Andringitra & Marojejy

Duration: 17 days
Type of service: Hotel with breakfast and full board during the campsite
Accommodation: Top or average hotel
Type of vehicle: 4×4 and/or minibus
Spoken language of the driver / guide: French, English, Malagasy
Period: from January to December
Period: from January to December

Tour highlights

Hikes: Manandona, Mount Ibity, Ambositra, Anja park, Andringitra Namoly, Tsaranoro, Ranomafana, Andasibe, Marojejy

Tour planning

Itineraries

Option EXTENSION 3 DAYS ANTALAHA BEACH BREAK

D+1

Antananarivo

A representative from Ortour will welcome you at Ivato international airport, and then you will be transferred in your private car heading to your hotel for overnight at Louvre (Top) or Chalet des Roses (high-midrange), or Hotel Tripolitsa (high-midrange), in BB.

D+2

Antananarivo – Antsirabe – Manandona

After breakfast, this morning we drive toward the national route RN7, through the high plateau’s mountainous and rice field landscape passing by Antsirabe and then heading to Manandona where we will start our hike . We will be trekking along this area while meeting local people, interacting with them in hope to learn about their culture and what they do in their daily activities. In addition to spectacular landscapes: waterfalls, natural pools, caves, the massif is home to famous cultural sites: royal tombs, the tomb of the Vazimba, Rova (Royal Palace), and some local weaving shops will be scheduled as well. Overnight at Gite Bakobako (homestay)

D+3

Visit the waterfall and the mount Ibity

Morning walk to the water fall and the mount Ibity, this is the fourth highest Mountain in Madagascar, Located 25 km from the city of Antsirabe, behind a rocky and spectacular landscape, the Massif d’Ibity is currently part of one of the major sites of the Vakinankaratra region. It is renowned for its rich flora, fauna, geology and culture.
More than 280 plant species have been recorded in the Ibity massif to date, among them, three endemic families: Astoropelacae, Kaliphorecae, Sarcolaenaceae (see: Endemic flora of the Ibity massif).
Also rich in fauna, there are mammals, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles such as “The Furcifer” which is one of the best known endemic species of Ibity (see: Endemic fauna of the Massif d ‘Ibity).
The summit of Massif d’Ibity, culminating at 2,254 m, is the highest of the rocky outcrops in Madagascar. The Massif d’Ibity contains semi-precious stones mainly quartz, beryl and tourmaline.
Then, we depart to Ambositra through the national road number 7, in Ambositra. Ambositra is famous and the capital of wood carvings in Madagascar, gaining an international reputation and heritage where the local Zafimaniry tribe is undeniably keen on wood work for carving, producing sculptures and marquetry..Settle in your hotel, at Violette or Artisan, in BB.

D+4

Ambositra – Ambalavao – Andringitra

Leave ambositra, and then continue to Ambalavao, passing by Fianarantsoa, the capital of the Betsileo tribe. Then, we continue driving to Ambalavao. Ambalavao is the well-known for its zebu market and a place where we will visit the paper factory of the Antemoro. This secular process to make this paper with bark of the mulberry tree Avoha (Bosqueia danguyana) was introduced in Madagascar in the XVth century by the first Arabic migrants to transcribe the Koran. Leave Ambalavao and then drive to Andringitra National Park of Andringitra located in the South East of Ambalavao. Arrive in Andringitra, Overnight at the Cottage in BB.

D+5

Andringitra

This day is the start of our trekking, following various trails including the Diavolana circuit.Full-day hikes, steep ups and downs requiring a high level of fitness. Activities include extended treks of 7 or more hours a day at altitude and over steep terrain. A good chance to behold the beautiful waterfalls (Rian-dahy&Riam-bavy).The Diavolana hike shows the real beauty of Andringitra National Park; also, it is called the moon landscape due to its view on rock formation and landscape…Camping and night in a tent, in FB.

D+6

Andringitra (Pec Bobby ascent)

Trekking further high reaching the ‘Pic Bobby’. Leave in the morning around 8 a.m. The ascent to the Pic Bobby might take 2 to 3 hours hike depending of you pace. This offers a nice overview of Park and panorama on smooth granite blocks and the rice paddies of the Betsileo tribe. ‘Pic Bobby’ is the second highest peak in the island reaching Imarivolanitra, literally means close to the sky offering a superb view and a breathtaking panorama on smooth granite blocks dominated by nice landscape of terraced rice paddies of the Betsileo tribe. Then, spend some time up there and take lunch at spot; Camping and night in a tent, in FB.

D+7

Andringitra (Tsaranoro)

Today, after breakfast, we are hiking down to Tsaranoro valley. We shall have the chance to enjoy the landscape in this area. Ring-tails and many other animals make home in this park. We cross some local villages contemplating majestic mountains of Tsaranoro in the opposite side. Overnight Camp catta or Tsara camp (in BB)

D+8

Tsaranoro – Anja – Ranomafana

We leave Tsaranoro, and then drive to Anja reserve, managed by a small community in hope to preserve some endemic animals recorded in this area. Anja is one of the best and easiest places to encounter the ring-tails at their natural habitat. After the visit, we depart to Ranomafana national park passing by Fianarantsoa, a major city of the Betsileo tribe. Stop at Namorona cascade for photo. Settle in your hotel for overnight in Top Hotel: Thermal or Setam Lodge, in HB or in Midrange Hotel: Grenat or Karibo hotel, in BB.

