This tour is going to make you discover the best of Madagascar. Fly from Antananarivo to Morondava; meet then drive to the Baobabs avenue; continuation to the Kirindy reserve which is the best place to do the nocturnal visit because you are going to spot 6 nocturnal species and 2 diurnal lemurs’ species. Reach Bekopaka via 2 rivers which are the Tsiribihina & Manambolo. Visit the Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park to discover Manambolo Gorge, including the caves and the Vazimba tombs, the Big Tsingy and the hanging bridge, the caves and the cathedral. Depart to the Kirindy reserve to discover its amazing fauna and flora, male baobabs, the fossa, 8 lemurs species. Continuation to the baobabs in love and then to Morondava to relax before driving back to the Baobab avenue and with the sun set. Sun rises in the Baobab avenue and then visit Betania fishermen village, Morondava city and spot the milky way in the Baobabs avenue. Fly from Morondava to Antananarivo then depart to the East, visit the Peyreiras reserve and its endemic reptiles (Chameleons; geckos; frogs; bats; Butterflies and lemurs…). Visit Maromizaha National Park and Analamazotra to discover its fauna and flora. You will discover the biggest lemur; the golden or diademed Sifaka and another species. Visit Vakona reserve and begins with the Lemurs Island its famous lemurs (Black and white; brown; Ring tailed and bamboo lemurs…). Continuation to Manambato and then shuttle boat transfer to Akanin’ny Nofy or the nest of the dream. Visit Palmarium reserve to discover its amazing lemurs including the famous nocturnal endangered lemur (the AYE AYE); beaches; forests; scattered orchids including the Nepenthes. Visit the fishermen village Andranokoditra, just in front of the Indian Ocean. Shuttle boat transfer to Manambato and the drive back to Antananarivo. Visit Ambohimanga Kings Palace or the Queen Palace.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• 1st Malagasy site registers as Heritage World nature and National Cultural heritage.
• The karstic peaks extend over 157 710 Ha with 100 km long and 40 km wide.
• Spectacular pinnacles the access of which is extremely difficult.
• General Endemic of 86, 7 % and the regional endemism Eco 47 %.
• 11 species of lemurs are listed 5 families of bat.
• 103 species of birds listed on the directory.
• The directory of the reptiles and the amphibians is also wide 34 quite endemic species.
• The Tsingy of Bemaraha National has vegetation so original as endemic.
• 86 % of 650 botanical species listed on Bemaraha are endemic.
• The Baobabs sacred, in love and Alley wish its unforgettable sun set.
• The kirindy reserve and its famous 6 nocturnal lemurs.
• The Peyreiras reserve and its endemic reptiles.
• Vakona private reserve and its famous lemurs.
• Analamazotra reserve and the biggest lemur alive (Indri Indri) and other species.
• The Pangalanes Channel, a succession of natural streams 600 km long.
• Akanin' ny Nofy or the Dream nest and its lakes.
• The Palmarium reserve and its famous lemurs including the endangered nocturnal lemur Aye Aye.
• Ambohimanga Kings Palace (UNESCO SITE)
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
• All ferry fees
• Collective boat transfer Manambato/Akanin'ny Nofy/Manambato
• Private vehicle with a driver (Fuel included)
• The private tour guide English speaking durnig the whole tour
• Accommodations in standard DOUBLE/TWIN room with private sanitary
• The meals as specified
• Entrance Parks/reserve and local guide fees
• The domestic flight ticket Antananarivo/Morondava/Antananarivo (DECOUVERTE OFFER / LL1)
Exclusions:
• All international flight costs and visa fees or assistance unless otherwise specified.
• Tips; drinks; personal expense and none specified items.
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
12 days/11 nights: From Antananarivo to Antananarivo. This is a tailor-made wildlife safari and can be edited to suit your needs, wants and budget. 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.
