This tour is the lowest price guarantee for the tour western tour of Madagascar. Tsiribihina river trip, visit of the Tsingy of Bemaraha, kirindy private reserve, the sacred baobabs, the baobabs in love and the avenue, sun set in the baobabs avenue and then relax in Morondava, visit Betania fishermen village and Kimony Beach before driving back to Antsirabe before Antananarivo. We use the local transport or the taxi-brousse from Antananarivo to Miandrivazo and then Masiakampy, the place that you are going to embark to your private pirogue trip along Tsiribihina river. Discover Anosin’ampela waterfall where you will see some lemurs. Meet the local people in Begidro village, discover the tobacco industry. You will discover the Baobabs along the river trip. You may see endemic birds, turtles, and crocodiles. Navigation to Antsirarake and disembark, reach Tsimafana with your 4WD and then ferry to Belo sur Tsiribihina, have lunch and then continue to Bekopaka via Manambolo river, 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 and Morondava city. Taxi-brousse from Morondava to Antsirabe, city tour by tuk tuk to discover the independence avenue, the old post office and train station, the thermal and the handcrafts before taking the taxi-brousse from Antsirabe to Antananarivo. Visit Ambohimanga Kings Palace or the Queen Palace.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover the western landscape.
• Private pirogue trip 3 days /2 nights along the Tsiribihina river.
• Discover of lemurs: Sifaka, the Elémur fulvus rufus, the Vasa Perrot.
• The eagle Pigargue of Madagascar, groups of bat, Heron white and ashed teals, egrets ...
• Meet the local people along the river
• Tsingy of Bemaraha: World heritage natural and Heritage Cultural National (UNESCO SITE).
• The Kirindy reserve and its famous 6 nocturnal + 2 diurnal lemurs & the foussa
• The sacred baobabs, the baobab in love, the Baobabs avenue and the unforgettable sun set ...
• Morondava city tour (Betania fishermen village and Kimony Beach)
• Antsirabe city tour
• Ambohimanga Kings Palace (UNESCO SITE)
The price indicated is per person sharing room (DBL or TWIN), it is based on 4 Persons + 1 tour guide English speaking during the whole tour; if more, the price decreases for sure. We will let you for the final confirmation.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions:
• Private Meet & greet at Antananarivo international airport
• Return private transfers from/in airport/hotel
• All ferry fees
• The transportation during the tour
1) Taxi-brousse: Antananarivo/Antsirabe/Miandrivazo/Masiakampy & Morondava/Antananarivo
2) 4WD Private vehicle with a driver (Fuel included): Antananarivo & End of the river trip/Bekopaka/Kirindy/Morondava
• The private tour guide English speaking durnig the whole tour
• Accommodations in standard DOUBLE/TWIN room with private sanitary
• The meals as specified
• Cruise 3 Days/2 nights on Tsiribihina River by pirogue (We provide the tents; sleeping bags; matrass; cook; Tour guide English speaking; porter and local taxes)
• Entrance Parks/reserve and local guide fees
• The day trip as specified
Exclusions:
• All international flight costs and visa fees or assistance unless otherwise specified.
• Tips; drinks; personal expense and none specified items.
JOINING TOUR ABROAD
12 days/11 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
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.
Day 2: Antananarivo - Miandrivazo (385km +/- 8h drive)
Early pick up at your hotel by your private tour guide. Transfer to the taxi-brousse station and then depart for Miandrivazo. Discover the famous typical landscape of the High land such as: rice fields in terraces, brick houses with thatched roofs... Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and make a short visit of Miandrivazo small city.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel TRANSPORATION: Taxi-Brousse
Day 3: Miandrivazo – Masiakampy – Tsiribihina river trip
After breakfast, transfer to Masiakampy by taxi-brousse and then embark to the pirogue (canoe) to enjoy the first day on the Tsiribihina River, discovering beautiful scenery, birds, and wildlife. Picnic lunch will be served on the riverbank or in the canoe, we are going to enter the gorge and reach the campsite Anosin’ampela. You may see some lemurs close to the campsite.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Included | DINER: Included | ACCOMMODATION: Tents TRANSPORATION: Taxi-Brousse and private pirogue
Day 4: Tsiribihina river trip
Take fresh bath to the waterfall and try to spot the lemurs before breakfast. Enjoy the second day on the Tsiribihina River. After one hour of navigation, you reach Begidro village and walk around to meet local people; discover this old colonial city with its old tobacco industry. After the visit, embark to your pirogue and depart to reach the campsite; along the river, you are going to discover the beautiful landscape and some endemic birds. First spot of the Baobabs along the river. Arriving at the campsite around 5pm. Tonight, folklore dinner to welcome you by the people from the village.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Included | DINER: Included | ACCOMMODATION: Tents TRANSPORATION: private pirogue
