TYPOLOGIES
DIFFICULTY

High

MIN. AGE

16 Years

£ 2650

An Amazing Adventure

An unforgettable trek and raft through this mysterious land. Long series of adventures from the dry western side of the island to the moist eastern tropical rain forests while summiting Madagascar’s second highest mountain– the mighty Pic Boby. This is a challenging camping adventure.  We tackle the steepest terrains on sometimes poorly marked trails, the pace has to be steady with long trail days, mostly camping out, we could face some serious white-water, so not for the feint hearted!  That doesn’t mean you need Indiana Jones type of profile, but be ready to get out of your usual comfort zone.

As part of our commitment to responsible travel and in conjunction with Woodenstock.org we finance a tree nursery and orchard in Italavina – which is a long term reforestation project.

Price £2,650 / $3,350

Based on 4 pax. Excludes international flights.

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT MADAGASCAR

Tailormade Departures

April - December

CONTACT US

Day by Day

After arriving in Antananarivo we will head to Ambohimahasoa. Tonight we will spend the night in Lemur’s Forest camp/Ialatsara Bungalows which are set in a managed forest (within a private eco-reserve).

Overnight – Camp

This morning we will explore the forests. Several species of lemur can be found here including the Milne Edwards Sifaka. In the afternoon we will drive to Tsaranoro.

Visiting the Tsaranoro Valley is a fantastic opportunity to see Madagascar in all its natural glory.  Prepare to be enchanted by the astounding landscapes, stunning red land and the beautiful and awe-inspiring Massif of Andringitra. You will be able to see many kinds of orchids, three sorts of palms including one kind which is endemic to the Andringitra, chameleons, lizards, snakes, batrachians, birds including the famous peregrine falcon as well as the especially friendly Catta (ring-tailed) Lemurs living in small families around the camp. The spectacular rock walls of the massif and the mind-blowingly beautiful valley offer numerous climbing routes and hiking trails and a thriving village which can be visited.  

We will also have the chance to visit Tsarasoa, which is the base for our local agents reforestation effort (a passion which is shared (via wood-en-stock) by Pioneer Expeditions). Here we will have the opportunity to visit and see the reforestation effort for ourselves. Depending on the time of year we may also get to plant some young saplings.

Overnight – Camp

We will spend today exploring this stunning area on foot and meeting all the locals. A full 6hr hike with steep trails and great boulder gardens on the way to Pic Boby.

 Overnight – Camp

This is summit day and another 6 hour steep descent trek. Tonight we will be sleeping around 1600m at a simple hotel – Tranogasy.

Overnight – Hotel

Today will we experience a full day crossing highlands, rural backcountry, rice fields, zebu herds, small clusters of mud red houses and great mountainous backgrounds.

Overnight

Today we will reach the eastern rainforest limit and will have to dive in, hardly following overgrown trails.

Overnight

That’s a full day deep in rain forest and muddy/slippery/steep trails. Somehow we might reach the edge of it and merge in a spectacular circus of waterfalls.

Overnight

We will begin trekking at a more relaxing pace to reach the village of Ankarimbelo and ready ourselves for the next leg of the journey. Tonight we will sleep on a sandy beach along Matatana River.

Overnight

We will be experiencing two full days on the Matatana river. If you have never paddled before you’ll have to carry/line the boats on quite a few occasions. The rapids are not excessively difficult but a few ones do need a bit of experience and/or good self control. The river remains mostly navigable for most and we can eventually set the less experienced ones with a guide.

Some longer portages will be handled by locals.

Overnight

We reach a potential pull out about midday and literally stuff the whole expedition in the back of a lorry. The tracks take us down to Vohipeno on the east coast and off to Manakara. Hotel Parthenay will be most welcome after those long nights out.

Overnight – Hotel

Today we will drive back to Ambositra.

Overnight – Hotel L’Artisan

We can stroll a couple of hours before setting off and discover the woodworks of local craftsmen.
We’ll have an early lunch in Antsirabe before heading back to Tana in time for your flight home.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY

Area Map

Submit your review
1
2
3
4
5
Submit
     
Cancel

Create your own review

Pioneer Expeditions
Average rating:  
 3 reviews
 by A. Wingfield
A Well Organised Holiday - Tailormade

A well organised holiday, run by caring and dedicated tour guides who managed very well in a country with many challenges.

 by G. Van Vliet
Madagascar Pic Boby

A unique experience but a clear physical challenge we enjoyed in the most beautiful place in the world.

Highlights included meeting/experiencing local people and habits and the enjoyment of simple life. Furthermore the Nat. park Ranomafana was great.

 by A. Van Vliet
Madagascar-Pic Body to the Sea Expedition

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Sleeping in the tent, canoeing. The sound of nature and the fact that there were no tourists

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Please take warm clothes with you! It is cold during the nights around Pic Boby.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
What an experience! Sometimes heavy but always a hand to help.

    Enquire now

    Other Amazing Trips

    We are open from:

    9am

    We close at:

    5:30pm

    We are always here to help or answer any questions - call us on: 01202 798922

    Laurenne Mansbridge

    Director

     

    X
    Sign up to our Newsletter

    Pioneer Expeditions Newsletter

    Travel with Us