Travel Guide Descente De La Manambolo

If you think the Tsiribihina descent is too popular, or if you'd like to try something different, or if even more adventure inspires you, you can descend the Manambolo, from May to November (with little current from June to September). Mad Caméléon is the historic agency that organizes the expedition, and Mada Expéditions offers a trip down the river in traditional pirogues. This is more or less the itinerary, as revised in 2023 by Luc Babin of Mada Expéditions (many thanks to him). According to all those who took part in the trip, it was an unforgettable experience: a mix of 4x4 off-roading, trekking on foot and a descent of the river to reach the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. A unique experience in close contact with Malagasy nature and the local population!Day 1: We head for Ampefy, west of Antananarivo. We cross the highlands to reach the volcanic region of Ampefy and Tsiroanomandidy, further west, a semi-desert region renowned for its zebu market. It's already hot and the atmosphere is that of the "real" West.Day 2. A chaotic track takes us by 4x4 to the plateau overlooking the Manambola River. Sometimes we have to walk to relieve the vehicles on difficult slopes. Overnight bivouac on the windy Bongolava plateau.Day 3. A team of porters takes charge of the luggage for what promises to be a totally self-sufficient expedition. We have to descend 800 m to reach the sleepy town of Ankavandra. Bivouac by the river with the pirogues.Days 4, 5, 6. Descent of the Manambola by pirogue. The river loses itself in its sandy bed, forcing us to follow the current, which sometimes narrows between two hills. The river runs alongside small cliffs from which springs of clear water gush forth. All the life of the river unfolds before our eyes, to the languid rhythm of nature and the current that carries us along. The landscape changes as we approach the Bemaraha massif.Day 7. We enter the mountain foothills. Dwellings gradually disappear, and unspoilt nature becomes wilder and wilder. This is our last stage, ending before noon at Bekopake, gateway to the Tsingy de Bemaraha Park.