Itinerary

• Day 1: MADRID - ISTANBUL

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

• Day 2: ISTANBUL - ANTANANARIVO

  Arrival at the capital's international airport. Transfer to the hotel and brief travel information. Overnight stay.

• Day 3: ANTANANARIVO - ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK

  Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Andasibe National Park, beginning a fascinating journey to the east of the island. During the first part of the journey, we will cross a beautiful landscape of rice paddies which will gradually give way to the lush rainforest characteristic of this region, inhabited by the Bezanozano and Betsimisaraka ethnic groups. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to admire the famous ravinala, known as the traveler's tree and an emblematic symbol of Madagascar. Lunch in Moramanga. An important crossroads where various secondary roads converge, home to a remarkable ethnic diversity of the east of the island. There, we will visit its lively market before continuing our route. Arrival at Andasibe National Park, check-in at the lodge, and a presentation, where we will receive an introduction to both our route and the destination in general. Overnight at the hotel.

• Day 4: ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK

  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.

• Day 5: ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK - ANTSIRABE

  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.

• Day 6: ANTSIRABE - RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK

  Breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, we'll take a charming tour in a pousse-pousse (similar to Indian rickshaws) through the historic center of this elegant colonial city. During the tour, we'll discover the Atsena Kely market, the Notre-Dame de la Salette Cathedral, the train station, and numerous buildings that evoke the legacy of the French colonial era. Next, we'll continue our journey to Ambositra, considered the capital of Malagasy handicrafts. Located at an altitude of 1,350 meters, this picturesque town is renowned for its Zafimaniry artisans, whose expertise has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Heirs to a tradition passed down through generations, these experts in woodworking have developed a valuable set of techniques and knowledge that reflect the importance of this material in all aspects of daily life. Ambositra, nestled in the heart of the highlands, is also the ancestral home of the Betsileo people. During our stay, we will have the opportunity to visit marquetry and silk workshops, stroll through its lively streets, and immerse ourselves in local life. If the trip takes place between July and September, it could coincide with the famous “Famadihana,” or return of the dead, a deeply rooted and family-oriented tradition. If invited, and always with the utmost respect, we could briefly attend this unique celebration. Lunch on your own. Arrival at Ranomafana National Park and free time. Overnight at the hotel.

• Day 7: RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK - SAHAMBAVY

  Breakfast at the hotel. We will depart very early for an approximately four-hour hike through Ranomafana National Park, exploring its rainforest in search of lemurs such as the Edward's lemur (Propithecus edwardsi), the African grey lemur (Hapalemur griseus ranomafanensis), and the variegata lemur (Varecia variegata), among the twelve different species that inhabit this lush ecosystem. The rainforest, teeming with impressive tree ferns, wild orchids, and pandanus trees, offers a spectacle of nature in its purest form. Ranomafana is part of the Antsinanana Rainforests, a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing six national parks along Madagascar's eastern coast. After lunch, we will enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfall on the Namorona River and continue to the rural village of Sahambavy, famous for its tea plantations, unique on the island. There, we will tour the plantations, learn firsthand about the production process, and taste the two varieties of tea produced in the region. In the afternoon, check-in at the hotel next to the plantation and facing Lake Sahambavy. Overnight at the hotel.

• Day 8: SAHAMBAvy – ISALO NATIONAL PARK

  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.

• Day 9: ISALO NATIONAL PARK

  Breakfast at the hotel. We will begin the day by visiting the Waterfall of the Nymphs, as well as the Blue Pool and the Black Pool in the impressive Namaza Canyon. Isalo National Park, the most visited on the island, will amaze us with its deep canyons through which streams flow, its Bara tombs, and caves that once served as refuges for the Portuguese and Arabs. This park is a living testament to the history of Madagascar, home to various lemur species such as the rufous-fronted lemur (Eulemur fulvus rufus), the rufous-fronted lemur (Eulemur rufifrons), and Verreaux's lemur (Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi), among others. Its flora is also unique, notably the endemic Isalo palm, Bismarckia nobilis, along with aloes and pachypodium. We will continue with a visit to the village of the semi-nomadic Bara herders in "Antabara," located in Ikazandreno, where we will learn about their traditional way of life. The day will culminate with a spectacular sunset from the famous "Isalo Window," an unforgettable moment to contemplate the majestic landscape. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.

• Day 10: ISALO NATIONAL PARK - IFATY

  Early breakfast at the hotel followed by departure south, admiring the famous Mahafaly tombs along the way. These stone structures are decorated with funerary stelae sculpted or painted with animals, couples, and scenes of daily life, often crowned with zebu skulls and horns. During the journey, we will have the opportunity to photograph the first baobabs of southern Madagascar, emblematic symbols of this region. Before arriving in Tulear, we will stop to visit the Tropic of Capricorn Monument, a work by the Belgian artist Bruno Decorte. We will stand at the exact point where the Tropic of Capricorn crosses Madagascar and receive a certificate acknowledging our passage along one of the great parallels of latitude. Lunch is on your own. Transfer to the Reniala Reserve, located just one kilometer from the Mozambique Channel and near the picturesque village of Ifaty-Mangily. The Reniala Reserve is home to a unique ecosystem in southern Madagascar: the spiny forest, one of the last remaining fragments of primary forest in the region. Its imposing thorny shrubs support over 2,000 plant species, many of them endemic, including spectacular baobabs such as the Adansonia rubrostipa. A giant baobab, 13 meters in diameter and known locally as the "Teapot," stands out, estimated to be 1,500 years old. It is surrounded by a whole family of endemic plants, including Didieraceae, Pachypodium, and Euphorbias. We will take an approximately one-hour walking tour to admire these exceptional trees. Arrival at the hotel. Overnight stay.

