20 Apr 2027Ends 6 May 2027
AvailableConfirmed departure
€4,297 double/twinSingle €4,797
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17 days16 nightsConfirmed departures
Madagascar Explorer
AntananarivoIfaty
Leave the highlands for the Tsiribihina River, spend nights beside the water, then continue by 4x4 into the limestone country of Tsingy de Bemaraha. Kirindy's forest walks and sunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs lead into coastal tracks, fishing villages and time to pause in Ambatomilo before finishing in Ifaty.
Activity levelModerate overallGreat Tsingy is a strenuous walking and climbing day, with uneven rock, narrow passages, exposed sections and a suspended bridge. Careful footing and comfort with heights matter. Please discuss your suitability with us before booking.
Who travels with usSolo travellers, couples and friendsSingle, double or twin hotel rooms, with no room sharing. The river section includes camping.
InclusionsAll inclusive small group tourAccommodation, listed meals, programme transport, guiding and scheduled activities. Drinks and discretionary tips excluded.
Price per personFrom €4,297€4,797 single room · €4,297 double or twin room
12 special mentions
Day by day
Your Madagascar Explorer itinerary
Road and river conditions affect travel times. Some days involve long journeys on rough tracks. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Tonga soa, welcome to Madagascar. Meet the WAU team at Antananarivo airport for the transfer to your hotel. There is time to settle in after your flight before the journey begins.
In the evening, come together for a welcome dinner, meet your fellow travellers and talk through the days ahead. It is a chance to ask practical questions and get to know the team before setting off.
Airport welcome and hotel transferWelcome dinnerTour briefing- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Meals
- Dinner
Leave Antananarivo for the Itasy region, travelling about 120 km to Ampefy, roughly three hours of driving. Beyond the city, roadside fruit and flower stalls give way to cultivated hills and villages. Look out for brick making along the road and fields growing crops such as tomatoes and papaya.
Visit the Amparaky geysers near Analavory, where cool water rises from artesian wells rather than volcanic heat. The day also includes Lilly’s Waterfall, with time to walk around the viewpoint and photograph the falls and surrounding countryside before settling into your hotel in Ampefy.
Itasy highlandsAmparaky geysersLilly’s Waterfall- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The road to Antsirabe winds through cooler highland country, passing Faratsiho and continuing towards Sambaina, where it meets the RN7. Allow around three hours of driving for the 150 km journey. Mountain slopes and cultivated valleys make this a different view of Madagascar from the warmer west that lies ahead.
In Antsirabe, explore the city by colourful rickshaw, starting around the railway station. Visits to local workshops introduce the town’s crafts, from working with semiprecious stones to embroidery and miniature models. There is also a chance to see how local sweets are made before returning to the hotel.
Faratsiho highland routeAntsirabe rickshaw tourCraft and sweet making workshops- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start with a visit to Lake Tritriva, a crater lake about 15 km outside Antsirabe. The drive there takes around 30 minutes, with about an hour set aside for the visit. Take in the volcanic setting before the longer journey west.
Continue towards Miandrivazo on the RN35, passing villages as the highlands gradually give way to warmer country. This main stretch is approximately 230 km and takes around six hours of driving, so expect a substantial day on the road in addition to the lake stop. Spend the night in Miandrivazo before boarding the river boat the following morning.
Lake TritrivaRN35 towards the westMiandrivazo overnight- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave Miandrivazo early for Masiakampy, about 25 km away and around 45 minutes by road. The final approach follows a dirt road to the jetty, where you board a motorised boat for the first of three days on the Tsiribihina.
Rice fields and wooded riverbanks give way to red laterite cliffs as the boat follows the current downstream. Watch the banks for waterbirds and possible lemur sightings, with plenty of time to take in the changing scenery from the boat. Towards evening, stop at Anosin’Ampela for the first of two nights of riverside camping, with dinner beside the river.
Motorised boat journeyTsiribihina riverbanksFirst riverside camping night- Accommodation
- Riverside camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue downstream through gorges bordered by forest. The boat gives you time to scan the trees and riverbanks for birds and other wildlife, though sightings depend on what is active as you pass. A stop at Nosy Ampela waterfall offers a break from the boat and the possibility of a swim if conditions allow.
