Cycle Madagascar – Momotas Sarl – Tour operator and travel agency – S19°50.159’ E47.02.634’ – Lot 0910 G 85 Mahafaly Vatofotsy – BP 175 – 110 Antsirabe – Madagascar +261341591277 – Fax +4932223946679 – [email protected] – http://cycle-madagascar.com – Enjoyable Bike trips to Madagascar
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Enjoyable Bike trips to Madagascar
Cycle Madagascar
From the highlands to the coast
Cycle in a small group or take an individual arrangement. We propose small cycle
groups starting in Antananarivo 24 March, 14 April, 5 and 19 May, 2, 16 and 30 June, 14
and 28 July, 11 and 25 August, 8, 22 and 29 September, 6 13, 20 and 27 October 2018,
Our groups 2019 starting on Saturday, 23 March and 13 and 27 April 2019 in
Antananarivo.
Cycling from the Malagasy highlands to the coast is one unforgettable experience to discover
the fourth biggest island in the world. From Antsirabe to Ifaty beach we will cover about 580 km
of cycling. This trip gives all cyclists a good chance to meet local people, learn about their
culture and customs, explore fauna and flora and of course cycle through villages and different
landscapes. This itinerary is a well-balanced tour, not only the accommodation and highlights
but as well the mixing of tarmac road and off road. Experience this really special bike ride. It is
fantastic.
Our stages on this journey:
Around Antsirabe, about 59 km
Cycling tour from Antsirabe to Ambositra,
about 95 km
Cycling tour from Ambositra to Ranomafana,
about 64 km
Cycling tour from Ranomafana to
Sahambavy, about 44 km
Cycling tour from Sahambavy to Ambalavao,
about 80 km
Cycling tour from Ambalavao to Andringitra,
about 54 km
Cycling tour from Andringitra direction
Ranohira, about 95 km
Toliara to Ifaty about 54 km
Cycle Madagascar – Momotas Sarl – Tour operator and travel agency – S19°50.159’ E47.02.634’ – Lot 0910 G 85 Mahafaly Vatofotsy – BP 175 – 110 Antsirabe – Madagascar +261341591277 – Fax +4932223946679 – [email protected] – http://cycle-madagascar.com – Enjoyable Bike trips to Madagascar
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Included services: English-speaking Tour Manager on the bike Day 1 – 13 Mechanic (with a minimum of six cyclists) Road book Bike rental accordingly reservation Hotels in double or twin rooms with private facilities, depending on availability Full board Day 2 – 13, Half-board Day 14 – 15 Breakfast day 16 Mineral water during cycling All cars and buses, All transfers Local guides in the visited parks Entrance and guiding fees in the parks
Not included: Long haul flight Domestic flight Bike rental accordingly reservation All other drinks Mineral water on non-cycling days Private expenses Additional beach activities etc. Insurances
Prices:
Individual tour for two or three cyclists:
Individual tour for four or five cyclists:
Small group with six or more cyclists:
3195 Euro per person sharing
2695 Euro per person sharing
2290 Euro per person sharing
Single room surcharge 390 Euro Domestic flight Toliara – Antananarivo on request Bike Rental 200 Euro Our bikes
Stevens Mira Stevens Applebee, Rock Machine Torrent 70 and Cube Attention, 29“ or 27,5“ frame, 30 gears, Shimano Deore or higher, fork 100 mm Rock Shox or SR Suntour
Cycle in a small group or take an individual arrangement. We propose small cycle groups starting in Antananarivo 24 March, 14 April, 5 and 19 May, 2, 16 and 30 June, 14 and 28 July, 11 and 25 August, 8, 22 and 29 September, 6 13, 20 and 27 October 2018, Our groups 2019 starting on Saturday, 23 March and 13 and 27 April 2019 in Antananarivo. Typically, you will be sharing your experiences with likeminded bikers and you'll have a cycling tour manager with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value and a great way to meet new people. Although the itinerary is scheduled, there is some flexibility according to your needs. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as experiencing new cultures. If you prefer an individual tour, please ask for an offer. Complementary information: From / to Antananarivo Duration of the tour: 16 days / 15 nights Cycling: 8 days Distance: approx. 580 km with approximate 165 km dirt road Support car: available
National parks: Visit in Ranomafana (hiking) and Isalo NP (hiking) Private Park: Anja, villagers Park, (hiking) Region: Vakinankaratra region around Antsirabe and Andringitra massif and region (hiking) Beach: Two days You should be a good cyclist and have teamgeist
