From the volcanoes of the Highlands to the Pangalanes Canal

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Due west, towards the Itasy region

  

  From Antananarivo, the Malagasy capital, we take the beautiful road heading west. The typical villages of the Central Highlands are scattered along the way and, gradually, large volcanic cones appear. On the shores of Lake Itasy, we settle in the small town of Ampefy. After lunch, we take the time to discover and soak in the very peaceful atmosphere of this agricultural heartland of Madagascar. We spend the night in a very pleasant inn above Lake Kavita.

• day 2

  Walk along the shores of Lake Itasy and the Islet of the Virgin

  On foot, we walk through the hills and forests. The shores of Lake Itasy are dotted with rice fields and other food crops, with the dance of the pirogues in the background. We reach the Islet of the Virgin, considered the geographical center of Madagascar. From the top of the hill, the view embraces the whole region. By car, we return to Ampefy. Easy hike of about 4h30.

• day 3

  The volcano hike

  Above the village of Ampefy rises a myriad of volcanic cones. They majestically overlook the region and, from their summits, the panoramas are magnificent. The land is rich and the farmers work it in an astonishing way: the cultivated plots climb the steep slopes and form patchworks of subtle colors. This hike is a great opportunity to meet the locals, on foot. We move around like the people of the region, making the encounters all the more natural and pleasant. This loop journey allows us to soak up the soul of the Malagasy Middle West.

• day 4

  To the west of Ankaratra, Antsirabe and Manandona

  Due south, a beautiful mountain road takes us to Faratsiho, via Soavinandriana. We cross a succession of rich agricultural valleys nestled to the west of the Ankaratra massif. The landscapes are superb, with every shade of green displayed like a palette on the hillsides and rice fields at the bottom of the valley, where cassava, sweet potatoes, and potatoes are grown. We join the RN7 (the southern road) at the exit of Ambohibary. We reach Antsirabe and, once there, we take the time to visit the city. Here, the rickshaw is king: it is the favorite mode of transportation for the people of Antsirabe. We continue our journey towards Manandona, where we settle into a guesthouse with simple and pleasant comfort. A day in a 4x4 vehicle, +/- 185 km.

• day 5

  Hiking and discovery of the Manandona valley

  From the lodge, we set off on foot to discover the typical environment of the Highlands. Nestled at the foot of the powerful Ibity massif, the Manandona valley is rich and prosperous. The land, also very generous here, allows for rice cultivation. After gaining some altitude by following beautiful trails winding through the foothills, we return to the valley to meet the inhabitants. All are rice farmers and own zebu cattle. Some raise silkworms, others are blacksmiths, basket weavers, or carpenters. Traditional crafts are omnipresent. Belonging to a local association for the development of the region, our guides will be able to tell you about their activities, customs and traditions, and the development they wish to implement.

• day 6

  From the Highlands to the forest corridor, Ranomafana National Park.

  We get back on the road towards Ambositra. The Zafimaniry artisans are the custodians of an original woodcraft culture (sculpture and marquetry), which was once widespread throughout the island. After lunch, we continue towards Ranomafana, where we arrive at the end of the day.

• day 7

  The East Coast and the Pangalanes Canal

  We dedicate a morning to discovering the Ranomafana rainforest. The fauna and flora there are very rich and varied (lemurs, reptiles, orchids, rosewood, etc.). We then get back on the road towards Mananjary, on the banks of the Pangalanes Canal. The road winds between hills covered with ravinala (traveler's trees) and large bamboo groves. Villages are scattered along the way: Ifanadiana, Kianjavato, Irondro, Antsenavolo, etc. We then cross the Vatovavy region, a mountain range that is full of various semi-precious stones such as emerald, ruby, and amethyst. Half a day on the road, +/- 150 km.

• day 8

  First day of navigation on the Pangalanes Canal.

  We are now leaving for three days of river cruising on the Canal des Pangalanes. The canal stretches along the east coast of Madagascar, between Farafangana in the south and Foulpointe in the north. This waterway, 665 km long, is much safer than the Indian Ocean, which is very rough. On this aquatic boulevard, we pass barges, "bateaux-brousse" (river bush taxis), dugout canoes and rafts carrying local products to the nearest towns, including bananas and other seasonal fruits, cassava, fish, dried ravinala leaves for the roofs of huts... Spontaneous greetings and the joyful cries of children on the banks accompany us throughout our journey. We are spectators of unusual and unforgettable scenes of life.

• day 9

  Along the water aboard the barge

  This is our second day along the water. Dense vegetation lines the canal: bamboo forests, palm trees, ferns, pandanus, raffia, elephant ears, allamanda, aquatic plants, comet (a rare species of orchid). We may disturb a few whistling ducks, kingfishers, parakeets, or other green-backed herons. Short stop to visit the village of Nosy Varika. As we navigate, we encounter "bush boats" and the ballet of dugout canoes. Strolling along the canal, we reach Masomeloka and then Asohihy at the end of the day. Camping on the bank.

• day 10

  Between lakes, canal and lagoon, we arrive at Mahanoro.

  As every morning, we board our boat and then head towards Ampanalana via a small canal. The fishermen's pirogues cross our path in this green network of lakes and lagoons that form the Canal. Crossing the mouth of the Mangoro River, several kilometers wide, is one of the highlights of our stage today. After wonderful encounters and magnificent discoveries, we will reach the end of our navigation in the middle of the afternoon. We settle into bungalows.

• day 11

  On the way to Andasibe National Park

  A day of quiet driving is necessary to reach Andasibe National Park. Between the dense forest, the Pangalanes Canal, and the coast of the Indian Ocean, the road unfolds peacefully before tackling the foothills of the Highlands. We take advantage of stops to discover the tropical fruit stalls of Antsampanana. We have lunch on site before continuing towards Andasibe, in the heart of the rainforest. We arrive at the end of the afternoon and settle into bungalows on the edge of the forest.

• day 12

  A day of discovery at Andasibe National Park, its fauna and flora.

  Accompanied by a park guide, we hike in the primary forest. It is in this region that you can encounter the Indri-indri, the largest of the lemurs. Its group behavior is fascinating; your guide will introduce you to its complex habits. Many other species share the site, such as the grey bamboo lemur (Hapalemur griseus), the woolly avahi (Avahi laniger), etc. The flora of this park is quite interesting. Several varieties of medicinal plants can be found here. We will also devote part of the day to visiting the orchid park. Return to the hotel at the end of the day, dinner and overnight stay.

• day 13

  Return to the Highlands and the Malagasy capital.

  We get back on the road to Tana, which we will reach by late morning. Along the way, we can visit the Madagascar Exotic site, a breeding farm for butterflies, chameleons, and endemic reptiles threatened with extinction by human activity (bush fires, deforestation, etc.). We will visit the craft markets in the late afternoon. Upon arrival and return from the trip, we adapt to your requirements (international flights, local accommodation, etc.).