Trekking and rafting expedition in Madagascar
| country: | Madagascar |
| trip type: | Moderate walking holidays |
| departures: | 2009: 6 Dec 2010: 4 Oct, 7 Nov, 5 Dec |
| price: | From £1495 (13 days) excluding flights. Price includes accommodation, most meals (see itinerary), entrance fees, guiding and logistics. Maximum group size 10 |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
This is a unique expedition exploring the little visited regions in the East of Madagascar. This trip combines the best that Madagascar has to offer, trekking & camping in remote rainforest, rafting an undocumented river & a surfing break on the beautiful East Coast. During this adventurous tour we will get the opportunity to see many of the amazing Madagascan animals, reptiles and birds.
Madagascar is a one-off; there is no other place like it. Its landscapes, animals and plants are simply fantastic! Near the equator with an astonishing array of habitats, ranging from rainforests to deserts and from mountain tops to mangrove swamps, it is one of the most important countries for biodiversity on the planet. The tropical climate is a perfect host to the process of nature and, like nowhere else, the variety and richness of life has flourished.
We start our trek at the Perinet Nature Reserve. We will trek approximately 50km through remote rainforest, camping overnight in clearings, before reaching the little rafted Sahatandra river where we spend the next few days riding the rapids. Each day on the trek and the river, the scenery will be spectacular and present new wonders. We shall encounter truly fantastic landscapes, exotic flora and see much of the endemic wildlife including lemur, reptiles and birds.
Expedition members do not need previous rafting experience as full training will be given. There are a few days trekking over undulating terrain but no more than a basic level of fitness is required. It will be possible to opt out of some of the longer treks.
This is a full-on camping expedition, however we plan to spend our last few days relaxing by the beach at a small, little known coastal town. For the adventurous, there is the opportunity to take advantage of the surf school here as this is a truly memorable place to surf.
Madagascar is a one-off; there is no other place like it. Its landscapes, animals and plants are simply fantastic! Near the equator with an astonishing array of habitats, ranging from rainforests to deserts and from mountain tops to mangrove swamps, it is one of the most important countries for biodiversity on the planet. The tropical climate is a perfect host to the process of nature and, like nowhere else, the variety and richness of life has flourished.
We start our trek at the Perinet Nature Reserve. We will trek approximately 50km through remote rainforest, camping overnight in clearings, before reaching the little rafted Sahatandra river where we spend the next few days riding the rapids. Each day on the trek and the river, the scenery will be spectacular and present new wonders. We shall encounter truly fantastic landscapes, exotic flora and see much of the endemic wildlife including lemur, reptiles and birds.Expedition members do not need previous rafting experience as full training will be given. There are a few days trekking over undulating terrain but no more than a basic level of fitness is required. It will be possible to opt out of some of the longer treks.
This is a full-on camping expedition, however we plan to spend our last few days relaxing by the beach at a small, little known coastal town. For the adventurous, there is the opportunity to take advantage of the surf school here as this is a truly memorable place to surf.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Antananarivo to Perinet. After your arrival and introductory briefing, from the expedition leader, we will set off for the Perinet Rainforest Reserve. En-route we will stop at a farm specialising in Madagascan reptiles and butterflies, before arriving at the Vakona Lodge. This afternoon you will get a chance to stroll around the private reserve of this hotel with the opportunity to spot lemurs and crocodiles. Overnight hotel, all meals |
| Day 2-4: | Trek through rainforest to Lohariandava. Today our adventure really starts, when we set out after breakfast on a trek through the rainforest towards Lohariandava. A multitude of lemurs inhabit this rainforest including the Indri (the largest lemur), the wooly, greater dwarf, brown mouse, crowned lemur and even the aye aye. This will be a truly remarkable experience and during the next few days we will also have the opportunity to see many of the indigenous species including over 100 species of birds as well as chameleons, geckos, bats and frogs. Each evening our camp will be set up in a rainforest clearing where we will be able to hear and marvel at the cacophony of the night sounds. We will be hiking an average of 5-6 hours per day, which will give us plenty of opportunity to search out the exotic plants and animals. Camping with all meals. |
