Our travel offer
Slopes for self-driving. Ampefy, highland route and west
Price from 3620 €
Duration 20 days
UAM-71
About the trip
Driving yourself on Madagascar's dirt roads
Driving yourself in Madagascar was almost impossible until our offers. Unlike other African countries known for this, Madagascar remained untouched by this trend due to the somewhat rustic conditions and also because of the difficult traffic conditions.
It is not easy traffic conditions even now and self-driving while on vacation in Madagascar is not for beginners.
The trip is a fascinating mix of breathtaking and incredibly diverse landscapes, partly on asphalt and about half on sandy tracks of medium difficulty. A local guide is present and takes care of the guests and the vehicle.
The travel days in detail
Day 1: Arrival in AntananarivoAfter completing the visa formalities, you will be picked up by one of our guides or by the hotel directly at the airport. Depending on the time of arrival, either a hotel transfer and well-deserved rest is on the agenda or, if time permits, various activities are possible. In any case, the guesthouse is always close to the airport. Overnight stay in the "Villa Sibyl" |
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Day 2: Antananarivo - Ampefy (130km paved road)The driver takes over the car as agreed until the chaotic city of Antananarivo is out of sight. After the city, the landscape becomes pleasant, the day begins with a visit to the Lemurs Park, then we continue on roads with little traffic to Analavory. The small town of Ampefy is located on Lake Kavitaha west of Antananarivo in the center of Madagascar. The area of Ampefy is characterized by the volcanic landscape. Volcanoes that were formed two million years ago are scattered over an area of 400 km². The area is very fertile due to its volcanic origin and the general ambience is very peaceful and relaxing. |
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Day 3: Ampefy and surroundings (25 km slope and paved road)Ampefy is the perfect place if you are looking for special and extraordinary landscapes. In fact, its volcanic landscapes as well as the lakes offer tranquility and rest after the stress of the capital. Traditional houses and corn fields further enrich the overall view. Throughout the place there are very different hotels, inns and comfortable guest rooms to welcome visitors. In the area of Ampefy there are a thousand possibilities to enjoy the pleasure of a walk in the heart of nature. You can discover this beautiful rural environment while walking, this is also the best way to get to know the inhabitants. People who are a little shy but very smiling. It is also possible to rent mountain bikes. In this way you can cover a long way. Fishing is also possible at Ampefy. With an area of more than 3500 ha, Lake Itasy is the third largest lake in the Indian Ocean. These 23 meters high Lily waterfalls are one of the must-see attractions. There are legends that revolve around these extraordinary waterfalls. The inhabitants reveal them to the travelers on guided tours. Just a few hours away from Ampefy, there are still many discoveries to be made. The most important of all is the Island of the Virgin Mary, considered the geographical center of Madagascar, and the geysers of Analavory can also be visited. |
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Day 4 - Ampefy - Faratsio-Antsirabe (165 km slope and paved road)This ride starts with 10 km of potholes to Soavinandriana and from there the ride goes through one of the coldest areas of Madagascar on a newly renovated road through a mountainous area to Faratsiho where the beautiful new road ends. Then on a dirt road further to Sambaina, where the dirt road then joins the national road No. 7. In this area a lot of rice is cultivated, often in artfully laid out rice terrace fields. Very beautiful views and drives at over 2000 m altitude. |
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Day 5: Antsirabe- Ambalavao (297 km paved road)Very early departure for the stage, it passes through many small villages whose colors vary from red earth color to bright red with green background. The landscape is rich green, the rice fields are a mosaic of all possible shades of green in the mirror of countless ponds. The region of Fianarantsoa is intensively used for agriculture (mainly tea, wine and rice). In Fianarantsoa you will visit the photo studio of the world famous photographer Pierrot Men. Then the drive continues on the well paved road further and further south. Huge granite boulders, increasingly barren red laterite soil and meager grasses can be seen. The landscape changes tremendously when you get up to the pass with the beautiful viewpoint. From there you can see very far down into the valley of Ambalavao, which lies peacefully between the high mountains. The drive down the valley is now full of curves. Vines appear to the left and right of the road. The landscape is surrounded by a truly unique mountain scenario. Overnight stay at the hotel "Tsienimparihy Lodge" |
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Day 6: Ambalavao - Anja - Andringitra - Tsarasoa Camp (52km paved road and dirt road)Today begins a real adventure: after breakfast, we will first head south until we first come to a reserve founded by a village community, beautifully located. There hundreds of lemurs and other animals can live undisturbed. After that, there are about 20 kilometers to go on the RN7 until we reach the turnoff to the Tsaranoro Valley, one of the accesses to the Andringitra Mountains. After a 1 hour drive on a bad track we reach Tsarasoa camp below the famous "Pic Chameleon", which lives up to its name. Here there is still enough time to do an approximately 2-hour climb to the summit or optionally to "get up close and personal" with numerous lemurs in a nearby forest area. Dinner and overnight at Tsarasoa Camp. |
