Madagascar adventure holiday
| country: | Madagascar |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | 2010: 9 Apr, 14 May, 11 Jun, 9 Jul, 13 Aug, 10 Sep, 15 Oct, 12 Nov, 17 Dec |
| price: | From £2129 (17 days) excluding flights |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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introduction to Madagascar adventure holiday
The island of Madagascar is truly a lost world, an experiment in evolution that occurred in isolation from the rest of the natural world for 165 million years. Experience the island's unique culture, visit a number of Madagascar's best wildlife reserves and search for the unusual and intriguing plants, birds, reptiles and of course...lemurs.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive Antananarivo (Tana). Arrive in "Tana" any time and make your way to the joining point hotel. A brief departure meeting will be held in the hotel reception area in evening on Day 1 of your tour. Upon arrival look for information from your tour leader on the hotel bulletin board from regarding meeting time. Take today to wander the streets of central Antananarivo, taking in old colonial architecture and the brightly coloured crowds to get a feel for this unique country. As the capital, Tana is the commerical, administrative, and cultural centre of the country. The city was founded in the 17th century by King Andrianjaka, and was the capital of the Hova chiefs. It is located within, and surrounded by twelve sacred hills of the plateau of Imerina. Within the city centre, flights of steps lead up to a rocky ridge at 1,431 m, on which stands the palaces built by the Imerina kings who captured the capital in 1794 and rules there until the end of the 19th century. At present day, Antananarivo is a large city, with population exceeding one million, whose historic past is not easily missed. You may wish to spot in to the tourism centre, called “La Maison du Tourisme de Madagascar”, close to the Colbert Hotel, for information on the local sites and attractions. Be sure to visit Ambohimanga Palace, the residence of the famous king Andrianampoinimerina, the first king who conquered his neighbouring kingdoms. Antananarivo is famous for its Zoma (market), once the largest market of the world. Though at present day the Zoma is split up in several smaller markets around the city, strolling through central market, along the city’s main avenue, Avenue de l’independence, is a wonderful way to see the locals in actions, and to discover some of Madagascar’s fine handicrafts. You will find woven goods, embroidery, jewellery made from silver and semi-precious stones, wood carvings and sculptures, and leather goods. |
| Day 2-3: | Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours Approximate Distance: 135 km Depart the capital and continue east with stops along the scenic route to this world-renowned upland rainforest, also known as Perinet Reserve, home of the unique Indri, the world's largest lemur. We will spend a day exploring this national park/reserve is situated on the central eastern coast of the island, 1.5 km from the town of Andasibe. It covers a total of 12,810 hectares, on an extensive region of hills covered by a dense primary rainforest. One of the park’s primary purposes is to protect the natural habitat of the largest of the lemurs, the Indri, a larger black and white marked lemur. There are 62 different groups of the Indri, a diurnal species, that feeds on leaves and fruit. They spend the time on the top of the trees eating and enjoying the sun. There is a local legend that a boy named Koto climbed a tree in the forest to collect wild honey and was severely stung by the bees. Losing his hold, he fell, but was caught by a indri which carried him on its back to safety. In addition to the Indri, the park has 10 other species of Lemur, large chameleons and the blue boa. The flora is just as spectacular, with numerous species of trees, palms, orchids (which flower in October/November), and other intriguing endemic species. |
| Day 4: | Antsirabe. Estimated Travel Time: 7.5 hours Approximate Distance: 305 km Travel to Antsirabe, "Vichy Malgache", an ancient colonial town. All along this stretch of road you will see Merina tombs, and can watch the labour-intensive cultivation of rice paddies. We will also make a stop at Ambatolampy for a visit to the aluminium factory still working in the traditional fashion. Antsirabe is known as thermal city because of it the volcanic lakes, and it is also famous for its precious and semi-precious stones. |
| Day 5: | Ambositra. Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours Approximate Distance: 130 km In the morning, visit Lake Andraikiba or take some free time to explore the quaint town of Antsirabe on your own, by foot, bicycle, or in a famous "pousse-pousse". In the afternoon, we continue to Ambositra, home to some of Madagascar's best wood carvings. |
