Set off on a unique adventure discovering Madagascar by bike, an exceptional journey through lush forests, sculpted mountains, and red laterite tracks lined with baobabs. This itinerary takes you from the humid forests of the East, home to the mysterious lemurs of Andasibe and the parks of Mantadia, to the arid, golden landscapes of the South-West, dominated by the canyons of Isalo and the turquoise lagoons of Ifaty.
Between each stage, the roads reveal the country’s rich cultural heritage: Antsirabe and its craftsmen, the Zafimaniry villages with their finely carved wooden houses, and the Sahambavy tea plantations.
Combining cycling, hiking and cultural discovery, this journey offers rare immersion into Malagasy daily life — among rice fields, forests, savannas and traditional villages. An intense and authentic experience where every pedal stroke brings you closer to the vibrant heart of Madagascar.
Day 1 – Antananarivo
Arrival at Ivato International Airport according to your international flight schedule. Welcome and transfer to the heart of Antananarivo.
Hôtel Havana Resort or similar.
Day 2 – Antananarivo – Andasibe, approx. 140 km / 4 hrs drive
After breakfast, departure to Andasibe through landscapes ranging from dry highlands to humid tropical forests. Arrival around midday. In the afternoon, visit the Mitsinjo Reserve, a remarkable community-run conservation project and one of the best places to observe the indri-indri, the world’s largest lemur.
In the evening, night walk along the park edge to spot nocturnal lemurs, chameleons and other night wildlife.
Hôtel Sahatandra River or similar.
Day 3 – Andasibe – Cycling loop to Mantadia, 50 km round trip
Early departure for the first cycling stage: a 50 km round trip to reach Mantadia National Park, the wildest section of the Andasibe forest complex. Possible sightings include several lemur species: gray bamboo lemur, indri, diademed sifaka, red-bellied lemur and black-and-white ruffed lemur.
After a ~3-hour walk inside the park, return to Andasibe with a stop at the Vakona Reserve and its famous Lemur Island. Return around 5:00 pm.
Hôtel Sahatandra River or similar.
Day 4 – Andasibe – Antsirabe, approx. 320 km / 10 hrs drive
Early morning departure to Antsirabe with a stop in Ambatolampy to visit a traditional aluminium foundry. Arrival in Antsirabe in the afternoon and visit of the main local market.
Hôtel H1 or similar.
Day 5 – Antsirabe – Ambositra – Anjozorozoro, 130 km by car + 25 km cycling
Transfer to Lake Andraikiba, starting point of a cycling stage to Lake Tritriva, a volcanic crater lake. Then drive to Ambositra, capital of wood carving, before reaching Anjozorozoro.
Hôtel Ivato River Lodge.
Day 6 – Anjozorozoro – Antoetra – Sakaivo – Anjozorozoro, 50 km cycling
Cycling towards Antoetra along a rough track mainly used by bicycles. Arrival after about one hour, then continuation to Laibury.
On foot, descent to Sakaivo, a Zafimaniry village renowned for its carved wooden architecture. After the visit, climb back to Laibury, retrieve bicycles and return to the lodge.
Hôtel Ivato River Lodge or similar.
Day 7 – Anjozorozoro – Ambohimahasoa – Ranomafana, 110 km + 40 km cycling
Drive to Ambohimahasoa, then cycling stage along RN25 toward Ranomafana National Park, passing rolling hills and villages.
Hôtel Karibotel or similar.
Day 8 – Ranomafana – Sahambavy, 70 km + 15 km cycling
Visit of Ranomafana National Park, famous for its 12 lemur species, including Milne-Edwards’ sifaka, the golden bamboo lemur and the black-and-white ruffed lemur.
After the visit, drive to Sahambavy, known for its tea plantations, then final 15 km by bike.
Lac Hôtel.
Day 9 – Sahambavy – Fianarantsoa – Ambalavao, 110 km
Visit of the Sahambavy tea plantations and factory, then drive to Fianarantsoa to explore the historic Upper Town.