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Day 7 - Andringitra to Isalo (185 km paved road)Continuing south, after crossing the gate of the south, the landscape becomes more and more barren, we leave the highlands quickly because the road is well developed. The area now resembles a little the African savannahs. In the afternoon we arrive in the most famous national park of the island in Ranohira at the Isalo National Park. It is better, quieter, more pleasant to avoid the completely overpriced national park and rather quietly explore an absolutely identical landscape in the surroundings of the lodge. Overnight stay at Hotel Isalo Rock Lodge**** |
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Day 8 - Isalo National Park (22km slope)Today is the day of discovery of the Isalo massif, its strange granite and sandstone sculptures and its unique flora and fauna. The Isalo National Park covers most of the massif north of the RN7. It is composed of continental sandstone from the Jurassic period, whose shapes, colors and natural sculpture formations vary greatly in the different areas of the park. Isalo is a vast area that covers almost 82,000 hectares with an average altitude of 1,000 meters.I n the midst of the barren and mineral-rich landscape, there are beautiful natural pools and waterfalls surrounded by lush tropical nature. You can swim there in clear water and let your mind wander. The duration and difficulty of the day hike will be adjusted to the abilities of the participants. Overnight stay in the hotel "Isalo Rock Lodge". |
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Day 9: Ranohira - Zombitse - Ifaty (280 km of good road and track)After the unique landscape in Isalo N.P., savannahs and desert landscapes follow until Tuléar, the coastal town that knows only a few rainy days per year. We are almost directly under the Tropic of Capricorn. On the way we can visit a sapphire mine in Ilakaka and will also see the first giant baobabs. Zombitse Vohibasia National Park is also on the route and can be visited on request, there the vegetation of the highlands mixes with the strange plants of the deep south, baobabs, kalanchoe, aloes and euphorbias dominate the flora. The park is famous for birds, one of which is even locally endemic, and also for insects. Continue to Tulear and then on the dirt road north to the Hotel Belle Vue |
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Day 10- Ifaty and SurroundingsOpportunity to relax from the exertions of the trip on the beach, snorkeling/diving, a boat trip or even "kite surfing", which is offered here to a special extent. The hinterland also has a variety of attractions to offer: The famous "Reniala Reserve offers insights into the flora and fauna of the south, in the "Village des Tortues" you can see an interesting breeding - and protection program for the rare rays - and spider tortoises. Also the cuisine here is of course "maritime", friends of fish - and seafood come here fully at your expense. |
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Day 11: Ifaty - Ambatomila (slope 160km)Continue on a sandy road to Ambatomiloha, on the way you will see probably the most beautiful beaches that exist in Madagascar. In any case, I have not yet discovered any more beautiful: turquoise water, the finest blinding white coral sand I have ever seen and as far as the eye can see without people. The nature is immense and the living conditions for the inhabitants are so difficult due to the drought and the heat that there are very few villages in the paradisiacal landscape. Shortly before Ambatomiloha there are huge baobabs of a kind that you do not usually see, some grow in groups and look like giant bonsais. Then the sandy track continues until the dazzling contrast with the arid vegetation, snow-white sand and the whole palette of colors between emerald green and sapphire blue on the horizon. Comfortable bungalows with hot water allow an unforgettable stay in the middle of the dry tropics. Overnight stay at the hotel "Shangri La |
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Day 12-AmbatomiloThe beach and the surrounding baobabs are too beautiful not to take a rest day there. There is only the Shangri La Hotel, the finest coral sand I have ever seen and an emerald green sea. Overnight at the Shangri La Hotel |
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Day 13- Ambatomila - Andavadoka (Slope 50 km)We spend the morning at one of the most beautiful beaches I know in Madagascar, if desired an additional day can be scheduled here. Very difficult sandy track, partly very deep sand; turquoise lagoons, the most beautiful beaches as far as you can see without people fantastic thorn forest with huge baobabs. Here live the legendary Mikea, a small ethnic group that is considered the original population of Madagascar. The Manga Lodge is beautifully located and at first glance rather but the friendliness of the French owner leaves much to be desired. Overnight stay in the hotel "Manga Lodge |
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Day 14: Andavaoka - Manja (slope 210 km)A magnificent red laterite road lost in the immensity of savannahs and baobab forests, small dusty villages, zebu carts: the beauty of Madagascar passes by. The first difficulty is the crossing of the Mangoky River. The ferry from Beovay crosses the wide Mangoky River, but for the first time you have to cope with the churned sand and this could happen at the Camel Trophy. Then the ancient ferry takes you to the other bank, which takes at least 2 hours. It goes on over pretty bad tracks to Manja, a small town "in the middle of nowhere", where we (have to) take up quarters in the only hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel Kanto |
