Complete immersion in landscapes and cultural life
Two weeks to touch the soul of Madagascar…This is more than a journey it’s a slow, powerful immersion into a land where every step brings you closer to a living tradition, where the hills whisper ancient fady (sacred taboos), and where the trails still echo with the stories of ancestors.
In the heart of Zafimaniry country recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site you’ll walk between hand-carved wooden villages and tiered rice fields that cling to the hillsides. Spend three days fully immersed in a world suspended in time, shaped by human hands and cradled by nature’s grace.
Then comes the call of the heights…
Set out on a three-day trek to conquer Pic Boby, Madagascar’s second-highest peak. At 2,658 meters above sea level, the air is thinner, the views wider, and the adventure begins to turn inward, toward personal triumph and awe.
Next, venture deep into the soul of the Isalo National Park a cathedral of Jurassic sandstone carved by wind and time. For three days, lose yourself in a wilderness of sun-scorched cliffs and dramatic canyons, where every sunset feels painted just for you.
And to crown this epic journey, let your footsteps guide you to a golden beach. Let the rhythm of the waves cradle your memories, as the warm sand becomes the final reward marking the end of a journey that will live on in you forever.
Description
A 2 weeks trekking tour reflecting the life of the people on the Highlands, East and South.
Through this view, we sink into the heart of the Malagasy tradition, the respect for fady (taboos), customs and
traditions that are still applied today.
– We will start with a 3 days trek through the Zafimaniry country ( Antoetra, Sakaivo, Faliarivo, Ankidodo
and Ifasina ), nestled in a beautiful landscape of hills and rice terraces, and classified UNESCO World
Heritage.
– We will hike during 3 days to ascent Pic Boby, the second highest peak of Madagascar with 2.658m. A
hike for altitude and nature lovers, discovering the impressive mountain landscapes and endemic flora.
– Ending with a 3 days trek through Isalo National Park, a rocky formation of Jurassic eroded sandstone
with canyons, cliffs and grasslands.
– You can end the tour relaxing at the beach, for a well-deserved rest after this hard journey
Itinéraire
Arrival at Ivato International airport from your international flight. Welcome and transfer to RELAIS DES PLATEAUX.
Early departure from the capital Antananarivo heading to the South, with a first stage in Ambositra (275 Km/6h). We wil get the possibility to stop on the way in Ambatolampy and Antsirabe for a short visit of these towns.
Once in Ambositra, the capital of wood carving, we will visit the workshop/sale of handicrafts (marquetry, cabinetmaking …).
Accommodation at ARTISAN HOTEL.
1st day trek Zafimaniry : 4h walk
We will start the day driving to Antoetra (25km / 1h30), the starting point of our hiking tour through the country of the ZAFIMANIRY tribe, which will last three days. The Zafimaniry country,, nestled in a beautiful landscape of hills and rice terraces, is classified UNESCO World Heritage. The Zafimaniry people are known for the particular architecture of their ancestral houses and the art of wood carving. In the country of Zafimaniry, there are no roads, only pedestrian paths. As a result, we will find some remote villages in the depths of the mountains, intact old traditions, and authentic hospitality. Today we will do a four hours walk from Antoetra to Sakaivo.
We will stay overnight in tents next to this beautiful village.
2nd day trek Zafimaniry : 8h walk
Today, eight hours walk through Zafimaniry country. A nice view and another aspect of Zafimaniry villages will be the highlights of this journey. Here and there we can even see people designing carved objects.
We will stay overnight in tents near the village of Ankidodo.
3rd and last day trek Zafimaniry : 5h walk
Five hours walk through the Zafimaniry villages, from Faliarivo to Antoetra via Ifasina.
We will reach Antoetra by the beginning of the afternoon to resume our route and continue towards Fianarantsoa (150 Km/4h).
Accommodation at ZOMATEL.
1st day trek Andringitra : Namoly – Imaitso 8 Km / 2h30
First we will drive to Ambalavao (56 km/1h30) and visit the Antemoro paper handmade factory.Then 2h drive until Namoly (45 Km of bad track requiring a 4WD), from where we will start our 4 days trek to ascent of Peak Boby, Madagascar’s second highest mountain: 2.658 m (the highest is not accessible).
Night under tents in the Park.
2nd day trek Andringitra : 11 km / 6h.
Hiking in the Andringitra National Park requires a good level of fitness and stamina. A large part of the path consists of rocky steps built by the park office; the rest of the path might require some scrambling over rocks and walking downhill on slippery rock surfaces. Previous hill walking experience is therefore required for this trek. Waterproof hiking boots that offer a good grip on the rock are an absolute must, too.
Camping in the Park.
3rd day trek Andringitra : 21,5 Km / 8h
Three hours walk to the summit of Peak Boby, from where we have a breathtaking view of the mountains of Andringitra and the Tsaranoro valley, and five hours to come down to Antaranaomby, our last night in this area.
4th and last day trek Andringitra : 13 Km / 5h
Five hours walk to Tsaranoro Valley. We leave the massif of Andringitra to reach the valley of Tsaranoro with its granite cliffs, crossing villages and grasslands.
Lodging at CAMP CATTA.
Rest day at the foot of the Tsaranoro massif;
Stunning landscapes, out-of-time living villages, the beautiful and strange massif of Andringitra will enchant nature lovers. Possibility to visit a sacred forest inhabited by Ring-tailed Lemurs, a waterfall, a natural pool, and nearby villages: a unique opportunity to discover the traditional life of this isolated population.
Accommodation at CAMP CATTA.
1st day trek Isalo : 2h30 walk
Five hours drive on a good road to Isalo (230km). We leave the mountains of the highlands for the plateau of Horombe, the landscape becomes more and more desert.
As soon as we arrive, we start our trekking tour through the Isalo National Park, a rocky formation of Jurassic eroded sandstone with canyons, cliffs and grasslands. Today we will walk to the « Rats Canyon » (2h30).
Camping with a fantastic view of Isalo.
2nd day trek Isalo : 9h walk
Among the highlights of this day the « Maki Canyon », the breathtaking view of the plateau, the amazing Isalo landscape, and the « Cascade des Nymphes », where we can observe Ring-tailed Lemurs, Red-fronted Brown Lemurs, and chameleons.
At the end of the day, we can refresh ourselves at the edge of the “Piscine Bleue et Noire” (Blue and Black Pool).
Camping in Namaza site.
3rd and last day trek Isalo : 3h walk
Last three hours walk to go out of Isalo National Park passing by the “Piscine Naturelle”, and then we reach our car to drive to Ifaty (240km/4h). Mahafaly tombs and amazing baobabs are the highlights of the program.
Overnight at LES DUNES D’IFATY.
Full day at leisure in Ifaty. Several types of activities are offered to us: cruise with Vezo dugout, ride with a zebu cart and visit the spiny forest of Reniala, snorkeling, diving, or simply relax on the beach…
Lodging at LES DUNES D’IFATY.
According to the flight schedule, transfer to Tulear airport (1h30) and fly back to Antananarivo with Tsaradia regular flight.
Accommodation at RELAIS DES PLATEAUX.
Transfer to Ivato international airport for your international return flight.
Complete immersion in landscapes and cultural life