Day 5: Tsiribihina river - Antseraraky - Bekopaka (110km +/- 6h drive)
After breakfast, you will enjoy the final day on the river. Upon arrival in Antserarake, disembark and meet our 4WD, reach Saint Marie/Tsimafana and crossing the Tsiribihina River by ferry to Belo sur Tsiribihina. Upon arrival, disembark and then have lunch in the local restaurant. Depart around 1pm to reach the Manambolo River and then cross it by ferry to able to join Bekopaka. Upon arrival, transfer to the campsite and relax after the long day.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Included | DINER: Included | ACCOMMODATION: Tents TRANSPORATION: private pirogue & private 4WD
Day 6: Bekopaka
Depart to visit the Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park and starting the visit with the Manambolo Gorge. It is a return canoe trip from/to Andadoany and along the gorge combined with an easier path through the caves to discover the stalactites, the stalagmites, and the famous family tomb of the Vazimba tribe. Continuation to the Big Tsingy which is located at 15km from Bekopaka. This is probably the most rewarding half-day trip within the park as it goes deep into the limestone forest, passing through the caves, climbing the cliff to reach the viewpoint of the stingy, reaches the hanging bridge with the impressive formations below your feet. During the visit, you may spot a sport lemur, the Decken's sikafa, the Ring tailed Mongoose; the giant Coua (Coua gigas) and other species for sure. Continue to the Cathedral and time to have picnic lunch. Reach the car park and drive back to Bekopaka.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Included | DINER: Included | ACCOMMODATION: Tents TRANSPORATION: private pirogue & private 4WD
Day 7: Bekopaka - Kirindy reserve (125km +/- 5h drive)
After breakfast, depart directly to reach Belo sur Tsiribihina with the same road. Have lunch and then cross the Tsiribihina river by ferry. Continue to Kirindy reserve and check in at your lodge. Night walk to spot the 6 nocturnal lemur species and other nocturnal animals before dinner.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: hotel TRANSPORATION: Private 4WD
Day 8: Kirindy - Morondava (75km +/- 3h drive)
Today, you are going to visit the Kirindy reserve. It homes one of the most outstanding and threatened wildlife habitats in Madagascar: the dry deciduous forest, whose extension has been reduced to 3 per cent of their original extent. Dominated by majestic baobab trees (you will discover a male Baobab) and a forest canopy of even 14 m altitude, this protected area of approximate 100 square kilometers is the only place where the world's smallest known primate, the giant jumping rat, occurs. Try to spot in the wild the red fronted brown lemurs and the Verreaux's sifakas. Several bats, tenrecs, mongooses, and rodents complete the mammal population. 40 birds, 50 reptiles and 15 amphibian species are also found in this magnificent forest. Kirindy reserve is well known on its foussa and we try to find it too. Depart to visit the sacred baobabs, the baobabs in love and then the baobabs avenue, wait for the sun set then depart to Morondava.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel TRANSPORATION: Private 4WD
Day 9: 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, reach Kimony beach then you can swim or just relax. Back in Morondava in the mid-afternoon.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel TRANSPORATION: Private pirogue & 4WD
Day 10: Morondava – Antsirabe (526km +/- 10h drive)
Early breakfast; transfer to the taxi-brousse station for your taxi-brousse to Antsirabe via Mahabo; Malaimbandy; Miandrivazo; Mandoto; Betafo and then Antsirabe. Upon arrival, tuk tuk ride to your hotel.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel TRANSPORATION: Taxi-brousse
Day 11: Antsirabe - Antananarivo (170km +/- 4h drive)
Today, you are going to visit Antsirabe old colonial city by tuk tuk to discover the old Church, the thermal, the Independence Avenue, the train and the post office stations. Some handcraft workshops are available to buy souvenirs as well. Have lunch and then depart by taxi-brousse to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
BREAKFAST: Included | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | ACCOMMODATION: Hotel TRANSPORATION: Taxi-Brousse
Day 12: Antananarivo
After breakfast, depart for Ambohimanga Kings Palace which is located at 22 km from Antananarivo, 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 a large stone disc 4m in diameter rolled closed every night and open every morning by dozens of men. After the visit, continuation to the Digue market, the place for handcrafts Malagasy that you will be able buy some souvenirs. Transfer 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
-
-
Niaouly hotel
2
Miandrivazo
-
-
Arc en Ciel
3 & 4
Tsiribihina
-
Camping
5 & 6
Bekopaka
-
-
Camping
7
Kirindy
-
-
Kirindy Lodge
8 & 9
Morondava
-
-
Havana Hotel
10
Antsirabe
-
-
Hasina Hotel
11
Antananarivo
-
-
Niaouly Hotel
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.
