Travel the isolated Boeny region of western Madagascar passing through from Mahajanga and along the RN4 highway. Across Bombetoka Bay by local ferry to the coastal settlement of Katsepy and Soalala, into Baly Bay National Park, with some of the last remaining numbers left in the world of critically endangered Angonoka (ploughshare tortoise). The path navigates dry forests, coastal dunes as well as the seasonal riverbeds and peatlands with abundant endemics.
West of there, Namoroka Tsingy National Park is a geographical morass of limestone spires, precipices and subterranean waterways sheltering lemurs, chameleons and endemic birds. All this is experienced staying outdoors in wilderness camps under clear skies and stopping at traditional villages where Sakalava traditions and oral traditions are still strong. It finishes along the Boeny Bay coastline, with bismarckia palm forests, mangrove-lined rivers and secluded beaches but also a boat transfer to one more island in the Antsoheribory archipelago, home of crumbling Arab ruins and rock foundations that suggest an ancient coastal settlement over 1,000 years ago. Designed for naturalists, trekkers & all those who want to be off the map in secluded wilderness.
⭐ Highlights
- Early morning ferry crossing of Bombetoka Bay with mangrove views and Mozambique Channel vistas
- Explore Katsepy, a traditional fishing village marking the entrance to southern Boeny
- Adventurous 4×4 journey on one of Madagascar's most challenging and remote rough tracks
- Lunch in Mitsinjo near Lake Kinkony, a vital wetland sanctuary for aquatic birds and migratory species
- Traverse remote dry forests, golden savannahs, and isolated Sakalava villages where traditions endure
- Full-day immersion in Baly Bay National Park, a pristine wilderness of dry forests, mangroves, rivers, beaches, and coral reefs
- Search for the extraordinarily rare Angonoka tortoise, found nowhere else on Earth
- Guided coastal hikes with spectacular viewpoints overlooking turquoise bays and pristine shorelines
- Wildlife observation: elusive lemurs, colorful chameleons, and endemic birds in their natural habitat
- Wilderness camping under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the wild
- Scenic ferry crossing over winding rivers en route to Namoroka Tsingy National Park
- Three full days exploring the little-known Namoroka Tsingy, a surreal labyrinth of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles
- Trek through hidden canyons, subterranean rivers, and dramatic karst formations sculpted over millennia
- Spot eight species of lemurs, including the acrobatic Decken's sifaka, leaping across rocky outcrops
- Discover iconic pachypodiums, ancient baobabs, and countless endemic plants adapted to life on stone
- Birdwatching in lush wetlands created by streams meandering through the tsingy gorges
- Authentic immersion in a pristine territory visited only by true adventurers
- Journey across savannahs, mangroves, and remote Sakalava villages on the return to Antrema
- Explore the Antrema Biocultural Reserve, Madagascar's first biocultural conservation site
- Walk through vast groves of majestic Bismarckia palms, creating a landscape unique on Earth
- Observe the endangered Crowned Sifaka, sacred in Sakalava tradition and protected under Prince Tsimanendry
- Discover diverse birds, reptiles, and amphibians within the reserve's mosaic of ecosystems
- Guided walks with local community rangers blending ecological insights with cultural narratives
- Excursion to splendid Boeny Bay, bordered by savannahs and elegant satrana palms
- Visit the charming fishing village of Boeny Aranta to witness traditional coastal life
- Traditional dugout canoe paddle to historic Antsoheribory Island
- Explore 17th-century Arab trading post ruins: sultan's house, mosque, tombs, and fortifications embraced by baobabs
- Unique blend of natural wonder and layered history reflecting Madagascar's role in ancient Indian Ocean trade
- Sunset reflections over the Mozambique Channel, concluding an expedition through untouched wilderness
📅 Full Itinerary — Day by Day
Days 1–2 – Mahajanga → Katsepy → Soalala | 160 km, ~12 h all inclusive
Leave Mahajanga early in the morning and make your transfer across Bombetoka Bay with a ferry, slogging through mangrove-choked channels that open to the Mozambique Channel. First by water, then on the ground with 4×4 vehicles — landing at Katsepy (a fishing village and gateway to southern Boeny). The road to Soalala leads through dry forests, golden savannahs and remote Sakalava villages where lifestyles have barely changed over the centuries. You are traversing especially lively wetlands inhabited by various aquatic birds and eventually reaching toward more remote country beyond Lake Kinkony. The 160 km journey from Katsepy to Soalala takes two complete days, with savannah breaks and the rhythms of Madagascar's least-travelled corner. Overnight camping under the stars OR at rugged bush lodges.
