Small group holidays to 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, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site on account of its amazing rock formations, yet virtually unknown to the outside world until twenty years ago – few other operators take the trouble to reach this area, but it is without a doubt 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, only discovered by scientists in 1986. We end up at Andasibe, one of the best places in Madagascar to see the curious indri, the largest species of lemur, and spend time taking walks through the forest in search of endemic wildlife. Madagascar is unlike anywhere else on earth – join us to experience its diverse charms on a trip that will challenge what you thought you knew about Africa.
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1: | Antananarivo. Arrive in Antananarivo and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, you may have time to explore the city. Overnight at IC Hotel or similar. |
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Day 2: | Morondava. Fly east across the island to Morondava, a coastal town with a laid back atmosphere and home to many of Madagascar’s different ethnic groups. On arrival we take a boat trip through mangrove swamps to visit a nearby fishing village, situated on an island. Overnight at Renala Hotel or similar. (B) |
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Day 3: | Bekopaka. A full day of travelling, driving through the baobab forests, with great opportunities to see a side of rural Madagascar that few other visitors experience. We stop at local sacred sites including the ‘Baobabs amoureux’ and a sacred tree used for ancestor worship. We also pass through Kirindy, a biologically important area home to Madagascar’s endemic carnivore, the fossa, and stop at the tombs of the local Sakalava people. We arrive at Belo to take boats for the final part of our journey to Bekopaka. Overnight at Hotel Olympe de Bemaraha or similar. (B) |
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Day 4: | Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. We spend today exploring the remarkable World Heritage Site of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a bizarre landscape of eroded limestone pinnacles and one of the most scenic areas in all of Madagascar. Boardwalks between the pinnacles allow us to explore the area, replete with deep canyons and gorges and home to several species of lemurs and birds. Overnight at Hotel Olympe de Bemaraha or similar. (B) |
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Day 5: | Morondava. Drive back to Morondava, stopping en route at the ‘Avenue of the Baobabs’, where imposing trees up to 800 years old line the road and provide an iconic snapshot of Madagascar, giving hints of the extensive forests that once covered this part of the island. Overnight at Renala Hotel or similar. (B) |
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Day 6: | Ifaty. Fly from Morondava to Tulear, and then transfer to Ifaty on the coast. The region around Ifaty is extremely dry and dominated by ‘spiny forest’ of cacti and other plants that thrive in arid environments. Our accommodation is situated idyllically on a gorgeous beach overlooking the Indian Ocean, where we can watch the local fishermen take boats out as the sun sets. This is a truly beautiful part of Madagascar and a great place to relax or explore. Overnight Hotel Belle Vue or similar. (B) |
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Day 7: | Ifaty. Free day to either relax or explore the area. From July to September whales are frequently spotted offshore and it is possible to take boat trips out to get close to them – they sometimes surface very close to the boats making this a very special experience. Ifaty is also home to coral reef and offers good diving and snorkelling opportunities. It’s also possible to take a walk to the nearby village of Mangily where we can get a good insight into the life of the local Vezo fishing community. Overnight Hotel Belle Vue or similar. (B) |
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Day 8: | Isalo National Park. Leaving Ifaty behind we head to Isalo. Travelling through the land of the Mahafaly people, we can stop to see the traditional tombs used for burying their dead. Before reaching Isalo we travel through Zombitse National Park, renowned for its birdlife. Overnight at Isalo Ranch or similar. (BD) |
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Day 9: | Isalo National Park. We spend today walking through the moonscape of Isalo National Park, stopping at the perfectly formed ‘natural swimming pool’, fringed with lush vegetation and a great place for a dip. Later we head to a stunning rock arch to watch the sun set over this dramatic landscape. Overnight at Isalo Ranch or similar. (BD) |
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Day 10: | Ambalavao – Fianarantsoa – Ranomafana National Park. Heading north we stop first at Anja Park, a community run reserve situated in stunning scenery with great opportunities to see ring-tailed lemurs. We then head to Ambalavao, once a centre of Arab civilisation on Madagascar, where we visit a winery to sample the local brew. A short drive further takes us to Fianarantsoa and from there on to Ranomafana National Park. Overnight Hotel Domaine Nature or similar. (B) |
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Day 11: | Ranomafana National Park. We spend the morning exploring the rainforests of Ranomafana in search of its many species of lemurs, reptiles and birds. This afternoon is free to either relax or visit the nearby village, with its interesting market. Overnight Hotel Domaine Nature or similar. (B) |
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Day 12: | Ambositra - Antsirabe. Driving into the central highlands of Madagascar, we notice changes on the features of local people as Asian heritage becomes more visible. We stop in Ambositra, the centre of Madagascar’s wood carving industry and home to the Zafimaniry tribe. We then head to Antsirabe, founded by Norwegians in 1856 and home to Madagascar’s brewing industry. We explore the town and then head to the picturesque Lake Andraikiba. Overnight Arotel or similar. (B) |
