Madagascar
Madagascar has always been a mysterious island. Its ever-changing features draw tourists and nature lovers who yearn for the unusual and unique and is the world’s 4th largest Island. A mountainous central 'spine' separates the permanently damp east from the drier west and sub-desert south.
The island has dramatically contrasting climatic zones and each region has its own complement of plants and decidedly odd animals. The island has its share of white sandy beaches and world class reefs. Once lost to the outside world, they were only visited by fishermen on their pole pirogues. Now they are major draw-cards for families, honeymooners and divers alike.
Madagascar is a “Third World” country and is definitely not a destination for everyone. There are no 5 star hotels and in places the accommodation and facilities are quite basic.
Madagascar Top Attractions:
Anjajavy: An excellent option if looking for a combination of natural history and upmarket secluded beach.
Ankarana Reserve: The "Lost World within the Lost World". Bizarre landscape 65-km south of Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) featuring a fortress-like limestone plateau decorated with fields of sharp pinnacles. Underneath are awesome caves, passages and subterranean rivers. Wildlife abounds in forested canyons. Ideally visited in combination with Montagne d'Ambre Reserve and Nosy Be.
Madagascar Classic Camp (MCC) at Mandrare River: Located near the Southern tip of Madagascar, a 4 hour drive from Fort Dauphin, Madagascar Classic Camping’s Mandrare River Camp offers both nature and culture, in a wonderful setting. This is a true luxury camping experience, with strong attention to local culture and ecotourism.
Berenty Reserve & Andohahela National Park: Magnificent diversity in the Fort Dauphin region, southeastern Madagascar. For sub-desert Lemurs you can't beat Berenty.
Mahajanga, Ampijoroa Forest Station: One of Madagascar's top wildlife hotspots. Easy trails into tropical dry deciduous forest over gentle terrain. Accessible all year around. As it is the best place in western Madagascar for birding, Ampijoroa is included in all birding itineraries
Masoala Peninsula and Nosy Mangabe: Maroantsetra is the gateway to the eco-tourist destination Masoala. Nosy Mangabe is a rainforest-clad lemur reserve island, where large populations of Black & White Ruffed Lemur, White-fronted Lemur and the bizarre Aye Aye find sanctuary.
Nosy Be Archipelago, Tsarabanjina and Iranja: The Nosy Be Archipelago is situated off the north-west coast of Madagascar (30 x 40 km) and has about 40 000 inhabitants. It is commonly known as the “big Island” as there are numerous smaller surrounding islands. It’s tropical climate and classical ‘Indian Ocean holiday island’ appeal makes it a leading sea, sun & sand destination. The average temperature is 25-30º Celsius.
Nosy Be & Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (Perinet Reserve) - 7 nights
DAY 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the central Highlands. On arrival proceed through immigration and customs and then make your way to the domestic terminal for your flight to Nosy Be Island. You will be met on arrival by a representative of the hotel and transferred to the hotel you have chosen (4 nights at the hotel of your choice).
DAY 5: Today you will transfer to the airport at Nosy Be and fly to Antananarivo. Here you will be met and transferred by road to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (3½ hours by good, winding road). Overnight at Vakona Lodge or Feon'ny Ala or Eulophiella or Grace Hotel (B&B).
DAY 6: You have the whole day to explore Andasibe's rainforest. If you are interested in birds it is best to begin as early as possible as this is when the birds are most active. Lemur activity usually begins a bit later in the mornings for those of you who are less keen on early starts. The trails are not difficult to manage and all the forest guides speak English and French. Here you should see Grey Bamboo Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, Indri and birds like the Turaco-like Blue Coua; the rotund Velvet-Asity and the tiny Nuthatch Vanga, as well as impressive reptiles like Malagasy Tree Boa and Parson's Chameleon. Orchids and other epiphytes festoon the trees. Overnight at Vakona Lodge or Feon'ny Ala or Eulophiella or Grace Hotel (B&B).
DAY 7: Today you will transfer by road to Antananarivo and check into the Palissandre Hotel & Spa or Relais des Plateaux for the last night (B&B).
DAY 8: Transfer to the airport and assistance with check-in. Return flight to Johannesburg.
Prices include : International and internal Malagasy flights (departure from Johannesburg with Air Madagascar), all accommodation and meals as indicated, all excursions with car and driver, guides in the reserves, entry permits and all airport-hotel transfers.
Not included : Meals not indicated drinks, tips and personal expenses, travel insurance, internet access, airport taxes and visa fee.
Cost : Upmarket option with Vakona Lodge in Perinet and below on Nosy Be Archipelago:
Amarina dinner, bed and breakfast (superior room) $2600 per person sharing
Corail Noir bed and breakfast (air-conditioned, standard room) USD2700 per person sharing
Tsarabanjina Private Island Full Board $3770 per person sharing
Vanila Hotel bed and breakfast (air-conditioned, standard room) $2470 per sharing
midrange option with Feon'ny Ala in Perinet and below on Nosy Be Archipelago
L'Heure Bleue bed and breakfast USD2500 per person sharing
Chanty Beach bed and breakfast $1950 per person sharing
