This year we are inaugurating new routes, with special emphasis on special trekking routes for those who love to discover the less explored areas of the planet.
TREK ISLA ROJA is the result of our love for travel on foot. A real challenge that requires a very good physical condition, great autonomy and a great spirit of sacrifice. 6 to 7 hours of walking per day (level 4 sports in the Makay stages).
This would be the king of our trekking, which combines four very varied areas such as the rural area of Vakinankaratra (Ascent of Mount Ibity), the villages of the Zafimaniry ethnic group, declared Oral Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, the Andringitra National Park which is part of the Antsinanana Rainforests, also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2010 and its Pic Boby (2 658m), the unexplored canyons of the Makay Massif, a majestic work of nature and its Pic Boby (2 658m), also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2010 and its Pic Boby (2 658m), the unexplored canyons of the Makay Massif, a majestic work of nature and the buttresses of the massif of the Isalo National Park and its emblematic savannah to flow into the Mozambique Channel.
The gathering of all these spectacular spots of Madagascar makes this trekking the most risky bet of Indigo Be.
Itinerary
DAY 1
ARRIVAL ANTANANARIVO
Arrival at the capital’s airport, visa formalities, reception by IndigoBe’s Spanish-speaking staff guide and private transfer to the hotel. Brief briefing of the next stage and delivery of information material.
LES TROIS MÉTIS 2*.
DAY 2
ANTANANARIVO / ANTSIRABE
Breakfast and departure to Antsirabe. We will drive along the famous RN7 road through a landscape of terraced rice fields and ochre-colored houses typical of the highlands. Brief stop in the small village of Ambatolampy, known locally for the curious handmade manufacture of aluminum pots, destined for almost all Malagasy households. Arrival Antsirabe and free lunch. Tour in Pousse-Pousse (similar to Indian rickshaws) to tour the historic center of this city from another time. Visit the Atsena Kely (small market), the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de la Salette, the train station, as well as the countless buildings of the French colonial era.
HOTEL VATOLAHY 2*.
Breakfast
DAY 3
ASCENT OF MOUNT IBITY / AMBOSITRA
Breakfast at dawn and transfer by vehicle to the traditional village of Ibity (01h30). Beginning of the ascent trekking that will take us about 3 hours of walking to the top of this mountain, at 2,345 meters high from where we will have a spectacular 360º view. Along the way we will find the “Uapaca bojeri” (tapias), a tree endemic to Madagascar that besides producing an edible fruit, houses silkworms with which the “lamba mena”, burial shrouds, are made. Descent through the granite hills, parallel to waterfalls and watercourses for about 2 hours of walking. Picnic lunch. Continuation of the descent during 01h30 to the valley of Manandona where we will be able to take a bath in its natural pools. Walking tour of this agricultural village located in the Vakinankaratra region, one of the most fertile in the country. Continuation to Ambositra.
GRAND HOTEL AMBOSITRA
Breakfast
Picnic
DAY 4
AMBOSITRA / TREK ZAFIMANIRY
Breakfast and departure by 4×4 to Antoetra, the first Zafimaniry village and the only one accessible by vehicle. Start of trekking to visit several Zafimaniry villages. This animist ethnic group lives isolated from the rest of the world in the middle of an unusual landscape, only accessible on foot, and has been declared Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Beginning of the trekking to reach the animist village of Tetezandrotra, where we will visit the village and skilled sculptors will explain the ethnic motifs carved in different areas of the houses. Picnic and continuation to the village of Faliarivo on superb cliffs. In this stage we trek for about 6 hours through valleys and hills, with continuous light ascents and steep descents.
Breakfast and continuation of the trekking in which we will observe at the bottom of a valley, the village of Kidodo, famous for a dark history of legends of sorcerers and black magic. After picnic lunch, arrival at the village of Antoetra, capital of the ethnic group and from where we will transfer by vehicle to the rural village of Ambalandingana or to the town of Ambositra. On this day our trekking will last approximately 5 hours and will also take place in mountainous terrain, hills, valleys, etc.
GRAND HOTEL AMBOSITRA
Breakfast
Picnic
DAY 6
AMBOSITRA / FIANARANTSOA / AMBALAVAO
Breakfast and early departure to the town of Ambalavao at the gates of the great Malagasy south. Wine-growing area and famous for recovering in 1936 the handmade production of paper antemoro. On the way we will stop in Fianarantsoa, the second most important city in the country where we will visit the famous “old city” and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the “Haute Ville”. Lunch and continuation to the Anja Reserve where we will hike for about an hour and a half in search of the famous maki catta, as well as chameleons and betsileo-Sur tombs. After the visit, installation at the hotel.
