Madagascar
From the plateau to the sea
Why this trip?
Our journey starts from Fianarantsoa, in south-central Madagascar, at an altitude of about 1,200 metres: a cool and mild climate all year round, far from both the humidity of the east coast and the aridity of the south of the island. The city is known as the intellectual and spiritual capital of the country, and the landscape is shaped by terraced rice fields stepping down the slopes and by vineyards, a unique exception in sub-Saharan Africa. A little further east lies the rainforest of Ranomafana National Park, a sanctuary for lemurs and endemic species unique in the world.
The project
On this trip we are collaborating with the association Educatori Senza Frontiere and the Ambalakilonga community, a place of educational experimentation that is home to around thirty young people from marginalised backgrounds.
It is also a point of reference for other people and families in the area and is committed to constant networking with services to improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable people and the younger generations. Volunteers can get involved in sports, artistic, academic and vocational training activities.
Activities are adapted to the time of year, the group of volunteers and projects already underway in the Ambalakilonga community. Contact us for more information.
The itinerary
From Fianarantsoa, we set off towards the rainforests of Ranomafana, in search of golden bamboo lemurs, sifakas, chameleons, and the dense endemic vegetation of the park.
The journey continues southwards, through landscapes that gradually become more arid: visiting a paper workshop and the zebu market, before reaching the Anja Community Reserve in Ambalavao.
The road continues towards Ranohira, through savannahs, Bara villages, and rocky mountains, all the way to the Isalo National Park: canyons sculpted by the wind, forests hidden among the rocks, and natural pools where you can enjoy a swim.
Leaving the highlands behind, the journey continues to the South-West, reaching the baobabs of the nature reserve overlooking the Mozambique Channel.
From Ifaty, we continue in a traditional pirogue along the coast with the Vezo fishermen, a nomadic people of the sea, to the island of Nosy Ve for a day of snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. In Anakao, amidst tropical beaches and a timeless atmosphere, there is time for an entire day of relaxation, with walks through the village and optional excursions such as diving and boat trips.
The journey ends with a trip back up the coast by speedboat to Tuléar, followed by a final stroll through the local markets and the return flight to Antananarivo.
