The discovery of the South and the North

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Departure to the Highlands.

  

  Arrival at Ivato Antananarivo. Your travel guide is waiting for you in the airport hall. We head directly south. In Ambatolampy, we stop to visit aluminum pot manufacturers. Arrival in the afternoon in Antsirabe. NB: The program for this day may be modified depending on the arrival of the international flight. Departure for Antsirabe must take place no later than 3:00 pm, for safety reasons. Distance: 170 km Duration: +/- 4 h Meals: Half-board Your hotel: COULEUR CAFE

• day 2

  Antsirabe - Marquetry in Ambositra - Fianarantsoa

  

  Breakfast. Industrial city, famous for its thermal baths and rickshaws, it stands out for its large colonial buildings and wide avenues inherited from the missionaries. Orientation tour of the city. Meeting and sharing with ingenious artists and craftsmen (zebu horn or wood workers, miniature makers, embroiderers, etc.). Then, continue on the road to reach the city of Ambositra, a multi-ethnic commercial crossroads where you will meet geniuses of precious woodwork. A short stop to discover sculptors and marquetry artists in their neighborhoods, skillful and friendly craftsmen who will be happy to welcome you into their homes. Continue on the road through the magnificent Betsileo country with its terraced rice fields. Arrival in Fianarantsoa at the end of the day. Distance: 250 km Duration: +/- 7 hours Meals: Half-board Your hotel: TSARA GUEST HOUSE

• day 3

  Fianarantsoa - Lemurs at the Anja Reserve - Ranohira

  

  Breakfast. Before resuming a day on the road, walking tour of Fianarantsoa with a historian guide. Continuation of the journey towards the south. A stop at the village reserve of "Anja" to meet lemurs, the Maki or Lemur Catta, emblem of the Great Island. It is also possible to encounter curious reptiles such as the Parson's Chameleon (the largest of all species). The walk can continue up to a nice viewpoint. Continuation to Ranohira, passing through the famous gates of the South and the Ihorombe plateau: Entry into the heart of Bara territory. Arrival at the end of the day. Distance: 296 km Duration: +/- 2 h of visit and +/- 7 h of road Meals: Half-board Your hotel: RELAIS DE LA REINE

• day 4

  Hiking in Isalo National Park

  

  Breakfast. Day of visiting Isalo National Park. You find yourself in a Jurassic-era setting, alternating between desert landscapes and lush canyons. The oldest geological formation in Madagascar reveals its secrets to you. Isalo Park offers magnificent landscapes. Between lush forests and high plateaus with arid and deserted lands, you won't risk getting bored. It is one of the most beautiful parks in Madagascar, with many discovery trails in these places. Considered the second largest national park in Madagascar, it contains incredible biodiversity (endemic rupicolous vegetation: Aloes, Euphorbias, Pachypodes, Kalanchoe) and a specific fauna. Transfer to the park entrance for a hike through the most beautiful sites of the massif. This leisurely walk leads us through some of the most astonishing landscapes, all the way to the natural pool. Hikes around the site are possible. A walk to the surrounding summits allows you to enjoy the magnificent view. Picnic lunch prepared by us. Duration: from 2 to 4 hours of walking, according to your wishes! Meals: Half-board Your hotel: RELAIS DE LA REINE

• day 5

  Route to Tulear

  

  Breakfast. Departure for Toliara passing through Ilakaka, the sapphire village where a rush attracted more than a thousand people in the 2000s. We cross the southern Madagascar vegetation: Euphorbiaceae, Aloes, as well as the first baobabs. You will also notice the astonishing Mahafaly tombs. Arrival in the capital of southern Madagascar, also called the city of the sun: Tuléar. Short city tour and walk around the market before heading to the hotel. Distance: 250 km Duration: +/- 5h Meals: Half-board Your hotel: HOTEL BAKUBA (standard bungalow)

• day 6

  Flight to the north of Madagascar

  

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to the capital. Assistance by a guide, then connection for the flight to Diego Suarez. Welcome by another guide. Walk around the city towards the market and the port before leaving for Joffreville, where we will spend the night. NB: The program for this day may be modified depending on the schedules of the 2 domestic flights. Distance: 30 km Duration: +/- 3h30 flight Meals: Half board Your hotel: NATURE LODGE

• day 7

  The lemurs at Montagne d'Ambre

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the visit of the Amber Mountain National Park. Accompanied by the park guides, we hike in the lush forest, with exceptional vegetation. Perched on a volcanic massif, it is home to a large number of endemic species. During our walk, we pass through tree ferns, orchids, and palm trees. The national park also has a large number of sacred waterfalls, not to mention the Malagasy fauna, such as the crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur, chameleons, geckos, and other uroplatus. The birds in the park are as numerous as they are colorful. Picnic lunch in the park and return to the lodge in the afternoon. Meals: half-board Your hotel: Nature Lodge

• day 8

  Discovery of an incredible phenomenon: the Red Tsingy.

  

  After breakfast, head to Ankarana National Park. We stop on the way to visit the Tsingy Rouge. This is a red laterite rock formation, created by the erosion of the Irodo River. After the visit, we return to the main road to the village of Mahamasina, then continue to the Iharana Bush Camp hotel. In the late afternoon, walk to the viewpoint to reach the lookout via the massif's trails. Upon arrival at the viewpoint, an aperitif is served while we admire the magnificent scenery around us. Distance: 180 km Duration: +/- 5 h by road and 2 h walking Meals: Half-board Your hotel: IHARANA BUSH CAMP (standard)

• day 9

  Discovery of the Tsingy of Iharana and the surrounding villages.

  

  The Tsingy massif is accessible from the camp, either by canoe (15 min) or on foot (10 min). We invite you to a walk offering, from the viewpoint, a breathtaking view of the lake and the camp. In clear weather, a panorama stretches as far as the Mitsio archipelago. The trails here were laid out by a speleologist. The walk, while not difficult, includes narrow passages and small steep ladders. Return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit the Sakalava villages at the gates of the park. Duration: All day Meals: Half board Your hotel: IHARANA BUSH CAMP (standard)

• day 10

  Ankarana and the Ambilobe market - Nosy Be

  

  Breakfast. Departure towards the Sambirano valley, through its cocoa and aromatic plant plantations. Boarding a speedboat at Ankify and crossing to Nosy Be. Welcome by our local representatives at the Hellville port and transfer to your hotel. Your guide will settle you in at the hotel and will give a briefing before leaving you. Lunch at your leisure. Afternoon at leisure at the hotel. Distance: 155 km Duration: +/- 2h00 of visits and +/- 4h by road and 45 min by boat Meals: Half-board Your hotel in NOSY BE: NOSY BE HOTEL (loft room)

• day 11

  Free day in Nosy Be

  

  This day is free, activities are your choice. Nosy Be is also called the island of perfumes because of its scents of ylang-ylang, sugar cane, and spices. It is the main island of an archipelago that includes about a dozen small islands. A land of dreams and adventures, you can enjoy many activities there, but also take advantage of the paradise beaches that line the coasts. Meals: Half-board Your hotel in NOSY BE: NOSY BE HOTEL (loft room)

• day 12

  Free day in Nosy Be

  

  This day is also free, activities are your choice. Meals: half-board Your hotel in Nosy Be: Nosy Be Hôtel (loft room)

• day 13

  Departure from Nosy Be

  

  Breakfast. And because everything has an end, today is the day you leave this pleasant place. We are sure that you had a pleasant stay and that you are returning with beautiful memories. The hotel staff will take you to the airport. We say "Veloma" and are already waiting for you for your next stay!