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Madagascar Map

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29.07.2010
partly cloudy
25°C
Sunrise 06:10:00
Sunset 17:27:00

Madagascar

Madagascar has always been a mysterious island. Its ever-changing features draw tourists and nature lovers who yearn for the unusual. It is the world’s 4th largest island (587 042km²) — 1 571km long and 571km at its widest point. A mountainous central ‘spine’ separates the permanently damp east from the drier west and sub-desert south.

With dramatically contrasting climatic zones each region has its own complement of plants and decidedly odd animals. Ninety per cent of Madagascar's forest birds are endemic, as are about half of the island's 260 recorded birds. Five families of bird are only found here enticing birdwatchers from far and wide. There are 19 000 listed plant species, including 1 000 varieties of orchids, and over 100 000 invertebrates, at least 3 000 of which are butterflies. Malagasy chameleons, descendants of antediluvian monsters, represent two thirds of the species world-wide.

Separated from the African mainland for 160 million years and from India for 90 million years, its wildlife has evolved independently. Of all its animals, lemurs have been studied the most intensively and have received much attention from the conservation community and tourists. Currently there are about 71 species (new ones are being identified frequently).

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.

Man arrived approximately 2000 years ago by from Melanesia, Polynesia, Indonesia and Africa. Although the 19 million contemporary Malagasy are separated into 16 major tribes they are united by language and culture. The best known Malagasy ceremony is the ‘bone-turning’ or ‘famadihana’ ceremony, held from June to August. From June to September, humpback whales return from the Antarctic to give birth near Ile Sainte Marie.

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. Mid-January to mid-March is the cyclone season, but adverse weather could occur outside of this period.

Madagascar Top Attractions

     North-East and East

  • Masoala Peninsula, Nosy Mangabe: The Masoala Peninsula hosts Madagascar’s largest national park – Parc National Masoala - with three marine reserves, to ensure the reservation of this last Eden. The eco-tourism activities of the Masoala Forest Lodge form part of an international conservation program for the Masoala Peninsula with the aim of providing a source of sustainable income for the local communities. The primary rainforest of Masoala National Park, rich in wildlife, is a short walk in any direction and numerous birds, reptiles and mammals are found in the camp itself. Sea kayak expeditions on the Masoala Peninsula are run in the months of May and October until December. Whale watching (July to September) .
  • Nosy Mangabe is a rainforest-clad lemur reserve, where large populations of Black and White Ruffed Lemur, White-fronted Lemur and the bizarre Aye-Aye find sanctuary.
  • Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (formerly Périnet): 138km east of Tana, this is the most visited of the protected areas. It comprises the Mantadia Park, a spectacular rainforest, and Analamazaotra Special Reserve (over 30 000 acres). Andasibe hosts 11 species of lemurs of which the biggest, the Indri Indri, is easily found because of its impressive calls. Also expect to see Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur, Common Brown Lemur, and at night the Eastern Woolly Lemur, Furry-eared Dwarf Lemur, Rufous Mouse and Goodman’s Mouse Lemur.
  • Ile Sainte Marie & Ile Aux Nattes: One of the most popular beach holidays and a paradise for cross-biking (road/mountain). The coral reefs offshore offer excellent snorkelling and scuba diving. Whale watching from July to September is a highlight, and there are at least 10 rare orchid species.  Ideal for honeymoon couples or anybody with a romantic flair.

