OVERVIEW
Fly from Antananarivo to Fort Dauphin and then depart for Berenty reserve, you will discover lemurs; birds; spiny forest and Nahampoana reserve to offer you the best of the botanical garden in Madagascar, short visit of Fort Dauphin before flying back to Antananarivo. Depart to discover the best of the RN7, Ambatolampy and visit the aluminum foundry, visit Antsirabe city and its handcrafts, the thermal, visit Ambositra wood-carving workshop, visit Ranomafana National Park to see the golden bamboo lemur. Continuation to Fianarantsoa and visit its beautiful old town where you will discover the six churches with beautiful spot views of the city. Depart for Ambalavao and visit the Antemoro paper, embroideries and silks, short visit of Ambalavao city characterized by its old colonial houses decorated with different shapes of the veranda. Visit Anja reserve to see the famous ring-tailed Lemurs, chameleons, and geckos. Crossing the plateau of Ihorombe, visit Isalo National Park, including the deep canyons, the natural swimming pools where you will discover lemurs, scorpions, endemic birds... Reach Isalo Natural windows to see the sun set. Depart for Ilakaka, the sapphire village, then reaches Toliara, along the road you are going to see the Mahafaly tombs and the Baobabs. Depart to Ifaty, visit the renal reserve, possibility of diving, snorkeling, big game fishing and whale watching. Fly from Toliara to Antananarivo and visit Ambohimanga Kings Palace or the Queen Palace.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover the ethnic group Antandroy’s daily life and its cultures
• Discover Berenty Private & Nahampoana reserves
• Discover Fort Dauphin
• Discover the dry vegetation of the Southern part
• Highlands Landscapes, the serpent’s hills, the plains, the rice fields
• Highlands’ house architectural and its red bricks
• The various ethnic groups, its cultures and arts ...
• The national parks and reserve (Ranomafana, Anja and Isalo N.P)
• Dry landscape of the most Southern part and the plateau of Horombe
• The multicolored graves Mahafaly and its Aloalo The majestic Baobabs
• The tropic of Capricorn and Tuléar
• Ifaty and its beautiful beach + activities (Diving; snorkeling; Reniala reserve …)
• Ambohimanga Kings Palace (UNESCO SITE)
DATES; PRICES & REGISTRATION DATES 2023
The price indicated is per person sharing room (DBL or TWIN), it is based on 4 Persons + 1 private assistant/guide during the whole tour; if more, we will send you the final price at the confirmation.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions:
• Private Meet & greet at Antananarivo international airport
• Return private transfers from/in airport/hotel
• Private vehicle with a driver (Fuel included)
• Private tour guide English speaking.
• Accommodations in standard DOUBLE/TWIN room with private sanitary
• All meals as specified
• Entrance Parks/reserve and local guide fees
• One bottle of mineral water per person
• The domestic flight tickets in economic class (DECOUVERTE OFFER / LL1)
• Antananarivo/Fort Dauphin
• Fort Dauphin/Antananarivo
• Toliara/Antananarivo
• Taxes, VAT and the service fees
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Exclusions:
• All international flight costs and visa fees or assistance unless otherwise specified .
• Tips; drinks; personal expense and none specified items.
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Ticket Flight Condition:
• COUP DE COEUR (EL1): Nonrefundable and non modifiable rate after issuing the ticket flight
• DECOUVERTE OFFER (LL1): Nonrefundable and modifiable rate with penalty of € 18/person after issuing the ticket flight
• LIBERTE (YL1): Refundable and modifiable rate with penalty of € 18/person after issuing the ticket fligh
• PRIVILEGE (CL1): Refundable and modifiable rate with penalty of € 18/person after issuing the ticket flight
JOINING TOUR ABROAD
13 days/12 nights: From Antananarivo to Antananarivo.
