Exploring baobabs tour

With this tour, you will be able to discover the beauty of the West and South facade of Madagascar.

From the capital of Madagascar, this 19 days tour will allow you to discover the main tourist assets of the region: like the Renala, the Great Tsingy and other national parks. The Renala is the name of Baobab according to the dialect of the West of Madagascar, it also means "the mother of the forest". Baobab or Renala is classified among the giant trees with a thousand medicinal virtues that grows well on the west coast of the island. Moreover, this tree is sacred to the inhabitants of the Menabe. Morondava is the door of the patrimonial site of Tsingy of Bemaraha and from there it is a raid in 4WD following the coasts with their natures until Tuléar. Return to the normal route on the national road 7 by visiting the national parks. You will be accompanied by a professional guide throughout the circuit.

Highlights of this circuit

v  Conquest of the capital and the historical sites especially on the way back.

v  Discovery of the magnificent and impressive landscape of the Highlands.

v  Friendly meeting with the local population, especially during track trips.

v  Discovery of the fauna and flora during the hike in the Tsingy of Bemaraha classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

v  The Baobabs avenue at sunset.

v  Discovery of the Baobab in love and sacred Baobab.

v  Relaxation during the stay at the seaside.

v  Scuba diving and other nautical activities.

v  Visit of the Antsokay Arboretum Reserve.

v  Visit of Isalo National Park.

v  Visit of Anja village reserve.

v  Visit of Ranomafana Park

ITINERARY

DAY 1:Antananarivo

DAY 2: Antananarivo - Morondava - Marofandilia

DAY 3:Marofandilia - Bekopaka

DAY 4: Bekopaka

DAY 5:Bekopaka - Morondava

DAY 6:Morondava - Belo sur Mer

DAY7: Belo sur Mer - Manja

DAY 8:Manja - Morombe

DAY 9: Morombe - Salary

DAY10 - 11: Salary

DAY 12: Salary - Tulear

DAY 13: Tulear - Ranohira

DAY 14: Ranohira: Visit Isalo National Park

DAY 15: Ranohira - Ambalavao

DAY 16: Ambalavao - Ranomafana

DAY 17: Ranomafana - Antsirabe

DAY 18: Antsirabe - Antananarivo

DAY 19:Antananarivo

Precise information for the Circuit

·         Possible tour duration of 19 days/18 nights

·         Departure from 2 persons

·         Accommodation in comfortable hotels,

·         4WD car with professional driver and English, French, Italian or Spanish speaking guide according to your choice.

·         Accessible between April and November.

·         Walking tour in the villages to meet the villagers.

·         Transportation: Car, plane, rickshaw, ...

Tout category

ADVENTURE, DISCOVERY, SOLIDARITY

Activities

-          Hiking by car on the trail

-          Trekking on foot

-          Discovery of fauna and flora in national and private parks and reserves

-          Meeting and exchange with the local population

Group Size

Unlimited number but at least 2 persons for a guaranteed departure.If solo, you just pay the extra indicated in the program.

Regions

Highlands, West, South and Southeast

Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

At Ivato International Airport, upon your arrival, you will be met by our team and transferred to the hotel where you will spend the night.

·         Duration: 30 min

·         Distance: 15 km

·         Accommodation: ROVA HOTEL or similar

Day 2: Flight to Morondava and drive to Marofandilia

We will assist you to take the domestic flight to Morondava or you can also book your flights yourself on our partner site.

Our team will pickyou up at your hotel, after your breakfast, presentation of the program and delivery of your travel documents. Then, transfer to the airport for the flight to Morondava. Upon your arrival, your driver and guide will meet you at the airport of Morondava and then drive to the village of Belo sur Tsiribihina. But the trip stops, the same day, at camp amoureux gite, located 44 km south of the city of Morondava. It is a private reserve with a dry forest which shelters several species of lemurs such as the Sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi), the Microcebusberthae (Microcebus berthae), fulvusrufus. A Baobab "in love", Giant Jumping Rat of Madagascar (Hypogeomysantimena), Fosa ( ), Flat-tailed Turtle (Pyxis planicauda). Lunch either in Antananarivo or in Morondava according to your flight schedule. Dinner and overnight stay at the Camp amoureux gite.

·         Duration: 1h 30 flight + 2h of track.

·         Distance: 700 km

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: CAMP AMOUREUX

Day 3: Track to reach the Tsingy of Bemaraha

After breakfast, visit of the private reserve in Marofandilia. Then, departure to Bekopaka. On the way, you will take the ferry on the Tsiribihina river (40 minutes crossing) and lunch at the restaurant in Belo/Tsiribihina. Continuation of the road where you will cross the river of Manambolo by ferry (10 minutes). Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

·         Duration: about 6 hours

·         Distance: 150 km

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: TANANKOAY hotel or similar