    North-West and North

  • Hotel Anjajavy: This is an excellent option if you are looking for luxury accommodation with a secluded beach and unique wildlife. Anjajavy lies 120km north of Mahajanga. Built on a peninsula in a large bay, in front of a 1 112 acre natural reserve, it is perfect for nature lovers! The surrounding forest is home to the easy to see diurnal lemurs — Coquerel’s Sifaka, and Common Brown Lemur. Access by scheduled or private charter flights.
  • Ankarana Reserve: This bizarre landscape 65km south of Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) features a fortress-like limestone plateau decorated with fields of sharp pinnacles. Wildlife abounds in forested canyons and there are incredible caves and subterranean rivers. Ideally visited in combination with Montagne d’Ambre  and Nosy Be.
  • Montagne D’Ambre National Park: Is a 45 minute drive south of Diego Suarez. The Park is a well known tropical montane rainforest area. Its scenery and crater lakes make it one of the most popular hiking venues. It is also home to the island’s two best-known waterfalls. Look out for Crowned and Sanford’s Brown Lemurs, Madagascar Crested Ibis and Montagne d’Ambre Rock-thrush. Tiny stump-tailed chameleons can be found underfoot and if your eyes are sharp you will see the remarkable master of camouflage, the Leaf-tailed Gecko.
  • Ankarafantsika National Park: A hotspot in north western Madagascar for birding. There are trails over gentle terrain in the tropical dry deciduous forest. In daylight Coquerel’s Sifaka, Mongoose and Brown Lemurs are abundant, and at night you can look for the Western Woolly Lemur, Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur and two species of Mouse Lemur. It is a two hour drive from Mahajanga and accessible all year.
  • Nosy Be Archipelago: Nosy Be is the largest in the extensive archipelago off the north-west coast. The islands can be visited all year except in February, which is the cyclone season.

    Central Highlands

  • Antananarivo: The capital, 1 370m above sea level with a population of two million. Often called Tana, the city has French and Asian inspired architecture, and cobblestone streets that impart a medieval ambience. Walk on Avenue de l’Independence and enjoy the city's rhythm.
  • From Antananarivo to the south (RN7): Culturally interesting and scenically diverse, this is the island’s most popular overland route from Tana to Tulear on the south-west coast. Take in the view of tropical rainforests, huge granite outcrops and the bizarre spiny forest.
  • Antsirabe: Undoubtedly one of our favourite towns, abuzz with pousse-pousse (rickshaw) drivers touting for business. This charming and vibrant highland town has much to offer in terms of picturesque scenery and a world class university.
  • Fianarantsoa: Means the place of good learning, an apt name for Madagascar’s intellectual capital. Surrounded by tea plantations and wine estates, it is a great stopover for excursions to Ranomafana and Andringitra National Parks, Anja Reserve, or the train to Manakara.
  • Ranomafana National Park: This mountain rainforest is home to 12 species of lemur, including the Golden Bamboo, Eastern Lesser Bamboo and Greater Bamboo Lemurs. Red-bellied and Red-fronted Brown Lemurs are easy to see but it is rare to encounter Black and White Ruffed Lemur and the striking Milne-Edward’s Sifaka. Spanning over 102 796 acres, the Park is one of the richest areas in biodiversity in the eastern humid forest. Accessible only by road or charter plane.
  • Anja Reserve: 15km south of Ambalavao, this reserve is set amongst boulders and is home to about 300 Ring-tailed Lemurs.
  • Isalo National Park: A hiker’s paradise. Erosion has carved fantastic figures into the sandstone and there is a natural pool for swimming. Near Canyon des Singes are Ring-tailed Lemur and Verreaux's Sifaka in dense vegetation along the streams.

