Crossing the Highlands from Antananarivo to Morondava in the South/West, then to Toliary in the South, with a 4WD car, sometimes on the sandy track , enjoying spectacular views of the beaches along the Mozambique Channel, the land of the Vezo people, the nomads of the sea; sometimes inland, along laterite red tracks, through the regions inhabited by the Sakalava, Mahafaly, and Antandroy ethnic groups, where one can explore tropical forests inhabited by shy lemurs, savannahs where mighty baobabs grow, and the bush studded with the incredible octopus trees, crossing either the rivers via their slow winding course or their dried beds (during the dry season). A large part of the route winds along the Coral Reef, the second largest in the world; a world apart, an atmosphere of purity and tranquillity with the powerful rumble of waves outside the lagoon in the background. Ampasilava, Salary… the beaches of the Coral Reef invite to experience this uncommon habitat, revealing a fascinating world, full of magic and charm. There one can dive into the depths of the reef’s transparent waters, and be slowly rocked by the gentle tide; while time seems to stand still, one feels stolen away and mesmerised by its enormity, punctuated only by pirogues with an outrigger which silently parade themselves. Although the sea remains the dominant element of the itinerary, the luxurious beauty of vegetation cannot fail to capture your attention, and hours become days in this vast and succulent expanse. When travelling on tracks that lead to the South/West of Madagascar, one can rediscover the forgotten rhythms of life, be at one with Nature, and experience a truly unspoilt land. An unforgettable journey into the depths of the soul of the Earth.
Antananarivo(Google Map)
Crossing the Highlands from Antananarivo to Morondava in the South/West, then to Toliary in the South, with a 4WD car, sometimes on the sandy track , enjoying spectacular views of the beaches along the Mozambique Channel, the land of the Vezo people, the nomads of the sea; sometimes inland, along laterite red tracks, through the regions inhabited by the Sakalava, Mahafaly, and Antandroy ethnic groups, where one can explore tropical forests inhabited by shy lemurs, savannahs where mighty baobabs grow, and the bush studded with the incredible octopus trees, crossing either the rivers via their slow winding course or their dried beds (during the dry season).
Departure in a 4WD car through the southern plateau, through cultivated fields and the typical villages of the Merina people, an Asian ethnic group, stopping off in the city of Ambatolampy, which is renowned for its many aluminium workshops making cutlery and cooking pots; arrival in Antsirabe and lunch in a typical restaurant; afternoon devoted to the visit of Antsirabe, the third largest city in Madagascar and the capital of the Vakinankaratra region; situated at 1500 m. asl, enjoying a cool and healthy climate, the town is characterised by a multitude of posy, rickshaw; in the evening, dinner and overnight in hotel Couleur Café (standard room) or similar.
After breakfast, continuing west through bucolic scenery of cultivated fields, in the plains and in terraces on the hillsides; up ahead the road lead to a scarcely-populated mountain region of harsh landscapes, until finally reaching the large village of Miandrivazo, on the Mahajilo river; lunch in restaurant; after that continuing along the track that first crosses the savannah and the sandy bush; then the journey continues through verdant valleys, arriving at Morondava at the end of the day, where the first gigantic baobab trees can be observed; in the evening, dinner and overnight in hotel Palissandre Cote Ouest Resort (standard room) or similar.
After breakfast, departure by 4WD car along the “Baobab Way”, where the red laterite trail crosses the verdant savannah, studded with countless gigantic baobabs; exploration of the region, of the villages of the Sakalava ethnic groups and their characteristic funerary constructions painted in vivid colours; visit to the Kirindy Reserve, to observe various species of lemur and birds in their natural habitat; picnic lunch during the excursion; return at the end of the day, with a stop in the savannah to admire the fantastic ochre-red colours taken on by the baobabs at dusk; in the evening, dinner and overnight at the hotel Palissandre Cote Ouest Resort (standard room) or similar.
Leaving the paved road, the laterite track heading south is taken through the bush, intersecting with numerous rivers which are crossed in cars; you can admire beautiful scenery of tropical forest all along the way and many baobabs of course; arrival at the end of morning to the coast near the Vezo village of Belo and settle down in hotel Ecolodge du Menabe (standard room) or similar; after lunch there will be visits to the village where numerous craftsmen can be seen manufacturing the botry, the typical boats of the region; time at your disposal to enjoy the serenity on the beach; in the evening, dinner is served and the night is spent in hotel.
After breakfast, the journey continues south along the track that crosses tropical forests, where mighty baobab trees can be observed along with typical animals like iguanas, geckos, uroplatus; picnic lunch on the road and arrival in the afternoon to the campsite; there will be time to explore the area where there is an atmosphere of great calm and the opportunity to meet the welcoming Sakalava people in nearby villages; Later in the evening, a dinner camp will be served and the night spent under canvas.
Breakfast at the camp, the continuation on the track towards Mangoky river; crossing the river by barge, then the road leads through the savannah where you can admire more species of baobab, until the coast and the city of Morombe, the main centre of the Vezo ethnic group; after lunch in a restaurant, we continue along the track until reaching one of the most beautiful beaches in Ampasilava, which also marks the beginning of the great Coral Reef of Madagascar; settling at a nearby hotel Laguna Blu (standard room) or similar; there will be free time to bathe in the soft, lapping waters of the reef; in the evening, dinner and overnight in hotel.
Breakfast is served in hotel, and the entire morning is dedicated to either relaxing on the beautiful coral beach or to discover the surroundings; lunch in hotel, then continuation of the trip along the track which passes through the wild beautiful dry and spiny forest, finally arriving again to the coast at the end of the day; in the evening dinner and overnight in hotel Mikea Lodge (standard room) or similar.
After breakfast, the morning provides an opportunity to bathe in the reef’s unforgettable transparent waters on one of the most beautiful beaches in southern Madagascar followed by lunch; then it’s back to the track leading still further south, passing breathtaking coral beaches, the shrubby savannah and the local tribal villages of the Sakalava and Masikoro people; here taxis-brousses, the local means of transport, and their cargos of cotton and local produce can be seen; these become a more common sight when nearing the main city in the Toliary region; arrival at the end of the day and set up in hotel La Mira de Madiorano (standard room) or similar; in the evening, dinner and overnight in hotel.
Breakfast in hotel; whole morning devoted to relax on the beach or for individual excursion inland or at the sea by pirogue with an outrigger; after lunch, it’s time to set on-board of your 4WD car for the last part of the journey; after few km. stop to admire the fantastic world of the mangroves, an insider’s look at this unique ecosystem along our 1km boardwalk with informational signs along the way to learn about the mangroves’ adaptations, threats, and conservation; the 4m tall viewpoint overlooking the channel and mangrove forest is also an ideal spot for birdwatching, in addition to abandoned saltpans that host a great diversity of wading birds; at the end continuation to reach Toliary; in the evening, dinner and overnight in hotel Famata Lodge (standard room) or similar.
After breakfast, time at your disposal; lunch and transfer to the airport.
