Madagascar

We start this trip very early the same morning or late the day before, depending on which airline we book. We spend a good few hours on the journey, but it is well worth it when we finally land in this exciting country, which we look forward to exploring. After arrival in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, we are picked up at the airport and driven directly on to Antsirabe. Here we find the hotel and a dinner before we crash after a long journey.

We wake up to an exciting first day in a new country. Antsirabe is known as "the city of water" because of its hot springs and lakes. Today there will be a city walk where we among other things visit a Zebu horn factory, where the animal's horn is transformed into beautiful and unique handicraft products.

Today we are going on our first hike in Madagascar. We drive towards the border of Vakinankaratra and stop near Ambositra and walk from here into the lush highlands. The highlands have a varied landscape with green rice fields, terraced fields and forested hills. The trip goes through traditional villages where we can meet the locals and see their agricultural traditions. If we are lucky we also get an insight into some of Madagascar's many endemic birds, small mammals and vegetation that includes medicinal plants and ancient trees. We will visit the Isandra Waterfall, which is the highest waterfall in the region, surrounded by lush vegetation and dramatic rock formations. This will be a great conclusion to today's hike. We drive back to our hotel in Antsirabe.

We are heading west for a travel day, starting with an early departure from Antsirabe toward the Sakalava region. Along the way, we will pass through a landscape filled with rice fields and vibrant red soil. We will stop for lunch halfway through the drive in Mandoto, a small town along the route. In the afternoon, we arrive in Miandrivazo, known as the city of the Sakalava people. Located along the Mahajilo River, this area is one of the warmest places in Madagascar.

After breakfast we leave Miandrivazo and drive south in rugged 4WD vehicles. The drive takes about half a day and goes through a beautiful and desolate landscape with vast plains and rock formations. Near Malaimbandy the real wilderness adventure begins as we leave the paved road and head off-road toward the village of Tsiazorambo. Along the way we take a break to enjoy our packed lunch. Upon reaching the village, we meet the crew before setting out on our first hike into the Makay massif, one of Madagascar's most pristine and spectacular natural areas. We will hike about 8 km through varied terrain to reach tonight's camp, located by an idyllic river and surrounded by lush vegetation and cliff formations. The day offers a first taste of Makay's wild, isolated nature, concluding with dinner under a starry sky before we turn in for the night.

Over six full days, we will trek through the northern part of the Makay Massif. This isolated area features a landscape of dry savannas and labyrinthine canyons, where rivers wind through sandstone formations and forested valleys—which fill with water and become impassable during the rainy season. In winter, however, the area is drier, allowing us to hike across the savanna, through the canyons, and along dry riverbeds of white sand. Even so, we should expect to walk in water at times, both crossing small rivers and wading for longer stretches. These formations have been shaped by wind and water over millions of years and continue to change from year to year. Additionally, Makay has a rich cultural history, with ancient cave paintings showing evidence of human presence thousands of years ago. On the final day, the loop is completed as we reach our camp outside the village of Tsiazorambo, where we will spend our last night in tents. Porters will accompany us to carry communal gear, food, tents, and sleeping bags, but you must carry your own daypack with the personal gear, clothing, food, and water needed during the day.

We conclude our wilderness adventure with the hike back to Tsiazorambo. Here we are picked up and head toward the west coast of Madagascar. On the way to Kirindy Forest, a private nature reserve, we pass the legendary Avenue of the Baobabs, with several species of these iconic trees that are only found in Madagascar. We will also get to see this famous 'Baobab Alley' tomorrow afternoon. Upon arrival at Kirindy Forest an exciting night walk awaits. This is a unique opportunity to observe rare, nocturnal lemurs and other endemic wildlife. One of the top attractions here is the "fosa", Madagascar's largest predatory mammal. We are staying at a nice lodge near the Kirindy Forest reserve.

We start the day with a morning hike in the Kirindy Forest nature reserve to spot the wildlife that is active during the day. Here, we will have the opportunity to see rare lemurs, birds, and other endemic species in their natural habitat. After lunch, we travel onward toward the coastal town of Morondava. Along the way, we stop to admire Madagascar's iconic baobab trees that we drove past yesterday. We first visit the 'Sacred Baobab,' then the 'Baobab in Love,' before ending the day at the famous Avenue of the Baobabs. Here, we will experience the majestic trees in the sunset light—one of Madagascar's most photographed spots.

After breakfast we take a private speedboat from Morondava to Belo sur Mer. The boat trip takes about 2.5 hours, and we arrive at one of Madagascar's most charming coastal towns. Belo sur Mer is home to the Vezo people, known for their skills in traditional wooden boat building. They handcraft traditional wooden boats called "boutres", which are an important part of both fishing and trading activity in the region. The city is also an idyllic beach paradise with calm, crystal clear water and a relaxed atmosphere. Here we get time to enjoy the beach and experience local life.

This day is dedicated to relaxation in Belo sur Mer, along with an excursion to the Kirindy Mitea Marine Reserve. This marine portion of the Kirindy Mitea National Park consists of features like small islands and offshore coral reefs just off the coast of Belo. Here, we will have the opportunity to snorkel by the coral reef, swim, and relax. We will also be served lunch prepared by our crew.

After an early breakfast we leave Belo sur Mer. We take the local speedboat back to Morondava and then domestic flight (approx. 2 hours) back to the capital, Antananarivo. Here we stay overnight near the airport and get a short journey the next day to reach the flight home.

We travel home with good memories from Madagascar's varied landscape and rich culture. We hope memories from the green highlands, the canyons of Makay, the baobab trees, the wildlife in Kirindy Forest reserve and the peaceful beaches will stay with you for a long time. In addition, the desire for a new exotic destination might come faster than you were prepared for :)