From the gentle channel to the rugged Tsingys

Chameleons and reptiles - Indri (the largest lemur) - the nocturnal mouse lemur - Andasibe NP - lemurs "at eye level" - boat trip on the Pangalanes - Ranomafana NP - Antsirabe - Baobab avenue - mangroves - dry forest - Fosa - Tsingys

Vom sanften Kanal zu den schrofffelsigen Tsingys

Day 1: Departure from Europe

Day 2: Arrival in Antananarivo
1 night at the "Chalet des Roses" hotel.

Day 3: To the East!
As a prelude to exploring the island, we embark on an adventurous journey in a comfortable bus through impressive mountain landscapes to Andasibe. On the way, we stop at the gardens of "Madagascar Exotic" and discover colorful butterflies and iridescent chameleons. In the evening we will observe the nocturnal lemurs on a guided hike! If the weather is clear, we will be enchanted by a sparkling southern starry sky. 140 km, 3 to 4 hrs., approx. 1 hr. night hike, 2 nights at the hotel "grace lodge" or "Feon'ny Ala" ('Sound of the Forest')

Day 4: Andasibe National Park
In Andasibe National Park we encounter the largest lemurs on earth, the Indri Indris and the Sifakas in their natural habitat. Their characteristic cries can be heard from far away. In the afternoon, we visit the lemur islands, where we can track down other sometimes quite trusting representatives of this species. 3 hrs. hike, approx. +/- 120 meters altitude difference

5 - 8: The Channel of Life
On day 5 we travel to the east coast. Through various short stops, the journey will not be monotonous: at fruit stands, we can trade with Malagasy people. From grandiose vantage points, we enjoy breathtaking views of an unspoiled scenic backdrop and let us be surprised by other highlights that our tour guide has in store for us. Our tip: Bathing suits should be ready to hand! Our destination is Mahanoro, a small town on the Indian Ocean.
On days 6, 7 and 8 we travel on by small boat. We discover the untouched nature along the channel of Pangalanes and visit several small, lonely villages and "towns". There, we get unique insights into the secluded life of the peoples who are only connected to the outside world through the canal. At the markets, we buy our very fresh dinner. In the evening, we pitch our comfortable tents between the ocean and the canal. There, we feel the pulse of the island up close by the sound of the waves and enjoy the delicious cuisine of our own cook. 2 nights in simple hotels in Mahanoro and in Mananjary, 2 nights in tents, 3 days full board.

Days 9 & 10: Ranomafana National Park
Having previously immersed ourselves in the life of the farmers, we now travel to the southern highlands. In the afternoon we reach the Ranomafana National Park. It is one of the last mountain cloud rainforests on earth and also houses - besides a unique flora and fauna - real thermal springs. If you feel like it, you can enjoy a warm bath there while listening to the voices of the forest.
On day 10 we will be on the lookout for the Golden Bamboo Lemurs, the Sifaka and all their forest friends. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, we will go on a night hike with our local travel buddy and with a little luck look into the big eyes of the mouse macaque and spot chameleons and other nocturnal creatures of the rainforest. 2 nights at the "Centrest" hotel

Day 11: We know more solutions than problems!
The drive through the highlands to Antsirabe lets us look at an ancient method of rice cultivation and understand the art of survival of the highlanders: "the recycling culture". Today we will also learn about the ancestor cult of Malagasy people. 1 night at Hotel Vatolahy

Days 12 & 13: Off to the West Coast!
We discover the small idyllic town of Antsirabe on a typical rickshaw ride before we continue our journey west by bus in the afternoon. We spend the night in the village of Miandrivazo and reach the west coast after a varied drive on the famous Baobab Avenue. 1 night at the hotel "Princesse du Tsiribihina" in Miandrivazo.

Day 14: Bathing day at the beach of Morondava!
If swimming at the beach is not enough for you, you can join the tour guide to visit a small fishing village in the middle of a mangrove forest (optional offer).
2 nights at the beach hotel "Maeva" or "Renala sable d'or".

Days 15 & 16: The Tsingy of Bemaraha
Drive on dirt roads (200 km) with all-terrain vehicles and ferry to the Tsingy of Bemaraha.
Rain and wind created countless limestone needles here, creating a labyrinthine landscape. This spectacular nature is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and with its 150,000 ha it is one of the largest protected zones in Madagascar. On day 16, we set out on a full day hike through the nature reserve, exploring the Tsingy from below and via bridges and easy climbing trails from above. 2 nights at the hotel "Orchidees""

Days 17 & 18: The Manambolo River and the Dry Forest
Today, we experience the other side of the West from the water, cruising between the gorges of the Tsingy on a pirogue. We stay overnight in a lodge in the middle of the Baobab forest and track down its nocturnal and diurnal inhabitants on excursions: Mauslemur, various birds, and the creeping cat Fossa (maybe)! On day 18 we will drive back to Morondava, visiting the "enamored embraced baobabs" on the way and enjoying the picturesque sunset on the "Baobab Avenue". 1 night at the hotel "Kirindy Forest Lodge".

Day 19: Relaxation on the beach in Morondava
A whole day to relax for us on the beach of Morondava. With the sound of the ocean, we can let the impressions of the last few days fade away. 2 nights at the beach hotel "Maeva"

Day 20: Return flight to Antananarivo
Shopping in the alleys of the capital or stay at the hotel, 1 night at the hotel "Les 3 Métises" or "Bois Vert".

Day 21 : Return to Europe

Vom sanften Kanal zu den schrofffelsigen Tsingys