In November 2021, we participated in the reconstruction and funding of the Andranomafana footbridge swept away by raging floodwaters.

This suspended footbridge spanning the river was something we adored! It had a touch of the Himalayas about it, nestled deep within this profound gorge.

It made it possible to cross this tumultuous torrent, connecting the Ankaratra massif to our terra incognita of the Vavavato. It had been demolished and swept away during an exceptionally violent flood in the previous rainy season.

Without this vital link, people wishing to travel from one region to another, when water runs high for several months of the year, find themselves blocked, severing all connections between villages in these remote reaches of the Highlands.

For us at Détours Madagascar, as well as for our trekkers who had the privilege of traversing these unique mountains, it was essential for us to engage in this compassionate and responsible initiative to help rebuild this bridge.

Arsène, a Détours Madagascar guide and seasoned expert of these mountains, passed through Andranomafana village in May 2022 with our group of trekkers.

"The footbridge was built—according to the villagers—and it had never looked more beautiful! Unfortunately, it only lasted a few weeks."

Extremely violent rains in late April swept away "our" footbridge once again. The force of Nature is unstoppable in these remote mountains, and we accept this setback with grace.


Photo taken by the villagers before the footbridge disappeared once more.

So, we shall rebuild this fragile link between the villagers, between the mountains.

Through our work and the trust of our trekker-travelers, we are committed to improving the living conditions of mountain communities. And when we trek through these remarkable places, we look forward to encountering this symbolic bridge once again, connecting two worlds.

Sylvain I Détours Madagascar June 2022
Trek in Terra Incognita