Trekking in Madagascar
Trekking in Madagascar
Trekking in Madagascar
14 Days Starting and ending in Antananarivo
Visiting: Antananarivo, Ambositra, Antoetra, Ranomafana National Park, Andringitra National Park, Lemur Park, Isalo National Park, Ifty Beach Club
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TZMA
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Physical rating:
Moderate / Challenging
Age range:
18 to 99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Camping, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This exciting itinerary allows us to experience the incredible diversity of Madagascar, predominantly on foot. We trek in Andringitra National Park, one of the most beautiful and biodiverse parks on the island, and in Isalo National Park with its unique landscape of rock formations, deep canyons, waterfalls and natural swimming pools. We go in search of lemurs in Anja Reserve and visit Ranomafana National Park, walking through spectacular scenery in the hope of spotting endemic lemurs, including dancing sifakas. Throughout the trip, the unique wildlife of this island will enchant and amaze.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Antananarivo; Overnight.
Location: Antananarivo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Belvedere or similar
Meals Included: No Meals
The group flights usually arrive into Antananarivo in the early afternoon and
the group will be met and transferred to the start hotel. Land Only clients
should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon. In the evening our guide
will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the
local area and answer any questions.
Day 2 : Morning City Tour; Transfer To Ambositra.
Location: Ambositra
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Artisan Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
We take a morning walk to the upper part of Antananarivo, ascending to
Antaninareina (the commercial and administrative part of town) and walking to
the main entrance of the Queen's palace, with outstanding views over Tana. In
the afternoon we drive to Ambositra, where we have the chance to visit some
Zafimaniry handicraft centres.
Walk: Distance 4 km Ascent 160m Descent 0m Max Altitude:1360m Time: 1.5 hours
Day 3 : To Antoetra; Full-Day Trek Through Hills And Rice Fields, Visiting Local Villages.
Location: Antoetra
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Artisan Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
A full day walking to Antoetra allowing us to discover and explore the
Zafimaniry villages. The Zafimaniry people are renowned for their
woodcarvings; in their villages, even the houses are works of art! In 2003,
the Zafimaniry people and their work with wood were considered to be
masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, a list
maintained by UNESCO to protect and preserve their way of life. We will walk
through habituated areas - through rice fields, hills and small villages,
following regular paths used by locals. After the walk, we drive back to
Ambositra.
Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 238m Descent 311m Max Altitude: 1780m Time:6
hours
Day 4 : Transfer To Ranomafana N.P.
Location: Ranomafana National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Le Grenat or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we head south and east to the well visited national park of Ranomafana.
The drive takes us through spectacular scenery, past neat Betsileo rice
paddies and thick forests. We reach our destination in the afternoon and
after some time to rest at the hotel, we take an evening walk along the
roadside of Ranomafana to spot nocturnal wildlife.
Day 5 : Morning Visit To Ranomafana N.P.; Transfer To Ambalavao In The Afternoon.
Location: Ranomafana National Park
Accommodation: Tsienimparihy Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning we visit Ranomafana National park - a mountainous rainforest
park with elevations ranging from 600m to 1400m that contains many different
forest types (from lowland rainforest to cloud forest and high plateau
forest), and provides opportunity to see various species of lemurs (Golden
bamboo lemurs, Greater and Lesser bamboo lemurs, Red-bellied lemurs,
Red-fronted lemurs, Mile Edward’s Sifaka) as well as birds, frogs,
reptiles, snails and orchids.
In the afternoon, we drive to Ambalavao, the commercial centre of the
southern Betsileo region, renowned for its folk art and craft. Whilst here we
will visit a wine farm and also take the opportunity to learn about the
production of the Antemoro-paper: a paper which is produced from the bark of
the Havoha-tree.
Walk: Distance: 6-8 km Ascent 120m Descent 120m Max Altitude: 1000m Time: 4-5
hours
Day 6 : Early Transfer To Andringitra N.P. To Start The Three-Day Trek To Climb Peak Boby.
