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Madagascar - Route RN7 - Kids - Children - Road - Tulear - Antananarivo

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MADAGASCAR

15 DAYS · OCTOBER 2025

From the mountains to the desert, from the bustling capital to the tranquil sea, this expedition is an epic journey across the magical red island and its diversity of landscapes.

 

Madagascar, one of the world's largest islands, is a country of a thousand facets.

 

The itinerary we have created following our recent visits is a collection of the most beautiful encounters, both natural and human, the island has to offer.

  • From Antananarivo, the capital city, to the Great South West.

  • The expedition will run from October 2nd to 17th 2025, starting and ending in Antananarivo Check the itinerary further below.

  • The total price for the trip is 5600€ (incl. taxes).  A non-refundable deposit of 1680€ is required to secure your place on the trip.

     

    Please note that by paying the deposit, you agree to abide by our Terms & Conditions.

  • Maximum 6 people

  • Car-based overland expedition with one in-country flight. A mix of luxurious accommodations and camps.

  • Anyone is welcome, from beginners to professionals. Tailored mentorship is provided based on your needs.

  • General itinerary : Moderate. Physical condition for long walks in hilly country.

Our expedition will take us across the vast Island, from the capital city to the great South.

 

We will have the chance to meet no less than three different ethnic groups, each proudly preserving their own traditions.

 

The Zafimaniry will lead us through their mountainous terraced fields to invite us to their secluded villages built on rocky promontories. Skilled woodcarvers, they are also the bearers of ancestral agricultural knowledge.

 

The Maskur will be our second hosts as we descend southwards and the forests turn into baobab-filled plains. We'll camp under the stars, protected by these giants that have fed legends for thousands of years.

 

Finally, we'll reach the vast coasts of the deep south where the Vezo, nomadic people of the sea, will welcome us to their villages along the long white sandy beaches. They will teach us how to sail and fish out of their small wooden boats.

 

A surprise masterclass and secret encounters are also part of the adventure. We won’t reveal this unless you join us!

 

Karai offers the possibility of extending the trip with an exclusive exploration of the Makay massif, the island's best-kept secret. This is an additional mini-expedition not included in the initial price. Contact us for more information.

 

All of this will be done alongside an in-depth photography training. You will learn about portrait, landscape and action photography, as well as post-production workflow on your own photos in a tailored fashion adapted to your needs, thanks to our small-scale group.

What to expect

Highlights

CATCH FRESH FISH WITH THE VEZOS

EXPLORE SECLUDED VILLAGES

LEARN ABOUT TRADITIONS

MARVEL AT THE GIANT BAOBABS

MARVEL AT THE GIANT BAOBABS

LEARN ABOUT TRADITIONS

EXPLORE SECLUDED VILLAGES

CATCH FRESH FISH WITH THE VEZOS

Highlights

Day 0

With everyone traveling to Antananarivo from different locations, this day is dedicated to arriving in the city. From the airport, you'll be driven to our privatized hotel in the heart of the city. Relax and enjoy your stay, because the next morning our epic adventure begins.

Day 1

After a good night of sleep, we meet for a delicious breakfast in the garden. This is the time to get to know your fellow travelers and familiarize yourself with the Expedition leader, Thomas. We'll then spend the day together exploring the bustling capital and feasting on local specialties.

Day 2

We rise early for a long drive through the northern landscape of the island, until we reach the small town of Ambositra, where we'll stay in a comfortable hotel. We meet our local guide at the end of the day.

 

Day 3

We set off into Zafimaniry lands at dawn, as an approach walk awaits us. The landscape changes as we advance, with rice paddies making their appearance. We arrive at our hosts' village and, after a meeting with the village chief, prepare camp for the night.

Day 4

We leave this first village behind and head deeper into the mountains, where visitors seldom pass. It is a long day's walk ahead, with breathtaking landscapes as a backdrop. We arrive in a village cut off from the rest of the world, and spend the evening with our hosts, sharing stories around the fire.

