📅 Detailed itinerary

DAY 1 | ANTANANARIVO → RANOMAFANA

A spectacular crossing of the highland plateaus

Morning:Departure from the capital for an unforgettable journey across Madagascar's highland plateaus. Admire the magnificent terraced rice fields that sculpt the mountainous landscape.

Midday:Lunch in Ambositra, Madagascar's handicraft capital, where you'll discover the ancestral expertise of local artisans.

Afternoon:Continue to Ranomafana with observation of fascinating ecosystem changes. Check into your accommodation in the heart of nature.

• Distance:425 km
• Travel time:16h with discovery stops

DAY 2 | RANOMAFANA → MANAKARA

Discovering exceptional biodiversity

Morning:Explore Ranomafana National Park, a jewel of Malagasy biodiversity. Privileged observation of endemic lemurs in their natural habitat.

Midday:Lunch in the heart of the national park.

Afternoon:Scenic route to Manakara, first encounter with the enchanting atmosphere of the east coast. Check-in and discovery of this charming coastal town.

• Distance:200 km
• Travel time:5h

DAY 3 | MANAKARA DISCOVERY

Between maritime traditions and natural wonders

Daily program:

• Traditional fishing villages:Authentic encounters with local communities
• "Trou du Commissaire":Exploration of this emblematic natural site with unique geological formations
• Pangalanes Canal:Discovery of this historic waterway and meeting with river transport operators
• Colonial town center:Stroll through streets with preserved colonial architecture and visit colorful markets

DAY 4 | MANAKARA → LOKOMBY

Immersion in Antemoro culture

Morning:Departure for the traditional village of Lokomby, homeland of the Antemoro people, guardians of ancestral traditions.

Arrival:Check into community accommodation and traditional welcome ceremonywith Kabary (ritual speeches) and ancestral dances.

Afternoon:Cultural discovery workshops and traditional lunch shared with the community.

• Distance:40 km
• Travel time:2h

DAY 5 | LOKOMBY - SACRED SITES

Between sacred nature and living heritage

Morning:Excursion to Isahihy Waterfall, a sacred natural site revered by the Antemoro community.

Afternoon:

• Exploration of the authentic village of Lokomby with its remarkable traditional architecture
• Meetings with local craftsmen and discovery of ancestral agriculture
• Visit to the Royal Palace of Vohim-bazimba(Fenovola)

Evening:Community dinner and traditional evening under the stars.

DAY 6 | LOKOMBY → MAHASOABE

Historical navigation on the rivers

Full day:Extraordinary descent by traditional barge on the Ambahive River. 5-hour navigation punctuated by discoveries:

• Passage through the cultural site of Rezinga(Inato)
• Exploration of Toby Ankaramalaza, the region's main historical camp
• Meetings with local heritage guardians

Evening:Check into Mahasoabe and cultural debriefing.

DAY 7 | MAHASOABE → VOHIPENO

Downstream to new horizons

Day:Continue navigation by barge (3h) through river landscapes of striking beauty. Observation of endemic aquatic fauna and flora and encounters with riverside communities.

Arrival:Check into Vohipeno and first exploration of this authentic town.

DAY 8 | VOHIPENO → RETURN TO MANAKARA

Royal heritage and unique ecosystems

Morning:Visit to the Royal Palace of Ivato(Fenovola), prestigious testimony to Antemoro royalty.

Afternoon:Discovery of the Matatagna estuariesand their unique mangrove ecosystem, an ornithological paradise.

Return:Road to Manakara (30 km - 2h) for the last night on the coast.

DAY 9 | MANAKARA → AMBOSITRA

Journey to Madagascar's handicraft capital

Morning:Early departure from Manakara for a journey through Madagascar's varied landscapes, from coastal areas to the highland plateaus.

Route:Spectacular crossing with observation of vegetation and climate changes. Lunch break en route at a local restaurant.

Arrival:Check into Ambositra, the famous capital of Malagasy handicrafts, in the late afternoon.

• Distance:375 km
• Travel time:13h with stops

DAY 10 | AMBOSITRA → ANTANANARIVO

Final craft discovery and return

Morning:In-depth discovery of Ambositra, a true gem of Malagasy craftsmanship:

• Visit to artisan workshops specializing in marquetry
• Discovery of traditional wood carving
• Meeting with Zafimaniry master craftsmen
• Shopping for authentic Malagasy art

Afternoon:Departure for Antananarivo with a stop in Antsirabe, the city of rickshaws and thermal springs.

Arrival:Antananarivo in the evening, end of your extraordinary Malagasy journey.

• Distance:250 km
• Travel time:9h with stops

🏨 Accommodation

• Boutique hotelsselected for their authenticity
• Community lodgesfor total immersion
• Eco-lodgesin the heart of nature
• Traditional hotelin Ambositra in the heart of the artisan quarter

🍽️ Dining

• Traditional Malagasy cuisine
• Community lunches
• East coast regional specialties

🚗 Transportation

• 4WD vehicle with experienced driver-guide
• Traditional barge navigation
• All transfers included

👥 Tour leadership

• French and English-speaking local specialized guide
• Community accompanists
• Complete logistical support

During the east tour, you will see a lot of nature, rainforest, and endemic species such as lemurs and reptiles. Starting from the capital Antananarivo you will drive eastward to the national park Andasibe. In addition, you always can continue your trip to the beautiful island of Sainte-Marie or other places.