Arrival at Ivato International Airport. Welcome and transfer to the hotel.

Sunrise offers us an adventure waiting to be discovered. We head east to the Peyrieras Reserve, a haven of biodiversity. Named after its founder, the Peyrieras Reserve is home to a large number of insects, reptiles, amphibians, and milano butterflies, species that are difficult to see in the national parks in this part of the island.

As evening falls, a special experience awaits us before dinner. A night tour will allow us to explore the life of reptiles of different shapes and sizes and mysterious amphibians. We will also meet the curious microcebus, the world's smallest primate, and other nocturnal lemurs.

An exceptional day awaits us, full of unique experiences in contact with nature. Our morning takes us to the Analamazaotra Special Reserve, nestled in the heart of Andasibe National Park. It is here that the unique charm of Malagasy wildlife is revealed. In the heart of this reserve, the Indri, the largest of the lemurs, dances among the trees. If we are lucky, we will be able to hear its haunting song, a natural melody that touches the heart. After this unique experience, we will take a break for lunch. The afternoon takes us to the V.O.I.M.A. Reserve or the Vakôna Private Reserve. These are havens of tranquility where other animal species live in harmony with their environment. Night is approaching, but the sweet excitement of this day remains etched in our minds, a tender and natural memory that will accompany our dreams.

Today we will head towards the city of Antsirabe, located on the RN 7 route. Along the way, we will discover small typical Merina villages, characterized by their mud and straw houses, which exude a warm atmosphere. The landscape is marked by rice paddies and fields with various crops. This region is known as the vegetable garden of Madagascar. Passing through Ambatolampy, we will make a slight detour to explore the aluminum foundry, which specializes in the manufacture of charming accessories that are used throughout the island.

Amanece una expléndida mañana en nuestra aventura por Madagascar, que promete descubrimientos inolvidables. Nuestra primera parada nos lleva al epicentro del místico Lago Tritriva, enclavado en el cráter de un antiguo volcán. Un espectáculo sobrecogedor se despliega ante nuestros ojos, mientras las aguas del lago se extienden a más de 160 metros de profundidad. Cada rincón cuenta la fascinante historia de este lugar cargado de una energía única, una historia que escucharemos de boca de los nativos de este lugar. 

El destino nos conduce a Antsirabe, en donde exploramos en pousse-pousse el centro de esta histórica y encantadora ciudad colonial.

We find ourselves on the “frontier” where three of the sixteen ethnic groups that inhabit the country converge. We bid farewell to the Merina to greet the Betsileo and the Zafimaniry. The latter, renowned as the island's great cabinetmakers, live in seclusion deep in the mountains bordering Ambositra, a town where you can find furniture and decorative accessories made from different types of wood that reflect the beauty of Zafimaniry art. 

Visit one of Madagascar's most enigmatic parks, Ranomafana National Park, where species of fauna and flora that do not exist beyond its boundaries coexist in perfect harmony. The entire Ranomafana National Park is located in the middle of the jungle, in a lush tropical rainforest covering some 41,601 hectares and at an average altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level. The great diversity of animal and plant species in the reserve has attracted the attention of numerous biologists and naturalists from around the world for decades. For example, Ranomafana is home to more than 12 different species of lemurs (Propithecus edwardsi, Hapalémur aureus, Hapalémur griseus ranomafanensis, Eulémur Rubriventer, Prolémur simus; one of the most endangered species on the planet,...), as well as hundreds of varieties of wild orchids and more than 115 species of birds that inhabit this wild forest, 90 species of butterflies, 98 species of amphibians, 62 species of reptiles, etc.

We head to the Pangalanes Canal, where we board a traditional boat to sail its waters. During the trip, we stop to visit a village of the Antemoro ethnic group who live in this southern part of the canal. Built during the French colonial era, this is one of the most authentic and charming places in the eastern part of the great African island.

Picnic (included) consisting of seafood and/or fish. 

Today we will visit the center of Fianarantsoa, whose name means “good education.” For a time, it was the cultural and intellectual center of the island. It is home to some of the oldest Protestant and Lutheran cathedrals in the country, the oldest theological seminary, and the Catholic Archdiocese of Fianarantsoa.

Our route takes us to the peaceful town of Ambalavao, where we plan to visit a local workshop that manufactures Antemoro paper. Immersed in its history, it was in the 12th century when the Arabs, upon their arrival on the eastern coast of Madagascar, introduced the Antemoro people to the fascinating art of making this paper, initially used to reproduce the Koran. Continuing our journey, we arrive at the Anja Reserve, which boasts a unique topography marked by imposing rocks and caves. The reserve is located at the foot of a huge rock massif, surrounded by rice fields and Lake Anja. Here we have the opportunity to observe, in the heart of nature, the famous Catta lemur, recognizable by its ringed tail. The reserve is also home to a wide variety of reptiles, chameleons, and the Madagascar brown boa. After the visit, we will have lunch and continue our journey to our destination, the Tsaranoro Valley.

