Tsiribihina River by Pirogue - 8 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'hôtel Magneva. (Bed and breakfast are included)

Day 3: Antsirabe - Miandrivazo

After breakfast, explore the highlights of Antsirabe, including a visit to a precious stone workshop and the natural spring that feeds the town's famous thermal baths. Continue your journey to Miandrivazo, a classic route toward western Madagascar. The drive covers approximately 220 km and takes around 6 hours, depending on road conditions, weather, traffic, and photo stops. As you leave the cool central highlands of Antsirabe, the landscape gradually transforms into the hotter, drier plains surrounding Miandrivazo. This scenic route offers spectacular valleys, sweeping panoramas, and some of the most beautiful views on the journey to Madagascar's west coast. Enjoy several stops along the way for photographs and refreshments. Upon arrival in Miandrivazo, the gateway to the Tsiribihina River, you may choose to embark on one of Madagascar's most memorable river expeditions. The Tsiribihina River cruise covers approximately 160 km through remote wilderness and unspoiled landscapes of western Madagascar. The river trip lasts 2 nights and 3 days by pirogue (a traditional dugout wooden canoe), with camping along the river for an authentic experience, or choose the motorboat option, which is more comfortable and shortens the trip by one day.

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

Day 4 - 5: Tsiribihina River Adventure by Pirogue

Experience one of Madagascar's most iconic overland adventures with a memorable journey along the Tsiribihina River. Travel by traditional pirogue from Miandrivazo to Tsaraotana Village on a relaxing 2½-day, 2-night river expedition. The journey is not defined by a single attraction but by its ever-changing landscapes, abundant wildlife, and authentic river life. Along the way, you will visit the beautiful Anosin'Ampela Waterfall, where a short walk from the river leads to crystal-clear natural pools an ideal spot for a refreshing swim. As the river winds along the edge of the Bemaraha Plateau, it passes through spectacular gorges lined with towering limestone cliffs, caves, and bat colonies, creating some of the most dramatic scenery in western Madagascar. The Tsiribihina River is also a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for Nile crocodiles basking on sandbanks, lemurs in the gallery forests, colourful chameleons, freshwater turtles, and a rich variety of birdlife, including herons, kingfishers, ducks, and the rare Madagascar fish eagle. Each evening, you will camp on peaceful river sandbanks beneath a sky full of stars one of the highlights of the journey. Your experienced guide and pirogue crew will set up the campsite, prepare your tent, and cook delicious meals, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the wilderness.

• Camping on the riverbank (Full board is included)

Day 6: Tsaraotana Village - Kirindy Forest

After breakfast, depart from Tsaraotana Village and drive to Baobab in Love for a brief photo stop. Continue to Kirindy Forest, one of Madagascar's most renowned dry deciduous forest reserves and a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Kirindy Forest is home to an exceptional variety of endemic species. During your visit, you may encounter Verreaux's sifaka, Madame Berthe's mouse lemur (the world's smallest primate), Red-fronted brown lemur, the Giant jumping rat, Narrow-striped mongoose, colourful chameleons, geckos, boas, and numerous endemic bird species. In the evening, enjoy a guided night walk through the forest, offering an excellent opportunity to observe nocturnal lemurs and, with a bit of luck, the elusive Fossa, Madagascar's largest native predator.

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

Day 7: Kirindy Forest to Morondava :

Spend the morning exploring Kirindy Forest with an experienced local guide. This remarkable dry deciduous forest is home to unique wildlife, including several species of lemurs, reptiles, endemic birds, and, with a bit of luck, the elusive fossa. In the afternoon, depart Kirindy Forest and drive south to Morondava. Along the way, stop at the world-famous Avenue of the Baobabs, one of Madagascar's most iconic natural landmarks and an unforgettable place to experience sunset. As the sun begins to set, the majestic Grandidier's baobab trees are transformed into striking silhouettes against vibrant shades of orange, pink, and purple, creating one of the most spectacular photographic scenes in the world. The avenue is lined with approximately 20 - 25 towering baobabs along an unpaved road just outside Morondava. Sunset is the ideal time to visit, when the warm, low-angle light casts long shadows and highlights the extraordinary beauty of these ancient trees. The Avenue of the Baobabs is home primarily to the endangered Grandidier's baobab (Adansonia grandidieri), a species found only in Madagascar. It is not only one of the country's most photographed attractions but also an important conservation site.

• Hotel Laguna Beach. (Bed and breakfast are included)

Day 8: Flight from Morondava to Antananarivo (Tana) :

Enjoy some free time in Morondava for last-minute sightseeing, shopping, or relaxation before we transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Antananarivo (Tana). This marks the end of the tour. However, if you have extra time and would like to continue exploring Madagascar, we can arrange an extension to the east, including a visit to Andasibe National Park, home of the famous Indri Indri lemurs. Simply contact us, and we will be happy to update your itinerary accordingly.

Tsiribihina River Pirogue Tour :

Price: € 2 450 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.
• 7 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation for the clients.
• Full-board meals during the camping trip on the Tsiribihina River.
• Camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, etc.).
• Traditional pirogue (canoe) with an experienced pirogue operator.
• English-speaking guide accompanying the clients from Antananarivo (Tana) to the end of the tour in Morondava.
• Entrance fees to Kirindy Forest National Park, including the services of a local guide.
• Domestic flight ticket from Morondava to Antananarivo (Tana) for the clients.
• All applicable taxes and tour fees.

Excluded :

• Clients' lunches, dinners, and drinks, except during the camping trip on the Tsiribihina River (where full board is included).
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Personal expenses and any services not specifically mentioned under "Included."