Trekking in Madagascar

The group flights usually arrive into Antananarivo in the early afternoon and

the group will be met and transferred to the start hotel. Land Only clients

should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon. In the evening our guide

will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the

local area and answer any questions. Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere or

similarStandard Hotel

We take a morning walk to the upper part of Antananarivo, ascending to

Antaninareina (the commercial and administrative part of town) and walking to

the main entrance of the Queen's palace, with outstanding views over Tana. In

the afternoon we drive to Ambositra, where we have the chance to visit some

Zafimaniry handicraft centres. Walk: Distance 4 km Ascent 160m Descent 0m

Max Altitude:1360m Time: 1.5 hours Accommodation: Artisan Hotel or

similarStandard Hotel

A full day walking to Antoetra allowing us to discover and explore the
Zafimaniry villages. The Zafimaniry people are renowned for their
woodcarvings; in their villages, even the houses are works of art! In 2003,
the Zafimaniry people and their work with wood were considered to be
masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, a list
maintained by UNESCO to protect and preserve their way of life. We will walk
through habituated areas - through rice fields, hills and small villages,
following regular paths used by locals. After the walk, we drive back to
Ambositra. Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 238m Descent 311m Max Altitude: 1780m
Time:6 hours Accommodation: Artisan Hotel or similarStandard Hotel

Today we head south and east to the well visited national park of Ranomafana.
The drive takes us through spectacular scenery, past neat Betsileo rice
paddies and thick forests. We reach our destination in the afternoon and
after some time to rest at the hotel, we take an evening walk along the
roadside of Ranomafana to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation: Hotel Le Grenat or similarStandard Hotel

In the morning we visit Ranomafana National park - a mountainous rainforest

park with elevations ranging from 600m to 1400m that contains many different

forest types (from lowland rainforest to cloud forest and high plateau

forest), and provides opportunity to see various species of lemurs (Golden

bamboo lemurs, Greater and Lesser bamboo lemurs, Red-bellied lemurs,

Red-fronted lemurs, Mile Edward’s Sifaka) as well as birds, frogs,

reptiles, snails and orchids.In the afternoon, we drive to Ambalavao, the

commercial centre of the southern Betsileo region, renowned for its folk art

and craft. Whilst here we will visit a wine farm and also take the

opportunity to learn about the production of the Antemoro-paper: a paper

which is produced from the bark of the Havoha-tree. Walk: Distance: 6-8 km

Ascent 120m Descent 120m Max Altitude: 1000m Time: 4-5 hours Accommodation:

Tsienimparihy Lodge or similarStandard Hotel

Early transfer to Andringitra National Park - one of the most beautiful and
biodiverse parks in Madagascar. Andringitra National Park has been managed by
the WWF since 1993, and has three distinct eco-zones: low altitude
rainforest, montane rainforest and high altitude vegetation. Although
Andringitra contains diverse wildlife (over 100 bird species, 50 mammal
species, including 13 lemurs types, and 55 species of frogs), the prime
reason for visiting is for the stunning landscape, vegetation and superb
trekking. More than 1000 plant species are known to exist in this national
park alone, and the guides are highly knowledgeable on the plants contained
within the park and their medicinal uses. In the morning we visit two famous
waterfalls: 'Riandahy' and 'Raimbavy' and then we begin our trek to reach the
second highest peak in Madagascar, Peak Boby. Peak Boby is also known as 'Pic
d'Imarivolanitra' which means 'close to the sky'. The trek begins in forest
which slowly becomes replaced by alpine meadows covered with orchids by the
end of the rainy season. Leaving the forest we ascend a steep path which
arrives onto the Andohariana plateau, climbing higher behind granite mountain
tops. As we walk through the high montane vegetation we reach a natural pool,
which offers a freezing but very refreshing swim! After approximately 6 hours
of walking, we camp at Anderamposty (2100m). Walk: Distance 9 km Ascent 530m
Descent 90m Max Altitude: 2080m Time: 6 hours Accommodation:Full-service
Camping

The longest day of treks, we begin our climb to the summit of Peak Boby
early, to avoid climbing in the full heat of the day. This is a day to keep
your camera handy as the trek climbs higher, giving unrivalled views and
superb high-altitude flora. Although this is the highest accessible peak in
Madagascar, it is a technically easy ascent up carved steps, and we should
reach the summit after about 3-4 hours. We descend the same route back to our
campsite where we have a chance to relax by the river while our lunch is
prepared. After lunch, we head out through moon-like landscapes, granite
cliffs and a forest of palm trees known as Gloka, on our way to our campsite.
After approximately 6 hours of walking we camp at Iantaranomby (1650m). Walk:
Distance 20 km Ascent 1092m Descent 1526m Max Altitude: 2658m Time: 10.5
hours Accommodation:Full-service Camping