Location: Andringitra National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early transfer to Andringitra National Park - one of the most beautiful and
biodiverse parks in Madagascar. Andringitra National Park has been managed by
the WWF since 1993, and has three distinct eco-zones: low altitude
rainforest, montane rainforest and high altitude vegetation. Although
Andringitra contains diverse wildlife (over 100 bird species, 50 mammal
species, including 13 lemurs types, and 55 species of frogs), the prime
reason for visiting is for the stunning landscape, vegetation and superb
trekking. More than 1000 plant species are known to exist in this national
park alone, and the guides are highly knowledgeable on the plants contained
within the park and their medicinal uses.
In the morning we visit two famous waterfalls: 'Riandahy' and 'Raimbavy' and
then we begin our trek to reach the second highest peak in Madagascar, Peak
Boby. Peak Boby is also known as 'Pic d'Imarivolanitra' which means 'close to
the sky'. The trek begins in forest which slowly becomes replaced by alpine
meadows covered with orchids by the end of the rainy season. Leaving the
forest we ascend a steep path which arrives onto the Andohariana plateau,
climbing higher behind granite mountain tops. As we walk through the high
montane vegetation we reach a natural pool, which offers a freezing but very
refreshing swim! After approximately 6 hours of walking, we camp at
Anderamposty (2100m).
Walk: Distance 9 km Ascent 530m Descent 90m Max Altitude: 2080m Time: 6 hours
Accommodation:
*Full-service Camping*
Day 7 : Andringitra National Park
Location: Andringitra National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The longest day of treks, we begin our climb to the summit of Peak Boby
early, to avoid climbing in the full heat of the day. This is a day to keep
your camera handy as the trek climbs higher, giving unrivalled views and
superb high-altitude flora. Although this is the highest accessible peak in
Madagascar, it is a technically easy ascent up carved steps, and we should
reach the summit after about 3-4 hours. We descend the same route back to our
campsite where we have a chance to relax by the river while our lunch is
prepared. After lunch, we head out through moon-like landscapes, granite
cliffs and a forest of palm trees known as Gloka, on our way to our campsite.
After approximately 6 hours of walking we camp at Iantaranomby (1650m).
Walk: Distance 20 km Ascent 1092m Descent 1526m Max Altitude: 2658m Time:
10.5 hours
Accommodation:
*Full-service Camping*
Day 8 : Andringitra National Park.
Location: Andringitra National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we have our final day of walking in Andringitra National Park. After
breakfast we leave the mountains, exploring some of the villages on foot.
With the decreasing altitude, we pass by many forms of succulent plants, such
as the Pachypodium (looking like a mini baobab tree), Euphorbia and through
savannah landscape. After approximately 4 hours, we camp at Meva Campsite in
Tsaranoro Valley (900m)
Walk: Distance 13 km Ascent 237m Descent 899m Max Altitude: 1535m Time: 5-6
hours
Accommodation:
*Full-service Camping*
Day 9 : Visit Anya Reserve To Look For Ring-Tailed Lemurs; To Isalo N.P.
Location: Lemur Park, Isalo National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast
We drive to the little town of Ranohira today, which is the base for visiting
Isalo National Park. Along the way we visit the small reserve of Anja, where
Katta (otherwise known as Ring-tailed) lemurs can be observed in their
natural surroundings.
Accommodation: Les Toiles de l'Isalo or similar
*Standard Hotel*
Day 10 : The First Of Two Days Spent Exploring Isalo National Park.
Location: Isalo National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
One of the highlights of the trip, we spend two days exploring Isalo National
Park. Isalo is a vast region of wind-polished and water-scoured rock towers,
deep canyons, gorges and oases, often described as Eden. Today we will start
by walking along a relatively flat path, following the foot of the rocky
mountain range, until the magnificent Canyon of Makis where we will search
for cheeky Ring-tailed lemurs and the Verreaux Sifaka. From here, we will do
a fairly steep climb, (those suffering from vertigo may find this
challenging) and then walk through the scenic, moonlike landscape of the park
to our campsite.