Later, reach Begidro, where a village visit gives a glimpse of daily life beside the Tsiribihina. The second camp is set up nearby on the riverbank. Spend another evening by the water before the final morning of the river journey and the drive to Bekopaka tomorrow.
Forested river gorgesNosy Ampela waterfallBegidro and riverside camping- Accommodation
- Riverside camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning on the motorised boat as the Tsiribihina widens into sandy plains and more open country. Watch for herons and ibis along the banks. Reach Belo sur Tsiribihina towards late morning and have a final lunch on board before leaving the boat.
From here, continue by 4x4 to Bekopaka. The distance is about 100 km, but the rough tracks take around four hours, with timing affected by conditions and the Manambolo ferry crossing. Bush and scattered villages line the route before the approach to Bekopaka, where a hotel replaces the riverside camp for the next stage of the journey.
Third morning on the Tsiribihina4x4 transfer to BekopakaManambolo ferry crossing- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin near Bekopaka with a boat trip into the Manambolo gorge. Limestone walls rise beside the river, and cave visits reveal stalactites and stalagmites. Listen for birds as you move through the gorge and take time to look at the rock formations.
Back on land, explore Small Tsingy, close to the village. The walking route threads through a limestone maze, passing pachypodiums and viewpoints over the formations. Despite the name, this is uneven terrain, with narrow passages and steps up and down. Follow your guide’s pace and footing advice as you work through the rock passages, then return to the hotel in Bekopaka.
Manambolo gorge and cavesSmall Tsingy limestone passagesViewpoints and pachypodiums- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Set off early for Great Tsingy, around 17 km from Bekopaka but roughly an hour away on the access track. The guided route begins in forest, where birds and lemurs may be seen, before reaching the limestone formations.
This is a strenuous walking and climbing day on sharp, uneven rock, with narrow passages, exposed sections and a suspended bridge on the route. It calls for careful footing and comfort with heights, and will not suit every traveller. Your guide sets the pace according to the group and trail conditions. From the higher viewpoints, look across the limestone pinnacles before making your way back and returning to Bekopaka.
Great Tsingy limestone pinnaclesStrenuous guided walking and climbingSuspended bridge and viewpoints- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Expect a long, bumpy travel day from Bekopaka to Kirindy Forest. The route covers about 150 km but takes around eight hours, with rough roads and two river crossings slowing progress. Stops in villages break up the journey as the limestone country gives way to the dry woodland of western Madagascar.
After arrival and time to settle in, head out with a local guide for a night walk in Kirindy. Look for small nocturnal lemurs and other animals active after dark. Fosa also live here, but they are elusive and a sighting is never certain. The night is spent at a hotel near the forest.
Long 4x4 travel dayTwo river crossingsGuided Kirindy night walk- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Kirindy in daylight to see a different side of the dry forest. Birds are active in the trees, and your guide will help you look for lemurs, including sifakas. Wildlife sightings vary, so there is time to pause and watch as you walk.
Continue towards Morondava, about 70 km away with roughly two hours of driving. Stop to see the intertwined trunks of the Baobabs in Love, then visit the Avenue of the Baobabs in the late afternoon. Walk among the trees as the light changes towards sunset before continuing to your hotel in Morondava.
Kirindy daytime forest walkBaobabs in LoveSunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head south on sandy tracks towards Belo sur Mer, a journey of about 100 km and around four hours. River crossings are part of the route, including the Kabatomena and Maharivo, and road conditions influence the pace. It is a slower drive than the distance might suggest.
Belo sur Mer is a fishing village surrounded by mangroves, with stretches of rock and sand along the coast. Sailing pirogues come and go from the beach as the day’s work continues. The afternoon is set aside for time by the sea, so you can stretch your legs on the beach or simply rest after the drive.
Sandy coastal tracksBelo sur Mer fishing villageFree afternoon by the sea- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is the longest coastal travel day: approximately 300 km and around eleven hours on the road. Set out for Manja through dry savannah and thorny bush, with baobabs and small villages along the way. Expect much of the day to be spent in the vehicle.
