Current as of: September 21, 2024 - 01:01
Current as of: September 21, 2024 - 01:01
4 out of 7 - Moderate & Challenging
Madagascar, the fourth-largest island in the world, offers a cycling adventure like no other. We journey on largely quiet roads through a landscape of dramatic highland plains, unique rock formations and natural swimming pools. We pause to visit the lush chain of rainforest in Ranomafana National Park with deep canyons and huge waterfalls. Apart from natural treasures, the nation is also rich in culture and many groups with fascinating traditions contribute to the melting pot that is Madagascar. Our cycling is rewarded by a day to relax on the idyllic white-sand beach of Ifaty, which is scattered with palms and protected by an offshore coral reef.
Highlights
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Terrain and route: Routes follow a mixture of backroads and a few main roads, but Madagascar lacks heavy traffic in most areas. Some of Madagascar is mountainous and there are a few tough climbs and long downhills in the first week, but vehicle support is always available. Road conditions are varied: some are smooth but some are bumpy and potholed and not suitable for cycling in some places, which is when we transfer by bus. There are a few bumpy and dusty dirt road sections.
Mountain bikes are ideal for this trip and flat bars are preferable, but a good strong tourer will suffice.
Madagascar is a rewarding destination with a wealth of flora and fauna; however, we would highlight the following issues for you to consider before you decide to travel:
Travelling by vehicle in Madagascar can be uncomfortable as the road quality varies. Please read our travelling conditions for more information. We do have a few transfers but the diverse scenery more than makes up for time spent on the bus. We break up our road journeys with stops to take photos and to stretch our legs.
There are lots of early starts and long days.
In winter, the days are shorter with sunset coming by 5.30pm. If cycling is not completed by this time, it will be necessary for safety reasons to get on the bus.
Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world and a degree of flexibility and improvisation is required at times. The tourist infrastructure in Madagascar is still new and some services are limited. It is not unusual for there to be changes to accommodation or internal flights; for this reason, the order of the itinerary (but not the content) may have to be changed. However, what tourism does exist is of a pleasantly good standard and you may be impressed by the level of services in some of the places we stay.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Our adventure starts in Antananarivo, which is also known as Tana. There is a group meeting and briefing in the evening followed by an optional group dinner in the hotel for those who wish to join.
Accommodation: Au Bois Vert Lodge (or similar)
Leaving the hotel after breakfast, we transfer out of the busy city to Lemurs’ Park to encounter these primates endemic to Madagascar. It is a private park with a few lemur species living freely in a forested area. After our visit, we cycle through scenic farmland with plenty of paddy fields. After lunch in Arivonimamo, we transfer through a highland region to the top of a mountain pass before continuing the ride downhill to Miarinarivo, the capital of the Itasy, a region known for volcanic activity. The road levels out and the following 20mi (32km) to Ampefy offer reaching views and are a real joy to ride. In Ampefy, the lakeside hotel is our base for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Kavitaha (or similar)
We start today by cycling to the geysers of Analavory. These limestone mounds are similar to geysers in Utah and Nevada; volcanic activity encourages bursts of warm water to cascade down the bright yellow stone and create a series of pools, often used as a swim spot by local people thanks to the supposed healing powers of the water. The ride starts on a decent road but the 10mi (16km) route out and back to the geysers is along a bumpy dirt track, linking fascinating rural villages. Rejoining the new tar road, we head back towards Ampefy; before reaching the hotel, we take a small detour to the Liliha waterfalls, a dramatic series of cascades that provide a perfect way to refresh near the end of a full day of cycling. This stretch is also on dirt road.
