Andringitra National Park

classified as world heritage

A very long trek from Ambalavao to Manakara. A beautiful multi-day adventure through mountains, valleys and even the eastern rainforest corridor, with unparalleled scenery.

This is the tobacco, banana, and local rum route, as the people from the highlands come down to sell tobacco; on their return, they bring back bananas and local rum.

It is a varied and very special circuit, we will have the chance to pass through typical Betsileo and Tanala (forest people) villages, on the highlands to descend to the east coast and finally to the seaside in Manakara.

THE RUM ROAD TREK: AMBALAVAO - MANAKARA

Day 1: Ambalavao – Vohitsambo

A car will take us to Vohitsambo in an hour and a half. The trek begins here to reach Tsipopoka, the only trading place, a small daily market where passersby can drink coffee, tea, and even eat rice between the East Coast and the highlands. Passing through the road of tobacco, local rum, and bananas… Picnic lunch Overnight camping in Tsipopoka

Day 2: Tsipopoka – Iabanibia – Ifaliarivo

After breakfast, we continue the trek from Tsipopoka through the primary forest (Eastern forest corridor). Crossing the corridor throughout the morning, admiring the various and endemic species that await us. At the exit of the forest, next to the waterfall, picnic then arrival at the Ampitsinjova viewpoint before taking the big descent of the cliff that cuts and separates the highlands and the plain of the East Coast. Once arrived on the East plain, superb view of the cliff and the rocks. A few kilometers away is the village of Ifaliarivo, a large Tanala village, where we will sleep tonight. Picnic lunch Overnight camping in Ifaliarivo

Day 3: Ifaliarivo – Atodinga

In the heart of the Tanala ethnic group (those who live in the forest), before leaving the village of Ifaliarivo, Crossing the Matitagnana river, stopping in villages, discovering their traditions, rites, and very particular customs. The houses here are very different from those of the highlands as people build their huts with local materials such as bamboo, ravinala or traveler’s tree… Picnic lunch Overnight camping in Atodinga

Day 4: Atodinga – Ifanirea – Ihevo

From Atodinga to Ifanirea, following the trail crossing the Tanala country to end in Ihevo, a superb Tanala village on the hill with typical houses. In the village, it is possible to sleep at a local’s house, with our own equipment (mattress, sleeping bag…), on their house mats.

Day 5: Ihevo – Ambodirea

After leaving the village of Ihevo, descent to a small river, crossing hills, mountains, and the valley throughout the walk. Ravinala forests, cassava fields, rice paddies on hills dominate the landscape in this lost corner. Passing through places with a lot of mud and water, it is necessary to have plastic sandals if possible. Picnic lunch Overnight camping in Ambodirea

Day 6: Ambodirea – Lokomby

After breakfast, the road continues to reach the village of Lokomby peacefully located on the riverbank. This is the last day of the trek. The car takes us to Manakara, 39 km away. Picnic lunch Overnight camping in Lokomby