Highlights
If you are looking for adventure, Madagascar may be the destination for you. It’s rough – top 5 for worst roads in the world – but never have I left a country with so many stories to tell.
Itinerary
Our 20 day trip to Madagascar in October of 2018 was divided into two parts – first was a 10 day trip with Remote River Expeditions, including 4 days on the Manambolo River, followed by visits to the Tsingy of Bemaraha, the Kirindy Forest to see night lemurs and the Avenue of Boababs; second we flew to Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) in the north where we visited the Tsingy Rouge, Amber Mountain National Park and the Three Bays before heading to Nosy Be island for a few days of beach and diving.
Yellow line – plane
Blue line – car
Orange line – car on rough road not marked on Google Maps
green line – river trip
Purple line – boat
Thinking about a Trip to Madagascar?
General overview and advice concerning travel in Madagascar.
Western Madagascar
Arrival Madagascar
Post includes arrival information at the Antananarivo Airport and the drive to lake Itasy in Ampefy.
Manambolo River Trip
Manambolo River Trip – Getting to the River – Part I
The first of two days driving on very rough dirt roads. Along the way we visit a waterfall and a “geyser”.
Manambolo River Trip – Getting to the River – Part II
Our vehicle not able to climb the steep dirt track, we’re stuck overnight in a rural village.
Manambolo River Trip – Finally on the Water
Rescued by a taxi brousse we finally make it to Akavandra and start the canoe trip.
Manambolo River Trip – Escaped Chickens and Zebu Rustlers
Our first full day on the water including a bit of excitement with our dinner for the evening making a break for it and a camp visit by a band of hungry zebu rustlers.
Manambolo River Trip – Sand and Wind
An otherwise calm day on the river chasing birds and chameleons, ending in a wind storm.
Manambolo River Trip – Arrival at Tsingy de Bemaraha Nat’l Park
After a picnic near a swimming hole we make the final push to the tsingy for an afternoon visit of the Petit Tsingy.
Tsingy de Bemaraha
Lemurs at the Grand Tsingy de Bemaraha
Great lemur sightings at the Grand Tsingy.
Orchidée du Bemaraha Hôtel, Tsingy de Bemaraha Nat’l Park
Review of the hotel and restaurant.
Kirindy Forest
Drive from Tsingy de Bemaraha to Kirindy Forest
Long drive along a mostly dirt road including two ferry crossings.
Kirindy Forest Night Walk
With a good guide you can see plenty of night life including various species of lemurs.
Kirindy Forest Morning Walk
Although we saw mostly birds the sifakas with their babies were active as well.
Cabins at Kirindy Forest Lodge
Review of the lodge and restaurant.
Morondava
Avenue of Baobabs
One of the iconic sights of Madagascar.
Chez Maggie, Morondava
Review of the hotel and restaurant.
Morondava Cancelled Flight – Private Charter Back to Tana
Things don’t always work out as you had planned in Madagascar.
Northern Madagascar
Relais des Plateaux, Antananarivo
A night in this upscale hotel before our flight north the next morning.
Luggage Troubles – Air Madagascar Strikes Again
This time the airline didn’t load all the luggage, leaving some passengers hanging in Diego Suarez.
Red Tsingy of Antsiranana
Private tour of this unusual sandstone formation with le Paradis du Nord
Amber Mountain National Park
Amber Mountain National Park
A beautiful day with numerous chameleon sightings including the smallest species in the world.
Litchi Tree Maison d’hôte de Charme, Joffreville
Review of this upscale inn and restaurant.
Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)
Photos from Antsiranana (Diego Suarez
Photos from this former French colonial town.
Three Bays, Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)
Private tour of these three tranquil picturesque bays with le Paradis du Nord, followed by lunch in Ramana.
Allamanda Hotel, Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)
Review of this upscale seaside hotel and restaurant.
Nosy Be
Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) to Nosy Be
There’s lots to see on the 7 hour drive from Diego to Ankify. Once in Ankify it’s a short boat ride to the island.
Nosy Lodge, Nosy Be, Madagascar
A relaxing spot to end our trip. Post includes a review of the lodge and restaurant.
Diving with Scuba Nosy Be
3 days of diving with Scuba Nosy Be, a very professional and well-run French owned outfit.