Horse riding in Madagascar means experiencing pure nature, diving into magnificent landscapes and discovering a unique world!
On horseback you will explore the Red Island with its incredible variety of species. Many endemic species were able to develop here, including the famous lemurs, when the island separated from the African continent 150 million years ago. Researchers like to call the fourth largest island in the world a museum of living fossils.
Life on Madagascar is determined by a great variety of landscapes and populations. Inland, the highlands rise impressively with mighty volcanic cones and craters, rivers carry red laterite and small, traditional mud huts nestle in gentle hills. The more than 4,800 km of coastline also offer a lot of variety and beautiful tropical beaches - perfect for horseback riding!
Madagascar has so far been spared from mass tourism and can therefore be discovered individually. In addition, Madagascar is increasingly focusing on nature conservation and sustainable tourism. Here, Indonesian, African and French influences, among others, mix together to form a colourful mixture of traditions. Let yourself be fascinated and inspired by the natural wonders, the rich flora and fauna as well as the joy of life and diversity of the island.

Itinerary

16 days trail riding Madagascar
On this trip you will discover the mid-west of the island as well as the east coast and the famous Canal des Pangalanes, a 645 km long waterway on the east side of Madagascar. On this horseback riding tour you will get an ideal impression of some of the most beautiful landscapes of the country. This is a very varied tour, both in terms of horseback riding and scenery, with quiet but challenging stages in the lonely mountains and brisk gallops on white dream beaches.

Day 1: Arrival at the airport of Antananarivo. Short transfer (about 15-20 minutes) to your accommodation.

Day 2: After breakfast you will travel together to the mid-west of Madagascar to the starting point of your riding tour. On the way you will visit the Lemur Park, where you can observe these cute animals. More than 12 different species of lemurs live here, all of which are unique to Madagascar. On the way you will enjoy a first lunch to get closer to the habits of the country. Afterwards you will be taken to the ranch and get to know the horses. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Today you will experience Madagascar from horseback for the first time. You will ride way north, then south, and have the opportunity to relax, try out your horse in peace and prepare for the adventure you will experience in the next few days. Dinner and overnight at the ranch.

Day 4: You will start on horseback through the plains of Sakay and along the river of the same name into the mid-west of Madagascar. Lunch break will be spent in Babetville, a town founded in the 1950s by immigrant families from Réunion. Enjoy a beautiful sunset in the late afternoon before you are brought back to the farm. There you will make yourself comfortable around the campfire and have your dinner. Experience the impressive starry sky of the southern hemisphere.

Day 5: Antambahoaka- Soavinandriana (approx. 5-6h riding time)
You leave the farm today and cross the river Lily. You ride over hilly paths and volcanic rocks to a small crater lake. The picnic awaits you on the shore of the lake of Mananasy. Afterwards you descend on partly steep paths to Soavinandriana and on horseback through the small town, passing market stalls and amazed inhabitants. You will then reach the camp where you leave your horses behind to be taken further to Ampefy, on the shores of Lake Itasy. Overnight in the small and family-run Chaumière accommodation with an impressive view of Lake Itasy or in the tent camp.

Day 6: Soavinandriana - Manazary/Lac dAmparihihikely (approx. 5-6h riding time)
Another impressive day on horseback awaits you. Along the mountain ridge you will ride through rice fields and narrow plantation paths up to 1.500m. You reach the impressive area around Lake Itasy, where you can enjoy a fantastic 360° panorama. At a gallop, you will ride along the dam. The camp is set up in the east of Manazary, on the shore of the lake of Amparihikely, where the fishing boats rock in the evening sun and you can end the riding day with a drink in a cosy atmosphere around the campfire.

Day 7: Manazary - Ampefy (approx. 6-7h riding time)
The next riding stage in the highlands of Madagascar is in your clutches! You follow winding paths above the lake of Itasy. You will also pass through picturesque little villages with cute houses and beautifully decorated wooden balconies. Through extensive banana plantations, you´ll speed up on wonderful sandy paths - here´s another opportunity for brisk gallops! After the ride past an idyllic crater lake you will find yourself back in civilization and reach the lush green town of Ampefy. There you will stay overnight in a very comfortable and idyllically situated accommodation.

Day 8: Ampefy - Geysers (approx. 5-6h riding time)
Today´s riding stage takes you through the volcanic landscape along the banks of the river Lily. You can admire the picturesque Lily waterfalls, where the water plunges over 25 m into the depth. You will also have the opportunity to buy some pumice souvenirs made by the locals themselves. After crossing the river Lily, you will follow paths of black volcanic rock on horseback until you reach the geysers. In the late afternoon you will enjoy a relaxing bath in the natural hot springs, geysers and pools of ferruginous water. In the evening you will enjoy a typical, traditional Malagasy dinner. Overnight stay in a tent camp.

