The Tsiribihina River Descent

Book This Tour

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Travel preferences
Dietary Restrictions

Tour info

Language
English French Italian Spanish
Destination
The West of Madagascar
Physicality
Mild, Moderate, Intermediate
Duration
3 days
Tour Type
Adventure
Best time to travel
Apr-Jun, July-Sep, Oct-Dec
Age
Any, Teens friendly, Adults

About This Tour

Step aboard a slow river journey through the heart of Madagascar’s dry western lands. This 3-day Tsiribihina River tour invites you to unplug and drift through wild gorges, baobab forests, and remote villages that seem untouched by time.

You’ll travel on a traditional barge (chaland), sleeping under the stars on soft sandbanks, with lemurs in the trees and campfires by the river. It’s a journey rich in rhythm and simplicity — perfect for those who crave connection to nature, not Wi-Fi.

Ideal for travelers who seek adventure without the rush, this is one of the most peaceful and authentic ways to experience Madagascar.

Highlights

  • Scenic 3-day river cruise on the Tsiribihina River

  • Wild camping on riverbanks under a star-filled sky

  • Spot lemurs, chameleons, and rare birds in their natural habitat

  • Swim beneath a hidden red waterfall and hike to a natural pool

  • Drift past majestic baobabs, sandstone cliffs, and local villages

  • Discover remote Madagascar at a gentle pace, far from the crowds

Gallery

TSB Chaland Pont Inférieur 02 A quiet moment inside the bivouac — simple comforts in the wild with Discover Madagascar.
TSB Bivouac Matin Sleep under the stars on the banks of the Tsiribihina River — a peaceful night in nature with Discover
TSB Bivouac SUD AF 05 Sleep under the stars on the banks of the Tsiribihina River — a peaceful night in nature with Discover Madagascar.
TSB Chaland 03 Setting up camp by the river — part of the adventure with Discover Madagascar.

Itinerary

Day 1: Into the Heart of the River – From Masiakampy to the Wild Banks of Tsiribihina

Departure in the morning from the Masiakampy landing (about 1 hour off-road from Miandrivazo). Boarding the barge and beginning the Tsiribihina River cruise. After lunch, we enter scenic gorges and may spot our first lemurs.
Navigation stops around 4:00 PM and we set up camp on a vast sandbank along the edge of the forest.

Accomodation : riverside bivouac, with tents set up on a sandbank beneath the stars — a simple and peaceful immersion in nature.

Day 2: Into the Heart of the River – From Masiakampy to the Wild Banks of Tsiribihina

We set off around 9:00 AM, continuing our journey along the Tsiribihina River. Mid-morning, we stop at a beautiful red waterfall. The more adventurous can hike 30 minutes to reach a stunning natural pool.
After a refreshing break, we resume the cruise — passing tall cliffs and the village of Berevo — before arriving at our campsite around 4:00 PM.

Accomodation : riverside bivouac, with tents set up on a sandbank beneath the stars — a simple and peaceful immersion in nature.

Day 3: From River to Road
The village bids us farewell, and the barge continues its course through the winding bends of the Tsiribihina. Along the way, we’ll see our first baobabs.
After lunch, we disembark either at Tsimafana (left bank) to reach Morondava, or at Belo-sur-Tsiribihina (right bank), the gateway to the Tsingy de Bemaraha.

Tour Map

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included:

  • River barge, fuel, and crew: skipper, cook, and bivouac assistant

  • French-speaking or English-speaking tour guide

  • Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, sleeping gear)

  • Full board from Day 1 lunch to Day 3 lunch

  • 1 sealed bottle of drinking water per person per day

  • All applicable taxes (3): local municipal tax, embarkation fee, and waterfall access fee

Not Included:

Book This Tour

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Travel preferences
Dietary Restrictions

You May Interested Width

Madagascar Deep South - Fort Dauphin, by Discover Madagascar
The South of Madagascar

10-Day Madagascar Deep South Tour: The lemur and rainforest discovery

Tour Type Discovery
Duration 10 days
Best time to travel July-Sep,Oct-Dec
The North of Madagascar

Honeymoon in Nosy Be

Tour Type Honeymoon
Duration 8 days
Best time to travel Apr-Jun,July-Sep,Oct-Dec
The South of Madagascar

Exploring the Makay

Tour Type Adventure
Duration 8 days
Best time to travel Apr-Jun,July-Sep
    Compare list 0
    Get a Quote