West Madagascar Tour:
Baobabs & Tsingy
From the limestone needles of the Grand Tsingy to the silhouettes of Morondava’s baobabs across Madagascar’s wild West
A grand 13-day journey through the sculptural landscapes of western Madagascar. From the limestone pinnacles of the Grand Tsingy de Bemaraha — UNESCO World Heritage — to the legendary baobab silhouettes of Morondava at sunset, through the dry Kirindy forest and its nocturnal wildlife safaris. Private 4×4, dedicated driver, full board.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Thirteen stages across the West of Madagascar — from the Itasy volcanic plains to the limestone cathedrals of Bemaraha, from ancient baobabs to the nocturnal forests of Kirindy.
Day 1 – Arrival in Antananarivo · The Start of the Expedition
Private airport welcome · Hotel transfer · Expedition briefingWarm welcome by the Lemur Safari team at Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo). Private, secure transfer to your superior category hotel in the capital.
Check-in, welcome cocktail and a full briefing with your expert guide to prepare the logistical stages of your great expedition West: tracks, river ferries, parks, accommodation. Dinner and overnight in Antananarivo.
Day 2 – Antananarivo → Ampefy
Lily Waterfall · Analavory Geysers · Itasy volcanic regionAfter breakfast, departure by private 4×4. You leave the heights of the capital heading west towards the charming volcanic region of Ampefy. First stop at the spectacular Lily Waterfall, an impressive cascade nestled in a lush landscape.
Guided visit of the Analavory Geysers — unique cold mineral springs whose jets have sculpted ochre and clay-coloured travertine mounds. Check-in at your lakeside lodge in the evening. Dinner and overnight in Ampefy.
Day 3 – Ampefy → Miandrivazo
Crossing the Western Savannah · Descent to the MenabeEarly morning departure from Ampefy heading to Miandrivazo on the RN34, a pivotal town on the banks of the Tsiribihina River. The road offers an impressive visual transition: the volcanic hills and rice paddies of the Itasy gradually give way to the vast grassy, arid savannah plains of the West.
Arrival in the Menabe in the late afternoon; check-in at the hotel to relax after this road day. Dinner and overnight in Miandrivazo.
Day 4 – Miandrivazo → Morondava · The Avenue of the Baobabs
Menabe trail · Adansonia grandidieri · Mythical sunsetBack on the road toward the west coast and Morondava. Excitement builds as you approach the mythical Avenue of the Baobabs. In the late afternoon, you stop among these sentinels of nature, centuries old (Adansonia grandidieri).
You will experience the unforgettable spectacle of a dramatic sunset, where the raking light sets ablaze the massive trunks of these Malagasy giants. Continue to the coastal town. Dinner and overnight in Morondava.
Day 5 – Morondava → Bekopaka · Gateway to Bemaraha
River ferry crossings · Tsiribihina & Manambolo · 4×4 tracksA big logistical adventure day. Early morning 4×4 departure for Bekopaka village. The journey is punctuated by two memorable ferry crossings: first the Tsiribihina River (lunch included in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina), then the Manambolo River in the evening.
Arrival at Bekopaka village, at the gates of the national park. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 6 – Grand Tsingy de Bemaraha · UNESCO World Heritage
Suspension bridges · Limestone cathedrals · Decken’s SifakaA full day dedicated to exploring the Grand Tsingy — a geological limestone labyrinth unique in the world, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accompanied by your national guide and a certified local guide, you explore the marked trails fitted with provided safety harnesses. On the programme:
- Crossing the great suspension bridge above the vertiginous canyons
- Exceptional panoramic views from the viewpoints over this forest of sharp stone
- Spotting endemic lemurs (Decken’s Sifaka) hidden in the crevices
Dinner and overnight in Bekopaka.
Day 7 – Manambolo Gorges & Petit Tsingy
Traditional pirogue · Vazimba Caves · Stone labyrinthMorning devoted to a tranquil descent of the spectacular Manambolo River gorges aboard traditional local pirogues. You glide alongside immense limestone cliffs revealing caves housing ancient tombs of the Vazimba people.
In the afternoon, on-foot exploration of the Petit Tsingy — a shorter circuit but just as rich in stone labyrinths and endemic succulent vegetation. Dinner and overnight in Bekopaka.
Day 8 – Bekopaka → Kirindy Forest · Night Walk
Return tracks · Return river ferries · Night Walking · Fossa & Mouse LemursYou leave the Bemaraha massif retracing the route with the Manambolo and Tsiribihina river ferry crossings. In the late afternoon, a detour to reach the Kirindy forest reserve — a dry forest harbouring exceptional endemic biodiversity.
After sunset, a guided night walk (Night Walking) by torchlight to track down mouse lemurs — the world’s smallest lemurs — and the famous Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), Madagascar’s largest predator. Dinner and overnight at the Kirindy lodge.
Day 9 – Kirindy Forest → Morondava
Morning safari · Verreaux’s Sifaka · Avenue of Baobabs (daytime)Wake up in the heart of the wildlife for a guided morning walk in the Kirindy reserve. This is the best time to spot diurnal lemurs (Verreaux’s Sifaka) and the rare birdlife of the western dry forest.
Mid-morning, back on the track to Morondava, passing once more through the Avenue of the Baobabs for a daytime perspective equally impressive. Check-in at your seaside hotel. Dinner and overnight in Morondava.