| Day 5: | Lohariandava. After another full day (5-6 hrs) of trekking, we will arrive at Lohariandava. Our rafts and river gear will be waiting for us and we will go through some basic safety and training checks before a relaxing evening at our riverside camp. Camping with all meals. |
| Day 6-8: | Rafting Descent of the Sahatandra River. After breakfast, we will set off on the next part of our adventure - the rafting descent of the Sahatandra river. This little rafted river provides us with a fantastic range of Grade II/ III/IV rapids, and we will be able to practice our skills on the first few gentle rapids. As the river descends and we are confident of our rafting skills we will navigate the numerous stretches of white water. This river flows through beautiful narrow passages and snakes its way through either dense rainforest or bamboo groves. There are many bamboo lemurs on the shore and an active bird life on the river. At night we will pitch our tents on the riverside and enjoy campfires, good food and immense Madagascan skies. Camping with all meals. |
| Day 9: | Anivorano / Mahambo. We set off this morning to paddle the last section of our Sahatandra descent. Upon arrival in Anivorano, we transfer by road to Mahambo area for a beach and surf break! Mahambo is a small coastal town and is still a relatively new destination on the East Coast. The majority of the population are farmers growing rice, bananas, cloves and lychee plus a small number of fishermen. Until 2003 it remained little-known, and since 2003, and the opening of the first school of surf, this small town has become a destination for surfers. Tonight we will take advantage of the relative luxury of a beach bungalow. Breakfast, lunch and overnight hotel |
| Day 10: | Mahambo. After the last 9 action packed days, we now get the opportunity to relax looking out onto the azure blue seas of the Indian Ocean... Or the for restless ones among you, why not take advantage of the rolling waves and thrill of surfing (if you are not already a surfer, this is a memorable place to learn). Or why not try your hand at sea kayaking? Whilst in Mahambo, you will be able to enjoy your time at your leisure. In the evenings you will be able to enjoy fresh seafood and cold beers in one of the local restaurants. Wherever you go, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the residents of Mahambo. Breakfast, and overnight hotel. |
| Day 11: | Mahambo to Tamatave. We spend another leisurely morning enjoying all that Mahambo and the Indian Ocean has to offer, then we meet up again for short road transfer to the port of Toamasina (Tamatave). Tamatave is Madagascar’s largest port and has a beautiful coastline. The town itself has a calm and relaxing feel to it. Breakfast, dinner, overnight hotel |
| Day 12: | Antananarivo. Today, after breakfast we set off back to Antananarivo, more commonly called Tana. This afternoon there will be time to explore this city, which is a crazy mix of African, Asian and French sights. For the first time visitor just a stroll around the bustling streets, with their diverse collection of vendors and stalls, will be a never forgotton experience. Breakfast, dinner, overnight hotel |
| Day 13: | Expedition ends. Today we transfer to the airport for our flight home. Or why not stay a few extra days to explore Tana or other Madagascan sites. We are more than happy to book additional nights accommodation for you, or assist you with any other places you may wish to visit whilst in Madagascar. Breakfast, airport transfers |
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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Our local agent on this trip, Gilles will give you a personal and knowledgeable insight of the region, where he has lived for many years. He is very active in reforestation and in 2008 raised funds for 230,000 trees to be planted. For the 2009 season we will financing one tree per client with the local NGO Wood En Stock. Therefore for every day of this expedition, one tree will be planted per client.
Our local staff accompanying this expedition will give you a real sense of Madagascan culture. We pay all staff fair wages and treat everybody on the trip, including staff, with equal respect and we expect you to do the same. It is principally wildlife tourism that brings people to Madagascar and by using local businesses and services we can inject much needed capital into the local economy. On this expedition we are following a responsible camping procedure which leaves no negative evidence of our presence. We stay in small towns and villages interacting with the locals. By supporting the conservation of the rainforest, we can encourage the authorities to recognise the potential of wildlife tourism and photographic safaris, ensuring the protection of this unique environment. You will be issued with instructions as to how you can help to preserve the environment and we hope that you will follow our advice to help make a difference. |
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. |