The southwest of Madagascar in its authenticity.

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Paris - Tana

  Arrival in Madagascar at Antananarivo airport (the capital of Madagascar). Welcome at the airport by the Anjara Voyage team. Transfer by car to the hotel. Free day for rest. Dinner and overnight at the IC Hotel.

• day 2

  Tana - Akamasoa - Tana

  

  Departure by car to the village of Akamasoa. Created in 1989 by Father Pedro to help people living in dumps, this village aims to get them out of the inhuman places where they lived, in order to offer them a new opportunity for hope and a future, and to allow them to live a normal and dignified human life. The village of Akamasoa is located 60 km north of Antananarivo. It currently has 3,038 homes, dozens of schools (from kindergarten to vocational university), clinics, reception centers, where about 25,000 people currently live, and where 12,162 children are enrolled in school. Job opportunities are offered to adults in agriculture, masonry, carpentry, etc. This Argentinian priest is considered in Madagascar as one of the figures of peace, generosity, and humanity, having received an international Nobel Peace Prize. Shared lunch on site. Return to Antananarivo at the end of the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the IC hotel.

• day 3

  Tana - Miandrivazo

  

  Departure by car to Miandrivazo, passing through the villages of Ampatolampy, Behenjy, and Antsirabe. Lunch en route. The town of Miandrivazo is reputed to be the hottest in Madagascar; its geographical location means there is almost no wind. Miandrivazo is also the starting point for descending the Tsiribihina River by canoe, an unforgettable experience. From the upper part of the town, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley, where the Sakeny, Mahajo, and Manio rivers join the Tsiribihina. Dinner and overnight at the Baobab.

• day 4

  Descent of the Tsiribihina

  

  The descent of the Tsiribihina River is one of the main attractions of Western Madagascar, including among others the discovery of the famous Tsingy de Bemaraha, an adventure that promises to be exceptional and memorable. During the crossing, you will spot crocodiles on the banks, basking in the sun. The riverbanks are also home to other animal species depending on their habitat: turtles on the sandy shores, bats in the gorges and on the cliffs, and especially birds such as herons, teals, and knob-billed ducks. In addition, discover a succession of very varied landscapes: on the banks, picturesque villages, vast cultivated plains, a tobacco concession in the village of Begidro, magnificent natural pools fed by waterfalls, etc. On this descent, you will also have the opportunity to interact and share by meeting children playing on the white sand as well as villagers with their generosity, smiles, and exemplary hospitality. Throughout the journey, you will have the chance to meet and interact with the locals who will welcome you with joy. Culturally, the Tsiribihina River holds an important place in various sacred ceremonies, such as the Fitampoha or the bathing of the relics of the Salakava Kings, which takes place every 5 years. You will therefore also discover their customs, traditions, and practices. Picnic meals prepared by our team or by the villagers according to the program. Dinners and nights under tents.

• day 5

  Descent of the Tsiribihina

  

  The descent of the Tsiribihina River is one of the main attractions of Western Madagascar, including among others the discovery of the famous Tsingy de Bemaraha, an adventure that promises to be exceptional and memorable. During the crossing, you will spot crocodiles on the banks basking in the sun. The riverbanks are also home to other animal species depending on their habitat: turtles on the sandy banks, bats on the gorges and cliffs, and especially birds such as herons, teals, and knob-billed ducks. In addition, discover a succession of very varied landscapes: on the banks, picturesque villages, vast cultivated plains, a tobacco concession in the village of Begidro, magnificent natural pools fed by waterfalls, etc. On this descent, you will also have the opportunity to interact and share by meeting children playing on the white sand as well as villagers with their generosity, smiles, and exemplary hospitality. Throughout the journey, you will have the chance to meet and interact with the locals who will welcome you with joy. Culturally, the Tsiribihina River holds an important place in various sacred ceremonies, such as the Fitampoha or the bathing of the relics of the Sakalava Kings, which takes place every 5 years. You will therefore also discover their customs, traditions, and practices. Picnic meals prepared by our team or by the villagers according to the program. Dinners and nights under tents.

• day 6

  End of the Tsiribihina descent circuit

  

  After lunch, transfer by zebu cart to a small village built around a large baobab tree. Departure by 4x4 to Belo sur Tsiribihina. Crossing of the river by ferry. Dinner (traditional meal prepared by the villagers) and overnight in a bivouac.

• day 7

  Belo - Bekopaka

  

  Crossing of the Manambolo river to Bekopaka. Lunch on the way. Dinner (traditional meal prepared by the villagers) and overnight in a bivouac.

• day 8

  Tsingy de Bemaraha

  

  Unique in the world, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this site is characterized by large karst canyons in the shape of needles. It is the largest protected area in Madagascar, with a surface area of 15,000 ha, a typical natural biotope with an impressive limestone cathedral including numerous caves, as well as primary deciduous forests with xerophilous plants. The site is home to several species of lemurs and birds. You can also find the remains of the ancient Malagasy civilization, the Vazimba tomb. Lunch during the visit. Dinner and overnight at the Orchidée hotel or similar, subject to availability.

• day 9

  Tsingy de Bemaraha - Morondava

  

  Departure for Morondava, passing again through Belo for lunch, before taking the ferry again to cross the river and arrive at Morondava, famous for its baobabs, one of which is 13 m in circumference and over 700 years old and is considered sacred. There is also a stop at the "lovers' baobabs" before finally arriving at the famous Avenue of the Baobabs to admire the sunset. Lunch during the visit. Arrival in Morondava at the end of the afternoon. Dinner (traditional meal prepared by the villagers) and overnight stay with locals.

