Part 1: Towards "Terra Incognita

The journey begins in the capital Antananarivo and takes you first on the N7 towards the south/east, it is divided into three very different sections:The highlands and the east coast, the land of the thorn people and finally the Baobab Tour along the west coast at the Mozambique Channel.From Antananarivo, you will first travel along a rather classic part of the usual itineraries to Antsirabe, Ranomafana N.P. and Manakara.On the east coast, from Manakara, Farafangana and Vaingandrano, the itinerary will take you along sometimes difficult tracks and 10 ferries for river crossings to the deep and hot south. There you can relax a few days in Fort Dauphin before the 2nd part of the tour begins.

Part 2: The land of the thorn people.

This part of the journey will certainly leave unforgettable impressions: Endless expanses, bizarre and unique thorn forests in the most diverse forms and a huge labyrinth of sandy roads, which crosses this almost deserted area. At the southernmost tip of Madagascar, Cap Saint Marie, to Lavanono about 30 km northwest of it, is the habitat of the beautiful ray turtles. They are still found there in large numbers and the stately size of some specimens is also a rarity.

Part 3: The Baobab Tour in the west

From Tulear we head north through sparsely populated thorn forests, dideraceous and baobab countryside along the Mozambique Channel. Nowhere in Madagascar and probably nowhere in the world can you see so many Baobab species in different, gigantic and bizarre shapes as in this area. After this tour, where hundreds of these giants can be admired and photographed daily without any crowd, the world famous Baobab Avenue in Morondava has become almost inconspicuous. This highlight is nevertheless on the program when the Kirindy N.P. is visited.This trip can be booked individually but it can also be a group tour on fixed dates. Three to four guests at most per off-road vehicle. If offered on fixed dates the trip will definitely take place, up to 12 guests can book independently on this itinerary and the above mentioned trip dates. The respective number of fixed bookings will be updated when new guests join. The price for all participants will be cheaper if more guests join the trip. This trip is only feasible during the dry season in mid-May and mid-November. Long drives in difficult terrain, sometimes uncomfortable accommodations or mediocre restaurants have to be accepted in this part and on such a tour the unexpected often invites itself, which might make short term changes in the travel itinerary necessary. There are a total of 11 river crossings by ferry and some by car through more or less deep water.A good physical condition is necessary despite very little physical effort. The tour is mostly away from populated areas.It is the most beautiful and by far the most diverse trip you can imagine in Madagascar. The created tour was tested by us with German thoroughness, organized and made possible.connecting tours to the Tsingy of Bemaraha or along the RN7, as well as a division of the overall tour into individual sections are possible and can be individually requested and planned.

Day 1 - Arrival in Antananarivo

The first thing you have to do in Madagascar is the visa formalities at Ivato airport. Immediately after that the adventure Madagascar begins for you. We will welcome you in the halls of Ivato. Depending on the time of day, the first activities in Tana or the first night's rest in our Villa Sibylle are now on the plan.overnight stay in the "Villa Sibylle

Day 2 Antananarivo-Antsirabe

When we stop for lunch in Behenjy or Ambatolampy, the suburbs of Tana are already gone behind us and we are in the middle of the famous N7. Antsirabe, which we reach after about 170km on a well maintained road, was originally founded in the 19th century by a Norwegian missionary and can still be recognized by the way some of the buildings in the older part of the town are built. In a beautiful and quiet hotel you can process the first experiences of your trip and with a little luck find the first chameleons in the garden.Overnight stay in the hotel "Chambres du Voyageur".

Day 3 Antsirabe-Ranomafana

Slowly the excitement rises what will await you in the further course of your journey. Today we will drive on a curvy but still very good road to Ranomafana, where the national park of the same name is located. When the landscape changes to a dense rainforest with lush vegetation and the road leads through the middle of the forest, the destination of today's stage is not far away. The Ranomafana National Park opens its doors to us.overnight stay at the Hotel Thermal".

Day 4 Ranomafana N.P.-Manakara

When the morning slowly announces itself and the clouds of fog hanging over the forest are lightened by the sun as they are every morning, you see with wide eyes where you are. The Ranomafana forest is one of the last intact mountain cloud forests in the world. A fascinating atmosphere lies over the just awakening tree giants on the slopes of the forest. You will not be able to escape the fascination of this region. 12 species of lemurs, over 100 species of birds, insects, frogs, reptiles can be found. Several walks with local guides are available. We will be guided according to your wishes and your physical condition. In the afternoon, depending on how long the morning tour was in the park, we will continue east. Over a peculiar hilly landscape near Irondro our way leads directly to the east coast. After only about 3 hours of driving we reach palm trees and the blue, endless expanse of the Indian Ocean. Manakara is the center of the spice trade of the island. Spices like cinnamon, cloves, curcuma and of course first class vanilla can be purchased and tested in an incomparable quality.Overnight stay in the hotel "La Vanille".