BETSILEO COUNTRY CLUB
Breakfast
DAY 7
AMBALAVAO / ANDRINGITRA / ANDRIAMPOTSY
Breakfast at dawn and transfer by 4×4 to the northern entrance of Andringitra National Park. This trek is a must for mountain climbing lovers. Arrival at Namoly village, and preparation of the expedition: porters, cooks, materials, logistics, etc. Beginning of our trekking. Picnic lunch en route next to the first natural pool where we can take a swim (austral summer).
We will be able to observe two waterfalls with a legend that is still respected today, called Riandahy and Riambavy. Masculinity and femininity. Legend has it that one of the royal couple could not conceive until they took a bath in the two waterfalls following the recommendation of an “omviasy” soothsayer. Since then, couples from all over the region have been coming in search of the longed-for offspring.
Beginning of the light ascent to the base camp of Imarivolanitra (Pic Boby). In this stage we will walk a total of about 10 kilometers (about 4 hours of walking) through the plateau of the “aliens”, until the first camp in Andriampotsy, (2050m) where we will arrive in the early afternoon and we can also take a bath in its natural pool. Camping.
CAMPING
Breakfast
Picnic
Dinner
DAY 8
ANDRIAMPOTSY / PIC BOBY / IATARANOMBY
Breakfast and departure before dawn to start the ascent of the famous Imarivolanitra peak or Pic Boby (2,658 meters). We will walk (15 km) through one of the most spectacular landscapes of the Andringitra National Park, among forests full of endemic plants and fauna (lemurs, birds, reptiles and amphibians). Continuation to the top of the peak (the second highest on the island after Maromokotra and the highest that can be reached on foot), which we will reach at dawn and from the top of which we will get the best views of all the Malagasy Highlands, and even on a clear day, you could see the sea line in the Indian Ocean. We will begin the slight descent on the same face we ascended and have a picnic lunch en route. In the afternoon, after crossing savannahs and valleys, we will descend through a pleasant lunar landscape to the second camp in the great valley of Iataranomby, where we can also take a good swim in the natural pools.
CAMPING
Breakfast
Picnic
Dinner
DAY 9
IATARANOMBY / MORARANO / RANOHIRA
Breakfast and departure at dawn to continue the descent (14 km) to the Tsaranoro Valley, along the west face of Andringitra enjoying one of the most beautiful landscapes of the mountains of the massif, as the famous Pic Dondy, between bucolic valleys in the so-called “route of Mars”. Immense rock formations covered with vegetation, granite cliffs, deep valleys, palm forests, lunar landscapes, natural pools and impressive waterfalls weave one of the most emblematic landscapes of the red island.
Arrival at noon in the southern Betsileo village of Morarano where our 4×4 will pick us up to take us to the Isalo National Park, a mountainous massif of Jurassic stoneware that occupies an area of 81 540 hectares.
We will cross the legendary “Gate of the South,” and the rice paddies and vineyards will give way to the savannah. The semi-desert Horombe plateau will lead us to the gates of the Isalo National Park.
SATRANA LODGE 3*.
Breakfast
Picnic
DAY 10
RANOHIRA / BEROROHA / BERONONO
Breakfast and departure by 4×4 through the north face of the Isalo massif. We will cross the Mangoky River to the village of Beroroha, one of the last villages of Isalo. Short stop to stretch our legs and continue this long stage to Beronono, our starting point of the expedition and meeting point with our porters. Camping by the Makay River.
CAMPING
Breakfast
Picnic
Dinner
DAYS 11-14
TREK SOUTH MAKAY
Among the various biotopes existing in Madagascar, the Makay Massif is a majestic work of nature and a sanctuary for some of the most curious species on the planet. The plateaus of ochre and reddish ruiniform stoneware are largely covered with vegetation typical of the arid areas of western Madagascar.
The erosion of the massif has sculpted deep canyons hundreds of meters high that host a humid vegetation typical of the east coast of Madagascar. This meeting between arid and humid has led to the appearance of hundreds of species of fauna and flora that have not yet been catalogued by science. Life has developed over millions of years, oblivious to the rest of the planet, without human presence.
Accompanied by porters and pisters we will penetrate the massif. Our team will guide you to the interior of immense straight cliffs that barely let sunlight through and whose walls are covered with amazing vegetation.
