WILD AND EXOTIC
MADAGASCAR
Discover Madagascar and experience the Malagasy way of life. The exotic landscapes of the fourth largest island in the world shelter 5 percent of the world’s plant and animal species. 80 percent of these species are endemic to Madagascar-the most famous among them being the lemur. A must see for the wildlife enthusiast with an exploratory spirit and a love of the great outdoors. Madagascar has a limited infra-structure so be prepared for a very adventurous, possibly unpredictable time.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Antananarivo – locally known as Tana, is the bustling capital of Madagascar and the starting point for all visitors.
Andasibe National Park – this beautiful tropical rainforest is rich in biodiversity with many endemic species of mammals, birds, reptiles and plants. It is home to Madagascar’s largest lemur the Indri.
Antsirabe – best known for its thermal springs. It emerged as a spa town when Norwegian missionaries built a health retreat there which is still in use today.
Ranomafana National Park – one of the most spectacular parks covering 400 sq km of oddly shaped hills carpeted in jungle and streams. Famous for its animals and impressive plant life, it was created to protect 2 rare species of lemur- the golden bamboo lemur (which feeds off cyanide laced bamboo shoots) and the greater bamboo lemur.
Isalo National Park – Madagascar’s most visited park protects dry deciduous forests of a sandstone massif. The Isalo Massif has eroded into sculptured ridges, impressive gorges and deep canyon floors with lush vegetation, streams and swimming holes.
Reniala Private Reserve – protects 60 sq km of unique spiny forest home to rare endemic species. The organisation works in conjunction with locals and universities to raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection and sustainability. Reniala also offers scholarships to students and scientists.
Please contact us for further information regarding this destination.
WILD MADAGASCAR
Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will meet and greet you before you leave Antananarivo to go to Andasibe (140km or approx. 3 hrs). Your journey passes a myriad of villages set against pretty golden grasslands with rice paddies, chimneyless long clay red houses and colourful roadside markets. Tonight take a night walk through the community run Voimma Park to observe nocturnal animals including lemurs and chameleons.
Overnight stay at Mantadia Lodge, Bungalow (Breakfast, own lunch – suggest Combava Restaurant, Dinner)
An early breakfast is followed by a full day to discover the magic of the rich diversity of the rainforests of Andasibe. Located at an altitude of 900-1,250 meters this area protects 108 species of birds, 14 species of lemurs (including the Indri), 51 species reptiles, 84 species of amphibians as well as numerous rare orchids, ferns and palms. In the morning spend 3 or 4 hours strolling through the Indri Reserve home to the biggest lemur Indri indri, the Eastern lesser bamboo lemur and the common brown lemur are also found here. In the afternoon drive (1.5 hours) to Mantadia National Park home to one of Madagascar’s most beautiful lemurs Diademed sifaka.
Overnight Mantandia Lodge, bungalow (Breakfast, own lunch suggest Feon’ny Ala, Dinner)
After the breakfast, a last visit in Andasibe to the Islets of lemurs on the private reserve of Vakona Forest Lodge. There are 4 species Ruffed lemur, Ring tailed lemur, Hapalemur and Propithecus diadema. After lunch you return to Tana arriving late afternoon (140km or approx. 3 hrs).
Overnight Maison Gallieni (Breakfast, own lunch suggest Vakona Forest Lodge, Dinner at Le Café du Muse)
Following breakfast and a short city tour, today’s drive (170km or approx. 4hrs) heads to the Great South across typical highlands scenery with rice paddies and traditional red clay houses. We pass through the tiny city of Ambatolampy that sits at the foot of the Ankaratra massif, the 3rd highest summit on the island, before continuing to Antsirabe famous for its thermal springs .
Overnight Couleur Café (Breakfast, own lunch suggest Coin du Foie Gras, Dinner)
Today take 3 or 4 hours (400m of ascending) to explore the highlands on foot, meeting with farmers and artisian and with a great possibility of attending an exhumation ceremony or Famadiana. Picnic lunch provided. Possibility to visit the local art craft: semi-precious stone cutting, embroidery and traditional sweets factory.
