Aktivreise Madagaskar

1. Tag: Anatananarivo

Tonga soa Bienvenue! Welcome to Madagascar. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for this, consider arriving a day early so you are able to attend. If you are going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting. If you arrive early, take some time to explore hilly Antananarivo. Head to Analakey to visit the permanent street markets or seek out the restaurants and nightclubs.

Special Information: A pre-paid airport arrival transfer is available for pre-booking. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel (note - we may not be able confirm request made within 15 days of travel).

On arrival in to Antananarivo Airport, please exit the arrival hall. A transfer representative will be waiting to meet you outside of the arrival hall. Please look for an Intrepid board with your name on it.

2. Tag: Antsirabe

Drive to Antsirabe in the early morning and enjoy an afternoon exploration of the area. (3.5 hours) Enjoy a two-hour cultural city tour which combines walking and local rickshaw (called a pousse-pousse). There will be an option to visit a local artisan workshop where every guest will be able to participate in making a traditional Malagasy handicraft.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Antsirabe - Pousse-pousse rickshaw tour

3. Tag: Ambositra

In the morning, explore the lovely Antsirabe countryside by bicycle. This round trip (approximately 16 kilometres) takes you to both Andraikiba Lake and Andrononobe Lake. Lake Andraikiba is not only gorgeous but very unique, with a strange legend attached to it – about a pretty pregnant lady whose spirit has haunted the area since she drowned here long ago. Even to this day it is said that you might see her at the break of dawn resting on a rock by the lakeside. Swimming is possible during summer months (May–December). In the afternoon, drive to Ambositra.

Special Information:The biking route is 16km and estimated time to complete this ride is 3.5 hours. The entire activity with transfers is an estimated 5.5 hours. As we start early in the morning it is recommended that you have a warm jacket for cool mornings but allow for warmer weather so layers are the best option. The route is on a secondary road some parts of the road are paved others are gravel surface. This activity can be enjoyed by those with good general fitness.

A helmet is provided as is a map of the area and a puncture kit for emergency repairs. Lockers are available for storage of personal items.

A packed lunch can be ordered in Antsirabe the day before, the tour guide will propose that to the guest and assist them with the picnic collection. Lunch is not included.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Antsirabe - Half day cycling trip

4. Tag: Zafimaniry Country

Transfer to Antoetra to start Zafimaniry country trekking. The trek (approximately 4 hours; 10.2 kilometres) starts in Antoetra, the main Zafimaniry village, and also the last one reachable by car. Start your walk through eucalyptus forest, grass land and mimosa trees, until you reach Vohibe, a rocky platform where catholics built a large cross back in the last century. After enjoying the views, reach the village of Sakaivo, where you will camp under canvas, dozing off to the ambience of the wild.

Special Information important Notes -Zafimaniry Trekking: Porters are included during the Zafimaniry Trekking. However, your luggage for this portion of the trip must be kept to a maximum 15kgs. Any excess baggage will need to be left in our private vehicle. Camping is simple Canvas Tent and camping mattresses are provided however sleeping bags and sleep sheets are not. Please refer to our recommended packing list. Cold water in a bucket available to freshen up every day - bush shower arranged for privacy

Please note: the way of life for the Zafimaniry people is simple and rudimentary. They earn their living from agriculture and woodcarving trades. This local balance is very fragile, therefore visiting this area requires a responsible approach to tourism. We strongly advise against giving money or gifts directly to the local people and children. A large portion of the trekking cost is contributed to the local community. However, should you wish to make any further contributions, please let your trip leader know.

5. Tag: Zafimaniry Country

Enjoy a full day of trekking in Zafimaniry Country. After a hearty breakfast, start your day among the rice fields and take in the scenery, replete with typical houses of the Zafimaniry living in Sakaivo. The rest of the day will be a tour of different typical villages, where you'll see woodcarvers (well-known in the area) at work. Sit down to a picnic lunch en route.

Special Information: Porters are included during today's trek. However, your luggage for this portion of the trip must be kept to a maximum 15kgs. Any excess baggage will need to be left in our private vehicle.

6. Tag: Sahambavy

Today you'll head back to Antoetra, where your vehicle will be waiting for you. This last day, you'll still cross some typical villages and be able to share special time with local people. Transfer to Sahambavy for some well-earned rest.

Special Information: Porters are included during today's trek. However, your luggage for this portion of the trip must be kept to a maximum 15kgs. Any excess baggage will need to be left in our private vehicle.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Zafimaniry Country - Trekking

7. Tag: Sahambavy

Rise early this morning and visit the Tea Estate Factory (if it's open). Then, if you are up for it, transfer to the village of Manaotsara for an optional full-day dugout canoe trip on the Matsiatra River. There will be two people, plus a local boatman, per canoe. Everyone will row and participate actively. The dugout canoes require calm and balance, and it's important to follow the indication strictly, so as to avoid a bath in the river! Before starting the trip, you'll be asked to do a 'soatra', a traditional rhum offering to ancestors asking them to take care of the boats on the river. Lunch will be a picnic on the river bank near a waterfall. Throughout the day, enjoy scenes of the countryside and the daily agricultural life of the local Betsileo people.

