Rainforest River and Sea and the West

Experience the Wonders of Madagascar

We invite you to join Remote River Expeditions on this unique adventure to discover the 'Great Red Island' and the joys of river camping. And, of course, lemurs, chameleons, baobabs, orchids, exciting birds, bizarre spiny desert, beautiful forest, and the endearing Malagasy people.

An active yet leisurely paced adventure, we investigate a variety of ecosystems and a wonderfully remote river journey on the Mangoky River. A premier destination for lovers of wildlife, Madagascar is a safe and wonderful place to visit. Phenomenal in its uniqueness, Madagascar's natural beauty is visually sensational.

Highlights Include: Masoala National Park, Eastern rainforest & coastal reserve, Sea Kayaking (option), Tsiribihina River, Calm water canoeing, Tsingy de Bemaraha

+261 20 95 52347 / + 261 324 732 670

Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1 - En route to Madagascar

Day 2 - Arrive Antananarivo. Remote River Expeditions representative will meet you at Ivato Airport for the transfer to our hotel. Orientation and welcome dinner. Overnight ICT Hotel (or similar). (D)

Day 3 - Early transfer to Ivato Airport for our flight from Antananarivo to Maroantsetra, the gateway to the Masoala National Park. (MD 408, 7:40-10:40) Transfer by boat to Masoala Forest Lodge our home base for exploring Masoala National Park. (B,D)

Day 4 & 5 - Paddling and trekking in Masoala National Park. Based at luxurious Masoala Forest Lodge we explore by boat and sea kayak (optional) the Masoala Peninsula. We'll visit various spots around the peninsula, including deserted islands, up the Fampotobe River and into the heart of the Masoala Peninsula. Here we pass stunning coastlines of sandy coves separated by rocky, forested headlands. We will also take time to snorkel the amazing waters and discover the littoral rain-forest on nature walks.

One stop, Antalavia, (about 50 km from Maroantsetra), in a protected bay at the end of 10 km long beach. A cool fresh water stream flows through the beach into the sea and great cascades leads steeply into the heart of the high land rain forest. This area offers a great rain forest experience with many lemur species and endemic birds along with geckos, chameleons and other forest inhabitants. If time allows we may make a journey to Nosy Behento. A small remote tropical island located at the southern-most tip of the Masoala Peninsula at the end of the long barrier reef. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - After breakfast we return by boat to Maroansetra. Overnight Coco Beach Hotel. (B,D)

Day 7 - Return flights from Maronantsetra to Antanananrivo and travel overland south from Antananarivo through the highlands to Antsirabe. A volcanic region of rocky hills and grassland of zebu herds, and kasana and rice plantations. Overnight Hotel des Thermas (or similar). (B,D)

Day 8 - Leaving the highlands we travel west and descend into the Menabe (western) Region to the town of Miandrivazo. After a short visit in the village and final shopping we board our pirogues (local canoes) and begin our trip on the Tsiribihina River. No previous experience is needed as there are no rapids and the river remains calm throughout the journey. Local Malagasy paddlers propel pirogues as we travel downstream and we enjoy sandy camps along the river at night. (B,L,D) (See notes below)

Day 9 & 10 - Tsiribihina River. Camping on the river. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - Our final day on the river, we complete our journey at Antsiraraka. Overnight in simple bungalows (or camping). (B,L,D)

Day 12 - Following an early breakfast we travel by 4X4 west and then north crossing the Tsiribihina River by ferryboat and passing through the town of Belo Tsiribihina. We continue north to the town of Bekopaka at the entrance of the Tsingy de Bemaraha. Depending on road conditions and travel time to Bekopaka we may make an afternoon visit to the ‘Petite' Tsingy. Overnight Hotel Olympe de Bemaraha (or similar). (B,D)

Tsingy de Bemaraha

This is Madagascar's largest reserve, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO; fascinating raised limestone plateaus decorated with chaotic razor sharp pinnacles with the underground cave systems and many succulents growing in the crevices. (See notes below)

Day 13 - Early morning paddle on the Manambolo River to visit the Gorges of the Manambolo. Then we travel to the entrance of the Grande Tsingy and spend time walking and exploring the wonders of the Tsingy. Overnight Hotel Olympe de Bemaraha (or similar).

Day 14 - Following breakfast we return south the deciduous forestland to the Kirindy Forest. A rich reserve for endemic Malagasy floral and fauna. We explore the forest in the late afternoon and after dinner enjoy take an evening walk for nocturnal species. Along with a stunning variety of unique flora the Kirindy Forest is home to 8 lemur species; a variety of tenrecs species; the narrow-striped mongoose; the giant jumping rat and the fossa. Overnight in the rustic bungalows (or camping) in the forest. (B,D) (See notes below)

Day 15 - Early morning walking in the Kirindy Forest (especially good for birding). After we head south to Morondava. Along the way we make stops at the Sacred Baobabs, Baobabs in Love and the world famous Ave of the Baobabs. Overnight at the Chez Maggie Hotel. (B,D)

Day 16 - Largely an undiscovered gem we enjoy a relaxing day in the tranquil coastal town of Morondava. Our home base is the Chez Maggie Hotel, a romantic hide-away in a comfortable garden setting. The hotel features: air-conditioned 2-story chalets and bungalows; superb cuisine; swimming pool and a full service bar. Lunch is on your own but included optional activities are available: paddling in the mangrove swamps or dowha sailing on the Mozambique Channel.

The choice is yours: stroll along the beach, swim in the warm water of the Mozambique Channel, lounge by the pool, or take a walk through town for local flavour and shopping. After enjoying the setting sun over the channel we sample the excellent cuisine of Le Masoandro Restaurant at the Chez Maggie. Overnight at the Chez Maggie Hotel. (B,D)

Day 17 - Morondava. Relaxing and optional excursions. (B,D)

Day 18 - Following breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight from Morondava to
Antananarivo. Transfer downtown with time for sightseeing and shopping before our sunset farewell dinner at the Grill du Rova overlooking the capital. Early evening transfer to Ivato Airport for outbound flights. (B,D)

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Antananarivo - ICT Hotel (or similar)

Masoala National Park - Masoala Forest Lodge

Antsirabe - Hotel