This thrill tour begins generally at your bungalow’s door step, in the sea resorts Mahambo or Foulpointe, or from your hotel in Toamasina city. Maningory is one of big rivers which starts from the highlands and flows into the Indian Ocean. The river makes strong feelings in the heart of the eastern forest. The descent in raft is perfectly secure even though impressive waves sometimes force to navigate on IV or V class passageway. About 40 kilometers in rapids are scheduled for two days with a bivouac in the forest. Nothing to do with the soft descent of Manandona River in the countryside of Antsirabe. We take you from your hotel for 2 days. Meeting is early in the morning, to enjoy as much as possible the day light. A 4×4 car will pick you up at 7.00am to take you to the river, which is located about 1hours of drive from Mahambo. So if you are in Toamasina, we need to start no later than 5.00 am.
Classic river trips of any difficulty have to include "The gemstones camping", and the Maningory is no exception. You can full advantage of the lifestyle possibilities, rarely launching before lunch and spending countless hours scouring the banks in search of Rose Quartz, Ruby’s and other gemstones that make up a significant percentage of Madagascar’s river gravels. You will eat like kings, play music, enjoy arts-and-crafts time with us, hang out with local fisherman, and even pass an evening constructing a fire sculpture. If you are definitely not in a hurry you will be able to extend the tour for a few more interesting days.
Day 1: At your arrival on the Maningory River, our team is very quickly ready and during the preparation of your boat, you will hear about the safety instructions. The first part of Maningory river is a tributary, much little and technical than the river after. Our team will need your help to pass the rapids, sometimes impressive but never dangerous. After several hours hedging the rocks and noisy waterfalls, we will reach the Maningory and begin a very quiet part of the river. In the middle of the afternoon, we will put up our camp in the middle of a great plain surrounded by green hills. Camp is put up by our team while you visit surroundings and meet with the inhabitants. This night is always fresh, after a long and physical day you will enjoy the tropical forest sounds.
Day 2: Early breakfast from 7 to 8am. You will get in board around 9am. After 1 hour warming, we will begin a rapids section of 8kms long. It is the last part with rapids but will take us the entire morning to pass it. The river becomes larger and waves are more impressive, forcing us to pass level IV or V rapids. Without danger, rapids are spectacular, with a much higher water volume than yesterday. We will stop regularly to have a look on the right ways, changing along the season. At the beginning of the afternoon we will reach quieter waters, allowing us to “slide” peacefully to the bridge and the national road. Arrival is scheduled in the middle of the afternoon and a 4×4 car transfer to your hotel in Mahambo, Foulpoint or Toamasina before the night.
NOTE: the guide is the only one to decide to change the program in case of bad weather. As for all river tours, unusual weather conditions can constraint us to change the itinerary to ensure safety for all.
About meals: Full Board (except breakfast at D1 and dinner on the last day) with wine and aperitif during bivouacs. Meal plan: generous and well-balanced meals with fresh food mixing savors and spices to support your physical efforts. Biscuits, sugars, and dried fruits or fresh fruits while paddling. Fruits and salad for lunch. Aperitif and snacks at the end of the afternoon. Generous dinner for a deserved rest.
Beverages: bottled water, juice, tea, coffee, wine and aperitif, rums, beer. Our team takes in charge the dinner preparation. However, if we are late, you could be asked to help (Fire, water…).
About accommodation: In tents, mattress and blankets provided. It is recommended to bring with you a personal flask. Our team takes in charge almost everything in the camp. However, your help may be needed if lateness during the tour.
This package includes: Full Board (except breakfast at D1 and dinner on the last day) with beverages: bottled water, juice, tea, coffee, wine and aperitif, rums, beer; Accommodation in bivouacs/camps; The crew: 2 guides, cook, skipper during the navigation, porters; Boats; All the camping equipment; 4×4 car transportations.
About safety: We always brief our customers before we go on a trek. We strongly advise you to subscribe to an individual insurance more efficient than our local insurance.
Not included: Personal expenses, tips, phone; Sanitary evacuation policy. In option: to be specified during your order. One-week notice is desirable for the organization and preparation of any hikes.