In the heart of the Tsaranoro Valley, an exceptional day of trekking awaits us on Mount Camaleon (elevation gain: 627 m). Its summit, at an altitude of 1,489 meters, offers a breathtaking view of the valley and the Tsaranoro Massif. On the way up, we will pass through a dry tropical forest. We will be guided by the whisper of the wind and the aerial dance of the birds. The catta, guardians of this natural treasure, may greet us with their cheerful calls. Cana lovebirds add their melody to this natural symphony, transforming our walk into a dance in harmony with nature. After two or three hours of effort, we reach the summit of Mount Camaleon, where the immensity of the panorama envelops us. It is a moment suspended in time, an impressive tableau where the Tsaranoro Valley stretches as far as the eye can see. On the way back, we stop in a village where life beats to the peaceful rhythm of the valley. We have our picnic (included) in front of the Tsaranoro massif, in communion with the nature that surrounds us. As night falls, we relax, the stars come out, and the echo of this exceptional day still resonates in our hearts.

Let's continue our adventure south on RN 7, where the horizons stretch all the way to Ranohira, the majestic gateway to Isalo National Park. This park is one of the most admired in Madagascar. Along the way, we make a welcome stop in the village of Ihosy, home to the Bara ethnic group. The sun, our companion on this journey, begins to gently set on the horizon as we arrive in Ranohira.

A day of hiking in Isalo National Park promises to be a symphony of discoveries. This vast territory of 81,540 hectares stretches along its 164-kilometer perimeter, making it one of the largest national parks in the country. The adventure takes us through enchanting landscapes, dotted with wonders such as the Nymphs waterfall, the blue pool, and the black pool, nestled in the Namaza canyon. What makes Isalo so special are its sandstone formations, testimony to the Jurassic period, which reveal a distinctive geomorphology. In this semi-arid environment, endemic vegetation of extraordinary beauty thrives. From aloes to euphorbias, from pachypodiums to kalanchoes, this floral diversity constitutes a veritable palette of colors and shapes, adding an extraordinary dimension to the ecosystem of this natural gem. This exceptional enclave is home to no less than 77 species of birds, nearly 40 species of reptiles, as well as 14 species of primates, some of which are unique to this region. Arriving mid-morning, we take a well-deserved break and enjoy a picnic (included) prepared by the park's master chefs. At sunset, we head to the Isalo window. This setting offers us a heavenly spectacle, creating a living canvas that brings this day of adventure to a close.

Let's embark on an emotional odyssey to the beaches of Ifaty and Mangily, where life beats to the rhythm of the Vezo fishermen. Aboard their lakana (small canoes), the fishermen venture into the waters of the Mozambique Channel. In Zombitse-Vohibasina National Park, we stop to visit this natural setting 90 km west of Ranohira. Here, the baobab savannah weaves a landscape that awakens the senses, testimony to the splendor of western Madagascar. This natural gem, an ornithological paradise, is famous for its wealth of rare bird species. In addition, the trees whisper stories of the Propithecus verreauxi sifaka and the Lepilemur ruficaudatus nocturnal lemur. As we explore this exceptional region, we may encounter the fascinating fossa, Madagascar's largest predatory mammal. Along the way, as we observe the unfolding of a unique landscape, we approach the Tropic of Capricorn. This is the meridian that marks the boundary of the planet's intertropical zone in its southern hemisphere. In Tuléar, a pleasant lunch break prepares us for the final stretch to the beaches. Night falls gently, imbued with the peaceful atmosphere of the coast.

Under the enchanting sky of the Mozambique Channel, a day off unfolds like a chapter written according to your wishes. The waves whisper promises of relaxation and the beach invites you to explore. 

This setting is the backdrop for an exceptional event: the birth and early months of the humpback whales that spend certain months of the year here. A captivating spectacle that makes every moment an unforgettable experience.

If we wish, we can visit (not included) places such as the Reniala baobab forest or sign up for water activities organized at the accommodation and paid for on arrival.

It's time to say goodbye to the beaches of the vezo and fly to vibrant Antananarivo, the capital city that beats to the rhythm of the island. Upon arrival, a transfer through the bustling streets takes us to our accommodation in the heart of the city.

With mixed emotions, we headed to the airport to catch our flight home. This farewell day is filled with a symphony of memories that will stay with us forever.

Arrival in the country of origin.