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Bike and Hike Wild Madagascar
Duration
15 days
Site savings
$111
From
$3,589 USD
Throw yourself and the two-wheels of your bike into the land of Madagascar and all its wonderful natural sights. Bike, hike and bask in the dazzling array of landscapes that include savannahs, sea, mountains, beaches and rainforest. Spot wildlife that’s endemic to Madagascar and embrace an adventure like no other on this epic cycling trip.
- CategoryMulti-Activity
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration15 days
- Culture LevelOut There
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level4 - Challenging
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainMixed
- Distance322.5 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance36 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration15 days
- Main DestinationMadagascar
- Distance322.5 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance36 miles
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainMixed
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Arriving in Antananarivo
Arrive in Madagascar’s capital of Antananarivo, known locally as Tana. If you arrive early you can take the time to explore this city’s rich history and fascinating architectural sites. But be aware that the city is full of ancient stone steps and it may not be the best way to prepare for the cycling trip ahead; however, if you are feeling brave the sights are a great reward before everyone meets for dinner and a tour briefing. Tomorrow the real journey begins.
- Combava Hotel
- Dinner
- Day 2Antananarivo – Antsirabe
Today you'll transfer four hours to Antsirabe, 170 km south of Antananarivo, and on the way, stop to visit an aluminium pot-making factory in Ambatolampy. The drive takes you along a gravel road in the highlands past rice paddies and fruit plantations, with smiling and friendly locals on bikes waving to us. Due to its geographical setting, Antsirabe and nearby thermal springs, at 1,370 m (4,500 ft) above sea level, has been a popular retreat since the late 1800s. Upon arrival in Antsirabe, you'll meet the bikes and go for a short ride at a leisurely pace with a variety of road conditions ranging from tarmac to back roads, along with some climbs and descents before you truly start exploring wild Madagascar.
- 9.3 miles
- Chambres du Voyageur
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 3Cranking up a gear with gorgeous lakes and legends
Today, the team rolls out on a circuitous route around Antsirabe.
Boasting two impressive crater lakes, the ride will be gentle on paved and dirt roads. Mystical stories abound in these parts with the first caldera – a former water sports activities center – thought to be haunted by a pregnant woman, who drowned herself there many years ago. The story goes that her ghost now rests on a lakeside rock.
Continuing your climb on two wheels up past rice paddies you will eventually reach Lake Tritriva, which sits at the end of a single track trail. Surrounded by lush greenery, this huge body of water is situated right at the top of Mount Tritriva, making it one of the most unique locations in the world.
Bizarrely, the lake’s water levels are known to drop during the monsoon period and overflow in the dry season. The lake has its own spooky stories as well. The most intriguing one is a love story of a couple who jumped off the cliff and into the lake so they could drown and be together for eternity.
A tasty picnic is held at this mysterious spot before everyone jumps back on the bikes for a descent back to the accommodation.
- 33.6 miles
- 1,866.8 ft
1,866.8 ft - Chambres du Voyageur
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 4Smooth riding and wonderful wood carving
Today’s ride is one of the longest at 95km (59 mi), but with easy paved roads and few inclines it is also one of the more breezy days. Heading south to Ambositra you are accompanied on your way by an array of rice terraces, while the local Zafimaniry – an ethnic people renowned for their wood carving – make this a fascinating route to pedal.
There is time to stop and visit a carpenter, who graciously takes the time to show off his carving skills, passed down through generations. It is a brilliant display to witness before you head back to the hotel and rest.
- 59 miles
- 2,687 ft
2,687 ft - Artisan Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 5Ambositra - Ranomafana National Park
A three-hour van transfer takes you to the starting point where you'll ride through fields and end at a lush rainforest. On a rural road, you'll pedal through a spectacular valley with towering granite boulders all the way to Ambohimahasoa, a small district with a quiltwork of fields and terraced rice paddies. After two climbs on a short tar section, you'll ride 20 km off road through more villages and eucalyptus forests until you reach the dense rainforest of Ranomafana National Park, with the last 10 km being a downhill to the lodge on the river.
- 36 miles
- 3,215.2 ft
3,215.2 ft - Le Grenat
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 6Coming face-to-face with Madagascar’s magnificent wildlife
- Day 7Early bird catches the worm and a fragrant cup of tea
As dawn breaks it is time to prepare and roll out. It’s an early start today and following a quick breakfast, you’ll hop in the van for a short ride up the hill. Starting at the top of the hill makes the day’s ride easier especially since the support vehicle won’t be able to follow the group. There will be some substantial off-roading and a few bridges can’t be crossed by the vehicle. However, the guides will always be available and everyone will reconvene for lunch at Madagascar’s solitary tea plantation, Sahambavy Tea Estate.