The route continues towards Morombe before a final sandy track of about 45 km leads to Andavadoaka. Baobabs stand against the dry landscape, and the sea comes back into view as you approach the coast. Arrival is towards the end of the day, with the evening left for dinner and rest at the hotel.
Full coastal travel dayBaobab and thorn bush countryEvening arrival in Andavadoaka- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a free morning in Andavadoaka after yesterday’s long drive. There is time to sit by the sea or take a beach stroll before continuing south to Ambatomilo. The journey is about 40 km on sandy tracks, usually around one and a half to two hours.
The coastal road passes Vezo villages, with views towards the ocean. Look out for baobabs along the way, including trees whose bark carries patterns of lichen and weathering. Arrive in Ambatomilo and settle into your hotel, with a full day here tomorrow and no need to pack up again in the morning.
Free morning in AndavadoakaCoastal villages and baobabsAmbatomilo arrival- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A full day is left free in Ambatomilo, with no scheduled drive or guided excursion. Walk along the white sand, find a place to read or watch the Vezo fishing pirogues beyond the reef. If you choose to swim, follow local advice on sea conditions.
Stay for another night at the same hotel and enjoy a day without moving on.
Full day at leisureAmbatomilo beachAnother night at the same hotel- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue south along the coast to Ifaty, about 100 km away and around three hours by road. The route runs through dunes and dry forest, with baobabs of different shapes and sizes and small villages along the way. Between the trees and dunes, there are views back towards the sea.
The afternoon in Ifaty is free. Spend time on the beach, watch fishing pirogues returning to shore or rest at the hotel. Swimming depends on local conditions. For travellers continuing inland, this is the last coastal overnight before the route turns towards Ranohira; other journeys finish here after breakfast tomorrow.
Dunes and coastal dry forestRoadside baobabsFree afternoon in Ifaty- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast in Ifaty before your tour ends. There is no overnight stay included today. WAU can help arrange extra nights on the coast or an onward connection separately if you would like to continue your stay.
Breakfast in IfatyOnward travel- Accommodation
- No overnight stay
- Meals
- Breakfast
Confirmed departure dates
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16 May 2027Ends 1 Jun 2027
AvailableConfirmed departure
€4,297 double/twinSingle €4,797
Book11 Jun 2027Ends 27 Jun 2027
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Before you book
Questions about Madagascar Explorer
Where does the tour start and finish?
We start in Antananarivo and finish after breakfast in Ifaty on Day 17. There is no final overnight included, and the group programme does not return to Antananarivo. Ask us about onward travel before booking flights.
What is included in the price?
The itinerary’s accommodation, listed meals, transport, guiding and programme activities are included, along with the arrival airport welcome and hotel transfer. Drinks and discretionary tips are excluded. Extra nights and onward connections after Ifaty are arranged separately. Ask us to confirm flight arrangements or optional activities before booking them.
How demanding is Great Tsingy?
Moderate is the overall activity level. Great Tsingy is a strenuous walking and climbing day, with uneven rock, narrow passages, exposed sections and a suspended bridge. Careful footing and comfort with heights matter. Please discuss your suitability with us before booking.
Can I have my own room?
Yes. Choose a single hotel room, or a double or twin room for people travelling together. We do not arrange room sharing. The two Tsiribihina nights are riverside camping; ask us about those sleeping arrangements when you book.
Are departures guaranteed?
We offer guaranteed departures for our small group tours. Ask us to confirm the applicable conditions and your chosen departure’s arrangements before booking flights. A departure guarantee is not a promise that travel cannot be disrupted. Private tours and extensions require separate confirmation.
How does payment work?
Check the deposit, balance deadline and payment conditions for your chosen departure before booking. Ask us to clarify anything you are unsure about before paying.
What if I need to change or cancel?
The Terms of Service explain cancellation timings, name changes and other booking conditions. Contact us if you need help understanding how they apply to your booking.
Can I stay longer on the coast?
We can help arrange extra nights or an onward connection separately after the tour ends in Ifaty.