South East – train and bike

Arrive at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo. Depending on your flight schedule, you may proceed directly to Antsirabe. Otherwise, transfer to your hotel and receive a briefing about the tour.

Drive approximately 4 hours to Antsirabe. In the afternoon, begin cycling from the village of Betafo toward Tritriva Lake. The route passes rice fields, valleys, and hills with stunning views at every turn. Arrive at Lake Tritriva, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by high cliffs, and take a 45-minute walk around the lake. Return to Antsirabe by vehicle.

Start with a bike tour around Antsirabe to visit workshops crafting zebu horn items and miniatures. Afterward, drive toward Ambositra. Begin cycling from Ambohimandroso, pedaling through scenic highland terrain with traditional Betsileo villages along the way. Conclude with a visit to Zafimaniry woodcarvers’ stalls in Ambositra.

Visit the royal palace of Ambositra before driving toward Sahambavy. Begin cycling from Ivato village, passing through rolling hills and tea plantations. The lush green surroundings make this stretch particularly picturesque.

Board the train early in the morning for a memorable ride to Manakara. The journey includes 17 stops, passing 67 bridges and 48 tunnels as it transitions from the highlands to the eastern coast. The train stops in charming villages, offering glimpses of local life.

Take a morning canoe trip on the Pangalanes Canal to visit a fishing village and enjoy a natural swimming pool. In the afternoon, cycle from the village of Ambalakazaha to Loharano, passing vanilla plantations and coastal landscapes.

Drive toward Ranomafana, stopping in Vohiparara village to cycle through lush valleys and forests leading to Ranomafana. Explore the town and its thermal pool upon arrival.

Spend the day exploring Ranomafana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park is home to rare wildlife, including the Golden Bamboo Lemur, Milne-Edwards’ Sifaka, and over 100 bird species like the Henst’s Goshawk. The park features dense rainforests, waterfalls, and well-marked trails, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Travel to Ambalavao via Fianarantsoa. Begin cycling in Mahatsinjony village, passing vineyards, terraced rice fields, and traditional Betsileo villages. Visit the Antemoro paper factory and a silk workshop in Ambalavao.

Drive to Zazafotsy village, where you begin cycling toward Ranohira. The route takes you through scenic landscapes of the Horombe Plateau with its dramatic semi-arid terrain and isolated baobabs. End the day with a sunset view at the Window of Isalo.

Cycle through the park’s outskirts from Ranohira to Namaza Camp, then hike through the park’s striking sandstone formations, canyons, and oases. Isalo National Park spans 82,000 hectares and is home to endemic species like the Benson’s Rock Thrush, lemurs, and the medicinal plant Catharanthus ovalis.

Drive most of the way toward Tuléar, stopping for a 20 km cycling stretch just before entering the city. The route is flat and offers glimpses of rural life, baobabs, and coastal landscapes. Continue to Ifaty, a peaceful coastal village.

 

Breakfast and lunch at the hotel
relaxing days. Several optional activities will be offered to you: Snorkeling or scuba diving, excursion in the baobab forest…
Relaxing on the beach , you will enjoy water activities in the lagoon of Ifaty. It is one of the most beautiful in the world with its coral reef.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer to Tuléar airport for flight to Antananarivo.
Welcome and vehicle available.

Breakfast at the hotel .
Our accompanying driver supports your transfer to the airport according to the schedule of your flight to your country of origin. He will stop at the craft market on the road to the airport to allow you to buy beautiful souvenirs of your trip to the Big Island through small handicrafts that represent the country.