Travel and transport agencies Route Du Sud

Specialized in solidarity tourism, Nintsy, the manager of this small agency, also a passionate photographer, offers above all human adventures. The contact with the local populations is always valued, with off-the-beaten-track tours that favor meetings with the villagers. Saha Travel proposes to discover the classics of Madagascar in a different way, ethical trips, solidarity hikes in rural areas, humanitarian stays, photo tours... authentic and respectful of nature, people and cultures.

Based in Antsirabe, this travel agency offers original tours, punctuated by beautiful encounters, excursions to discover the region and the know-how of its inhabitants: afternoon with a blacksmith, meeting with Malagasy musicians, initiation to pottery, discovery of a traditional soap factory, visits to Antsirabe or the village of Betafo. The benefits of the agency are donated to the NGO Grandir à Antsirabe. Specialized in the Vakinankaratra region, the local team creates unique regional tours!

This agency, well established in Mada since 1994, is the specialist of trekking in the Makay massif. For small groups of 4 people minimum, they propose a 9 days expedition in the North, another 15 days in the South and a grandiose Trans-Makay from North to South of 22 days (including 16 days of trek)! Superb.

If the service resumes during your visit, the journey from Fianarantsoa to Manakara with the "small train of the cliffs" is an expedition not to be missed. The railroad was built between 1927 and 1936 by Chinese workers but the rails come from Alsace! An "adventure" rich in discoveries, in emotions, a little exhausting but unique awaits you. Note: the road from Ranomafana to Manakara offers undoubtedly more beautiful panoramas, but it is difficult to penetrate the daily reality of these small stations that nobody knows.

The train serves 20 villages between Fianarantsoa and Manakara.

From Fianarantsoa to Manakara: departures on Tuesdays and Saturdays around 7am.

From Manakara to Fianarantsoa : departures on Wednesdays and Sundays around 6:45 am.

Approximate travel time: in theory from 8 to 12 hours for 163 km... I might as well warn you, it can take up to 24 hours! The local population depends on this train, which is their only contact with the outside world. As a result, the transport of goods becomes very important: the stops in the stations are made according to what there is to load and unload. There is also the possibility of a derailment, of course, which can cause a considerable mess in the planning of your trip. Therefore, plan one or two days in your schedule if you want to try the adventure.

The prices of the tickets were at the last news 100 000 Ar for the way Fianarantsoa-Manakara. The easiest way is to contact the guides' association to help you book.

On the rails. This trip is a slow journey in the heart of the Malagasy reality, an immersion in an aspect of the life of the deep country. The hours pass quickly so much there is to feel, to see, to hear, and to meet. You can walk, stretch your legs, read, stroll during the stops. The track is often quite steep from the Highlands (Fianarantsoa is at an altitude of more than 1,200 m) to the coast. First, the cars cross beautiful rice terraces punctuated by graceful Betsileo houses and large areas devoted to Sahambavy tea and vineyards. Then, once crossed the Sahambavy river, the forest spaces punctuated with hibiscus, jasmine, flamboyants and mimosas begin.

At about forty kilometers from Fianarantsoa, once past the locality of Ranomena, the railroad that now borders a long cliff descends a very steep slope punctuated by bridges crossing rivers, running along rapids, before crossing the Mandriampotsy falls. From then on, the Indian Ocean becomes perceptible on the horizon beyond the forest tops punctuated with majestic ravenalas. And the villages follow one another: Madiorano, the coffee growing center of Tolongoina, Manampatrana. Each stop sees an exchange between travelers and inhabitants of the surrounding villages: fruits, drinks, cigarettes, precious stones are negotiated in the corridors, on the platforms, in the undergrowth, until the departure. Further on, the train crosses Sahasinaka and enters the coastal regions whose vegetation cover is largely degraded, the large forest giving way to a mixed vegetation where ravenala dominates. At the level of Ambila the marshes mark the beginning of the historical regions of Antaimoro, then the train continues to the port of Manakara and the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Association presided by Decky, confirmed professional. With his acolytes Angelo, Lala, Eric, Fano, William the Rasta and Eugene, they know the region well, speak perfect French and work for the best agencies in Mada. Many ideas: descent of the Mahatsiatra river, visit of Andrabovato, Soatanana, the Anja forest, Fianar or Ambatomainty, or even a one week tour on the Manody plateau. The income also helps to create schools in the region.

Ranomafana has about fifty official local guides. They are the ones who will make the visit of the national park. Passionate, they share the maximum of information with their guests. They also created a school nursery in 2020, the idea is to replant endemic spaces around the park to increase the surface of the latter and to sensitize the population and the schoolchildren. We can even plant trees. Hery (+261 34 89 109 21), Edmond (+261 33 20 523 12) or Gladice (+261 34 71 330 61) are 3 of the guides that we have tested and approve!

Since Adafi, a former official guide in all of Mada, took over the Betsileo Country Lodge, he is keen to develop activities and excursions, which are open to all: to the guests of his hotel and to others. Bicycle tour, visit of the Anja reserve, hike in the beautiful surroundings of Ambavalo, or even further to the Bobby peak, he will not be stingy in recommendations and will know how to put you in the hands of a reliable guide! We recommend him.

