Madagascar in the heart of men

Madagascar in the heart of men

Madagascar is known to be a nature sanctuary. Malagasy biodiversity is unique in the world, it is more than 90% endemic. But Madagascar is also a mixture of culture, beliefs and a little bit of Africa and Asia. With this course we offer you to vibrate Madagascar through a unique journey, full of meeting and exchange. A journey that advocates the coming together of different cultures. A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of Madagascar.

Itinerary

Day 1: ANTANANARIVO - ANTSIRABE

Stop At: Ambatolampy, Ambatolampy, Antananarivo Province
Early departure for Antsirabe. Head to the south of Madagascar. On the way, discover the rural world of the highlands: landscapes, villages surrounded by rice fields, architecture, lifestyle ...
Stop at the city of Ambatolampy known for the manufacture of aluminum pots: visit a family workshop on site.
Arrival at Antsirabe, spa town, developed by Norwegian missionaries. It is the first agricultural city as well as the second industrial city of Madagascar, evidenced by the superb bourgeois houses. Free lunch.
Arriving on Antsirabe, departure for the discovery of lakes Tritriva and Andraikiba.

Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel with private sanitary and hot water

Day 2: ANTSIRABE - FIANARANTSOA

Stop At: Ambositra, Ambositra, Fianarantsoa Province
Departure very early for the Zafimaniry country. On the way for 6 hours through mountains and valleys half naked because of the practice of "tavy", practiced by several generations of Zafimaniry. Crossing of typical villages. Lunch in Ambositra then for the capital Betsileo. Crossing the typical landscapes of the highlands, between terraced rice fields and terracotta houses. Free lunch.
Afternoon tea plantation visit. Ms. Fideline will welcome us and guide us through the different machines to explain the different stages of tea processing. After seeing the passages from the leaves to the tea bagged for export and packaging, we will taste the different qualities of tea and then we will walk through the immense plantation decorated with a magnificent landscape.


Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel with private sanitary and hot water

Day 3: FIANARANTSOA - SOLIDARITY TOURISM

Stop At: Ambalavao, Ambalavao, Fianarantsoa Province
4 hours of walking and about 400m + and 350m- of cumulative elevation
Departure to join the town of Ambohimahamasina which is 45km east of Ambalavao. 3 hours by car on the RN7 to Ambalavao and 45km on the track to your destination. From the capital of the Municipality of Ambohimahamasina, we will embark on a one hour hike passing through the village of Andranomangitsy and staying at the foot of the Angavoa mountain. The path finally gives a view of the magnificent village of Andalandranovao located at the foot of terraced rice fields where our first guests await us to serve us the first rice-based breakfast. We stay with them for the time to share the meal and then continue east towards the village of Vohimarina in order to approach the Itaolana mountain. From the valley bottom bordered by rice fields, the summit that we will climb the next day looms before us in all its splendor, covered with its adornment of sacred primary forest. This first little walk will give a taste of the stay we are going to spend together. After dark, a warm welcome awaits you at a lodge in the village of Itaolana. The whole family is happy to have a few hosts with whom to share board and lodging.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Night at the inhabitant's

Day 4: SOLIDARITY TOURISM

Pass By: Ambohimahamasina, Madagascar
6 hours of walking and 591m +, 716m- cumulative elevation

On the second day, you will climb the two peaks of Itaolana mountain, one of the three sacred mountains of 1489m above sea level. We will evolve for 3 hours, first of all in the middle of cultures on tavy where you will meet the first two posts of the kingdom's guard. The guide will perform the saotra (request to the ancestors) for the smooth running of the hike, then we will enter the heart of the primary forest. We will then pass the third guard post to reach the first summit and the King's stele. To reach the second summit which is 30 minutes from the first, we will continue the path through the rainforest to then approach a line of ridges which offer a splendid view. On one side the humid forest of the East of the country Tanala, and on the other the territory of the Commune with in the background the massif of Andringitra. We will finally start the descent through the forest for 2 hours, to reach the villages, the rice fields, the eucalyptus forests of the inhabited valleys. Arrival in the village of Ambalahazo with our host. Ten minutes away is a lake where an association of village women develops craft activities that we will visit.


Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Night at the inhabitant's

Day 5: SOLIDARITY TOURISM - AMBALAVAO

Stop At: Ambalavao, Ambalavao, Fianarantsoa Province
5 hours of walking and 376m +, 292m- of cumulative elevation

After breakfast in the cool of dawn, we will start by going to visit a craft forge to discover the art of shaping agricultural tools. Here, the blacksmith will introduce you to some gesture with the hammer and the bellows in hand. After this exchange of know-how back to the cottage for lunch, then we will visit the weavers and discover how wild silk is worked. To end the stay, return to Ambohimahamasina, the chief town, then drive to Ambalavao.


Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel with private sanitary and hot water

Day 6: AMBALAVAO - ANDRINGITRA

Stop At: Parc National de l'Andringitra, Ambalavao Madagascar
4 hours of walking and 400 m elevation

Early morning departure towards the Andringitra massif. Visit to an Antemoro paper-making workshop. In Ambalavao, you will attack the track which leads to the entrance of the national park for about 45 km. Superb landscapes that you will have time to contemplate given the condition of the track.
In Namoly, you will enter the park and start your first day of hiking in this park to go to the royal bath and join the campsite at Andriampotsy for a duration of approximately 4 hours of walking and 400 m of difference in height.
Your first bivouac will take place at the Andriampotsy camp site, at the foot of huge granite cliffs, at an altitude of 2050 m.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Bivouacs in the mountains

Day 7: ANDRINGITRA

Stop At: Parc National de l'Andringitra, Ambalavao Madagascar
7 to 8 hours of walking and 600m + 900m of elevation

Early wake up with the first rays of the sun and departure to attack the ascent of Boby peak. The ridge on which the summit is located is very exposed to the climatic influences of the East with high humidity which can quickly cover the summits and thus spoil your beautiful climb to this prestigious peak of Madagascar. After only 2 and a half hours of walking, you will reach the peak where you can enjoy an exceptional panorama of the whole region. In very good weather, you can even see the Isalo massif further south. Descend then continue on the "extra-terrestrial" circuit. You will quickly understand why this circuit is called that. Surreal lunar landscapes in a very mountainous setting that you will not forget. On the descent after this superb landscape you cross the endemic palm forest of this "ravenea glauca" slope until the camping of Iantaranomby at the edge of a river in which you can refresh yourself.

Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Bivouacs in the mountains

Day 8: ANDRINGITRA

Stop At: Sacred Forest - Tsaranoro valley, Sacred Forest, Madagascar
4 hours of walking and 700m of elevation

Departure after breakfast for the descent to the Tsaranoro valley.
Opportunity to see Pachypodium enchyflorum, different species of aloe and lizards.
Once a foot of the massif, the path continues through several villages of Barabory.
Here the Betsileo and Bara culture mixes.
From the village of Morarano, you will cross this magnificent Tsaranoro valley;


Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel with private sanitary and hot water

Day 9: TSARANORO

Stop At: Sacred Forest - Tsaranoro valley, Sacred Forest, Madagascar
Possible excursion in the day picnic provided.

- Hara Aravatra circuit: Short half-day ride, with a fairly steep drop over a short distance. Departure from the camp through the rice fields, then climb to the top of the hill for about an hour. We start to descend, then we branch off to a small forest where the ring-tailed lemurs live. There is still an hour of descent to return to the camp, with a beautiful view of the rice terraces and the surrounding villages.

- Sacred Forest and Village Circuit: Duration 4h. This circuit begins with the developed track, borrowed by the local population which crosses fields of cassava and rice fields. You will pass by the village of Andonaka and will be able to visit the green school of Tsaranoro. Then you reach the sacred forest by a small path. You are now in the territory of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur Catta). The sacred forest is also a place where you will find many Bara and Betsileo tombs. A natural swimming pool is added to the enchantment of this forest. You will then continue through rice terraces. The village of Soavahiny ("where foreigners are welcome") is not far away. Finally, before returning to Tsara Camp, you can stop at the dispensary, the visit is very informative and the need for drugs is high.