Day 10 – Morondava · Fishing Village & Relaxation
Outrigger pirogue · Vezo culture · Betania village · Free afternoonMorning devoted to discovering local culture. You board a traditional outrigger pirogue to cross the mangrove and visit the traditional fishing village of Betania. An authentic encounter with the sea nomads — the Vezo people — and a glimpse into their age-old way of life.
The entire afternoon is free for relaxing on Morondava beach or enjoying the hotel amenities. Dinner and overnight in Morondava.
Day 11 – Morondava → Antsirabe · The Highlands
Long road journey · Ascent to 1,500 m · Thermal spa townA full driving day leaving the western coastline to begin the ascent toward the central highlands of Madagascar. You cross ever-changing landscapes and climb the switchbacks up to the Hautes Terres.
Arrival in Antsirabe, the “water city”, perched at 1,500 metres above sea level and famous for its colourful rickshaws (pousse-pousse) and colonial architecture. Check-in at the hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight in Antsirabe.
Day 12 – Antsirabe → Antananarivo · Lakes & Crafts
Tritriva crater lake · Andraikiba Lake · Ambatolampy aluminium cookwareMorning devoted to the geological wonders of Antsirabe: visit the mystical Tritriva crater lake with its dark, deep waters, and Andraikiba Lake. Back on the RN7 heading North.
Stop in Ambatolampy to discover the artisanal crafting of the famous cast aluminium pots — a traditional skill of the region. Arrival in Antananarivo in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight.
Day 13 – Antananarivo · Transfer · International Flight
Craft market · Ivato airport transfer · End of servicesA last morning for souvenir shopping at the craft market: basketry, marquetry and Malagasy spices. Depending on your international return flight time, your private driver ensures your transfer to Ivato Airport.
Full check-in assistance. End of Lemur Safari services.
Rates & Inclusions
Full Board · Private 4×4 + Driver · All park entry fees included · River ferry crossings included
Important : The tracks to Bekopaka may be impassable during the rainy season (January–March). This tour is strongly recommended from April to December. Should weather conditions prevent access, an alternative itinerary is provided at no extra cost.
Not included
Terms & Cancellation Policy
|
Deadline before departure |
Conditions |
|---|---|
|
Booking confirmation |
Deposit of 30% of the total amount |
|
Balance |
Due on arrival in Madagascar |
|
Cancellation > 60 days |
Deposit refunded minus file fee (€70) |
|
Cancellation 45–60 days |
Retenue de 50% of the deposit |
|
Cancellation < 45 days |
Deposit non-refundable |
|
Itinerary change |
Possible up to 30 days before departure, subject to availability |
|
Bad weather guarantee |
Alternative activity at no extra cost if weather conditions prevent the planned excursion |
|
Payment |
Bank transfer or PayPal |
Tip : Take out travel insurance with a “cancel for any reason” option. In the event of medical cancellation, the deposit will be refunded by your insurer — this is the most effective protection for a trip of this value.
Why Lemur Safari?
Local agency vs. European reseller — an honest comparison
|
Criteria |
Lemur Safari |
European Agency |
|---|---|---|
|
Location |
Toamasina, Madagascar |
Paris, London, Brussels… |
|
Intermediaries |
✓ 0 — you speak directly with the field team |
1 to 2 subcontracting layers |
|
Price |
✓ Direct, no reseller margin |
+15 to 30% commission |
|
Responsiveness |
✓ Reply within 24h · WhatsApp |
2–5 day email delays |
|
Flexibility |
✓ Changes up to D–30 |
Rigid conditions |
|
Field knowledge |
✓ Guides who live in Madagascar |
Catalogue brochures |
|
Local impact |
✓ 100% of spending stays in Madagascar |
Margin captured abroad |
|
Exclusive access |
✓ Local networks |
Standardised package tours |
Expert guides & Drivers
Our guides & drivers know every track in western Madagascar, every river ferry crossing on the Tsiribihina and Manambolo, every path in the Grand Tsingy. Complex logistics made seamless for you.
100% Malagasy Agency
Registered in Madagascar, managed by a Malagasy team. Your money goes directly to local families and communities — not an office in Europe.
15 “Excellent” Reviews
Our travellers awarded the maximum rating across all their tours. Read their experiences on TripAdvisor before booking.
Responsible Tourism
Exclusive partnerships with eco-lodges and charming local hotels, carefully selected to support economic benefits for Malagasy communities. No international chains in our tours.
What our travellers say
Best adventure
“This has been the best adventure I’ve been on so far. Ismail showed our group things in Madagascar that we would never have discovered on our own. Best tour guide ever! :)”
Sanja M · sept. 2024
A country to explore and a local guide to recommend
“We just returned from an unforgettable 7-day private honeymoon trip to Madagascar, and it truly was a dream come true. As a couple, we thoroughly enjoyed exploring stunning natural wonders such as the Baobab Avenue…”
Luca C · nov. 2025Perfectly tailor-made trip
“Ismaël is a great guide, we had an excellent time. Breathtaking places, quality information and impeccable support. I highly recommend. We laughed a lot and discovered so much.”
Princia R · dec. 2025
Everything you need to know
Let’s talk about your trip
Guaranteed reply within 24h · 7 days/7 · Free, no-obligation quote
Free Quote Request
Reply within 24h · No obligation