| Day 6: | Ranomafana (L). Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours Approximate Distance: 240 km En route to Ranomafana, we stop in Ambohimahasoa for an included traditional lunch, and then continue to the park where we'll engage upon a nocturnal walk in the forest in hopes of spotting species of Lemur, such as the Rufous Mouse Lemur, Greater Dwarf Lemur, and Small Toothed Sportive Lemur. We will also find time to visit the Vohiparara site which is more marshy and where we may find Brown and Grey Emutail and Rufous-headed Ground Roller. During our walks we may even come cross reptiles such as the Madagascar Boa (Sinzinia Madagascariensis), chameleons including the largest rainforest species Parson's Chameleon, or the well camouflaged Leaf-tailed Geckoes (Uroplatus). The forest trails at Ranomafana are steep and can be slippery after rain, so these may be tiring days after which a visit to the hot baths will be welcome. As Madagascar’s fourth largest park, Ranomafana National Park is one of its most famous. Located in Fianarantsoa Province, on the edge of Madagascar's High Plateau, it is extremely mountainous, with the park covers 41,600 hectares of hills covered by rainforest, at altitudes between 800 and 1,200 m. The area is dominated by the Namorona river which, fed by many streams flowing from the hills, plunges from the eastern escarpment close to the park entrance. The steep slopes are covered with a mixture of primary and secondary forest; much of the secondary growth is dominated by dense stands of introduced Chinese guava and clumps of giant bamboo. Rano is Malgache (local language) for water; mafana is Malgache for hot. About a hundred years ago a Malgache discovered hot springs down in the valley, and the French created a spa around them. This has become the town of Ranomafana. In 1986 Hapalemur aureus (Golden Bamboo Lemur) were discovered in the forest about 6km from the town (and at about the same time Hapalemur simus were rediscovered) and Dr. Patricia Wright worked with the government of Madagascar to create a National Park to protect the two species. Today, Ranomafana is one of the most important mammal sites in Madagascar. Most notable are golden bamboo lemur, greater bamboo lemur, grey bamboo lemur, Milne-Edwards’ sifaka, red-bellied lemur, red fronted brown lemur, and brown mouse lemur. Others include the fanaloka, the eastern ring-tailed mongoose, and the red forest rat. Present but hard to see are fosa and the aquatic tenrec. This park also had a huge varierty of bird life, including the Blue coua, red-fronted coua, Pollen’s vanga, Tylas, velvet asity, sunbird asity, pitta-like ground roller, scaly ground roller, short-legged ground roller, rufous-headed gound roller, brown mesite, Madagascar flufftail, slender-billed flufftail, collared nightjar, and green jery (among others!). The flora is diverse, and you will see a variety of ferns, palms, orchids and giant bamboos. |
| Day 7: | Ambalavao. Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours Approximate Distance: 106 km We embark on a morning forest walk to get a feel for this incredible wildlife area in the early hours as nature awakens in front of us. We then enjoy a scenic travel day as we head south through Madagascar's wine-producing region and enjoy the wonderful changes of landscape along the way to the pleasant rural town of Ambalavao. Ambalavao is famous for its paper - Antaimoro, a papyrus-type paper impregnated with dried flowers and sold throughout the island. We will visit with locals as they share with us their traditional methods of producing this unique, hand-made paper. Also noteworthly for its zebu cattle market, in Ambalavao, every Wednesday the rural cattle zebu ranchers bring their cattle to town for sale. |
| Day 8-9: | Ranohira/Isalo (B,2D). Estimated Travel Time: 5.5 hours Approximate Distance: 250 km Drive through south-central Madagascar to Ranohira on the edge of Isalo National Park. Enjoy the fascinating countryside, with the day's drive culminating in impressive views of the Isalo Mountains. In the south of the island, Isalo National Park was created in 1962 to preserve the ancestral beauty of the site. Archaeological relics and funeral sanctuaries create a magical atmosphere made of strong contrasts: the silence and sun on sandy cliffs with rare ripicolous vegetation; lemur calls and bird chirps within this green oasis along rivers filled with lush plants. The park covers an area of 81,540 hectares of a this semi-arid region of the country. The territory with spotted with meadow, and has open areas void of vegetation, along with series of sandstone rocks, cliffs, and canyons, and is home to many rare and endemic plants, such as pachypodium rosalatum and a native species of aloe (aloe isaloensis). The sandstone massifs sculpted by wind and rain create a scenic and odd landscape, at times almost lunar. We spend a full day exploring this fantastic park on foot. After a short trek, within a small canyon, we have a break from the sun and stop at fresh natural swimming pool. We continue on to "cascades" which is considered to be one of the best waterfalls in Madagascar with its large natural swimming pool. If you are lucky you may see Sifaka, brown lemur and ring-tailed lemurs. At the end of the afternoon, enjoy the sunset at "fenêtre". This fantastic place, it is not just the abstract sculpturing and colours of the eroded terrain or the sweeping panoramas which is so impressive but also the absolute and enveloping silence. As well as the scenery and local history, there are 55 resident species of birds within the park, along with Catta lemurs, blackhead lemurs and Verreaux Sifakas. Between September and October, in the most arid zones, the Pachypodium blooms. |
