For trekking enthusiasts in Madagascar

Let's go now !

Embark on an unforgettable trekking adventure in Madagascar. Travel along the legendary Nationale 7, exploring remote trails through majestic National Parks. Experience authentic Zafimaniry villages, the Andringitra massif, and the iconic Isalo canyons, immersing yourself in Madagascar's breathtaking wilderness.

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This holiday in Madagascar offers you a unique and authentic adventure. Travelling along the legendary Nationale 7 and exploring unspoilt trails in the heart of majestic National Parks, you’ll be immersed in Madagascar’s breathtaking wilderness.

Day	Itinerary	Hotels	Activities
1	Arrival Tana	Sakamanga
2	Tana – Ambositra	Artisan Hôtel
3	Ambositra – Antoetra	Camping
4	Antoetra	Camping	Ifasina Village
5	Antoetra	Camping
6	Antoetra – Ambalavao	Betsileo Country Lodge
7	Ambalavao – Andringitra	Camping	4 days trek in the Andringitra mountains
8	Andringitra	Camping
9	Andringitra	Camping
10	Tsaranoro	Camp Catta
11	Tsaranoro -Ranohira	Isalo Ranch
12	Trekking Isalo	Camping	Isalo Canyons
13	Trekking Isalo	Camping
14	Trekking Isalo	Camping
15	Ranohira	Isalo Ranch
16	Ranohira – Tuléar	Moringa
17	Tuléar – Tana	Sakamanga
18	Tana – Departure

Day 1

Arrival to Tana

Welcome to Antananarivo! As soon as you arrive at the airport, a warm welcome awaits you before we take you to your hotel. Take this opportunity to rest and recuperate from your trip. If the weather is on your side, why not take a stroll around the Malagasy capital? It’s the perfect opportunity to start immersing yourself in Madagascar’s unique atmosphere.

Night and breakfast at hotel

Day 2

Tana – Ambositra

270 km – 4h30 asphalt road

Your adventure in Madagascar begins in Antananarivo. You leave the capital on the legendary Nationale 7, a road rich in encounters and discoveries. Your first stop is Ambatolampy, a charming town nestled at the foot of the Ankaratra volcanic massif, home to Madagascar’s third-highest peak. Time permitting, you can visit a foundry workshop where kitchen utensils are made. You then continue on to Antsirabe, nicknamed the Malagasy “Vichy”, known for its spas and resort atmosphere created by the French. A short orientation tour will immerse you in the town’s atmosphere. In the afternoon, drive back to Ambositra, where you’ll check into your hotel.

Night and breakfast at hotel

Day 3

Ambositra – Antoetra

Ambositra is a nerve center for Malagasy bullfighting, known here as “Savika”, a spectacular traditional sport that enlivens this region of the island. The town is also renowned for its wood craftsmanship, thanks in particular to the Zafimaniry tribe, which has given its name to this ancestral art. Zafimaniry sculpture is recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of humanity’s oral and material heritage. Stroll through the streets of Ambositra, discovering its stores and workshops, before heading for your first bivouac. Nestled at an altitude of over 1,500 metres, Zafimaniry country is made up of picturesque wooden houses clinging to the mountainsides.

Night bivouac and fullboard

Day 4

Antoetra

After breakfast, start your first hike of the day. You’ll pass through the village of Ifasina, where you can admire the traditional architecture of the Zafimaniry houses. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of nature. In the evening, a convivial dinner awaits you before spending the night in a bivouac under the stars.

Overnight bivouac, full board

Day 5

Antoetra

The hike continues through the picturesque villages of Zafimaniry country, clinging to the sides of the mountains. The itineraries are adapted to every level of fitness, so that everyone can enjoy them to the full.

Overnight bivouac, full board

Day 6

Antoetra – Ambalavao

195 km – 4h asphalt road

Travel through the majestic eucalyptus and conifer forests of the Fianarantsoa mountains. On arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the laboratory of the famous Pierrot Men, a pioneer of photography in Madagascar. Next, explore the Upper Town of Fianarantsoa, once the residential district of the bourgeoisie and notables. The panoramic view of the city is simply breathtaking. You’ll then head back to Ambalavao.

