DISCOVERING THE RED AND LUSH GREEN ISLAND MANAKARA (RN25+RN7)

Program

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  D1

  ANTANANARIVO

  Arrival at Antananarivo airport, overnight stay at the hotel.

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  D2

  ANTANANARIVO – ANTSIRABE

  In the morning, after breakfast, departure southwards along the famous RN7. The journey takes you through the Malagasy highlands, characterized by rice paddies and traditional villages with houses made of red bricks reflecting the color of the soil. Upon arrival in Ambatolampy, enjoy a brief visit to a family-run artisanal workshop producing pots and pans. Arrival in Antsirabe is followed by lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Antsirabe, known as the "city of salt" due to its numerous mineral and thermal water springs. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

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  D3

  ANTSIRABE- SAHAMBAVY

  After breakfast, departure for Sahambavy with the first stop in the town of Ambositra to visit artisanal woodcraft workshops. Arrival in Sahambavy in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

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  D4

  SAHAMBAVY – MANAKARA

  After breakfast, departure by train towards Manakara, a very unique journey offering direct contact with the people living in the heart of the rainforest. Packed lunch will be provided. Arrival in the afternoon at Manakara, a town located along the Pangalanes Canal and parallel to the Indian Ocean. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

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  D5

  MANAKARA

  A day dedicated to a canoe excursion along the Pangalanes Canal. Lunch on the beach with local fishermen. Return to the hotel in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

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  D6

  MANAKARA - RANOMAFANA

  Departure in the morning after breakfast by car to Ranomafana. In the afternoon, visit the Ranomafana National Park, a park rich in vegetation and various species of lemurs. A 3-hour walk will allow you to observe some endemic plants in the park as well. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

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  D7

  RANOMAFANA - ISALO

  After breakfast, departure south towards Isalo, passing through the city of Fianarantsoa, through noble vineyards and rural landscapes. Stop to visit the city of Ambalavao, famous for the handcrafted production of Antaimoro paper, made from the bark of the avoha (papyrus), macerated, worked, and decorated with natural flowers. Ambalavao is also known for the famous "Zebu Market", held every Wednesday, the most important livestock market in Madagascar. Stop to visit the beautiful Anja Park, a park managed by the local community that is home to populations of ring-tailed lemurs. After lunch, we will continue on to Isalo. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

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  D8

  ISALO

  Breakfast. The day is dedicated to visiting the Isalo National Park, through the magnificent Namazaha circuit, with a stop at the natural pool formed by a small stream flowing from the rocks, surrounded by aquatic plants like Pandanus and lush palm trees (5-6 hours of trekking). The flora and fauna are enchanting. Nature couldn't have chosen a better place than Isalo to celebrate the majesty and richness of Madagascar's landscape. A plausible witness to the continental drift, this rock landscape is one of the most beautiful in Madagascar, dating back to the Jurassic period, with gorges sculpted by generations of deep canyons, such as the Maki Canyon and the Topi Canyon, which create strange settings. Numerous gatherings in Isalo, called the "Malgasci Colorado" by the locals, are organized and can be done on foot or with easy interpretation. Lunch during the excursion, and after lunch, you will have the opportunity to swim in the three splendid natural pools. In the late afternoon, we’ll meet the sunset at the "Window of Isalo", an unusual rock formation from which you can admire a stunning sunset.

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  D9

  ISALO – IFATY

  After breakfast, departure towards the south, immersed in a surreal landscape, between savannah and endless stretches of barren land without vegetation, with views of the sapphire mines of Ilakaka. Arrival in Tulear for lunch. In the afternoon, we head to Ifaty and stop to admire the baobab forest and the dry spiny forest of the southwest. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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  D10

  IFATY- ANAKAO/AMBATOMILO

  After breakfast, departure to the Tulear dock for boarding to Anakao. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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  D11-12-13

  ANAKAO/AMBATOMILO

  A day dedicated to relaxation on the coast of the Mozambique Channel, including a pirogue sailing lesson and lunch at a restaurant in the Vezo village. (Snorkeling, pirogue outings, diving.)

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  D14

  ANAKAO/AMBATOMILO - TULEAR- ANTANANARIVO

  Early departure for Tulear and transfer by taxi to Tulear airport for the flight to Antananarivo. Arrival in Antananarivo, welcome, and transfer to the hotel.

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  D15

  ANTANANARIVO – ITALY

  In the morning, visit the city of Antananarivo and the craft markets. Transfer to Antananarivo airport for the intercontinental flight.