The ridge climbs are short, but quite steep. The Sakapaly River meanders through the mountains and crosses the massif from side to side: we will inspect the canyons along its course and organize campsites on the sandbanks.
There are no extreme difficulties, but there are areas of the course where the environment in which we move can be hostile: unbearable heat, walking on often soft sand, and in the water, sometimes up to the knees, which requires balance and agility. Inextricable canyons, vertiginous cliffs, forests harboring numerous lemurs, winding streams and hundreds of boulders beneath our feet.
A lost world, far from everything. The isolation is such that this route requires great autonomy and a spirit of sacrifice in order to withstand the difficulties.
At night, the group’s conviviality around a bonfire in the company of the guides and porters confirms that this is a unique experience. Magic operates in every corner of this spectacular massif, nature in its purest state.
Stages of 6/7 hours of daily walking.
CAMPING
Breakfast
Picnic
Dinner
DAY 15
BERONONO / BEROROHA / RANOHIRA
Breakfast and farewell to our team of guides and porters. Long 4×4 stage passing through Beroroha and crossing the Mangoky river. Rice fields, rocky massifs and small and lively villages will enliven our arduous journey to Ranohira. Picnic en route. Arrival in Ranohira and check-in at the hotel.
SATRANA LODGE 3*.
Breakfast
Picnic
Dinner
DAY 16
ISALO NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast and 18 km trekking stage.
Transfer by 4×4 to the “Cañon des Makis” where we will start our dive in the canyons of the Isalo massif. The desert also exists on the island continent. Although it is a different desert, a capricious landscape that evokes in the mind of the traveler old images of those great virgin extensions of Colorado and Arizona. The Isalo National Park is one of the most famous in the country, and has a variety of landscapes that make it a unique enclave. We will walk through the lush canyons of Makis and Rats where with luck we will be able to observe lemurs of the species Maki Catta and Eulemur Fulvus Rufus as well as a waterfall sacred to the Bara ethnic group. We will ascend the massif to cross the interior of the national park and reach the black and blue pools. Visit of the Nymphs waterfall and picnic in the Namaza canyon. After lunch, another ascent of the massif to cross the savannah to reach the natural pool in the afternoon. Installation of our camp.
CAMPING
Breakfast
Picnic
Dinner
DAY 17
ISALO NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast and 20 km trekking stage. We will walk through the natural pool to enter the canyons that flow into the region known as Malazo. The most visited park in the country has deep canyons where water flows in the form of streams, Bara tombs, caves where the Portuguese and Arabs used to hide, this park is a living testimony of the history of Madagascar. Isalo is located in the region of the Bara ethnic group, skilled cattle ranchers and famous for their animist traditions that include the stealing of pre-marital cattle and the various initiation ceremonies for young people. We continue walking through a changing landscape of sandstone massif and savannah until we reach the Isalo window where we can observe a magnificent landscape full of “Satranas” (Bismarkia nobilis). Return by vehicle to our hotel.
SATRANA LODGE 3*.
Breakfast
Picnic
Dinner
DAY 18
ISALO / P.N. ZOMBITSE / TULEAR
Breakfast and drive south observing on the way the famous Mahafaly tombs – stone tombs with carved funerary stelae or with paintings of animals, couples, scenes of daily life… They are almost always covered with skulls and horns of zebu – and being able to photograph the first baobabs of southern Madagascar before Sakaraha. We will also visit the Zombitse National Park, where we will hike for approximately 1h30 in search of the spectacular lemurs of the species Propithecus Verreauxi, as well as chameleons and baobabs of the species Adansonia Za. Short stop to visit the curious Monument to the Tropic of Capricorn. Arrival to Tulear where we will have lunch. After lunch, visit the Reniala Reserve and its baobab forest. Installation in a beachfront hotel.
LA BELLA DONNA HOTEL 2*.
Breakfast
DAY 19
TULEAR / ANTANANARIVO
Breakfast and transfer to Tulear International Airport for domestic flight to the capital. Arrival in Antananarivo and transfer to the hotel. Installation and according to flight schedules, panoramic view of the city from the historic “Haute-Ville”, Tana City Tour and last shopping at the handicraft market of La Digue.
LES TROIS MÉTIS 2*.
Breakfast
DAY 20
ANTANANARIVO
Breakfast and transfer to Ivato International Airport for return flight.
Lodging in the hotels and lodges provided or similar.