Continue to Ambalavao and visit the Anja Reserve, home to a large colony of ring-tailed lemurs.
Tsinimparihy Lodge.
Day 10 – Ambalavao – Tsaranoro Valley, 20 km + 35 km cycling
Departure to the Tsaranoro Valley, dominated by impressive granite cliffs. Approx. 35 km cycling through rice fields and rocky landscapes.
In the afternoon, ascent of Chameleon Peak offering spectacular views.
Soa Lodge or similar.
Day 11 – Tsaranoro – Ihoosy – Ranohira, 150 km + 70 km cycling
Departure from Tsaranoro to Ihoosy, then a long cycling stage across the Ihorombe Plateau, one of the most scenic stretches of the RN7, before reaching Ranohira, gateway to Isalo National Park.
ITC Lodge or similar.
Day 12 – Isalo National Park, 50 km cycling
Day dedicated to exploring Isalo National Park, famous for its canyons, oases, waterfalls and natural pools.
Cycling to the Canyons of Rats and Makis, hiking and swimming in natural pools. Sunset at the iconic Isalo Window.
ITC Lodge or similar.
Day 13 – Ranohira – Toliara – Ifaty, 210 km + 40 km cycling
Departure to Toliara, then continue cycling to Ifaty, a seaside resort famous for its crystal lagoon and spiny forest.
Bamboo Club or similar.
Day 14 – Ifaty – Toliara – Antananarivo, 40 km by road
Transfer to Toliara airport for the domestic flight to Antananarivo. Welcome and transfer upon arrival.
Hotel San Cristobal or similar.
Day 15 – Antananarivo
According to your international flight schedule, transfer to Ivato Airport.
End of our services.
Prices per person
1 traveler: €3,500 – single room
2 travelers: €2,250 – 1 double/twin room
3 travelers: €2,050 – 1 triple room
4 travelers: €1,900 – 2 double/twin rooms
For other options, please contact us.
Best time to travel
April – October
Included
Electric fat bike | Domestic flight | Vehicle with French-speaking driver | Entrance fees and guided visits as mentioned | Accommodation (dinner & breakfast included) | All transfers (airports, boats, crossings) | Manambolo River descent by dugout canoe with full board and camping equipment
Not included
Entry visa (€35 per person) | Lunches | Drinks | Personal expenses | Anything not mentioned under “Included”
Andasibe
The small village of Andasibe is worth a detour for its rainforest atmosphere and wooden houses. It is the gateway to one of Madagascar’s most visited national parks, Andasibe-Mantadia.
Antsirabe
Located over 1,400 meters above sea level, Antsirabe enjoys a cool climate. This former spa town has preserved its colonial charm and is perfect for cycling, horse riding and hiking around Lake Tritriva and Mount Ibity.
Ambositra
A charming rural town famous for wood carving and traditional Betsileo craftsmanship, surrounded by artisan villages and scenic hills.
Zafimaniry Villages
The Zafimaniry people are renowned for their ancestral woodworking traditions. Their villages, masterpieces of vernacular architecture, are UNESCO World Heritage candidates.
Ranomafana
Hidden in a deep valley, Ranomafana is famous for its hot springs and its exceptional national park rich in endemic wildlife.
Sahambavy
Known for its vast tea plantations, Sahambavy is home to Madagascar’s only tea factory.
Ambalavao
A lively Betsileo town known for zebu markets, wild silk production and as a gateway to Andringitra National Park.
Tsaranoro Valley
A spectacular valley dominated by granite cliffs, ideal for hiking and climbing, with villages still living to the rhythm of rice cultivation.
Ranohira
Gateway to Isalo National Park and its dramatic sandstone landscapes.
Toliara
Known as the “City of the Sun”, Toliara is a major coastal hub with nearby beaches and rich cultural heritage.
