Overview of Madagascar

An excellent overview of many of the wonders and ecosystems of Madagascar.

Madagascar is a truly wonderful country with unique wildlife, bizarre plants, superb climate, and the nicest people you will find anywhere. Even the cities and towns are fascinating, thanks to some inspired architecture and the Malagasy love for flowers, music, and warm colours. Romantic and relaxed, it's a great place to have a real anti-stress vacation.

Our custom island journey provides a comprehensive look at the wonders of the Great Red Island and its unique (often surprising) ecosystems, flora, fauna, and cultures.This is an active yet leisurely paced adventure. After exploring the rain forest at Andasibe (Perinet) National Park we fly to the southwest of the island and we paddle the tranquil and majestic Mangoky River. A gorgeous and relaxing river experience.

Sandy, barefoot campsites. Gorgeous weather. Good exercise. Chameleons, baobabs, orchids, exciting birds, bizarre spiny desert, beautiful forest, and the endearing Malagasy people. T And, of course, lemurs, lemurs, lemurs...

Our multi-activity journey includes a comprehensive island tour, eight days on the river, excellent cuisine, time at the Mozambique Channel, and numerous National Parks and Reserves.

Along with our scheduled departures Remote River Expeditions specializes in family and small group custom programs. Let us know how much time you have, your interests and budget and we'll be happy to offer a proposal for your visit. All our programs include the best naturalist guides.

We are based in Morondava, Madagascar and have been exploring and offering programs on the island since 1985.

+261 20 95 52347 / + 261 324 732 670

Itinerary / Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
En route to Madagascar.

Day 2
Arrive Antananarivo. Remote River Expeditions trip leader will meet you at Ivato Airport for the transfer to downtown. Orientation and welcome dinner. Overnight Mahavelo Hotel (or similar). (D)

Day 3
Morning drive to Andasibe (Perinet) Reserve, crossing the famous cliff of La Mandraka with a panoramic view of the Anjiro plain. Andasibe is the domain of the Indri Indri, the tallest living lemur, smaller Fulvus, Bamboo and Rubriventer lemurs can also be seen. We enjoy an afternoon walking safari in the primary forest with it's wide variety of endemic birds, orchids, fern trees, pandanus and many palms.. Evening walk for nocturnal lemurs (bush baby), chameleons, and birds (nightjars & owls). Accommodation at the Hotel Feonany Ala. (B,L,D)

Day 4
Early morning return to Ivato Airport in Antananarivo for flight to Tulear (MD 712, 1130 - 1400). Overnight in Toliara or begin drive to the Mangoky River.

Day 5
Overland by 4X4 en route to the Mangoky River. We drive east to Sakaraha and then leaving the tarmac we travel north on the road to Beroroha. 4X4 Camp. (B,L,D)

Day 6
We continue north following the sandy track that crosses the Fiherenena River which follows the plateau dotted with huge Mahafaly tombs. Stopping briefly in the quite village of Beroroha for last minute shopping we arrive on the banks of the on the Mangoky River and begin our calm water float on the majestic Mangoky River. Camping. (B,L,D)

Days 7 -12
Mangoky River. Once on the water we meander between several ranges of wooded hills on the way west toward the Indian Ocean. The river from Beroroha to Bevoay is a very remote area of Madagascar and passes through perhaps the world's largest baobab forest. We'll travel 160 kms paddling the calm river at times with the steady current. We enjoy incredible campsites, superb views of the surrounding mountains and spot a
variety of wildlife along the way including exciting birds and lemurs. We also take along a small outboard motor to use in the event of low water and to speed our progress downstream as needed. Camping. (B,L,D)

Day 13
After our final day on the river we arrive at Paradise Camp. Afternoon walk to nearby baobab forest passing local rice fields and visit a nearby village. Last night's camp on the river! (B,L,D)

Day 14
Bevoay / Ifaty. After a short time on the river we meet 4-WD vehicles at the village of Bevoay for the drive the long drive to the coastal town of Ifaty. We enjoy a warm shower, fresh seafood dinner and the sunset over the Mozambique Channel. Overnight Dunes Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 15
Ifaty. All day at Ifaty explore the spinng the nearby spiny forest and a relaxing day for beach activities, swimming, and snorkelling. Overnight at the Dunes Hotel. (B,D)

Day 16
Ifaty / Morondava. After breakfast we drive south to Tulear for our afternoon flight to Morondava. Transfer to the Chez Maggie Hotel. (B,D)

Day 17
Morondava. Free day for relaxing and exploring Morondava. Chez Maggie Hotel. (B, D)

Day 18
Full day excursion to the Kirindy Forest with a stopover at the Avenue of the Boababs. Chez Maggie Hotel. (B,L,D) * Possible over night in the forest.

Day 19
Free day and optional activities in Morondava. Chez Maggie Hotel. (B,D)

Day 20
Free morning and early afternoon transfer to the airport for our flight to Antananarivo. Sunset dinner celebration at the Grill du Rova overlooking the capital. Evening transfer to Ivato Airport for outbound flights. (B,D)

Other Details

Accommodation Details

We use a variety of hotels and lodges and on the river enjoy some of the most pristine and spacious campsites in the world.

Antananarivo: Hotel Mahavelo / Hotel du Louvre
Perinet: Hotel Feonany Ala.
Ifaty: Dunes Hotel
Morondava: Chez Maggie Hotel

Our campsites are great expanses of pure white sand, bordered by forest, with grand panoramas of river, hills and sky. The forest margins invite individual wanderings or nocturnal lemur-spotting.