Day 5 Manakara-Vaingandrano-Sandravinany

On the fifth day of our trip you will literally experience what Madagascar has to offer in terms of extreme and extraordinary landscapes. The first 180km from Manakara to Vangaindrano go very well and easy, the road is here in a very good condition.This Route is very lang and the Advance depends from five " Ferries " from, it is possible that in Farafangana an additional stay must be planned, this depends on several factors such as condition of the runway, weather conditions.in the case the tour lasts a day longer than is planned in this description and the additional night is spent in Farafangana in the hotel " Concombre masqué ".from Vangaindrano, however, begins a real adventure. Over a total of four rivers we have to cross with driving, the slopes to these are partly very difficult and demand our driver and the 4×4 off-road vehicle everything what is in them. You will experience how nature and landscape change again. Not so long ago you were in a mountain cloud forest, now the landscape is much more bare and impresses with its vastness. The 4th and last ferry of the day has just taken us across the river and the dirt road winds through the infinity of rounded hilltops until we discover a sign in the middle of absolute nowhere. "Le relais du sud-est" is written on the signpost and announces that our accommodation is approaching. A Frenchman has settled here and created directly on the Indian Ocean a small oasis that welcomes us with a friendly atmosphere.Let the rest of the day dangle the soul and enjoy one of the most beautiful places in Madagascar.Accommodation in Le relais du sud-est or Concombre masqué

Day 6 Sandravinany-Fort Dauphin

Today is again very eventful and takes us with the ferries N° 5 to 10 across another 6 rivers. The road is again much better than yesterday, partly it is currently even renewed. Also the landscape becomes clearly different to the days before. At the latest after ferry N°9 in Vatomirindy the first trees and the typical vegetation of the east coast become visible. This section captivates not only by the adventure to be expected but also with a again unique constantly changing landscape. There are about 50 km left to Tort Dauphin (Taolagnaro) and it takes about 2 hours to complete this final stretch. Before reaching the town there is the possibility to visit the Nampoina Reserve, but this visit can also take place the next day. This reserve, adapted to the typical environment, offers insights into the flora and fauna of the region.Overnight at Lavasoa Hotel and dinner at the nearby Talinjoo Restaurant.

Day 7 Fort Dauphin-Nahampoana Reserve

A day to experience nature and the flora and fauna or just to relax once in a while. Whether you are looking for a walk through the markets, a visit to the sandy beaches or the action in Nahampoana nature reserve. We will be at your disposal and supportive. The reserve, which is only about 67 hectares in size, impresses with its diversity. The highlight of the reserve are surely the sifakas. The lemurs are more accustomed to visitors than in the wild and can be observed and photographed much better. The reserve offers everything in flora, fauna and landscapes what also the in my eyes completely overpriced Berenty Reserve shows. In the forest there are waterfalls and natural ponds, quiet and secluded picnic areas. You can also take a short trip by pirogue through the mangroves.Overnight at Lavasoa Hotel and dinner at the nearby Talinjoo Restaurant.

Day 8 Fort Dauphin-Lavanono

Very early in the morning we say goodbye to Fort Dauphin. The second part of the incredible trilogy of this trip begins this early morning. Because now we will get to know the real south of Madagascar, already a few kilometers after Fort Dauphin one notices clearly that here is a climatic border which makes itself recognizable by a unique transition vegetation. It was warm and it was humid, now it is dry and it is hot. Precipitation is rare in this area, so the landscape is dry and parched. After some KM we pass the Andohahela National Park but a visit is not possible in time. Later, huge sisal plantations appear along the track. In Amovombe we have the last chance to visit a bank and a gas station. We will not find any infrastructure until Lavanono. The area is deserted until Tsiombe. The labyrinth of sandy roads begins and only absolute professionals with appropriate off-road vehicles can find their way here. Giant ray turtles of the genus Astrochelys radiata appear as if out of nowhere. To observe these giants among the turtles in their ancestral habitat is fascinating. We drive past the Cap Sainte Marie National Park. If time permits, the visit can take place immediately. Otherwise you can either camp there or continue to Lavanono and stay at Gigi's place. Chez Gigi is a very simple accommodation but it is far and wide the only one that has a still acceptable but nevertheless very spartan comfort to offer.Overnight "chez Gigi" in Lavanono

Day 9 Lavanono-Cap Sainte Marie N.P.

