What exactly does the journey look like?
The route is a true adventure. Every day is different, and you'll see so many different animals, people, trees, landscapes, mountains, sunsets, and more!
You'll visit places you'd love to visit as a solo traveler, but find it harder to organize. We'll do it for you, so you'll experience a unique piece of Madagascar.
Day by day description
The route may be subject to last-minute changes under certain circumstances. We will, of course, communicate this clearly so you know exactly what to expect. Madagascar remains an adventurous destination!
Day 1
Arrival in
Antananarivo
Your adventure begins the moment you set foot in Madagascar, a land steeped in mystery and stunning nature. Upon arrival in Antananarivo, the vibrant capital, we'll be welcomed at the airport and taken to our accommodations. Here, we'll thoroughly review the itinerary so we know exactly what to expect throughout the trip!
Day 2
To Antsirabe
After breakfast, we drive toward Antsirabe, a city in the Madagascar highlands, famous for its thermal springs and beautiful, lush surroundings. Along the way, we pass picturesque rice paddies and charming villages. We'll have lunch about halfway through the journey. Upon arrival in Antsirabe, we'll explore the city and enjoy the local markets. Here you can stroll around, browse handmade souvenirs, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. In the evening, you're free to dine out on your own or together.
Day 3
Antsirabe
Today we have a cooking workshop planned. Just outside the city center, there's a family that grows fruits and vegetables locally. They'll teach us how to cook a truly Malagasy dish the traditional way. After this late and extensive lunch, you'll return to the city center. Here, we'll prepare for the rest of the trip. We'll do some grocery shopping, pick up any SIM cards you need, and withdraw cash for the coming days. You can choose where you'll dine in the city.
Day 4
To Miandrivazo
We leave Antsirabe and travel to Miandrivazo, from the coldest city to the warmest village in the country. Along the way, we enjoy a picnic lunch that we've brought ourselves. We'll spend the night in Miandrivazo, about a 45-minute drive from the departure point.
Day 5&6.
Boat trip
We drive a short distance to the riverbank. Here we climb into the hollowed-out logs where we'll be spending the next few days. Remember what doing nothing means? Here, you have no choice! Just look around, see if you can spot a crocodile or chameleon, soak up the sun, and absolutely nothing else! We'll stop for lunch on the shore, perhaps some freshly bought fish. We'll stop at a beautiful waterfall for a swim and eventually camp on a stretch of beach by the water. There are no showers or toilets here, so that might take some getting used to. The nights are clear; who knows, we might even see the Milky Way! A stop in a small village gives us the chance to explore the surroundings from the shore. People live so far away from everything here and are very curious about us. We'll pick up some groceries here and then sail on for our last overnight stay by the water.
Day 7
Nasty
Bekopaka
After a final morning on the river, we continue by car to Bekopaka, the gateway to the famous Tsingy-du-Bemaraha National Park. It's a bumpy road, and we'll be grateful for our 4x4s and top-notch drivers. "The joy is in the journey" really hits the nail on the head. We arrive at the lodge late afternoon/early evening. We have dinner and pre-order lunch for tomorrow afternoon.
Day 8
Tsingy du Bemaraha
Today we're exploring one of the world's most unique places: Tsingy-du-Bemaraha. Armed with sunscreen, plenty of water, and sturdy hiking boots, we'll set off. We'll hike through this surreal landscape of limestone cliffs, gorges, and caves. The park is a true paradise for adventurous travelers, with thrilling suspension bridges and viewpoints overlooking the rugged landscape. Keep your camera ready, because with these photos you'll definitely make the folks back home jealous.
Day 9
To Morondava
We leave the Tsingy landscape behind us and travel towards Morondava, a charming town on the west coast of Madagascar. The route is just as adventurous as the outward journey, and we make two ferry crossings. Along the way, we visit the iconic "Avenue of the Baobabs," where these gigantic trees stand like guardians along the road. At sunset, they create a magical spectacle.
Day 10
To Manja
Today we're taking an adventurous drive to Manja, a remote inland village. We're leaving early because there's a ferry crossing. It doesn't run on scheduled times, so we might have to wait a bit. This rugged and lesser-known part of Madagascar offers an authentic glimpse into rural Malagasy life. There's not much to do in Manja. The accommodation isn't luxurious, and there's a café downstairs. Bring your earplugs, and you'll be fine!
Day 11
To Mangily
After days of adventure, it's time to relax. We'll travel to Mangily, a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and friendly atmosphere. You'll have plenty of time to yourself here. In the evening, we can grab a drink together at a bar if we have the energy.
Day 12
Mangily
Today is a free day to enjoy Mangily at your own pace. You can opt for an optional snorkeling or diving trip to explore the coral reef. There's also a spiny forest with unique flora and fauna, where you can take a guided tour. Or choose a relaxing day at the beach to recover from all the impressions. A combination is also possible. There are many restaurants to choose from, but fresh fish and seafood dominate the menu.
Day 13
To Isalo
In Tuléar, the coastal city, we pick up some groceries for the coming days. Then we head inland on the RN7 and drive to the impressive Isalo National Park. The landscape changes dramatically to a desert-like environment with bizarre rock formations. We discuss tomorrow's hike with a guide and turn in early.
Day 14
Isalo
National Park
Today we get up early, because we are going to visit one of the most beautiful parks in Madagascar!
This hike is full of variety, featuring gorges, natural pools, waterfalls, and strange, lunar landscapes. The guide will tell you all about the flora and fauna that live here. During the hike, we'll take a refreshing dip in one of the pools and shower under the waterfalls. It's a full-day hike you'll never forget.
Day 15
Nasty
Tsaranoro
We travel further inland to the beautiful Tsaranoro Valley, a paradise for hikers. It's a place surrounded by imposing mountains and stunning scenery. Who knows, you might even spot some lemurs wandering around the accommodation; that's especially charming. We're preparing for the challenging and spectacular hike we'll be undertaking over the next two and a half days!
Day 16&17
Andringitra
Mountains
This hike takes you literally and figuratively to the highlight of your trip. We'll climb the second highest mountain in the country: Pic Boby. The sunrise from here is worth all the effort. During this hike, we'll see palm trees that only grow at these altitudes in Madagascar, and of course, there are panoramic views everywhere you look! Overnight stays are in a 1000-star location: a tent in the middle of nowhere.
Day 18
To Ambalavao
We'll hike one last stretch and be met by our drivers at the exit of Andringitra National Park. We'll then drive to Ambalavao, where we can take a shower and relax. Depending on how much time we have left, we might visit a workshop where they make paper from tree bark or a silk factory. Both are small craft workshops where we can take a tour.
Dag 19.
Naar Ranomafana
Today we're going to Ranomafana, the rainforest in the southern part of Madagascar. Several species of lemurs live here, including the golden bamboo lemur, which is endemic to this part of the country. In the evening, we'll take a walk along the park road. The guide shines a bright flashlight, illuminating the animals' eyes. This allows you to see sleeping chameleons, geckos, and frogs up close.
Dag 20.
Bezoek Ranomafana
Visit to Ranomafana National Park. A full day in the tropical Ranomafana National Park, where we'll hike through the rainforest in search of lemurs, chameleons, and other native animals. This park is a paradise for nature lovers and offers a unique glimpse into Madagascar's biodiversity. Depending on how long we hike, we'll enter either primary or secondary rainforest. In the early part of the park, the animals are more accustomed to people and are closer. In the secondary rainforest, they are higher in the trees and more hidden.
Dag 21.
Naar Ambositra
We drive about four hours to Ambositra, a village where woodcarving is the main source of income. Here, we take a guided walk through the area. He tells us a lot about the history of the Betsileo (the ethnic group that lives here) and their customs.
Dag 22.
Naar Antananarivo
We'll travel to Antananarivo in about six hours. We'll leave early so we can visit the Rova Royal Palace in Antananarivo. This is a must-see if you want to learn more about the country's history.
Dag 23.
Terugvlucht
Vandaag vliegen we terug naar Nederland. Dit is jammer, want de reis is officieel afgelopen! Hopelijk ga je naar huis met de mooiste herinneringen!