From the mystical forest of the Vazimba of Ankaratra to the summit of Tsiafajavona
The Ankaratra reveals its sacred forests and its mythical peak shrouded in mist.
Duration
3 days
From
€330/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
At 2,642 meters altitude, Tsiafajavona dominates Madagascar's Highlands with its perpetually veiled silhouette. Its name, "not without mist," resonates through the valleys of Ankaratra where the Vazimba left the imprint of their ancestral rituals.
This singular trek leads from the mysterious forests of Manjakatompo to the rocky slopes of Madagascar's third highest peak. The trails wind between sacred tombs and ritual springs, guided by the spiritual chief guardian of these history-laden places. Each stage reveals the foundations of sikidy, the divination art of Malagasy astrologers, and the traditions of healers who perpetuate the knowledge of their ancestors.
This volcanic mountain bears witness to the deep soul of the Highlands, where the sacred and the everyday have intertwined for centuries. A rare immersion into the spiritual heritage that still shapes the cultural identity of Imerina today.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Departure from Antananarivo to Ambatolampy and Manjakatompo Forest
Early in the morning, we leave the capital and head, via National Road 7, to the small town of Ambatolampy. We leave the road to venture onto a chaotic track towards the Ankaratra massif which towers west of the city.
Our porters are waiting for us at the start of the hike. Entering this region requires preparation and the spiritual leader, guardian of the sacred forest, will allow us passage following animist rituals. The divine and the sacred are omnipresent in these places. We will be there to give you all the explanations and help you gain the best understanding of rites that are often mysterious and hidden. We walk approximately 4 hours through this environment before reaching our bivouac site.
From the mysterious forest to the top of Tsiafajavona, third highest peak in Madagascar
We gradually leave the forest and its mists to head towards the summit of the Ankaratra massif. We set up camp near a small village, below the summit. The cold is biting and the mountain is often wrapped in a beautiful scarf of clouds as its name suggests.
From the Tsiafajavona Massif to the Ambohibary Sambaina Basin
After a long day of hiking, we begin our descent towards the vast plain that stretches south of Ankaratra. We rejoin our vehicles and after bidding farewell to our guide and porter teams, we head towards Antananarivo.
Via a chaotic track, we reach the large town of Ambohibary.
We cross the large agricultural plain of Sambaïna to join the RN7. Rice fields and villages characteristic of the Highlands shape the landscape. We continue until we reach Antananarivo at the end of the day.
Picnic lunch
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Day 3 Dinner
- Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- The single tent supplement (60 EUR / person)
- Beverages (mineral water, soft drinks, beers...)
- Tips and personal expenses
- Annual cancellation and repatriation insurance
- Possible visa fees
Included
- The service of an English-speaking trek guide Détours Madagascar
- Travel by adapted 4x4 vehicle(s) throughout the journey
- The fuel required throughout the entire journey
- The team of porters, a cook, and a spiritual leader for the 1st day
- Nights under tent (double/twin)
- All camping equipment except the sleeping bag
- All logistics during the trip except dinner on Day 3
- Fees concerning rituals in sanctuaries
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
More than 60 days before departure: 30% of the total price (deposit retained)
Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Your Passport:
Important: your passport must be valid. It must be mandatory and obligatorily valid for 6 months after the end of your stay in Madagascar.
Your travel documents
Your valid passport,
Your international and/or domestic flight tickets,
Your repatriation insurance/first aid expenses contract, -
Your vaccination record, not mandatory,
Your blood group card if possible.
Obtaining a visa to enter Malagasy territory
Upon arrival in the territory:
The visa cost is €35 for a stay of less than 30 days.
It is easily obtained upon your arrival in Malagasy territory.
This applies to all airports in Madagascar that receive international flights.
Upon arrival in the terminal, upon exiting the plane, a corridor for passengers is dedicated to issuing tourist visas.
This procedure is the simplest. We recommend it to you.
From the embassies and consulates of your countries of origin:
For information, download the document explaining the procedure and the constitution of the file for obtaining a visa from the Madagascar embassy.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and procedures for claiming any loss are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for declaring any loss. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Ivato Airport (Antananarivo) or online (e-visa). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Before booking your trip, check with Madagascar's consular authorities for the conditions applicable to your nationality, including visa fees and authorized lengths of stay.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 160 and 270 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1400 euros return) are additional. Long transfers and domestic flights represent a significant portion of the budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) protection, which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — High Plateaus
Ambassador of Malagasy fihavanana, based in Antananarivo
For me, traveling to Madagascar is stepping into the spirit of fihavanana: sharing, helping one another, meeting people, and taking time to understand what connects them to their land.
— Noro