Today we spend the day in the area around Lavanono and in Cap Sainte Marie N.P. Not to visit it would be almost criminal. We head for the southernmost cap of Madagascar and let our gaze wander over the gentle waves of the Indian Ocean into the distance. Knowing that the next land mass is Antarctica. Here the national park Cap Sainte Marie consists of a very rugged landscape with very low vegetation, opuntias are widespread and serve as food for the many ray turtles that can be observed almost everywhere. In another not less interesting place of the N.P. we will visit a sacred grotto inhabited by bats. Various birds and reptiles are again to be observed and round off the experience.overnight stay with Gigi in Lavanono

Day 10 Lavanono-Ambola

We now leave the vast landscapes of the southern end of our island on almost even more impossible tracks compared to the last days. In some places our Landcruiser fits only with folded rear view mirrors through the cacti. To get to Ambola where the starting point to the Tsimanampetsotsa N.P. is located, it is strongly recommended to contact a local driver. Our guide will lead you through this area without GPS, cell phone or maps. The track itself is not so demanding, but the orientation is only feasible for professionals.Overnight at Vahombe Hotel

Day 11 Tsimanampetsotsa N.P

The Tsimanampetsotsa N.P. will impress you with its salt lake inhabited by a colony of over 3000 flamingos and the landscape belonging to it. Once again, Madagascar manages to surprise you with a landscape that you would not expect to see here. The reptiles that are found here are all endemic to the area, which means that they are only found here. It is also possible to visit a cave where fish live, blinded by the lack of sunlight and have adapted to the extreme conditions. Drink a lot and drink again.It is just hot.Overnight stay in the hotel Vahombe

Day 12 Ambola-Soalara-St.Augustin-Sarondrano

To reach the ferry between Soalara and Saint Augustin the tour must be planned accordingly. The ferry commutes only 3 times a week. Through picturesque fishing villages along the coast, our way leads us to the huge bay of Saint Augustin. Here, the car is shipped onto a large ferry together with us travelers and unloaded in less than an hour in Saint Augustin. It is possible that the ferry is not in operation, in which case a boat transfer from Anakao or Soalara is necessary.from there it goes over the cliffs on the other side of the bay to the fantastically beautiful Eden Lodge.overnight stay in the "Résidence Eden Lodge".

Days 13 and 14 Sarondrano and surroundings

The scenery and opportunities in the area around Eden Lodge are, in my opinion, second to none in Madagascar. Outrigger pirogues, motorboat, canoe, off-road vehicle, visits to a huge protected area and even paragliding are available. No matter what activity you decide to do, reliable and knowledgeable guides are available. To relax, you can retreat and enjoy the sunshine with excellent food and 32° warm water. As a tip, a trip to the island of Nosy Ve inhabited by very rare sea birds can be advised. An unforgettable picnic in this environment awaits you.Overnight "Residence Eden Lodge".

Day 15 Sarondrano-Tulear-Ambatomilo

After a few days of relaxing, we continue our journey north on the N9. Now the adventure begins. We drive through the thorn forest of Reniala on sandy tracks to Ambatomiloha. On this stretch of road we see probably the most beautiful beaches of Madagascar. At least I have not been able to discover any more beautiful ones. The water is turquoise and forms a wonderful contrast to the bright white sandy beaches which are covered with finest coral sand. The landscape is vast and almost deserted. Even for Malagasy conditions, the area and the aridity is so extreme that there are very few villages. Shortly before Ambatomilo there are huge Baobabs in collections that you do not see otherwise, some grow in groups and look like giant bonsais. In the midst of this wonderful and impressive nature we find ourselves in a bungalow hotel which even has hot water.Overnight stay at the hotel "Shangri La

Day 16 Ambatomilo

Not to take a rest day here would be downright criminal. The location is simply too impressive to be just driven through.Take a day in the shade of baobab trees and regain strength for the further way north along the coast.White coral sand and blue sea, warmth and good food awaits you here. Simple and warm comfort at the end of the world.

