13 days / 12 nights
|
xxx €
per person on a 2 people basis (excluding flights) |
It is the journey you need, refined and captivating. Full of contrasts, it is an unforgettable experience. It will allow you to cross the highlands through and to discover the hidden facets of the red island, a compilation of discoveries, adventures and relationships.
STRENGTHS
National road 
Dam 
Ferry 
FWD, Vangaindrano road 
Pangalana Canal 
Manantenina road 
Lemur in Andasibe 
Landscape 
Highlands village 
Bird 
Room 
Tree-lined road 
Isalo massif 
Foot crossing a river Way south to discover the malagasy central highlands decorated by ricefields and traditional houses. Stop in the small town of Ambatolampy which lies in the Ankaratra’s foothills. You will discover skilled craftsmen shaping waste aluminum to manufacture kitchen utensils and small decorative items. Then continuation to Antsirabe, the spa town.
A morning orientation tour to enjoy the beautiful merina homes and a few colonial buildings of the city, including the spa. Visiting local workshops: semi-precious stones processing, embroidery, sculpture and craft confectionery. Before proceeding to Fianarantsoa, a small stop in Ambositra, trade crossroads of the zafimaniry tribes where wooden art objects are sold.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the railway station of Fianarantsoa and heading towards Manakara. Better arrive early to avoid the stress of jostling though the seats are already booked in advance. It’s a long journey but you can admire the wild beauty of the landscape and enjoy the unique primary forest panorama only a train can offer. The driver will be waiting at Manakara station. Plan lunch.
A day to explore the wild and lush area of the Pangalanes Canal on a traditional dugout. Visiting a traditional foundry on the banks of the canal as well as several remote villages with different activities: braiding mats, building dugouts … Picnic on a sandy lagoon where the canal meets the Indian Ocean. Nap and swimming in the cove. Overnight at hotel.
Departure for Vangaindrano after breakfast by the national road 12. Discovering the eastern part of Madagascar through Vohipeno, capital of the Arab descendants in Madagascar and the heart of Antemoro culture. Vangaindrano is still heavily muslim until now. Notice its royal houses. On arrival transfer to hotel.
Departure for Sandravinany. Picnic lunch along the way. The track is bad but you can enjoy a varying landscape. Installation in bush cottage or outdoor camping.
Continuing the journey to Manantenina through the east coast typical landscape, such as stilt houses, rice fields which are sometimes terraced, and a quite lush vegetation. Stops are planned to know better the local people and the region, or for any tourist attractions along the way as the timing allows. There will be 4 boat crossings. Manantenina is located on the Manampanihy riverside, known to contain a large bauxite deposit. Overnight in bush cottage or in bivouac.
Early departure from Manantenina setting off to Fort Dauphin, through a flat landscape characterized by the South East humid climate and its bountiful forest … Five ferry crossings over 100 km. Picnic lunch at your expense. Arrival in Fort Dauphin in the afternoon. Stay at the hotel for the night.
Heading for Berenty Private Reserve, located in the middle of a sisal plantation which represents one of the region’s main economic resources. Discovering a rich vegetation which includes the “Nepenthes”, a carnivorous plant. Then crossing the Anosy chain through the Ranopiso mountain pass. Installation at the lodge. Lunch at your expense. Visiting the reserve of Berenty.
After breakfast, drive to Lavanono. Through its landscape we discover a dense and varied vegetation, and a very pleasant contrast between the oceanic climate and the Great South’s heavy sun.
Long track day to join Itampolo! This road goes through a great stretch of amazing spiny plants and aloe, small fishing villages and huge sisal plantations, to lead us to Cape St. Mary and up to the gates of Andohahela Park. And it’s this road which surely will leave you the best memories of this trip!
Breakfast and on the roads again to Anakao. You can see baobab trees and awesome funerary arts on the way. The climate is fairly warm and the track is sometimes tough but you can enjoy the splendid coastline view of the Mozambique Channel.
Boat transfer and sailing to Tulear. Free rest of the day. Dinner and overnight at the hotel..
Transfer to the airport, flight back to Antananarivo.