Cycle Madagascar – Momotas Sarl – Tour operator and travel agency – S19°50.159’ E47.02.634’ – Lot 0910 G 85 Mahafaly Vatofotsy – BP 175 – 110 Antsirabe – Madagascar +261341591277 – Fax +4932223946679 – [email protected] – http://cycle-madagascar.com – Enjoyable Bike trips to Madagascar
Page 3 of 12
Don’t forget: You’re on holiday. We are flexible in distances and timings. If you need to do some extra miles, we will be happy to arrange this for you. If you think a bit less is fine, the support car is often very near. Madagascar is a third world country that is not fully geared up to tourism. Therefore be prepared to expect changes to the itinerary or accommodation right up the last minute. Due to weather conditions, (rain or cyclones) whole areas can be flooded or bridges may be destroyed. Aircrafts may not fly; trains are not always on time – sometimes not at all. The standard of roads and accommodation is not the same as in Europe or other developed countries. Please bring a sense of adventure when travelling to Madagascar. It is a developing destination and we will be cycling through remote areas where hotels, infrastructure and travel services are often basic. Be prepared to go outside your usual comfort zone and you will be richly rewarded. Discovering the real Madagascar at close hand is what this challenge is all about.
Highlights:
Cycling about 580 km from the
capital of Antananarivo to the south
coast of Madagascar
– Antsirabe Region
– Antsirabe Tritriva lake
– Ranomafana National park
– Anja villagers Park
– Andringitra massif and region
– Isalo NP, massif and region
– Ifaty forest and beach
Towns: Antananarivo – Antsirabe –
Ambositra – Fianarantsoa – Ihosy –
Ranohira – Toliara (Tuléar)
Cycle Madagascar – Momotas Sarl – Tour operator and travel agency – S19°50.159’ E47.02.634’ – Lot 0910 G 85 Mahafaly Vatofotsy – BP 175 – 110 Antsirabe – Madagascar +261341591277 – Fax +4932223946679 – [email protected] – http://cycle-madagascar.com – Enjoyable Bike trips to Madagascar
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Detailed itinerary:
Day 1,
Touching down in Antananarivo, 'town of thousands'
Today is an arrival day. You are free to arrive at any time. Upon arrival in Antananarivo you will
be greeted by your tour manager and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your
leisure. Antananarivo, mostly shortened to Tana, takes its name from an episode in Malagasy
history. King Andrianjaka had his royal palace and stronghold here. The name of the town
means ‘one thousand warriors’. He quartered them at the palace and called this city
Antananarivo.
Day 2,
Antananarivo – Antsirabe – bike fitting, bus transfer and about 16 km cycling
On the way to Antsirabe, we reach the fertile highlands. In addition to the typical rice terraces,
we also see many fruit and vegetable plants. We stop here and there to talk to people or to
observe the rural life. The surrounding area of Antsirabe is worth exploring. Here and in Betafo
the agricultural products of the area are cultivated. From here, most of the fruit and vegetables
are transported to Tana and sold all over the country. In the afternoon we meet our bikes. A first
small ride is on the agenda, to get used to the bikes and the traffic.
Cycle Madagascar – Momotas Sarl – Tour operator and travel agency – S19°50.159’ E47.02.634’ – Lot 0910 G 85 Mahafaly Vatofotsy – BP 175 – 110 Antsirabe – Madagascar +261341591277 – Fax +4932223946679 – [email protected] – http://cycle-madagascar.com – Enjoyable Bike trips to Madagascar
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Day 3,
Bike tour Antsirabe – Lake
Andraikiba – Lake Tritriva –
Betafo – Antsirabe, about 59 km
including 30 km dirt road
The lakes should not be missed
when you pass through
Antsirabe, the two most known
crater lakes are Andraikiba and
Tritriva. On the way, we have the
chance to enjoy the typical
landscape of the Merina ethnic
group, we pass first Andraikiba 10
km from the city. Of a
circumference of nearly 5 km,
one can easily cycle around it by
just following the little path
surrounding it. Formerly, this lake was an important centre for water sport activities. After we
continue the fun with our mountain bike, we will follow a track to reach another lake, more
spectacular, and full of myth: the lake Tritriva. Before even reaching it, we can see the Mount
Tritriva emerging from the village of Belazao. This crater lake with its volcanic landscape is
formed by deep and impressive drops. Nested at an altitude of about 1880m in the hollow of a
small mountain, we enjoy our picnic lunch.
