River Trip
Bivouac
Wild Nature
Baobabs
The Essence of the Journey
"Exit the stress; you are living unforgettable moments. Our dugout will not disturb the colonies of herons, and the meditation is guaranteed by the whistle of night insects under a starry sky."
Daily Plan
Arrival in Antananarivo
Arrival at Ivato International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Fully immerse yourself in your first exploration of the "City of a Thousand," one of the world's most picturesque capitals, where rice paddies stretch as far as the eye can see. Like a pyramid whose base seems to extend to infinity, Antananarivo is built on three levels, crowned by the iconic Queen's Palace, currently undergoing restoration. Visit Ambohimanga, the "Blue Hill," and the old town, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Antananarivo - Antsirabe
We choose to depart early to discover the Imerina countryside as it awakens, with its rolling landscapes, hamlets with mud walls, and ubiquitous rice paddies. At kilometer 170 of the RN7, also known as the Southern Route, Antsirabe, Madagascar's premier thermal spa, enjoys a particularly invigorating climate. In the afternoon, we'll treat ourselves to a rickshaw ride between visits to lapidary and artisan workshops. Overnight stay at a hotel, according to the client's choice.
Antsirabe - Miandrivazo
We won't leave the City of Water without a short detour to Lake Tritriva, Madagascar's most famous volcanic lake. We'll then head west, the fertile lands of Vakinankaratra gradually giving way to the arid landscape of Bongolava. Miandrivazo, on the banks of the Mahajilo River, a tributary of the Tsiribihina, will be our port of embarkation. This region is renowned for having some of the highest temperatures in Madagascar! Relaxation at the Coin d'Or or Rasalimo hotel.
The River Journey Begins
Boarding at 8:00 am after breakfast, followed by a trip in a flat-bottomed dugout canoe, where the starkly beautiful landscapes of western Madagascar will unfold before our eyes. We'll make as many stops as you like to stretch your legs in pristine nature and observe endemic bird species such as whistling ducks, egrets, herons, and chameleons. Lunch break at midday: the guide-cook will prepare a meal featuring meat (zebu, fish, chicken, and vegetables, of course), made exclusively with fresh ingredients! We'll then resume our journey until evening, setting up camp on a sandbar. Meditation is guaranteed to the sound of nocturnal insects under a magnificent starry sky…
Gorges & Waterfalls
Crossing the gorge through the imposing Bemaraha massif is one of the highlights of the descent. Fantastic landscapes, a dry deciduous forest, and diverse wildlife await, including must-see lemurs such as the glassy-tailed lemur (or fulvus), the very rare Madagascar fish eagle (or "Ankoay"), and large, talkative parrots. Take a dip in a natural pool fed by the crystal-clear water of a beautiful waterfall. With a bit of luck, you might even spot lemurs drinking there.
Antseraraka Village
We have breakfast on a sandbank, as usual, then head back out to sea, with tobacco fields as our backdrop. It's said that Greek migrants started this intensive cultivation at the end of the 19th century. Under the impassive gaze of black-headed herons, our boats glide past the rocks where schools of flying foxes hang suspended. At the end of the river, we take a zebu cart to the village of Antseraraka. After a three-hour drive, we spend the night in the bungalow.
Avenue of Baobabs
After breakfast, we take the road to Morondava in a 4x4, passing through the famous Avenue of the Baobabs. Overnight at the Hotel Bougainvillier or similar.
Departure
Morning at leisure before your flight back or continuation. End of the adventure.
Trip Summary
An authentic immersion into the heart of the Malagasy West.
Photo Gallery
