Tsiribihina River by Pirogue and Tsingy de Bemaraha 10-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'hote 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 - Belo-sur-Tsiribihina - Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

After breakfast, we bid farewell to our wonderful pirogue crew and begin our overland journey to Bekopaka, the gateway to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Our route includes crossing the Tsiribihina River by ferry with our vehicle before arriving in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, where we stop for lunch. If time permits, you can take a short walk through the local market, meet the friendly residents, and experience the lively atmosphere of this riverside town. After lunch, we continue our drive to Bekopaka. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind while enjoying the refreshing breeze and the peaceful sounds of nature. Please note that this is an adventurous day with a long and sometimes challenging drive, but the spectacular landscapes and unique experiences along the way make the journey truly worthwhile.

• Hotel olympe du Bemaraha. (Bed and breakfast are included)

Day 7: Trek to the Grand Tsingy with Your Personal Local Guide :

After an early breakfast at your hotel, depart for the Manambolo River, where you will enjoy a traditional pirogue ride. Along the way, keep an eye out for fish eagles and visit a fascinating cave filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. This excursion lasts approximately one hour. Afterward, continue by vehicle to the starting point of the Grand Tsingy in Bemaraha National Park. The Grand Tsingy is the park's most spectacular area, renowned for its dramatic limestone pinnacles, suspension bridges, and breath-taking panoramic viewpoints. This unforgettable half-day trek takes you deep into the unique limestone forest, crossing several hanging bridges suspended above extraordinary karst formations. Along the route, you'll have plenty of opportunities to photograph landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world. Please note that this trek is not recommended for visitors with a fear of heights or vertigo, as some suspension bridges offer dramatic views directly down into the limestone formations below. Before departing, remember to order a picnic lunch and mineral water from your hotel, as these are not included in the tour price.

• Hotel olympe du Bemaraha. (Bed and breakfast are included)

Day 8: Bekopaka to Kirindy Forest :

After breakfast, depart Bekopaka and drive to Kirindy Forest via Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. Renowned as one of Madagascar's premier wildlife destinations, Kirindy Forest is home to an incredible diversity of endemic species. Upon arrival, enjoy an exciting night walk in search of nocturnal lemurs, chameleons, and other fascinating wildlife. The forest is also one of the best places to spot the elusive fossa, Madagascar's largest predator. Along the journey, make a brief stop at the famous "Baobabs in Love," where two intertwined baobab trees create one of the region's most iconic natural landmarks.

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

Day 9: 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) (Bed and breakfast are included)

Day 10: Flight from Morondava to Antananarivo (Tana) :

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Morondava Airport for your flight to Antananarivo (Tana). This marks the end of your tour. However, if you have extra time and would like to continue your adventure, we can arrange an extension to eastern Madagascar, including a visit to Andasibe National Park, where you can see the famous Indri Indri lemurs. Simply contact us, and we will be happy to update your itinerary.

Tsiribihina River by Pirogue and Tsingy de Bemaraha Tour :

Price: € 3 150 for 2 people (based on one double or twin room).

Included :

• Private vehicle with professional driver and fuel throughout the tour.
• Driver's meals and accommodation.
• 9 nights of bed and breakfast accommodation for the clients.
• Full-board meals during the camping expedition on the Tsiribihina River.
• Camping equipment, including tent, sleeping bags, and other necessary gear.
• Traditional pirogue (canoe) with experienced pirogue crew.
• English-speaking escort guide from Antananarivo (Tana) to the end of the tour in Morondava.
• Entrance fees to Kirindy Forest, including the services of a local park guide.
• Domestic flight ticket from Morondava to Antananarivo (Tana) for the clients.
• All applicable tour taxes and fees.

Excluded :

• Clients' lunches, dinners, and beverages throughout the tour, except for the full-board meals provided during the Tsiribihina River camping expedition.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Personal expenses and any services not specifically mentioned under "Included in the Price."