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Lemurs, Baobabs, and Tsingy
Lemurs, Baobabs, and Tsingy
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Type: Relaxation
Level: Medium – Difficult
Period: May to October
Discovering the Wonders of Madagascar” is much more than a mere tour; it’s a unique adventure that immerses you in the very essence of the island. From the vibrant Antananarivo to the surreal landscapes of the Tsingy de Bemaraha, this 11-day itinerary promises an unforgettable experience. This journey not only offers natural adventures and breathtaking landscapes but also provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in Malagasy culture, savor local delights, and learn about the island’s unique history. Each day unfolds a new marvel, and in the end, you’ll take away not only priceless memories but also a profound connection with the astonishing diversity of Madagascar. Are you ready to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure?
✓ Day 1: ARRIVAL — ANTANANARIVO: Welcome to Madagascar!
Upon arriving at Ivato International Airport, we will proceed with entry formalities and visa payment. Our representative will welcome us and transfer us to the hotel. After final instructions and clarifications about the itinerary, we’ll have the rest of the day free to relax at the hotel.
✓ Day 2: ANTANANARIVO — ANDASIBE: Heading to the Andasibe Forest
145 Kms – Approx 04H/04H30 – Paved road but damaged
After a delicious breakfast, we embark on our journey to the east of the island. The paved road, though somewhat damaged, takes us to Marozevo after 75 km, where we delve into the astonishing Peyrieras Private Reserve or Madagascar Exotique. Created by naturalist André Peyrieras, this corner is a charming portal to the fascinating world of Malagasy fauna. From reptiles and geckos to lemurs and chameleons, the reserve houses a surprising 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 a brief pause before covering the final 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
The day presents excitement with a visit to the 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’ll encounter 11 other lemur species, such as the Eulemur fulvus and Avahi laniger, sharing their home with a unique variety of flora and fauna.
In the afternoon, we visit the Vakona Forest Lodge Private Reserve, about ten kilometers from the village. Here, lemur islets and the crocodile park provide the perfect opportunity to capture unforgettable moments with these adorable primates.
The evening includes a visit to the Vakona Forest Lodge private reserve located about ten kilometers from the village. The reserve has two parts, the lemur islets and the crocodile park, both worth discovering. Surely, this area will be where we capture the best lemur photos of our trip.
✓ Day 4: ANDASIBE — ANTSIRABE
325 KMS – 08H30 – Paved road but damaged
After a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to Andasibe and travel back on 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 buildings, 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 makers. 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.
✓ Day 5: ANTSIRABE — MORONDAVA: Encounter with aridity and baobabs
532 KMS – 08H00 – paved road
After a satisfying breakfast, we embark on an early departure to Morondava. The landscape noticeably transforms into a more arid and dry scene, revealing the impact of heat and scarce rainfall in this region, in stark contrast to the characteristic farmlands of the highlands.
A strategic lunch stop in Miandrivazo, one of the hottest places on the island, allows us to recharge before continuing our journey. Along the way, we will witness everyday scenes that enrich our experience, such as the work of gold prospectors in the region.
The highlight of our arrival in Morondava will be announced by the majestic appearance of the baobabs, standing imposingly at the city’s entrance, like guardians welcoming visitors. This encounter with the iconic baobabs will be the prelude to the wonders that await us in this stage of our journey.
✓ Day 6: MORONDAVA — BEKOPAKA: Journey to the natural paradise
250 KMS – 07h / 07H30 Paved road + secondary track + ferry crossing
After a hearty breakfast, we prepare for an extensive day of travel. We cover a total of 200 km to reach the picturesque village of Bekopaka, crossing the savannah and the dry forest that characterize the western region of Madagascar. The journey includes the exciting crossing of a famous ferry for approximately 45 minutes, finally reaching the village of Belo Sur Tsiribihina. After satisfying our appetite, we continue with determination, as the remaining half of the road still awaits us. We sail on the Manambolo River and reach Bekopaka by evening.
✓ Day 7: BEKOPAKA: Exploring the Tsingy de Bemaraha
Today is dedicated to the fascinating discovery of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, one of the most astonishing and photographed landscapes on the island. Early in the morning, we depart from the hotel and head to the park’s entrance, located 17 km north of the village of Bekopaka. This vast Bemaraha park covers an area of 150,000 hectares.
The southeast part of the park offers a panoramic visit to the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, where multiple circuit options allow us to explore this mountainous landscape of limestone formations. Characterized by sharp and steep peaks created by the action of erosion and climate, this site captivates us with its uniqueness. After the morning visit, we return to the village. In the afternoon, we meet our guide at the second park entrance, located in the same village, to explore the “Little Tsingy” together. This stage completes our adventure, revealing the diversity and uniqueness of the biodiversity that the park hosts.
✓ Day 8: BEKOPAKA — KIRINDY: Night Excursion in Kirindy
209 KMS – 06h / 06H30 Secondary track + ferry crossing
✓ Day 9: KIRINDY — MORONDAVA: In-Depth Exploration of Kirindy and Sunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs
52 KMS – 01h30 secondary track
The morning is dedicated to an extensive visit to Kirindy National Park, whose name evokes a dense and dry forest reserve spanning 72,000 hectares. The extraordinary richness of its fauna and flora, with a marked index of endemism, gives uniqueness to this enclave. Kirindy stands out as the only park where you can observe the Fossa or Cryptoprocta Ferox in its natural habitat, this carnivorous mammal being the largest and fiercest in Madagascar.
Biodiversity is not limited to the Fossa, as other rare and endangered species coexist freely, including lemurs, birds, reptiles, among others. As for the flora, the list is endless, with the presence of medicinal plants and majestic giant baobabs.
In the afternoon, we begin the return to Morondava, making a stop at the Sacred Baobab and the endearing “baobabs in love.” The culmination of this extraordinary day is experienced at sunset on the famous Avenue of the Baobabs, a true highlight of our itinerary. This unique setting offers the perfect opportunity to admire, capture photographs, and be amazed by the majesty of these iconic trees at dusk
✓ Day 10: MORONDAVA – ANTANANARIVO
Internal flight
✓ Day 11: ANTANANARIVO – DEPARTURE: Farewell to Madagascar and Return Home
International flight
After savoring a delicious breakfast, we’ll have the option to explore the city of Antananarivo depending on the available time. Our visit will include the upper part of the city, where the Queen’s Palace is located, which suffered a fire in 1995 and is currently undergoing restoration. We will immerse ourselves in the rich history of the city by exploring monuments and remnants from the royal era and colonization, located in the same neighborhood, as well as lively local markets.
Later, we will transfer to the airport in time to catch our return flight home. We sincerely thank you for your visit and hope to have provided you with an unforgettable experience in Madagascar. Until the next adventure!