4×4 vehicle with driver and fuel
Transfers airport-hotel-airport mentioned in the program
Camping and cooking equipment
Cooks
Spanish-speaking guide
Regime according to descriptive
Full board on all camping days
Local guides (obligatory) in parks and reserves
Entrance to National Parks and Reserves
Taxes (Tourist, Stay and Municipal)
All visits and excursions mentioned as INCLUDED in the program.
Map of Madagascar
Welcome gift
Reception in English by an INDIGO BE guide at the Antananarivo airport
English-speaking travelers’ assistance 24/7 at destination
On-site assistance in case of emergency in English 24h 7/7 in Antananarivo
Reconfirmation of domestic and return flights
24-hour emergency service in Spanish for family members
Informative dossier in Spanish
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
International airline tickets
Lunches and dinners not specified in the program
Beverages
Visa
Personal expenses
Medical Insurance
Tips
The order of the visits and excursions can be modified according to local constraints (air schedules, runway or road conditions, for example). If certain visits and/or excursions cannot be carried out for any reason beyond our control, we will try to substitute them whenever possible.
This program can be modified according to your expectations, also due to external causes such as the weather, so your guide will advise you which activity or visit to do according to these premises.
For a good development of this trek it is essential to have a team spirit. The cohesion of the group is an important factor, helping each other in difficult passages, waiting for each other, and taking care of each other are indispensable elements to facilitate some stages.
A principle to be respected: always wait for the traveler behind you.
To be immersed in the middle of nature for consecutive days with itinerant marches in total autonomy, far from any infrastructure. We must take into account the feeling of solitude in which we will be immersed: you will explore an area that until recently was reserved for scientific expeditions (Makay). Physical and mental preparation is indispensable, as well as a pioneering spirit and a passion for adventure and challenges.
This trip is a true journey of ADVENTURE in capital letters. The itinerary is indicative and may be modified at any time if necessary due to force majeure.
The walking and route times and the number of kilometers are approximate, these elements are given as an indication and can be modified at any time.
In the Andringitra massif, during the day the sun can reach 25-30 ºC, but at night temperatures plummet (especially from May to August when they can reach 1ºC at an altitude of 2000 m). It is necessary to bring technical clothing suitable for these conditions and easy to remove when the sun comes out.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION HOTELS
In our adventure routes and expeditions we offer variety in accommodation, in some locations it may be a 4* hotel, in others 3*, in others without stars and even some camping days. Instead of restricting our itineraries to areas that offer standard accommodation, we prefer to stay in more basic and spartan infrastructures in order to enjoy an exceptional location. The accommodations we offer on our expeditions are not selected because they have wifi, air conditioning, swimming pool or TV in the rooms, for our philosophy in adventure travel, that is not the most important thing. Our goal is to reach the most authentic, unspoiled and spectacular places. Enjoy these experiences, they are part of the trip.
CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR TRIPS
Our trips are designed from knowledge, we have been residents on the island for more than 18 years (2006-2024) and our team carries out more than 17 annual surveys throughout the geography of the island, to verify on the ground the state of parks, trails, hotels, new developments and discover new treasures that are still hidden in our island-continent and that for the moment we try to preserve until we have a policy of environmental protection. Our update is almost daily.
Any tour in Madagascar leaves room for the unexpected, hence we ask for your flexibility in approaching the trip as travelers and not as conventional tourists.
To participate in our trips, a minimum level of physical fitness is required, otherwise you will not be able to enjoy the parks, landscapes, or some of the animist villages farther away from the conventional routes.
Our adventure trips are not for everyone, they are participatory trips, in which you will not be made to row or wash your cutlery, for this we give employment to the local population, however, we want your passage through the island to cause the least possible impact, neither environmental nor social, that is where we ask for your collaboration.
The hotels are varied, from some 5* to simple lodges, depending on the hotel infrastructure. Adventure is not incompatible with comfort, we will never camp (free camping is prohibited in Madagascar, it is only possible in “authorized” places although they do not have any infrastructure similar to a campsite, no toilets or showers) if right next door we have a minimally correct accommodation and that our passage can benefit the local population. We always try to include the best hotels available, but sometimes we are forced to use simple lodges because the location does not have more hotel infrastructure or because it is located in an exceptional place that deserves the stay.
Madagascar does not have a tourist infrastructure like neighboring countries in their safaris, but that gives it the charm of an unspoiled and uncrowded country (150,000 tourists per year). We ask for an open spirit and large doses of patience to our travelers. That way you will enjoy your trip much more.
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as receptive at Madagascar and Indian Ocean
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Spanish speakers experienced
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of satisfaction
18/05/2025
A phenomenal trip
A few notes to thank you for your effort and patience. A phenomenal trip that is already asking me to come back. Delighted with the destination, the selection of activities and the organization. Nomad Photo Expeditions Photographic Group.
