Tsiribihina River by Motor Boat 7 Day Adventure:

Day 1: Arrival in Madagascar - Welcome to Antananarivo

Upon your arrival at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative, who will assist you with your transfer to your hotel in the city. Antananarivo, affectionately known as "Tana," is the capital and largest city of Madagascar, with a population of approximately 4.4 million people. Located in the heart of the Central Highlands at an altitude of around 1,280 meters (4,200 feet) above sea level, the city enjoys a pleasant, mild climate throughout much of the year. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to relax at your hotel or take a short introductory tour of the city, where you'll experience Madagascar's unique blend of history, culture, and vibrant everyday life.

• Hotel le grand mellis. (Bed and breakfast are included)

Day 2: Antananarivo - Antsirabe.

After breakfast, depart Antananarivo with your private driver and begin your journey south along the famous Route National 7 (RN7). As you travel through the picturesque Central Highlands, enjoy stunning views of terraced rice fields, traditional Merina villages, and the region's distinctive ancestral tombs. Make a short stop in Behenjy, renowned as Madagascar's foie gras capital, where you may sample this local specialty (optional). Continue to Ambatolampy, the country's main center for handcrafted aluminum cookware, and visit one of the traditional workshops to see skilled artisans at work. Arrive in Antsirabe in the afternoon, Madagascar's charming spa town known for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and colorful rickshaws (pousse-pousses). The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may explore the city on foot or enjoy an optional pousse-pousse (rickshaw) tour to discover Antsirabe's local markets, artisan workshops, and lively streets. Optional activities and personal expenses are not included.

• Maison d'hôtes Magneva. (Bed and breakfast are included)

Day 3: Antsirabe - Miandrivazo

After exploring the highlights of Antsirabe town, including a visit to a precious stone workshop and the natural spring water source at the thermal baths, we continue our journey toward Miandrivazo. The drive from Antsirabe to Miandrivazo is a classic section of the route to western Madagascar. Covering approximately 220 km, the journey takes around 6 hours, depending on road conditions, weather, traffic, and the number of stops made along the way. The road gradually descends from the cool central highlands of Antsirabe into the hotter and drier landscapes of western Madagascar. Along the route, travelers will enjoy impressive scenery, including dramatic valleys, vast open plains, and beautiful panoramic views. This is often considered one of the most scenic driving sections on the way toward the west coast. Several stops will be made for photography, refreshments, and to appreciate the changing landscapes. Upon arrival in Miandrivazo, we prepare for the next adventure: a descent of the Tsiribihina River through the wild and remote landscapes of western Madagascar. Miandrivazo is the main departure point for this river expedition, which covers approximately 160 km along the Tsiribihina River. The adventure can be done by motorboat, lasting about 1 night of camping and half a day, or by traditional pirogue for a more adventurous experience, requiring approximately 2 nights of camping and half a day on the river.

• Hotel la princesse de tsiribihina. (Bed and breakfast are included)

Day 4: Along the Tsiribihina River by Motor Boat

A journey down the Tsiribihina River is one of Madagascar's most iconic overland adventures. This unforgettable experience usually takes place over one night and a half day by motor boat, traveling between Miandrivazo and Belo sur Tsiribihina. The beauty of this river adventure lies not in a single attraction, but in the constantly changing landscapes, wildlife encounters, and authentic river life. Along the way, you will discover some of Madagascar's most remarkable natural treasures. One of the highlights is Anosin'Ampela Waterfall and its natural pools. A short walk from the river brings you to refreshing waterfalls and crystal-clear pools, perfect for swimming and relaxing in a peaceful natural setting. The route also passes near the impressive Bemaraha Gorge and limestone cliffs, where the river flows alongside the dramatic landscapes of the Bemaraha Plateau. You will admire towering rock formations, caves, and areas inhabited by colonies of bats. During the cruise, keep your eyes open for Madagascar's unique wildlife, including crocodiles resting on sandbanks, lemurs moving through gallery forests along the riverbanks, chameleons, turtles, and a variety of bird species such as herons, kingfishers, ducks, and the rare Madagascar fish eagle. As evening arrives, enjoy one of the most memorable moments of the journey: camping on a peaceful river beach beneath the stars. Our experienced guide and cook will set up your tent and prepare delicious meals throughout the camping experience.