Walk: Distance 11 km Ascent 461m Descent 410m Max Altitude: 1094m Time:
5-6 hours
Accommodation:
*Full-service Camping*
Day 11 : Continue Exploring Isalo National Park.
Location: Isalo National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Les Toiles de l'Isalo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is our second day spent exploring Isalo National Park. Today we will
visit Namaza waterfall, once again in search of cheeky Ring-tailed lemurs and
the Verreaux Sifakas. We will then head to the 'Piscine Naturelle' (natural
swimming pool), a beautifully lush spot in such an arid landscape, where we
can swim and relax after the hot walk. Perhaps the magic is just to soak up
the sheer beauty of the park. The combination of coloured, eroded rock
formations, strange plants and the enveloping silence make this one of the
most captivating places in Africa.
Walk : Distance 10 km Ascent 30m Descent 20m Max Altitude: 1200m Time: 5
hours
Day 12 : To West Coast And Beaches; Overnight At Ifaty Beach.
Location: Ifty Beach Club
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel de la Plage or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After an early breakfast, we drive to Tulear, among the dry forests of the
west and the spiny desert of the south, and we pass both the 'Mahafaly tombs'
and the 'Antandroy tombs', briefly observing their ornate decorations.
Antandroy and Mahafaly are reputed to be the most impressive of all Malagasy
tombs, with the Antandroy tombs being large and brightly painted, relating to
the life story and wishes of the deceased. They are also topped with zebu
skulls which were sacrificed during the funeral festivity - a ceremony of
great significance. Mahafaly tombs are characterized by their wooden
sculptures known as 'Aloalo', relating to the life of the deceased and their
unfulfilled dreams, as well as their rank within the clan. After a brief stop
in Tulear, we continue past the coastal town of Ifaty to our hotel on the
beach.
Day 13 : Free Time For Relaxation Or Optional Activities At Ifaty Beach.
Location: Ifty Beach Club
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel de la Plage or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we have a free day at Ifaty beach. Running all the way around the
south-west Malagasy coastline, Ifaty beach lies on one of the world's largest
barrier reefs and hence is an excellent venue for scuba diving. Between late
June and early September, whales can be observed off Ifaty's beautiful white
beaches and the offshore islet of Nosy Ve is a terrific place for
snorkelling. Protected by coral reefs, the beach and waters beyond the hotel
offer a welcome rest from your trekking itinerary for those who wish just to
relax.
Day 14 : Fly To Antananarivo And End.
Location: Antananarivo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we transfer to Tulear airport for our flight to Antananarivo which will
arrive in the afternoon. Depending on the flight schedule, you may have free
time to explore Antananarivo on your own. Those on the group flights will be
transferred to the airport in the late evening for the very early flight the
next morning.
Please note that flight delays on the internal flight are not uncommon – we
strongly advise not to book your international flights to depart before
midnight.
What's Included
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Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
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All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
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All accommodation
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All transport and listed activities
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Tour leader throughout
What's Not Included
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Visas or vaccinations
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Food
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners included. Food standards in Madagascar can vary and are probably not of the same standard you are used to at home. A one-course lunch/dinner should cost £4-6 while a three-course lunch/dinner should cost £9-12 . Please allow approximately £160 for meals not included, plus a little more if you enjoy a drink with dinner! Malagasy lager is reasonably priced and easily available. Malagasy wine is also reasonably priced but is not to everyone's taste. It is sometimes possible to get hold of French or South African wine. A delicacy in Madagascar is the various flavoured rum’s which are widely sold and very reasonably priced. Please note that if you eat neither fish nor meat, your food options will be rather limited (i.e. omelette, cheese, pasta, vegetables and rice) on this trip. Breakfasts are usually simple: eggs, a baguette, jam and coffee or tea, and sometimes fruit. You may wish to bring something to supplement your morning meal (e.g spread, peanut butter etc).
Accommodation
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
18+ age people can go on this tour
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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