Secrets of the Tsingy: Immerse Yourself in a Stunning World
Embark on an 9 days adventure to the Tsingy of Bemaraha. Discover Antsirabe's crafts, cruise down the Tsiribihina River, and marvel at the unique Great Tsingy formations—Experience Madagascar's diverse landscapes, from lush mountains to baobab-lined trails.
Day 1: Antananarivo / Antsirabe
We leave Tana in the morning accompanied by our guide for Antsirabe via RN 7, passing through small villages with typical highlands houses, red soil, and rice terraces. We stopped in the small town of Ambatolampy to visit a craft workshop and foundry. After lunch, we continue driving to Antsirabe, known as Madagascar's Vichy spa town and the center of Malagasy handicrafts. There's an opportunity to visit a workshop for stone embroidery. Suggested Hotel:"Hotel H1"or similar
Day 2: Antsirabe / Miandrivazo
You can visit a zebu horn processing plant and a traditional confectionery in the morning. We'll also visit Lake Andraikiba. After lunch, we drive west through the mountainous Bongolava region. The landscape gradually transforms into a dry one. We arrive in Miandrivazo late in the afternoon. Suggested Hotel: "Princess Tsiribihina"
Day 3: Miandrivazo – Embarcadère - Descent of the Tsiribihina River
Transfer to Masiakampy Pier. Begin the descent on a barge along the Tsiribihina River. Enjoy the landscape of Menabe with mangoes, tobacco plantations, and Sakalava villages. Enter the gorge and set up a bivouac on a large sandbar.
Day 4: Descent of the Tsiribihina River
Continue the descent and stop at a huge waterfall with a natural pool for swimming. Proceed with the descent, and enjoy birdwatching, spotting teal, herons, kingfishers, ducks, and more. Set up camp and have the possibility of evening entertainment with Sakalava village songs and dances.
Day 5: Descent of the Tsiribihina River – Bekopaka
Complete the descent around noon. 4x4 vehicles will be waiting for you in Belo Tsiribihina. It will be about a 5-hour drive on rough tracks to reach the village of Bekopaka, the starting point for excursions to the Tsingy Bemaraha. Suggested Hotel: "Orchidée de Bemaraha"
Day 6: Bekopaka / The Great Tsingy - The Great Tsingy (Andamozavaky et Ranotsara)
Discover the Grand Tsingy Bemaraha, about an hour's drive from Bekopaka. This unique site offers a walk through the sharp and spectacular formations of Tsingy. Return to the village in the late afternoon. Suggested Hotel: "Orchidée de Bemaraha"
Day 7: Bekopaka – Morondava
It takes about 8 hours of driving on rough tracks to reach Morondava by evening. On the way, we pass by the famous Baobab Alley and stop to see the Baobabs during sunset. We then continue to Morondava. Suggested Hotel: "Trecycogne or similar"
Day 8: Morondava-Antsirabe
Start Early: Aim to leave by 6:00 AM to ensure you have plenty of daylight for the journey
- Distance: Approximately 220 km (137 miles)
- Travel Time: 11-12 hours
- Road Condition: Generally good until Miandrivazo but can have rough patches afterward.
- Arrival in Antsirabe is estimated at 6 p.m.
- Proposed Hotel: H1 or similar
Day 9: Antsirabe-Antananarivo
Last day trip to Antananarivo, Approaching Antananarivo, the scenery gradually shifts to a more urban setting. The capital city, perched on hills, comes into view with its vibrant rooftops and historical buildings. The bustling streets, filled with the sounds and colors of everyday Malagasy life, contrast with the serene landscapes left behind. The trip will last 4 hours and set up in your hotel.
Transportation:
- Private 4x4 vehicle with a driver for the entire trip, including transfers from Antananarivo to Antsirabe, Miandrivazo, Bekopaka, Morondava, and back to Tana.
- Fuel costs for the vehicle.
- Ferry crossings from Belo sur Tsiribihina to Bekopaka and vice versa.
Accommodation:
1 night in Antsirabe (Chambre des voyageurs).
1 night in Miandrivazo (Princesse Tsiribihina).
2 nights camping during the Tsiribihina River descent.
2 nights in Bekopaka (Orchidée de Bemaraha).
1 night in Morondava (Le trécycogne).
1 night in Antsirabe (hotel H1).
- Meals:
- Breakfasts at the hotels and accommodations.
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the 2-day Tsiribihina River descent (prepared by guides or crew).
- Other meals as stated (could be included or self-arranged depending on the package).
- Guided Tours:
- Local guide for the descent of the Tsiribihina River.
- Certified local guide for the visit to the Big Tsingy in Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park.
- Fees for entry to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park.
- Miscellaneous:
- Entrance fees to the Avenue of the Baobabs.
- Park permits and conservation fees for the Tsingy de Bemaraha.
- International Flights:
Flights to and from Madagascar (Antananarivo).
- Meals not specified:
Lunches and dinners outside of the Tsiribihina River descent (unless included in a more inclusive package).
- Beverages:
Drinks (soft drinks, alcohol, etc.) at restaurants or hotels unless specified.
- Personal Expenses:
Souvenirs, tips for guides and drivers, and other personal purchases.
- Travel Insurance:
Medical, travel, or cancellation insurance.
- Optional Activities:
Any additional tours or activities not mentioned in the itinerary, such as extra excursions in Antsirabe or Morondava.
- Visa Fees:
Entry visa for Madagascar.