Kirindy Mitea excursion in Madagascar
Are you dreaming of an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure in Madagascar? The Kirindy Mitea excursion offered by Mada Tours Guide is the perfect opportunity to discover a lesser-known natural treasure on the Big Island. This journey takes you to Kirindy Mitea National Park, an exceptional protected area where abundant biodiversity, varied landscapes and unforgettable encounters await. Guided by an experienced local tour operator, explore this unspoilt corner and enjoy a unique travel experience at the country’s pace, in your own way.
Summary
- Presentation of Kirindy Mitea
- Why choose a Kirindy Mitea excursion?
- Five-Day Kirindy Mitea excursion
- Why choose Mada Tours Guide for your Kirindy Mitea excursion?
- Frequently Asked Questions about this excursion
Presentation of Kirindy Mitea
Located on the south-west coast of Madagascar, Kirindy Mitea National Park covers around 722 km² in the Menabe region. Nestled about a hundred kilometres south of Morondava near the village of Belo-sur-Mer, it is one of the country’s youngest parks (established in 1997 and opened to the public in 2006).
Kirindy Mitea is a unique meeting point between the ecosystems of southern and western Madagascar. It contains tropical dry forest, coastal spiny forest, mangroves, grassy savannas, brackish lakes and high sand dunes bordering stunning beaches all in one place. This isolated, little-visited park, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, gives visitors the sensation of being almost alone in an untouched natural environment.
Kirindy Mitea boasts outstanding biodiversity. The park claims the world’s highest density of primates: no fewer than eight lemur species can be observed here, including Verreaux’s sifaka (the “dancing” propithecus), the ring‑tailed lemur and the red-fronted brown lemur. Kirindy Mitea is also home to the smallest primate on the planet, Berthe’s mouse lemur, a tiny nocturnal species unfortunately threatened with extinction.
Bird enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that 58 species have been recorded here, including 18 endemics. It is not uncommon to see pink flamingos on the coastal lakes, the rare Bernier’s teal or the Malagasy fish eagle.
The flora is equally impressive, with three species of majestic baobabs dominating the dry forest and seven varieties of mangroves thriving in the tidal forests. This profusion of life flourishes in a peaceful setting where the absence of large land predators makes for relaxed walks. Only the fossa, Madagascar’s emblematic predator, prowls in the shadows, but it is rarely seen by visitors.
Kirindy Mitea also includes a protected coastal marine area. Its waters harbour intact coral reefs and remarkable marine life (whales, hammerhead sharks and multicoloured fish) which can be explored on boat excursions.
Why choose a Kirindy Mitea excursion?
Opting for a Kirindy Mitea excursion means choosing an extraordinary experience far from the crowds of the usual tourist sites. This confidential park offers total immersion in Malagasy nature, with an incredible diversity of landscapes and ecosystems in a single location. In just a few days you can go from dry forests populated by lemurs to ocean shores fringed by mangroves, crossing golden dunes and thorny savannas along the way.
Whether you are travelling with family or are an adventurer seeking adrenaline, Kirindy Mitea will charm you. The trails are accessible with a guide for younger travellers, while the more intrepid can try wild camping or exploring remote areas. In addition, this excursion allows you to meet local communities, particularly the Vezo fishermen of Belo-sur-Mer, and observe their traditions for a trip that combines nature and culture.
Five-Day Kirindy Mitea excursion
Below is an example of a five-day Kirindy Mitea itinerary that Mada Tours Guide can organise. This programme begins and ends in Antananarivo.
| Day | Itinerary | Activities & Discoveries | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Antananarivo to Morondava | Morning domestic flight to Morondava. Meet your guide at the airport. In the afternoon, discover Morondava and enjoy your first taste of the Menabe coastal atmosphere. At the end of the day, visit the Avenue of the Baobabs to admire the sunset over these iconic giant trees. | Comfortable hotel |
| Day 2 | Morondava to Belo‑sur‑Mer | Depart south in a 4×4 along the coast to the village of Belo‑sur‑Mer (about three hours off-road). Along the way, observe savannah and dry-forest landscapes. On arrival in Belo-sur-Mer, visit this Vezo fishing village renowned for its traditional wooden boat building. Relax on the beach and swim in the lagoon at the end of the day. | Eco‑lodge in Belo-sur-Mer (eco-friendly bungalow by the sea) |
| Day 3 | Kirindy Mitea National Park | Day dedicated to exploring Kirindy Mitea Park. Early-morning transfer by 4×4 to the park entrance, then hike with a local guide along various ecotourism trails. Observe lemurs (sifakas, ring-tailed lemurs and more), numerous water birds on the Ambondro and Sirave lakes, and discover endemic flora such as baobabs and succulents. Picnic in the park. There is also the possibility to swim on a pristine beach bordering the park. | Overnight in an eco-lodge in Belo‑sur‑Mer or camping under canvas in the park for the more adventurous |
| Day 4 | Belo‑sur‑Mer to Morondava | Return to Morondava. In the morning, depart by motor boat from Belo-sur-Mer to reach Morondava by sea (around two hours sailing along the coast, depending on the weather). This journey offers a unique perspective on the Menabe coast and mangroves. Arrive in Morondava around midday. Free afternoon to relax at the hotel or make a final visit to the town (local market, handicrafts). | Hotel in Morondava |
| Day 5 | Morondava to Antananarivo | Transfer to Morondava airport and flight back to Antananarivo. Arrive in the capital in the afternoon. End of the tour with the option to extend your stay according to your wishes. | Not included (end of the excursion) |
This five-day itinerary is just one example and can be tailored to suit your wishes. The essential objective of Mada Tours Guide is to make you travel at the country’s pace, in your own way. This philosophy reflects the agency’s approach: to take the time to discover each place according to your interests for a personalized and unforgettable experience.
Why choose Mada Tours Guide for your Kirindy Mitea excursion?
- Experience and professionalism: with many years of experience, this tour operator has a team of professional driver‑guides who know the Malagasy terrain inside out.
- All-inclusive packages: Mada Tours Guide offers turnkey tours including transport (4×4 and boat), accommodation, local guides, park entry fees and even camping equipment if needed. You can relax knowing everything is organised for you.
- Flexibility and personalisation: every itinerary can be adjusted to your needs. Whether you are travelling with family, as a couple or with friends, the agency adapts to your pace and interests. You will receive a detailed programme within 48 hours of your request so you can refine your custom stay.
- Safety and comfort: your safety is a priority. The off-road vehicles are well maintained and the selected hotels and eco-lodges offer the best compromise between comfort and authenticity. Travelling with a local expert also guarantees better responsiveness in the event of the unexpected and up-to-date knowledge of road and weather conditions.
- Local commitment: by choosing Mada Tours Guide you support a local company that works with the communities of Menabe. Local guides and service providers are involved, promoting sustainable tourism and positive benefits for the population such as income for village guides and nights in community-run eco-lodges.
Kirindy Mitea is undoubtedly a destination of choice for nature lovers in search of authenticity. Between its dancing lemurs, centuries-old baobabs and secret beaches, this park promises unforgettable emotions at the heart of a still wild Madagascar. Ready to experience the Kirindy Mitea adventure? Contact Mada Tours Guide now to bring your tailor-made excursion to life and let yourself be guided towards the unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions about this excursion
Helinirina Raharomanana is an independent guide, founder, and manager of the agency Madagascar Tours Guide. With extensive experience in the tourism industry, he specializes in organizing tailor-made trips across the entire Malagasy territory. Collaborating with a team of experienced guides and drivers, he is dedicated to providing an in-depth exploration of Madagascar’s landscapes, traditions, and customs.