Aboard a traditional dugout canoe, drift along the calm waters of the Manambolo River, a true lifeline for the isolated villages that line its banks.
Each day reveals a changing landscape: from golden plains to dramatic gorges, from dry forests to the majestic Tsingy of Bemaraha, spectacular limestone formations listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stone labyrinth shelters remarkable wildlife, including the famous sifaka lemurs.
Your journey ends in Morondava, facing the sunset over the legendary Avenue of the Baobabs. Combining river navigation, hiking, bivouacs, and exploration, this journey blends adventure, nature, and authenticity for a truly immersive experience in the heart of the Red Island.
Meet and assistance at Ivato International Airport according to your international flight schedule. Transfer to central Antananarivo. Check-in at Havana Resort Hotel or similar.
Day 2 – Antananarivo → Ampefy | 120 km – approx. 3 hrs
Departure west via RN1. Drive through typical villages of the Central Highlands, then discover the ancient volcanic cones of the Itasy region. Arrival in the peaceful village of Ampefy. Free exploration in the afternoon.
Overnight: Kintana Fleuron Hotel or similar.
Day 3 – Ampefy → Tsiroanomandidy | 130 km – approx. 3 hrs
Morning visit to the Analavory geysers, a natural phenomenon created by mineral-rich underground water. Continue to Tsiroanomandidy, the last major town before the remote western regions.
Overnight: Relais du Bongolava Hotel or similar.
Day 4 – Tsiroanomandidy → Tsiafapapango | 120 km – approx. 7 hrs
Drive toward the Bongolava massif, a semi-arid region famous for its zebu markets. Continue to Tsiafapapango. Camp near a viewpoint overlooking the Ambatomalamba waterfall.
Overnight: Bivouac.
Day 5 – Tsiafapapango → Ankavandra | approx. 4–5 hrs hiking
Early departure for a hike across the dry hills of Bongolava. Picnic lunch en route. Arrival in the village of Ankavandra in the afternoon, followed by an immersion in local life.
Overnight: Local guesthouse (Chez Nouredine).
Day 6 – Ankavandra → Manambolo River Descent
Board traditional dugout canoes to begin the descent of the Manambolo River toward Bekopaka, through a totally isolated area. Before departure, a traditional ritual is performed to ask for the ancestors’ blessing.
Overnight: Riverside bivouac.
Days 7 & 8 – Manambolo River Descent
Two full days navigating between arid hills, forests, and deep gorges. The river is the only access route for many villages. Wildlife sightings may include sifaka lemurs, water birds, and scenes of daily village life.
Overnight: Riverside bivouac.
Day 9 – Manambolo River → Bekopaka
Approach the Bemaraha massif and navigate through the spectacular Manambolo gorges, home to ancient Vazimba tombs. Arrival in Bekopaka early afternoon.
Overnight: Olympe de Bemaraha Hotel or similar.
Day 10 – Bekopaka → Grand Tsingy → Bekopaka | 40 km – approx. 3 hrs
Full day exploring the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike through limestone pinnacles, natural bridges, canyons, and observe unique endemic flora and fauna.
Overnight: Olympe de Bemaraha Hotel or similar.
Day 11 – Bekopaka → Morondava | 220 km – approx. 10 hrs
Early departure. Cross the Manambolo and Tsiribihina rivers by local ferries. Lunch in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. Continue to Morondava via the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs, especially beautiful at sunset.
Overnight: Kimony Resort or similar.
Day 12 – Morondava → Antananarivo – End of Tour
Transfer to Morondava Airport for a domestic flight to Antananarivo. Transfer to an airport-area hotel such as Chato Park or similar.
Next day transfer to Ivato International Airport according to your return flight schedule.
End of our services.
Prices per person
1 traveler: €3,400 – single room
2 travelers: €1,850 – double/twin room
3 travelers: €1,700 – triple room
4 travelers: €1,600 – two double/twin rooms
For other options, please contact us.
Best time to travel: June – October
Included:
Domestic flights · Private vehicle with English-speaking driver ·
Entrance fees and guided excursions mentioned ·
Accommodation with dinner & breakfast ·
All transfers (airports, boats, ferries) ·
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 above
Ampefy
Located on the shores of Lake Itasy, Madagascar’s third-largest lake, Ampefy enjoys a pleasant microclimate. The lake is rich in fish, and nearby you can visit geysers and the Lily River waterfalls.
Tsiroanomandidy
Tsiroanomandidy, meaning “one person governs,” lies at the end of RN1 near the Bongolava massif. The region lives mainly from livestock farming and is known for its local markets and pousse-pousse rides.
Manambolo River
One of Madagascar’s great rivers, the Manambolo is a must for adventurers. Along the descent from Ankavandra, you will pass small riverside villages sustained by fishing and agriculture. Birdlife is abundant, and the gorges near Bemaraha can reach heights of up to 80 meters.
Bekopaka
A small western village accessible mainly during the dry season (May to November). Travelers come here to explore the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Though remote, Bekopaka offers a unique and lively atmosphere during peak season.
Tsingy de Bemaraha
One of Madagascar’s most famous national parks, featuring extraordinary limestone formations known as “Tsingy.” The site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Morondava
Capital of the Menabe region, Morondava lies on the delta of the river bearing the same name. The town is located less than 19 km from the spectacular Avenue of the Baobabs.