Day 9: Geysers - Andranomenabe Lake - Devil´s Cauldron - return to Antananarivo (approx. 4h riding time)
Excursion to the Lake Andranomena, therefore you will first have to overcome the mountainous spurs that overlook the plain of the rice fields of Anosibe Ifanja. Over 3,000 hectares of irrigated rice fields - a real rice chamber of the Landes! Enjoy magnificent gallops along the lake. A longer path leads you to La Marmite du Diable - the Devil´s Cauldron - where the Mazy River with its picturesque waterfall has carved itself deep into the rock. Now you have to say goodbye to the horses and go on by car. The journey back to Antananarivo takes 3-4 hours. On the way you will stop at a restaurant. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 10: Antananarivo - Andasibe
After breakfast, you will be taken to the starting point of your riding tour for today, eastern direction, where the horses have already been taken. On the way you will visit the Lemur Park, where you can watch these cute animals. More than 12 different species of lemurs live here, all of which are unique to Madagascar. You can feed the lemurs and with a little luck one or the other curious lemurs will jump on your shoulder. On the way you will stop for lunch and, if there is still time, visit a park with crocodiles and different species of reptiles. The climate is changing - it becomes more humid and dense forests with moss, ferns, trees and orchid species appear. Today you will stay overnight in a lodge - go on a search for lemurs in the reserve, again and again one or the other animal hangs from branch to branch. Travel time approx. 3-5 hours.

Day 11: Andasibe - Brickaville - Canal des Pangalanes - Ambila (about 3-4 hours riding time)
The animal morning greetings from the neighbouring forest reserve might sound a little strange to you - good morning in a completely different world! Then it goes on to the horses that were brought to Brickaville the day before. Not far from the Route Nationale No. 2, you will wind down towards the cliffs in the east. Lunch on your own in Brickaville, before getting back into the saddle for the second day´s stage of only 15 km. You ride to Bac, on the Canal des Pangalanes. Depending on the weather you can also swim through the canal on horseback. Afterwards the beach of Ambila lies at your feet. You will be welcomed by the waves of the Indian Ocean! You set up your tent camp under palm trees near the beach and can enjoy the magnificent view, the sound of the sea and the tropical atmosphere.

Day 12: Ambila - Andevoranto at the end of the world (approx. 5h riding time)
Fantastic riding trails await you today, as well as encounters with the locals! But before that you will ride along the beach. Unforgettable gallops will take you towards the mouth of the Rianala River and the Indian Ocean, to Andevoranto - at the end of the world! Lunch under coconut trees - at the restaurant Les Cocotiers d´Andovoranto. Really Impressive is the mouth of the river, where the fresh water mixes with the salt water. Return to Ambila. In the afternoon you can swim and choose between sea or fresh water. Tent camp near Ambila.

Day 13: Ambila - fishing village Vavony (about 4 hours riding time)
This trip on horseback takes you north today. Magnificent paths and a brisk pace will make the rider´s heart beat faster. You will reach Vavony, a fishing village on the shores of the Rasoabe lake. Take a short walk through the village to get to know the life of the locals and enjoy delicious fresh coconut juice that is offered to you. Return to Ambila at late noon. In the afternoon there is time for swimming and relaxing. Overnight stay in a tent camp near Ambila.

Day 14: Relaxation and fun in Ambila (approx. 2h riding time)
You cross the Rasoabe lake again in the direction of Vavony and are brought back to your tent camp in the late morning. Around noon you will take a traditional canoe trip and discover the shore from another side. Afterwards you will get on the horses and can try to swim with them. You will meet children of the locals, who are very happy about visitors. Dinner and overnight stay in the tent camp in Ambila.

Day 15: Ambila - Brickaville - Antananarivo (about 3 hours riding time)
Today you will move on and cross the Canal des Pangalanes again. The horses are fit and lively, as the fresh sea breeze has been blowing around their nostrils for five days. The pace is varied and fast - enjoy once again exuberant gallops on wonderful sandy paths and on the beach. The horses are then brought back to Antananarivo by transporter. The riders need about 5 hours by car, lunch on the way.

Day 16: Day at leisure in Antanarivo (market visit, city tour etc.) before you leave - with a lot of nice memories in your luggage!

10 days trail riding Madagascar
Course see as above, ends on day 10 in Antananarivo.

8 days riding tour Madagascar
This trail brings you closer to the dazzling variety of the island - here Madagascar shows its most beautiful side: lemurs, beaches and unforgettable gallops! This riding tour leads you through the middle west of the island, through wide, lonely landscapes up to the beach.

