TANA - ANTSIRABE

La Musee des Papillons - Explore the artisanal pot-making in Ambatolampy

Lac Tritriva - Meet and greet directly at Ivato International Airport, then head south. As you travel through the highland plains, you’ll encounter the first breathtaking views of your journey: rural villages surrounded by rice fields and farmers living a timeless lifestyle.

Stop to explore the city of Ambatolampy, renowned for its aluminum craftsmanship.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch before reaching Antsirabe, a thermal city developed by Norwegian missionaries. This city leads in agriculture and ranks second in industry nationwide. The charming middle-class houses downtown are remnants of a vibrant era.

Continue south to visit lakes Tritriva and Andraikiba.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

ANTSIRABE - FIANARANTSOA

FIANARANTSOA - ANDRINGITRA

Parc National de l’Andringitra - 4 hours on a track and three hours walking with a slight elevation change.

Before heading to Andringitra, experience local winemaking. Visit the Soavita vineyard to sample various wines, and in Ambalavao, observe the crafting of Antemoro paper, a skill introduced by Arabs in the fifteenth century using blackberry tree bark. Also, visit a weaving craft shop where wild silk is traditionally used.

Afterward, a challenging yet beautiful track leads through the Gate of the South to Andringitra Park. The massive massif stands before us, its ridge blocking the horizon. The Namoly valley lies here, where two large waterfalls have carved their paths over time. Upon reaching Namoly, begin a three-hour hike through Betsileo villages and surrounding forests. Many plants here have medicinal properties, and our guide will reveal the secrets of this natural pharmacy. Our first campsite is at Imaitso, at the entrance of the inner forest.

ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK

Parc National de l’Andringitra - 7 hours of walking, elevation gain: 700m+

The track initially connects Andringitra to Ranomafana National Park. While walking, enjoy the flourishing flora and, with luck, spot wild rubriventer lemurs feeding on fulvus trees. After an hour, begin ascending to reach a viewpoint over Tanala (people of the forest) land. After the Ampasipotsy plateau, with its altimountain microclimate and distinctive vegetation.

Enjoy a picnic lunch on the plateau before reaching the campsite, where you’ll find a natural pool, Andreatelo, for a refreshing dip. The water is crystal clear but slightly chilly. At Andriampotsy, at 2050m altitude, we’ll set up tents and rest for the next day.

ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK

Parc National de l’Andringitra - 9 hours walking with 600m+ and 900m- elevation change.

Depart after breakfast for the ascent of Bobby Peak, leaving before sunrise. The ridge where the summit is located is exposed to the East’s climatic influences, with high humidity that can quickly obscure the summits, potentially affecting your climb to this prestigious peak of Madagascar. A 2.5-hour walk on refitted stairs and through a moss, lichen, and Phylipias-filled humid basin leads to the peak, offering an exceptional panorama of the region, including Andringitra, Isalo to the south, Tsaranoro, and the Gate of The South. In clear weather, you might even see the Indian Ocean. Peak Bobby, also known as Imarivolanitra, means “really close to the sky.” The name Peak Bobby was given after the first member of a group of alpinist geologists, their dog named Bobby, reached the top.

Descend and continue towards the camp, then follow the path leading to the ‘DIAVOLANA’ circuit, literally ‘EXTRA terrestrial.’ A vast plateau of surreal lunar landscape with unique granite shapes and formations, reminiscent of a science fiction movie set. View the Tsaranoro Valley. On the steep descent, the ‘ravenea glauca,’ an endemic palm species, is found on this side of the mountain. Continue descending to the Iantaranomby River campsite, literally “where the Zebus drink,” where you can cool off. Enjoy a beautiful sunset at night on the banks of a charming river.

ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK - TSARANORO VALLEY

TSARANORO VALLEY

TSARANORO VALLEY - RANOHIRA

Isalo National Park - Depart the Tsaranoro Valley for a 3.5-hour drive to Ranohira and its renowned national park, Isalo.