Created in 1970, this estate sits perfectly against a sensational valley beside Lake Sahambavy. It produces large quantities of tea, for export and local use. The surroundings make for a perfect place to spend an evening; tonight’s accommodation are picturesque bungalows nestled in the gardens overlooking a lake.
- 32.9 miles
- 2,706.7 ft
2,706.7 ft - Lac Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 8Souvenir shopping contrasted with the fine wine region of Ambalavao
Following a hearty breakfast you will transfer to the city of Fianarantsoa where some free time is provided for you to pick up souvenirs and do a bit of shopping.
Eventually, you’ll leave the city and ride southward through breath-taking landscapes. Vineyards, rice paddies and rocky outcrops lead the way as you pedal on. There is an enjoyable downhill section to relish before you climb up to Ambalavao, the wine region of Madagascar.
The brightly colored buildings will signal that you’ve arrived and are perfect backdrops for your photos.
- 34.8 miles
- 2,362.2 ft
2,362.2 ft - Espace Zongo
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 9Ever-changing landscapes keep you glued to the saddle
Leaving behind the market town of Ambalavao you will continue further south; you’ll soon notice a shift in scenery.
Gradually, granite mountains loom into view accompanied by grassland savannahs. Awaiting further down the road is the natural reserve of Anja, home to a fine combination of unusual cliff formations, exotic plants, caves, tombs and ring-tailed lemurs.
There is an hour to spare and wander around the park. Roll out again on the road cutting through the Tsaranoro Valley of the Andringitra Range. After some off-road battling today, your reward is a natural swimming pool at tonight’s accommodation.
- 36.7 miles
- 2,893.7 ft
2,893.7 ft - Camp Catta
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 10Swapping wheels for feet to bask in the nature and landscapes
- Day 11Diving into the depths of desert
This morning, rebuild your strength in the car as everyone takes a four hour transfer back to Ankaramena. There will be a quick stopover so you can sink your teeth into the juicy mangos and papayas that this place is so well known for.
After the fruit break, continue on driving past Ihosy until another stop for lunch. Feeling well-rested it’s time to get those wheels whirring again as you pedal downhill across the Horombe Plateau.
The difference in landscapes is noticeable as a vast savannah slowly appears before you. Dry grass reflects the sunlight and villages punctuate the route after long distances. In this region, the local ethnic group of Barra people live and breed Zebu cattle.
The riding today is mostly flat, though it begins with a few hills, before things are wrapped up in the town of Ranohira. You’ll rest for the evening in a lodge at the base of I’Isalo National Park with sunsets to die for.
- 46.6 miles
- 1,089.2 ft
1,089.2 ft - Hotel H1
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 12Jumping into a real life Jurassic-era Park
The voyage into the I’Isalo National Park underscores that Madagascar is an adventure lover’s paradise. The region is a wild combination of wind-battered rock towers, glorious gorges, never-ending canyons, and oases.
A short bike ride leads you to the jump off point of your trek through this Jurassic-era landscape. Imagine yourself in the film Jurassic Park as you go through captivating landscapes formed by millions of years of erosion.
Keep your eyes peeled for ring-tailed lemurs on the hike before reaching a waterfall and natural pool – the perfect place for a refreshing dip and splash around. A picnic lunch is enjoyed before going up the canyon to see the blue and black natural pools.
After walking for 4-6 hours it’s time to hop back in the vans and transfer to the hotel.
- Hotel H1
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 13Pedal power around the national park before the sea beckons
Following breakfast the team pedals off to explore the park and its impressive sandstone formations, rugged canyons and grasslands. The route winds its way to the town of Ilakaka, which is known for its alluvial sapphire deposits. Following this early ride, the bikes will be loaded into the van for a five hour drive to the coastal town of Toliara.
En route, there will be a stop for a picnic lunch before reaching Toliara, an important trade center in Southern Madagascar. Tonight’s stay will be in a charming hotel on the Bay of Ifaty, just a stone’s throw from the alluring blue sea.
- 19.9 miles
- 1,286.1 ft
1,286.1 ft - La Mira
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 14A richly deserved beach bum day
After lengthy exertions on both bike and foot you have earned the reward of a beach bum day. Your legs will thank you as you soak up the warm sun on the beach. The turquoise water of the Indian Ocean will tempt you for a dip as you swap stories with your new friends about everything you did the past few days.
There are also options of discovering the marine life while snorkelling, or taking a walk nearby to learn about Madagascar’s unique plant life.
In the evening, round things off with a farewell dinner to celebrate all that you have discovered.
- La Mira
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 15Moving on from Madagascar packed full of wonderful memories