Day Itinerary
6 Activities
Day 4
181 mi8 mi
Hike to an Ethnic Village and Back to Tana
Here you are in the Zafimaniry Country where you will encounter a community of wood carvers. Their art has been classified a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008. You will be able to spend time to observe the wood workers in their villages, view samples of their craft and their incredible technique.
To visit a Zafimaniry village is an unforgettable experience. The villages still lead a traditional way of life, living in houses built with an atypical architecture of carved wood and thatches.
To get there, expect to cross breathtaking mountainous landscapes.
To visit a Zafimaniry village is an unforgettable experience. The villages still lead a traditional way of life, living in houses built with an atypical architecture of carved wood and thatches.
To get there, expect to cross breathtaking mountainous landscapes.
25.2 mi
1 hr 20 min
07:3030 min
Antoetra
Antoetra is the capital of the Zafimaniry country. It is a more modern town and does not represent the ancestral way of living of the community. However it is a mandatory stop as all hikes to the distant Zafimaniry villages start here.
Hiking is the only way to reach those remote areas. And it is mandatory to be accompanied with a guide. They are familiar with local customs which are really important for Malagasy people and they can also take you through completely rugged isolated landscapes. In this area, you will not find signposts on the way.
Guides can be arranged at Antoetra.
Hiking is the only way to reach those remote areas. And it is mandatory to be accompanied with a guide. They are familiar with local customs which are really important for Malagasy people and they can also take you through completely rugged isolated landscapes. In this area, you will not find signposts on the way.
Guides can be arranged at Antoetra.
3.8 mi
1 hr 40 min
09:401 hr 30 min
Ifasina
The hike to Ifasina is easy. Once you reach your destination, you will find out that Zafimaniry villages are characterised by their typical wooden houses built without nails or hinges. In this way, they can be easily dismantled.
Nearly all the wooden surfaces you will see are richly decorated with intricate geometrical patterns representing the Zafimaniry environment.
This hike is an opportunity for you to get in touch with the local population for some cultural exchanges and to observe their daily lives up close.
Nearly all the wooden surfaces you will see are richly decorated with intricate geometrical patterns representing the Zafimaniry environment.
This hike is an opportunity for you to get in touch with the local population for some cultural exchanges and to observe their daily lives up close.
3.8 mi
1 hr 40 min
12:5030 min
Antoetra
Return to Antoetra to get the car back and continue the journey to Tana.
24.6 mi
1 hr 20 min
14:4045 min
L'Oasis
Stop for lunch at this familiar place and try new dishes like Cantonese rice, another Chinese dish that made its way into everyday Malagasy cuisine. They also have salads and pizzas in case you miss food from home.
58.2 mi
2 hrs
17:2515 min
Zandina
Nice eatery with a mix of delicious European and local dishes and a terrace.
Stop here for a rest, a drink and a snack. They offer crepes and cakes to enjoy with coffee, tea or fresh juice.
Stop here for a rest, a drink and a snack. They offer crepes and cakes to enjoy with coffee, tea or fresh juice.
73.6 mi
2 hrs 30 min
20:101 hr
Espace Coin du Foie Gras
Stop here for dinner. Coin du foie gras is one of the best restaurants in Behenjy.
Unexpectedly, Madagascar produces a high quality foie gras, a delicacy in many countries. This is one of the best places to try it.
Start your meal with the foie gras tasting plate. It has five different sorts of foie gras: one classic, with grape, with vanilla, with green peppercorns, and with pink peppercorns.
If foie gras is not your thing, you can also order one of their numerous duck breast dishes. The duck breast with massala sauce is surprisingly delicious.
Unexpectedly, Madagascar produces a high quality foie gras, a delicacy in many countries. This is one of the best places to try it.
Start your meal with the foie gras tasting plate. It has five different sorts of foie gras: one classic, with grape, with vanilla, with green peppercorns, and with pink peppercorns.
If foie gras is not your thing, you can also order one of their numerous duck breast dishes. The duck breast with massala sauce is surprisingly delicious.