Itinerary

Day 5

In the morning, we follow our hosts to work in the fields. The day passes peacefully between portrait sessions, discussions with the elders and games with the children.

Day 6

We rise at dawn to watch the sunrise over the surrounding mountains. After a hearty breakfast prepared by our chef, we pack up. It's time to leave Zafimaniry country and continue our Malagasy adventure. We meet up with our drivers, who take us to a small, friendly town... full of surprises.

Day 7

There's only one way to find out about this day's program: join the expedition!

Day 8

We continue southwards, this time to the Isalo area and its extraordinary rock formations. Lodging in a splendid spot, we spend the afternoon enjoying the place and meet up for a masterclass before heading out for a breathtaking sunset.

Day 9

We set off early to explore the Isalo region, its typical rock formations and the surrounding villages, with the help of our local guide.

Day 10

Back on the road, we finally reach the south of the island, with its vast expanses of giant baobab trees. Our Maskour hosts await us in their village. Tonight, we sleep under the stars.

Day 11

A day full of unexpected encounters.


Day 12 

We head for the sea, where pirogues await us. We join our Vezo friends to learn about their traditions. We dine on fresh fish on the beach.

 

Day 13

Fishing and boat races are on the program with our Vezo hosts, proud fishermen and connoisseurs of the winds and all things marine.

Day 14 

We leave our friends to move closer to town. We're staying in a place that's important for local environmental preservation. If we're lucky, we catch a glimpse of the world's smallest lemur emerging from its hiding place after dark.

Day 15

It's time to head back to Antananarivo after this epic journey across the red island. We fly back to the hotel where we started. This marks the end of our expedition.

 

An extension of a few days is possible to discover together the Makay massif, the hidden jewel of the island. Contact us if you're interested. Extra charge.

Until June 2024, benefit from a 20% discount on all expedition bookings.


The price of the Red Island expedition is set to 5600€ 4480€, including taxes.
 

​Participants will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 1680€ to secure their place on the trip. If booking within 90 days of departure, full payment is due on confirmation. 
 

Further information on payment will be provided upon registration.

What's included:

  • Pick-up and drop-off at Antananarivo airport

  • 8 nights in high-standard hotels across the island 

  • 7 nights in camps

  • 4x4 vehicles for the duration of the expedition with dedicated drivers

  • A professional guide and translator for the duration of the expedition

  • One additional local guide per region 

  • Entrance fees to national parks and other restricted areas

  • Full board from day 1 to day 14, including all meals, snacks and drinks hot and cold.

  • Photographic workshops, lectures and editing sessions by Thomas

  • Donation to a community development project (see below).

 

​Not included:

  • International flights

  • Visa

  • Travel and cancellation insurance

  • Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls

  • Additional excursions not mentioned in the above itinerary

  • Makay Massif extension

Price details

Community Commitment

Our commitment in Madagascar supports the protection of marine protected areas. This goes towards the development of Vezo communities’ sustainable livelihoods and the protection of vital marine species.

Expedition leader

Thomas Cytrynowicz is a documentary photographer and filmmaker. Sensitive to the human condition and its relationship with our environment, he has traveled and worked in many countries around the planet. 

 

He often works for NGOs on humanitarian and development projects, believing that well-crafted images can be a force for good. 

 

An experienced expedition leader, passionate storyteller and inspiring teacher, he will be offering his access to and knowledge of the remote communities you will visit, while helping you take your photography skills to the next level.

Portrait of documentary photographer Thomas Cytrynowicz

Group size

Karai expeditions host a maximum of six or eight individuals. We prioritize intimate expedition groups to ensure unparalleled and immersive experiences, as certain moments can be truly appreciated and savored only in the company of a small, close-knit group.

 

This is an extraordinary opportunity to explore in the best possible conditions, while sharing experiences with fellow adventurers.