| Day 10: | Antananarivo (B). Estimated Travel Time: 9 hours Approximate Distance: 225 km, from Ranohira to Tulear (6 hours) Travel from Ranohira on to Tulear, then fly back to Antananarivo, known simply as Tana to the locals. En route from Ranohira to Tulear, you will drive through a wide-open, vast desert landscape that is truly magnificent in its own way. You will pass through several unique frontier-style sapphire mining towns, see the remarkable fire-resistant Baobab trees, and as well visit Mahafaly's tomb before boarding your flight back to Tana. Mahafaly is one group of people in the region, and they have a deep-rooted tradition of art and decoration of the tombs of their deceased. The tombs are praised by local people. There is no entrance fee but it is recommended to give a token or appreciation to the native people just as a symbol of gratitude. |
| Day 11: | Diego (B). Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours Today we transfer to the airport as we leave Antananarivo to the largest centre of the north, Diego Suarez. Also known locally as Antsiranana, this traditional and lively fishing village is located on a beautiful bay surrounded by coconut trees, traditional huts, pirogues (dug-out canoes), and of course white sand beaches. Depending on the flight time, today is a day for you to relax in and around Diego, stroll through the old town, visit the botanical park or the Montagne des Francais, a small wilderness area outside the town, or even hit the beach up the bay, where you may rent a pirogue and go dragnet fishing; you'll have a good chance of catching something. The town, situated in the extreme north of Madagascar, was named after Portuguese explorers who first visited Madagascar. Their names were Diego Diaz, who was reportedly the first European to visit Madagascar in 1500 and a sailor, Fernando Suarez stopped in the bay six years later. Since then, the area has been a strategic location for both to the local Antakaranas and to the French. The area became an autonomous territory in 1886 and was thereafter united with the rest of Madagascar when it became a French protectorate. Diego Suarez, considered one of world’s most beautiful and widest bays, is a country town, but also the third largest port of the continent island. The importance of the port and relations with France explain the presence of one of the most developed shipyards in the Indian Ocean. Fishing is the most important activity in the area, an industry that is important to the entire economy of Madagascar. The city, built around the bay, has a modern and well-kept appearance, but the population is spread out so it does not seem like a large centre, but rather a relaxed coastal town. The main beach is almost on the outskirts of the bay. |
| Day 12: | Montagne d'Ambre National Park (B,L,D). Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour Approximate Distance: 45 km En route to Montagne d'Ambre, a wide expanse of lush tropical montane fores, we stop to explore the truly fascinating geologic oddity known as Red Tsingy. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk in this ecologically rich region, notable for its tree ferns, lianas, and orchids (which flower in September and October). Montagne d’Ambre National Park is a green oasis in the north - Diego Suarez receives only about 900 mm of rain per year while the park is drenched with an average of 3,858 mm. It is an isolated patch of montane rainforest covering an area of 18,200 ha and lying at altitudes between 850 m and 1,475 m. It derives its name from the resin that oozes from some of its trees, a few of which reach 40m. Two waterfalls form the focal points, and there are crater lakes and view points over the forest and surrounding area. This is perhaps Madagascar’s most rewarding reserve - it is very accessible, has a good trail system with up to 30km of trails, labelled trees and points of interest, and is has a very beautiful, lush environment, with many resident species of lemurs. Because of the high rainfall and diverse vegetation, the park is home to an incredible array of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Look for the sanford’s brown lemur, crowned lemur, northern sportive lemur, Amber mountain fork-marked lemur, brown mouse lemur, and even the northern ring tailed mongoose and fosa. If lucky, you may see the rare, nocturnal fanalouc. In the trees, you may hear the Madagascar crested ibis, Malagasy kingfisher, Madagascar blue pigeon, forest rock-thrush, Madagascar magpie robin, broad-billed roller, among so many other bird species. The park has a particularly rich and impressive herpetofauna which includes many species of chameleon, snake, skink and frog. Three of the leaf-tailed geckos, Uroplatus, occur here, as well as two day geckos. |
