Explore the Wonders of Madagascar

Malagasy Rhythm Adventures

Antananarivo – Andasibe – Antsirabe – Miandrivazo – Descente – Bekopaka – Morondava – Antananarivo
Malagasy Rhythm Adventures

Duration: 13 days / 12 nights

Level: Medium – dificult

Type: Adventure

Period: May to October

Experience the fascinating diversity of Madagascar on a 13-day journey, from the vibrant Antananarivo to the stunning Avenue of the Baobabs. This tour offers Malagasy rhythm adventures, with stops at iconic places like Andasibe, famous for its unique wildlife, and the impressive Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Enjoy the descent of the Tsiribihina River, exploring picturesque villages and majestic baobabs. Discover craftsmanship in Antsirabe and immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of Madagascar. Conclude with an internal flight from Morondava, taking unforgettable memories and the promise to return to this unique island. Below is the detailed itinerary:

✓ Day 1: Antananarivo: Welcome to Madagascar!

Your adventure begins upon landing at Ivato International Airport! After completing entry formalities and obtaining your visa, our friendly representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After some instructions and details about the exciting journey ahead, you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax and enjoy the hotel’s amenities.

Select Aventures au Rythme Malgache Aventures au Rythme Malgache malgasy banana
mouse lemur
malgasy people
✓ Day 2: ANTANANARIVO — ANDASIBE: Heading to the Andasibe Forest
145 Kms – Aprox 04H/04H30 – Paved road but damaged
After a delightful breakfast, we embark on our journey to the east of the island. The paved road, although somewhat deteriorated, takes us to Marozevo after 75 km, where we immerse ourselves in the astonishing Private Reserve of Peyrieras or Madagascar Exotique. This corner, created by the naturalist André Peyrieras, is a charming gateway to the fascinating world of Malagasy fauna. From reptiles and geckos to lemurs and chameleons, the reserve houses a remarkable collection of endemic species. We depart from Marozevo to Moramanga, where we stop to enjoy local specialties in a picturesque lunch setting. This village, with its history linked to the fight for independence in 1947, offers us a brief pause before covering the last 30 km to Andasibe. Once there, settled into our comfortable rooms, we explore the charming village in the afternoon, immersing ourselves in its unique atmosphere.

✓ Day 3: ANDASIBE: Exploring the Andasibe Forest
The day unfolds with excitement as we visit Analamazaotra National Park in the morning. Our quest for the indri-indri, the largest and rarest lemur, takes us through this tropical forest. Patience is key to spotting them, but the effort is worthwhile. Additionally, we encounter another 11 lemur species, such as the Eulemur fulvus and the Avahi laniger, sharing their home with a unique variety of fauna and flora. The afternoon takes us to the Vakona Forest Lodge Private Reserve, about ten kilometers from the village. Here, lemur islands and the crocodile park provide the perfect opportunity to capture unforgettable moments with these adorable primates. In the evening, we visit the Vakona Forest Lodge private reserve located about ten kilometers from the village. The reserve has two parts: lemur islands and the crocodile park, both worth discovering. Surely, this area will be where we capture the best lemur photos of our trip.
malgasy people
sunset
baobab, aventures au rithmn malgasy
✓ Day 4: Andasibe – Antsirabe: Discovering the Highlands
325 KMS – 08H30 – Paved road but damaged
After a good breakfast, we bid farewell to Andasibe and return along the same road to Antananarivo. From there, we head south towards Antsirabe. The landscape of the Highlands of Madagascar surrounds us with rice fields, traditional structures, and unique tombs. Our first stop in Behenjy, 42 km south of Antananarivo, delights us with exquisite Malagasy foie gras. We continue to Ambatolampy, known as the city of aluminum pot manufacturers. Here, local artisans show us their workshops, revealing the secrets of their craft. The journey to Antsirabe resumes, and upon arrival, we immerse ourselves in the city to explore its charms.

✓ Día 5: ANTSIRABE — MIANDRIVAZO: Maravillas Artesanales y Partida al Oeste
220 KMS – 04H30 carretera asfaltada
En Antsirabe, dedicamos la mañana a explorar los talleres artesanales locales, desde la fabricación de objetos de cuerno de cebú hasta la creación de juguetes en miniatura con materiales reciclados. También visitamos la producción de piedras preciosas y semipreciosas. Después de estas experiencias, almorzamos en la ciudad antes de dirigirnos a Miandrivazo. En el camino, contemplamos los paisajes distintivos del oeste de Madagascar. Al llegar a Miandrivazo, nos instalamos en el hotel, y el resto del día nos ofrece la oportunidad de relajarnos y disfrutar de las comodidades del lugar.
tsiribihina river
tsiribihina river
tsingy

✓ Day 6: MIANDRIVAZO – DESCENT OF THE TSIRIBIHINA RIVER

Early in the morning, we head to Masiakampy, the starting point for our next barge adventure. The journey takes about an hour, with 20 minutes on the road and 40 minutes on a rougher path. In Masiakampy, the local team welcomes us enthusiastically as we prepare to embark. After a quick briefing on what awaits us, we launch into the river.

During the journey, we’ll encounter locals, mainly from the Sakalava ethnic group, giving us a glimpse into their daily lives. Upon reaching Nosy Ampela at the end of the day, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing bath near a waterfall, and if luck is on our side, we might even encounter some lemurs! We set up our camp under the stars, with sturdy tents. To add an authentic touch, we can join the nighttime fun organized by the locals. A genuine experience awaits as we immerse ourselves in the magic of Madagascar!


✓ Day 7: DESCENT OF THE TSIRIBIHINA RIVER

The seventh day starts early with our descent of the Tsiribihina River. After an early breakfast, we’ll cross the river, explore picturesque villages like Begidro, famous for its old tobacco plantations, and admire the impressive “Za” baobabs. At the end of the afternoon, we’ll camp in a quiet and safe place, enjoying the serenity of the surroundings.

 

✓ Day 8: DESCENT OF THE TSIRIBIHINA RIVER – BELO SUR TSIRIBIHINA – BEKOPAKA
95 KMS – 03H – 03H30 – Secondary track  

On the third and final day of our descent, we have a few more hours of journey ahead. Along the way, we may spot various endemic fauna species inhabiting the area. Around 11:00 hours, we’ll reach Tsimafana, where we’ll take some time for lunch before continuing our journey to Bekopaka, this time by car. Although we still have half the way to go, we’ll cross the Manambolo River and arrive in Bekopaka by the end of the afternoon.


✓ Day 9: BEKOPAKA

The ninth day of our journey is dedicated to the fascinating discovery of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, one of the most impressive and photographed landscapes in Madagascar. Early in the morning, we depart from the hotel to the park entrance, located 17 km north of the village of Bekopaka. This vast protected area of Bemaraha covers an expanse of 150,000 hectares, with the southeast part being the most suitable for visiting, offering panoramic views of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park.

Various tour options are available on-site to explore this mountainous landscape of limestone formations. The sharp and steep peaks, shaped by erosion and climate, define the uniqueness of this site. After the visit, we return to the village. In the afternoon, we meet our guide at the second park entrance, located in the village itself, to explore the small Tsingy together. This stage enriches our adventure by discovering the unique biological diversity of this park.

 

✓ Day 10: BEKOPAKA — MORONDAVA
250 KMS – 07h / 07H30 Secondary track + ferry crossing + paved road

On the tenth day of our journey, we begin the return to the picturesque village of Belo sur Tsiribihina. If time permits, we organize a brief tour of the village, immersing ourselves in its folkloric atmosphere. After this experience, we continue our journey, passing by the iconic Sacred Baobab and the famous Baobabs in Love. At the end of the day, it gives us the opportunity to delight in and capture with our cameras the spectacular sunset at the renowned Avenue of the Baobabs, one of the highlights of this captivating itinerary.

 

✓ Day 11: MORONDAVA – ANTANANARIVO
Internal flight

After breakfast, transfer in time for the return flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Depending on the schedule, there is a possibility to organize some last-minute shopping at the craft market.


✓ Day 12: ANTANANARIVO – DEPARTURE
International flight

The last day of our fascinating journey, after enjoying a delicious breakfast, we’ll have the opportunity to explore the city of Antananarivo, depending on our flight schedule. The itinerary will include the upper part of the city, where the Queen’s Palace is located, which, although suffered a fire in 1995, is currently undergoing restoration. Additionally, we’ll visit monuments and relics dating back to the royal and colonial era, all located in the same neighborhood