Day 1: Antananarivo
Meet and greet at Antananarivo airport by GMT+3 representative and then transfer to your hotel in Antananarivo city. Briefing about your program and introducing the timing.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Morondava. Upon arrival, meet and then have lunch in the local restaurant then depart to the Baobabs Avenue, stop for photos, and then continue to Kirindy reserve. Check in at your hotel. Night walk in the kirindy reserve before dinner to discover the 6 nocturnal lemurs’ species: the rare Coquerel's giant mouse lemur and pygmy mouse-lemur, fork-crowned lemur, Gray mouse lemur, western fat-tailed dwarf lemur and red-tailed sportive lemur. Discover other nocturnal animals.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel TRANSPORATION: Regular flight & Private Vehicle
Day 3: Kirindy – Bekopaka (125km +/- 5h drive)
After breakfast, visit the Kirindy reserve. It homes one of the most outstanding and threatened wildlife habitats in Madagascar: we are trying to spot the red fronted brown lemur, the Verreaux's sifakas and the fossa which are the best highlights of Kirindy reserve. You will discover some endemic birds, turtles, and Baobabs. After the visit, depart for Tsimafana and embark of the ferry to reach Belo sur Tsiribihina. Time to have lunch and a short visit to the local market. Continue to Manambolo river via the landscape. Upon arrival, embark on your ferry and then disembark in Andadoany before going to your hotel.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Days 4: Bekopaka
After breakfast, depart to visit the Manambolo Gorge, it is a canoe trip along the gorge combined with an easier path through caves, stalactites, stalagmites, and the famous family tomb of the Vazimba tribe. After this visit, depart to discover the Big Tsingy with the local guide by 4WD. It is located 17km from your hotel and takes 1h15 minutes’ drive. Upon arrival, pout the harness for safety and the local guide briefs about the tour that we are going to enjoy. This is probably the most rewarding half-day trip within the park as it goes deep… into the limestone forest passing through several hanging bridges with the impressive karstic formations below your feet. You may spot a sport lemur, the Sifaka; the brown; the Ring-tailed Mongoose; the giant Coua (Coua gigas) and other species for sure. After the visit, go to the car park and then drive back to your hotel.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 5: Bekopaka – Morondava (200km +/- 8h drive)
After breakfast, depart for baobabs avenue with the same road, have lunch in Belo sur Tsiribihina local restaurant and then ferry to Tsimafana. Continue to the sacred baobabs, the baobabs in love and then to Baobabs Avenue. Wai the sun set before driving back to Morondava.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 6: Morondava
Breakfast and then depart by canoe to reach Betania village via the mangrove. Upon arrival, discover the multicolored pirogues along the beach, reach the village and meet local people to know more about their daily life; cultural. Back in Morondava and then visit the local market and reach Kimony Beach that you will be able to swim and relax. Back in Morondava in the mid-afternoon and sea food dinner at the local restaurant.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel TRANSPORATION: Private pirogue & 4WD
Day 7: Morondava – Antananarivo (1h15mins flight)
Free morning at leisure and then transfer to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, meet and then transfer to your hotel. Short visit of Antananarivo old town (the Queen Palace, the 360°view, Andohalo Catholic church, the middle and the down towns) before driving back to your hotel.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel TRANSPORATION: 4WD and Regular flight
Early breakfast and then depart for Manambato, leaving the humid forest behind you and enter to the real East. Upon arrival in Manambato, you will embark to your shuttle boat to join “Akanin’ny Nofy” or the nest of dreams and discover along the way the beautiful scenery. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel..
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Included | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle & boat
Day 9: Akanin'ny Nofy
Today, you are going to visit the Palmarium reserve to see lemurs, including the Indri Indri, the black and white ruffed and the macaco macaco, the various rare and endemic orchids, palm trees and carnivorous plants. The 50ha of littoral Forest protects a wide variety of palms; you will discover chameleons, frogs, birds, and colorful green lynx spiders and endemic plants cactus as well. Have lunch and in the afternoon, boat to the Andranokoditra fishermen village which is just in front of the Indian Ocean, meet the local people and visit this small village... Boat back to your hotel. Around 5pm, boat to the Aye Aye Island to see the endangered “Aye Aye”. Late dinner.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel TRANSPORATION: Boat
Day 10: Akanin’ny Nofy – Andasibe (1h15min boat transfer & 145km +/- 4h drive)
After breakfast, embark to your shuttle boat to reach Manambato. Upon arrival, depart for Andasibe with your private vehicle. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and then visit Vakona private reserve and begins with the lemurs Island, you are going to discover the brown, bamboo and the black and white lemurs, the time to have a wonderful time with them and you will be able to take a close picture with. Continuation to discover some crocodiles, endemic birds, some chameleons, turtles, and others. Nocturnal walks before dinner.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel TRANSPORATION: Boat & Private vehicle
Day 11: Andasibe – Antananarivo (170km +/- 4h drive)
After breakfast, visit Analamazotra reserve, which is a part of Andasibe National Park that you will discover diurnal lemurs and other animals. Travelers come in Andasibe to see the biggest lemur alive, which is the Indri Indri and other lemurs like the grey bamboo, the Diadema Sifaka, the common brown lemurs. You will discover orchids as well, some medicinal plants. Have lunch and then depart to reach the Peyreiras reserve or the Exotic Park and its discover its reptiles (Chameleons; geckos; frogs; bats; Butterflies and lemurs…). Continuation to Antananarivo and upon arrival, check in at your hotel.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Included | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 12: Antananarivo
After breakfast, depart for Ambohimanga Kings Palace, which is located at 22 km from Tana, it is the cradle of the Merina dynasty, the Mecca of the Merina Kingdom and the starting point for the unification of Imerina. This ancient royal city was reputed to be a sacred city where no foreigner could enter. There's a lot to admire in this place. From the entrance of the village, the old stone gate-shaped disc in the chamber, the royal box of Andrianampoinimerina, the summer palace of the queens, the Horse Park and sacred ponds. The enclosure is surrounded by a wall consisting mainly of egg whites in place of cement. The door to the east has “Ambatomitsangana” inscribed on it, and is actually a large stone disc 4m in diameter rolled closed every night and open every morning by dozens of men. After the visit, continue to the airport for your international flight.
