Stay : The Sakalava country: between Tsingy and baobabs
The great classic of the western circuits of the Big Island of Madagascar. Two weeks of diverse and varied adventures among which the descent in dugout of the Tsiribihina, a pilgrimage in the immense mineral cathedral of the big Tsingy or an unforgettable sunset at the end of the baobab alley.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
13 days
€€ - Charm and comfort
Detail of the stay : The Sakalava country: between Tsingy and baobabs - 13 days
Day 1: Tananarive
Steps: Tana - Antananarivo
Arrival in Tananarive. Stroll on the cobblestones of the upper town from the Independence Square to the Queen's Palace to see the surrounding sacred hills, the Voyron fort, the zoological and botanical park of Tsimbazaza, the Mahamasina stadium or the lakes Anosy and Mandroseza. Night in Tananarive.
Day 2: Antsirabe
Steps: Antsirabe
Transfer to Antsirabe, 180 km to the south for about three hours of driving on a paved road. Visit of the city on foot or by rickshaw to appreciate the colonial architecture of this ancient thermal city with multiple hot and gaseous springs nestled at an altitude of more than 1400 m. Night in Antsirabe.
Day 3: Miandrivazo
Steps: Miandrivazo
Transfer for Miandrivazo 220 km west for about 5-6 hours of journey. The asphalt road stops here and it is now necessary to choose between the track and the river if you want to continue. Changing climate and atmosphere with tropical heat burst. Night in Miandrivazo.
Day 4: River Tsiribihina
Transfer to Masiakampy wharf before settling in a canoe to start a two and a half day cruise on the river Tsiribihina. Therefore, the fauna and flora will not stop turning for 150 km in the company of lemurs and crocodiles. Night in bivouac at the edge of the river.
Day 5: Tsiribihina River
Steps: Antsirabe
Continuation of the descent of the Tsiribihina. The forest succeeds to the mangrove which passes the baton to sandy banks between two gorges cut in the limestone. Do not forget to greet the natives who live near the river in sometimes very rudimentary habitats. New night in bivouac.
Day 6: River Tsiribihina
Steps: Belo-Sur-Tsiribihina
Continuation and end of the descent from the Tisiribihina to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, the terminus of the cruise. Transfer of kilometres in the middle of savannah to the village of Bekopaka, on the other side of the river Manambolo that is traversed by ferry or canoe. The National Park of Tsingy is no longer far away. Night in Bekopaka.
Day 7: De de Bemaraha
Steps: Tsingy De Bemaraha
Morning walk in the labyrinth of the small Tsingy of Bemaraha, a small foretaste of the big, and then descent into a canoe in the afternoon in the steep gorges of the river Manambolo. In the evening, walking in the surrounding forest in search and listening to nocturnal animals, including lemurs with green eyes. Night in Bekopaka.
Day 8: Tsingy of Bemaraha
Steps: Belo-Sur-Tsiribihina, Tsingy De Bemaraha
A rather sporty hike in the great Tsingy of Bemaraha using ladders, carabiners and harnesses to climb this majestic limestone cathedral, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once at the top you will discover one of the most beautiful geological spectacles ever produced by nature. Night in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina.
Day 9: Baobab Alley
Steps: Morondava
Departure in the direction of Morondava and obligatory stop at the entrance of the legendary baobab alley, the most photographed site of the country with its majestic alignment of three of the seven endemic species that Madagascar counts. Do not forget to surprise the two baobabs in love. Return to Morondava after sunset.
Day 10: Belo-sur-Mer
Steps: Morondava, Belo-Sur-Mer
Transfer to Belo-sur-Mer 80 km south of Morondava for about 4 hours on a difficult track. A long break off the tourist trails with, upon arrival, the discovery of a charming fishing village with all wood and fences. Visit to the Naval and Schooners shipyard. Night in Belo-sur-Mer.
Day 11: Morondava
Steps: Morondava
Return to Morondava. Swimming on the beaches of the peninsula of Nosy Kely ("the tourist village") along the Mozambique Channel, visit of the very animated market of the city center or a walk in the zoological park of Menabe to meet crocodiles, lemurs, chameleons and... ostriches! Night in Morondava.
Day 12: Tananarive
Steps: Tana - Antananarivo
Flight to Tananarive to avoid the interminable return by taxi-brousse by road which will make you lose the whole day. Once back in the capital, visit the market of Andravoahangy, north-east of the city center, and the covered market ofAnalakely in the lower town to buy souvenirs. Last night in Tananarive.
ANALAKELY
Day 13: Tananarive
Steps: Tana - Antananarivo
Return flight, possibly taking advantage of the La Digue craft market on the way to the airport.
ROUTE DE LA DIGUE
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