Discover western Madagascar on this 8-day adventure featuring Kirindy Forest’s unique wildlife, the spectacular Tsingy de Bemaraha, and the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs. Travel through traditional villages, cross the Tsiribihina River by ferry, and explore the scenic highlands of Antsirabe before returning to Antananarivo.
Highlights
- Discover Madagascar’s unique wildlife in Kirindy Forest.
- Explore the spectacular limestone formations of Tsingy de Bemaraha.
- Admire the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset.
- Experience Madagascar’s scenic highlands and charming Antsirabe.
Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport, meet your local representative and enjoy a warm welcome to Madagascar. Transfer to your hotel in Antananarivo, the country’s lively capital, known for its historic hills, traditional architecture, and vibrant local culture. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short introduction to the city and observe daily Malagasy life along the way. After checking in, take time to relax and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.
Accomodation: Au bois vert Meals: Dinner
Transfer to the airport for your departure to Morondava. Fly to Morondava on the west coast. Visit the legendary Avenue of the Baobabs, one of Madagascar’s most iconic landscapes. Continue to Kirindy Forest, home to lemurs, fossa, and nocturnal wildlife. Sunset photography and village interaction with local communities.
Accomodation: Relais du kirindy Meals: Breakfast/ dinner
Enjoy a guided daytime walk through Kirindy Forest, a dry deciduous forest renowned for its unique wildlife. Accompanied by a local guide, discover Madagascar’s endemic lemurs, chameleons, reptiles, birds, and distinctive plant life while learning about the forest’s ecosystem and conservation. Keep an eye out for the elusive fossa, although sightings are not guaranteed. Afterwards, continue towards the remote village of Bekopaka, travelling through traditional villages and rural landscapes. Along the way, observe daily Malagasy life, rice fields, and local river crossings. Cross the Tsiribihina River by ferry, offering a glimpse into an essential part of rural transport in western Madagascar. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina before continuing to Bekopaka, where you will settle in for the evening.
Accomodation: Orchidee de bemaraha Meals: Breakfast/ dinner
Full-day exploration of the UNESCO-listed Tsingy de Bemaraha. Walk suspension bridges,
hike limestone formations, and discover unique wildlife. Cultural interpretation of the sacred
meaning of the Tsingy for local communities. The park is home to remarkable
biodiversity, including lemurs, terrestrial and aquatic birds, bats, reptiles, amphibians, endemic mammals, and
butterflies, with 376 recorded animal species. Its flora is equally rich, with 833 recorded plant species,
including 817 angiosperms and 16 pteridophytes. The Bemaraha plateau also plays an important role as a
water reservoir for downstream areas, particularly the Manambolomaty complex, a Ramsar site, and for the
region’s rice-growing areas.
Accomodation: Orchidee de bemaraha Meals: Breakfast/ picnic lunch
Breakfast at the hotel, then departure towards Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. After the memorable crossing of the
Tsiribihina River by ferry, continue towards Morondava along a rough track crossing vast dry forests. Arrive
at the famous Baobab Avenue at sunset, one of the region’s highlights, where you can admire the impressive
baobabs, some reaching more than 30 metres in height. Continue to Morondava and arrive at the hotel in the
evening for overnight accommodation.
Accomodation: Vezo beach Meals: Breakfast/ dinner
After breakfast early departure, begin the journey toward Antsirabe through the landscapes of western and central Madagascar. Enjoy scenic stops along the way and observe the gradual transition from dry western plains to the green highlands. Arrive in Antsirabe in the late evening.
Accomodation: Couleur cafe Meals: Breakfast/ dinner
After breakfast, continue your journey to Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital. Enjoy the
changing landscapes along the way, passing through highland villages and rice fields. Upon
arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax or discover the city, depending
on your arrival time.
Accomodation: Sakamanga Meals: Breakfast/dinner
Enjoy a final capital city discovery before your international departure. Depending on your departure schedule, visit the local handicraft and souvenir shops to discover Malagasy art, embroidery and enjoy a final Malagasy lunch. Later, transfer to Ivato International Airport. Depart Madagascar with unforgettable memories to carry home.
Meal: Breakfast
- Airport transfers
- All accommodation (7 nights)
- Half-board meals
- Private vehicle with driver
- Local guide (english, french, italian)
- Entrance fees and local taxes
- All activities mentionned in the itinerary
- All assitance during the trip and taxes
- Drinking mineral water
- International and domestic flights
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
Frequently Asked Questions
Kirindy Forest is known for its endemic wildlife, including lemurs, reptiles, and a variety of bird species. With some luck, you may also spot the fossa, Madagascar’s largest native carnivore. Wildlife sightings depend on the season and natural conditions.
Exploring the Tsingy involves walking on uneven terrain, climbing ladders, and crossing suspension bridges in certain areas. A reasonable level of fitness and a good sense of balance are recommended. Some sections may not be suitable for travelers with reduced mobility or a fear of heights
The dry season, generally from April to November, is often the most suitable period for visiting western Madagascar. Access to Tsingy de Bemaraha depends on road and weather conditions, so seasonal availability should be confirmed before booking.
The itinerary includes a flight from Antananarivo to Morondava, followed by road transfers between the destinations. A private vehicle is arranged for the overland journey. Road conditions can be challenging in western Madagascar, particularly on the route to Bekopaka.
We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good grip, lightweight clothing, sun protection, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and a small daypack. A light rain jacket and personal medication are also advisable.