Day 4: Discovery of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

After breakfast at the hotel, departure for the discovery of the Tsingy of Bemaraha, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. Their sharp peaks that form the limestone massif reach up to 50 meters. Limestone rocks formed by a deposit of fossils and shells dead under the sea, two hundred million years ago, the Tsingy of Bemaraha offers one of the most spectacular landscapes of the Big Island. The Tsingy of Bemaraha is a part of the network of National Parks of Madagascar. The proposed circuits are different according to the physical condition of the visitors: that of Andamozavaky and that of Ranotsara, of rather difficult level (four to six hours of walk) are the circuits of the wide open spaces, dizziness and strong sensations. The hike starts 17 km north of the village of Bekopaka to reach gigantic limestone cathedrals, dense networks of faults, deep crevices, limestone blocks carved into blades or sharp needles that make the Great Tsingy. For the more timorous, the little Tsingy circuits represent an interesting alternative, more moderate without being less spectacular. You will also be able to meet mischievous lemurs, a multitude of birds of all colours. Picnic lunch. A small tour for the visit of the village. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

·         Duration: about 7 hours

·         Distance: 17km of track + 4 to 5h of visit

·         Meals included: Breakfast and Picnic lunch

·         Accommodation: TANANKOAY hotel or similar

Day 5: Discovery of the Allée des Baobabs (Baobab Avenue)

After breakfast, you will return to Morondava by taking the road and crossing the rivers by ferry. Lunch at the restaurant in Belo/Tsiribihina. You will watch the sunset at the Allée des Baobabs. Baobabs are specific to the region and Madagascar has six endemic species out of the eight existing in the world. After enjoying the beautiful sunset, you will continue to Morondava. Dinner and night at the hotel.

·         Duration: about 07 hours

·         Distance: 230 km

·         Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: TRECICOGNE hotel or similar

Day 6: Direction to the village of Belo sur Mer

It should be noted that there are two localities called Belo, one on the banks of the Tsiribihina, the other on the banks of the Mozambique waterway. The adventure starts here, departing in the morning by 4WD car to the south of Morondava. An unmissable passage: The Kabatomena River (easily accessible during the dry season) before entering the baobab forest. We will pass through several villages and before arriving in Belo sur Mer, we will cross the famous local salt works. Lunch at the restaurant in Belo sur Mer, a small isolated fishing village on the lagoon. A paradise for sun and scuba diving lovers. It is a charming village known for its small artisanal shipyards of wooden schooners. Its villagers are also farmers (mainly rice), zebu breeders, fishermen.... Dinner and night at the hotel.

·         Duration: 4 hours of track

·         Distance: 80km

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: Hotel ECOLODGE MENABE or similar

Day 7: Continuation to Manja

After breakfast, we will continue our trip in the heart of Sakalava country following the track to Manja: a stop on the baobab trees bottles, the landscape changes from time to time between savannah and secondary and thorny forest. We observe along the way some beautiful Sakalava tombs surmounted by Aloalo. You will appreciate the warm welcome of the local people during your passage. Free picnic lunch. Arrival early in the afternoon in Manja, a visit of the village and its market will be organized with the guide. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

·         Duration: about 5h30 of track with stop

·         Distance : 110 km

·         Mealsincluded : Breakfast

·         Accommodation: Hotel KANTO

Day 8: Departure to the coast and the village of Morombe.

After an early breakfast, departure from Manja for the next destination Morombe. Observation of the savannah, the lost forest with the Baobabs that give the impression of being in another world, herds of zebus (the zebu is the most important animal in Madagascar). Arriving on the Mangoky River, crossed by the ferry, continuation of the road, but the landscape is changing, from large rice fields and villages to Morombe. Free picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

·         Duration: about 4h

·         Distance: 158 km

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Lodging: Hotel CHEZ KATIA

Day 9: Destination to Salary: the fishing village

In the morning after breakfast, departure for Salary, through the huge baobab tree in the area, driving on the sandy road for 25 km and we cross into the Mikea forest where a half wild population lives. This forest is still primary. We stay on the beach of the Mozambique waterway. Picnic lunch. The Salary bay is a sumptuous landscape. On the edge of the Ambatomilo lagoon which stretches more than 100 kilometers from Ifaty to Andavadoaka, its turquoise waters and endless white sandy beaches make it a place of great beauty, all in an almost unreal vastness and calm. Only the clacking of the waves of the lagoon could disturb the tranquility of this virgin and still preserved nature. Dinner and overnight at the hotel

·         Duration: about 5 hours

·         Distance: 112 km

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: UN PEU PLUS AU NORD hotelor similar

Day 10 - 11: Free days of relaxation in Salary

Free days to do various water activities: boat trips, snorkeling, visit the village, sand, dunes ... Relaxation on the beach under the sun of Madagascar. Lunches and Dinners . Nights at the hotel.

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: UN PEU PLUS AU NORD hotelor similar

Day 12: Drive to the Tulear Province

After a few days on the beautiful beach, we will take the road to Tulear. We will pass by Ifaty, the popular place also for its beach and we visit the private reserve of Reniala. Lunch at the restaurant in Ifaty. Continuation to Tuléar, a city tour is necessary. Dinner and night at the hotel.

·         Duration: about 4 hours plus 2 hours of visit in Ifaty.

