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HikesMadagascarPic Boby (Andringitra)

Pic Boby (Andringitra)

Also known as: Imarivolanitra

Pic Boby (Andringitra) - Madagascar’s accessible high summit, among granite domes, waterfalls and endemic wildlife

Difficulty 4/5 · HardMultidayOut-and-backMulti-day summit (camps)
Distance
~28 km return
Max elevation
2,658 m
Elevation gain
~1,500 m
Duration
2-3 days
iconichighest accessible madagascargranite domeslemursmultiday
Plan this hike
A dirt path through a mountainous landscape with trees and grasses under a bright blue sky.

The route

The line through Andringitra NP, Madagascar - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.

Waypoints

  1. 1
    Ambalavao trailheadTrailhead
    0 km

    Start of route [interpolated - upgrade in research]

    Approximate node - GPS and name to be upgraded in deeper research.

  2. 2
    Intermediate camp/villageCamp
    7 km

    Staging point (approx) [interpolated - upgrade in research]

    Approximate node - GPS and name to be upgraded in deeper research.

  3. 3
    High point / turnaroundSummit
    ~2,658 m14 km

    Turnaround (out-and-back) [interpolated - upgrade in research]

    Approximate node - GPS and name to be upgraded in deeper research.

Season & conditions

Best season

Apr-Nov (dry season)

Weather risks

Cold nights, strong sun, wind

Best in the dry season (Apr-Nov); cold nights at altitude; a guide is mandatory. Confirm.

On the trail

Terrain & surface

Granite domes, endemic-plant slopes and a boulder summit

Technical & exposure

Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally

Navigation & waymarking

Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally

Accessibility & group fit

Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics

Wildlife

Ring-tailed lemurs, endemic birds and plants

Crowds & solitude

A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season

Variants & turnaround

The Pic Boby summit; the Tsaranoro valley loops

Getting there & staying

Trailhead access

Andringitra NP, from Ambalavao

Shuttle & transport

Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed

Huts, camping & refuges

Camping (park campsites); no huts

Gear, water & connectivity

Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote

Facilities

Services in Ambalavao; limited or none on the trail

Guide & crew

Mandatory guide

Permits & safety

National-park fees and a MANDATORY guide; porters available. Confirm.

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Hazards

Altitude illness is a real risk at these elevations - acclimatize and ascend gradually; cold, the boulder summit, remoteness

Emergency exits & rescue

Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.

Also in Madagascar

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Walk Pic Boby (Andringitra) with your group
Manta plans the route, the huts and the easy alternatives so a mixed crew all get a great day.
Plan this hike