Starting at 950 € / Person
Discover the Highlands of Madagascar: Andringitra, Ranomafana, Fianarantsoa, Ambalavao, and Tsaranoro
The Malagasy Highlands offer an unforgettable journey through majestic mountains, national parks, and picturesque villages. Explore the Andringitra National Park, renowned for its spectacular landscapes and epic hiking trails, or dive into the tropical forests of Ranomafana, famous for its hot springs and unique wildlife.
Don't miss the city of Fianarantsoa, the cultural cradle of Madagascar, and the charming Ambalavao, with its colorful market and the Tsaranoro Reserve, perfect for trekking. From mountains to canyons and forests, this region of Madagascar is a true haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Come and uncover the hidden treasures of Madagascar’s Highlands.
Highlights:
Canoeing down the Mahatsiatra River in Fianarantsoa: A unique adventure through lush landscapes, rice fields, and tropical forests. In one day, you’ll experience local life, traditional villages, and the region’s wildlife, all while enjoying the river’s tranquility. An authentic experience for natur
Day 1: TANA – FIANARANTSOA
Depart from Antananarivo (Tana) in the morning and head south along the famous RN7, one of Madagascar's most iconic highways. On the way, stop at Ambatolampy for a visit to the local foundry, where artisans craft aluminum objects using traditional methods.
Continue your journey to Antsirabe, a charming spa town renowned for its thermal springs. Explore the town's picturesque streets and discover local artisans specializing in zebu horn crafts, embroidery, and precious stone carving. This is the perfect opportunity to admire the traditional skills that define the region's cultural heritage.
After the visit, continue the transfer towards Fianarantsoa, the capital of the Southern Highlands.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Departure to Mahasoabe for a Unique Adventure through the Scenic Betsileo Rice Terraces
Head towards Mahasoabe for a unique adventure through the picturesque landscapes of the Betsileo rice terraces. Embark on traditional dugout canoes (piroges) for a scenic journey down the Matsiatra River, where you’ll experience local life as you float along for about 3 hours. The Matsiatra River divides two ancient Betsileo kingdoms and serves as an important transport route for locals, who use it to carry their crops to the Sahambavy market.
During this excursion, we’ll stop at a stunning waterfall for a relaxing picnic amidst nature. Afterward, we will leave the pirogues on the riverbank near the village of Iseta, where we’ll meet the local farmers. A short walk through the tea plantations will take you to a picturesque lake, passing through several traditional Betsileo villages along the way.
The day will continue with a visit to the tea plantations and a tour of the local packing factory. After a full immersion into the Betsileo culture and lifestyle, we will spend the night at the hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day 3: FIANARANTSOA – ANDRINGITRA (Low Elevation)
Early morning departure towards the Andringitra Massif, one of the most beautiful national parks in Madagascar. On the way, stop at the Soavita vineyard to discover local wines grown in this mountainous region. In Ambalavao, a symbolic city in the south, visit a wild silk workshop and the Antemoro paper-making process, a traditional Malagasy craft.
Continue the adventure towards the entrance of the Andringitra National Park. A short walk in the Namoly valley offers breathtaking landscapes and a chance to meet the Betsileo villages, people proud of their traditions. You will cross terraced rice fields, a symbol of the ingenuity of this agricultural people. This walk will provide an immersion into the daily life of the Betsileo, a people who have preserved Malagasy cultural and ethical values through generations.
At the heart of this magnificent environment, the evening will conclude with a bivouac in the village of Ambalamanandray or in traditional lodgings, offering an authentic and immersive experience.
Day 4: ANDRINGITRA Elevation 600m+ 7 hours of hiking
Trek to Mandriampotsy: Discovery of the Andringitra Massif and the Sacred Waterfalls
Departure early morning towards Mandriampotsy for a 7-hour hiking adventure with a 600-meter elevation gain. This ascent will take you to the camping site at the base of the cliff, at an altitude of 2100 meters. Along the way, explore the Asaramanitra circuit and Belambo forest, a unique natural area rich in biodiversity.
A picnic will be organized at the foot of the sacred waterfalls, an iconic location of the region, where you can enjoy the stunning natural surroundings. After this well-deserved break, continue your ascent towards the high-altitude meadow, offering incredible panoramic views.
Arrive at a breathtaking viewpoint over the Namoly valley and the Zomandao river, where you can admire the wild beauty of the Andringitra massif. The day will end with a bivouac in the heart of this pristine nature, in a spectacular setting.
Day 5: ANDRINGITRA: 600m+ 900m- Elevation 7-8 hours of hiking
Ascend Pic Boby and Explore the Diavolana Circuit
Depart early in the morning before sunrise for the ascent of Madagascar's second highest peak, Pic Boby. This 2-hour 30-minute climb will take you to an altitude of 2658 meters, with an elevation gain of 600 meters. Once at the summit, enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and deep valleys, and take a moment to leave your impressions in the guestbook.
After admiring the panorama, a high-altitude picnic awaits you for a unique culinary experience at over 2600 meters. The descent then begins, heading towards the Diavolana circuit, an incredible route crossing surreal lunar landscapes that seem straight out of a science fiction set.
The hike continues towards Iantaranomby, passing through a forest of endemic palms, including the Ravenea glauca, a species unique to this region. This journey immerses you in a preserved natural environment, where each step reveals the richness of Madagascar's biodiversity.
The day ends with a bivouac by a river, where you can refresh yourself in its crystal-clear waters and enjoy a night in the heart of nature.
