Stay : Exotic Adventures
Lazing on the beach or visiting the biggest tourist sites is not too much of a cup of tea. You prefer to travel off the beaten track in search of greater authenticity, even if it means sacrificing a little comfort in the process. A hike to the top of the Big Island at Andringitra and an unusual railway experience are on the programme for this one-week to ten-day itinerary.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
11 days
€€ - Charm and comfort
Detail of the stay : Exotic Adventures - 11 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: Ambositra
Steps: Sainte-Marie, Antsirabe, Ambositra
Departure from good morning towards the south to win Ambositra via Antsirabe. A journey of at least six hours by the RN 7 through the Highlands. With its beautiful brick or peaks houses and surrounding mountains, Ambositra is a pleasant step to cut the long journey to the Andringitra in two.
Day 3: Ambalavao
Steps: Morondava, Sainte-Marie, Fianarantsoa, Ambalavao
The southward descent continues on the RN7. After three hours of driving, we arrived in Fianarantsoa. One more hour and here you are in Ambalavao, the symbolic exit gate from the Highlands and the last stop before heading off on an adventure in the Andringitra massif. It is in this village known for its large zebu market that you will spend the night
Day 4: Andringitra
Steps: Parc National De Ranomafana, Ambalavao, Parc National De L'Andringitra
Andringitra Park is about fifty kilometres from Ambalavao. You have earned the right to venture with a guide into a superb granite massif suitable for long walks and completely off the beaten track. The must is then to set off on a two-day excursion to attack Bobby Peak (2,658 m), the highest accessible peak on the island
Day 5: Andringitra
Ideally, camp at the foot of Bobby Peak before dark and do the two-hour ascent in the early morning. At the top, superb panoramic view of the valley. The path to arrive and leave from the peak is also worth a visit with natural swimming pools and a moon-like plateau. Return to the park gates at the end of the day.
Day 6: Fianarantsoa
Steps: Sainte-Marie, Manakara, Fianarantsoa, Ambalavao
Return to the RN 7 in Ambalavao to go north to Fianarantsoa. Visit of the old town on the hills, with its huts with carved wood balconies, narrow alleys and numerous towers. Night on site before taking the next morning the train for Manakara for an unforgettable journey.
Day 7: Manakara
Steps: Manakara, Fianarantsoa
The Fianarantsoa-Manakara FCE railway line is the only one still in operation on the island today. All the more reason to board a timeless train for an unusual 170 km journey through fabulous landscapes. Seventeen stations mark the route and offer an amazing flow of goods at each stop. Arrival in Manakara late in the evening
Day 8: Manakara
Steps: Manakara
After a day on the train, Manakara can be visited very well on foot. The former colonial district of Manakara Be and its avenues along the lagoon are only accessible through this route. An alternative is to take a canoe trip on the Pangalanes Canal to meet shark fishermen
Day 9: Manakara - Tananarive
Steps: Antsirabe, Ambositra, Fianarantsoa
Long return by road via Fianarantsoa, Ambositra and Antsirabe before arriving in Tananarive before sunset. A one-day trip through the Highlands on a paved road is perfectly feasible if you book your taxi for several people.
Day 10: Tananarive
Steps: Tana - Antananarivo
Last full day in Tananarive. The ultimate opportunity to take a look at the Andravoahangy market, northeast of downtown, and the Analakely covered market, in the lower town, to fill up on memories. In the evening, dinner in the city's best restaurants, most of which are located between the upper and lower cities
ANALAKELY
Day 11: Tananarive
Steps: Tana - Antananarivo
Return flight, possibly taking advantage of the artisanal market of La Digue on the way to the airport.
ROUTE DE LA DIGUE
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