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Itinerary Map Madagascar
Detailed Itinerary Map Madagascar
Trips to Madagascar

Madagascar

Difficulty 4/5

11 Days

May - November

4 - 12 People

MADAGASCAR

Trekking in Andringitra & Tsaranoro Valleys of Madagascar

Experience true isolation in Andringitra National Park & The Tsaranoro Valleys on the the Red Island.

Madagascar is known as the "Red Island," a land of striking landscapes and a place of freedom and adventure. This 11-day trek through Andringitra National Park allows you to explore the island's most remote and beautiful areas, where the mountains meet the sky and the local culture is deeply intertwined with nature. From bustling towns and traditional markets to the isolation of Madagascar's highlands, this adventure offers a blend of physical challenge, cultural discovery, and a deep connection with nature.

 

The highlight of the trek is the ascent of Pic Boby (2,658 meters), where you'll witness the island's diverse ecosystems from the highest point accessible in the country. Your trip starts in the bustling capital city of Antananarivo before you head into the countryside along National Road 7, visiting traditional Malagasy towns, rural villages, and artisans.

 

This expedition is designed for those seeking a physical challenge and an authentic experience of Madagascar's culture and natural beauty. The trek is rewarding and varied, offering encounters with local communities, nights spent camping under the stars, and the chance to witness some of Madagascar's unique wildlife up close.

GBP £2070

Trip Highlights

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

    Accommodation

    Hotel

    Meals Included

    Dinner

    Driving Duration

    2 Hours

    Upon arrival in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, you will be greeted at the airport by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a guided tour of the city's highlights in the afternoon, including the Queen's Palace and Independence Avenue. Antananarivo is a lively mix of historic architecture, bustling markets, and scenic hilltop views.

    Queen's Palace Antananarivo

    Queen's Palace

    Train Station at Independence Avenue

    Train Station at Independence Street

    City Life at Antananarivo

    City Life at Antananarivo

    Sakamanga Hotel

    Hotel Room

  • Day 2: Antananarivo – Ambositra

    Accommodation

    Hotel

    Meals Included

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Driving Duration

    6 Hours

    After breakfast, we head south to the artisan town of Ambositra. Along the way, stop in Antsirabe for lunch and a quick tour. Known for its mineral springs, Antsirabe is a relaxing stop along National Road 7. In Ambositra, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Zafimaniry wood workshop, whose craft has been recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance.

    Zafimaniry Wood Workshop

    Zafimaniry Wood Workshop

    Handcrafted Products

    Hand-crafted products at Zafimaniry Wood Workshop

    Viewpoint on Naional Road7

    Viewpoint on National Road 7

    Viewpoint on National Road7

    Viewpoint on National Road 7

    Artisan Hotel

    Hotel Exterior

    Artisan Hotel Room

    Hotel Room

  • Day 3: Ambositra – Ambalavao

    Accommodation

    Hotel

    Meals Included

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Driving 

    6 Hours

    Walking

    City tour walk

    Continue along National Road 7, we continue driving through scenic landscapes towards the bustling town of Ambalavao. En route, stop in Fianarantsoa, a picturesque city known for its vineyards and colonial architecture. After lunch at La Table du Roval, enjoy a brief tour of Fianarantsoa's old town before heading to Ambalavao where we will spend the night. Get ready for the trekking portion of the trip with a detailed briefing from the National park guide about the days ahead.

    Fianarantsoa Old Town

    Fianarantsoa Old Town

    Fianarantsoa Old Town

    Unique architecture in Fianarantsoa Old Town

    Fianarantsoa Old Town

    Viewpoint at Fianarantsoa Old Town

    La Table du Royal

    Table du Royal

    Hotel Aux Bougainvilles Room

    Hotel Room

    Hotel Aux Bougainvilles Breakfast

    Breakfast

  • Day 4: Ambalavao – Namoly – Antanantsoa

    Accommodation

    Full Service Camping

    Meals Included

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Hiking Distance

    6 Km (5 Hours)

    Ascent / Descent

    +587 m / -517 m

    After visiting the vibrant zebu market in Ambalavao, we drive to the Namoly Valley to start our trek through Andringitra National Park. The trail begins with a scenic day hike to Miora Avaratra, a site known for its rich biodiversity and natural forests, with an opportunity to spot lemurs and chameleons in the wild. We descend to our campsite in Antanantsoa, surrounded by towering cliffs and untouched forests.

