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Bike and Hike Wild Madagascar

Price from
US$ 3,700
Duration
15 Days / 14 Nights
Distance
497 km
Tour Code
MDR-MWM
Next departure
13-Oct-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$ 260
Single SupplementUS$ 490
Client Rating (based on 45 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

Spiceroads has created a fantastic itinerary for Madagascar taking us through rich green terraced rice fields framed with bright red soils, lovely green mountains, lush rainforest, rocky plateaus with amazing vistas and rocky outcrops and finally through semi arid desert to the west coastline. Everyday day was so different and filled with magical moments like swimming in pristine waters at the volcano crater or a hidden oasis. Everywhere we were able to experience the everyday lives of the welcoming cheerful Malagasy up close shouting Bonjour Faza! as we pedalled by. Cycling is by far the best way to see this country. We were able to take backroads not readily accessible by car ( or not comfortable by car) to see the best of the countryside. The main roads are not in great shape so the transfers are slow and arduous and affectionately known for giving you an 'African massage'. So we were happy to be on the bikes waving at the children. Our guides, Solofo and Tozo were cheerful, attentive and flexible, continually adjusting the days program to accommodate our needs while supporting and encouraging us through the challenging bits. As stated in the tour description, some off-road sections are technical but also short so walking them is an easy option for less experienced mountain bikers. The hiking segments are done at a moderate pace and did involve some scrambling but no significant climbing. We saw so much unique fauna, many lemurs and had a blast doing the night wildlife tour. The guides went above and beyond in preparing our picnic lunches in beautiful settings. The Mountain bikes were well suited for the terrain and although older they were in good condition and comfortable for all of us. We have done several Spice Roads tours and this really is a beautiful, epic adventure and we left feeling like we really did see the best of Madegascar.

Lucie ZillingerOctober 2023

Madagascar is a truly fascinating country. SpiceRoads used local guides, hotel , food and cultural explorations to enhance our experience.

Alexander LazarJuly 2023

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

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