10-day western Madagascar journey
On a 10 day tour to western Madagascar, you will explore its unique landscape, and enjoy various fascinating experiences. Go for a canoe ride on the Tsiribihina River. Explore the Kirindy forest, home to endemic flora and fauna, where you can see the mouse lemur on a nocturnal tour.
One of the major highlights of your Madagascar trip is a visit to the Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the unique geological formations at the park that is also home to endemic species.
You can also see the beauty of the Baobab Avenue at sunset in an area lined with beautiful baobab trees. End your trip by relaxing in the coastal areas by the sea at Morondava.
The trip is available between May and mid-november because the road to the Tsingy of Bemaraha is not accessible during rainy season.
Services
Included:
- All airport transfers
- English speaking drivers with gasoline included from day 2 to day 8
- Two english speaking drivers for more than 3 people in the western part
- Accommodation on half-board basis during the trip
- Accommodation on bed and breakfast basis for the first day in Antananarivo
- Accommodation on full-board basis at Soleil des Tsingy (day 6 and 7)
- 9x breakfast, 8x dinner and x2 lunch
- Entrance and guiding fees at the Tsingy of Bemaraha national parks
- Diurnal and nocturnal visit at Kirindy reserve
- Car at disposal at your last day in Antananarivo
Excluded:
- Domestic flights : Morondava - Antananarivo (€ 175 - € 275 per person per way)
- International flights
- Lunch and dinners not mentionned in the inclusive
- Drinks
- All activities in Morondava
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Visa fee
Optional:
- Additional night at Palissandre Resort (176Euro/per person sharing a double room)
Itinerary at a Glance
Antananarivo
Arrive in Antananarivo
Miandrivazo
Journey to Miandrivazo
Morondava
Enjoy A Boat Ride On The Tsiribihina River
Kirindy Forest Rest Camp
Go On A Nocturnal Tour Of The Kirindy Forest
Bekopaka
Travel to Lovely Bekopaka
Tsingy Of Bemaraha National Park
Visit The Manambolo River and Little Tsingy
Tsingy Of Bemaraha National Park
Visit The Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park
Morondava
Embark On A Road Trip to Morondava
Morondava
Relax At Magical Morondava
Antananarivo
Farewell, Madagascar!
Detailed Itinerary
Antananarivo
Day 1: Arrive in Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar!
Get set for unique experiences and adventure in this fascinating land! After landing at the Ivato airport in Antananarivo, you can get a visa on arrival.
Complete all formalities and proceed to meet your driver who will take you to a hotel in the city center. Overnight, stay in the hotel.
Miandrivazo
Day 2: Journey to Miandrivazo
After breakfast, you will embark on your trip to western Madagascar. The journey to Antsirabe town will take around three to four hours. En route, you will see Ambatolampy, a small town situated at an altitude of 1500m altitude.
It is the coldest town in Madagascar! This is due to its proximity to the Ankaratra mountain range that separates it from the heat of western Madagascar. Continue your journey till you reach Antsirabe known as the ‘Water City’ as well as ‘City of Rickshaws.'
From here, you will proceed to Miandrivazo, a trip of around four hours. The name Miandrivazo originates from a story about the Highlands king Radama who waited for his bride-to-be–a Sakalava kingdom princess–in the village of Miandrivazo.
Morondava
Day 3: Enjoy A Boat Ride On The Tsiribihina River
Today, you will climb aboard a traditional canoe for a ride on the Tsiribihina River. As you glide along, take a look at the area’s biodiversity and at the daily life of the locals along the shores.
After a relaxing ride, your journey continues to Morondava. A city on the western coast, Morondava is famous for its Baobab Avenue.
One of the top tourist attractions of Madagascar–the Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park–is located at a distance of around 150 kms from the city.
Kirindy Forest Rest Camp
Day 4: Go On A Nocturnal Tour Of The Kirindy Forest
Before you travel to the Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park, you will spend a day at the remote Kirindy village. You are going to experience a forest adventure here.
During the daytime, you can see the remarkable flora and fauna at the Kirindy forest. This forest has plants such as baobabs and animals including Sifaka lemur species that have adapted to the dry conditions. Later, you will go on a thrilling night visit to the forest reserve to discover its nocturnal life. On this two hour exploration, you will see some endemic species such as the mouse lemur that you will not find anywhere else.
And if you get really lucky, you may even spot the island’s biggest predator – the fossa – that looks similar to a cougar!
Bekopaka
Day 5: Travel to Lovely Bekopaka
Today morning, you will go on a long journey to the deep western part of Madagascar to reach the site of the Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park.
The journey to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is equally fascinating. On an eight hour drive, you will cross two rivers and travel along dirt roads. Then, you will make your way through a forest and arrive at the Tsiribihina River which you will cross on a wooden boat.
Afterward, depending on the time, you will have lunch at Belo sur Tsiribihina or elsewhere on the route. By early evening, you will reach Bekopaka, which is the starting point for tours to Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park.
Tsingy Of Bemaraha National Park
Day 6: Visit The Manambolo River and Little Tsingy
Get set for an adventurous exploration of the Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park. Feast your eyes on the dramatic landscape of the gorge of Manambolo with a boat ride on the river that flows through the park.
Navigate the gorge area known for its canyons and caves. You will discover the section of the national park known as Little Tsingy.
Enjoy the wilderness and marvel at the superb geological formations found here.
Tsingy Of Bemaraha National Park
Day 7: Visit The Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park
The Little Tsingy was just the beginning. Now, prepare yourself for the incredible Big Tsingy. There’s adventure in every step at the Big Tsingy.
It has a spectacular rocky landscape with pointed karst peaks that are spread out all over the area and is difficult to navigate. The park is deservedly on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. With an area of 157,710 ha, the park’s geological formations and biodiversity are unique. It supports endemic species of flora and fauna.
Scientists estimate that the overall uniqueness of this park is of 86.7%. 11 lemur species, 5 families of bats and 103 bird species are listed. Go ahead, make fascinating discoveries at the park!
Morondava
Day 8: Embark On A Road Trip to Morondava
Bid goodbye to the Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park, and commence your journey to the western coastal city of Morondava to see the famous Baobab Avenue at sunset. But before that, you will stop en route to discover the interesting Sakalava tribe tombs.
Afterward, in Morondava, see the remarkable Baobab Avenue. In local Malagasy language, baobab is known as "Reniala" or "Forest's Mother". You can spend some time here.
Admire the area lined with the unique Baobab trees at sunset as it covers the area in a golden hue. Capture photographs of the beautiful setting before driving back to your city hotel.
Morondava
Day 9: Relax At Magical Morondava
After all the adventure, journeys, and sightseeing in Madagascar, it is time for you to relax.
Spend a day by the sea or the beach. Alternatively, you can unwind at your hotel’s swimming pool.
If you would still like some activity, take a walk in the city and indulge in some shopping at a local market.
Antananarivo
Day 10: Farewell, Madagascar!
Your magical Madagascar trip has come to an end. Travel to the Morondava airport from where you catch a flight to Antananarivo.
You will be transferred to a hotel near the airport in the capital city for the daytime. Later, proceed to the Ivato International Airport where you can take a flight to your destination with unforgettable memories of Madagascar.
Safe travels home, and visit again soon!
