This 15-day Western Madagascar rafting and trekking adventure takes you to the incredible massif across the western region of this island nation. Imagine a river cruise with your tent and all of the amenities you need for an unforgettable camping experience. The sun is setting over the horizon, casting a beautiful orange glow across the Tsiribihina River cruise campsite. Explore the spectacular Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a natural treasure known for its carved-in-blade limestone cathedral. Spot lemurs, reptiles, and several bird species. Proceed to Morondava, passing through the renowned Baobab Avenue. Trek the Makay Massif, one of the island's last unspoiled areas, comprised of hundreds of convoluted gorges that have been home to an abundance of unique biodiversity for millions of years.
Highlights
Discover the amazing diversity of Madagascar highlands
Explore the diverse landscape of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
Visit the famous Avenue of the Baobabs
Hike the remote parts of the Makay deep forest canyons
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
After breakfast, meet your guide and continue your journey to the south passing through Antananarivo. See rice fields and typical villages of the Highlands. Ambatolampy is an excellent place to see how aluminum is used to build a pot for the entire country. In the afternoon, continue your journey towards Antsirabe. Experience "pousse-pousse" (Rick-Shaw) riding the primary mode of transportation for residents on a leisurely city tour.
After breakfast, meet your guide and continue your journey to Miandrivazo village. Make a quick stop at Mandato village to have a look at gold washers from the bridge. Embark on Masiakampy pier. Be ready to explore the Tsiribihina River by boat, a relaxing opportunity to see Malagasy wildlife in a quiet and peaceful environment. Stay overnight in small tents on the riverbanks, with a campfire and kids from a nearby village. This trip is an excellent way to travel from Miandrivazo to nearby the Tsingy National Park rocks.
Imagine a river cruise with your tent and all of the amenities you need for an unforgettable camping experience. The sun is setting over the horizon, casting a beautiful orange glow across this river cruise campsite. Witness the Malagasy wildlife as the rustling of trees in their natural habitat came to life with each gentle breeze and different kinds of birds.
Distance: 270 km with 30 km of track Duration: +/- 5h
After breakfast, continue your journey cruising along the Tsiribihina River. Following lunch, be ready to navigate the roadways that can be quite an uncomfortable experience going to Bekopaka and Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park.
Continue your tour after breakfast by visiting the little town of Bekopaka. Witness the incredible Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a natural wonder featuring a limestone cathedral, a network of faults and cracks, and blocks of limestone carved into blades. Hike to the stone forest and wind your way through the park, along swinging rope bridges, climbing over jagged peaks, and squeezing through narrow crevices. At Tsingy de Bemaraha, the giant rocks are not the sole attraction. Spot lemurs, reptiles, and several bird species. Additionally, it is the home of one of the world's tiniest chameleons, the "Brookesia Perarmata."
After breakfast, drive to Morondava and cross the Manambolo and the Tsiribihina rivers by ferry. Pass through the famous Baobab Avenue or "Allée des Baobabs." Settle and rest at your hotel located in Nosy Kely on the large beach of Morondava.
Distance: 200 km Duration: 7hours and 2 ferry boats -- in total: 9 hours
Day 8: Tsiazorambo Village
1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Leave Morondava after breakfast and continue driving towards Tsiazorambo village. Spend your time traveling through lovely Savannah villages with postcard-perfect views. As you proceed through this off-road, take in the stunning views and lush flora. It's incredibly relaxing to look at the beautiful environment, seeing peaceful fields and green trees for miles!
Stay overnight in small tents and a campfire. It's also an excellent opportunity to get plenty of exposure to outdoor nature while under the stars.
Distance: 170 km + 30km of track Duration: 7hours
Day 9-13: Trekking Makay Massif
5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Prepare to explore and trek the Makay Massif following your breakfast at the campsite. It is one of the island's remaining untouched places, consisting of hundreds of intricate canyons and a natural labyrinth, and has been home to an abundance of unique biodiversity for millions of years. There is so much to discover on this rocky peak. The view from up there is breathtaking, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead on each side or in front only adds to the fascination. Explore the interior of those massive straight faults with your guide, where the sun rays rarely penetrate, resulting in high plateaus that are still partially covered in forest or bushy growth.
Cross the Sakapaly river, which winds its way through the mountains, and enter the deep canyons and gallery forests teeming with lemurs, crocodiles, and frogs. Discover several traces of massive crocodiles while observing different kinds of birds living inside the endless canyons. This trekking exploration allows you to discover unspoiled nature and wildlife. Continue to navigate inside those canyons and stay overnight in small tents and a campfire on the white sandbanks.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,3504+ travelers
Notes
Select a Date
Rates are guaranteed for a minimum of 4. Pricing for less than 4 people, please contact us for a custom quote.
Initial deposit is 30% plus 100% of internal flight costs are due at the time of booking, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by Bank Transfer
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
We had the most incredible trip to Antarctica! Plus, we got a fantastic deal (especially considering how expensive expeditions are) and a free cabin upgrade. Prior to our trip, Michelle and Erin took great care of us and made sure we were good to go. Every element of the trip went smoothly with no surprises. Our ship, Ocean Albatross, was beautiful. The cabin was spacious and had everything we needed. The laundry service was cheap and fast (so there was no need to overpack). The food was great. The atmosphere was comfortable and casual (our style). And best of all, the staff and crew were so kind, accommodating and friendly. The guides and expedition leader were all amazing. We did so many shore landings and zodiac cruises, each one unique. There was no shortage of wildlife! We traveled with our 10 year-old son who had the time of his life. There were several other tweens/teens onboard. The guests were mostly a combination of families and solo travelers, mostly from the US. Overall, our trip was spectacular, a truly unforgettable trip of a lifetime!
Chrissy Howard
1 day ago
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Paula Thompson
2 days ago
I love working with the travel coordinators as they are helpful, friendly, and provide the information with the committed timeframe.
Mary Klaus
3 days ago
I have been working with the wonderful professionals at Adventure Life for many years and keep coming back because of the friendly, courteous, professional expertise I always receive. I've looked for travel agencies here at home but nothing compares to the service I receive with Adventure Life.
Chris Robinson
4 days ago
I am travelling alone on Bordeaux river cruise. Very prompt and informative responses. No issues.