- Mont Caméléon circuit: It is a day hike. From the camp, there is a 4 hour walk to reach the top of the Chameleon. On the last part of the climb, there is a difficult passage: you must not be dizzy! Upon arrival, you will have a superb view of the Tsaranoro Valley. Picnic lunch will be taken at the top. To descend, it takes about 2 hours. Along the way, you can discover several endemic plant species, such as euphorbia, pachypodium resolatum, aloes, kalanchoe

- Tsaranoro circuit: It is a day hike. You leave early in the morning. From the camp, there are 4 to 4 and a half hours of walking to reach behind the top of the Tsaranoro (Mount Tsaranoro itself is only accessible by climbing). In the middle of the hill you will find the Bara tombs inserted in the hill itself. On the last part of the climb, there is a difficult passage. Upon arrival, you will have a superb view of the mountains of South Malagasy. The picnic lunch will be taken at the top, behind the Tsaranoro. To descend, it takes about 3 hours.
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- THE PARAGLIDER IN THE VALLEY. An exceptional view over the valley! The valley offers 5 paragliding jump points, depending on the wind. Baptisms are possible. For the sake of efficiency, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance if you plan to jump in a paraglider.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel with private sanitary and hot water

Day 10: TSARANORO - RANOHIRA

Stop At: Isalo National Park, Isalo Madagascar
Departure for Isalo. The southern road which leads to Ranohira then takes on the air of solitude with granite monoliths and more sparse vegetation. Beyond the town of Ihosy, the famous Ihorombe plateau stretches endlessly and finally ends up facing the sumptuous Isalo massif. Free lunch.
In the afternoon, installation at the hotel.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel with private sanitary and hot water

Day 11: ISALO NATIONAL PARK

Stop At: Isalo National Park, Isalo Madagascar
6h walk, 500m drop

Transfer to Ranohira Basse.
After a short approach walk at the foot of the huge cliffs, some forest relics have survived which shelter some lemurs, including the ring-tailed lemur, recognizable by its long tail decorated with white and black rings, and the all-white sifaka, tireless jumper. With luck and silence, it is possible to surprise them at the bend of the path which winds between the trees and the boulders. The canyons open their doors and reveal their splendors to the curious who dare to venture into their entrails. The immense walls overwhelm their size and reveal real treasures hidden in an unusual setting.
Back in the sun, and climb to the ridges of Isalo from where you can enjoy a superb panorama to the north. Once these fantastic walls have been crossed, the originality of the forms due to erosion over several thousand years opens its heart. Throughout the circuit, astonishment succeeds surprises, so much the forms, the colors and the vegetation knew how to develop exceptional landscapes! After 4 hours of walking in this mineral desert under a blazing sun, this is the reward of this hard day: the natural swimming pool and its welcoming waters. A well-deserved bath and a soothing sunset conclude this end of the day. Meal at the campsite and overnight in bivouac.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Bivouac in the park

Day 12: ISALO NATIONAL PARK - TULEAR - IFATY

Stop At: Ifaty, Ifaty, Toliara Province
4 hours of walking and 200m drop and 4 hours of driving

Breakfast in the cool of the morning (the nights are a little cool!), Under the first rays of the sun. The walk begins easily with the crossing of a plateau resembling African savannah. Then begins the descent to the bottom of a steep valley on a well-laid out path with its stairs for the safety of "other" less adventurous tourists. And at the bottom flows the Namaza, at the edge of which a pleasant forest protecting from the sun shelters somewhat shy lemurs. Going up the river for about 30 minutes, you arrive at the sumptuous Nymphs' waterfall and its welcoming cool waters, in a dark setting where the sun never pierces the crystal clear waters.
Transfer to Tulear. Passage to Ilakaka, the city of sapphire and Transfer to Mangily.
A small seaside village in the south of the island, facing one of the largest lagoons in the world.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Night in a bungalow with private bathroom by the sea