    South-East, West and South-West

  • Fort Dauphin (Taolagnaro): Offers magnificent diversity. It is located at the south-eastern tip of Madagascar’s coastline.
  • Mandrare River Camp: Near the southern tip, a four hour drive from Fort Dauphin, Madagascar Classic Camping’s Mandrare River Camp is a true luxury camping experience. It is in a beautiful location and strong attention has been paid to local culture and eco-tourism.  Ring-tailed Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, Verreaux’s Sifaka, White-footed Sportive Lemur, Grey Mouse Lemur and Reddish-grey Mouse Lemur. Access also by private charter flights.
  • Berenty Private Reserve: This small protected area is inhabited by large populations of sub-desert lemurs and spiny forest. Road access to the reserve is difficult and accommodation basic.
  • Andohahela National Park: Has an extraordinary variety of ecosystems. More than 90% of its plants are used in traditional medicine. The Dypsis decaryi (Triangulate palm) exists naturally only here in Madagascar. The park shelters 13 species of lemur and its spectacular spiny forest has a number of species of octopus trees.
  • Baie de Lokaro and St Luce: A beautiful spot 20km north of Fort Dauphin. Visitors to this remote area will see pristine tropical forests, meandering rivers and palm-fringed lakes stretching from the mountains on the horizon down to the fine beach sand. Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge is situated at Baie St Luce. Observe passing whales as they migrate the east coast of Madagascar.
  • Nahampoana Reserve: 7km north of Fort Dauphin, this 166 acre reserve has four species of lemurs (Ring-tailed, Collared Brown, Bamboo, and Verreaux’s Sifaka); tortoises; chameleons and birds.
  • Morondava, Baobab Avenue, Kirindy Forest: Morondava is a vibrant west coast town with wide beaches and safe swimming. Kirindy Forest is 60km north by sand road, the best place to see nocturnal wildlife, rare mammals (like the Fosa), birds and three species of Baobabs.
  • Bemaraha National Park: Classified as a World Heritage Site in 1990. The scenery of the Tsingy (amazing limestone karsts) is one of the most spectacular in Madagascar with its cracks sculpted into sharp peaks and ridges. Road access is difficult and accommodation basic. Access also by private charter flights.
  • Zombitse National Park: Well known to ornithologists. Zombitse is part of the trip from Antananarivo to the south or often combined with a visit to Isalo National Park.
  • Ifaty Beach, Anakao, St Augustin Bay, Tulear: Main attractions in this remote area are coral reefs, spiny bush and rare birds. Seaside hotels at Ifaty and Anakao offer scuba diving and trips to Nosy Ve.
  • Tsimanampetsotsa: Is a shallow saline lake at the foot of the Mahalafy limestone plateau. This park is of most interest to botanists with its bizarre and spectacular desert adapted plants. Two remarkable species of Baobab can be seen here.

Madagascar Travel Tips

  • Getting there: Air Madagascar and Airlink fly regularly between Antananarivo and Johannesburg. Flight duration is three hours Regular flights from Europe to Madagascar. Flight duration twelve hours.
  • Getting around: Air Madagascar serves 60 domestic airports. There are wonderful overland routes. We will arrange all excursions and transfers. We have access to private charter flights for our more discerning clients.
  • Visas: All visitors require visas. They can be obtained on arrival, payable in cash. Please make sure your passport has two blank pages and is valid for at least six months.
  • Currency: After clearing customs exchange some money into the local currency, the Ariary, at the airport bank. Ariary can be converted back into hard currency prior to leaving Madagascar. Do not take South African Rands to Madagascar. Credit cards are not widely accepted, but if you do take one, take only Visa.
  • Health: No immunisations are necessary. Malaria prophylactics are essential. Drink only bottled water (or take water purification tablets). Travel insurance is essential.
  • Time zone: GMT + 3 hours.
  • Language: Malagasy is the first language, French is the business language and English is spoken in the tourism industry.
  • When to go: Nature enthusiasts should go from late August to January. Certain parts of Madagascar are not accessible after the rains in summer (December to March). Cyclones can occur mid-January to mid-March.
  • Power supply: 220v; European two-prong plugs.
  • What to pack: Comfortable, casual and light clothing. Well-worn walking shoes or sneakers are essential. Pack warm clothing for winter nights. Also take a good torch, insect repellent and protective wear for the tropical sun and rain.
  • Customs and luggage allowance: 200 cigarettes and 1 litre of alcohol. 30 kg on Air Madagascar, 20 kg on Airlink, 15-20 kg on charter flights and one item of hand luggage.
  • Read on: Madagascar by Hilary Bradt (Bradt Travel Guides) and Madagascar Wildlife: A Visitor’s Guide by Hilary Bradt.

Terms and Conditions

These terms and conditions will apply to your holiday and the arrangements which you make. Please read them carefully as you will be bound by them.

By making a booking, the client confirms that all of the people named in the booking made by him/her have read these conditions, and have agreed to be bound by them and all the other terms of the contract, and that he/she has the authority to accept these terms and conditions on their behalf.

