Culinary - Culture and immersion in the South

Set-up and departure for Nationale 7 towards Antsirabe, a town located 169,170 km (approximately 3h30 drive) from the capital. The route will take you through the green landscape of the Highlands, with its hills and hectares of rice fields, various plantations, dotted here and there with small hamlets with traditional houses with red brick walls and thatched roofs. Along the way, in addition to the smiles of children, you will meet various craft sellers stationed along the road offering colorful items: small cars and miniature planes made from recycled materials or wood, baobabs and animals in painted raffia, baskets and bags in wickerwork, etc. Arrival in the spa town of Antsirabe, nicknamed the “Malagasy Vichy”, located at 1500m altitude in a basin surrounded by volcanoes. Lunch on site. Continuation to the village of Anjazafotsy Andranomafana, located 32km from Antsirabe. Welcome and contact with people at village reception. Afternoon: short tour of the surrounding area.

“Malagasy” breakfast. Discovery of agricultural landscapes, cultural and historical riches, participation in village activities (agriculture and crafts: basketry). Exchanges, sharing, hikes. Visit to the village, hot water springs, use of medicinal and aromatic plants. Return to the Gite by zebu cart, exchanges with members of the Association, folklore activities.

After breakfast, a short cooking class of a typical Malagasy dish. Discovery of local products and their cooking. Lunch included on site. Departure for the return to Antsirabe. Installation at the hotel.

After breakfast, departure for Ambalakely, about 8km before arriving in Fianarantsoa. The road crosses hills and rice fields again. Various stops to enjoy the landscape and the villages that you can visit without any problem. The population is very welcoming and still charmed to be photographed. You will end up in the territory of the Betsileo, recognizable by their traditional costume, short and clumsy shorts and a brimless hat as headgear. Installation in a small friendly hotel.

Day dedicated to discovering the region. Morning: a walk of around 2 hours to immerse yourself in local life: Betsileo style houses, VALABE and the importance of the zebu in Betsileo culture, ironwork, artisanal brickwork, weaving, recycling of used tires, Courtesy visit to the Royal Palace, lunch at a local's home (typical Betsileo meal), etc. Afternoon: immersion in the unusual history of the Antokomasiaka village for a duration of approximately 2.5 hours, see how the Betsileos use the different rooms of their house. A pleasant and rich day in exceptional settings around Fianarantsoa, ​​far from the noise and hustle and bustle of big cities. Return to your hotel.

Departure after breakfast to take the Nationale 7 road towards the South. Passage in the city of Fianarantsoa, capital of the Betsileo country, nicknamed city of a thousand and one churches, founded in 1830 by Queen Ranavalona I who wanted to make it a second capital and gave it the name Fianarantsoa which means “The city where one learns good. The environment gradually changes. Impressive granite domes appear at the same time as the terrain becomes more rugged. Arrival in Ranohira. Installation and rest well deserved.

OPTION : visit Isalo Park in the morning. Departure for Tuléar, capital of southern Madagascar on a road as beautiful as ever, we find ourselves in the territory of the Mahafaly. Stop for a local roadside rum making tour. We cross the first galleries of dry forests commonly called the Bush. We arrive in Tuléar on a hot road lined with cacti. Short stop in Tuléar, and continuation to Ifaty. Installation at the hotel.

Morning: visit to the VOI Association “Mamelo Honko”, a conservation project based between Tuléar and Ifaty, which works with local communities to restore and maintain the Ambondrolava mangrove forest. As part of this mission, Honko-Reef Doctor has developed a Mangrove Information and Tourist Walk Center that will allow you to stroll through this incredible ecosystem, learn about its unique flora and fauna and help our conservation projects; You have the choice between a short tour of around 2k (1 hour) or a canoe ride of 2 to 3 hours. Return to the hotel and relax afternoon.

Depending on flight schedule, transfer to Tuléar airport. Flight to the capital. Home in Antananarivo. A quick trip to the craft market. Transfer to a guest house. Overnight stay