Tour info
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
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Scenic 3-day river cruise on the Tsiribihina River
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Wild camping on riverbanks under a star-filled sky
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Spot lemurs, chameleons, and rare birds in their natural habitat
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Swim beneath a hidden red waterfall and hike to a natural pool
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Drift past majestic baobabs, sandstone cliffs, and local villages
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Discover remote Madagascar at a gentle pace, far from the crowds
Gallery
Itinerary
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.
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.
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

Tour Map – “Descente du Tsiribihina” with Discover Madagascar
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included:
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River barge, fuel, and crew: skipper, cook, and bivouac assistant
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French-speaking or English-speaking tour guide
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Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, sleeping gear)
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Full board from Day 1 lunch to Day 3 lunch
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1 sealed bottle of drinking water per person per day
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All applicable taxes (3): local municipal tax, embarkation fee, and waterfall access fee
Not Included:
- International and domestic flights (Learn more about the best ways to get to Madagascar, flight tips, and airline options)
- Madagascar entry visa (see latest Madagascar visa requirements and how to apply).
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Hotel accommodation before or after the river cruise
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Drinks and personal expenses
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Tips for the crew and guide (optional but appreciated)
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Travel insurance and medical coverage
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Entrance fees to the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park (if continuing the trip)