Accommodation: Hotel Kavitaha (or similar)
Although relatively short, today’s ride is fairly challenging with varied terrain. We cycle the first 12.5mi (20km) to Soavinandriana through scenic landscape with some hilly sections, including a steady 2.5mi (4km) climb up to the town itself. The road levels out and we continue our up-and-down ride through spectacular scenery before a great descent, which crosses the river at the small village of Kelivody. Here, we load up the bikes to drive across a high mountain pass to the town of Faratsiho. From here, the road deteriorates dramatically and we need 4X4 vehicles to pass the 29mi (47km) stretch to Sambaina. This is an adventurous drive passing through a region rarely visited by tourists and provides a unique insight into the lives of those who live along the route. From Sambaina, we rejoin the tarmac for the final drive to Antsirabe. The entire transfer is likely to take up to five hours, but we stop regularly to stretch our legs and have a look around. Antsirabe is an elegant city founded by Norwegians in 1856. It has a temperate climate and a very European feel, including the local beer industry for which it is known.
Accommodation: Vatolahy Hotel (or similar)
Departing Antsirabe, we start with a very short transfer to Vinanikarena to avoid the hectic morning traffic within the city. This is a long day of cycling with a few up and downs, including a 2.5mi (4km) climb to the Col de Tapia, which is named after a local tree resistant to bush fires, which makes for some interesting scenery. The support vehicle is with us all day, so a rest is available if needed. Today’s destination is Ambositra, the centre of the wood-carving industry in Madagascar. The highlands are characterised by the architecture: the houses are made with ornately carved wooden balconies and brightly coloured shutters. Upon arrival, depending on timings, we may visit a Zafimaniry wood-carving workshop to learn all about this local art, which is on the Unesco list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (if there isn’t sufficient time today, we visit tomorrow morning).
Accommodation: Artisan Hotel (or similar)
We have a lot of ground to cover today to get to Ranomafana National Park. We start with a transfer to Camp Robin before riding towards Ambohimahasoa. The landscape is still dominated by rice fields, pine forests, eucalyptus trees and jagged mountains. The last section, from Vohiparara, cruises downhill through a ravine canyon, with a tremendous view of the Namorona River and the rainforest, to our final destination of Ranomafana, our base for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Hotel le Grenat (or similar)
We have a day off the saddle today to explore Ranomafana National Park. With rainforested hills and abundant wildlife, this has long been considered a highlight of Madagascar, and is one of the most visited national parks in the country. The entrance lies about 4mi (7km) from Ranomafana village. Altitudes in the park range from 2,625ft to 3,940ft (800m to 1,200m). In addition to densely forested hills, the terrain is characterised by numerous small streams, which plummet down to the beautiful Namorona River. Although much of the region has been logged, the easternmost part of the park retains relatively large areas of primary forest. The morning is spent walking through the park, learning about the abundant flora and fauna and, in the early evening, we have the chance to go on a night walk in the hope of spotting nocturnal lemurs and chameleons.
Accommodation: Hotel le Grenat (or similar)
We start with a two-hour transfer to Fianarantsoa, which translates as ‘good education’ and is known locally as ‘the city where one learns good things’. It is regarded as the cultural and intellectual centre of Madagascar and is home to some of the oldest Protestant and Lutheran cathedrals on the island. We start cycling here following a windy road to Ambalavao, the centre of the Madagascan wine industry. The climate is said not to be ideal for grape vines but it is a tradition left by the priests and monks who lived in the Fianarantsoa area. We climb a steady pass then enjoy a fabulous descent with great views before arriving in Ambalavao.
Accommodation: Tsienimparihy Lodge (or similar)
We start cycling from the hotel today and pause to visit the small Anja nature reserve, where we hope to see ring-tailed lemurs in their natural habitat. Continuing on a straight road flanked by mountains, we head towards Ihosy, the capital of the Bara people. This nomadic community herd the prized, large-horned zebu cattle. We pass through the mountain chain of Andringitra, which serves as a transition between the dry south and the green highlands, with its ‘three hillocks’ and huge ‘archbishop’s cape’. Along the way, we pass the Bishop’s Hat, which is sacred for local people as it is where their ancestors chose a collective suicide rather than give in to the Merina people. On reaching the town of Zazafotsy, we jump on the bus for a transfer over the mountain pass and then through the huge dessert-like Plateau de Horombe, home to deep-red soil and sprawling savannah. Beyond the plateau, we arrive in Isalo, our base for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Isalo Ranch (or similar)
Today we take a break from our bikes for a hike in Isalo National Park. We spend the day exploring this vast region of wind-polished and water-scoured rock towers, deep canyons, gorges and oases, which is often described as Eden. During our time, we go walking in the magnificent Canyon des Makis in search of cheeky ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas. The eroded mountains also served as a place where the Bara kept their dead before they could bury them in tombs. We start our walking and reach the massif after about 20 minutes, where we have a spectacular view of the huge sandstone mountains with beautiful colours and strange, battered formations creating many different images like ‘the tortoise’, ‘the masks’ and ‘the crocodiles’. We also visit the Piscine Naturelle (natural swimming pool), a beautifully lush spot in such an arid landscape, where we may swim and relax. Enjoy the sheer beauty of the park – the combination of eroded coloured rocks, strange plants and enveloping silence make this one of the most captivating places in Madagascar.