As you head south, the landscapes change dramatically. The panorama quickly flattens, and vast tall grass fields surround you. This is the Ihorombe plateau, home to zebu farmers and the golden horizon. Only one road, the RN7, traverses this area, and people travel long distances to meet in different villages within these savannah-like plains.

Finally, arrive in Ranohira and the Isalo, a deserted mountain barrier.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch, settle in at the hotel, and have dinner.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

RANOHIRA - ISALO NATIONAL PARK

Isalo National Park - Elevation change: 400 meters
The Isalo National Park spans approximately 81,540 hectares and is composed solely of sandstone. Over centuries, erosion and weather have sculpted it into a distinctive landscape of stone deserts, natural formations, breathtaking canyons, and natural pools, with flourishing vegetation in unexpected places.

The park is renowned for hosting many endemic species, including rare birds, butterflies, lizards, and a large population of relaxed lemurs that sunbathe on the rocks. They are not shy, and you’ll see many while heading towards the beautiful waterfall of the Nymphs and its refreshing waters. The contrast between the landscape and sensations here and on the plateau above is striking and unique to this location.

There are various circuits to explore, including the Maki Canyon and the refreshing Natural Pools.

Enjoy a picnic lunch on the road and camp overnight.

RANOHIRA - IFATY

SUN AND SEA

Ifaty - The Ranobe lagoon is a world-renowned diving site and one of the most beautiful lagoons on the planet. It offers over 40km of coral reef, featuring some of the most sought-after locations for observing underwater wildlife. Its crystal-clear blue waters and rich fauna and flora make it an ecological gem. Two channels with distinctive floors promise to captivate the diver within you.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch.

The mixing flows of warm and cold water sustain large quantities of plankton and krill, nourishing over 400 species of fish and 46 types of coral reef. A glimpse at a marine map reveals another secret, much deeper. Canyons run along the barrier, offering exceptional and preserved sites.

Visiting the baobab forest aboard a zebu cart is always a highlight for visitors. The Vezo villages and the beautiful Reniala reserve nearby are also must-see attractions.

You’ll have ample time to relax on the sandy beach, enjoy sunbathing, indulge in a massage or beach sports, and shop for souvenirs.

SUN AND SEA

Ifaty - The Ranobe lagoon is a world-renowned diving site and one of the most beautiful lagoons on the planet. It offers over 40km of coral reef, featuring some of the most sought-after locations for observing underwater wildlife. Its crystal-clear blue waters and rich fauna and flora make it an ecological gem. Two channels with distinctive floors promise to captivate the diver within you.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch.

The mixing flows of warm and cold water sustain large quantities of plankton and krill, nourishing over 400 species of fish and 46 types of coral reef. A glimpse at a marine map reveals another secret, much deeper. Canyons run along the barrier, offering exceptional and preserved sites.

Visiting the baobab forest aboard a zebu cart is always a highlight for visitors. The Vezo villages and the beautiful Reniala reserve nearby are also must-see attractions.

You’ll have ample time to relax on the sandy beach, enjoy sunbathing, indulge in a massage or beach sports, and shop for souvenirs.

IFATY - TULEAR - TANA

Antananarivo - Transfer to Tuléar for the flight to Tana. If time permits before your connection, consider visiting the famous “marché de la digue.”

• Private transportation
• Fuel for round trip
• Porters
• Camping fees
• Camping equipment
• Cooks
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• All fees and taxes
• Double or Twin accommodations
• Tourist vignettes
• Mentioned visits

• Repas non mentionné, les boissons, sac de couchage et les pourboires
• Vol Tuléar - Antananarivo

This expedition is crafted specifically for adventurous explorers. Participants will venture into unexplored mountain ranges and ascend some of the tallest peaks on the Great Island. While it is a sporting activity, it is not overly technical, and maintaining a positive mindset is as important as being in good physical condition.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Andringitra Park
• Tsaranoro Valley with its impressive 800m vertical cliffs
• A variety of Lemur species

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.