Day 13: IFATY

Stop At: Ifaty, Ifaty, Toliara Province
The lagoon of Ranobe or Ifaty is a world famous dive site and one of the most beautiful lagoons on the planet, it offers more than 40km of exceptional dive sites which are among the most popular on the Big Island. With its crystal clear waters, this lagoon is a real ecological gem because of its extremely rich flora and fauna. It has two large passes which each guarantee a fascination for all the divers who come there to contemplate its very typical landscapes.
Emerging hot and cold currents support and feed large amounts of microscopic plankton and krill, the main food source that supports a wide range of species - up to 46 types of coral and over 400 species of fish, alone. A glance at a nautical chart reveals another deep secret: canyons winding along the coral reef, offering exceptional dive sites and healthy coral habitats.

Example of a diving site:

Massif des roses, Coral garden (inside the lagoon)
Where you can see stonefish, lionfish, scorpionfish, parrots, sting rays and torpedoes.
Juliette Cave, Akio, Cathedral (in the passes)
where we begin an encounter with glass fish, groupers, groupers then in the faults cut in the rock, a labyrinth for rays, barracudas, rays and red carp.
Bevato, Tortuga, Snapper Point (outside the lagoon)
where we meet Javanese moray eels, black spots rays, hunchback snappers, manta rays and sharks

Walk to do around:

Visit of the baobab forest in a Zébu cart included in the price
Visit to Vezo fishing villages included in the price
Visit of the Reniala reserve included in the price

You can also relax on the beach.
Night at the hotel

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Night in a bungalow with private bathroom by the sea

Day 14: IFATY

Stop At: Ifaty, Ifaty, Toliara Province
The lagoon of Ranobe or Ifaty is a world famous dive site and one of the most beautiful lagoons on the planet, it offers more than 40km of exceptional dive sites which are among the most popular on the Big Island. With its crystal clear waters, this lagoon is a real ecological gem because of its extremely rich flora and fauna. It has two large passes which each guarantee a fascination for all the divers who come there to contemplate its very typical landscapes.
Emerging hot and cold currents support and feed large amounts of microscopic plankton and krill, the main food source that supports a wide range of species - up to 46 types of coral and over 400 species of fish, alone. A glance at a nautical chart reveals another deep secret: canyons winding along the coral reef, offering exceptional dive sites and healthy coral habitats.

Example of a diving site:

Massif des roses, Coral garden (inside the lagoon)
Where you can see stonefish, lionfish, scorpionfish, parrots, sting rays and torpedoes.
Juliette Cave, Akio, Cathedral (in the passes)
where we begin an encounter with glass fish, groupers, groupers then in the faults cut in the rock, a labyrinth for rays, barracudas, rays and red carp.
Bevato, Tortuga, Snapper Point (outside the lagoon)
where we meet Javanese moray eels, black spots rays, hunchback snappers, manta rays and sharks

Walk to do around:

Visit of the baobab forest in a Zébu cart included in the price
Visit to Vezo fishing villages included in the price
Visit of the Reniala reserve included in the price

You can also relax on the beach.
Night at the hotel

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Night in a bungalow with private bathroom by the sea

Day 15: IFATY - TANA AND RETURN FLIGHT

Stop At: Ivato, Ivato, Fianarantsoa Province
Transfer to the airport and flight to Tana. Reception and transfer to the hotel for Day Use
Depending on flight schedule, possibility of discovering the Malagasy capital and its markets.
We start the visit with Ambohimanga or the blue hill which is World Cultural Heritage by UNSECO. A palace of the Kings which preserves a large part of Malagasy history. After the visit, have lunch in a local restaurant then continue to the Old Town to learn more about most of the history of Merina and Madagascar. Panoramic view of Antananarivo, view from afar of the Queen's Palace (under construction), visit of the Palace of Andafiavaratra which houses the exhibition of objects saved from the fire of the Queen's Palace in 1995. The Place d'Andohalo which is the oldest public square in Antananarivo. To end this long day, visit the artisanal markets for souvenirs. Return to the hotel to change and take a shower.
Transfer to the airport in the evening. End of our services.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.