Overnight Couleur Café (breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner)
We leave Antsirabe driving (230km approx. 7 hrs) to Ranomafana stopping for lunch in Ambositra, famous for master woodcarvers and furniture manufacturing. Ambositra is an absolute work of art, with shutters and walls carved in geometric designs. After lunch continue to Ranomafana.
Overnight Le Thermal Hotel (breakfast, own lunch, dinner)
Early breakfast followed by a visit to Ranomafana National Park. The forest abounds in reptiles, amphibians and exceptional bird life. 12 species of lemur can be found here. Continue onto Isalo.
Overnight Le Relais de la Reine (Breakfast, own lunch suggest Zongo Hotel, Dinner)
Enjoy the whole-day to discover the wonders of the oldest geological formation in Madagascar-the Isalo Massif. Discuss your options with your guide. You can choose to drive to the foot of the massif – walking to such sites as the natural swimming pool, the canyons, Nymph waterfalls or Namaza forest or via feratta along the wall of the massif beside the Relais de la Reine hotel.
Overnight Le Relais de la Reine (Breakfast, own lunch suggest prepared by your guide, Dinner)
Our journey today takes us 243km or appox. 4hrs south (with stops along the way) to Toliara. This city is located on a broad coastal plain, surrounded by dunes and mangroves near the Mozambique Channel. Enjoy the first glimpses of baobabs rising majestically in the middle of the savannah and the magnificent Antandroy and Mahafaly tombs. After lunch drive to Reniala Private Reserve for a guided visit. The reserve is located less than 1km from the Mozambique Channel and shelters a strange and unique ecosystem occurring only in the south-eastern part of Madagascar: the spiny forest. Reniala Reserve is a paradise for birders, who can easily observe some very rare endemic species, such as the long-tailed ground roller, the subdesert mesite, the red-capped coua or the blue vanga. You can also visit the lemur rescue center set up by the Reniala NGO in partnership with the reserve and others.
Overnight Bakuba Concept (breakfast, own lunch suggest local restaurant, Dinner)
Morning at leisure at your hotel then transfer to the airport of Toliara and flight back to Antananarivo in the middle of the afternoon. Welcome and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight Maison Gallieni (breakfast, own lunch suggest hotel)
After breakfast you will have shopping time with your English speaking driver guide. Antananarivo opens the doors of its small shops, its stalls and its colorful markets to its visitors. From art to crafts, not to mention local products and spices, everything is available for quality shopping. Always on the hunt for the best places to go to, our guides will guide you from shop to shop, depending on what you are looking for: sculpture, marquetry, ironwork, delicatessen, antique, chocolate, rum … Every place will inspire and delight you. Transfer to the airport for your onward destination.
Includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner, park and reserve entrance fees, local qualified guide, transfers, private air-conditioned 4WD vehicle with English-speaking driver guide from Antananarivo to Toliary and internal flight and taxes.
Excludes international flights, lunches, drinks, gratuities, items of a personal nature and travel and medical insurance.
There is so much to see and do in Madagascar. You could extend your trip by visiting the delightful The Nosy Be Archipelago with fabulous beaches and paradise islands for diving, snorkeling or forest exploration, remote Fort Dauphin (Taolagnaro) a charming city full of colonial buildings surrounded by mountains, dry forests and enormous beaches. Tsingy de Bemeraha National Park is a spectacular mineral forest formed by a labyrinth of sharp stone needles offering superb trekking circuits or The World Heritage Royal Hill of Ambohimanga which consists of a royal city and burial site. It is the most significant symbol of the cultural identity of the Malagasy people. Madagascar can also be combined with southern African tours.
The destinations and itineraries on our website can all be tailored to suit your needs. We’d be happy to help you with any questions, please simply click on the contact us button below.