Fixed date departure: This is a group tour then you cannot customize the predefined itinerary, but you can modify your accommodation according to your needs (There may be an extra charge so please contact us)
Wish to privatize this tour? You can privatize and customize this itinerary, choose your travel dates, your accommodations, meal plans and budget according to your needs. Talk to our destination specialists to find out more about this trip and to get advice on whether it is the best one you’re your specific requirements and interests. We guarantee the lowest price guarantee.
Day 1: Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar. Meet and greet at Antananarivo international airport by GMT+3 Tour guide English speaking and then transfer to your hotel in Antananarivo city.
BREAKFAST: - | LUNCH: - | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 2: Antananarivo – Fort Dauphin by plane & Fort Dauphin – Berenty (90km +/- 3h drive)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Fort Dauphin. Upon arrival, you will meet and then depart to Berenty though our trip takes slightly longer due to a tire blowout that almost causes us to leave the road and get up close and personal with the spiny forest. The drive is interesting taking you from the mountainous tropical forests and rice paddies of Fort Dauphin through a transitional vegetation zone (with the rare triangular palms Neodypsis decary) to the flat, dry spiny forest that is unique to this part of Madagascar. Virtually every plant in this ecosystem is coated in thorns and is well adapted to retaining moisture that is so rare in this climate. Along the road we pass some small villages selling charcoal made from the spiny forest tree Alluaudia. Use of the spiny forest for charcoal is the biggest threat to this special ecosystem. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 3: Berenty
After breakfast, visit berenty reserve which its large populations of Ringtails, Brown Lemurs and Verreaux’s’ Sifakas, the private Berenty Nature Reserve is probably the country’s best known protected area. The reserve contains nearly a third of the remaining tamarind gallery forest in Madagascar and is the best place on the island to see Ringtail Lemurs and Verreaux’s Sifakas. These large white lemurs are among nature’s most accomplished acrobats, hurling themselves across vast distances between the tamarind trees. In addition to lemurs, we may see civets and flying foxes (large fruit bats). The reserve is one of the best bird watching sites in the country with 83 different species, including nine birds of prey. In the evening, we have the exciting opportunity to go on a night walk in search of the nocturnal Grey Mouse and White-footed Lemurs. The reserve protects both spiny bush and dry tamarind woodland, along the Mandrare River. The guides are among the best in Madagascar, but it is easy (and permitted) to follow the broad trails on our own.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Included | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Days 4: : Berenty – Fort Dauphin (90km +/- 3h drive)
After breakfast, depart to Fort Dauphin. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, depart to visit Nahampoana private, an old French botanical garden and research center well-maintained, formerly named Garden of Acclimatization, covers an area of 50 hectares. Good hiking trails wind through the vegetation typical of the east and south of Madagascar. Amongst the many exotic plants which can be found in the park are the Ravenala Palm, Pachypodium, Madagascar Pitcher Plant, Oil Palm, Canela Cinnamon, Lemon Eucalyptus, young Baobab Trees, and the conifer Arokaria, as well as the Triangle Palm Tree which exists in Madagascar only around the area of Fort Dauphin. Every lemur species native to the south of Madagascar lives in this park. During the early morning hours various groups of lemurs, such as Verreaux's Sifaka, Ring-tailed Lemur or Brown Lemur, usually play in the trees and on the ground near the old colonial style building. Other animals in the park include chameleons, tortoises, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birds. After the visit, driver back to your hotel.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 5: Fort Dauphin – Antananarivo by plana & Antananarivo – Antsirabe (170km +/- 4h drive)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and then depart direclty to Antsirabe “Malagasy Vichy” by the famous national road number 7 through the typical landscape of the High land such as: rice fields in terraces, red brick houses with thatched roofs... Continue toward Ambatolampy to visit the craft aluminum foundry which produces cookware like pots, spoons, forks that makes its reputation. Nearby, other workshops are dedicated to producing "football games" featuring the best international football teams. Reach Antsirabe and upon arrival, check in at your hotel and then visit the city, discover Independence Avenue, and its beautiful garden, rail station and the old post office. Continuing to Mr. Mamy and his workshop of miniaturized rickshaw, cars, and bicycles will amaze you. Visit at the same time Mrs. Maminirina and her zebus’ horn workshop that you can see demonstration how it makes. Finally, day will be ended with the visit of the Malagasy’s candy shop manufactured by Mr. Marcel. After the visit, drive back to the hotel...