Day 4,
Bike tour Antsirabe – Ambositra, about 95 km tarmac
After breakfast, we cycle further south on the hilly road to Ambositra, passing many rice terraces
of farmers who can harvest up to three times a year. Ambositra is the home of the Zafimaniry
woodcarving. We will stay at a nice hotel at the entrance of the town.
Day 5,
Ambositra – Ranomafana, about 64 km including 21 km dirt road, two hour bus transfer
A short visit to the woodcarvers before we transfer by our vehicle to Ialatsara camp. From there
we start cycling. At a rural village we ride in a very beautiful valley below towering granite
boulders to Ambohimahasoa. After two climbs on the short tar section, we ride again on the off
road through villages and eucalyptus forests until we reach the rain forest of Ranomafana
National Park. The last few miles are downhill to our lodge where we spend the night.
Cycle Madagascar – Momotas Sarl – Tour operator and travel agency – S19°50.159’ E47.02.634’ – Lot 0910 G 85 Mahafaly Vatofotsy – BP 175 – 110 Antsirabe – Madagascar +261341591277 – Fax +4932223946679 – [email protected] – http://cycle-madagascar.com – Enjoyable Bike trips to Madagascar
Page 6 of 12
Day 6,
Hike in Ranomafana
National Park
We will embark on a trek
in the Ranomafana
rainforest. We will
probably find lots of
birds, frogs, lemurs and
other species. We hope
to see Red-bellied
lemurs, Red-fronted
lemurs, and Diadema
Sifaka although
nowadays the Golden
bamboo Lemur and the
Broad-nosed gentle
Lemur are more difficult
to find. The park is also
rich with orchids, tree
ferns with floras, palms mosses, trumpet flowers and trees of giant bamboo.
Day 7,
Ranomafana – Sahambavy, about 44 km, including 20 km dirt road
After breakfast we drive back up again to Vohiparara, and from here we start to cycle. During
the trip we see locals selling piles of sand, gained from the nearby river as well as women
weaving baskets. On a good gravel road we reach our hotel right in the centre of a tea growing
area. We will potentially visit the Sahambavy Tea Estate, the only tea plantation in Madagascar.
The tea estate created in 1970, set in a pretty valley beside Lake Sahambavy, produces large
quantities of tea for both export to Mombasa in Kenya and for local consumption. We will stay
overnight in charming bungalows overlooking a lake.
Cycle Madagascar – Momotas Sarl – Tour operator and travel agency – S19°50.159’ E47.02.634’ – Lot 0910 G 85 Mahafaly Vatofotsy – BP 175 – 110 Antsirabe – Madagascar +261341591277 – Fax +4932223946679 – [email protected] – http://cycle-madagascar.com – Enjoyable Bike trips to Madagascar
Page 7 of 12
Day 8,
Sahambavy – Ambalavao, about 80 km mostly tarmac,
alternatively 63 km dirt road
We cycle to Fianarantsoa, the former spiritual centre of the
country. This is the second biggest town of Madagascar
and the capital of Haute Matsiatra Region. It was built in the
early 19th century as the administrative centre. From here
we continue cycling mostly downhill to Ambalavao. The ride
is very scenic, with views of the valleys. Only shortly before
arrival there are some long uphills. Alternatively, we can
cycle from the hotel to Ambalavao for 44km on mostly
undulating dirt road. The car cannot follow here. We cross
several small valleys with rice and cassava plantations and
some eucalyptus forests. It is an adventure, because the
former road has become a footpath. Tourists do not come
here; the children have rarely seen light-coloured people
and are curious about us.
Day 9,
Bike tour Ambalavao – Anja villagers Park – Tsaranoro,
about 54 km, including 20 km dirt road
In Ambalavao we visit the traditional Antaimoro papermaking. The origin of the copper-
coloured paper that feels like fine, silky wallpaper is far back into the past. We leave the busy
little town heading
further south. The
landscape changes into
open grassland
savannah dotted with
enormous granite
mountains. Bizarre
landscapes of towering
cliffs await us in the
small nature reserve of
Anja with superb
scenery, plants, Betsileo
history, caves, tombs
and ring-tailed lemurs.
