Ride On Manambolo River: Canoeing And Hiking Adventure Tour 8 days

Day 1 Antananarivo - Lake Ampefy - Tsiroanomandidy

Departure for Lake Ampefy west of Antananarivo. Crossing volcanic and hilly landscape of the region of Itasy. Small walking tour at the lake. Lunch then road to Tsiroanomandidy where we cross zebu carts convoys that transport their crops to the local market. Night in the hotel.

Transportation 4X4 5h30. Accomodation: hostel.

Day 2 Tsiroanomandidy - Bongolava

We follow a trail through a landscape of hills and valleys before reaching the village of Beamboaty in the middle of an orange plantation. Then we plunge into the wild massif of Bongolava where only a few collectors dare to venture. In the afternoon we reach the western side of the massif dominating the Great Plains where winds the Manambolo River. We conclude with a short walk of 30 minutes to reach our bivouac at the edge of a waterfall.

Transportation 4X4 5h30. Walk 30 min. Accomodation: Camping.

Day 3 Hiking - Ankavandra - Manambolo River

With our porters we leave the massif to reach the village of Ankavandra (3h). This is the starting point for our descent in canoes. Boatmen and cooks are all from the village and will be happy to make you discover it. In the afternoon, after the traditional "fomba" (ritual) we begin our navigation. The canoes convoy stretches, guided by the current. By late afternoon, camping on the sand banks.

Walk 2h30 min, canoe 3h. Accommodation: Camping.

Day 4-5 Canoe descent on Manambolo River

The course of the river is lost in the sand bed, and forces us to follow the boatmen, indicating the channel to follow. Tapering times between two hills, the river runs along small cliffs from which flow the sources of clean water. Fishermen offer us their fish. Here and there, cultures are visible on the banks. All the river life unfolds before our eyes, the languid rhythm of nature and the current that carries us. The landscape changes as we approach the mass of Bemaraha. We enter the foothills of the mountain. The houses are gradually disappearing. We enter in the gorges of Bemaraha.

Canoe 6h per day. Accommodation: Camping.

Day 6 Manambolo River - Bekopaka

In the morning we explore on foot the canyon drowned in vegetation. Its watercourse has dug a series of natural pools and clear water that invites us for a swim. In the afternoon we take our canoes and our progress is made in the impressive silence grooves or echoes the cries of parrots. We reach our camp on the bank of the river drowned under the mango trees.

Walk 3-4h, Canoe 3h. Accommodation: Hotel.

Day 7 Bekopaka

In 4X4 we leave to explore a strange site - the "Tsingy du Bemaraha" (classified World Heritage by UNESCO). It is a true magical labyrinth of crevasses, gorges, caves, dominated by sharp limestone peaks. Passage required by a suspension bridge Belvédères which offer dazzling panoramas on the roof of the Tsingy. Return in the afternoon and visit of the small village of Bekopaka.

Transportation 4WD: 5h Walk: 3 to 5h. Accommodation: Hotel.

Day 8 Bekopaka - Morondava

By the track we head to Belo Tsiribihina. The first kilometers of track pass through a dry forest and grassland dotted with small villages. In Belo, Tsiribihina river folk crossing by ferry, and then we continue the track until Morondava via the famous "Baobab Alley" at sunset. Arrival in the evening.

Transportation 4X4 8h. Accommodation: Hotel