Along the Tracks of Madagascar's Great Southwest

Begin your journey with a short discovery of Antananarivo, the "City of a Thousand Hills", before heading south towards the charming spa town of Antsirabe.

Along the way, you'll travel through Madagascar's Central Highlands, where terraced rice fields, rolling landscapes and traditional red laterite-brick houses create some of the island's most iconic scenery. Lunch will be served en route. Upon arrival in Antsirabe, enjoy a guided tour of the town and explore its lively local markets.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, depart to visit the legendary Lake Tritriva, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Central Highlands. This mysterious volcanic lake is famous for its unusual natural phenomenon: its water level falls during the rainy season and rises during the dry season. After lunch, head west across the Bongolava Massif towards Miandrivazo, the traditional gateway to the Tsiribihina River.

Upon arrival, enjoy a stroll through this small riverside town before watching a spectacular sunset over the river and the surrounding landscapes.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Transfer to the river landing at Masiakampy, where you'll board your private river barge specially equipped with a kitchen, dining area and an upper observation deck.

From this unique vantage point, enjoy the spectacular scenery as you cruise along the river: dramatic gorges, forest-covered mountains, waterfalls and natural pools perfect for a refreshing swim. This is also your first opportunity to spot Madagascar's famous lemurs in their natural habitat. Lunch will be served on board during the cruise.

Dinner and overnight stay in a tented riverside camp.

Depart around 8:00 a.m. for another unforgettable day cruising down the Tsiribihina River, dedicated to discovering Madagascar’s remarkable wildlife and flora. As you drift through this untouched wilderness, you'll encounter an extraordinary variety of endemic plants, including striking pachypodiums, aloes, kalanchoes and the island’s iconic baobab trees. The river is also home to an abundance of wildlife, where colourful birds, curious lemurs and, occasionally, crocodiles can be spotted along the riverbanks.

Dinner and overnight stay in a tented riverside camp.

Today marks the final stage of your cruise along the Tsiribihina River, passing through vast landscapes dotted with flamboyant trees, majestic baobabs, endemic vegetation and traditional villages where life still follows an authentic rhythm. By late morning, you'll arrive in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, a lively river port that serves as an important hub for local trade and daily life.

After lunch on board, continue by 4x4 towards Morondava. In the late afternoon, stop at the world-famous Avenue of the Baobabs and the iconic Baobabs in Love, where the warm colours of sunset create one of Madagascar’s most unforgettable landscapes.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Depart for the charming fishing village of Belo-sur-Mer, renowned for its traditional dhow-building craftsmanship and its crystal-clear coastal waters. The journey follows deep sandy tracks, with several river crossings assisted by local villagers, making for an authentic off-road adventure. Arrive in the late morning, check in to your hotel and enjoy lunch.

The afternoon is free to explore the nearby salt pans and visit the traditional boatyards, where skilled craftsmen continue to build the region's iconic wooden dhows using centuries-old techniques.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Enjoy a day dedicated to relaxation and discovery in Belo-sur-Mer. Stroll through the village and meet the local craftsmen who continue the centuries-old tradition of building wooden dhows by hand. A variety of optional excursions are available, including a boat trip, a quad-bike adventure to the salt pans surrounding Belo, or lunch at a simple, authentic local eatery for a true taste of Malagasy hospitality.

In the afternoon, take time to swim in the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel before witnessing one of the region’s most memorable sights: the traditional sailing pirogues returning to shore against the backdrop of a spectacular sunset.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Set off early this morning for an unforgettable journey inland along sandy tracks winding between salt pans, baobab trees and river crossings. Along the way, discover traditional Sakalava Tombs, decorated with intricately carved aloalo, sacred wooden totems that honour the deceased and reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Sakalava people. Lunch will be served en route.

Later, cross the Mangoky River near the village of Bevoay before continuing through remarkable forests of towering bottle baobabs, one of the region's most iconic natural wonders. Stop in the charming town of Morombe, where time seems to stand still. After lunch, enjoy a stroll through its quiet streets before continuing along the track towards the idyllic coastal village of Andavadoaka, beautifully located on the shores of the Mozambique Channel.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Enjoy a free day to relax or make the most of the many activities available in this idyllic coastal setting. Depending on your preferences, you can go fishing, snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding or surfing in the crystal-clear waters of the Mozambique Channel. The surrounding area is also perfect for leisurely walks and, after sunset, offers exceptional stargazing thanks to the absence of light pollution.

For those wishing to explore further, optional guided excursions are available to discover the region’s remarkable baobab trees and navigate the mangrove forests that line the shores of the Mozambique Channel.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Enjoy a spectacular 4x4 journey along the coastal track, following the traditional trails once used by zebu carts.

The route winds through vast spiny forests dotted with majestic baobab trees before reaching the picturesque village of Salary, renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches and breathtaking coastal scenery.

Continue to Ankasy Bay, where you'll check in to your hotel and enjoy lunch.

The afternoon is yours to relax and make the most of this idyllic paradise, whether by the beach or by the crystal-clear waters of the Mozambique Channel.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Enjoy a day at leisure in this idyllic setting, with a variety of optional activities available to suit every taste.

On the water, you can try water skiing, snorkelling, a traditional Vezo pirogue excursion, or, from July to September, join a whale-watching trip to observe magnificent Humpback Whales during their annual migration.

On land, explore the botanical trail, unwind with a relaxing massage, or take a pirogue or motorboat excursion to the traditional village of Tsiandamba for an authentic introduction to the culture of the Vezo people.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After an early breakfast, set off for Toliara along the scenic coastal track, bordered by Madagascar’s unique spiny forest, home to remarkable endemic plants such as Didiereaceae and Euphorbia species.

Cross shallow rivers and sandy tracks before reaching the seaside village of Ifaty. From there, rejoin the paved road for the final drive to Toliara and its airport. Board your domestic flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.