Madagascar holiday
| country: | Madagascar |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | 2010: 1 May, 10 Jul, 7 Aug, 25 Sep, 9 Oct 2011: 23 Apr |
| price: | From £2445 (12 days) excluding flights. Domestic flights £270. We can arrange flights from the UK |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
read 1 travellers review
the amazing things you'll be doing
Madagascar is one of those destinations that seem to conjure up a thousand images just upon hearing the name alone. It is exotic and little-known - an island filled with strange and exciting flora and fauna. It is truly a land of exotic landscapes with diverse features and astounding natural beauty. From the craggy eroded sandstone sculptures of Isalo National Park and the stunning coastline of the west to the rolling hills of the south and the seemingly pre-historic forests of the dramatic Tsaranoro Valley, Madagascar's beauty is certainly inspiring. Being cut off from the African mainland for millions of years has resulted in a diverse number of endemic species found nowhere else on earth. Of these, the lemurs have attracted special interest and we get to meet many different types, from the indri (the largest species) of Anjozorobe Forest to the dancing Verreaux's sifaka of Berenty Reserve. Encountering these amazing primates is a real highlight, as their inquisitive personalities, sheer cunningness and striking markings are sure to provide many endearing memories. Madagascar is also rich in bird life with many endemic species and there are also several unique reptile species, including the amazing chameleon.
We also visit villages and remote communities, with a kaleidoscope of 18 million people and 18 distinct tribal groups ensuring many rich and varied cultural experiences. Although Madagascar is a relatively new tourism destination, the Malagasy people are warm and friendly and live harmoniously in their island paradise. One of the most memorable aspects of travelling to Madagascar is the relaxed pace and the real lack of haste that seems to be part of day-to-day life of the Malagasy people. This is one holiday experience that is sure to be etched in your memory!
We also visit villages and remote communities, with a kaleidoscope of 18 million people and 18 distinct tribal groups ensuring many rich and varied cultural experiences. Although Madagascar is a relatively new tourism destination, the Malagasy people are warm and friendly and live harmoniously in their island paradise. One of the most memorable aspects of travelling to Madagascar is the relaxed pace and the real lack of haste that seems to be part of day-to-day life of the Malagasy people. This is one holiday experience that is sure to be etched in your memory!
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | (Sat) Arrive in Antananarivo and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2: | Drive to Anjozorobe Forest, home to one of the last remaining dense rainforests on the island and home to the largest lemur, the Indri. Overnight at an eco-lodge, nestled in the forest. |
| Day 3: | Morning visit to the school of Anjozorobe. Explore thermal baths and superb colonial architecture of Antsirabe. |
| Day 4: | Pass through the winding, terraced highlands to Ambohimahasoa for a traditional lunch. Visit a traditional woodcarving centre enroute to Fianarantsoa. |
| Day 5-6: | Stop at the photogenic town of Ambavalao which looks like its straight out of a western movie. Continue to our rustic tented camp in the Tsaranoro Valley. Enjoy walks into a sacred forest and nearby villages as well as the option to visit local community projects. |
| Day 7-8: | Drive to Isalo National Park, known locally as the Malagasy Colorado. Explore the deep canyons and bush plains of this park in search of lemurs and various reptiles. |
| Day 9: | Spend an afternoon exploring the coral reef and calm waters of Ifaty Beach Travel to Tuléar via Ngo Bel Avenir - an excellent initiative set up to help underprivileged Malagasy people. |
| Day 10-11: | Fly to Fort Dauphin. Travel to Berenty Reserve, home to a variety of lemurs including ringtail lemurs and the famous 'dancing' Verreaux sifakas. Walk amid the spiny forest, visit a sisal plantation and stay overnight within the reserve. |
| Day 12: | Return to Fort Dauphin for afternoon flight to Antananarivo where trip ends on arrival. (Wed) |
travellers' tales
Excellent balance between trekking & relaxing. Trip guide was superb - we'd only have seen or understood a fraction of what we did if he hadn't been there. The local guides were uncannily good at spotting the wildlife like lemurs and chameleons. (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
 Visit Madagascar, an exotic island-nation with a mixed cultural heritage and a stunning array of endemic plant life and wildlife, including 35 species of lemur. See Madagascar through the eyes of a local, as your Madagascan tour leader gives you a first-hand insight into the rich and colourful tapestry that makes up his or her unique homeland. Visiting special reserves set aside in rainforest terrain leads to an awareness of Madagascar's rich natural heritage and ultimately garners further support that they be earmarked for protection so that future generations can continue to appreciate them. Tourism helps a poor country like Madagascar to preserve vestiges of its rich cultural heritage. By visiting various villages and remote communities, travellers get to appreciate the intricate diversity of this country as exemplified by the many and varied cultural experiences on offer. A visit to the Antandroy tombs also opens up a window to the past. Tourism in Madagascar is in its infancy and to support programs there we are training our tour leaders on a variety of issues, from environmental awareness to First Aid. This not only assists in the conduct of a tour but also provides leaders with important life skills. Ultimately, a journey to Madagascar is about discovering rare wildlife that are only found on this island. To see the almost human-like sifakas prancing away on their hind legs or to see ring-tailed lemurs warming their bellies in the sun, is to see the 'cute' side of nature - a side that is sure to warm our hearts, but should also serve to remind us that all living creatures are ours to preserve and protect. Once they are gone, it will be too late. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |