Meeting the rest of the team at the airport today the excitement builds as you begin the long anticipated journey with an overnight flight to Antananarivo
Arriving at Ivato Airport late this evening you will be transferred on to your accommodation in the heart of the capital, to rest up from the long flight and prepare yourselves for the challenge ahead.
And so the adventure begins. Departing the city today your journey takes you south, across the incredible landscapes of the Hauts Plateaux and on towards Ambositra, Madagascar’s un-disputed arts and crafts centre. You will drive to your first stop Ambositra which lies in the heart of a picturesque valley of rice fields and mountains, providing a welcome break in the long journey and a chance to perhaps pick up some souvenirs. From here you drive to Fianarantsoa, Madagascar’s second city and our final destination for the day.
Transferring from Fianarantsoa to the start of the trek this morning we strike out towards the granite outcrops of the towering Andringitra Mountains. Occupying the deep valleys and ridges of Madagascar’s southern central region, these remote landscapes make up one of the most biologically diverse regions in the country; home to over 100 species of birds and 50 species of mammals including no fewer than 13 different types of lemurs. Working our way through the valley towards the Zomandao River Gorge we’ll set up our first night’s camp near the river’s edge.
Continuing to follow the course of the Zomandao River this morning we’ll negotiate a trail of rocks and boulders, before arriving at a point where the valley opens up to reveal a rural scene scattered with flourishing rice fields and traditional Malagasy farms. Overnight camp.
Our third day in the gorge sees us continuing through this remarkable setting, before eventually stopping at the base of the spectacular Andrianalika Waterfall where we set up camp. Overnight camp.
Entering the Andringitra National Park today we journey through a landscape that until the early 1990s was little known to outsiders. Home to the second highest peak in the country, its rich mix of mountain forests and dense rainforest is a trekkers paradise, set against the spectacular backdrop of towering granite mountains. Part of the longest unbroken chain of rainforest left in Madagascar, the park provides us with our base camp for tomorrow’s summit climb, nestling on top of the sacred waterfalls of Riandavy et Riambavy. Overnight camp.
A long hard day begins early this morning as we take on the ultimate focus of our challenge, the climb to the summit of the 2658 metre Pic Imarivolanitra (Pic Boby). The highest non-technical climb on Madagascar, the trail up to the top is steep and rocky, taking us across a challenging terrain of granite slabs and boulder strewn trails. The climb to the summit is roughly 2-3 hours and from the top the views out across the mountains and towards the Indian Ocean can be breathtaking. After a chance to revel in the vistas and enjoy the success of the climb, we’ll begin the descent down towards Lataranomby, crossing some impressive boulder fields as we make our way down to camp. Overnight camp.
The journey down continues today, eventually bringing us to the park exit and the beautiful setting of the Tsaranoro Valley. Dominated by the spectacular granite walls of the Tsaranoro Massif, the valley is blanketed in open savannahs and tropical forest that provided a haven for ring-tailed lemurs, falcons and an abundance of orchids. Finishing the day at the Tsarasoa Lodge, this evening provides an opportunity to commemorate a job well done with a celebratory meal and a few well-earned drinks.
Our final day on the island sees us heading for Antsirabe today, Madagascar’s third largest city. At one time this once chic colonial hideaway was filled with French villas and broad, leafy avenues. Today its colonial grandeur has faded somewhat, but it still retains a certain charm and provides an interesting and decidedly temperate setting in which to end our adventures.
After a final breakfast and a fond farewell to the beautiful island of Madagascar, you'll make your way to the airport this morning for the flight home. Filled with a profound sense of achievement and a wish that the adventure could continue, you return home armed with stories and memories that will last a lifetime.
Saying goodbye will not be easy, but the memories you've made together will stay with you forever.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE
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