The Wondrous Highlands – 5 days
Into the heart of Madagascar
This is a 5-day cultural and active tour around the mountain chain of the Ankaratra region, in the very center of the Highlands. Immersed in the Imerina tribe, you will start the tour from the west of Antananarivo by visiting the lemurs Park and a village of artisans specialized in recycling-tins. You will also discover one of the old King’s palace, situated on one of the twelve sacred hills, with a great panoramic view.
Your visit will continue to a thermal spring and geyser then to the fishermen’s village at Itasy lake. Then reaching Faratsiho to visit a typical weekly market.
Getting more inside the Red Island, you will have some walks to visit a villag eof black smith artisans as well as traditional herbalists. You will also take advantage of some typical cuisines when staying at a rural inn. You will be then heading to Antsirabe, the “city of water ” and rickshaws, also known for its precious stones and minerals.
- Sightseeing
- Nature viewing
- Walking
- Cultural encountering and immersion
- Participating in local community’s projects if you wish to.
- Minerals and gemstones discoveries and initiation (optional)
- Cultural experience
- Lemurs
- The village of can recycling artisans
- Rural life of the highlands
- Diverse sceneries ranging from rice ricefields, mountains, rivers, lakes and forest.
Itinerary outline
- Antananarivo
- Lemurs’ Park
- Itasy / Soavinandriana
- Faratsiho
- Ambohibary
- Antsirabe
- Antananarivo
Sugggested combinations
- Antananarivo
- Lemurs’ Park
- Itasy / Soavinandriana
- Faratsiho
- Ambohibary
- Antsirabe
- Antananarivo
Detailed itinerary
Arrival in Antananarivo. Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Depart to Itasy
Visit of the Lemurs’ Park on the way.
Visit of villages of recycling tins and handicrafts workshops
Evening at Itasy Lake and tasting typical local food.
Early depart through the gorgeous valleys and the Ankaratra Massif mountain chain.
Visit of villages.
Observing the local life styles.
Overnight at an inn.
Attend evening local animations among villagers – if matched.
Depart to Antsirabe, a thermal city.
Visit of minerals workshops and the local market.
City tour.
After a leisurely morning, return to Antananarivo.
Trip notes
Departure
Any day >> How to book a tour
Period
March to December
Transportation
4WD
>> Transportation standard
Accommodation
Hotels - Lodges
>> Lodging types & standards
City of departure
Antananarivo, the Capital city.
Ease of access
Easy