Baobab Expedition from Madrid

Departure on an international flight to Istanbul. Transit and connection with an international flight to Antananarivo. Overnight on board.

Breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, we will take a four-hour walking tour of Analamazaotra National Park, in the heart of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. During this tour, we will have the opportunity to observe the island's largest primate, the famous indri, as well as other species of lemurs, chameleons, and frogs, surrounded by lush vegetation including tree ferns, pandanus madagascariensis, and delicate orchids. After lunch, we will take a pleasant stroll through the village of Andasibe, where we will meet the Betsimisaraka people and learn about their way of life. At the scheduled time, we will embark on a night safari on foot in a private reserve in Andasibe, where we can discover various species of endemic wildlife of the rainforest, including the endearing micro-zebu. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Very early departure for the Malagasy Highlands, crossing a captivating landscape of terraced rice paddies along the iconic RN7 highway. Lunch on your own. Visit to Behenjy, known as the foie gras capital, where those who wish can sample different varieties of this exquisite delicacy. Next, we continue to Ambatolampy to discover the unique artisanal production of aluminum pots. The foundry is a truly captivating spectacle, allowing us to observe firsthand the intriguing techniques used in each stage of the process. Furthermore, purchasing one of the small aluminum figurines will contribute to a sustainable impact on the local community. In the afternoon, arrival in the elegant colonial city of Antsirabe. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. We will begin the day by visiting the "old town" of Fianarantsoa, where we will enjoy a panoramic view of the town. We will continue to Ambalavao, known for its artisan traditions, where we will discover the Antemoro papermaking process and take a hiking excursion in the Anja Nature Reserve, an ideal place to observe maki catta lemurs, as well as chameleons and the traditional tombs of the Betsileo-Sur people. Lunch on your own. Afterward, we will continue our journey to Isalo National Park, crossing the Horombe Plateau. This concludes our highland journey, and we begin our descent into the Malagasy savanna, crossing desert landscapes and passing through villages scattered in the middle of nowhere. Arrival at Isalo National Park and check-in. Overnight stay.

Early breakfast at the lodge and departure along the sandy southern track to ascend to the Sacred Baobab, the largest in Madagascar and one of the most imposing on the planet. This place, venerated by the local ethnic groups, is the site of pilgrimages and will witness a fomba, a traditional ceremony of thanksgiving to the ancestors, while we contemplate the majesty of this giant tree. We will continue to the village of Bevoay, where we will cross the emblematic Mangoky River by ferry. Picnic lunch (it is recommended to order it the day before at the hotel or purchase supplies in Morombe). In the afternoon, arrival at the picturesque village of Manja, where we will stroll through its streets and lively market, immersing ourselves in the daily life and colorfulness of its inhabitants. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue through western Malagasy, the territory of the Vezo and Sakalava ethnic groups. Along the way, we will cross the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs and stop by the Loving Baobab. Further on, we will reach the Sacred Baobab; those who wish to approach and hug it may do so on foot and barefoot, in a gesture of respect and connection with this magnificent tree. In the afternoon, arrival at the Kirindy Marofandilia Reserve and check-in. As night falls, we will go on a walking safari equipped with headlamps, exploring the reserve in search of its unique endemic fauna, including the African wildcat (Phaner pallescens), microcebus, lepilemures, and the fossa, Madagascar's iconic predator. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a visit to the Kirindy Forest Reserve via an approximately two-hour walk through the dry, dense forest typical of the Menabe region. During the walk, we will observe baobabs of the species Adansonia rubrostipa and Adansonia za, as well as diurnal lemurs such as the red-fronted lemur (Eulemur rufifrons) and Verreaux's lemur (Propithecus verreauxi). We may also spot the fossa, the largest carnivorous mammal on the island, along with the hopping rat and the tiny Bertha's lemur (Microcebus berthae). We continue our journey by crossing the Tsiribihina River by ferry to reach Belo sur Tsiribihina for lunch. In the afternoon, we will continue along dusty tracks to reach the Manambolo River, which we will also cross by ferry. Finally, arrival in Bekopaka and check-in at the lodge. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. We will begin a long return journey to Morondava along the dusty track of western Malagasy. During the journey, we will cross the Manambolo and Tsiribihina rivers again by barge, enjoying the ever-changing landscapes of this remote region. At sunset, we will experience one of the most anticipated moments of our expedition: the encounter with Morondava's famous Avenue of the Baobabs. There, we will contemplate the unforgettable sunset, surrounded by the majestic specimens of Adansonia grandidieri, which rise imposingly against the horizon. Arrival in Morondava and check-in at the hotel, located on the Nosy Kely peninsula. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the town of Miandrivazo, located on the banks of the Tsiribihina River. Along the way, we will be accompanied by a landscape as unique as it is fascinating: the “lavaka,” deep gullies of uncertain origin, possibly linked to overgrazing, deforestation, or road construction. We will cross the Menabe region, passing through towns such as Malaimbandy and Mahabo, where ancient royal villages of the Sakalava ethnic group once stood, bearing witness to the history of this area. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a relaxing trip in traditional canoes along the Tsiribihina River, culminating in an unforgettable sunset from the spectacular river branch that flows into Miandrivazo Beach. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning departure for Antananarivo. Lunch in the colonial city of Antsirabe. Continue to the capital. Arrival in Antananarivo and the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, we will visit Antananarivo, known as “the city of a thousand”: Antana (place or town), n’ (of), and arivo (thousand), referring to the thousand soldiers who protected the queen during the Merino monarchy. During the tour, we will discover the city center, known as Tana City, where history, culture, and daily life intertwine. Later, we will head to the vast La Digue Market, the largest craft fair on the island and one of the largest markets in Africa, ideal for purchasing unique souvenirs. At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Arrival in Istanbul and connection with flight to city of origin.