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.
WE USE THE TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION BELOW FOR THIS TRIP
Do you like this trip and want to privatize it? You can modify the accommodation according to your needs. Please contact us!
DAYS
CITIES
LUXURY
MID-RANGE
BUDGET
1
Antananarivo
-
Sakamanga Hotel
-
2
Kirindy
-
Relais du Kirindy
-
3 & 4
Bekopaka
-
Olympe du Bemaraha
-
5 & 6
Morondava
-
Hotel Select
-
7
Antananarivo
-
Sakamanga Hotel
-
8 & 9
Akanin'ny Nofy
-
Palmarium hotel
-
10
Andasibe
-
Andasibe Lemurs Lodge
-
12
Antananarivo
-
-
-
Most of the hotels in Madagascar do not have the standard internationnal level, except some hotels in Antananarivo, Sainte Marie and Nosy Be but GMT+3 guarantees to find you the best hotels and accommodation for your budget. We will supply all of the necessary details for you to prepare your holidays and have a memorable stay in each hotel. Please note that in Madagascar, there is only one 5 star hotel, which is the Carlton Hotel in Antananarivo,. Once you leave the capital, the ranges of hotels are varied.
GMT+3 LUXURY (hotels/Lodges/guest house/Camping)
Wherever you stay in Madagascar, we will guarantee to find comfortable hotels, lodges or guesthouses with twin or single rooms and en suite facilities. Our hotels have air-conditioning/heating where appropriate and reliable hot and cold water. They generally have a very good level of service and mosthaveadded amenities such as a restaurant, bar, gardens or swimming pool.
These hotels usually have twin or single rooms with en suite facilities. They are generally standard, no-frills hotels with adequate amenities and service standards. Whilst comfort levels are perfectly acceptable to most, please don’t expect too much! These are often small, family-run establishments
GMT+3 BUDGET (hotels/Lodges/guest house/Camping)
These accommodations may be communal or dorm-style, and WC / washing facilities are usually shared. Running hot and cold water may be unreliable or even unavailable. However, these can be the most rewarding and memorable places to stay, despite the comfort levels being low.
SAINTE MARIE
Sainte Marie Island (Nosy Boraha) is situated on the East Coast of Madagascar. The most Beach tourist place after Nosy Be and known by its kilometrical sandy beaches shaded by coconut palms, bays and coves protected by coral reefs. Please note that the best beaches are located in the northern; western and in Islet aux Nattes. In the same time, you will like its lush vegetation and animals. In winter (from June to the end of September) the humpback whales (Megaptera) are present around Madagascar but the best place to spot is in Sainte Marie Island …
HOW TO GET THERE ?
Location: You need to return in Antananarivo first and then take the flight from Antananarivo to Sainte Marie or continuation to Tamatave and then to Soanierana Ivongo + speed boat to Sainte Marie. Transportation: by plane; vehicle & Speed boat
NOSY BE
Nosy Be island lying about 5 miles (8 km) off the northwestern shore of Madagascar. The name means “Big Island.” It is 19 miles (30 km) long, 12 miles (19 km) wide, and has an area of about 120 square miles (310 square km). Formed by volcanoes, the island is forested and has numerous craters and crater lakes. Its highest point is Mount Passot (1,079 feet [329 metres]). It has an annual rainfall of 78–118 inches (1,975–3,000 mm). The island’s products, chiefly sugar and oils for perfumery, also include rum, vanilla, black pepper, and bitter oranges. Nosy Be is the top beach destination in Madagascar with its surrounding islands remain paradise in the buff. A lot of activiies are available to make your holidays more Unforgettable .
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.
