Benahy Descent


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This expedition aims to achieve a rafting descent of the Benahy river before continuing down the Onilahy river. The Benahy, a narrow river running through canyons that are only a few meters wide, is not marked on the maps of Madagascar. Along the route we will encounter truly fantastic landscapes, learn new skills and face interesting and challenging situations. This is a unique Pioneer expedition which offers a fantastic opportunity to explore a remote area of Madagascar and see much of the endemic wildlife.

Madagascar is a one-off; there is no other place like it. Its landscapes, animals and plants are simply fantastic! Near the equator with an
astonishing array of habitats, ranging from rainforests to deserts and from mountain tops to mangrove swamps, it is one of the most
important countries for biodiversity on the planet. The tropical climate is a perfect host to the process of nature and, like nowhere
else, the variety and richness of life has flourished.

Details

Suitability / Level

Class III-IV (Intermediate)

Theme

Activity Days (Click to Search All)

Itinerary & Highlights

Day 1 Arrive Antananarivo (Tana)
Internal flight to Tuléar

After your arrival in Antananarivo and introductory briefing from the expedition leader, we will take an internal flight to Tulear. We will drive up to the Isalo region for the start of our Madagascan adventure with a hike down a shallow part of the river. Here we will find our camp set up on the river bank.

Camping, all meals

Days 2, 3 & 4 Descent of the Benahy
River

The Benahy, though adjacent to Isalo National Park, has not seen many visitors. It cuts its way through breathtaking canyons, crawling with lizards and cameleons, and lined with palm trees, aloe, baobabs, cacti, and a great variety of indigenous plants you may never have come across before.

It runs atop a section of land teeming with sapphires, and as a result, we may pass local miners, sifting sand through metal sieves.
Benahy navigation is smooth and easy, and we will raft in light canoes. A typical days rafting is a combination of paddle and drag areas. The white water starts after the junction with Imaloto river and all the way down to the coastal plain just after junction with Onilahy river.

Our typical daily routine will consist of setting off between 8 and 9 am and stopping to camp around 4-5 pm. We stop for lunch and enroute we have time to wander through side canyons and observe occasional lemurs. During our time on the Benahy, we hope to
see lemurs, chameleons, birds, turtles, fosa and bats as well as some exotic and unique vegetation, including baobabs, Pachypodiums and succulents.
Camping, all meals

Days 5, 6 7, 8 Descent of the Onilahy
The Onilahy river is the largest river in the southwest. The river banks are sparsely populated - with settlements springing up to
mine gemstones - but the floodplain does have lots of towns and rice paddies in areas that are not prone to flooding. For our Onilahy descent we will transfer to larger more stable rafts and we will experience class III-IV rapids. After 3 rowdy days on the white water, our fi nal day on the Onilahy should be more relaxing, with sections of fl at meandering water. We can observe the changing landscapes along the route and enjoy the wildlife (including crocodiles), birds and riverside settlements.
Camping with all meals.

Day 9 Benenitra / Anakao
When we reach Benenitra, we will transfer by road to the beautiful coastal resort of Anakao, an hour south of Tulear. En-route we stop at the Bezaha-Mahafaly reserve. This reserve contains 5 resident species of lemur including the ring-tailed lemur & sifaka (or dancing lemur) It is also home to other small mammals, snakes, tortoises, butterflies as well as more than 100 species of birds
including many endemic vangidae (shrikes), Breakfast, lunch and overnight hotel

Day 10,11 Anakao
Anakao is a beautiful beach resort, and is described in guidebooks as ‘one of the best places in Madagascar’. With its large bay, sandy beaches and the two coral islands that face the town, it provides opportunities for diving the clear waters, sunbathing and relaxing. We spend a couple of days here relaxing and enjoying the beach atmosphere. The coast with its dunes, endemic vegetation and fishing villages allow plenty of scope for exploring, or if you prefer, there are plenty of optional activities and excursions available.
Our beach resort, with its large beach front bungalows, provide the perfect base for all this picturesque town has to offer. Or if you
prefer to stay in, it also has its own restaurant and bar with panoramic sea views and great food. On our last night together we shall have a final celebratory meal.
Breakfast, Overnight hotel

Day 12 Antananarivo
Today we transfer to Tulear for a morning flight, flight back to Antananarivo(or Tana). There will be time to explore the city which is is a
crazy mix of African, Asian and French sights. This colourful capital city of Madagascar with a rainbow of houses decorating the hillsides, extensive rice paddies running through sections of the town, and bustling streets full of cars and Zebu-drawn (humped cattle) carts. For the first time visitor just a stroll around the bustling streets and up and down the many tiers of steps, with their diverse collection of vendors and stalls, will be a never forgotten experience.
Breakfast, hotel.

Day 13 Expedition Ends
Today our expedition ends and you will be transferred back to the airport for your flight. home. Or why not stay a few extra days to explore Tana or other Madagascan sites. We are more than happy to book additional nights accommodation for you, or assist you with any other places you may wish to visit whilst in Madagascar.
Breakfast, airport transfer

Accommodation & Centre Details

We stay in a range of accommodation on this expedition including hotels, an ecolodge and a catamaran. All accommodation is based upon two sharing, single occupancy may be available at some locations at an extra cost (please enquire when booking).