    Zebu Market

    Zebu Market

    Zebu

    Zebu

    Local Maket

    Local Market

    Madagascar Local Market

    Visit to a local marketplace

    Andringitra National Park

    Viewpoint during the drive down to Andringitra National Park

    Andringitra National Park

    Viewpoint during drive down to Andringitra National Park

    Views of Rural Life

    Views of rural life

    Hike into Andringitra National Park

    Hike into Andringitra National Park

    Starting Point of Miora Avaratra

    Starting point of Miora Avaratra

    Chameleon in the wild

    Chameleon in the wild

    Campsite in Antanantsoa

    Campsite in Antanantsoa

    Local Home

    Local home

  • Day 5: Antanantsoa - Andriampotsy

    Accommodation

    Full Service Camping

    Meals Included

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Hiking Distance

    12.5 km (5 hours)

    Ascent / Descent

    +850 m / -215 m

    We continue our trek deeper into the park, crossing rivers and passing through lush forests. The landscape becomes more dramatic as we ascend toward the Andriampotsy campsite at 2,100 meters. The surrounding views of the highlands are breathtaking, and the peaceful campsite offers the perfect opportunity to unwind after a long day.

    Viewpoint in Andringitra National Park

    Viewpoint in Andringitra National Park

    Waterfalls

    Waterfalls seen on hike up to the campsite

    Vast Shrub land

    Vast shrub land and unique mountains seen on the hike

    Local Huts in Campsites

    Local huts in campsites within the National Park

    Natural Pool

    Stunning views from a natural pool

    Unique Mountains

    Unique mountains seen in the park

    Campsite at Andriampotsy

    Campsite at Andriampotsy

    Dinning and Cooking area in the Adriampotsy Campsite

    Dining and cooking area in the Adriampotsy Campsite

    Cooking Area

    Cooking area

  • Day 6: Andriampotsy - Pic Boby - Andranolava

    Accommodation

    Full Service Camping

    Meals Included

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Hiking Distance

    28 km (10 hours)

    Ascent / Descent

    +1040 m / -1500 m

    Today, we start early (3am) to tackle the challenging ascent of Pic Boby (2,658 meters), Madagascar's second-highest peak, and watch the sunrise at the summit. The summit offers panoramic views over the national park and beyond. After a well-deserved breakfast break at the Andriampotsy, we descend to Andranolava, our next campsite, in a stunning valley surrounded by dramatic rock formations.

    Pic Bobi

    Hike on the way up to Pic Bobi

    Pic Boby

    View from Pic boby

    Hiking in Medagascar

    Views on the hike

    Andringitra National Park

    Native flora seen in Andringitra National Park

    Lunar Landscape

    Passing through lunar landscapes

    Palm trees on trek

    Native palms seen on the trek 

    Hiking in Medagascar

    The hike down to the next campsite

    Campsite at Andranolava

    Campsite at Andranolava

    Natural Pool in Medagascar

    Natural pool by the campsite

    Andranolava Campsite in Medagascar

    Andranolava campsite

    Pools in Medagascar

    Natural pool by the campsite

    Milky way in Medagascar

    Milky way seen at the campsite

  • Day 7: Andranolava - Tsaranoro

    Accommodation

    Lodge

    Meals Included

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Hiking Distance

    11 Km (5 Hours)

    Ascent / Descent

    +180 m / -820 m

    As we leave the highlands, the landscape transitions and descends into the beautiful Lataranomby Valley. Continuing our descent, we reach the tranquil Tsaranoro Valley, also known as Dream Valley, where we settle into a lodge surrounded by majestic granite cliffs and green hills.