1.    Regardless of the place of execution, performance or domicile of the parties, this contract, together with all modifications and amendments, shall be governed by, construed under and in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

2.    All packages and tours are sold subject to our standard terms and conditions. Reservations must be signed on a booking form. If the services of a courier are employed during this process, the costs shall be borne by the client.

3.    A 20% deposit is payable on confirmation, unless otherwise stated on the booking form. The balance must be paid 6 weeks prior to your departure. No contract is made between the client and Unusual Destinations until the deposit or, where required, the full price has been paid, whether or not a booking confirmation has been issued by Unusual Destinations or one of its agents. Failure by the client to pay any sum by due date shall entitle Unusual Destinations to cancel the booking, and to charge a cancellation fee as set out below (see point 17 below).

4.    Quotations are based on the exchange rates valid at the time that they are sent to the client. Unusual Destinations reserves the right to increase any prices where currency fluctuations occur, until such time as they have been paid in full. It is the client’s responsibility to check on possible price increases prior to full payment. Airfares are subject to prices quoted by airlines, and Unusual Destinations can therefore not accept responsibility for unexpected fare increases.

5.    It is the clients’ responsibility to obtain travel documents including a valid passport and air tickets. It is also the clients’ responsibility to contact the airlines at least 72 hours prior to departure to reconfirm all flights. All clients who, at the time of departure, are under the age of 18 years, must be accompanied by a client aged 21 or over who will at all times during the tour or trip be responsible for their welfare, conduct and behaviour. Clients are expected at all times to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with due regard to the health, safety, comfort, enjoyment and general well- being of all the other people who may be on the tour or trip, or other people who may be staying in the relevant hotels. If it appears that the client’s conduct or behaviour is such as to be a breach of this requirement, or is likely to endanger the client’s own health or safety, or that of others, or where their actions or conduct impedes the operation of the trip, then Unusual Destinations reserves the right to refuse the further participation of any such client. No refund will be considered in respect of any client whose participation in the trip is terminated for these reasons. Further, where the client is repatriated pursuant to this clause at Unusual Destinations’ expense, or where Unusual Destinations is put to any additional expense as a result of the client’s conduct, then Unusual Destinations shall have the right to recover such costs upon demand. Under no circumstances, at any time, shall Unusual Destinations have any liability for the denial of boarding or expulsion from an aeroplane by any airline contracted in terms of this contract, such denial being at the sole discretion of the airline concerned.

6.    While Unusual Destinations will do its best not to cancel or make any material alteration to the itinerary after a booking confirmation has been issued, it shall nonetheless be entitled at any time prior to departure to cancel the contract between the parties, or to change and/or curtail the scheduled itinerary where this becomes reasonably necessary on operational, commercial or other grounds. Unusual Destinations will however inform the client of any such cancellation or change of itinerary as soon as possible. Where such a change of itinerary amounts to a material alteration, the client shall be entitled to cancel the booking within 3 days of being advised of the itinerary change without any cancellation fee being applicable.

7.    Although Unusual Destinations attempts to make all itineraries as accurate as possible at the time of printing, they are to be considered an approximate indication of the schedule and scope of the tour rather than an inflexible chronicle of events. The itinerary may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond the control of Unusual Destinations, whether as a result of weather, government restrictions, transportation problems, road conditions, acts of God, terrorist threats, natural disasters, fires or other circumstances. Unusual Destinations however undertakes to do its best to maintain the itinerary, and will not unreasonably change it. However any such changes shall not constitute a material alteration of the contract, and Unusual Destinations shall in consequence have no liability to the client in respect thereof.

8.    Unusual Destinations will not be responsible for any additional costs occasioned by changes in the itinerary or flight schedules, such as additional flights, hotel nights or meals not included in the scheduled itinerary. Payment for such additional services will be required at the time when the amended itinerary is provided to the client. Further, any expenses incurred owing to unexpected extensions to packages, trips or tours caused by flight delays, bad weather, strikes or any other reason beyond Unusual Destinations’ control will be paid by the client upon demand.