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle & Regular flight
Day 6: Antsirabe – Ranomafana (265km +/- 8h)
After breakfast, depart for Ambositra which is the capital of Malagasy wood crafts by the famous RN7 dominated by the green landscapes. Upon arrival, you are going to visit some handcraft workshops to see craftsmen working, marquetry and sculptures made from precious woods like Rosewood, Palissandre and Ebony woods. Visit the finished products before having lunch. Continue to reach Ranomafana National Park. Leave the highlands and enter the rainforest area. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and have a night walk before dinner.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 7: Ranomafana – Fianarantsoa (70km +/- 2h)
Transfer to Ranomafana National Park, try to see in the wild the endemic lemurs which are the greater Bamboo and the Golden bamboo; you may see other lemurs' species as the black and white ruffed; the common brown; Milne Edward's sifaka ... Please note that Ranomafana National Park homes more than 100 birds and the Henst Accipiter henstii which is the top one; the Nelicourvi Weaver and Madagascar White-eye… Five species of viverrids, reptiles, lizards, butterflies, and other insects have been recorded in this park. The area is covered with forests. In the higher areas, the trees are festooned with mosses and lichens. After the visit, have lunch then depart for Fianarantsoa. Upon arrival, visit the famous workshop of the photograph Mr. Pierrot Men and his black & white post card, visit the old town, and admire the beautiful colonial architecture and the six beautiful churches. Drive back to your hotel after the visit.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 8: : Fianarantsoa – Ranohira (280km +/- 7h drive)
After breakfast, depart for Ranohira, via the colonial town of Ambalavao to see some beautiful colonial architecture and the famous Antemoro paper and silk factory. Walk to discover its beautiful verandah which makes them different with its old colonial houses. Reach anja community reserve, located 12km south of Ambalavao, has dedicated itself to cultural preservation in the region. It is the most visited community managed forest and ecotourism site in Madagascar that guest can easily see and photograph the ring-tailed lemurs, chameleons, snakes, and birds. In the other side, Anja is also a rich cultural site, preserving ancient tombs from the previous two centuries. Guests can see two Betsileo tombs on the short loop. Funeral processions require the dead to be tied to a hand-made ladder, and then pulled by a natural rope that is found in the reserve, tenina Imperata cylindrical, and a thick herb with small white flowers is used to create the needed cord. After the visit, depart for Ranohira via the plateau of Horombe and a very unusual landscape. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Berenty Forest Lodge
TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 9: Ranohira
After breakfast, transfer to the entrance Park to discover Isalo National Park fauna and its flora. Isalo massif is a plateau of continental stoneware dating from the Jurassic. Strongly affected, the only batons split by the sandy valleys and the canyons live: an exceptional show. Today, we are going to begin the visit with the natural green swimming pool and reach Namaza site. You will enjoy the panoramic views, rice fields, cliffs made an incision by gorges. We will cross the luxuriant gorges, marked by its exceptional flora of the rain forest and by its numerous groups of Lemurs. We also find birds, butterflies, lizards and maybe scorpions. Reach the blue and black pool through the deep Canyon. After the visit, back to the car park and then drive back to Ranohira and then to your hotel. Around 4pm, depart to Isalo natural windows to admire the sun set. Back to your hotel after sun set and relax after the long day.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Berenty Forest Lodge
TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Days 10: Ranohira – Toliara – Ifaty (275km +/- 5h drive)
After breakfast, depart to Tuléar, we pass by to Ilakaka, the famous sapphire village in Madagascar. Along the way, see Mahafaly tombs with totems carved from Aloalo and the famous Baobabs. On arrival, transfer to Ifaty and then check in at your hotel.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 11: Ifaty
Free days at leisure to relax on the beach or discover Ifaty by your own.
ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE IN IFATY
THE RENIALA RESERVE HALF DAY TOUR
Reniala Private Reserve is a small protected area of only 60 ha which is a spiny forest. It homes more than 2000 plants species (many of them local endemic), some spectacular and very old baobabs (there is a giant baobab of 12.5 m diameter). Reniala includes a botanical trail and a bird sanctuary. It is a paradise place for birders because can easily observe some very rare endemic species, such as the long-tailed ground roller, the subdesert mesite, the red-capped coua or the blue vanga. There are 65 bird species in total within the reserve. Visitors can also spot mammals including the grey-mouse lemur, one the smallest primates, and some carnivorous reptiles, like the threatened radiated and spider tortoises, warty chameleons, lizards, and snakes.
DIVING & SNORKELING
Ifaty offers a great site for diving and snorkeling. Madagascar Sport Concept is a PADI diving school offering scuba diving lessons, PADI (open water diver) courses and recreational dives in the Tuléar region of Ifaty.
SEA TOUR BY CANOE - HALF DAY TOUR
Sailing by pirogue in the lagoon, on the Great Barrier Reef - the boatmen usually offer you a full day: snorkeling in the morning and picnic with lobster in Ambolimailaka, where we witness the arrival of the Vezo fishermen, dozens of dugout canoes.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 12: Ifaty – Toliara (25km +/- 30 minutes) & Toliara – Antananarivo by plane (+/- 2h10 flight)
Free morning at the leisure and then transfer to the airport in Toliara for your flight to Antananarivo. Meet and then transfer to your hotel in town.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: On Request
TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 13: Antananarivo
Pick up at your hotel/home address and then depart to Ambohimanga Kings Palace also known as Blue Hill, located about 17 km from Antananarivo main city. Built on one of the twelve sacred hills surrounding Antananarivo, the Hill of Ambohimanga is the birthplace of the Merina kingdom, which is as a sacred city by the veneration of the royal tombs, different places of worship such as royal pools, sacrifice stones, was prohibited to foreigners and pigs. On the top the hill which is a walled enclosure containing the box where lived the King Andrianampoinimerina from 1788-1810 whose aim is the reunification of Imerina. It has a commanding view of Antananarivo city and even the international airport. This fortress consists of fourteen stones portals which seven are outside and seven are located inside the village. This large stone wheel is still visible at the entrance of the village of Ambohimanga, which was opened and closed by at least a dozen men from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. The enclosure wall was covered with a coating based on egg white. It is found in the royal city, the original palace that you will find all objects used during these times and the winter palace built by Jean Laborde and all gifts from other countries. There is as well an enclosure for beef, two sacred pools, four royal tombs and the public square. Ambohimanga is the only site which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It retains its atmosphere of spirituality and sacredness through ancestor worship and traditional rituals. After the visit, drive to the airport for your international flight home.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: - | ACCOMMODATION: -
TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
WALKING GRADES & FITNESS
Grading is a somewhat difficult topic as much depends on the individual's own perception of his or her abilities. The following is intended as a general guide to our walking grades. This tour is rated medium so everyone can join it. We will usually involve easy walks (2 to 6 hours/day) at low altitudes (below 2000m). Some previous hill walking experience would be beneficial but these walks should be within the capabilities of those who lead a normal active life.
GENERAL INFO
Area: 594,180 sq km.
Population: 24,890,189.
Language: French, Malagasy.
Religion: Christian, Muslim.
Local Time: GMT +3
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220V, 50Hz, two pin round plug.
Recommended Maps: Freytag & Berndt 1:2,000,00 Madagascar.
