Madagascar by motorcycle - The red baobab route
We propose a motorcycle trip across the centre of Madagascar, from the volcanic hills of the highlands to the beaches of the Mozambique Channel, under baobabs that are centuries old. A tarmac route in good condition, made for looking at the country without constant technical riding: crater lakes, colonial towns, well-known rivers and one of the most photographed images in Africa. About 900 km. 90% tarmac.
Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo Arrival in the Malagasy capital on an international flight and transfer to the hotel, where we meet the rest of the group. A welcome drink, introduction of the guide team and a first look at Antananarivo before we get on the motorcycles the next day. Night in the centre of the capital.
Day 2: Antananarivo - Ampefy. (3hr). We leave the capital, leaving the traffic of Antananarivo for terraced rice fields and Merina hills. The tarmac is in good condition and this is one of the nicer stretches near the capital. We stop at the Analavory geysers, where cold water is forced up by CO2 pressure, and at Lily waterfall, before reaching volcanic Lake Itasy, where we spend the night by the water. Night in Ampefy
Day 3: Ampefy - Antsirabe (3hrs) A short but full day among craters and volcanic hills of the Itasy, on about 150 km of tarmac that is among the most pleasant of the trip. We arrive in Antsirabe, known as the "city of water", where colonial buildings sit next to pousse-pousse traffic and thermal springs. An afternoon for walking in the centre before rest. Night in Antsirabe.
Day 4: Antsirabe - Miandrivazo (4hr) We leave the cooler highlands and take the RN34, fully tarmac, towards the west. The landscape changes kilometre by kilometre: farmland gives way to warmer plains, until we reach Menabe. Miandrivazo sits by the Tsiribihina river, the usual starting point for pirogue expeditions, and we stay with a view over the plains we have crossed. Night in Miandrivazo.
Day 5: Miandrivazo - Morondava (5h30hr) The longest stage of the trip, and one of the more varied. We ride the RN35 via Malaimbandy, watching the green turn into dry savannah dotted with baobabs. Arriving in Morondava we feel the breeze of the Mozambique Channel for the first time. Night in Morondava.
Day 6: Morondava - baobab walk (2hrs) We keep this day for what many travellers call the most photographed image of Madagascar: sunrise among the old baobabs of the Avenue of the Baobabs. We leave at first light to be there with few people, then spend the rest of the day in Betania, a fishing village reached by pirogue. We sleep again in Morondava, with the motorcycles at rest. Night in Morondava.
Day 7: Morondava, free day A day without the motorcycle: beach, pool, a massage or an optional pirogue outing in the nearby mangroves or Kirindy national park. Time to look back on the week with a drink, watching the sunset over the Mozambique Channel. Night in Morondava.
Day 8: Morondava - Antananarivo (flight) - international connection Last free morning before we transfer to Morondava airport for the domestic flight to Antananarivo and the international connection. The week started on the highlands and ended by the sea, among baobabs. International flights leave late at night or in the early hours.
Duration of the trip: 8 days, 7 hotel nights (day 1 to 7 included). Meeting on day 1 at the hotel in Antananarivo.
Limited places: Maximum 12 motorcycles. Companions who want to join can ride a motorcycle or travel in the support vehicle, from 4 participants.
The price includes:
- Motorcycle hire for the whole trip (trail/adventure type, suitable for tarmac and short dirt sections).
- Motorcycles: Royal Enfield Himalayan
- Honda 650 Transalp / Honda Africa Twin 750
- Hotels: higher-category lodgings at each stop.
- Twin rooms (single room extra, price on request).
- Breakfast every day.
- Spanish-speaking guide (on motorcycle days) who knows the route.
- Local driver and vehicle for luggage, roadside assistance and a basic first-aid kit, from 4 participants.
- Petrol for the whole motorcycle trip, maintenance and repairs, third-party insurance for the motorcycles.
- Domestic return flight Morondava - Antananarivo on the last day.
- Transfer from Ivato airport (Antananarivo) to the hotel on day 1, and internal transfers according to the itinerary.
The price does not include:
- The international flight to Antananarivo.
- Travel medical insurance. Mandatory.
- Visa for Madagascar.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs or alcoholic drinks.
- Tips for tour staff or hotel and restaurant staff.
- Dinners, lunches and any service not listed under "the price includes".
- Transport on the free day in Morondava.
- Deposit for the motorcycle hire (amount on request). Returned in full at the end of the trip if the motorcycle has no damage.
- Spanish-speaking accompanying guide before or after the motorcycle tour.
Climate
In the recommended season (dry season, April to October), the central highlands (Antananarivo, Ampefy, Antsirabe) have a mild climate, 18° to 26° by day and cooler nights. As we drop west towards Miandrivazo and Morondava the heat rises, with highs that can pass 30-32° on the coast. Days are mostly sunny and dry, with little chance of rain. High sun protection, sunglasses and gloves are recommended.
Motorcycle gear: helmet (a modular one is best), jacket, gloves, summer boots. Motorcycle rain suit (it is not the rainy season, though a short shower is possible). A scarf or buff is useful for dust on the dirt stretch to the Avenue of the Baobabs. A magnetic tank bag is practical for the camera, gloves and small items.
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