If you would prefer a break from the action, spend the afternoon relaxing around Sahambavy.

Special Information:
Driving time to activity : 1h45 - return transfer time: 30min
Activity Duration: about 3h30
Walking time about 1h15
Provided material Traditional wooden dugout canoe - paddles - life jacket

Optional Activities:
Sahambavy - Matsiatra River canoe trip - EUR75

8. Tag: Andringitra Nationalpark

Drive down to Ambalavao and then to Namoly, the northern entrance of the Andringitra National Park. At this point your Andringitra / Peak Boby trek begins. Today's walk (approximately 4 hours; 11.3 kilometres) takes you to your first campsite, at Andranolava.

Special Information Important Notes Andringitra Trekking: Andringitra NP Trek is a challenging one if you climb the Pic Boby (2658m), the second highest summit of Madagascar. The trekking over the next few days covers different terrain from forest and waterfalls to the frosty Pic Boby and lunar landscapes. A rich experience. Please kindly note that this trekking is difficult, and requires a regular practice of a physical activity. The highest point of this walk is 2 658m, which is normally under the limit for altitude sickness. We recommend that your travel insurance covers elevations of this height

Porters are included during today's trek. However, your luggage for this portion of the trip must be kept to a maximum 15kgs. Any excess baggage will need to be left in our private vehicle.

Camping is simple Canvas Tent and camping mattresses are provided however sleeping bags and sleep sheets are not. Please refer to our recommended packing list. Cold water in a bucket available to freshen up every day.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Andringitra - Peak Boby Trek

9. Tag: Andringitra Nationalpark

Today is the big day of walking (approximately 9 hours; 21.5 km). Wake up early (before dawn) and firstly walk to the Peak Boby (approximately 2.5 hours). Due to its eastern position, the Peak Boby is surrounded by fog during the day, but normally not in the early morning. So an early start makes for a better chance of being exposed to nice weather conditions. After enjoying an amazing view over the area, descend via the 'moon trail' and explore a very special mountainous landscape. You will then reach a forest of endemic palm trees called 'Ravenea glauca'. Continue to the Lantaranomby campsite.

Special Information: Porters are included during today's trek. However, your luggage for this portion of the trip must be kept to a maximum 15kgs. Any excess baggage will need to be left in our private vehicle.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Andringitra - Peak Boby Trek

10. Tag: Andringitra Nationalpark

Today's walk takes you to Tsara Camp (approximately 5 hours; 12 km). After breakfast, set off down to the southern entrance of the Park, looking over the Tsaranoro Valley from the impressive Tsaranoro cliff. Along the way, spot aloes, lizards and chameleons, maybe even a few lemur catta (ring-tailed lemurs). Then you'll pass through several villages inhabitated by the 'Barabory', a mixed population of Bara and Betsileo. Arrive at the Tsara Camp in the eary afternoon and enjoy some free time in this peaceful place.

Special Information: Porters are included during today's trek. However, your luggage for this portion of the trip must be kept to a maximum 15kgs. Any excess baggage will need to be left in our private vehicle.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Andringitra - Peak Boby Trek

11. Tag: Isalo Nationalpark

Enjoy a morning of free time. In the afternoon, drive to Isalo National Park. Covering an area of 81,540 hectares, this beautiful reserve is filled with golden plains punctuated by craggy pinnacles of terracotta rock, valleys, canyons, waterfalls and even tombs. Spot lemurs and Verreaux's sifakas in the lush forested entrance to the canyon.

12. Tag: Isalo Nationalpark

Enjoy a full-day exploration of Isalo National Park. The park is home to approximately 55 species of birds, including the endemic Benson’s rock thrush, as well as a variety of lemurs, lizards and snakes. An optional hike amidst stunning rock formations (approximately 6 hours) will take you to Piscine Naturelle, a beautiful natural swimming pool in an oasis-like setting.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Isalo National Park - Guided Walk

13. Tag: Ifaty

Drive down to Ifaty. On the way there you will visit the Zombitse National Park and see its bizarre baobab trees. The park comprises some 363 square kilometres of dry forest, marsh and savanna. On arrival in Ifaty, the rest of the day is at your leisure. As optional, you can visit the highly recommended Antsokay Arboretum on the way to reach your hotel, a superb display of hundreds of different plant species.

Optional Activities:
Tulear - Antsokay Arboretum visit - EUR5

14. Tag: Ifaty

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. We recommend that you don't plan to connect any regional or international flights within the same day. It's important to note that these flights can fill up quickly in high season and we also recommend that you purchase a re-routable ticket.