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Day 1 | Antananarivo to Tana

After your arrival in Antananarivo and introductory briefi ng from the expedition
leader, we will take an internal fl ight to Tulear. We will drive up to the Isalo region for the start of our Madagascan adventure with a hike
down a shallow part of the river. Here we will find our camp set up on the river bank.

Camping, all meals

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Day 2, 3 & 4 | Descent of the Benahy River

The Benahy, though adjacent to Isalo National Park, has not seen many visitors. It cuts its way through breathtaking canyons, crawling with lizards and cameleons, and lined with palm trees, aloe, baobabs, cacti, and a great variety
of indigenous plants you may never have come across before.
It runs atop a section of land teeming with sapphires, and as a result, we may pass local miners, sifting sand through metal sieves.
Benahy navigation is smooth and easy, and we will raft in light canoes. A typical days rafting is a combination of paddle and drag areas.
The white water starts after the junction with Imaloto river and all the way down to the coastal plain just after junction with Onilahy river.
Our typical daily routine will consist of setting off between 8 and 9 am and stopping to camp around 4-5 pm. We stop for lunch and enroute we have time to wander through side canyons and observe occasionnal lemurs. During our time on the Benahy, we hope to see lemurs, chameleons, birds, turtles, fosa
and bats aswell as some exotic and unique vegetation, including baobabs, pachypodiums and succulents.

Camping, all meals

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Day 5, 6,7 & 8 | Decent

The Onilahy river is the largest river in the southwest. The river banks are sparsely populated - with settlements springing up to mine gemstones - but the fl oodplain does have lots of towns and rice paddies in areas that are not prone to flooding For our Onilahy descent we will transfer to larger more stable rafts and we will experience class III-IV rapids. After 3 rowdy days on the white water, our fi nal day on the Onilahy should be more relaxing, with sections of flat meandering water. We can observe the changing landscapes along the route and enjoy  the wildlife (including crocodiles), birds and riverside settlements.

Camping with all meals.

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Day 9 | Benenitra / Anakao

When we reach Benenitra, we will transfer by road to the beautiful coastal resort of Anakao, an hour south of Tulear. En-route we stop at the Bezaha-Mahafaly reserve. This reserve contains 5 resident species of lemur including the ring-tailed lemur & sifaka (or dancing lemur) It is also home to other small mammals, snakes, tortoises, butterflies as well as more than 100 species of birds including many endemic vangidae (shrikes),

Breakfast, lunch and overnight hotel

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Day 10 &11 | Anakao

Anakao is a beautiful beach resort, and is described in guidebooks as ‘one of the best places in Madagascar’. With its large bay, sandy beaches and the two
coral islands that face the town, it provides opportunities for diving the clear waters, sunbathing and relaxing. We spend a couple of days here relaxing and
enjoying the beach atmosphere. The coast with its dunes, endemic vegetation and fi shing villages allow plenty of scope for exploring, or if you prefer, there are plenty of optional activities and excursions availabe. Our beach resort, with its large beach front bungalows, provide the perfect base for all this picturesque town has to offer. Or if you prefer to stay in, it also has its own restaurant
and bar with panoramic sea views and great food.
On our last night together we shall have a final celebratory meal.

Breakfast, Overnight hotel.

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Day 12 | Antananarivo

Today we transfer to Tulear for a morning flight back to Antananarivo(or Tana). There will be time to explore the city which is is a crazy mix of African, Asian and French sights. This colourful capital city of Madagascar with a rainbow of houses decorating the hillsides, extensive rice paddies running through sections of the town, and bustling streets full of cars and Zebu-drawn (humped cattle) carts. For the first time visitor just a stroll around the bustling streets and up and down the many tiers of steps, with their diverse collection of vendors and stalls, will be a never forgotten experience.

Breakfast, hotel.

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Day 13 | Expedition Ends

Today our expedition ends and you will be transferred back to the airport for your flight home. Or why not stay a few extra days to explore Tana or other Madagascan sites. We are more than happy to book additional nights accommodation for you, or assist you with any other places you may wish to visit whilst in Madagascar.

Breakfast, airport transfer

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Itinerary Disclaimer

Note: While our intention is to adhere to the day to day route as printed, a degree of
flexibility is built into the itinerary and night stops may vary from those suggested. The day to day schedule should be taken only as a general guide. We cannot accept responsibility for changing the proposed itinerary or any inaccuracies or errors. A variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions and difficulties with transportation, can lead to enforced changes. The expedition leader will make any changes where necessary.

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