Hiking and itinerant trekking on the Red Island

Even the most experienced hiker cannot fully imagine the countless opportunities Madagascar offers without seeing it firsthand.
This trekking paradise allows travelers to explore an incredible diversity of landscapes and terrains on foot.

Alpine ambiences in the Highlands

The Highlands of Madagascar feature a stunning granite backbone, creating majestic massifs with smooth, grey domes. 

Notable trekking spots include the Andringitra mountain range and the magnificent Tsaranoro Valley, Mount Ibity south of Antsirabe, the foothills of Vavavato, the rice paddies of Betafo, and the Imerina region with its sacred hills and red villages. 

To the northwest, the grand volcanic massif of Tsaratanana forms a unique climate barrier, granting the Sambirano region and Nosy Be an idyllic climate. This area is also home to Madagascar’s highest peak, Maromokotra, which rises to 2,876 meters.
In the Sava region of northeastern Madagascar, the peaks of Marojejy stand tall. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this impressive massif features remarkable vegetation, and trekking through Marojejy is akin to a small expedition.

The lakes and volcanoes of Itasy and Betafo

Exploiting weak spots in the Earth’s rigid crust, magma has formed a series of volcanoes overlooking numerous lakes. The Itasy region is a fantastic area to explore on foot, from Ampefy to the Lily Waterfalls, geothermal springs, and boiling geysers that remind visitors of the land’s still-active tectonic forces.

The ruiniform sandstones of Isalo and Makay

In the west of the island, sedimentary sandstone and limestone layers create a series of spectacular natural barriers. The fantastical eroded sandstone formations of the Isalo and the mysterious Makay massifs offer breathtaking hiking opportunities in pristine environments, reminiscent of the Sahara’s Tassili.

Limestone plateaus and the Tsingy

The limestone belt stretches from the far south to the far north of the island. Spectacular erosion of these sedimentary layers has given birth to incredible sites such as the Tsingy de Bemaraha and the Tsingy de l’Ankarana. 

To help you choose the type of hike that suits your skill level, we’ve prepared an article explaining the difficulty levels of our treks.