• Camping on the riverbank (Full board is included)

Day 5: Belo Village - Kirindy Forest

After lunch on the boat, we continue our journey by road to Kirindy Forest. Along the way, we will make a short stop at the famous Baobab in Love for a memorable photo opportunity before continuing to the forest reserve. Kirindy Forest is one of Madagascar's most remarkable wildlife destinations, located in the island's western dry deciduous forest region. This protected area is renowned for its unique biodiversity and offers excellent opportunities to observe Madagascar's endemic species. During our visit, we will look for fascinating wildlife including Verreaux's sifaka, Madame Berthe's mouse lemur (the world's smallest primate), red-fronted brown lemurs, giant jumping rats, narrow-striped mongooses, chameleons, geckos, boas, and a variety of endemic birds. In the evening, we will enjoy a guided night walk, one of Kirindy Forest's highlights, where we may encounter nocturnal lemurs and the elusive fossa, Madagascar's largest and most famous predator.

• hotel le relais du kirindy. (Bed and breakfast are included)

Day 6: Kirindy Forest to Morondava :

Spend the morning exploring the fascinating Kirindy Forest with our local guide, who will share insights into the unique wildlife, plants, and ecosystems of this remarkable dry forest. After several hours of discovery, we will leave Kirindy Forest in the afternoon and continue our journey toward Morondava. On the way, we will visit the world-famous Avenue of the Baobabs, one of Madagascar's most iconic sunset photography locations. As the sun begins to set, the giant Grandidier's baobab trees transform into dramatic silhouettes against a sky painted with shades of orange, pink, and purple, creating the unforgettable landscape that has made this place a symbol of Madagascar. The avenue features around 20 - 25 impressive baobab trees standing along an unpaved road near Morondava. Sunset is considered the best time to visit, as the soft, low-angle light enhances the trees' shapes, creating long shadows and breathtaking photographic opportunities. The towering trees are mainly Grandidier's baobabs, an endangered species found only in Madagascar. Beyond its beauty, the Avenue of the Baobabs is an important conservation area and one of the country's most photographed natural landmarks. After enjoying this spectacular sunset experience, we continue to Morondava for overnight accommodation. Distance: Kirindy Forest to Morondava is approximately 60 km.

• hotel laguna beach. (Bed and breakfast are included)

Day 7: Flight from Morondava to Antananarivo (Tana) :

Enjoy some free time in Morondava for personal visits or relaxation before we transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Antananarivo. Upon arrival in Tana, the trip officially comes to an end. If you have additional time and would like to continue your Madagascar adventure, you can contact us to arrange an extension, such as an East Coast tour or an Indri Indri trekking tour at Andasibe National Park. We will be happy to update the final itinerary according to your preferences.

Tsiribihina River by Motor Boat Tour :

Price: € 2 550 for 2 people (based on one double or twin room).

Included :

• Private vehicle with driver and fuel throughout the tour.
• Driver's meals and accommodation during the trip.
• Bed and breakfast accommodation for clients for 6 days.
• Full board during the camping expedition along the Tsiribihina River.
• Camping equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, and other necessary materials.
• Motor boat option with professional boat crew.
• English-speaking assistance guide from Antananarivo until the end of the tour in Morondava.
• Entrance tickets to Kirindy Forest and local guide fees for clients.
• Domestic flight ticket from Morondava to Antananarivo for clients.
• All applicable tour taxes and fees.

Excluded :

• Client meals (lunch and dinner) and drinks, except during the camping period along the Tsiribihina River.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Any services or expenses not specifically mentioned in the included section.