Madagascar - Journey through the West

We recommend a trip to western Madagascar all year round since the west and south are relatively dry, even during the rainy season. Because the high tourist season is between July and October, we recommend that domestic flights, guides, and hotel accommodation be booked well in advance.

The best time to travel to the rest of Madagascar depends on the region that you visit. There’s no best time to travel due to the different climatic zones. In the southern summer, from November to April, it’s hot and rainy; and on the other hand, it’s warm and dry in the winter (May to October). It would be best to avoid visits between January and March because of the heavy rainfall and cyclone season.

Welcome to Antananarivo! A representative from a local agency will greet you at the airport and escort you to your first accommodation. During the drive, gather first impressions of the landscape and people. Tana (Madagascar’s capital) is in the island's central highlands and boasts incredible sights, such as the former royal palace Rova and the pirate museum.

At your booked hotel, you can relax from your long flight and enjoy the evening.

Travel time airport - Antananarivo city: approx. 12 km / approx. 30 to 60 minutes

1 night at Maison Gallieni with half board in a standard room, Antananarivo, Madagascar

In the early morning, wake up for the first day of your adventure in Madagascar. You’ll be picked up at your accommodation and taken to Miandrivazo. During your seven-hour drive, you’ll have a stopover to get to know the life and landscape of the country.

In the central highlands, visit Antsirabe, known for its numerous hot springs, thermal baths, and handicrafts. You can reach the city on foot or in one of the many colorful rickshaw vehicles. The city’s highlights include a French colonial building from the early 20th century, Scandinavian villas, vibrant markets, and craft shops. Don’t forget to visit Ivohitra Hill, where you can soak in panoramic views of the picturesque highlands.

The drive continues west until you reach Miandrivazo in the late afternoon. The hilly city is in the center of the island and is said to be the hottest region of Madagascar. On the Tsirbinhina River, you can take a boat trip in small wood boats called pirogues. Explore the fascinating animal world from the water! Keep your eyes peeled for unique bird species, lemurs, and crocodiles. Also, you’ll get an insight into the locals’ daily riverside life and visit the beautiful Anosin 'Ampela waterfall.

Travel time Antananarivo - Miandrivazo: approx. 385 km / approx. 7 hours and 30 minutes

1 night at Princesse Tsiribihina with half board in a standard room, Miandrivazpo, Madagascar

After breakfast, you’ll continue to the drive about four hours from the highlands and toward the savannah. As you inch closer and closer to the Indian Ocean, you’ll finally reach the small coastal town of Morondova.

Nearby is the highlight of your trip: the world-famous Alley of Baobabs. These high baobab trees tower over the landscape and form magical silhouettes from another world. You will also have up-close encounters with animals that you can only find in Madagascar.

Don’t miss the local Morondava market, where you can browse the locally made textiles and other coveted Malagasy handicrafts.

In the evening, you’ll reach your booked hotel in Morondava and enjoy dinner on the beach.

Travel time Miandrivazo - Morondava: approx. 270 km / approx. 4 hours

1 night at Palissandre Côte Ouest**** with half board in a standard room, Morondava, Madagascar

Wake up in the morning feeling relaxed and enjoy a hearty breakfast before another fantastic adventure. Hop on a pirogue and drive about an hour and a half from Morondava to Tsangajoly, near Belo Sur Tsiribihina. Tsangajoly is a transportation hub and a convenient stopover for travelers visiting Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park because it is just 100 kilometers north of Morondava.

Travel time Morondava - Belo sur Tsiribihina / Tsangajoly: approx. 100 km / approx. 90 minutes

1 night at Lodge De La Saline with half board in a standard room, Tsangajoly, Madagascar

Your journey continues to the next highlight: the famous Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its geology: the Tsingy limestone landscape takes you into an otherworldly nature. Discover its alluring caves and ancient tombs on today’s adventure.

Other attractions include the park’s forests, mangroves, and sparkling lakes. Keep your eyes peeled for the rich wildlife, such as the endemic lemurs, nearly 100 different bird species, bats, reptiles, mongoose, or fossa.

You will also visit a vast salt field, one of many in the area. Learn more about salt harvest and the processes it must go through.

In the evening, check into your hotel for the next two nights.

Travel time Tsangajoly - Bekopaka

2 nights at Soleil des Tsingy**** with half board in a standard room, Bekopaka, Madagascar

After breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know Bekopa and the surrounding area. Enjoy a short pirogue ride on the Manambolo River that takes you into caves below the Tsingy Stone Forest, where you will encounter bats, makes, birds, and endemic plant species.

Later, visit the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and discover the impenetrable labyrinth of limestone forests that make up the Great Tsingy and the Little Tsingy. Forests and open areas weave in and out of each other amongst the plateau.

Annual rainfall of around 1000 millimeters of water means that gorges at the foot of the Tsingy are moist, while savannah-like conditions prevail on the karst areas. In deeper areas, there are lakes and mangroves.

The journey will take you back to your hotel, where you’ll enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Early in the morning, head southwest to Kirindy Village. The drive takes you along some poor road conditions, but it’s worth it for the views. Let your gaze wander over the landscape’s magnificent baobabs. Then, hop onto a ferry and cross two rivers along the way. When you arrive in Kirindy Village, you’ll continue to Kirindy Forest, home to numerous lemurs. Meet the silly animals and watch them as they leap from one tree to the next.

Your night hike in the Kirindy Private Reserve begins today! Because of a large number of nocturnal wildlife, a visit at night is a must. The forest is also known for Madagascar’s largest predator: the fossa. Even the smallest lemur in the world, Madame Berthes Mausmaki, is active during the dark hours.

