Madagascar - A Living Eden
Cut off from the African mainland over 100 million years ago, the flora and fauna of Madagascar's forests have evolved independently. Nearly eighty percent of its species exist nowhere else on earth. Twelve thousand species of plants and 45 percent of its 270 bird species are endemic. You travel in search of this amazing and unique biodiversity and seek to understand the traditions and complicated belief systems of the people. The island remains one of the most beautiful, mysterious, and fascinating places on earth. During your visit you meet with many of the specialists from the conservation programs working to preserve much of Madagascar's wonderful natural heritage. You also discover Madagascar's rich history from the original settlements of the Indonesian, Malaysian and African peoples, tribal development, European discovery, and its transition to a contemporary republic.
Day 1
DEPART THE U.S.
Day 2
ANTANANARIVO
Upon your arrival into Antananarivo you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Days 3-4
ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK
Visit the historically important buildings in the old part of Antananarivo where you learn of the city's complex and often hair-raising history. Afterwards, drive from Antananarivo to Andasibe on a paved road on the high plateau passing rice fields, mountains, typical brick and tile-roofed architecture and local food markets.
Andasibe National Park lies in a region of low hills covered by degraded forest and is punctuated by a couple of beautiful small lakes. Mantadia National Park and Analamazoatra (or Perinet) Special Reserve are two protected areas of the wilderness. While here you take day and night walks in each reserve. The Analamazaotra Reserve is home to the largest lemur, the Indri, which stands one meter high. The Indri call is astounding and can be heard by other troops over a mile away just after daybreak and shortly before dusk. Mantadia National Park is a naturalist's goldmine, with many seldom-seen species of mammals, reptiles and birds. You are staying at a wonderful lodge in the heart of the forest. Get settled in your comfortable and thoughtfully-designed bungalows situated next to the lodge's swimming pool.
Day 5
ANTANANARIVO
Return to Antananarivo in the afternoon for an overnight.
Day 6
ANTSIRABE
Today you visit the local Akany Avoko, a forty-year-old refuge for those in need. One of the goals of Akany Avoko is to teach self-sufficiency for impoverished or abandoned youth. Afterwards, you drive four hours south to Antsirabe, a journey that takes you through scenery of the highlands with typical villages of the Merina people and rice fields.
Days 7-9
RANOMAFANA
Ride rickshaws through town then drive toward Ambositra (about one hour from Antsirabe), a place renowned for its intricate woodcarving inspired by the Zafimanin people who live south of this area but began this style of carving before the French arrived in Madagascar in 1886. While here you take day and night walks in the Ranomafana Reserve, home to the rare Milne-Edwards Sifaka and the Red-fronted Brown lemur. The reserve is in a lush montane rainforest and always green due to continuous rain during the year. Medicinal plants are found throughout the reserve including three kinds of ginger: white-, red- and yellow-flowered. You also have the opportunity to walk around the quaint town of Ranomafana and visit the thermal springs.
Days 10-11
ISALO NATIONAL PARK
Head onward to Isalo stopping en-route to visit a workshop for the making of Antaimoro paper. The papyrus-like paper, made of Avoha bark, was originated by Arabs who migrated to the region. Originally used for copying verses from the Quran, today the beautiful paper is said to be endowed with magic power and is now sold as a craft and is enhanced by colorful native flowers. Afterwards visit the grassroots village reserve of Anja for a visit to see Ring-tailed Lemurs.
Drive on to Isalo National Park this afternoon where you explore the Park looking for kestrels on rocks and overhangs and the Madagascar coucal which inhabits the mango trees and Pandanus palms. Have lunch at the hotel and relax this afternoon before taking a short drive to enjoy the sunset at the "Window of Isalo," a beautifully shaped rock formation.
Your luxurious hotel was built into the rocks on the edge of Isalo National Park. There is a wonderful swimming pool, restaurant and horse-riding facilities here.
Days 12-13
IFATY
Today you head to the west coast passing through Ilakaka, the mining town for sapphires founded in 1998. In this town reminiscent of the "Wild West," only Malagasy are given mining permits but individuals come from the Far East to buy the sapphires. In this arid southwest region lives the intriguing thorny Didiereaceae, an eccentric group of plants that are found only in Madagascar. Many of the southwest's spiny species are represented at the Arboretum d' Antsokay just before Tulear where you stop en-route to Ifaty. Upon arrival at the coast, you head north passing traditional "Vezo" (fishermen) villages and mangroves cropping up from the high tide. Arrive this afternoon at your beachside bungalows. While here you may snorkel (at additional expense), explore a nearby nature area known for unique birds and plants to this region or simply relax on the beach.
Days 14-16
BERENTY RESERVE
Today you fly to Ft. Dauphin and then drive to the world-renowned Berenty Reserve. This is one of the island's most dramatic drives as you pass through the rain forest and descend into an extremely arid ecosystem. You stop for a brief visit at an Antanosy tomb with its spectacular, unpainted wood carvings before continuing to your lodge.
Your comfortable wooden bungalows are inside the reserve with close access to a multitude of walking paths. Although it is situated in the arid southern end of Madagascar, this reserve benefits from the Mandrare River which creates a riverine forest and hosts a large variety of animals. In addition to the lemurs, you find boisterous fruit bats and nearly 60 species of birds. Of these species, there are some unique to Madagascar, including the hook-billed vanga as well as the crested coua and giant coua, both of which have dramatic blue face-markings. Also look for the cuckoo-like coucal, paradise flycatchers and grey-headed lovebirds. Placid ground boas and chameleons are also likely to be spotted. Spend your time here exploring the forest morning and night with your guide who discusses the local lemur species (especially Ring-tailed and Brown Lemurs) which you find more accessible here than in other major parks and forests of Madagascar. Visit the Antandroy ("people of the thorns") museum to learn about their history and customs.
Day 17
ANTANANARIVO
Driver back to Ft. Dauphin airport for your flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival into Antananarivo, you are met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon can be spent at leisure or visiting local craft shops prior to your early morning international departure.
Day 18
DEPART FOR U.S.
Depart for home.
Arrive back in the U.S. same day.
NOTE: This is just one example of many custom itineraries we can do for you in this diverse country.
GENERAL INFORMATION
There are no set departure dates for this trip. Please contact EXPLORE as to the time you would like to travel and we can book this itinerary or another customized itinerary for you.
Tour Includes:
All land transfers upon arrival in Madagascar; all activities and excursions listed in itinerary; entrance fees; all accommodation; all meals per itinerary; non-alcoholic beverages and beer with meals; bottled water throughout; porterage.
Tour Excludes:
U.S. domestic and international airfare; medical immunizations; passport and visa fees; airport departure taxes; accident/baggage/cancellation insurance; optional excursions or deviation from the scheduled tour; excess baggage charges; gratuities; medical expenses; meals not specified in the program itinerary or special meals not on the menu; dishes and beverages not part of included meals; alcoholic beverages (other than beer); laundry; telephone or fax charges; room service; and other items of a purely personal nature.
Other Trips:
13-Day Trip with Highlands Drive and Berenty
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