D+9

Ranomafana visit

We devote the morning used to explore the park, a very dense forest with green lush vegetation, a mountainous area reaching 950 m of altitude, possessing a great deal of flora and fauna unique in the world with wide varieties of orchids, carnivorous plants, harboring at least 12 species of lemurs including the golden bamboo, greater bamboo, Milne Edward’s sifaka. Also, there are 118 species of birds and 8 species of bats, as well as many rodents, reptiles, batrachians, spiders and butterflies. In the afternoon, you can relax in your hotel or spend the remaining time swimming in the hot thermal pool fed from the mouths of geysers or visit the village to closely interact with the locals in hope to learn and understand their cultures. Overnight in Top Hotel: Thermal or Setam Lodge, in HB or in Midrange Hotel: hotel Grenat or Karibo hotel, in BB.

D+10

Ranomafana – Antsirabe

This morning, you depart to Antsirabe, have lunch in Ambositra, and arrive in the afternoon in Antsirabe. Drive to the lake Tritriva for an hour visit and stop at the lake Andraikiba on the way back to Antsirabe.
Overnight in Top Hotel: Hotel Couleur Café or hotel Plumeria, in BB or in high-midrange Hotel: Vatolahy or Chambre des Voyageur or in BB.

D+11

Antsirabe – Tana – Andasibe

After breakfast, we shall undertake some visit at the surrounding areas and in various workshops of semi and precious stones. Then, we drive heading to the Capital, Tana, passing by the high plateau’s mountainous and rice field landscape. While arriving in Tana, we depart towards our destination today Andasibe taking roughly 4 hour drive.
Overnight at Top Hotel: Andasibe Hotel or in Mid-range Hotel: Feon’ny Ala or Grace Lodge in BB.

D+12

Andasibe

This morning, we drive to Mantadia national park, taking around one hour drive. The park forest of Mantadia provides shelters for many animals necessary for their sustainability. 108 species of birds are known in the park, some of them play an important role in the survival of plants. Besides, there are 14 species of lemur, 51 species of reptiles including the famous Boa and 84 species of amphibians. The terrain in this park requires physical ability for our trek due its lush vegetation with thick forest and tall trees, and high altitude, with lots of ups and downs. We head back to our hotel early in the afternoon.
Overnight at Top Hotel: Andasibe Hotel or in Mid-range Hotel: Feon’ny Ala or Grace Lodge in BB.

D+13

Andasibe – Tana

This morning, we will explore Analamazoatra reserve. A mild walk in the forest will grant you a great deal of windows of opportunity to spot not only the indri but also other lemurs such as the golden sifakas, the eastern woolly lemurs, without forgetting endemic birds and reptiles like the Parson chameleon, the tiny nose-horned chameleons, and so forth. After the visit, leave Andasibe and drive to Antananarivo overnight at hotel du Louvre (Top) or in Hotel Tripolitsa or Chalet des Roses (high-midrange), in BB.

D+14 – 15 – 16

Tana – Sambava – Marojejy

Today, you will be transferred to the airport to catch a flight going to Sambava. When arriving in Sambava, upon arrival ,leave Sambava to Marojejy, when we arrive in Manantenina village, we shall start our 3 nights/4days trekking . . The journey is about 60 kilometers from Sambava this morning and should take approximately 2 hours. We will then arrive at the park reception desk in Manantenina. Next, we will make our way to the village of Mandena, the beginning of our hike today.
Marojejy National Park is a protected area over 50, 000 hectares in size. The park is situated on a mountain chain that stretches from Northern Madagascar to the southern part of the country. The park offers an incredible range of topography that changes drastically in some areas. There are many different climates and it is one of the few places in the world where such a drastic change in geography can be seen and experienced all within a walking distance. You can be walking in a cloud covered rainforest and into a shrub covered mountain in no time at all.
There are three camps inside the park. We will begin the first bout of our trek to the park limits, about 50 minutes of walking initially. After a short break and picnic, we will enter the park and begin our climb to the first camp “Camp Mantella” which is about three hours of walking, and located in a lowland rainforest above the Manantenina River.
As we trek between the park entrance and Camp Mantella there is plenty of flora and fauna available for you to experience. From lemur species such as males with the foreheads and Bamboo Lemurs to many different species of the chameleon over the course of three hours, there is ample opportunity to view some of the endemic wildlife of Madagascar. After arriving at Camp Mantella, we will have a short break before visiting the Humber Waterfall. Late this afternoon, we will return to camp to rest and overnight. Accommodation in bivouac
After breakfast today, we will head to Camp II and Marojejia, located on a mountainside over looking incredible rock formations. Here we can view the White Lemur or the Silky Propitheca.
The distance between Camp I and Camp II today is approximately a two-hour walk. Once we arrive we will take a chance to explore the area surrounding Camp II and Camp III and their wildlife, lemurs and the small Brookesia Chameleon. We will enjoy lunch today at Camp II, and after a short break begin our walk back to Camp I. Accommodation in bivouac

D+17

Marojejy – Sambava

Leave Marojejy to Sambava , while arriving Sambava we will spend a couple of hours visit at the coconut plantations .This enormous coconut plantation extends across 50 sq km, where the trees march away into the distance in strict lines. On the two-hour visit you will see germination, seedlings and processing of the nuts into copra and coconut oil. Overnight at the Hotel Orchidée in BB,

D+18

Sambava – Tana

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Tana. End of services.

Additional informations

Rates & conditions

Participants	Price per person for Top Option	Price per person for Midrange Option
1 Pax	4440€	3950€
2 Pax	2100€	1750€
4 Pax	1700€	1450€
6 Pax	1650€	1350€
8 Pax	1550€	1250€
10 Pax	1500€	1200€

Included

A SUV with a driver who speaks English or a Tour guide and a driver
Fuel
Driver and his accommodation
Hotel in BB for Midrange
Camping in full board
Car insurance only
Park entrance fees
Local guide

Excluded

Tips
All lunches/dinners which are not mentioned above
Drinks
Internal flight (www.tsaradia.com)
Other activities which are not mentioned above