Recommended Books: Bradt Guide: Madagascar, Dervla Murphy: Muddling through Madagascar, G. Durrell: The Aye-aye and I, D. Attenborough: Zoo Quest to Madagascar, I. Sinclair: Birds of the IndianOcean Islands, I. Tattersall: The Primates of Madagascar.
SEASON & CLIMATE
The climate is tropical, but very cold in the highlands (dropping as low as 5°C at night in July/August in Antananarivo). The dry season is March to October continuing into November in most areas. The southwest area is hot, dry and semi-arid. November (spring) is generally the best time for wildlife and birds, but lemurs can be viewed all year round. Additional information and climate charts can be accessed here.
The western coast of Madagascar is much drier than the eastern coast. In general, we can say the climate here is dry tropical. During the dry months between May and November it does not rain at all and the temperatures are pleasant (20 to 25°C on average). Between December and April it can rain torrentially or just a couple of showers, depending on the area and the year. The northern area is greener and indeed considerably wetter than the south. The hottest months are March, April, November and December, when the average temperature is 30° C or even more.
FORMALITIES
VISA REQUIRMENTS:
The visa is always free for an holidays less than month and subject to change. We will confirm you before your arrival. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of return.
All visitors must obtain a tourist visa (maximum duration 3 months).
This costs approximately 25.00 Euro per person and can be obtained in any Madagascar Embassy or upon arrival at the international airports of Antananarivo, Diego Suarez, and Nosy Be or in Tamatave (Toamasina). Return International flight tickets.
VACCINATIONS & PROTECTIONS:
Please consult your doctor when planning your journey: Malaria is present in most parts of Madagascar. Some form of anti malarial is recommended. Always use mosquito repellent and avoid being bitten. Vaccinations against tetanus, cholera and yellow fever are recommended. Bring your usual medicines because they may not be available in Madagascar.
In top Urgency, GMT+3 works with specialist doctors to assure and assist you before your evacuation.
INSURANCE:
We recommend you to see a Travel insurance to secure your holidays in Madagascar. You must take your policy document with you on tour and it should state in writing that you are the named policyholder and that the cover is valid for your period of travel. Your policy document must also indicate that you have medical expenses and emergency repatriation cover and a 24-hour contact telephone number for your Insurance Company must be shown on your documentation in case of emergency.
MONEY
CREDIT CARDS & TRAVELERS CHEQUES:
Credit cards are still not used widely in Madagascar. However, they are accepted in big cities, international hotels and in the banks of all cities. You will find ATMs in most main cities, where you can withdraw Ariary. VISA and MASTERCARD are most commonly accepted cards. It is also useful to bring some Travelers Cheques or cash in Euros or US dollars. AMERICAN EXPRESS is seldom accepted outside of Antananarivo. Please note that $100 date 1996 bills are not accepted (better from 2006 dated)
TIPPING:
Tips are expected for most services. The size of the tip depends on your satisfaction but 5 to 10 % is an acceptable level. We suggest that you plan on average 10 Euros per person per day for a guide. Remember that wages are very low in Madagascar so be careful not to over tip and create unreasonable expectations for other travelers
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT TO BRING
LUGGAGES:
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company. Please note that 20kg per person is allowed for the internal flight.
CLOTHING:
Given the variations of day and night temperature, and the changes of altitude between the highlands and the coast, we recommend that you dress in layers. Bring light clothes but have additional layers (fleece, pullover, jacket, windbreaker or raincoat). Make sure you have long sleeves and long trousers to protect against mosquitoes in early morning and dusk.
PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT:
On each tourt a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials. Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the tour leader. See the list in the General Information Booklet for more information. A good pair of sunglasses is essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes. Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve.
Choose a high factor sun cream (Factor 30 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sun block/ lip salve are ideal for facial protection. A head torch is essential for NOCTURNAL visit. Remember to bring some spare batteries and a bulb. Sun screen and insect repellent. Make sure you have enough camera film and spare batteries, as both are difficult to obtain locally. Bring a beach towel and swimming costume.