Harry Fisch ESSENCES OF THE SOUTH
An extraordinary journey
I totally recommend it, direct, clear and familiar treatment Sylvia, Jaume and Sergi are charming.
Small and well-organized groups.
Santa our guide is a crack.
And Madagascar with its lemurs, its baobabs, its people and its landscapes stole my heart, I don’t know which one to choose.
A dream come true!
We are eager to return and get to know more corners of the island. And certainly with Indigo Be!!!!
Montserrat Ros DISCOVER MADAGASCAR
Impeccable organization
Everything was excellent! Highly recommended, both the country, a place of contrasts in its landscapes and its people, and agency with an impeccable organization! Thanks to Sylvia, Jaume for the organization and of course to Luca and Mami for guiding us all over the country!
Glòria Ramon ESSENCES OF THE SOUTH
Professional people who love their work
Misaotra to the whole team, after 25 years traveling and having traveled through most of Africa you can feel flattered because it is the first time we meet such professional people who love their work and put so much passion in showing and sharing their country. Thank you Sylvia for your attention and for being there when needed. Of course we will see you in your next meeting adventure.
Clara Montes REMOTE RIVER EXPEDITION
A highly prepared team
An impeccable organization, with values that I share, a very professional team, highly prepared and dedicated to the traveler. They respect the country, its people and nature, and make us love Madagascar through their accompaniment.
Antonio Maria Following the Green Heart
Baobab Expedition, tough but intense
Back home and trying to assimilate everything we learned. Thank you Silvia for joining us on this fantastic trip, it has been a privilege to have you as a guide, the group already saw that we got along from the first day, and the route was amazing. We recommend the Baobab Expedition to all travelers, hard but intense.
Sara BAOBAB EXPEDITION
Magnificent trip through Madagascar
Excellent professionals who helped us to have a great trip in Madagascar. Thank you very much, Sylvia, Jaume, Sergi, Santa (great local guide) and all the staff. We will surely come back.
Norberto Rosseti ESSENCES OF THE SOUTH
Indigo Be's affection for the country is evident.
Lupe Bote BAOBAB EXPEDITION
An authentic experience
I chose the “Baobab Expedition” itinerary with Indigo Be and it has been an unforgettable and authentic experience… Indigo Be is an agency of young professionals who love and know Madagascar in depth and transmit their passion and enthusiasm for the country to the travelers.
Our guide, Jaume, has facilitated, at all times, with his efficiency and kindness, the smooth running of the day to day.
Thanks to all the professional team of Indigo Be and ENHORABONAAAAAAAAAAA Jaume “per la feina ben feta”. A hug !!!!!
Elisabeth Segui BAOBAB EXPEDITION
Unique, surprising and unforgettable island
Madagascar; it sounds remote, like a cartoon movie and impossible animals. It is that, and also an island-country with little tourism that oozes African sap sweetened with Asian touches.
Descend a river between jungle canyons and sleep on its beaches protected from crocodiles; go deep into the jungle and listen to the sounds of its most characteristic animals, the lemurs; dive among tropical fish with the sound of humpback whales in the background; stroll at sunset along an avenue lined with giant baobabs; discover impressive rock formations in the shape of thousands of needles; taste seafood seasoned with French-influenced dyes or simply stroll along a beach waiting for the arrival of fishermen. All this is Madagascar.
Madagascar promises disconnection, adventure and exoticism…and with Indigo Be you get it!
Thank you for being wonderful hosts of this unique, surprising and unforgettable island.
Antonia Rubio BAOBAB EXPEDITION
Experiences that will stay with me for life
Among shadowy jungles, deep rock canyons and red clay moors, I found sights and experiences that will stay with me for life. And what better than from the hand of local experts like Indigo Be.
Raul Martin MADA & SEYCHELLES ADVENTURE
Ready, set... GO!
Because every trip is different and every traveller is unique, you have the opportunity to co-create YOUR PERFECT TRIP with us. And you ask yourself, how?
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OUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
A meeting via WhatsApp or Zoom with us to have a virtual tea or coffee and guide you on what we can offer you based on your travel requirements.
ROUTE DESIGN
We work with you to create a route that is 100% tailored to your preferences: accommodation, vehicle, guide, visits, activities, meetings...
SERVICES
We offer you the chance to enhance your trip with our little ‘pills’ that will make your experience unique and memorable.
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