• day 10

  Morondava (capital of the Sakalava and Vezo ethnic groups)

  

  Economic capital of the Menabe region, Morondava is a city with many facets. The life of the city is punctuated by numerous events, such as the "asa lolo" (circumcision ceremony), the "moraingy" (Malagasy wrestling) or the tromba cults (similar to voodoo). These different ceremonies offer a unique spectacle that promises an unparalleled immersion in the culture of the Menabe region. Finally, Morondava is home to a people with unique customs and traditions. You will thus discover an atypical funerary art: Sakalava art, where erotic frescoes and sculptures tell the story of the deceased and symbolize procreation and life. Dinner and overnight at Vezo Beach Hotel.

• day 11

  Morondava - Tana

  

  Return to Antananarivo by plane. Transfer to the hotel. Free day for rest, car and driver available if needed. Dinner and overnight at the IC Hotel.

• day 12

  Tana

  

  Free day of rest, car and driver available if needed. Dinner and overnight at the IC Hotel.

• day 13

  Tana - Fort Dauphin

  

  Transfer to the airport, departure for Fort Dauphin. Welcome by the Anjara Voyage team on site. Departure by car for a guided tour of the city. Fort Dauphin, also called "Tolagnaro", is a city that has managed to preserve the vestiges of the past. Long occupied by Europeans in the 17th century, Fort Dauphin, which served as a trading post, was named in honor of King Louis XIV. It is also from here that the very first settlement of Réunion Island departed. Nestled on a promontory at the foot of Pic Saint Louis, Fort Dauphin offers a magnificent landscape and among the most spectacular in Madagascar. Depending on the time you have, you will discover many historical sites from the colonial era, notably Sainte Luce, a fishing village whose beaches lined with casuarinas and palm trees stretch in an arc against a backdrop of forest. But you can also visit Fort-Flacourt, the remains of an old bastion, the Anosy museum (which traces colonial history), or the Fort des Portugais, all historical places to discover and visit. Meeting and exchange with the Antanosy ethnic group to discover their customs, traditions, clothing, sewing, and gastronomy. Overnight on full board at the Acacia Hotel.

• day 14

  Fort Dauphin - Berenty

  

  Departure in the morning for Berenty. Visit of the private Berenty reserve. Since its founding in 1936 by the de Heaulme family, this reserve has aimed to protect lemurs and their natural habitats: the dense gallery forest dominated by tamarind trees and the dry spiny forest. Since its opening to the public in 1981, it has enjoyed an international reputation. Many public figures have visited, such as Prince Philip of Edinburgh or the son of the Emperor of Japan. A reference site for scientists, it is now visited by many travelers, curious to discover in turn the animal and plant diversity that inhabits these more than 1000 hectares of protected areas. A true sanctuary for the 2,000 lemurs that live there in complete freedom, the Berenty Reserve allows you to discover 102 species of birds and more than a hundred other species: reptiles, tortoises, bats... The natural and floristic varieties, such as forests, red sands, bush, also offer a spectacle of unparalleled endemic richness. In the heart of Berenty, the magic happens. Picnic lunch during the visit. Dinner and overnight stay with locals.

• day 15

  Berenty - Lavanono

  

  Early departure for a descent of the RN13 to then reach the coast. The south of Madagascar is surely the most arid region of the island, but perhaps also the most astonishing in terms of biodiversity and landscapes. It is surely the only part of the island where the spiny forest is still found intact in certain areas, in a semi-desert ecosystem. Passing through the villages of Ambovombe and Tsihombe. Meeting and exchanges with the so-called Antandroy ethnic groups. Lunch en route. Arrival at Lavanono. Dinner and overnight stay with locals or in a simple category hotel.

• day 16

  Lavanono - Itampolo

  

  The road you take to reach Itampolo crosses vast areas where the didieraceae, euphorbia, and aloe have made their home. This is certainly the stage that will leave you with the most intense memories! The landscape is unexpected and grandiose, and the people you will meet here, like the Malagasy, are always smiling and welcoming. Lunch en route. Arrival in Itampolo. Dinner and overnight at the Sus Sud hotel.

• day 17

  Itampolo - Anakao

  

  The trail is dotted with baobabs and numerous tombs adorned with Aloalo (carved posts). The site has managed to preserve its natural beauty and is still protected from all the harmful effects of pollution. Lunch en route in a local house. Arrival at Anakao beach in the afternoon. Meeting and exchange with the villagers, who are mostly fishermen. Dinner and overnight at the Peter Pan hotel.

• day 18

  Anakao - Tuléar - Tana

  

  Early departure from Anakao to reach the city of Tulear. Tulear, Toliara in Malagasy, means the city of the sun, due to its hot and arid climate. Tulear is the largest city in the south of Madagascar. Between tradition and modernity, the city of Tulear is a true ethnic crossroads, bringing together fishermen, rickshaw drivers, and a diverse tourist offer. Festive and dynamic, Tulear also offers a lively life. A real mosaic of ethnicities, the city offers a thousand bright colors in a concert of atmospheres punctuated by tsapiky music, which fills the streets and reveals the friendly conviviality of the people of Tulear. You will discover a rich cultural life with its many museums. The maritime museum, located on the road to the commercial port, houses collections of shells and fossils. The Mahafaly arts and traditions museum, an essential place during your visit, traces the evolution of crafts and customs of the Great South. Lunch, flight to Antananarivo. Arrival in Tana. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the A&C hotel.

• day 19

  Morondava - Tana

  

  Return to Antananarivo by plane. Transfer to the hotel. Free day for rest, lunch at your own expense. Car and driver available if needed. Dinner and overnight at the A&C Hotel.

• day 20

  Tana - Paris

  

  Transfer to the airport according to the flight schedule. Departure for Paris.