Day 17 Ambatomilo-Morombe

Through the area of the Mikea, the legendary smallest ethnic group on Madagascar, our way leads along the coast through fantastic thorn forests in the direction of Morombe. The road no longer deserves its name here, rather it is a deep and only difficult to drive on deep sandy road. The driving experience in our car resembles the one you know better driving on a closed snow cover. Gigantic baobabs and euphorbias line the road and will amaze you. On this part of the route our driver shows what he and the 4×4 are capable of. A thorough knowledge of what is feasible, but also what is not, is essential on deep sandy tracks and river crossings. You are in good hands and can enjoy the adventure to the fullest. Finally we reach Morombe where we are accommodated in a very simple and nice guesthouse.Overnight "chez Katia" in Morombe

Day 18 Morombe-Belo sur Mer

In order to avoid an overnight stay in terrible conditions, which I would not like to subject any of my guests to, we have to tackle the longest section of the trip today. At 5 o'clock we start still in the darkness our way and cross the dry landscape which is interrupted by solitary standing thorn forests, Dideraceen, Baobabs, Euphorbias, cactuses and sometimes also deciduous trees. After about 70km we just leave Manja on the right side of the dirt road and continue into the ever deeper wilderness. After a total driving time of 8.5 hours over sand, scree and after some river crossings we reach the salt flats of Belo sur Mer. After this exhausting day we enjoy a dinner in traditional lodgings, with sanitary facilities but and hot water, friendly atmosphere and quite good food served at a common table with all guests at the same timeAccommodation in the Ecolodge du Menabe.

Day 19 Belo sur Mer - Morondava

Today, after sleeping in and a very good breakfast, the last day on the slopes of Terra incognita awaits us. There are still a few river crossings, at least one of which is very challenging, but with the help of our driver, even the cliff is safe and easy to circumnavigate. Out of nowhere an asphalted road appears which of course we also like to use. On this road we drive to Morondava and move into our night's lodging there. overnight stay "Kimony Resort".

Day 20 Morondava-Kirindy N.P.

From Morondava there are only 50km of road to cover until the Kiridy Reserve awaits us. The road consists partly of paved roads, but also of sandy tracks. However, due to the experience we have gained in the last few weeks, this does not pose any major challenges for us and the driver. On the way to the reserve we pass one of the most photographed locations in Madagascar. The Baobab Avenue awaits us with all its splendor and the uniqueness of its appearance. In the reserve itself there is the very rare possibility to see the biggest predator of Madagascar. The Fosas still occur in this area and they can be seen here daily, although they are very rare and shy Kirindy is the ideal and almost the only place in Madagascar where these animals can be seen in the wild. Tonight a night hike is recommended because many of the lemurs are active only in the darkness and thus only then really good to find.Overnight at Kirindy Resort

Day 21 Kirindy N.P.-Antsirabe

After another visit to the Kirndy Reserve as part of a day tour that lasts at least two hours, we slowly make our way towards Antsirabe. Arriving in the highest town in Madagascar we can enjoy the refreshing cool air of the thermal city.Overnight "Chambres du Voyageur" in Antsirabe

Day 22 Antsirabe - Antananarivo

After such a long time in nature, in the heat of the deep south and along the untouched southern east coast, we come back to the very hectic capital of Madagascar. This last stage of this extraordinary tour gives the guests a different insight than at the beginning where the same route was driven in the opposite direction. These were the first impressions of Madagascar, three weeks full of unforgettable events have been experienced since then. We return to the starting point Antananarivo of the trip.overnight stay in the guest house " Villa Sibylle".

Day 23 Antananarivo and surroundings

The last day of what is sure to be an unforgettable journey through landscapes and to locations that are not unique to Madagascar. You can once again visit the city of Antananarivo or one of the nearby attractions such as the Lemur Park. You can also relax in the tropical garden of the guesthouse of Villa Sybille.

Day 24 Return flight

In the afternoon or evening we will take you to the airport, usually the flight home leaves after midnight, so you will appreciate the possibility of a "day use" at the hotel and can prepare everything in peace before the flight.

Overnight stay in the guest house of the "Villa

Sibylle"

Special important notes

It is possible to book this trip on your travel dates as an individual trip.this tour is only feasible from mid-May to mid-November. The south and the west of Madagascar are very hot areas, the coolest months would be June to August but in the remaining months where the tour is offered it is of course also feasible without any problems.This is an adventure trip in difficult to access and sparsely populated areas, we attach great importance to the best possible accommodations everywhere it is possible but on this trip some worse accommodations have to be accepted because there are no alternatives far and wide.Although it is not a physically demanding trip, it should be clear from the beginning that participants should not have any serious health problems because medical care can be difficult when traveling far from the usual itineraries. Vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis are neither mandatory nor really necessary, but some precautions for the usual medications for tropical travel should be taken. A good physical condition is absolutely necessary, this tour is not suitable for guests with heart problems.The climate is mostly very warm to hot but it can be very cold in the winter months (June to August) on the highlands, so both light summer clothes and warmer clothes must be taken.There are chargers and voltage converters in the car but it is advised to take your own power bank or enough batteries.For all other questions we are happy to help.