Night and breakfast at hotel

Day 7

Ambalavao – Andringitra

Before heading to Andringitra, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Antemoro paper factory and a silk workshop, followed by lunch. You’ll also discover that it’s here, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, that Madagascar’s second-largest zebu market is held. You’ll then take a track to reach your first campsite.

Dinner and overnight in tents

Day 8, 9 & 10

Andringitra

You embark on a three-day trek through the enchanting Andringitra massif. This park, rich in diversity, is home to a multitude of endemic plant and animal species. A picnic lunch will be provided to allow you to take full advantage of the scenery. The hikes will be adapted to your physical condition, and climbing enthusiasts will have the opportunity to discover spectacular panoramas. Evenings are spent dining under the stars, followed by comfortable nights in tents.

Day 12

Andringitra – Ranohira

You temporarily take the Nationale 7 to explore a region of Madagascar with radically different landscapes to those of the Andringitra massif and its mountain climate. Enjoy a free lunch en route. Continuing on, you’ll pass through the southern gateway and cross the vast Horombe plateau. Here, the lush green landscapes of the Hautes Terres gradually give way to the more arid vegetation of the south. You’ll arrive in Ranohira in the late afternoon, where you’ll check into your hotel.

Night and breakfast at hotel

Day 13

Trekking Isalo

Approx. 17km of asphalt and 1km of track by car to the entrance of the two Canyons

Total distance: 18 km on foot / Walking time: 7h-8h

Difficulty: level 3/5

Attractions: lemurs, Bara tomb, tropical dry forest, stroll through the gorge of these two canyons

The trek begins with a 350-meter ascent that lasts about an hour. We pause at a panoramic viewpoint to admire the extraordinary scenery. The walk continues with ascents and descents through breathtaking scenery. A picnic lunch is provided en route. After around 5 hours’ walking, we reach our first camp, Ankorobe, situated almost above a canyon.

Overnight bivouac, full board

Day 14

Trekking Isalo

Duration: 7h- 8h walk / Distance: 20km

Difficulty: level 3/5.

Attractions: landscapes, views of canyons, Tapia forest, sclerophyll forest, birds, possibility of seeing lemurs.

After breakfast, we continue our walk towards the next camp. We cross savannahs, canyons and plateaus, with a picnic lunch along the way. We stop for the night at the Sakamalio campsite, named after the small river that flows nearby.

Overnight bivouac, full board

Day 15

Trekking Isalo

Distance: 20 to 25 km / Duration: 8h walk / Difficulty: 3/5

Attractions: canyon views, Tapia forest, possibility of seeing lemurs

After breakfast, we’ll continue our walk along a path leading to the Betaindambo campsite, nestled in a valley bordered by superb rock formations. We continue through wild landscapes, with a picnic lunch en route.

Overnight bivouac, full board

Day 16

Trekking Isalo – Ranohira

Duration: 6h walk / Difficulty: 2/5.

Attractions: scenery, canyons, views of the African savannah, park documentation.

On our last day, we’ll leave the trails to join National Route 7. After breakfast, we’ll begin a gentle climb of around half an hour, offering spectacular panoramic views. We then descend into a canyon with a sandy river, and continue our descent along the river. After this descent, we take a new circuit, the Malaso circuit (a name that evokes the charm of the place, although it has nothing to do with zebu rustlers). The car will pick us up near the Isalo interpretation center, before taking us back to the hotel.

Night and breakfast at hotel

Day 17

Ranohira – Tuléar

215 km – 3h30 tarred road

After breakfast, departure from Ranohira towards Tuléar. En route, you’ll pass through the villages of Ilakaka, Manombo and Antsomadiro, where the sapphire miners have settled. Each village has its own personality, but all share the same goal: to enjoy the riches of the sapphire mines, whether it’s diving in these perilous mines or other related activities. On arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Antsokay Arboretum. This journey will take you through the vegetation and landscapes characteristic of the South, with majestic baobabs, aloes, euphorbiaceae and herds of zebus enlivening your day.