| Day 13: | Ankarana Special Reserve (B,L,D). Estimated Travel Time: 2.5 hours Approximate Distance: 110 km Continue south to this reserve, where you'll spend the afternoon on a guided forest walk. Marvel at the grand limestone karst pinnacles called "tsingy", and spot many varieties of the renowned lemur, including Sanford's brown lemur, Perrier's black lemur, the northern sportive lemur and dwarf lemurs. The Ankarana massif rises 100 km south of Diego Suarez, in a 18.200 ha wild region with bizarre limestone pinnacles known as "Tsingy", deep narrow canyons covered by forests and an underground net of rivers and caves. The Ankarana Massif is a limestone plateau roughly 100 sq km in area and rises abruptly from the surrounding grassy plain. This wild region is dominated by impressive and bizarre formations "Tsingy", unique limestone pinnacles. The area have deep narrow canyons covered by forests, and an extensive system of caves and underground rivers. Some of the largest caves have collapsed, permitting isolated pockets of river-fed forest. Dry deciduous forest grows around the periphery of the massif and penetrates up into the larger canyons. Fig and baobab trees inside the canyons, pachypodium and euphorbia on the high tsingy consist the reserve’s vegetation. Inside the park live six species of lemurs, various kind of mammals (the tail stripped mangoose is one of them), 83 species of birds, geckos, chameleons and crocodiles in underground lakes. In fact, Ankarana is thought to contain the highest density of primates of any forest in the world. You will spend some time searching for the Crowned lemur, Sanford’s brown lemur, northern sportive lemur, fat-tailed dwarf lemur, Amber Mountain fork-marked lemur and western woolly lemur. Other animals present include the northern ring–tailed mongoose, fanaloka, fosa and several species of bat. Very rare but present are Perrier’ black sifaka, western grey bamboo lemur and aye-aye. |
| Day 14: | Ankify (B). Estimated Travel Time: 2.5 hours Approximate Distance: 140 km Enjoy a drive through cotton, coffee and pepper plantations as we make our way to the western coastal town of Ankify. Wonderful options for your free time in the afternoon include a bike tour of the surrounding villages, enjoying the sunset view from your hotel, or relaxing on the beautiful beach, where with luck, you may spot the gigantic sea turtle. Note: the setting of this small coastal town, with the beach set below the rocky cliffs, is simply fantastic! |
| Day 15-16: | Nosy Be (2B). Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour Take a ferry ride over to Nosy Be, the most well known of the Malagasy Islands. Relax, snorkel or take an optional boat tour through some of the best waters and beaches of Madagascar. With its markets full of life to the popular beaches that attract travelers from around the world, you will love to sit in a local cafe and people watch in the beautiful weather that this island offers. Take some time to do an optional boat tour to some of the islet, or do some snorkeling. What ever you decide to do Nosy Be is the place to sit back and enjoy a bit of the local culture and fantastic tropical waters before continuing back to Tana and beyond. Nosy Be, which means "big island" in the Malagache, the local language, is a volcanic island has an area of about 300 sq km and it is characterized by a great many hills that are overlooked by Mount Lokone at 450 m, and Mount Passot, at 350 m. It is located only about eight kilometres off the coast of Madagascar, and has a coast is very jagged and punctuated by a great many bays and gorgeous coves and also deserted beaches lined by palm trees. The island it spotted with numerous spice plantations, with coffee, cocoa, vanilla, and cinnamon intensively cultivated all over the island. Nosy Be is the largest Malagasy Island and with the main town known as "Hell-Ville", or Andoany. The warm waters of the Mozambique Channel and the unique microclimate of the island makes Nosy Be unique, and a wonderful tropical paradise. |
| Day 17: | Antananarivo/Depart (B). Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours Today we say good bye to the coast and travel back to the main land where the tour ends upon arrival in Antananarivo. |
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. how this holiday makes a difference
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In order to keep the environmental and negative social impact of travel to a minimum, we operate this tour with a maximum of 15 passengers. The majority of our hotels are small, locally owned and family operated establishments. This tour also includes two nights of participation camping.
By working with local guides and operators, we provide economic benefits directly to the local people and businesses. Our local guides are experts in flora, fauna, history and culture, and provide our travellers with insight into local knowledge. Our tour leaders receive special training in low-impact travel and regional conservation issues and projects. They are also provided with a Sustainable Travel Manual. Tour leaders are selected based on their knowledge of, and commitment to sustainable travel. All our tour leaders speak English and have first aid and CPR certification. |
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. |
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