8-Day Tsiribihina River to Tsingy Via Baobab Avenue

Morning – Departure from Antananarivo

Meet at your hotel and begin the journey south along National Road N°7 towards Antsirabe. Enjoy a scenic three to four hour drive through Madagascar’s beautiful highlands, passing rolling rice fields, grazing zebus, colorful markets, traditional villages, and dramatic rocky landscapes.

Late Morning – Ambatolampy

Stop in Ambatolampy, a charming highland town renowned for its traditional aluminium cookware workshops. Discover the craftsmanship behind these handmade products and gain insight into the town’s long-standing metalworking tradition.

Afternoon – Journey to Antsirabe

Continue towards Antsirabe, known as the “City of Water.” Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening before the next stage of the adventure.

Morning – Antsirabe City Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a short tour of Antsirabe. Visit the lively Asabotsy Market, discover traditional craftsmanship at a local woodworking workshop, and explore a showroom showcasing Madagascar’s beautiful precious and semi precious stones.

Late Morning – Journey to Miandrivazo

Continue along National Road N°34 for approximately five hours. The scenery gradually changes from lush highland fields to drier landscapes, rugged mountains, and remote villages, offering a fascinating glimpse into Madagascar’s diverse countryside.

Evening – Arrival in Miandrivazo

Arrive in Miandrivazo, a peaceful riverside town and gateway to the Tsiribihina River. Check in at the hotel and relax, preparing for the next stage of the adventure.

Morning – Masiakampy and River Departure

After breakfast, drive for about one hour to Masiakampy, then continue by traditional zebu cart to the starting point of the Tsiribihina River journey. Board a wooden canoe for a canoe safari and begin a peaceful cruise through spectacular landscapes. Keep your camera ready for sightings of herons, wild ducks, parrots, kingfishers, chameleons, and colorful butterflies. Around midday, navigate through the impressive Bemaraha Gorge, surrounded by deciduous forests where lemurs and endemic birds may be spotted.

Afternoon – Waterfall and Swimming

Stop at Nosy Ampela Waterfall, renowned for its beautiful cascade and natural swimming pool. Enjoy a refreshing swim before continuing along the river.

Evening – Riverside Camping

Continue to Begidro Village, where camp is set up on a sandy riverbank. Gather around the campfire, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner, and spend a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Morning – River Cruise

After breakfast, continue the peaceful cruise along the Tsiribihina River, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, riverside forests, and traditional villages. Relax aboard the wooden canoe and enjoy the changing scenery. Stop beneath a shady mango tree for a delicious riverside lunch, enjoying fresh local flavors and the tranquil atmosphere.

Afternoon – Fisherman’s Village and Camping

Continue downstream and set up camp on a sandy riverbank near a traditional Malagasy fishing village. Take the opportunity to discover local life and experience the authentic culture of the riverside communities.

Evening – Dinner and Stargazing

Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner before relaxing beside the river. With no streetlights or city pollution, the clear night sky offers spectacular stargazing, creating a peaceful atmosphere for a restful night in nature.

Morning – Final Pirogue Cruise

Enjoy the final stretch of the Tsiribihina River by traditional pirogue, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and lush rice fields along the riverbanks. Around 10:00 AM, arrive at Tsimafana Village, where the river adventure comes to an end. Meet the driver and vehicle before crossing the river by ferry to Belo sur Tsiribihina. Stop for lunch at the renowned Mad Zebu, a local restaurant known for its delicious cuisine.

Afternoon – Off Road Journey to Bekopaka

Continue with an exciting four hour off road drive through rugged landscapes, traditional villages, and scattered baobab trees. Reach the Manambolo River at Andadoany and cross by a small ferry before continuing to Bekopaka.

Evening – Arrival and Relaxation

Arrive at the hotel, settle into a comfortable bungalow, and enjoy a well deserved rest before the next stage of the adventure.

6:00 AM – Breakfast and Departure

Start the day with breakfast before driving approximately 15 km to the Big Tsingy car park, reaching the trailhead after about one hour. Embark on a challenging 4.5 hour nature hike through the spectacular Grand Tsingy de Bemaraha. Navigate dramatic limestone formations, deep 30 metre crevasses, forest canyons, and an impressive hanging bridge. Along the way, search for wild lemurs, endemic birds, and unique flora while discovering caves and striking limestone “cathedrals.” Reach elevated viewpoints for breathtaking panoramic scenery.

2:00 PM – Lunch and Rest

Return to the hotel for lunch and a well deserved break.

Afternoon – Small Tsingy

Continue to the Small Tsingy, exploring its fascinating limestone labyrinth and enjoying two scenic viewpoints. Look for Decken’s Sifaka, Red-fronted Brown Lemurs, endemic birds, and golden orb-weaving spiders.

7:00 AM – Journey to Kirindy Forest

Depart Bekopaka and retrace the road towards Belo sur Tsiribihina, enjoying views of remote landscapes and traditional villages along the way.

12:00 PM – Lunch and River Crossing

Stop in Belo for lunch before crossing the Tsiribihina River by ferry. Continue towards Kirindy Forest, one of Madagascar’s most remarkable dry forests. Upon arrival, check in at the lodge and take some time to relax.

6:00 PM – Night Safari

Set out on an exciting night walk through Kirindy’s dry forest, where nocturnal wildlife becomes active. Search for the elusive fossa, Madagascar’s top predator, along with sportive lemurs, fork marked lemurs, and the tiny Grey Mouse Lemur.

7:00 AM – Kirindy Forest Wildlife Walk

Set out with a knowledgeable local guide for a guided exploration of Kirindy Forest, one of Madagascar’s most fascinating dry forests. Search for daytime wildlife including the Red-fronted Lemur and Verreaux’s Sifaka, famously known as the “dancing lemur,” along with endemic birds and unique plant species.

12:00 PM – Lunch

After the forest visit, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing the journey.

Afternoon – Baobab Discovery

Drive towards Morondava and discover the impressive Sacred Baobab and Baobab in Love. Continue to the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs, where the majestic trees create a spectacular setting for sunset.

Evening – Morondava

Arrive at your hotel in Morondava in the evening. End of services.