Best of the West - Baobabs and Tsingy

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Upon arrival in Morondava, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Take some time to unwind and relax during the afternoon, as you have the freedom to explore the vibrant city at your leisure. Morondava, the third largest port city in the west, boasts a bustling center with a bustling market that invites you to wander and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Along the picturesque shore road, you'll find charming villas, while the long peninsula of Nosy Kely, situated between the river port and the Indian Ocean, offers a range of luxurious and modest hotels to suit every preference. The town's population is predominantly made up of fishermen from the Vezo tribe, adding a touch of cultural authenticity to the coastal ambiance.

Overnight in a hotel.

* Flights to Morondava operate 3-4 times per week.

Embark on a thrilling 4WD journey through the captivating Baobab Alley, as you make your way towards the renowned Kirindy Reserve.

Notably, the Kirindy region hosts a field station operated by the German Primate Center Göttingen since 1993. The dedicated researchers at the station focus their investigations on the behavior and ecology of lemurs, as well as other fascinating creatures like birds, chameleons, and predatory cats. It's a testament to the region's exceptional biodiversity, despite the significant challenges posed by the destruction of the remaining dry forests. The Kirindy region was finally granted protection in 2013 under the Menabe-Antimena Conservation Site.

Prepare for an immersive hike lasting approximately 1.5 to 3 hours within the enchanting Kirindy Dry Forest Reserve. Follow mostly flat trails that wind through the reserve, offering opportunities to spot various captivating species such as lemurs, snakes, iguanas, birds, and even the elusive fossa. As evening descends, a thrilling night hike along designated paths awaits, where you'll endeavor to spot nocturnal lemurs like the tiny mouse lemur, the Madagascar rat, and slumbering chameleons.

Overnight in a hotel near the reserve.

Start your day with another memorable (optional) visit to the Kirindy Reserve, taking advantage of the early hours to explore its captivating wonders.

Afterward, embark on a scenic drive to Tsimafana, located at the picturesque Tsiribihina River. Here, a ferry transfer awaits, allowing you and your vehicle to gracefully cross the river's tranquil waters. As you continue your journey, you'll pass through the charming town of Belo sur Tsiribihina, and the landscape will transition from dry plains adorned with scattered bushes to the sight of graceful palm and majestic baobab trees.

Keep your eyes open for the fascinating scenery along the way as you approach the village of Bekopaka. To reach your destination, a delightful river crossing over the Manambolo River awaits, where a small local ferry will transport you and your vehicle safely to the other side. Enjoy a restful overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Bekopaka, rejuvenating yourself for the adventures that lie ahead.

After breakfast, embark on an awe-inspiring adventure to the remarkable Big Tsingys. Recently accessible to the public, these towering peaks reach heights of up to 50 meters, creating a mesmerizing karst landscape resembling a stone forest. The closely spaced limestone needles, known as tsingys, form an enchanting sight to behold.

The 72,300-hectare reserve borders the Manambolo River in the south and is bordered by impressive cliffs soaring up to 400 meters in the east. The annual rainfall of approximately 1,000 mm creates a humid environment in the gorges surrounding the Tsingys, while savannah-like conditions prevail in the karst areas. The park encompasses a diverse range of habitats, leading to the presence of over 650 plant species, many of which are endemic.

The abundance of habitats within the reserve supports a rich array of wildlife. Keep an eye out for predators such as the fossa and the ring-tailed mongoose, along with various species of lemurs, including sifakas, red lemurs, eastern bamboo lemurs, aye-ayes, and grey mouse lemurs. The park is also home to nearly a hundred bird species, including the impressive Madagascan sea eagle, as well as numerous species of bats, amphibians, and reptiles such as the Madagascan track turtle, leaf-tailed geckos, and stump-tailed chameleons.

As you traverse the rugged terrain, expect a challenging and rewarding hike lasting approximately three to five hours. The trail encompasses rough and smooth sections, with uphill and downhill stretches, occasional ladder climbs, and the use of safety belts for your security. It's important to maintain stamina, fitness, and surefootedness, especially in the often hot weather.

Afterwards return to your hotel for overnight.

After breakfast, depart for Morondava, beginning with a return trip on the local ferry across the Manambolo River. From there, continue to Belo sur Tsiribihina, where you'll board another ferry to cross the picturesque Tsiribihina River. As you traverse the riverbanks, soak in the serene surroundings and savor the tranquility of the moment.

The adventure continues as you make your way back through the iconic Baobab Avenue. With a touch of luck, you'll witness a truly magical moment—the sunset. This enchanting spectacle attracts numerous visitors, all eager to capture the perfect photograph amidst the captivating baobab trees.

Afterwards, continue to Morondava for overnight.

After breakfast relax until time for your transfer to the airport and flight to the capital city of Madagascar.

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for overnight.

* Flights to Antananarivo operate 3 times per week.

Depending on the departure time of your flight you may have time to embark on a captivating morning excursion to Ambohimanga, a historical gem located just 21 kilometers north of the city.

This remarkable site holds the significance of being a King's palace and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Ambohimanga as you wander through the palace grounds, taking in the architectural splendor and learning about the fascinating stories embedded within its walls.

Afterwards visit a market with Malagasy handicrafts and, if your flight is late in the evening, you have use of a day-use room in the hotel. Afterwards, transfer to the airport and check-in for departure for the flight home.