18-Day Madagascar Discovery Escape

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Antananarivo

Welcome to Madagascar! Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport, meet your LBM representative. After completing the necessary formalities, including visa procedures and currency exchange, transfer to your hotel. Take time to rest after your international journey and settle into the Malagasy atmosphere.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Au Bois Vert Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Antananarivo - Ambatolampy – Antsirabe

In the morning, depart Antananarivo for Antsirabe, approximately 170 km along National Road 7. Travel
through the scenic landscapes of the Malagasy Highlands, with winding roads, small waterfalls and panoramic
views over rice fields cultivated on terraces. Stop in Ambatolampy, a town renowned for its traditional
metalworking. If time permits, visit a small family workshop where artisans produce aluminium cooking pots using traditional techniques. Continue to Antsirabe, known as the “City of Water” and the capital of the
Vakinankaratra region. In the afternoon, discover the city and its craft traditions, including miniature-making,
women's embroidery workshops and local jewellery at CEV. End the day with a traditional pousse-pousse ride
through the city before settling into your eco-lodge for the night.

Main Destination:

Antsirabe (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Couleur Cafe

• Mid-range hotel located in Antsirabe (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Antsirabe-Betafo-Miandrivazo

After an early breakfast, transfer to the village of Betafo for a loop hike. The trail offers an opportunity to
meet the farmers of the Vakinankaratra region as you walk through vast grasslands. Along the way, you will
encounter local artisans, including brick and tile makers, blacksmiths, and cart makers. Visit the famous Betafo
farmers’ market and discover the region’s fascinating volcanic landscapes, history, cultural heritage, and
tourist attractions. A locally prepared lunch with the villagers is included. After lunch, continue the journey to
Miandrivazo, crossing the dry and increasingly arid landscapes of western Madagascar. Arrival in the late
afternoon and check-in at the hotel.

Main Destination:

Miandrivazo (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Princesse Tsiribihina Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Miandrivazo (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Miandrivazo - Masekapy

Early in the morning, transfer by taxi-brousse to the village of Masekapy, where you will begin your adventure aboard traditional wooden pirogues, with one boatman and 2 to 3 passengers per boat. Spend approximately six hours navigating the Tsiribihina River, surrounded by spectacular landscapes. Discover the Bemaraha gorges, enjoy a walk to a waterfall and natural pools carved into the rocks, and observe lemurs perched in the trees. Short walks along the river offer opportunities to explore riverside villages and meet local communities. Meals and overnight stay: Bivouac on the riverbanks.

Main Destination:

Tsiribihina (Town)

Activities:

• Boat trip

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Tsiribihina river exploration

Continue your journey downstream along the Tsiribihina River for approximately six hours, admiring the changing scenery along the way. The landscape gradually transitions from dry, sparsely vegetated areas to dense forests, dramatic gorges, towering cliffs, and vast sandbanks. As you approach the coastal plains of Menabe, the first baobabs appear, announcing the transition toward the Morondava region. Arrive at the village of Tsaraotana and settle in for another night in the heart of nature. Meals and overnight stay: Bivouac on the riverbanks.

Main Destination:

Tsiribihina (Town)

Activities:

• Boat trip

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Tsaraotana - Belo tsiribohina - Bekopaka

We depart towards the village of Belo sur Tsiribihina, arriving in the late morning. This lively village is known
for its small river port and bustling local atmosphere. After lunch, we continue along rough tracks, crossing
dry forests and vast savannah landscapes towards the Tsingy of Bemaraha, near the village of Bekopaka.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel on the banks of the Manambolo River.

Main Destination:

Bekopaka (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Olympe De Bemaraha

• Mid-range hotel located in Bekopaka (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Tsingy de bemaraha exploration

Early breakfast, followed by a transfer by vehicle to the entrance of Bemaraha National Park for a full day of
exploration of the famous Tsingy. Covering approximately 150,000 hectares, the protected area is one of
Madagascar’s largest protected areas and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990.
Discover an exceptional geological landscape made up of sharp limestone pinnacles, sculpted over time by
wind and water, rising to 60 meters high. Shaped by erosion, these spectacular limestone formations create a
fascinating labyrinth of gorges, crevices, and narrow passages, providing a unique habitat for a remarkable
diversity of wildlife and plant species. Return to the hotel in the afternoon. Walking time: Approximately 4–5 hours. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Main Destination:

Bekopaka (Town)

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Olympe De Bemaraha

• Mid-range hotel located in Bekopaka (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bekopaka - Morondava

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure towards Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. After the memorable crossing of the
Tsiribihina River by ferry, continue towards Morondava along a rough track crossing vast dry forests. Arrive
at the famous Baobab Avenue at sunset, one of the region’s highlights, where you can admire the impressive
baobabs, some reaching more than 30 metres in height. Continue to Morondava and arrive at the hotel in the
evening for overnight accommodation.