Night and breakfast at hotel

Day 18

Tuléar – Tana

Transfer to Tuléar airport for your flight to Antananarivo. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll be met at Antananarivo airport, with a car at your disposal to explore the city or go souvenir hunting at the famous La Digue craft market.

Day 19

Tana – International Flight

Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Conseils Essentiels pour Votre Aventure de Trekking à Madagascar

Se lancer dans une aventure de trekking à travers les paysages préservés de Madagascar est une expérience exaltante. Pour garantir un voyage fluide et agréable, voici quelques conseils essentiels :

Essentiels à Emporter :
Vêtements : Le climat de Madagascar varie considérablement, des hauts plateaux plus frais aux basses terres plus chaudes. Emportez des vêtements légers et respirants pour la journée, ainsi que des couches plus chaudes pour les soirées. Un équipement imperméable est essentiel en cas de pluie inattendue.
Chaussures : Une bonne paire de chaussures de trekking est cruciale. Assurez-vous qu’elles sont bien rodées pour éviter les ampoules lors des longues randonnées.
Équipement de Camping : Bien que le matériel de camping soit souvent fourni, il est recommandé d’apporter un sac de couchage fiable, de préférence adapté aux températures plus fraîches.

Précautions de Santé :
Vaccinations et Médicaments : Assurez-vous que vos vaccinations sont à jour, notamment pour la typhoïde, l’hépatite A et la fièvre jaune. Le paludisme est présent à Madagascar, consultez votre médecin sur la prophylaxie et apportez un répulsif contre les insectes.
Hydratation : Restez hydraté en emportant un moyen de purification de l’eau, comme des comprimés ou un filtre portable, car les sources d’eau naturelles peuvent ne pas être sûres à boire.

Étiquette Locale :
Respect des Traditions : Madagascar abrite des cultures diverses, y compris le peuple Zafimaniry. Demandez toujours la permission avant de photographier des locaux et respectez les sites sacrés et les coutumes.
Langue : Bien que le français soit largement parlé, apprendre quelques phrases de base en malgache peut grandement aider à établir de bonnes relations avec les habitants.

Responsabilité Environnementale :
Ne Laissez Aucune Trace : La beauté naturelle de Madagascar est fragile. Soyez conscient de votre impact en restant sur les sentiers balisés, en éliminant correctement les déchets et en évitant de déranger la faune.

Mesures de Sécurité :
Assurance Voyage : Une assurance voyage complète qui couvre l’évacuation médicale est indispensable. Assurez-vous qu’elle couvre également les activités de trekking.
Guides Locaux : Il est fortement recommandé d’engager un guide local. Ils offrent des informations précieuses et augmentent votre sécurité, surtout dans les zones reculées.

Suivre ces conseils vous aidera à tirer le meilleur parti de votre aventure tout en respectant l’environnement magnifique et la riche culture de Madagascar.

Tour highlights

Explorez les villages authentiques Zafimaniry.
Randonnez à travers le magnifique massif de l’Andringitra.
Découvrez le célèbre massif de l’Isalo et ses canyons.

Budget : 1600€ /person

The final rate may vary according to the number of passengers, the vehicle category chosen and the season you wish to travel in.

Included

Location de véhicules pour les trajets entre Antananarivo et Tuléar.
Vols domestiques et taxes d’aéroport.
Les services d’un chauffeur-accompagnateur anglophone.
Carburant pour l’ensemble du circuit.
Hébergement en chambres individuelles, doubles ou triples dans les hôtels listés dans la section Hébergement de ce programme.
Repas : petits-déjeuners, déjeuners pique-nique et dîners.
Frais d’entrée et frais obligatoires de guide local pour le Parc National de Ranomafana et le Parc National de l’Isalo.
Accueil et transferts terrestres selon le programme.
Visites et excursions détaillées dans ce programme.
Autocollant de taxe de séjour dans les hôtels.
Assistance disponible 7 jours sur 7 pendant votre séjour à Madagascar.

Excluded

Vols internationaux vers Madagascar et taxes d’aéroport associées.
Activités et services “gratuits”.
Boissons, pourboires et dépenses personnelles.
Visites indiquées en italique ou avec la mention “possibilité de”.
Assurance voyage.

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