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Day 13: | Andasibe National Park. Drive to Andasibe through lush vegetation, stopping en route at a private reptile reserve to get up close to some of Madagascar’s many species of chameleons. This evening we take a night safari in the park, looking for some of the nocturnal species that live here. Our accommodation is situated within the forest. Overnight Vakona Lodge or similar. (B) |
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Day 14: | Andasibe National Park. Andasibe is probably the best national park in Madagascar and a good place to watch the indri, the largest species of lemur on the island. We take morning walks through the forest in search of this enigmatic creature as well as other wildlife, accompanied by an expert guide. This afternoon we visit a Betsimisiraka village to experience the local lifestyle. Overnight Vakona Lodge or similar. (B) |
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Day 15: | Antananarivo. Head back to Antananarivo. Upon arrival we explore the city, including old buildings that once belonged to the royal court, its colonial architecture, and a flower market. Overnight IC Hotel or similar. (B) |
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Day 16: | Antananarivo. Tour ends. (B) |
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
Environment
This tour focuses largely on the wonderful national parks of Madagascar, which are home to many species found nowhere else on earth. By visiting these parks we contribute to crucial conservation and research projects designed to ensure the long term well being of the wildlife that lives here. We work with local guides in the parks who know the areas well – these are from the communities that surround the parks and this therefore ensures that these vital areas are seen not just as the preserve of wealthy western tourists but as a valuable source of employment and income for local people, thus further contributing to conservation and acting as a discouragement to unsustainable use of the parks’ resources. We issue guidelines to our travellers about the importance of leaving these parks as they were, and taking all litter out when we leave.
We work with our local suppliers to highlight best practice in terms of environmental issues, an important effort in a country where the environment is often taken for granted and green thinking is largely absent.
Community
On this tour we visit Anja Reserve, a community run reserve with good and easily visible populations of ring tailed lemurs. The proceeds from the reserve are channelled back to the local community, thus providing them with a valuable source of local income as well as an incentive to preserve Madagascar’s precious wildlife.
We visit a number of areas that are considered sacred to local people on this tour. We use local guides from these regions, who are able to explain to us the cultures and customs and ensure that we do not unwittingly offend the local people, many of whom have very complex social beliefs. The Malagasy believe in fady – taboos – which can often seem bewildering to outsiders and may differ from village to village, and we believe that it detrimental to both visitors and hosts to transgress these.
Our philosophy is to only use small and locally owned suppliers, meaning that the income remains within the country and creates a real economic contribution. We also feel that the passion inherent within such suppliers means that your experience will be enhanced. We also try to engage with our suppliers on an equal basis – getting the lowest possible price usually isn’t the best outcome for local communities and is ultimately unsustainable. We aim to always treat our suppliers fairly and with respect; they are after all part of the key to our success and to us working together is much more than just a business arrangement, but an ongoing relationship that we aim to ensure truly benefits everyone involved.
We believe that tourism is a double edged sword that needs to be wielded very carefully. Our philosophy is to have a limited amount of departures – usually between one and three a year - for each of our itineraries. By limiting our presence in areas where local culture can be quite fragile, we hope to avoid as much as possible the phenomenon whereby an area changes in character due to repeated and prolonged exposure to tourism. We want to visit an area as friends, not intruders and to ensure that what we see will also be there for others to enjoy for many years to come.
We only employ local staff and unlike many operators we believe that to send a foreign Tour Leader along to accompany your trip is an unnecessary burden on your wallet and our carbon footprint. We believe that locals know best. Our local operators only use locally owned accommodation. This means your money stays in the area to benefit the local community. When possible we use local transport, (i.e. rail or bus) and we always use local restaurants, markets and shops and encourage our clients to interact both financially and socially with the communities that they are passing through. In doing this your travels are supporting and encouraging the development of local services.
We only work with operators who are as committed as we are to putting something back into the communities we visit. This may include giving a percentage of the profits from each tour to a foundation to help street children or local conservation projects. Furthermore, in order to allow our clients to make an informed decision on where a greater proportion of their money should be spent, we avoid including pre-paid full board meals where possible. Local restaurants and cafes then benefit.
Our groups average only six clients, and many tours operate on a private basis with just two travellers. This has much less impact when travelling through rural areas, reducing our environmental and social affects. Finally to emphasise our commitment to Responsible Tourism all clients will receive a copy of our Travellers Code of Conduct with their travel documents.