Main Destination:

Morondava (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Vezo Beach Hotel Morondava

• Mid-range hotel located in Morondava (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Morondava - Belo sur mer

Leave Morondava and continue south along the coastal route towards Belo sur Mer. The journey takes you
through remote landscapes and sandy tracks before reaching this traditional fishing village. Discover Belo sur
Mer's maritime heritage and its famous traditional wooden boat-building traditions. Meet local craftspeople
when possible and learn about the importance of the sea to the community. After the journey, enjoy a slower
afternoon by the coast and take in the atmosphere of this remote Malagasy village.

Main Destination:

Morondava (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Belo Beach

• Mid-range lodge located in Belo sur Mer (Town & Beach)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Belo - Manja - Morombe

After early breakfast, continue south through remote forested tracks. Pass baobab forests and observe wildlife
including lemurs, iguanas, geckos and chameleons. Cross Mangoky River by large local ferry boat. Continue
towards Morombe, centre of Vezo ethnic community. Arrive late afternoon and transfer to hotel.

Chez Irja: A charming guesthouse surrounded by lush greenery, with beautiful lemon trees and large guava
trees creating a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can expect a warm Malagasy welcome, attentive
service, and clean, comfortable rooms. A lovely place to rest and recharge during your journey through the
southwest of Madagascar.

Main Destination:

Morombe (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Chez Irja

• Mid-range guest house

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Morombe - Ambatomilo

After breakfast, continue along the sandy coastal tracks towards Ambatomilo, travelling through remote
landscapes and traditional villages. Along the way, discover the distinctive tombs of southern Madagascar,
decorated with carved wooden totems and colourful paintings that reflect the cultural traditions of local
communities. Continue to Ambatomilo Beach, located at the gateway to Madagascar’s Great Barrier Reef
region, and take time to enjoy the spectacular turquoise waters, pristine coastline, and peaceful lagoon scenery.

Main Destination:

Ambatomilo (Village)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Shangri-La Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Ambatomilo (Village)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Ambatomilo relaxation

Today, enjoy a full day at leisure at Mamirano Ecolodge, on a half-board basis. Take time to relax on the
private beach overlooking the beautiful lagoon, with its clear blue and turquoise waters. Beach facilities such
as umbrellas, sun loungers, towels, masks, and fins are available for guests. For those looking for more adventure, optional activities include canoeing, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, fishing, and diving. Enjoy dinner
at the lodge before spending the night at Shangri- La lodge.

Main Destination:

Ambatomilo (Village)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Shangri-La Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Ambatomilo (Village)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Ambatomilo - Salary - Ifaty

After breakfast, continue southward through the remarkable spiny forests of southwestern Madagascar,
passing through the village of Salary and landscapes dotted with majestic baobabs. Continue towards Ifaty, a
beautiful coastal destination overlooking the Mozambique Channel. Upon arrival, settle into your sea-view
bungalow and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the coast.

Main Destination:

Ifaty (Town & Beach)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Le Nautilius

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Ifaty - Toliara - Anakao

Leave Ifaty and travel to Toliara before continuing to the port for the boat transfer to Anakao. Enjoy the journey
along Madagascar's southwest coast before crossing the sea towards this beautiful coastal village. Upon
arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle into your bungalow. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or
exploring the village. After several days of overland adventure, Anakao offers a welcome change of pace, with
turquoise waters, sandy beaches and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Main Destination:

Anakao (Town & Beach)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Chez Peter Pan

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinks not included

Anakao

After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Anakao to relax on the beach, admire the turquoise lagoon, and experience
the peaceful atmosphere of the traditional Vezo fishing village. Guests may explore the village, take a walk
along the beach, or enjoy optional water activities at their own pace.

Main Destination:

Anakao (Town & Beach)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Chez Peter Pan

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinks not included

Anakao - Toliara (flight) - Antananarivo

After breakfast, transfer by boat from Anakao back to Toliara. Continue to the airport for your departure time
to Antananarivo. Upon arrival in the capital, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a final evening in Madagascar. After breakfast, transfer by boat from Anakao back to Toliara. Continue to the airport for your departure time
to Antananarivo. Upon arrival in the capital, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a final evening in Madagascar.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Chalet des Roses

• Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinks not included

Explore Ambohimanga Royal Hill

Discover the historic Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Madagascar’s most important cultural landmarks. Explore the royal palace grounds, ancient gates, sacred sites and traditional architecture while learning about the history of the Merina Kingdom and its royal heritage. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views of the surrounding Highlands before returning to Antananarivo.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Au Bois Vert Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Antananarivo - International departure

Enjoy a final introduction to Madagascar’s capital before your international departure. Depending on your departure time, visit the local handicraft and souvenir shops to discover Malagasy art, embroidery and traditional crafts, or enjoy a final Malagasy lunch. Later, transfer to Ivato International Airport for your international flight. Depart Madagascar with unforgettable memories of the Highlands, the Tsiribihina River, the Tsingy de Bemaraha, the iconic baobabs and the remote southwest coast.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.