Accommodation: Isalo Ranch (or similar)
Today is our last day cycling and we ride from the hotel through the dramatic rock formations heading out of the national park. Leaving the canyon, the ride continues to the sapphire mining town of Ilakaka and through isolated forests that constitute the most important remnant of dry deciduous forest in Madagascar. After finishing the ride, we transfer through Zombitse National Park and through areas known for flamboyantly painted Mahafaly and Antandroy tombs. From Tulear, we continue north of Ifaty to Ifaty Beach, a seaside resort protected by coral reefs. The landscape is dominated by cactus-like plants and mangrove trees line the coast, which are used by local Vezo communities who earn their livelihoods through fishing.
Accommodation: Hotel de la Plage (or similar)
Our hotel lies on the beach and today is a full free day to relax on the beach or take part in optional activities. From July to mid-September, there is the option to go whale watching as migrating humpback whales pass through to give birth in shallow, warm waters. Situated in the largest lagoon in Madagascar, the area is also protected by a large coral reef, which makes it an ideal place for diving and snorkelling.
Accommodation: Hotel de la Plage (or similar)
Today we transfer to Tulear Airport for our flight to Antananarivo, arriving in the afternoon. Depending on the flight schedule, you may have free time to explore Antananarivo on your own.
Accommodation: Au Bois Vert Lodge (or similar)
Depending on the time of your flight, you may have the opportunity to embark on an optional short city tour of Tana by bus. With its bustling markets and ancient town on a hill with freestone churches and ancient royal palaces, it is unique among the world’s capitals. Built around Anosy Lake, Tana offers much of interest set against a backdrop of terracing with outstanding views from the Queen’s Palace.
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
We use tourist-style hotels throughout, which are modest and welcoming. Most have mosquito nets in the rooms.
Worth knowing
Single supplement from £ 500
Food standards in Madagascar vary and are probably not of the same standard you are used to at home. A one-course lunch/dinner should cost 23,000-34,000 Madagascan ariaries (US$5-US$7.50), while a three-course lunch/dinner should cost 50,000-67,000 ariaries (US$11-US$15). Please allow approximately 1.3m ariaries (US$285) for meals not included, plus a little more if you enjoy a drink with dinner. Malagasy lager is reasonably priced and easily available. Malagasy wine is also reasonably priced but is not to everyone’s taste. It is sometimes possible to get hold of French or South African wine. A delicacy in Madagascar is the various flavoured rums, which are widely sold and very reasonably priced.
Please note, if you eat neither fish nor meat, your food options are rather limited (ie omelette, cheese, pasta, vegetables and rice) on this trip. Breakfasts are usually simple: eggs, a baguette, jam, and coffee or tea, and sometimes fruit. You may wish to bring something to supplement your morning meal (eg spread, peanut butter etc).
We use a private coach/minibus, which is quite comfortable, usually with air conditioning.
Vehicle support: The coach accompanies the riders most of the time, allowing you to cycle as much or as little as you like, plus a support truck for the bikes and baggage. The coach is not with the group for the short sections of dirt road.
There is an internal flight with Air Madagascar between Tana and Tulear. Please note, there are strict baggage allowances on those flights of 44lb (20kg) checked luggage and 11lb (5kg) hand luggage with charges for excess. Please see the What to Take section for further information.
