Madagascar
Secrets of Madagascar
The island of Madagascar occupies a unique place, both culturally and geographically, within Africa. Separated from the mainland millions of years ago, its fauna has developed very differently from the rest of the continent’s wildlife, and it is home to countless species found nowhere else on earth. Its people are an intriguing mix of Malay and African ancestry, with complex patterns of beliefs and an unusual history. On this trip we take in the very best of this enigmatic and alluring land. Our journey takes us to the little visited Tsingy de Bemaraha Reserve to observe up close its amazing rock formations; few other operators take the trouble to reach this area, but it is one of the highlights of Madagascar. We also visit superb national parks, including the bizarre moonscape of Isalo and the lush rainforests of Ranomafana, home to countless species of lemurs including the rare Golden Bamboo Lemur. We also visit Andasibe, one of the best places in Madagascar to see the curious Indri, the largest species of lemur. Finally we spend time at Ifaty on the coast - a relaxing end to the trip. Madagascar is unlike anywhere else on earth - join us to experience its diverse charms.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Antananarivo Arrive in Antananarivo and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Gassy Country House or similar.
Day 2 - Andasibe Enjoy a short city tour of the capital before driving to Andasibe through lush vegetation, stopping at a private reptile reserve to get up close to some of Madagascar’s many species of chameleon. This evening there will be an opportunity to take a walk in the forest looking for nocturnal creatures. Overnight Vakona Lodge or similar. (BL)
Day 3 – Andasibe National Park – Antananarivo Andasibe is one of the best national parks in Madagascar and a good place to watch the Indri, the largest species of lemur on the island. Overnight Tana Plaza Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 4 – Morondava Fly west across the island to Morondava and home to many of Madagascar’s different ethnic groups. Overnight Kimony Resort or similar (BL)
Day 5 – Bekopaka A full day of travelling by car and boat through the baobab forests. Visit Kirindy Reserve which has the best chance of viewing the Fossa as well as lemurs. We arrive at Bekopaka in the early evening after an epic 4WD journey crossing 2 rivers en route. Overnight at Hotel Olympe de Bemaraha or similar (BL)
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Day 6 – Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park Spend today exploring the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a bizarre landscape of eroded limestone pinnacles and one of the most scenic areas in all of Madagascar. Boardwalks and ladders between the pinnacles allow us to explore the area, home to several species of lemurs and birds. Overnight at Hotel Olympe de Bemaraha or similar. (BL)
Day 7 – Tsingy de Bemaraha A further day to explore this wonderful national park. Overnight at Hotel Olympe de Bemaraha or similar (BL)
Day 8 – Bekopaka to Morondava A full day’s drive back to Morondava stopping en route at the ‘Avenue of the Baobabs’ where these imposing trees up to 800 years old line the road and provide an iconic snapshot of Madagascar. Overnight Kimony Resort or similar (BL)
Day 9 – Antsirabe Drive towards Miandrivazo, a very fertile region for cotton, corn, man- ioc, beans, tobacco and rice. We finish the day in Antsirabe; home to Madagascar’s brewing industry. Overnight Royal Palace or similar (BL)
Day 10 – Ambositra – Ranomafana National Parks Travel to Ambositra, the centre of Madagascar’s wood carving industry and home to the Zafimaniry tribe. Continue to Ranomafana National Park for the night. Overnight Centrest Sejour or similar (BL)
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