Compare Bike and Hike Wild Madagascar by SpiceRoads Cycling
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 3,700 |
| Price Per Day | $ 247 |
| Highlights |
N/A
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| Trip Style | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
| Flights & Transport | No |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
| Description | Separated from the Southeastern coast of Africa, Madagascar’s isolation only adds to its appeal as a tour destination. It’s seclusion is the reason for the rare plants and animals who live here, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Keep an eye peeled for the famed ring-tailed lemur as we explore the lush tropical rainforest on the Eastern side of the isle. And look out for other curious creatures along your trip: tomato frogs, dwarf chameleons, and hedgehog-like tenrecs – all unique to the country and so prolific that sightings are sure to happen. |
Day 1
We meet at the hotel in Antananarivo, and if you arrive early, you're free to explore the rich cultural, historical, and architectural sites before gathering in early evening for a trip briefing and welcome dinner.
Day 2
We transfer to Antsirabe, a popular retreat since the late 1800s. We meet our bikes and go for a short ride at a leisurely pace with a variety of road conditions before we truly start exploring wild Madagascar.
Day 3
We explore the crater lakes of Andraikiba and Tritriva, both full of legends and mysteries. After, we have a picnic lunch by the spectacular Lake Tritrivia. We enjoy a long downhill back to our accommodation.
Day 4
The longest ride of the journey takes us to Ambositra to visit the Zafimaniry, an ethnic people living in the forested mountains and famous for their wood carvings, listed as part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Day 5
After a van transfer we start riding on a rural road. We pedal past rice paddies and through a spectacular valley with towering granite boulders to Ambohimahasoa before ending the day at Ranomafana National Park.
Day 6
We switch modes from biking to hiking and explore Ranomafana Nation-al Park, which is home to the golden bamboo lemur and more than 100 bird species, 30 of which alone are endemic to the country.
Day 7
We cycle past locals and observe rural life. There’s a 22-km off-road section with no vehicle support, but then we ride on a good gravel road to our hotel, with a visit to the Sahambavy Tea Estate, Madagascar's only tea plantation.
Day 8
Riding to Ambalavao, Madagascar's wine region, we take in captivating landscapes and stunning views of vineyards, terraced rice paddies, and rocky outcrops. If time allows we may visit a craft shop producing the well-known Antaimoro paper.
Day 9
Through the grassland dotted with enormous granite mountains, we bike to Anja with its bizarre cliff formations. We walk into the park before spending two nights in the Tsaranoro Valley.
Day 10
We start hiking at the edge of the granite Andringitra Massif, well-known for ring-tailed lemurs, bizarre cliffs, and other native animals and plants. At Chameleon Peak, we can appreciate stunning landscape of prairies and alpine patches.
Day 11
We bike across the Horombe Plateau to Ranohira. The landscape slowly changes into a wide-open savannah, and those wanting to cycle more can ride the last section to our lodge located at the foothills of I'Isalo National Park.
Day 12
We begin with a short transfer to the starting point of our hike in I'Isalo National Park with its Jurassic-era landscape. On the way, visit canyons and look for the ring-tailed, as well as other, lemurs that epitomise Madagascar.
Day 13
We continue cycling through the national park with rugged canyons and grassland to Ilakaka, famous for its sapphire deposits. Then transfer to the town of Toliara and overnight at a charming hotel just steps away from the deep blue sea.
Day 14
Enjoy the beach while sipping your favourite drink or get in the turquoise sea of the Indian Ocean and discover colourful marine life while snorkel-ling. We have a farewell dinner tonight to celebrate all that we have discovered together.
Day 15
Our tour ends after breakfast. We can help extend your stay or arrange an airport transfer.