9.    Where the client is making a booking with a tour, the rates quoted are based upon group participation, and no partial refunds will be given for unused trip arrangements or sightseeing tours for any reason whatsoever.

10.    Unusual Destinations, in order to provide the tour as set out in the brochure, group/individual tour or individual package, quotation and/or booking, is obliged to make arrangements with local operators who may themselves engage the services of local suppliers. Unusual Destinations endeavours at all times to appoint reputable and competent local operators to comply with the requirements and standards expected by the client. However, although these local operators are appointed by Unusual Destinations, they are acting as an agent on behalf of the client directly, and a direct contract is therefore entered into between the client and the local operator or service provider, and the terms and conditions of the local operator, whether or not contained in this brochure, will apply to arrangements made by them. Unusual Destinations makes the travel arrangements on behalf of the client on the express condition that it is not liable for any inconvenience, irregularity or expense occasioned by the failure of the local operator to comply with the itinerary provided, whether in relation to travel arrangements, airline scheduling, airline changes, cancelled flights, missed flight connections or any other factor not directly under Unusual Destinations’ control. In the event however that Unusual Destinations is, in spite of the provisions of this clause, found to be liable to the client, then its liability will be limited to the sum paid by the client in respect of the travel arrangement(s) in question.

11.    As Unusual Destinations acts only as an agent for local operators, it accepts no liability for any loss or damages which clients may suffer as a result of the failure by such local operators to fulfil their obligations whether in relation to travel flights, land arrangements, accommodation or otherwise. These local operators are independent suppliers who are not affiliated with Unusual Destinations in any way. Further, Unusual Destinations shall not be liable for any loss, damage, delay, accident or inconvenience caused to any person, their property or luggage under any circumstances.

12.    Unusual Destinations will not be liable for bodily injury to, or death of any client, or damage to their property occasioned through the conduct or default of any company or local operator or individual engaged in providing these services or for any reason, including, but not limited to, acts of God, quarantine, strikes, industrial action, medical emergencies, civil disturbances, theft, detention, annoyance, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, closure of ports, changes in government regulations, terrorism, war, medical emergencies or failure of the conveyance to depart or arrive as scheduled.

13.    Unusual Destinations does not provide medical services during the trip or tour. However, wherever possible, Unusual Destinations will offer general assistance to any client who suffers illness, personal injury or death, whether or not arising from an activity forming part of the trip or tour, and whether or not the result of fault by any party.

14.    Clients should bring with an ample supply of any prescription medicines required, and a first aid kit.

15.    Any cost or expense which is reasonably incurred by Unusual Destinations for or on behalf of the client in respect of any form of medical, dental or similar treatment, hotel, transportation, repatriation, or any other expenses of whatever nature, shall be repayable by the client to Unusual Destinations on demand, whether or not such sum is covered by the client’s travel insurance.

16.    Travel insurance (medical and personal accident) is compulsory. However, clients are strongly recommended to take out insurance to cover the loss of their luggage, and the deposit or part of the tour fee through cancellation.

17.    Any changes and/or cancellations will incur penalties; in many cases air tickets are totally non-refundable. All cancellations have to be in writing. Unless otherwise stipulated, the following fees shall be charged by Unusual Destinations if a client cancels a reservation:

More than 6 weeks prior to departure:
10% of price

4 – 6 weeks prior to departure:
50% of price

2 – 4 weeks prior to departure:

75% of price

Less than 2 weeks prior to departure:

100% of price

18.    These terms and conditions, together with any other clauses set out on the application form, defines the responsibility of Unusual Destinations with respect to all of the trips/tours/arrangements made by them. Further, Unusual Destinations shall not be liable for the failure of performance or improper performance which is wholly attributable to any or all of the following:
    
a)    The fault of the client;

b)    The unforeseeable or unavoidable act of a third party unconnected with the provision of any services to be provided under this contract;

c)    Unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of Unusual Destinations, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care was exercised;

d)    Any event which Unusual Destinations could not even with all due care have foreseen or avoided, including (but not limited to) an event or force major. Unusual Destinations further confirms that the carriage of passengers and their luggage by air is governed by various international conventions and the client shall be bound by the rules, regulations and conditions of contract laid down by any carrier upon which he / she may travel as a result of the reservations made, and Unusual Destinations shall be free from any liability in consequence thereof.

