local guide fees
- All transfers mentioned in the program
- Transfer to Tuléar airport by your hotel on site
- The airport transfer in Antananarivo on Day 13
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