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Antananarivo. Welcome dinner and overnight.

Day 2:  Antananarivo - Andasibe After breakfast you will be taken direction east, the starting point of your riding tour, where the horses have already been taken to. On the way you will visit the Lemur Park, where you can observe these cute animals. More than 12 different species of lemurs live here, all of which are unique to Madagascar. You can feed the lemurs and with a little luck one or the other curious lemurs will jump on your shoulder. On the way you will stop for lunch and, if there is still time, visit a park with crocodiles and different species of reptiles. The climate is changing - it becomes more humid and dense forests with moss, ferns, trees and orchid species appear. Today you will stay overnight in a lodge - go on a search for lemurs in the reserve, again and again one or the other animal hangs from branch to branch. Travel time approx. 3-5 hours

Day 3: Andasibe - Brickaville - Canal des Pangalanes - Ambila (approx. 3h riding time) The animal morning greetings from the neighbouring forest reserve might sound a little strange to you - good morning in a completely different world! Then you mount your horse which was brought to Brickaville the day before. Not far from the Route Nationale No. 2, you will wind down towards the cliffs in the east. Lunch in Brickaville before you get back in the saddle for the second day`s stage of about 15 km. You ride to Bac, on the Canal des Pangalanes. Depending on the weather you can also swim through the canal on horseback. Afterwards the beach of Ambila is at your feet. You will be welcomed by the waves of the Indian Ocean! You will set up your tent camp in Ambila under palm trees near the beach and enjoy the magnificent view, the sound of the sea and the tropical atmosphere

Day 4: Ambila - Andevoranto at the end of the world (approx. 5h riding time) Fantastic riding trails await you today, as well as encounters with the locals! But before that you will ride along the beach and circle Bac on the southern side. Unforgettable gallops lead you towards the mouth of the river Rianala and the Indian Ocean, to Andevoranto - at the end of the world! Lunch under coconut trees - at the restaurant Les Cocotiers d´Andovoranto. Impressive is the mouth of the river, where the fresh water mixes with the salt water. Return to Ambila. In the afternoon you can swim and choose between sea or fresh water. Tent camp by the sea for overnight.

Day 5: Ambila - fishing village of Vavony (approx. 3h riding time) A horseback excursion takes you north today. Wonderful paths and a brisk pace will make the rider´s heart beat faster than the magnificent views that are offered again and again! You ride on smaller paths and enjoy the silence. You will reach Vavony, a fishing village on the shores of the Rasoabe lake. There you will get to know the locals and get an idea of life here. You can also try fresh coconut milk. Return to Ambila in the late afternoon. You will cross the Rasoabe Lake and enjoy the white sand and your comfortable hotel accommodation.

Day 6: Relaxation and fun in Ambila (approx. 2 hours riding time) You will cross Lake Rasoabe again in the direction of Vavony and will be brought back to your tent camp in the late morning. Around noon you will take a traditional canoe trip and discover the shore from another side. Afterwards you will get on the horses and can try to swim with them. Again and again you will meet children of the locals, who are very happy about visitors. Dinner and overnight in the tent camp in Ambila.

Day 7: Return to Brickaville (approx. 3 hours riding time). Today you will cross the Canal des Pangalanes again. The horses are fit and lively, as the fresh sea breeze has been blowing around their nostrils for five days. The pace is varied and fast - enjoy once again exuberant gallops on wonderful sand paths and on the beach. The horses are then brought back to Antananarivo by transporter. The riders need about 5 hours by car, lunch on the way.

Day 8: Day at leisure in Antananarivo (market visit, city tour etc.) before you leave.

(Subject to changes.)Additional dates at any time on request!

Accomodation
You will stay in simple hotels (double rooms with bath, shower/WC, single rooms available on request), private guesthouses and mobile tent camps (Igloo tents). At noon there will be a picnic, either as a saddlebag picnic or provided by the accompanying vehicle. In the evening, a sumptuous dinner awaits you, always lovingly prepared with fresh, regional ingredients, partly made over an open fire (in the tent camp).

Saddle & Tack: English saddles and bridles, little western.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of riding experience is required with feeling comfortable in all gaits and in all terrain. The terrain (mountain stages) is partly demanding, therefore a good physical condition is necessary as well, riding time daily approx. 5-6 hours. Riding speed: On the beach and on some paths with brisk riding speed, in the mountains a calmer pace. Maximum rider´s weight 90 kg.

Horses: Mares, geldings and stallions from local breeds, forward going, sociable, reliable, sure-footed trail horses.