·         Distance: 120 km

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: LE PALETUVIER hotel or similar

Day 13: Crossing the national road 7 to Ranohira.

After breakfast, visit of the Antsokay Arboretum Reserve, which is specially composed of succulents.  Departure then to join Ranohira, you will take the famous national road 7, crossing magnificent semi-desert landscape consisting of wooded savannah, elongated hills seen from afar. From the small town of Sakaraha in Ilakaka, it is a Sapphire mining area, very impressive to see people working hard to seek fortune. You pass through the Antandroy and Mahafaly tombs. Picnic lunch. Arrival at the village of Ranohira in the early afternoon, installation at the hotel. Then after the refreshment, meeting with your guide for a sunset. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

·         Duration: about 4 hours

·         Distance: 232 km

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: CHEZ ALICE hotel or similar

Day 14: Exploration of Isalo National Park

After breakfast, departure to discover the Isalo National Park. It is a natural rocky massif with a very particular relief which reminds you of the great American Western. Stroll in this setting dating from the Jurassic, alternating desert landscapes and green canyons. This day will be devoted to the visit of the Isalo National Park. To relax after such a long road from Toliara, we can take the circuit of the natural swimming pool, and that of NAMAZAHA to access the blue and black pools as well as the nymph waterfall for a swimming session. Picnic lunch. Dinner and night at the hotel.

·         Duration: about 7 hours (but it depends on your physical capacity).

·         Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic lunch

·         Accommodation: CHEZ ALICE hotel or similar

Day 15: Crossing of a semi-desert plateau towards the Betsileo lands.

After breakfast, continuation of the trip to Ambalavao, still on the national road 7, crossing the Horombe plateau. The vegetal landscape changes and becomes a grassy savannah, hence the name Horombe: It is the land of the zebu: each Bara family owns from a few dozens to a few hundred. In Ankaramena, change of landscape and ethnicity, the Betsileo country: the huts and fields change aspect. There will be breaks from time to time: visit of the villagers’ reserve of Anja about ten kilometers before arriving in the town of Ambalavao. This site is very attractive by its biodiversity, presence of lemurs such as the catta lemur, reptiles such as chameleons, snakes, and some species of birds. Lunch at the restaurant. After a short walk in the forest, we reach the hotel in Ambalavao. Visit of the Antemoro paper workshop, then a silk workshop and tour of Ambalavao. Dinner and night at the hotel.

·         Duration: about 4 hours + 2 hours of visit of Anja Park.

·         Distance: 230 km

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: ZONGO hotel or similar

Day 16: Destination to discover Ranomafana National Park.

Departure after breakfast and stop in Fianarantsoa "where one learns good", a short tour of the city to admire its historical remains. This locality is a copy of the city of Antananarivo, in fact Queen Ranavalona I had built it in the image of the capital. The trip continues to Ranomafana, visit of the national park for 3 hours. This Malagasy park, created in 1991, is located 65 kilometers northeast of the city of Fianarantsoa and covers nearly 41,601 hectares. More precisely, the Ranomafana park lurks happily in the heart of the Namorona valley. It is surrounded by mountain ranges. The immense evergreen forest that surrounds it will only increase its charm. Lunch at Ranomafana's restaurant. Visit of the village and preparation of night visit. Dinner and night at the hotel.

·         Duration: about 03 hours

·         Distance: 119 km

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: IHARY HOTEL or similar

Day 17:Drive to Antsirabe via the town of Ambositra and the mountainous regions.

Early in the morning after breakfast, we will take the road to Antsirabe, enjoying the beautiful scenery on the way. A stop in Ambositra, capital of marquetry and woodcarving where we can find and get to know the amazing talent of the Zafimaniry tribe. Visit of a demonstration workshop and shops to discover them. A typical Betsileo region with its rice terraces and country houses. Lunch at the restaurant. Arrival in Antsirabe towards the end of the day. Visit of the city. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

·         Duration: about 05 hours + 2 hours of visit and stopover.

·         Distance: 247 km

·         Meals: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: GREEN PARK hotel or similar

Day 18: Discovery of the water city and return to the capital.

After breakfast, city tour by rickshaw with a visit to a craft workshop. Then you take the road to the capital. Stop in Ambatolampy to see the craft workshop for the manufacture of pots and kitchen utensils and decorative aluminum items. Lunch in the locality. Continuation towards the capital. After four hours of drive, we arrive in Antananarivo, a small tour of the city before settling down at the hotel. Dinner and night at the hotel.

·         Duration: about 04 hours

·         Distance: 170 km

·         Meals included: Breakfast

·         Accommodation: ROVA HOTEL or similar

Day 19: Discovery of the Capital and return home

After breakfast, we will take the national road RN3 for a cultural and historical discovery by visiting the Royal Palace in AmbohimangaRova. On the way, a stop to visit a center which takes care of autistic children and young people. This is the Padre Pio Charity House, supported by our Tour Operator in its charitable activities. Depending on your flight schedule, possibility to discover Malagasy handicrafts at the dam market. Free dinner and meeting with our team. Day use at the hotel then transfer to the airport, flight back to your home country.

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