We take a short walk
into the park before we
leave the road entering
the Tsaranoro Valley
leading into the
Andringitra Mountains.
We stay over at a rustic
camp for two nights.
Cycle Madagascar – Momotas Sarl – Tour operator and travel agency – S19°50.159’ E47.02.634’ – Lot 0910 G 85 Mahafaly Vatofotsy – BP 175 – 110 Antsirabe – Madagascar +261341591277 – Fax +4932223946679 – [email protected] – http://cycle-madagascar.com – Enjoyable Bike trips to Madagascar
Page 8 of 12
Cycle Madagascar – Momotas Sarl – Tour operator and travel agency – S19°50.159’ E47.02.634’ – Lot 0910 G 85 Mahafaly Vatofotsy – BP 175 – 110 Antsirabe – Madagascar +261341591277 – Fax +4932223946679 – [email protected] – http://cycle-madagascar.com – Enjoyable Bike trips to Madagascar
Page 9 of 12
Day 10,
Hike into Andringitra massif
Today we take a hike in the Andringitra massif with the ascent to the ‘chameleon’ mountain. we
can recognize the shape of a chameleon in the rock. After villages, rice fields and hills we reach
some forests. Maybe we'll see lemurs. The mountains with its steep cliffs are of volcanic origin
and probably very suddenly emerged. They consist of highly fissured granite. The height can be
between 650 and 2600 meters. Andringitra Park extends over a length of 100 km. We enjoy
spectacular views over this ancient landscape.
Day 11,
Tsaranoro – Ranohira, about 95 km including 20 km dirt road
We ride back over a badly tarmacked road to meet the National road 7. We continue by car to
Ankaramena. The place is well known for its delicious mango and papaya fruits. Then we drive
to Ihosy and from there we continue to the plateau of Horombe. Up on the plateau we will have
lunch. To get a better impression of this amazing landscape, we get back on the saddle for the
last 75 km to our lodge on the edge of the Isalo National Park and in the middle of the little
village of Ranohira.
Day 12,
Hiking in the Isalo NP
This park is fiercely beautiful with golden plains surrounded by craggy pinnacles of terracotta
rock, valleys, canyons and waterfalls. The Isalo National Park covers the entire stretch of the Isalo
massif. This huge mountain range is spectacular with its eroded sandstone mountains. Our
adventure begins with a short uphill to the plateau and viewpoint. In this surreal park we trek
through landscapes formed by centuries of erosion. We walk into a canyon where we will see
various types of lemurs. We can refresh ourselves at a waterfall or the natural pools in the
canyon.
Cycle Madagascar – Momotas Sarl – Tour operator and travel agency – S19°50.159’ E47.02.634’ – Lot 0910 G 85 Mahafaly Vatofotsy – BP 175 – 110 Antsirabe – Madagascar +261341591277 – Fax +4932223946679 – [email protected] – http://cycle-madagascar.com – Enjoyable Bike trips to Madagascar
Page 10 of 12
Cycle Madagascar – Momotas Sarl – Tour operator and travel agency – S19°50.159’ E47.02.634’ – Lot 0910 G 85 Mahafaly Vatofotsy – BP 175 – 110 Antsirabe – Madagascar +261341591277 – Fax +4932223946679 – [email protected] – http://cycle-madagascar.com – Enjoyable Bike trips to Madagascar
Page 11 of 12
Day 13,
Ranohira – Toliara, bike tour
Toliara – Ifaty – Madiorano –
Ambolimailaka, about 54 km
We drive by bus in the southern
direction to Toliara (Tuléar), the
end of the national road 7. On
the way we will see impressive
Baobab trees. We also stop at the
tombs of the ethnic groups of the
Mahafaly and Antandroy. The
area around Toliara is the home
area of the ethnic group of the
Vezo. They earn their living by
fishing. On a nice viewpoint
before reaching Toliara we get on
our bikes for the last leg of our trip.
We cycle to Ifaty, Madiorano and
Ambohimailaka, all small fishing villages. Here the warm Indian Ocean invites us for a swim. In
the evening we forget all the hardship and celebrate the end of our bike tour. After dinner your
tour manager says ‘Good bye’.
