Magical Malagasy Mosaic
Between terraced rice fields and turquoise lagoon, a crossing of the Highlands to the Mozambique Channel.
Duration
9 days
From
€900/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
The first rains transform the Highlands into a mosaic of brilliant greens. In the Vakinankaratra valley, rice paddies are laid out in perfect terraces while Betsileo villages cling to volcanic slopes. Time stands still in the workshops of Ambositra where the skilled hands of marquetry craftsmen draw patterns on precious wood.
To the south, the Horombe plateau unfolds its endless expanses where Bara herders lead their herds of zebus under an immense sky. The road winds between Mahafaly tombs adorned with colorful aloalo, witnesses to an ancestral culture. Then suddenly, the Indian Ocean appears, protected by its coral barrier.
This crossing reveals the deep soul of Madagascar, from Betsileo craft traditions to the expertise of Vezo fishermen. A journey that captures the diversity of the Great Island in a single experience, rhythmed by seasons and human encounters.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Discovery of the Central Highlands, the city of Waters Antsirabe
Walks and discoveries between villages and rice paddies in the Betafo valley, then continuing towards Ambositra
From Betafo
On foot, we set out to discover the mosaics of rice fields that display a range of green, yellow with the most beautiful effect.
Dominated by beautiful volcanic slopes, this Vakinankaratra valley offers sumptuous landscapes emblematic of Madagascar's Highlands, made up of hills, perched villages, red brick houses with thatched roofs, and rice fields. We will go from village to village, from house to house to meet our hosts.
The town of Betafo is also interesting in multiple ways. We encourage you to read our article to learn more: Betafo, cradle of the kingdom of Andratsay.
In the Betsileo country, the marquetry craftsmen of Ambositra and the Betsileo capital Fianarantsoa
Entry - Ambositra - Wood Workshop
Along the water, from the Matsiatra River to the tea plantations of Sahambavy
Activity Title: River Adventure and Cultural Immersion on the Matsiatra River including hiking and canoe descent (departing from Fianarantsoa).
Location: Matsiatra River, Fianarantsoa Region, Madagascar
Itinerary:
Fianarantsoa → Ampatora → Tambohonihenjanana → Iseta (Matsiatra region) → Ambalakofafa (Lotte Lodge) → Sahambavy → Return to Fianarantsoa or stay in Sahambavy depending on preference.
Duration: 1 day
Activity Type:
Immersive tourism – Canoe ride – Cultural discovery – Traditional navigation – Gentle hiking – Village encounters.
Activity Objectives:
Explore the Matsiatra River aboard a traditional canoe. - Observe local biodiversity and river landscapes. - Immerse yourself in the culture of riverside villages (Betsileo). - Promote responsible and solidarity tourism.
Proposed Itinerary Details:
08h00 or 08h30 – Departure by vehicle from Fianarantsoa (1h 30 to 2h) towards Ampatora. Then hiking from Ampatora to Tambohonihenjanana (15 min to 40 min depending on pace). The latter, the launch point near Mahasoabe.
10h30 – Canoe Embarkation: Presentation of safety instructions, peaceful navigation, bird watching, harmonious landscape, opportunity to try paddling.
(Duration 2h)
12h00 or 12h30 – Disembarkation, Cultural Stop: Visit to a riverside village (Iseta), school visit, visit to a typical Betsileo house in the region, village encounters and discovery of local crafts (Basketry). Resume gentle hiking towards Ambalakofafa (40 to 45 min walk).
13h15 – Picnic at Ambalakofafa (Lotte Lodge Guesthouse): Traditional Malagasy meal.
14h30 – Resume the excursion from Ambalakofafa towards Sahambavy or (+ visit to Sahambavy tea factory depending on preference)
16h00 – End of the excursion and return to Fianarantsoa
End of activity and return to Fianarantsoa in the afternoon.
Lunch as a picnic
The Lemur Catta of the Anja Reserve, and the vast steppes of the Horombe plateau
Driving
We continue our journey towards the Anja Village Reserve. It is at the foot of this granite massif that we set up our camp.
At the end of the day, we venture into the forest where a few families of mischievous ring-tailed lemurs have made their home. We will also have the opportunity to find them again the next morning before our departure. The Anja reserve is managed directly by the villagers. The profits allow for the improvement of living conditions in the surrounding villages.
Walk in Isalo National Park, Between Canyons and Natural Pools
A beautiful day of discovery on foot in the ruiniform massif of the Isalo National Park.
Isalo National Park was created in 1962, and is classified in the category of exceptional parks. Extending over nearly 100 km from North to South, it is unique in Madagascar due to its geomorphological formation dating from the Jurassic: this ruiniform massif of continental sandstone, carved with deep canyons, is home to endemic rupicolar vegetation (Aloes, Euphorbias, Pachypodes…).
You will also find exceptional fauna there, where most species are endemic, such as for example rock reptiles, lemurs and other primates.
The predominant ethnic group in this region is the Bara people, living essentially from zebu herding and agriculture. Considered descendants of the Bantu, the Bara are cattle herders but also fierce warriors, proud and ready to do anything to defend their freedom.
Picnic lunch
Heading to Ifaty and Mozambique Channel
Free stay in Ifaty, on the Tropic of Capricorn coast in Vezo Country
Flight to Antananarivo from Tuléar (not included), then return flight to Paris
Evening transfer to the airport, assistance with boarding on the flight to Paris.
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
- The domestic flight Tuléar > Antananarivo on day 9
- Lunches and dinners, except for picnic lunches which are included
- Activities not mentioned in the itinerary and during free time in Ifaty
- The guide and vehicle Détours Madagascar during the free stay in Ifaty
- The single room supplement or split single, 300 EUR / person
- Drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, beers...), during and outside meals
- Tips and Personal Expenses
- Annual cancellation and repatriation insurance
- Visa fees
Included
- The services of an English-speaking driver guide or English-speaking guide from Détours Madagascar (depending on group size) for the entire duration of the trip except in Ifaty
- 4x4 vehicle, minibus or bus transport (depending on group size), fuel included, for the entire trip (except in Ifaty)
- Accommodation in double/twin rooms in the mentioned hotels (or similar, depending on availability at the time of booking)
- Breakfast, from the breakfast on Day 2 to that on Day 9
- Picnic lunches on Day 2, Day 4 and Day 6 for the smooth running of the trip
- Visits and activities as described in the program, except during the free stay in Ifaty
- The entrance fees to the parks and reserves mentioned, mandatory local guide fees included
- All transfers mentioned in the program
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