Islands and beaches

Ile Sainte Marie (Nosy Boraha), a 57 km-long island off Madagascar’s east coast, is an authentic tropical island with lush vegetation interspersed with many small villages.

Nosy Be means "big island" in Malagasy. Its tropical climate makes it a leading sea, sun & sand destination.

Situated 120 km north of Mahajanga is Anjajavy Hotel, a luxury beach and nature property. Built on a peninsula overlooking a large bay and surrounded by a 450 hectare reserve of dry deciduous woodland this is ideal for beach and nature lovers. 

Link to our island and beach itineraries.

North-East and East

The East of Madagascar has an exceptional concentration of unique fauna and flora and is a must for serious nature lovers. Visit the Masoala Peninsula which is one of the world’s only remaining untouched destinations and home to Madagascar’s largest national park – Parc National Masoala.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is Madagascar's most visited tropical rainforest, as it is easily accessible. It holds a large variety of rare rainforest animals, notably the baboon-sized Indri, largest of all the Lemurs.

Relax on Ile Sainte Marie with its isolated beaches.

Link to North-Est and East itineraries.

North-West and North

Home of the Sakalava people, a large ethnic group with interesting African beliefs and customs such as possession of spirits, the tromba and cult of royal relics, the north-West is a vast region with only remnants of the dry, deciduous forest which once covered the entire domain. Anjajavy is an luxury option if you re looking for secluded beaches and unique wildlife. In the north you will find the bizarre landscape of the Ankarana Reserve with 127km of underground caves. Ankarana is best combined with Montagne d'Ambre National Park (Amber Mountain). This montane rainforest area is great for hiking. End your stay at one of the beaches in the Nosy Be archipelago.

Link to North-West and North itineraries.


Antananarivo and Central Highlands

The scenic countryside of terraced rice fields around Antananarivo (Tana) and all the way to Finarantsoa attest to the Asian ancestry of the Merina and Betsileo people, Madagascar's political and intellectual elite. The overland route from Tana to Tulear, is Madagascar's most scenic and culturally interesting drive. By travelling the RN7 you'll experience some breathtaking scenery, pass through some typical Malagasy towns and villages, visit the tropical rain forests of Ranomafana National Park and the high plateau granitic outcrops and sandstone canyons of the Isalo National Park and finally visit the bizarre Spiny Desert near Ifaty.

Link to Central Highland and Antananarivo Business itineraries.

South East

The South is noted for its vegetation of unique interest where tropical moist forest meets southern dry forest, and is the gateway to the renowned Mandrare River Camp. Mandrare River Camp is a true luxury camping experience with strong attention to local culture and eco-tourism.

Andohahela National Park shelters 13 species of lemur and spectacular spiny forest.  Berenty is a small reserve with a large population of lemurs.

Set on a sheltered, forest fringed bay, Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge is offering barefoot luxury in a truly tranquil setting: azure blue seas, lush verdant forests, and distant mountains.

This area is home to the Antandroy "people of the thorns" on the coast, to the nomadic Vezo fishermen, and to the Mahafaly renowned for their funerary art. Visit Fort Dauphin the getway to the parks.

Link to South-East itineraries.

West and South-West

The western region of Madagascar offers spectacular vistas with majestic baobabs and "forest" of karst pinnacles of the World. visit Morondava with its Baboab Avenue. Kirindy Forest is the best place to find rare mamals (like the Fosa), birds and three species of Baobabs.

Venture into the Heritage Site of the Tsingy de Bemaraha, the best way to access this rare site is by private charter.

The extreme south-western area around Tulear has hardly has any rain at all. Birding is particularly rewarding at Zombitse National Park and Ifaty and Anakao regions.

Link to West and South-West itineraries.

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