Day 14,
Day 15,
Swimming and relaxing
We relax and swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. At the coral reef discover colourful
plants and fish life while snorkelling. If you like to see more of the unique plant life take a walk to
a nearby Nature Reserve, this park is known for the variety of Baobab trees.
Day 16,
Ifaty – Toliara – Antananarivo
Return journey home
Flight with Air Madagascar
Transfer to the Toliara airport and return by flight to Antananarivo. – End of services at the airport.
–
Photos:
Ulrich Behrend, Stuttgart, Page 6 up and 7
bottom
Danny Cambre, Brussels, Page 10 bottom
Dimilahy Randriamizaka, Page
Andreas Meyer, Stuttgart, Page 1, 3 Middle,
4, 5 and 6 bottom, 12
Ramón Pereira, Barcelona, Page 3 up, 8
bottom, 9 and 10 up
Hariniaina Razafimampanana, Antsirabe,
Page 7 Middle, 8 up
Klaus Sperling, Antsirabe, Page 11 up
Manfred Ungemach, Düsseldorf, Page 5 up,
11 bottom
Matt Westby, London, Page 4 und 7 up
Cycle Madagascar – Momotas Sarl – Tour operator and travel agency – S19°50.159’ E47.02.634’ – Lot 0910 G 85 Mahafaly Vatofotsy – BP 175 – 110 Antsirabe – Madagascar +261341591277 – Fax +4932223946679 – [email protected] – http://cycle-madagascar.com – Enjoyable Bike trips to Madagascar
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The proposed hotels, lodges and guesthouses: (The information comes usually from the hotel or a third party). The hotels are upper middle class hotels, boutique hotels, fine 3-star hotels or comfortable lodges with a special flair. Alternatively, we give up the comforts of the great and noble hotels and live in smaller, simpler hotels, guesthouses and lodges. In remote areas, electricity is often only available on an hourly basis. The standard of accommodation is not the same as in Europe. City or town, short description of the place
Antananarivo, Orchid Hotel is ideally situated five minutes from Ivato airport making it a perfect hotel for one night stays or early morning departures. Built on two floors with elevator access, the rooms is spacious with has a/c, modern bathrooms, mini bar, TV, telephone, Wi-Fi, safe. Most of the rooms have impressive views over the rice paddies. Restaurant and a large terrace with great views and a huge moon shaped swimming pool. Adjacent to the pool is a gym.
Antsirabe, Des Thermes, a haven of peace in the centre of the city ... A colonial-style historical monument nestled in the middle of a magnificent park.
Ambositra, La Piscine Escapade. The city is known for the Zafimaniry carving. There are several bungalows and the main building has a restaurant, bar, the swimming pool and a gallery.
Ranomafana, Cristo. The hotel is situated on the hill of Manerinerina directly on Namorona river that flows through the National Park. The bungalows and rooms are well furnished. You will find everything you need for a pleasant stay.
Sahambavy, Lac Hotel. The hotel is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Sahambavy, in the centre of Madagascar, at the foot of a hill. Comfortable rooms and charming bungalows, some of them scattered on stilts, amidst a tropical garden.
Ambalavao, Aux Bougainvillées, A good choice for those seeking for some comfort. Nice, clean rooms with a good restaurant. The hotel shares the same grounds as the Antaimoro paper factory so you can enjoy watching the manufacturing of the traditional art.
Tsaranoro, Camp Catta, accommodation in the Betsileo type’s bungalow. Great view over the Andringitra massif. Situated at the foot of the Tsaranoro cliff, not far from the sacred forest with the same name, the staff will welcome you in accordance with Malagasy traditions.
Ranohira, the Orchidée de l'Isalo is perfectly located in the centre of Ranohira. Massive stonewalls, marble floors and original decoration give the rooms their comfort and character. You will feel like sleeping in a medieval castle. The nearby restaurant Le Zebu is affiliated.
Toliara-Ifaty, Belle Vue. Located right in the dunes, the well-appointed hotel enchants its guests with a breath-taking view over the lagoon of Ifaty. It has bungalows type, Waterfront ', with the typical architecture with thatched roofs. The bungalows have a private terrace and are right on the beach. There are also rooms in the main building.
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