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Day 15: Manja - Belo sur Mer (slope 100km)Wild and beautiful landscapes, sandy tracks surrounded by euphorbias and baobabs, termite mounds and tall grasses are typical of this dry savanna landscape. Slowly you will approach again the Mozambique Channel Baobab Raid in Madagascar. Orientation on the very narrow trails that turn in all directions would be impossible without the support vehicle - especially since there are no GPS maps. You are in pristine landscapes, with no or almost no population. The nature is immense and wild. There are some rivers in the heart of the deep south to cross until you finally find the lagoons and the beautiful fishing villages of the Vezo tribe at the end of the world, in Belo sur Mer, our stage today. Overnight stay at the hotel "Ecolodge du Menabe". |
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Day 16 - Belo sur Mer - Morondava (track 90km)After a sufficient breakfast on the beach, where you can observe the outriggers pirogues of the fishermen, who earn their living on the turquoise sea, we continue on the dirt roads to Morondava, where we take up quarters in a beautiful beach hotel. Everything has to be refueled and prepared for the coming 900 km of piste. Overnight stay at the hotel "Chez Maggie |
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Day 17: Morondava and surroundingsThis day will be dedicated to Morondava and the surrounding area. We will make an excursion to the north and visit the famous "Baobabs Amoreux", which hold each other like two lovers entwined. We will also see the unique "Allée des Baobabs", one of the most famous motifs in all of Madagascar. In the afternoon we return to Morondava and have the opportunity to get to know the town and visit one of the excellent restaurants. Overnight at the hotel "Chez Maggie". |
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Day 18: Morondava - Antsirabe (550 km paved road)After a very early breakfast, we will drive up the newly built "Chinese Highway" through the steppe-like landscape to Miandrivazo. Here the Mahajilo River, which is called Tsiribihina a little further on, flows by. It is one of the hottest places in Madagascar. From there we go up to the coldest and highest town, which we already explored at the beginning of the tour: Antsirabe. Overnight stay at the hotel "Chambres du Voyageur" |
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Day 19: Antsirabe - Antananarivo (170 km paved road)After breakfast we head north on the legendary "Route Nationale N° 7. We drive along the winding road through beautiful villages across the highlands before stopping for lunch in Behenjy. The small town, located in a green, wide valley, is famous for the duck liver specialties offered here. Animal rights activists can breathe a sigh of relief: the animals are by no means stuffed in the infamous manner, but lead a free life without coercion. The restaurant "Au Coin du Foie de Gras" is known far beyond the country's borders and offers a surprising variety of dishes. The traffic is getting heavier: we are nearing the end of our journey. The driver takes the wheel to cross Antananarivo. Overnight stay in the guesthouse of the "Villa Sibyl |
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Day 20: Antananarivo and surroundings - Airport transferEspecially nice is the "Lemurs Park", if young and old have not yet had enough of the droll animals. There are also other sights in abundance. Your tour guide will be happy to advise you! In the evening we will bring 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. Day Use at "Villa Sibyl" |
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Important notesA local and resident driver will be present throughout the trip and will maintain the status of "captain on board", as he knows the roads and the conditions of the trip and can assess situations and dangers much better. He has the right to take over the car if the guests drive badly or dangerously. Guests have the right to drive with the exception of the chaotic city of Antananarivo as long as they do not endanger other people, themselves, the Toyota Landcruiser provided or other vehicles. The stages are planned so that it should never happen at night. This tour is customized according to the wishes and expectations of the guests, therefore there is no flat rate for it. Please inquire directly with. It is possible to book this tour as an individual tour on your travel dates. This tour is only possible from mid-May to mid-November. The south and the east 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. Although it is not a physically demanding trip, it should be clear from the beginning that the participants should not have any serious health problems because medical care can be difficult when you are far from the usual routes. The climate is mostly very warm to hot but it can get very cold in the highlands during the winter months (June to August), so both light summer clothing and warmer clothing must be taken. |
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Facts and figures
| 20 days tour West Coast & Tsingy | Price per person |
| 2 to 5 guests | 3830 € |
| 6 to 8 guests | 3790 € |
Services
On request according to personal planning
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Villa Sibylle Antananarivo (Madagascar)
