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Bike and Hike Wild Madagascar

Price from
US$ 3,450
Duration
15 Days / 14 Nights
Distance
497 km
Tour Code
MDR-MWM
Next departure
05-May-2024
Number of Cycling Days9
Number of Hiking Days3
Average Distance Per Day: 55
0
150 Km
Average Climbing Per Day: 610
0
2,250 m
Total Cycling Distance497 kilometres
AccommodationIncluded
Bike HireMountain Bike: US$ 250
Single SupplementUS$ 475
Client Rating (based on 42 reviews)

About this Cycle Tour

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.

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Itinerary

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.

Elevation Profiles

Day 3 - Antsirabe Loop Ride 54km. +569m.
Day 3 - Antsirabe Loop Ride 54km. +569m.

Reviews

This was a fantastic holiday – a great combination of cycling, hiking and relaxing. I am not an experienced cyclist and have never cycled off road so it was challenging at times but the team was always helpful, patient and encouraging. Lucien and his team made each day enjoyable and interesting, sharing their knowledge and experiences about their people, the wildlife and the land. There’s more to be seen in Madagascar so I hope another trip to the north and along the coast will be introduced!

Helen JosephJune 2023

Madagascar is a magical place. My advice, don’t delay, book your adventure today. You will not regret it, you will regret not doing it! The accommodations, people, food, flora and fauna were beyond any expectations we may have had. Lucien, our guide, and his team just couldn’t have been better. Lucien really loves his country and he is so knowledgeable and so kind. Thank you team Madagascar for making my dream of seeing your country come true!!

Laura Erikson & Chris YahvahMay 2022

Bike and Hike Wild Madagascar trip was absolutely fantastic, it was a perfect combination of cycling and 3 days hiking. The lead guide Mr. Solofo Nianaina and second guide Mr Lucien Rajoarison as well as the bike mechanic 3rd ride support Razafindretojo Myr are so accommodating, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful every peddle stoke and step along the way. The vehicle transport drives very safe and excellent drivers, so courteous - very much appreciated. One of the major surprises was how good all the food options were at at 3 meals plus snack breaks while cycling, the use of local food very much appreciated. The homemade lunches prepared by our own bike tour staff are a highlight to look forward to each day. Excellent job on every level. Congratulations "Happy Guy On A Bike."

Stephen MiddletonOctober 2019

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