Gégé-Laurent is an official guide since 2008 and he knows the region perfectly. Passionate about plants and the Betsileo culture, he will accompany you for visits of a few hours, a day or treks of several days. Ambalavao-Vohipeno-Manakara trek, Andringitra circuit; Ambalavao to Anja trek or Tsaranoro valley trek... You just have to ask him, he will be happy to help you! He also works with the Betsileo Country Lodge.

As a committed agency, Mahay Expedition offers different formulas highlighting responsible and sustainable tourism, which it defends as a real vector of development throughout Madagascar. The agency has been awarded the ^1st trophies of sustainable travel in France. Mahay Expedition offers several trekking tours of different levels and duration in the heart of the Makay massif. Their sustainable and responsible approach in the organization, the management of their teams and the protection of this fragile environment are adapted to this so particular environment. We recommend it!

This association, created by guides approved by the Ministry of Tourism, is made up of several French and English professional guides. It proposes, in particular, a 13 km circuit from Ambalavao: 7 hours walking through beautiful landscapes located on the highlands of Madagascar in the country Betsileo. This course will allow you to discover a traditional village, the rice terraces on the terrace and the tombaux before finishing in the Anja forest. A 2-hour Anja visit can also be organized. The association also offers visits from the National Park Andringitra, where the 2nd highest summit on the island is located.

Rigobert and his sidekick Herman will take you to discover the surroundings of Manakara, along the canal. The programs are dedicated to the discovery of the authenticity of the Pengalanes Canal, its fauna and flora, discovery of the local life, visit of essential oil distilleries, passage in fishermen's villages, from whom the meals are bought (fish, lobster, camaron, etc.). Organization of full day or multi-day tours (in bivouac).

Momo is an experienced guide who knows his region like the back of his hand and offers safe hiking trips from 1 to 7 days (or even more for the most experienced) in the Isalo Park, in the Makay Massif, or along the Mangoky River. The rates include the remuneration of the guides and porters who accompany you as well as the food and the camping equipment. In close partnership with local communities, the team hopes to offer an unforgettable experience, regularly creating new trekking routes to suit all levels.

Regional guide since 2011, native of Ranohira, Dolphin knows the region inside out. He is an official guide of the Isalo Park (fixed rates) and can also organize excursions in the whole region such as mountain biking, trekking in Hazofotsy, cultural visits in the villages around Ranohira and even further depending on your needs. Passionate, attentive and having at heart to do well, Dolphin is a guide of great confidence, tested and approved!

The proposals are numerous: visit of the old city of Fianarantsoa, stroll in Vatosola, visit of the village of the potters, descent in traditional dugout on the Mahatsiatra river, trek to the meeting of the Betsileo, circuit in the park of Ranomafana... Mad-Trekking is based in Fianarantsoa, and this agency organizes excursions and tours in the region, but also in the rest of the country. Mad-Trekking has a team of experienced tour guides and drivers. The agency has some guest houses in Fianarantsoa.

For Antananarivo, count 13 hours of road. Bush cabs leave at 7 am and 6:30 pm. Count 35 000 Ar approximately.

For Manakara, count 13 000 Ar; for Mananjary, count 13 000 Ar. Departures all day long as soon as a taxi-brousse is full.

For Ambalavao, departures three times a day for 2 500 Ar.

For Tulear, in the morning at 7:30 and 8:00 am and in the evening at 5:30 pm, for 27 000 Ar.

Comfort option: Cotisse minibuses offer 3 daily departures from Tana to Fianarantsoa for 25 000 Ar in complete safety. We recommend it!

Offers a three-day minicroisière to Mahanoro in the north. Options for up to five days/four nights. For the classical journey, you sleep in Ambohitsara (Europe Bungalows Travel or bivouac), in Nosy Varika (hotel Ravinala, common health, limited comfort but ok), Masomeloka (the cottage called Muslim has limited comfort). Also provides the cruise in three days/two nights to Manakara. Also for day trips to the villages of Ambonato, Pandemana, Mahela, Anilavinany…

Dolphin, Olivier, José, Pépin, Léonard... The eco-tourist guides of Isalo are numerous and experienced. Lovers of nature and their region, they will accompany you in the Isalo National Park to discover the best. Do not hesitate to discuss with them before hiring them and especially during your walks and hikes: they are the greatest connoisseurs of the region and they will be happy to do everything to make your trip unforgettable!

Safety first and foremost. This is the company's number one rule, which provides a daily shuttle service between Tana and Antsirabe, on board comfortable minibuses. Punctuality is required. Drivers are qualified and trained on carefully serviced vehicles. A good alternative to public transport, if you want to avoid the bush taxi.

Mada Ile Passions is a travel agency and tour operator located in Antsirabe, Madagascar. They offer a variety of tourism-related services, such as guided tours, excursions and accommodation bookings.