• Day 11: IFATY - AMBATOMILO

  After breakfast at the hotel, we continue our adventure along the tracks of southwestern Madagascar, traversing ever-changing landscapes dotted with majestic baobab trees of the Adansonia rubrostipa species, known locally as "Fony." During the journey, we'll pass through picturesque villages of the Vezo ethnic group, such as Manombo, where we'll stop to stroll through its lively market. The sandy tracks will lead us to the Salary dunes, from which we'll ascend to admire the stunning turquoise lagoon of the Mozambique Channel. Later, we'll arrive at the idyllic beaches of Ambatomilo. The rest of the day is free. Overnight at the hotel.

• Day 12: AMBATOMILO

  Breakfast at the lodge. Free day in Ambatomilo, ideal for relaxing on its idyllic beach, exploring the picturesque fishing village, or, weather permitting, embarking on a traditional Latin-rigged canoe with the Vezo sailors to spot the majestic humpback whales that migrate through the Mozambique Channel. Overnight at the hotel.

• Day 13: AMBATOMILO - MOROMBE

  After breakfast at the lodge, we continue southwest to the picturesque Vezo village of Andavadoaka, where we'll have the opportunity to meet its inhabitants and, for those who wish, enjoy a refreshing swim at its beaches. At this stage, we'll experience a truly unforgettable moment: a visit to the baobab forest, also known as "The Enchanted Forest," a virtually unexplored area. In a small expanse of arid land, several groups of baobab trees of the Adansonia grandidieri species rise up, arranged like giant mushrooms. Finally, we arrive at the port and fishing town of Morombe, formerly an important enclave of the Vezo people, where its partially paved streets and beaches retain the charm of the old villages of the west coast. Overnight at the hotel.

• Day 14: MOROMBE - MANJA

  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.

• Day 15: MANJA - BELO SUR MER

  Breakfast at the hotel. Departure in 4x4 vehicles to traverse the sandy tracks towards the fishing village of Belo sur Mer. During the journey, we will travel through vast arid lands, sandy roads, and vegetation typical of the dry climate of the island's south, also passing through small villages of the Sakalava and Bara ethnic groups. Belo sur Mer, located 80 kilometers from Morondava facing the Mozambique Channel, is home to the Vezo people, nicknamed "the last nomads of the wind," and famous for the construction of traditional Malagasy boats and schooners. In the afternoon, we will observe the artisanal process of boat construction, explore the Vezo village, and, if we are lucky, witness a launching ceremony—a truly exciting experience. The ceremony, marked by the effort of the crowd pulling on the ropes and the subsequent celebrations, reflects the community's deep connection to the sea and its vessels. In addition, the town is known for its salt flats, where numerous families, generation after generation, extract salt to preserve food in the absence of refrigeration. Accommodation at the hotel.

• Day 16: BELO SUR MER - KIRINDY RESERVE

  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.

• Day 17: KIRINDY RESERVE - BEKOPAKA

  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.

• Day 18: BEKOPAKA - BEMARAHA TSINGY NATIONAL PARK

  Breakfast at the hotel. We will begin the day by canoeing through the Manambolo River gorges, surrounded by imposing cliffs that offer a breathtaking landscape. During the trip, we will stop at two grottoes, one of them adorned with spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations. We will also be able to observe an ancient Vazimba tomb on a vertical wall, belonging to the island's first inhabitants. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, we will visit the "Little Tsingy of Bemaraha," an experience that will test our physical fitness and agility as we traverse narrow passageways and explore unique rock formations. This tour will be a magnificent prelude to the following day. Return to the lodge. Overnight at the hotel.

• Day 19: BEMARAHA TSINGY NATIONAL PARK

  Breakfast at the hotel. Today holds a truly extraordinary discovery in store. Equipped with harnesses, we will travel in 4x4 vehicles (18 kilometers of track, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes) to the entrance of the "Great Tsingy of Bemaraha," where the exploration of these impressive karst formations, unique in the world, will begin. We will start with the Andamozavaky circuit, about four hours long and of medium difficulty, traversing a fascinating labyrinth of rocks, caves, gorges, and suspension bridges that will allow us to delve into this singular landscape. After a picnic lunch (not included), we will continue with the Ranotsara circuit, approximately two hours long and also of medium difficulty. This route will lead us among gigantic limestone cathedrals, deep crevices, and another suspension bridge to reach the summit of the Tsingy. Throughout the entire route, we will be secured by a via ferrata, allowing us to enjoy the experience with complete safety. In the afternoon, return to the lodge. Hotel accommodation.

• Day 20: BEKOPAKA - MORONDAVA

  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.

• Day 21: MORONDAVA - MIANDRIVAZO

  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.

• Day 22: MIANDRIVAZO - ANTANANARIVO

  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.

• Day 23: ANTANANARIVO - ISTANBUL

  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.

• Day 24: ISTANBUL - MADRID

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