Madagascar has a tropical climate with two seasons: rainy and dry.
The driest season extends from April to October. It can be cold on the central plateau (including Antananarivo) in the evenings and in the rainforest areas, so bring warm clothes, such as a fleece and waterproof.
There is considerable regional variation but coastal areas are normally very hot and dry. Expect daytime temperatures in the shade up to 38C (100F) from October to December and up to 30C (86F) from April to June and September.
Start hotel: Au Bois Vert Lodge, Antalamohitra, Antananarivo 105
Phone: +261 34 02 447 26
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Ivato International Airport (TNR)
The start hotel is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Ivato International Airport (TNR) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Antananarivo
Location end: Antananarivo
Casual clothes. As it is generally hot, light cotton clothing is recommended for most of the trip, though it can be cold on the central plateau (including Antananarivo) in the evenings and in the rainforest areas, so bring warm clothes, such as a fleece and waterproof.
Due to the strict baggage allowances on the internal flights (with Air Madagascar between Tana and Tulear) you are advised to pack carefully and avoid taking excess baggage.
Allowances on those flights are 44lb (20kg) checked luggage and 11lb (5kg) hand luggage with charges for the excess of 170,000 ariaries (US$38) for up to 66lb (30kg) checked luggage and 242,000 ariaries (US$53) for a second piece of checked luggage up to 44lb (20kg).
We recommend packing the following items:
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Please note, tampons are virtually impossible to get hold of in Madagascar. Additionally, due to laws in Madagascar about the dispensing of medicine, the guides are not able to carry any basic medicines should you feel unwell. These include paracetamol, Imodium and aspirin. Although they are available to buy in Madagascar, we advise you to bring them with you from home if you believe you may need these.
Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is Atlantic Rekon FX Race.
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:
Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
Bilharzia is known to occur in some of the lakes or rivers visited on this itinerary, we therefore advise all to take advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.
Madagascar's time zone: Indian/Antananarivo (UTC +03:00)
Madagascar's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and E (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz
Madagascar's currency: Malagasy ariary (MGA)
ATMs are only available at the airport and in Antananarivo.
A Visa card can be used to obtain cash at some banks. Mastercard is only accepted at the BNI bank. We advise you to bring your spending money in euros or US dollars cash as these are easiest to change to local currency. Bills of €100 or US$100 usually get a better rate than bills of 20 or less. British pounds can only be exchanged at banks at the airport, but even there, they are not always accepted. You can bring maximum €7,500 or the corresponding amount in other currency without declaring it on arrival. Above that amount, you have to declare it. Please note, you can import and export a maximum of 400,000 ariaries. You cannot rely on credit cards for payment as they are rarely accepted and the ATMs don’t always work. American Express or Diners cards are rarely accepted in Madagascar.
All money should be exchanged at the airport on arrival, as it’d take too long in the banks in the provincial towns. Also, the exchange rate at the airport is generally better than in the banks in Antananarivo or other cities.
Any unused ariary must be exchanged before checking in for your departure. Only US dollars and euros are accepted.
You need about 1.3m ariaries (US$285) for meals not included, which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover soft drinks (more if you like a beer) and souvenirs.
Most groups also find it useful to operate a kitty system to buy snacks and drinks for the group on the cycling days. If the group would like the leader to arrange this, the suggested amount is around 120,000 ariaries (US$26) per person depending on the group size.
Optional activities (approximate prices)
Ifaty Beach
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work; however, tipping is customary in Madagascar. The leader will suggest to the group on arrival they donate a sum of 270,000 ariaries (US$59) per person towards a kitty. This money is then used to tip local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc. It ensures the hassle is taken out of various activities for you. If you do not wish to contribute to a central pool for tips, you are free to do so.
If you feel your leader has performed well over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but, as a guide, 12,000-17,000 araries (US$2.65-US$3.75) per person per day is a reasonable starting point.
The tipping kitty explained above is separate from any contribution to the tour leader.
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.