The Wondrous Highlands – 5 days

Into the heart of Madagascar

This is a 5-day cultural and active tour around the mountain chain of the Ankaratra region, in the very center of the Highlands. Immersed in the Imerina tribe’s heartlands,  you will start the tour from the west of Antananarivo by visiting the Lemurs’ Park and a village of artisans specializing in recycling-tins. You will also discover one of the old King’s palace, situated on one of the twelve sacred hills, with a great panoramic view.

Your visit will continue beyond Analavory to the Geysers d’Andranomandroatra. This curious place is unlike other geysers in that the water is cold, not hot, a refreshing place for a dip or to admire the vibrant ochres and terracottas of the minerals that stain the rock. There’ll be chance to call in to a fishermen’s village at Itasy Lake and afterwards to Faratsiho, where your visit is timed to coincide with a typical weekly market.

Delving deeper into what makes Madagascar tick, you will take walks to visit a village of blacksmith as well as one where you’ll encounter skilled traditional herbalists. A highlight of this tour is the chance to stay in Antsirabe, the “city of water ”. It’s famous for its hand-pulled rickshaws, known as pousse-pousse (rickshaw), though the place is also renowned for its handicrafts, precious stones and minerals.

  • Sightseeing
  • Nature viewing
  • Walking
  • Cultural encountering and immersion
  • Participating in local community’s projects if you wish to.
  • Minerals and gemstones discoveries and initiation (optional)
  • Cultural experience
  • Lemurs
  • The village of can recycling artisans
  • Rural life of the highlands
  • Diverse sceneries ranging from rice ricefields, mountains, rivers, lakes and forest.

Itinerary outline

  • Antananarivo
  • Lemurs’ Park
  • Itasy / Soavinandriana
  • Faratsiho
  • Ambohibary
  • Antsirabe
  • Antananarivo

 

Sugggested combinations:

Itinerary outline
  • Antananarivo
  • Lemurs’ Park
  • Itasy / Soavinandriana
  • Faratsiho
  • Ambohibary
  • Antsirabe
  • Antananarivo

Sugggested combinations

Detailed itinerary

Arrival in Antananarivo. Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to hotel.

Depart to Itasy
Visit of the Lemurs’ Park on the way.
Visit of villages of recycling tins and handicrafts workshops
Evening at Itasy Lake and tasting typical local food.

Cultural encountering in MadagascarMadagascar Wildlife tours and safariLocal community based tourism in Madagascar

Early depart to the geysers and then continue through the gorgeous valleys and the Ankaratra Massif mountain chain.
Visit of villages.
Observing the local life styles.
Overnight at an inn.
Attend evening local animations among villagers – if matched.

Cultural encountering in MadagascarLocal community based tourism in MadagascarImmersive experience amongst the local Malagasy people

Depart to Antsirabe, a thermal city.
Visit of minerals workshops and the local market.
City tour.

Cultural encountering in MadagascarLocal community based tourism in Madagascar

After a leisurely morning, city tour and return to Antananarivo.

Cultural encountering in MadagascarLocal community based tourism in Madagascar

Trip notes

Plan trip to Madagascar

Departure

Any day
>> How to book a tour

Trip planning

Period

March to December

Madagascar best transportations

Transportation

4WD
>> Transportation standard

Accommodation in Madagascar

Accommodation

Hotels - Lodges
>> Lodging types & standards

Madagascar plan

City of departure

Antananarivo, the Capital city.

Leisurely hike in Madagascar

Ease of access

Easy

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