
TOUR OVERVIEW
An 11-day adventure through the wild landscapes of western MadagascarDiscover the wild beauty of western Madagascar on a private 11-day adventure combining river exploration, extraordinary wildlife and some of the island’s most iconic landscapes.
Travel from Antananarivo through the Central Highlands to Miandrivazo before embarking on a multi-day journey along the Tsiribihina River. Cruise through remote landscapes, discover waterfalls and traditional villages, and spend nights camping along the riverbanks.
Continue to the UNESCO-listed Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, where dramatic limestone pinnacles, canyons and suspended walkways create one of Madagascar’s most spectacular natural environments.
Your journey then leads towards Morondava and the legendary Avenue of the Baobabs before discovering the dry forest of Kirindy, home to lemurs, endemic wildlife and the elusive fossa.
Designed for travellers looking for adventure, wildlife and remote landscapes, this private journey can be tailored to your travel dates, interests and preferred pace.
Tour availability: April to November
Recommended travel period: July to October
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Travel through the rice terraces and traditional villages of Madagascar’s Central Highlands
- Discover Antsirabe and its local handicraft workshops
- Explore the volcanic landscapes around Antsirabe and Miandrivazo
- Spend three days travelling along the Tsiribihina River
- Swim near waterfalls and experience nights camping beside the river
- Discover traditional villages and life along the Tsiribihina
- Trek through the spectacular Great Tsingy of Bemaraha
- Explore the dry forest and endemic wildlife of Kirindy
- See Madagascar’s iconic baobab trees, including the Sacred Baobab and Baobabs in Love
- Watch the sunset at the legendary Avenue of the Baobabs
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Day 1: Antananarivo
Day 2: Antananarivo – Antsirabe
Day 3: Antsirabe – Miandrivazo
Day 4: Tsiribihina River
Day 5: Tsiribihina River
Day 6: Tsiribihina River – Bekopaka
Day 7: Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
Day 8: Bekopaka – Morondava & Avenue of the Baobabs
Day 9: Kirindy Forest & Morondava
Day 10: Morondava – Antananarivo
Day 11: Antananarivo – Departure
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar! Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and prepare for your adventure through western Madagascar.
Overnight: Hotel in Antananarivo
Antananarivo – Antsirabe
After breakfast, leave Antananarivo and travel south along the famous RN7 through the scenic Central Highlands.
Along the way, admire terraced rice fields, traditional Highland villages and rural landscapes. A stop can be made in Ambatolampy, known for its traditional aluminium workshops.
Continue to Antsirabe, a charming Highland town famous for its thermal springs, colonial heritage and colourful rickshaws.
Depending on the arrival time, discover some of the town’s local handicraft workshops.
Overnight: Hotel in Antsirabe
Antsirabe – Miandrivazo
After breakfast, leave Antsirabe and travel west towards Miandrivazo, the starting point of your Tsiribihina River adventure.
The road crosses changing landscapes as the cool Central Highlands gradually give way to the warmer and drier scenery of western Madagascar.
Arrive in Miandrivazo later in the day and prepare for the river journey ahead.
Overnight: Hotel in Miandrivazo
Tsiribihina River
After breakfast, begin your journey along the Tsiribihina River.
Travel through remote western landscapes, far from the main roads, and experience a slower and more adventurous way of discovering Madagascar.
Along the river, admire cliffs, vegetation and traditional villages while observing daily life along the riverbanks.
In the evening, set up camp beside the river and enjoy dinner under the stars.
Overnight: Camping along the Tsiribihina River
Tsiribihina River
Continue your journey along the Tsiribihina River through the wild landscapes of western Madagascar.
Depending on local conditions, stop near a waterfall where you may have the opportunity to swim and relax in a beautiful natural setting.
During the journey, keep an eye out for birds, wildlife and the changing scenery along the river.
Spend another memorable evening camping beside the Tsiribihina.
Overnight: Camping along the Tsiribihina River
Tsiribihina River – Belo-sur-Tsiribihina – Bekopaka
Enjoy the final part of your journey along the Tsiribihina River before continuing overland towards Belo-sur-Tsiribihina.
From there, travel by 4×4 through the remote landscapes of western Madagascar towards Bekopaka, the gateway to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park.
The journey itself is part of the adventure, crossing rural areas and landscapes rarely seen by visitors travelling only along Madagascar’s main roads.
Arrive in Bekopaka and settle into your accommodation.
Overnight: Hotel or lodge in Bekopaka
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring the extraordinary Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, one of Madagascar’s most spectacular natural attractions.
Accompanied by a local guide, discover the dramatic limestone pinnacles, narrow passages, canyons and viewpoints that make this UNESCO-listed landscape unique.
Depending on the selected route and your physical condition, the experience may include ladders, suspended bridges and sections through the limestone formations.
Take time to admire the remarkable scenery and endemic biodiversity of this remote region.
Overnight: Hotel or lodge in Bekopaka
Bekopaka – Kirindy
After breakfast, leave Bekopaka and begin the journey south towards Kirindy.
Travel through the remote landscapes of western Madagascar, crossing the Tsiribihina River and passing through villages and dry countryside along the way.
Arrive near Kirindy Forest and settle into your accommodation.
Depending on your arrival time and local conditions, an optional night walk may be possible to discover some of the nocturnal wildlife of western Madagascar.
Overnight: Lodge or accommodation near Kirindy Forest
Kirindy Forest – Morondava & Avenue of the Baobabs
Begin the day with a guided visit to Kirindy Forest, one of the best places in western Madagascar to discover dry-forest wildlife.
Walk through the reserve in search of lemurs, endemic birds, reptiles and other species adapted to this unique ecosystem. Kirindy is also known as an important habitat for the elusive fossa, Madagascar’s largest native predator.
After the visit, continue towards Morondava. Along the way, discover some of the region’s famous baobabs, including the Sacred Baobab and Baobabs in Love.
At the end of the day, enjoy one of Madagascar’s most iconic experiences: sunset at the legendary Avenue of the Baobabs.
Overnight: Hotel in Morondava
Morondava – Antananarivo
Enjoy your final morning on Madagascar’s west coast according to the domestic flight schedule.
Transfer to Morondava Airport for your flight back to Antananarivo.
Upon arrival in the capital, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on the flight schedule, enjoy some free time in Antananarivo.
Overnight: Hotel in Antananarivo
Antananarivo – Departure
Enjoy your final moments in Madagascar according to your international flight schedule.
If time allows, you may visit a local craft market or enjoy some last-minute shopping for Malagasy handicrafts and souvenirs.
At the appropriate time, transfer to Ivato International Airport for your departure flight.
End of your Madagascar journey.