    Tsaranoro

    View during hike down to Tsaranoro

    Tsaranoro Valley

    Viewpoint of Tsaranoro Valley

    Villages in Medagascar

    Passing through a village

    Lodge

    Lodge

    Bar and Restaurant

    Bar and Restaurant at the lodge

    Rooms at the lodges

    Rooms at the lodge

    Restaurant

    Restaurant at the lodge

  • Day 8: Tsaranoro – Chameleon Peak

    Accommodation

    Lodge

    Meals Included

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Hiking Distance

    7 km (4 hours)

    Ascent / Descent

    +550 m / -550 m

    Our final day of trekking includes an ascent of Chameleon Peak, so named for its distinctive rock formations that resemble a chameleon's head. The peak offers sweeping views of the Tsaranoro Valley, and the hiking trail is a favorite spot for wildlife like lemurs. After descending, we visit a local village and immerse ourselves in the community's daily life.

    Boulders of Chamleon Peak

    The unique boulders of Chameleon Peak

    View from Chameleon Peak

    View from Chameleon Peak

    Chameleon Peak

    On top of Chameleon Peak

    Tsaranoro Valley

    Tsaranoro Valley

  • Day 9: Tsaranoro - Ambositra

    Accommodation

    Hotel

    Meals Included

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Driving

    7.5 hours

    After breakfast, we leave Tsaranoro and drive back to Ambositra, stopping at Anja Park to see Madagascar's famous ring-tailed lemurs, chameleons, and some unique species of plant insects. Lunch is at La Petite Bouffe, Fianarantsoa, before arriving in Ambositra for the night.

    Tsaranoro Valley

    Tsaranoro Valley

    Ring-tailed Lemurs at Anja Park

    Ring-tailed lemurs at Anja Park

    Chameleon

    Chameleon seen at Anja Park

    Insects

    Insects seen at Anja Park

  • Day 10: Ambositra - Antananarivo

    Accommodation

    Hotel

    Meals Included

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Driving

    8 Hours

    We drive back to Antananarivo, stopping in Antsirabe for a relaxed lunch at Valahara Café. Enjoy a farewell dinner at Vue Royale overlooking the city's twinkling lights in the evening.

    Vue Royale Restaurant View

    View from Vue Royale

    Sakamanga Hotel Restaurant

    Sakamanga restaurant

  • Day 11: Departure from Antananarivo

    Meals Included

    Breakfast

    Driving

    1 Hour

    After a final breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to the airport for your return flight, leaving with lasting memories of Madagascar's incredible landscapes, wildlife, and cultural encounters.

Journey Map

Departures

Activities & Expert Guides

Enjoy a range of carefully curated activities led by certified guides who are experts in local culture and terrain.

Accommodation

Rest each night in comfortable, well-appointed accommodations and full service camping.

Meals

Savor local cuisine with all meals provided, from hearty breakfasts to energizing lunches and delightful and nourishing dinners for optimal recovery

Transfers

Relax with seamless transfers included, ensuring smooth travel between tour locations and activities.

Equipment

We provide high-quality equipment, suitable for each activity, ensuring safety and enhancing your adventure experience.

 

Training & Conditioning Plan

We provide you with pre-trip training and conditioning plans to enhance your physical and mental endurance. designed to equip you for the demands of rigorous outdoor activities.


What's Included

Got Questions?

Our knowledgeable team is here to help. Contact us anytime to learn more and get all your questions answered.

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Trek through the dramatic landscapes of Andringitra National Park

Summit Pic Boby, Madagascar's highest accessible peak

Discover the traditional crafts of Madagascar

Hike through the stunning Tsaranoro Valley and summit Chameleon Peak, offering breathtaking 360 views of the Valley

Opportunities to spot unique wildlife like lemurs and chameleons in their natural habitat

Explore local markets and cultural sites along the scenic National Road 7

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