Today we have our final day of walking in Andringitra National Park. After
breakfast we leave the mountains, exploring some of the villages on foot.
With the decreasing altitude, we pass by many forms of succulent plants, such
as the Pachypodium (looking like a mini baobab tree), Euphorbia and through
savannah landscape. After approximately 4 hours, we camp at Meva Campsite in
Tsaranoro Valley (900m) Walk: Distance 13 km Ascent 237m Descent 899m Max
Altitude: 1535m Time: 5-6 hours Accommodation:Full-service Camping

We drive to the little town of Ranohira today, which is the base for visiting

Isalo National Park. Along the way we visit the small reserve of Anja, where

Katta (otherwise known as Ring-tailed) lemurs can be observed in their

natural surroundings.



Accommodation: Les Toiles de l'Isalo or similarStandard Hotel

One of the highlights of the trip, we spend two days exploring Isalo National
Park. Isalo is a vast region of wind-polished and water-scoured rock towers,
deep canyons, gorges and oases, often described as Eden. Today we will start
by walking along a relatively flat path, following the foot of the rocky
mountain range, until the magnificent Canyon of Makis where we will search
for cheeky Ring-tailed lemurs and the Verreaux Sifaka. From here, we will do
a fairly steep climb, (those suffering from vertigo may find this
challenging) and then walk through the scenic, moonlike landscape of the park
to our campsite. Walk:  Distance 11 km Ascent 461m  Descent 410m Max
Altitude: 1094m Time: 5-6 hours Accommodation:Full-service Camping

Today is our second day spent exploring Isalo National Park. Today we will
visit Namaza waterfall, once again in search of cheeky Ring-tailed lemurs and
the Verreaux Sifakas. We will then head to the 'Piscine Naturelle' (natural
swimming pool), a beautifully lush spot in such an arid landscape, where we
can swim and relax after the hot walk. Perhaps the magic is just to soak up
the sheer beauty of the park. The combination of coloured, eroded rock
formations, strange plants and the enveloping silence make this one of the
most captivating places in Africa. Walk : Distance 10 km Ascent 30m Descent
20m Max Altitude: 1200m Time: 5 hours Accommodation: Les Toiles de l'Isalo
or similarStandard Hotel

After an early breakfast, we drive to Tulear, among the dry forests of the

west and the spiny desert of the south, and we pass both the 'Mahafaly tombs'

and the 'Antandroy tombs', briefly observing their ornate decorations.

Antandroy and Mahafaly are reputed to be the most impressive of all Malagasy

tombs, with the Antandroy tombs being large and brightly painted, relating to

the life story and wishes of the deceased. They are also topped with zebu

skulls which were sacrificed during the funeral festivity - a ceremony of

great significance. Mahafaly tombs are characterized by their wooden

sculptures known as 'Aloalo', relating to the life of the deceased and their

unfulfilled dreams, as well as their rank within the clan. After a brief stop

in Tulear, we continue past the coastal town of Ifaty to our hotel on the

beach. Accommodation: Hotel de la Plage or similarStandard Hotel

Today we have a free day at  Ifaty beach. Running all the way around the
south-west Malagasy coastline, Ifaty beach lies on one of the world's largest
barrier reefs and hence is an excellent venue for scuba diving. Between late
June and early September, whales can be observed off Ifaty's beautiful white
beaches and the offshore islet of Nosy Ve is a terrific place for
snorkelling. Protected by coral reefs, the beach and waters beyond the hotel
offer a welcome rest from your trekking itinerary for those who wish just to
relax. Accommodation: Hotel de la Plage or similarStandard Hotel

Today we transfer to Tulear airport for our flight to Antananarivo which will

arrive in the afternoon. Depending on the flight schedule, you may have free

time to explore Antananarivo on your own.Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere or

similarComfortable Hotel

Depending on flight times there may be the opportunity to embark on an
optional short visit to Ambohimanga, the fortified village and its Royal
Palace. Ambohimanga, otherwise known as Blue Hills, was for a long time
forbidden to Europeans. The kings and queens returned here for rest and
relaxation on top the forested slopes of this hill-top village. From here
began the line of kings and queens who united Madagascar into one country.
Ambohimanga still remains of spiritual significance for the Malagasy people
with ceremonies and rituals still taking place.