Day 3 – Soalala → Baly Bay → Soalala | 50 km, ~6 h driving
Full day exploring Baly Bay National Park (one of the most ecologically important national parks in northwestern Madagascar). The dry deciduous forests, winding mangrove waterways, gentle rivers and bountiful coral reefs and white sand beaches merge together to form the park. It is the last remaining place in the world where the extremely endangered Angonoka (ploughshare tortoise) exists naturally. Tours are led from a small boat on the coast, returning to view the turquoise inlets of rare forest with stretches of beach — also providing opportunities to see lemurs, chameleons and endemic birds. Overnight camping in the bush.
Day 4 – Soalala → Vilanandro | 75 km, ~5 h drive
Head out early to make the long trek towards Vilanandro — your access point for Namoroka Tsingy National Park. The itinerary takes you through open savannah populated by ancient baobabs, passing seasonal streams and small Sakalava villages. Before long, the first limestone formations of the park come into view, accented by a river ferry. Camp close to the park entrance and soak in the vibes of this well off-the-beaten-track wilderness. Overnight camping.
Days 5–7 – Namoroka Tsingy National Park
Spend three whole days exploring the little-used Namoroka Tsingy National Park. It is a place of fascinating natural beauty, with razor‑sharp limestone pinnacles, caves and underground rivers cut by millennia. It is home to eight lemur species including Decken's sifaka leaping between outcrops, as well as vividly-hued chameleons, rare reptiles and endemic birds. Pachypodiums, ancient baobabs and plants adapted to life on rock feature in the flora. Wetlands that attract waterbirds are generated by seasonal streams in the canyons. Guided hikes are centered on wildlife watching and park vistas. Overnight camping inside the park.
Days 8–9 – Namoroka → Mitsinjo | 170 km, ~12–13 h semi-rough track
Start the return on bumpy tracks up to Mitsinjo and south along less developed roads towards the Antrema Reserve near Katsepy. It is a two‑day drive through sweeping savannahs, a mangrove maze and remote Sakalava villages. Every stretch shows the rawness and authenticity of the Boeny area, alongside its hardworking communities. Night in wild camps or humble country pensions.
Day 10 – Antrema Biocultural Reserve
Full day in the Antrema Biocultural Reserve — Madagascar's first biocultural conservation site integrating ecological protection and cultural heritage. It has dry forests full of endemic species, mangrove channels, untouched beaches and large expanses of bismarck palms. It is an important conservation area for the critically endangered crowned sifaka, which Sakalava locals regard as a sacred ancestral being and have been given protection by Prince Tsimanendry. Guided walks of the best natural and cultural secrets of the reserve are run by local community rangers. Overnight camping or rural guesthouse.
Day 11 – Antrema → Boeny Bay → Antrema | 40 km, ~5 h
Explore the Boeny Bay coastline with savannahs and satrana palms. Spend time amongst a fishing village where life ritualistically ebbs with the tide, before paddling an original dugout canoe to Antsoheribory Island. At this site are the remnants of a 17th-century Arab trading post — foundations where once a sultan would have dwelled, an ancient mosque and crumbling tombs hidden by trees. The waves and salt air as background, walking through these relics, you are witnessing something of a lost Indian Ocean trade crossroad. Return to Antrema by sunset. Overnight camping or rural guesthouse.
Day 12 – Katsepy → Mahajanga | 20 km, ~2 h
In the morning make your way back to Katsepy for a final ferry crossing of the Betsiboka River and return to Mahajanga. End of expedition services.