Travel time Bekopaka - Kirindy Village - approx. 7 hours, 2 rivers have to be crossed by ferry (waiting times may vary)

1 night at Relais Du Kirindy with half board in a standard room, Kirindy Village, Madagascar

In the early morning, spot lemurs and other mammals during a sunrise walk in Kirindy Forest. These hours are when diurnal animals are out and about looking for their breakfast.

On your way, visit Marofanilia Forest. During your drive to Morondava, you’ll pass the Alley of Baobabs. Stop for the perfect photo opportunities as the red and pink sunset skies shade the natural spectacle in glowing hues. Did you know that these trees can live up to 800 years, reach a height of over 30 meters, and have trunks up to eleven meters wide?

A little later, you’ll reach Morondava, the third-largest port city, and spend the night here.

Travel time Kirindy Village - Morondava: approx. 55 km / approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes

1 night at Palissandre Côte Ouest**** with half board in a standard room, Morondava, Madagascar

After breakfast, say goodbye to western Madagascar and drive to Morondava Airport for your domestic flight to Antananarivo. Back in the capital, a transfer will take you to your last hotel of the trip.

Today you’re free to explore the city one last time.

Flight time Morondava - Antananarivo: approx. 60 minutes
Travel time airport - Antananarivo city: approx. 12 km / approx. 30 to 60 minutes

1 night at Maison Gallieni with half board in a standard room, Antananarivo, Madagascar

Before you head back home, go on a shopping tour through the Antananarivo Digue Market. Several stalls sell various products in the market, such as spices, precious stones, small cars made from old cans, and hand-painted pictures on canvases. You can look forward to a few souvenirs at attractive prices. Then you will head to Antananarivo Airport, where you’ll say goodbye to your driver and embark on your flight home.

Would you like to relax a few days longer on the white beaches or customize the itinerary based on your wishes? No problem! Contact us, and we will organize a corresponding extension tailored to your needs.

itravel - for that moment.

Maison Gallieni****, Antananarivo, Madagascar (2 nights)

Maison Gallieni sits on a hill in the historic district of Antananarivo and offers spectacular views over the city. There are only four rooms, each furnished individually with a unique charm. They include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a safe, tea/coffee making facilities, telephone, and WiFi. At the luxurious hotel, guests have access to the cozy lounge, an open dining area, a library, a heated pool, and quaint gardens.

Princesse Tsiribihina***, Miandrivazo, Madagascar (2 nights)

During your stay in one of the comfortable rooms, relax on your private terrace, take a dip in your private pool, or take a stroll through the premise’s extensive gardens. The rooms come equipped with a TV, fan, private bathroom, and a safe. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, and uninterrupted views of nature. As the sun sets over the stunning landscape, unwind in this unique accommodation atmosphere.

Palissandre Côte Ouest****, Morondava, Madagascar (1 night)

This accommodation is in Nosy Kely on Morondava Beach, just 30-minutes from the world-famous Alley of the Baobabs. The 30 bungalows are made from local materials, and each has a private terrace with sea views, air conditioning, an electric kettle, and a private bathroom. You can order regional and international dishes at the in-house restaurant, and the bar offers a delicious selection of alcoholic beverages. Additional facilities include an outdoor pool and a wellness area with massages and holistic treatments.

Lodge De La Saline****, Belo Sur Tsiribihina, Madagascar (1 night)

Lodge De La Saline is in the heart of the Belo Sur Tsiribihina Nature Reserve in Tsangajoly. Stay in one of the various villas, cottages, and bungalows with air conditioning, satellite TV, internet access, a safe, and a private bathroom. The hotel’s restaurant serves gourmet cuisine with an emphasis on seafood.

Soleil des Tsingy****, Bekopaka, Madagascar (2 nights)

Soleil des Tsingy nestles in the middle of nature and is the ideal starting point for an exceptional stay in the Tsingy of Bemaraha. The hotel has 17 cozy bungalows and offers all the facilities and amenities for your visit. On hot days, take a dip in the infinity pool or relax under the warm sun. Enjoy a large selection of delicious meals at the restaurant while you soak in a fantastic view of the Manalambo River. While the romantic sun slowly starts to set, relish the most impressive and unique natural landscapes West Madagascar offers.

Relais Du Kirindy, Kirindy village, Madagascar (1 night)

This accommodation is in the lush vegetation near the Kirindy Nature Reserve. The overwater bungalows lead onto a large terrace with sun loungers and comfortable chairs and include mosquito nets, fans, a TV, and a shower room. You can also add an extra bed for a third person at an additional cost.

You can order fish and seafood specialties and international gourmet dishes at the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Other facilities include free WiFi, an outdoor pool, two massage rooms, daily housekeeping, and laundry services.

Closest airport: Ivato Airport

Duration of the trip: 10 days / 9 nights

Including

• 9 nights according to the program
• Meals according to the program
• All airport transfers
• Transportation in a 4WD car with an English-speaking driver
• Park entry to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Kirindy Private Reserve, and Marofanilia Forest
• Domestic flight from Morondava to Antananarivo

Excluding

• International flights

• Visa fees and travel insurance

• Fees for guided tours in parks and reserves

• Day trips not included in the program

• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services

• Personal expenses, such as telephone costs, tips, etc.

• Laundry service

Notes

• Please note that any holiday surcharges at Easter, Christmas, and New Years’ are not included in the price.

• We are happy to offer you a beach extension in Madagascar. Contact us today!