Day 6: ANDRINGITRA – TSARANORO VALLEY 6 hours of hiking and 700m and +300m elevation gain
Descent to the Tsaranoro Valley and Ascent of Mount Chameleon
After breakfast, depart for the descent to Tsaranoro Valley, a true natural paradise for trekking enthusiasts in Madagascar. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to observe Pachypodium enchyflorum, as well as various species of aloe and lizards unique to the region. Once at the foot of the Tsaranoro massif, the path continues through several Barabory villages, where Betsileo and Bara cultures blend harmoniously, offering an authentic immersion in Malagasy rural life.
From the village of Morarano, you will begin the ascent of Mount Chameleon along its ridge, a climb leading to a spectacular viewpoint over the entire Tsaranoro Valley. From here, the view of the Tsaranoro cliff extends over more than 800 meters of vertical drop, a panorama that will literally take your breath away.
During the descent, you will pass through the sacred forest, a mysterious site where you can closely observe Catta lemurs basking in the sun in their natural habitat. This magical moment will allow you to discover Madagascar’s endemic wildlife in all its splendor.
The day ends with a well-deserved rest at the hotel, where you can relax after this intense day.
Day 7: TSARANORO VALLEY - RANOMAFANA
Early morning departure for a transfer to Ranomafana, an essential destination for nature and biodiversity lovers in Madagascar. Upon arrival, you will meet our local team and begin your immersion in the various types of forests the region offers, with particular attention to the pandanus forest, home to the queen of Malagasy orchids, Eulophiella.
We will spend the entire day exploring this natural wonder, visiting the grand Ranomafana waterfall, an impressive spectacle in the heart of the jungle. You will also have the opportunity to discover the Tanala villages, known as the forest people, who live in perfect harmony with their environment.
On the agenda: observation of lemurs, endemic birds, and exploration of the Ranomafana primary forest, a true sanctuary for Madagascar's flora and fauna. The richness of Malagasy endemic flora, with its medicinal plants and rare species, will be one of the highlights of this adventure.
The day ends with a bivouac in the heart of nature, offering an authentic experience under the stars of the tropical forest.
Day 8: RANOMAFANA - 7 hours of hiking, quite difficult
Trekking in Ranomafana: Exploring the Primary Forest and Observing Nocturnal Wildlife
Start of the trekking in Ranomafana, crossing the secondary forest to reach the primary forest, a true sanctuary for Madagascar's biodiversity. This adventure will give you the opportunity to observe many species of lemurs, including the famous Varecia Variegata, a critically endangered species, as well as the fascinating Bamboo Lemurs, both iconic of Madagascar's endemic wildlife.
Along the way, you will discover that most of the plants in Ranomafana are endemic to the island, and many of them have medicinal properties. A true open-air pharmacy, where you will learn about the importance of flora in local cultures and their traditional uses.
As night falls, a nocturnal visit around the campsite will allow you to observe microcebus, one of the smallest lemurs in Madagascar, as well as other nocturnal animals, in their natural environment. These observations offer a unique and enriching experience, immersing you in Madagascar's ecosystem from a different perspective.
The day ends at the campsite near the research domain, in a peaceful setting perfect for contemplating nature.
Day 9: RANOMAFANA
Exploration of the Ranomafana Primary Forest and Visit to the Antanala Villages
After breakfast, departure for a crossing of the dense Ranomafana primary forest, a true natural treasure where you will have the opportunity to observe new species of lemurs and exceptional local flora. During this extensive walk, you will also discover the grand Ranomafana waterfall, a majestic spectacle in the heart of the tropical forest, surrounded by Madagascar's rich wildlife and flora.
Lunch will be a picnic. Swimming in the thermal pool.
In the afternoon, departure for Ambositra, the capital of Malagasy craftsmanship, located in the central region of Madagascar. This city is renowned for its exceptional skills in wood carving and the creation of unique handcrafted objects. You will explore local workshops and discover the traditional techniques of Malagasy artisans, while immersing yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the city.
Upon arrival in Ambositra, check-in at your hotel for a well-deserved night of rest.
Day 10: AMBOSITRA- TANA
Transfer to Tana and Visit to the Digue Market
After breakfast, transfer to Antananarivo (Tana), the vibrant capital of Madagascar. Upon arrival, we offer a visit to the famous Digue market, a must-visit place to discover local handicrafts, typical products, and the authenticity of Malagasy life. It is also a perfect spot to buy unique souvenirs and meet local artisans.
At the end of the day, our services conclude, with the possibility of arranging your transfer to the airport or your hotel in Tana, depending on your preferences and schedule.
Upon your arrival in Antananarivo on the first day of the "TREK IN MADAGASCAR", you will be greeted at the airport and taken on a tour.
If you arrive before the first day, you can arrange for a hotel room for the tour. You will be picked up from your hotel on the morning of the first day. The time will be decided upon your arrival.
The transport will depend on the group size for the "TREK IN MADAGASCAR" tour, based on the size of the group.
A small car that can accommodate two to three people.
A minibus that can accommodate between 4 and 8 people.
A bus with a capacity of 10 people or more.
A 4x4 vehicle is provided for the day trip to Andringitra and Tsaranoro.
A visa is required to enter Madagascar and can be easily obtained upon arrival at Antananarivo airport, with a validity of up to 60 days. Tourists planning to stay for less than a month can obtain a visa for a sum of 115,000 Ariary (approximately 35 €). It is advisable to pay with the exact amount or small change. No photograph is required; however, it is imperative that passports are valid for at least 6 months after the return date.
Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is required for each person traveling with Tribu Nomady. Any insurance costs are the responsibility of the client. Please ensure the validity of your insurance.
You must have your own insurance with coverage for the entire duration of your trip to cover personal injury, damage, and loss of personal belongings, including but not limited to photography equipment and other electronics, medical expenses, repatriation costs, and lost luggage. Please contact your travel agent if you need additional assistance.