Madagascar cycling holiday

Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, lies in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique. Madagascar was formed by continental drift rather than volcanic eruption (it tore off the African mainland around 165 million years ago). A narrow coastal strip in the east is where most of the rainforest grows; the central plateau in the high altitudes is cool; and there are plains and low-lying plateau to the west. Madagascar is a continent in miniature with its micro climates, vastly different habitats and a huge number of endemic species. The international conservation community has singled it out as one of the ecologically richest countries on the planet – the last Eden.

This tour is designed for regular cyclists who are looking for longer distances of between 65-110 km per day. This bike ride takes us on an 8 day cycle, 590 km in total, in the east of this amazing island. We cycle through highland villages and paddy fields, the lush tropical fruit plantations and coastal trails up as far as the tropical island of Sainte Marie. The terrain is an exciting combination of tarmac and dusty red-earth off road trails. Far away from the modern comforts of daily life, this will be an unforgettable experience. The best time to visit is June to November with whale watching from July to September.

Day 1:	Antananarivo. Arrive at Ivato or Antananarivo Airport. You are free to arrive at any time. Meet and greet and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2:	Ambohimanga Rova. Wake up in Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar, known locally as Tana. Bike fitting in the morning. Before lunch a first bike ride to the Ambohimanga Rova. This is a historical place, a symbol of Tana, as Tana history began here and it is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We take lunch at a nearby small restaurant.
Day 3:	Tana – Lac Mantasoa. We cycle out of Tana on a busy section of road with some uphill. For most of the day we cycle on good tarmac roads, undulating through villages and lush green rice paddies. As we cycle past highland villages, the scenery changes and roads are lined with grey eucalyptus trees contrasting against the bright red earth. We cycle up to a height of 1,300m where the views across the lake are worth the effort. Our overnight hotel overlooks the lake. Total 87 km (20 km off road)
Day 4:	Mantasoa – Andasibe. After Ambatoloana we rejoin a good tarmac road. The road is mainly downhill and winds between lush forest and bamboo. After a picnic lunch we cycle through the village of Moramanga and up a long hill followed by a zigzagging downhill stretch of road. We cycle through the village of Andasibe then the final 6km is a beautiful off-road trail through the forest to our overnight stay. Total 104 km (19 km off road)
Day 5:	Andasibe – Lake Rasoa. We begin with a very early morning breakfast and cycle 3 km to the Andasibe-Mantadia NP. Today is possibly the most challenging as we will be gaining 1,000 m and descending 1,900 m. After lunch we transfer 1 hour by coach around Brickaville. It’s back on our bikes for the last 7 km towards the sea across a rough off-road dirt track, mainly downhill. We pass through Manambato to the shore of Lake Rasoa where we have dinner and stay overnight. Total 89 km (10 km tough off road)
Day 6:	Lake Rasoa – Toamasina. Cycle back to the main road, this time uphill and bad quality off-road. For the next 30 km the road is mostly flat, straight and lined with lychee trees and bamboo forests. We are now deep in the lush eastern plains of Madagascar. For the last 20 km, the road levels out and we approach Madagascar’s second largest town, Toamasina (often still called Tamatave) – a lively port, buzzing with life. Total 104 km (7 km tough off road)
Day 7:	Toamasina – Mahavelona. We set off for the zoological park of Ivoloina, 10 km north of Toamasina. After the visit, we cycle back to the road then make a river crossing over one of the many floating bridges we use today. Eventually we reach sand dunes and follow the beautiful coastline northwards. As we cycle up the coast, we continue crossing the river; a laguna separates the road from the coast. Total 66 km (8 km off road)
Day 8:	Mahavelona – Fénérive. Morning free to relax on the beach, take a pirogue out to the reef, play a game of tennis or a round of golf. The road winds round this lush landscape towards the town of Fénérive. 3 km before the village we turn off and cycle towards the ocean to our accommodation situated right on the beach. No hot water available. The setting is idyllic, overlooking the sea and a nearby island. Total 42 km (3 km off road)
Day 9:	Fénérive – Soanierana Ivongo. A very early start today as our destination is an island just off the coast called Ile Sainte Marie. We cycle to the port of Soanierana Ivongo where our bikes are loaded onto a barge to transfer to the island. The crossing will be approximately 1 hour. Our first taste of island is a 16 km cycle ride over undulating tarmac north to the La Crique Hotel. Total 82 km
Day 10:	Ile Ste. Marie. A real treat insofar as we cycle across and around much of this beautiful, virtually untouched island for the whole day but the off road terrain will be grueling having to negotiate lots of sharp ups and downs, deep potholes, rocks and sand. We continue south to our finish line at Vanivola Hotel which will be our base for the next two nights. After celebrating the finish line we enjoy a well earned refreshing drink next to the glittering Indian Ocean. Total 42 km off road
Day 11:	Ile Ste. Marie. Time to relax, go on an optional whale watching tour (from July to September), snorkel in the crystal clear waters, visit the nearby Iles aux Nattes or take a look at the Pirate Cemetery. Evening is free time.
Day 12:	Ile Ste. Marie – Tana. Leisurely walk to the airport to catch an early afternoon scheduled flight to Tana. The flight takes about 2 hours. End of service at the airport.