Overwater towards the western stone forest

An adventure that leads you to discover the Tsingy de Bemaraha, a unique geological formation in the world!

After crossing the highlands with impressive landscapes and typical houses of the region, we will board on barges for a 3 days navigation on the Tsiribihina river, about 120 Km long, with a possibility of pedestrian walks in the small villages that exist along the river.

Downstream, we reach the National Park of Tsingy of Bemaraha. These sharp limestone peaks rising up to sixty meters above sea level have been classified World Natural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Eroded over millions of years by rain and winds, this extraordinary and unique geological formation is traversed by an impressive labyrinth of caves.

On our way back to Morondava, we will stop at Kirindy forest reserve, a real gem of western Madagascar thanks to its high rate of endemism, and finally watch the sunset at the Baobab alley. Baobabs are specific to the region and Madagascar has six species out of the eight existing in the world.

Day 1 : Arrival in Antananarivo

Arrival at Ivato International airport from your international flight. Welcome and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 : Antananarivo – Miandrivazo

Early departure from Antananarivo to Miandrivazo ( 390 Km / 7h ), a big peaceful village without particular interest, but it’s the point of departure for the descent of Tsiribihina river.

Accomodation at your hotel. 

Day 3 : Miandrivazo – Masekampy – Tsiribihina river descent

Transfer to Masekampy (45Km/1h). Boarding on the barge and beginning of the Tsiribihina river descent, through the landscape of Menabe formed by mangoes trees, tobacco plantations and Sakalava villages. After lunch we enter the gorge, and observe the first lemur. Stop navigating around 16:00 and set up the camp on a huge sandbank that borders the forest.

Overnight under tents.

Day 4 : Tsiribihina river descent

Continuation of our navigation on the Tsiribihina river. Stop at a beautiful waterfall. The most ‘courageous’, after 30mn walk, can achieve a beautiful natural pool. After a refreshing break, the cruise continues, crossing high cliffs and villages. Arrival at the bivouac in the evening. The children of a village nearby will join us, and a small party with songs and pods will be held in honor of the guests.

Overnight under tents.

Day 5 : End of river descent – Belo sur Tsiribihina – Bekopaka

The village wishes us « bon voyage », and the barge takes its way through the river. We perceive the first baobabs. We disembark in Belo Tsiribihina, where our 4WD is waiting for us to reach the Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park in Bekopaka (100km of bad track – 5 hours). Crossing Manambolo river by ferry before reaching your hotel.

Accommodation at your hotel.

Day 6 : National Park of Tsingy de Bemaraha

Canoë expedition along Manambolo river until the gorges to discover its caves ( full of Stalagtites and stalagmites ) and Vazimba tombs, then fullday to explore the NP of Tsingy de Bemaraha. 

The Tsingy are a very peculiar rock formation, only existing in Madagascar. These are limestone pinnacles, formed by the slow sedimentation of coral and shell, worked by wind and water movements, since Madagascar separated from Africa 165 million years ago. These strange « cathedral-like » peaks can tower several hundred meters high. The NP of Tsingy of Bemaraha is classified UNESCO World Heritage.  These « stone forests » contain caves, underground rivers, canyons, where bats, lemurs, birds and a specific flora have adapted. 

Accommodation at your hotel.

Day 7 : Bekopaka – Kirindy

Drive back heading to Morondava, with stop in Kirindy for the overnight ( 140 Km – 7 hours), crossing Manambolo and Tsiribihina rivers by ferry. 

Kirindy forest reserve is located 60 km from Morondava. With a high rate of endemism, it is a real gem of western Madagascar. Besides its wild fauna, the Kirindy forest is also home to lush flora.

We will enjoy a nocturnal walk inside the forest.

Lodging at your hotel.

Day 8 : Visit Kirindy forest reserve – Morondava

This morning will be dedicated to visit Kirindy forest reserve. 

Dominated by majestic baobab trees, this protected area is the only place where the world’s smallest known primate, the giant jumping rat, occurs. This animal can hop like a miniature kangaroo, but is also seen walking on all four limbs. Kirindy is also the best place in the whole island to observe fossa. Seven species of lemurs, 40 birds, 50 reptiles and 15 amphibian species are also found in this magnificent forest.

Heading to Morondava later in the afternoon. Stop at “allée des Baobab” to observe the baobabs at sunset, before reaching your hotel.

Day 9 : Morondava – Tana

Morning at leisure to discover the town of Morondava by foot with its colorful market and its naval carpentry workshop.

In the afternoon, transfer to Morondava airport and fly back to Antananarivo with Tsaradie regular flight.

Meet and transfer to your hotel.

Day 10 : Antananarivo – Fly OUT

Transfer to Ivato international airport for your international return flight.