Tsiribihina River by Motor Boat and Tsingy de Bemaraha 9-Day Adventure:


A 9 day journey combining the Tsiribihina River and Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is one of Madagascar's most rewarding adventure experiences. Traveling by traditional Motor boat along the Tsiribihina River offers a peaceful introduction to the country's spectacular landscapes, remote villages, and abundant wildlife. The adventure continues in Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, where dramatic hikes lead through a breath-taking maze of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles, suspension bridges, and unique ecosystems. This itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking a blend of relaxation, nature, and adventure. Along the way, you can enjoy wildlife viewing, waterfalls, camping on riverbanks, and unforgettable sunsets before exploring one of Madagascar's most extraordinary natural wonders. The best time to take this trip is during the dry season, from May to November, when river conditions are generally favourable and the trails in Tsingy de Bemaraha are more accessible and safer for hiking. Our package is designed to provide complete peace of mind. It includes all transportation, accommodation, park entrance fees, guided excursions, full-board meals during the camping portion of the trip, a one-way domestic flight from Morondava to Antananarivo, and all activities listed in the itinerary. The only expenses not included are your lunches, dinners, and drinks outside the camping portion of the tour, giving you the flexibility to choose your own dining experiences. With no hidden costs, you can simply relax and immerse yourself in Madagascar's breath-taking scenery, extraordinary wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. For the latest itinerary, pricing, customised travel plans, or hotel upgrades, please contact Mr. Ben. He will be delighted to design a tour tailored to your interests, preferences, and budget.

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.

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 by motorboat lasts 2 days and 1 night, including an overnight camping experience. Traveling by motorboat offers a more comfortable journey than a traditional dugout wooden canoe (pirogue). For those seeking a more authentic adventure, the trip by traditional pirogue lasts 3 days and 2 nights, allowing you to experience the river at a slower, more immersive pace.

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

Day 4: Tsiribihina River Adventure by Motorboat :

Experience one of Madagascar's classic overland adventures with a motorboat journey along the Tsiribihina River. This unforgettable trip travels between Miandrivazo and Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, offering spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and an authentic glimpse into life along the river. One of the highlights is Anosin'Ampela Waterfall, where a short walk from the river leads to beautiful waterfalls and crystal-clear natural pools, perfect for a refreshing swim. As the journey continues, the river winds through the dramatic Bemaraha Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs, caves, and bat colonies create breathtaking landscapes along the edge of the Bemaraha Plateau. The Tsiribihina River is also a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for crocodiles basking on sandy riverbanks, lemurs in the riverside gallery forests, chameleons, turtles, and a rich variety of birdlife, including herons, kingfishers, ducks, and the rare Madagascar fish eagle. In the evening, enjoy a unique camping experience on a peaceful sandbank beneath a sky full of stars—one of the most memorable moments of the journey. While you relax, our guide and cook will set up your tents and prepare a delicious dinner, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the river.

  • Camping on the riverbank (Full board is included)

Day 5: Belo-sur-Tsiribihina - Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park :

After lunch on the boat, continue your journey by private vehicle with your driver to Bekopaka Village, the gateway to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax while enjoying the refreshing breeze and the peaceful sounds of nature. Please note that this is an adventure trip. The road to Bekopaka is rugged and can be challenging, but the spectacular landscapes and unique natural wonders make the journey well worth the effort.

Day 6: Trekking to Grand Tsingy Park with Your Personal Local Guide :

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will head to the Manambolo River for a pirogue excursion. During this peaceful river trip, you will have the opportunity to observe fish eagles and visit a cave decorated with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The visit lasts approximately one hour. You will then continue by road to the starting point of your Grand Tsingy adventure in Bemaraha National Park. The Grand Tsingy is the most spectacular area of the park, famous for its dramatic limestone pinnacles, suspension bridges, and breathtaking panoramic viewpoints. This half-day trek is one of the most rewarding experiences in the park. Your local guide will lead you deep into the limestone forest, where you will cross several hanging bridges and discover extraordinary karst formations beneath your feet. Along the way, you will have many opportunities to take unforgettable photographs of landscapes found nowhere else in the world. Please note that this adventure involves heights, and the views from the suspension bridges may be challenging for visitors who suffer from vertigo. Before starting the trek, remember to order a picnic lunch and mineral water from your hotel. The cost of the picnic is not included in the tour package.

Day 7: Bekopaka to Kirindy Forest :

After breakfast, we begin our journey from Bekopaka to Kirindy Forest, passing through Belo sur Tsiribihina along the way. Kirindy Forest is one of Madagascar's premier wildlife destinations, renowned for its unique biodiversity and incredible opportunities for wildlife encounters. In the evening, enjoy an exciting night walk in the forest, where you may spot nocturnal lemurs and other fascinating creatures. Kirindy is also one of the best places to see the rare Fossa, Madagascar's largest and most elusive predator. En route, we will make a short stop at the famous Baobabs in Love, a beautiful and iconic natural landmark, before continuing to Kirindy Forest.

Day 8: 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 Baobabsis 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.

Day 09: Flight from Morondava to Antananarivo (Tana) :

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Morondava Airport for your flight back to Antananarivo (Tana). Upon arrival in Tana, your trip comes to an end. If you have additional time and would like to extend your journey, we can arrange further tours, such as the East Coast tour or an unforgettable visit to Andasibe National Park to discover the famous Indri-Indri lemurs. Please contact us, and we will update your final itinerary according to your preferences.

As there is currently no direct connection flight between Morondava and Toliara (Tuléar), you may consider combining this trip with a route that continues to Ifaty Beach and then follows the southern circuit from Toliara back to Antananarivo. This option allows you to discover highlights such as Isalo National Park and other attractions along the way.

Tsiribihina River by Motor Boat & Tsingy de Bemaraha Park :

Price: € 3 200 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 8 days.
  • Full board during the camping experience along the Tsiribihina River.
  • Camping equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, and other necessary gear.
  • Motor boat trip with 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, dinner, and drinks), except during the Tsiribihina River camping period.
  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Any personal expenses or services not mentioned above.