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.

Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Morondava. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Located on Madagascar’s west coast, Morondava is a relaxed coastal town and the gateway to Kirindy Reserve, the Avenue of the Baobabs and Tsingy de Bemaraha. If time allows, explore the local market and get your first taste of life on Madagascar’s west coast.

Overnight in Morondava.

Please note: Domestic flights between Antananarivo and Morondava operate on selected days, and the itinerary may need to be adjusted to suit the flight schedule.

Travel by 4WD towards Kirindy Reserve, passing through the famous Avenue of the Baobabs along the way.

On arrival, set out on a guided walk of approximately 1.5 to 3 hours through Kirindy’s dry deciduous forest. The reserve is renowned for its biodiversity, with opportunities to encounter lemurs, reptiles, chameleons, birds and the elusive fossa, Madagascar’s largest native predator.

In the evening, there may be an opportunity to join a guided night walk in search of nocturnal wildlife, including tiny mouse lemurs, sleeping chameleons and other creatures that emerge after dark.

Overnight near Kirindy Reserve.

There may be time for another early morning visit to Kirindy before continuing towards Bekopaka.

Today is an adventurous overland journey through the remote landscapes of western Madagascar. Cross the Tsiribihina River by local ferry before travelling through Belo-sur-Tsiribihina and onwards across dry plains dotted with palms, baobabs and small villages.

Before reaching Bekopaka, cross the Manambolo River by local ferry, arriving at your hotel later in the day.

Overnight in Bekopaka.

Today, explore one of Madagascar’s most extraordinary natural wonders – the Grand Tsingy of Bemaraha.

This UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape is characterised by a vast ‘stone forest’ of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles, some reaching up to 50 metres high. Hidden between the formations are deep gorges, caves and pockets of forest supporting an impressive variety of endemic plants and wildlife.

Your guided adventure through the Grand Tsingy takes approximately three to five hours and involves rocky and uneven terrain, steep sections, ladders, narrow passages and sections where safety harnesses are used. A good level of fitness, sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential.

Along the way, keep watch for lemurs, birds, reptiles and other wildlife that inhabit this remarkable ecosystem.

If time permits in the afternoon, you may also visit the Petit Tsingy, located closer to the park entrance and offering another perspective on these fascinating limestone formations.

Overnight in Bekopaka.

Depart after breakfast for the long journey back to Morondava, retracing your route across the Manambolo and Tsiribihina rivers by local ferry.

Continue towards the Avenue of the Baobabs, timing permitting, arriving around sunset. Towering baobabs line the dusty road, creating one of Madagascar’s most iconic landscapes and a spectacular setting as the late afternoon light changes across the trees.

Continue to Morondava and check into your hotel.

Overnight in Morondava.

Transfer to Morondava Airport for your flight back to Antananarivo.

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Antananarivo.

Please note: Domestic flights operate on selected days, and the itinerary will be arranged around the available flight schedule

Depending on your international flight time, there may be an opportunity to visit Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Madagascar’s most important cultural and historical landmarks.

Known as the ‘Blue Hill’, Ambohimanga was once a royal residence and sacred centre of the Merina Kingdom. Explore the historic royal compound and enjoy views across the surrounding highlands.

There may also be time to visit a local handicraft market for some last-minute shopping. If you have a late departure, a day-use hotel room can be arranged for additional comfort.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Antananarivo Airport for your onward flight.