The Combo East-West Tours - 12 days
In the Land of contrast
This tours will make you experience three areas of the most interests but full of contrasts: the rainforest of the East and the dry deciduous region of the mid-west famous for its unique Baobab forest as well as the famous rock formation of the Tsingy de Bemaraha. You will also discover the unique wildlife and flora of these two different habitats. Above that, you will enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and will meet the very hospitable Malagasy people – who will welcome you any time and any where in the country.
Within a short time, one will be able to experience different wildlife and ecosystems as well as the cultures of the Malagasy people.
- Wildlife safari
- Hiking
- Pirogue ride
- Cultural activities
- Lemurs and other wildlife of the rainforest at Andasibe National Park and in the dry decidous forest of Kirindy Reserve.
- Plants of the rainforest and the dry deciduous forest
- Magroves in Morondava
- Landscapes of the Highlands, the evergreen east and in the Baobab areas.
- The Baobab Avenue and forest in Morondava
- The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
- Cultures of the Merina, Betsimisaraka and Sakalava tribes
- Antananarivo
- Andasibe / Mantadia
- Palmarium Reserve (Optional)
- Morondava
- Baobab Avenue
- Kirindy Reserve
- Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
- Morondava
- Antananarivo
Detailed itinerary
Arrival in Antananarivo.
You will be met at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and briefing.
Drive eastwards to Andasibe throughout the eastern slopes. En route, visit the reserve of Peyrieras at Mandraka. In Andasibe, visit of VOIMMA nature reserve managed by the local community.
Hike at Mantadia Reserve – a primary rainforest. Possibility of camping at Maromizaha Reserve for nature lovers to allow night and very early morning exploration.
Hike at Analamazaotra National Park and visit of Lemurs’ Island. Drive back to Antananarivo.
Fly to Morondava. Upon arrival, drive northwards throughout the land of baobabs including the Baobab avenue to Kirindy Reserve.
Early in the evening, night walk inside dry forest of Kirindy to spot nocturnal active animals.
After a leisurely morning walking safari inside the reserve of Kirindy, continue driving northwards to Tsingy de Bemaraha through a red lateritic and sandy road.
Early morning depart to the Grand Tsingy for a day hike on the Broadway or Andamozavaky trails depending on each and everyone’s pace and physical conditions.
In the morning, pirogue ride upstream the Manambolo River to visit a stalagmite-stalactite cave, typical of the Tsingy as well as to observe a Vazimba (early Malagasy indigenious, very short people) remaning bones and tombs.
Drive back southwards to enjoy sun downing at the Baobab Avenue.
Early morning depart to reach the magical lights at the Baobab Avenue. City tour and visit of the local market. Sightseeing by pirogue to the surrounding mangrove. Relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel and beach.
You will take the flight back to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, you can have some shopping at the handicraft market .
In the morning, city tour including the renewed Queen’s palace and have some typical culinary experience in town.
Rest of the day at leisure. Fly homewards. End of our services.
- Palmarium Reserve on Day 4
Trip notes
Departure
Any day >> How to book a tour
Period
Whole year round. The Tsingy de Bemaraha is accessible from Mid-april to early November.
Transportations
4WD - Motorboat - Pirogue - Domestic flights
>> Transportation standards
Accommodation
Hotels - Lodges
>> Lodging types & standards
City of departure
Antananarivo, the Capital city.
Ease of access
Medium (3 out of 5)
The hike in the Grand Tsingy is the most difficult part of this trip.