The Essentials of the West and the Tsingy de Bemaraha
Between limestone cathedrals and sunsets on Baobab Avenue
Duration
7 days
From
€980/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
On the road between Morondava and the Tsingy of Bemaraha, we will discover the very particular landscapes of western Madagascar : arid and eroded lands, rivers, baobabs, canyons, rocks of all shapes… On the return journey, rice paddies and plantations of all kinds take center stage!
Early in the morning we will head to the Avenue of the Baobabs (scene: majestic trees illuminated by the first light of day), crossing the Tsiribihina River by ferry to reach the Tsingy of Bemaraha at the end of the day.
The national park of Tsingy of Bemaraha, inscribed as a natural heritage of humanity by UNESCO, reveals landscapes of unparalleled beauty! Imagine a multitude of sharp rock skyscrapers piled up, leaving only narrow passages leading to crevasses and caves! Vegetation has found a way to adapt here, as have the animals. We will explore the labyrinths and canyons on foot and by pirogue…
From Bekopaka to Morondava, we will pass through Belo sur Tsiribihina. When we pass the Bongolava massif and its bare and jagged mountains, the landscapes give way to terraced rice paddies and various crops. The hills are dotted with red brick houses, characteristic of the central Highlands. The road to the capital will also take us to discover Ambatolampy and its aluminium foundries.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Flight from Antananarivo to Morondava
According to the flight schedule between Antananarivo and Morondava, airport transfer is planned from your hotel/home.
Our team will welcome you upon arrival at MoronMorondavadava airport. Transfer to the hotel and rest of the day free.
Evening transfer to the airport, assistance with boarding on the flight to Paris.
From Baobabs to Tsingy de Bemaraha
Early in the morning, we head towards Belo sur Tsiribihina by all-terrain vehicle. The dusty track winds through the dry forests of western Madagascar, scattered with baobabs. Many villages, markets, and people encountered; meetings are numerous and exchanges are rich.
Almost at the end of a morning's journey, we discover the first village in the Central West of the Menabe region: Tsimafana. It is the embarkation point to take the first ferry and discover this abundant territory of the Tsiribihina river, a journey punctuated by groups of birds. We reach the town of Belo sur Tsiribihina and have lunch there. We strongly recommend the local restaurant Mad Zébu, of surprising quality, which will delight the most discerning gourmands.
To reach the entrance of Bekopaka, we take the second ferry on the Manambolo river. The beauty of the landscape is so breathtaking that it would be able to hold us longer on this river and stop time. High steep cliffs surround us, this intoxicating discovery, these grandiose landscapes and this very special sensation of traversing the immensity are worth the detour in themselves.
We reach Bekopaka at the end of the day, at the foot of the Tsingy de Bemaraha massif, listed as a Natural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Check-in at the hotel.
Pirogue on the Manambolo and Hiking in the Tsingy
Morning dedicated to the discovery of the Tsingy de Bemaraha Before starting the visit of the small Tsingy, descent on the Manambolo River with a traditional pirogue.
We gradually venture into caves to see the unique rock formation in the world. As we walk, we evolve through the labyrinths of limestone rocks. If you are lucky, you may observe its small inhabitants: the famous lemurs.
Hiking in the Grands Tsingy de Bemaraha
We venture into vast open spaces: Grand Tsingy de Bemaraha.
The circuit begins with a 4x4 transfer 17km north of the village of Bekopaka to reach gigantic limestone cathedrals, dense networks of fissures, deep crevasses, and limestone blocks carved into blades or sharp points that form the « Tsingy ». Through canyons with humid vegetation, dry vegetation on limestone slabs, passing through labyrinths and joints, we will reach the Roof of the « Tsingy ».
Return to the village at the end of the day.
Return to the Kingdom of Baobabs
Early in the morning, we head towards Morondava by all-terrain vehicle. Despite the quality of the track, we will relive with nostalgia this intoxicating discovery of steep high cliffs and grandiose landscapes. The particular sensation of measuring immensity creeps in once again.
First ferry crossing on the Manambolo river to arrive in Belo late in the morning. We have lunch there and then continue with the folksy crossing of the Tsiribihina river by ferry. We pass through the famous Avenue of the Baobabs. We will want to walk the red earth track to arrive in time, photograph and capture the magnificent sunset that gives its orange tone to the baobabs.
Arrival in Morondava in the evening.
Antsirabe, the city of water
Road to Antsirabe.
Rice paddies stretch out before us. Past the town of Mahabo, the landscape becomes harsher until Miandrivazo.
Stop to visit markets in the villages we pass through. Gradually, the arid landscape of the mid-west and the barren mountains jagged by erosion of the Bongolava massif give way to a patchwork of terraced rice paddies and various crops, to hills overlooked by red brick houses of the Central Highlands.
Arrival in Antsirabe at the end of the day.
Return to the Capital
A short tour of the city and a visit to local artisans (making miniature bikes and cars, working with zebu horn…) then heading to Ambatolampy.
Rice fields and villages characteristic of the Highlands shape the landscape.
In Ambatolampy we make a stop to discover this very lively town on the RN7.
Continuing in the afternoon towards Antananarivo.
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
- International flights
- The domestic flight Antananarivo - Morondava (on D1)
- All meals except breakfast and picnics on Days 3 and 4
- Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- The single room supplement or room split single (€280 / person)
- Tips, drinks and personal expenses
- Cancellation insurance, repatriation insurance, and emergency medical expenses coverage
- Visa fees
Included
- Accompaniment by English-speaking driver-guide(s)
- Transportation by 4x4 vehicle (maximum 4 travelers per 4x4 vehicle)
- Accommodation in double / twin room in the hotels mentioned in the itinerary with breakfast
- The picnic lunches of Days 3 and 4
- Entrance fees at the listed sites
- Local guides in parks and reserves
- All transfers
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 — Wild West
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