 

Our expeditions attract people from all over the world, curious about human cultures, passionate about nature and enthusiastic about photography.

 

We take the time to meet everyone beforehand, allowing us to curate groups that harmonize seamlessly, ensuring a tailored and cohesive experience for each expedition.

GROUP SIZE

Karai expeditions host a maximum of six or eight individuals. We prioritize intimate expedition groups to ensure unparalleled and immersive experiences, as certain moments can be truly appreciated and savored only in the company of a small, close-knit group.

 

This is an extraordinary opportunity to explore in the best possible conditions, while sharing experiences with fellow adventurers.

 

Our expeditions attract people from all over the world, curious about human cultures, passionate about nature and enthusiastic about photography.

 

We take the time to meet everyone beforehand, allowing us to curate groups that harmonize seamlessly, ensuring a tailored and cohesive experience for each expedition.

EXPEDITION LEADER

Thomas Cytrynowicz is a documentary photographer and filmmaker. Sensitive to the human condition and its relationship with our environment, he has traveled and worked in many countries around the planet. 

 

He often works for NGOs on humanitarian and development projects, believing that well-crafted images can be a force for good. 

 

An experienced expedition leader, passionate storyteller and inspiring teacher, he will be offering his access to and knowledge of the remote communities you will visit, while helping you take your photography skills to the next level.

Portrait of documentary photographer Thomas Cytrynowicz
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

Our commitment in Madagascar supports the protection of marine protected areas. This goes towards the development of Vezo communities’ sustainable livelihoods and the protection of vital marine species.

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

FAQ

  • All are welcome on our trips. From the confirmed amateurs to the newcomer who only photographs with a cellphone, there is something for everyone. Photography is first and a foremost a tool to get to far away places, connect with fellow human beings, and take in the great beauty of our planet.

    If you’re willing to push your skills further though, that’s definitely the right place!

  • The photography gear carried with you during the trip will be your personal one. 

     

    We will cover a variety of situations. Be prepared to shoot portraits, events and landscapes alike.  Here are some ideas : prime lens (50mm, 85mm), zoom lens (24-70, 70-200), wide lens (16-35). But any camera and lens will do. Do not forget to bring a laptop for our editing sessions and enough batteries and memory cards for our nights in camp.

  • We will send you a more detailed handbook before leaving, including recommended reading and clothing.

  • If you would like to get an in-depth knowledge of the valley or specific photography tips ahead of our trip, you can request a paid training session with our Expedition Leader. Send us an email to enquire.

  • As stated in our About page, giving back to our host communities is of paramount importance to us. With our background in humanitarian and development affairs, we are particularly careful with the impact we have as guests. On top of paying our hosts for their hospitality, we ensure to provide financial support to local initiatives. Find out more on each expedition’s page.

  • Unexpected things happen, and you can of course cancel your booking, though the non-refundable deposit is indeed… non-refundable, unless we find a replacement in time. Please read our Terms & Conditions for more information.

  • Once you pay your deposit, we will schedule a call to go over the specific details of visa and international travel. It’s a good time to ask any question you might have.

  • You are in charge of getting your own travel and/or cancellation insurance. We recommend selecting a policy that includes emergency evacuation in case of trouble, as we will be off-the-beaten tracks for most of our journey.

  • Please check with your doctor if you require vaccination for your chosen expedition.

  • We will be traveling with a standard medkit and various medicines. We recommend you bring one as well, especially if you have any specific medical need.

  • Either cooked by our embedded cook,host families, or selected hotels, food will be fresh, diverse and plentiful, but also local. This is your chance to dive in the culinary specificities of our destinations. Please inform us of any specific diet ahead of our trip so we can plan accordingly. Some destinations require a level of flexibility.

  • We travel on private jeeps or similar and professional drivers at all times.

  • Throughout our trip, we will be accompanied by at least one local translator who will communicate in a language that you are comfortable with. More than a translator, they are local assets who know the area well and have many stories to share. Make the best of it!

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