This itinerary takes one to three very different habitats offering one the chance to see a spectrum of Madagascar's endemic mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates and flora. These biomes are the damp eastern rainforests, the tropical dry western woodlands and then the transitional forest and bizarre spiny forest in the south east. These habitats are widely dispersed and getting to these sites involves domestic flights and transfers by road. Good accommodation exists on this routing.

Andasibe (Perinet)/Mantadia National Park: Montane rainforest with Indri, Diadem's Sifaka, Grey Bamboo Lemur, Brown Lemur and at least 4 species of commonly seen nocturnal lemur; birds include Brown Mesite, Pitta-like Ground-roller, Short-legged Ground-roller, Velvet and Sunbird Asitys, various species of Vanga, Brown Emutail and a plethora of reptiles (numerous chameleons included) and frogs. Perinet claims a World record for numbers of frog species among rainforests of comparable size (810 ha).

Nahampoana Reserve
This reserve is situated 7 km to the north of Fort Dauphin (about 20 minutes by road). This 67 ha. park has four species of habituated lemurs, Ring-tailed, Collared Brown, Southern Lesser Bamboo as well as the dancing lemur, Verreaux's Sifaka; Radiated Tortoise (Geochelone radiata); chameleons and some birds. This reserve is a botanical garden where you will also see some of the natural vegetation of the dry south-west and the Intermediate Zone. Examples of these include the Octopus tree (Didierea madagascariensis), species of Euphorbia, the Madagascar Triangulate Palm (Neodypsis decaryii), the Traveller's Palm (Ravinalia madagascariensis) and species of Pachypodium. In the forest there are waterfalls and natural swimming pools offering quiet and secluded picnic sites. One can also do a short excursion by pirogue through the mangroves.

Andohahela National Park
This park (approximately 1½ hour's drive from Fort Dauphin) is non-contiguous and comprises three 'parcels' - a total of 76 000 hectare. Driving from Fort Dauphin the first sign is to Malio (parcel 1) which is tropical rainforest but is only accessible in the dry season; continuing, the road passes through the 3rd parcel at Tsimelahy where there is a visitor interpretation centre - this is transitional forest - so called as it lies between two vegetation types, the spiny forest in the west and the rainforest to the east. There is about a forty five minute scenic walk in the fairytale forest from the entrance of the park; the 2nd parcel is Mangatsiaka which is virgin spiny forest. The entrance is 8 kms from the main road along a very rough track and it will take an hour to drive but once there you will be rewarded with the most incredible scenery. Parcel 1 is of interest to serious birdwatchers who want to try to find the localised Red-tailed Newtonia. Parcel 3 is of interest to botanists - as it is here that the endemic triangulate palm (Neodypsis decaryi) is extremely common. Parcel 2 is excellent for lizards, chameleons and snakes; the spiny forest here is spectacular and includes a number of species of octopus trees of the genera Alluaudia and Didiera! The last two parcels are most accessible to travellers.

Kirindy ('Swiss') Forest :60 km north of Morondava on the sunny west coast. This is a good example of tropical dry deciduous forest, the world's most threatened habitat type and this is one of the island's best places for mammals. Nocturnal species like Fosa (biggest predator), various spiny Tenrecs and six species of nocturnal lemur can be seen here. Kirindy claims a World Record for primate density in forests of comparable size (10 000 ha). There is good birding here too -many 'specials' local to western Madagascar include White-breasted Mesite; Madagascar Jacana, Coquerel's and Red-capped couas; White-headed and Sickle-billed vanga and more. Kirindy is important botanically and here one can see three of Madagascar's six endemic species of Baobab.

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Itinerary: 9 nights

• DAY 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. At the airport our English-speaking Malagasy agents will meet and assist you with formalities. Transfer to the Hotel Palissandre & Spa or Relais des Plateaux (B&B).
• DAY 2: Today you transfer to Antananarivo airport and fly to Fort Dauphin (Taolagnaro), on the far south-east coast. From the airport you will transfer to Nahampoana Reserve where you stay at Nahampoana Guest House (Full Board).
• DAY 3 : Day excursion to Andohahela National Park. Overnight at Nahampoana Lodge (Full Board).
• DAY 4 : Transfer to Fort Dauphin airport and flight to Antananarivo. Transfer to Perinet reserve (3½ hours by good, winding road). Picturesque scenery en route. If going in spring or summer (late August to March), pack a torch as you can go on a short night stroll to see nocturnal animal life. Explore the rainforest of Perinet. Overnight at Vakona Lodge (upmarket) or Hotel Feon'ny Ala (midrange)(B&B).
• DAY 5: Transfer to the airport and flight to Antananarivo. Transfer to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (Perinet) (3½ hours by good, winding road). Picturesque scenery en route. If going in spring or summer (late August - March), pack a torch as you can go on a short night stroll to see nocturnal animal life. Explore the rainforest of Perinet. Overnight at Vakona Lodge (upmarket) or Hotel Feon'ny Ala, Eulophiella or Grace Hotel(midrange) (B&B).
• DAY 6: Whole day to explore Andasibe-Mantadia's rainforest. To see the most wildlife (especially Indris and birds) be in the rainforest as close to daybreak as possible as then animals are most active. The trails are not difficult to manage and most forest guides speak good English. You should also encounter the likes of Grey Bamboo Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur; birds like the lovely Blue Coua; Sunbird-Asity and 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 (upmarket) or Hotel Feon'ny Ala, Eulophiella or Grace Hotel(midrange) (B&B).
• DAY 7: Today you can visit the wilder, nearby rainforest of Mantadia National Park. The terrain is more challenging, but you can do as much as you feel comfortable with. The primary rainforest here is spectacular and wildlife includes Diadem Sifaka, Ruffed lemurs and birds like Brown Mesite, Pitta-like Ground-roller, Brown Emutail and Velvet Asity. Overnight at Vakona Lodge (upmarket) or Hotel Feon'ny Ala, Eulophiella or Grace Hotel(midrange) (B&B).
• Day 7: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Morondava on the west coast. Transfer to the Baobab Cafe or Chez Maggie (dinner, bed and breakfast) for overnight.
• DAY 8: Day excursion to the fabulous Kirindy (Swiss) Forest. After dinner in the camp site and a night walk, you return by road to Morondava. Overnight at Baobab Cafe or Chez Maggie (Full Board).
• DAY 9: Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Antananarivo. Transfer to the Hotel Palissandre& Spa (B&B).
• DAY 10: Transfer to the airport for return flight to Johannesburg.

Prices include

International (departure from Johannesburg) and internal Malagasy flights, all accommodation and meals as indicated, all excursions with car and driver, guides in the reserves, entry permits and all airport-hotel transfers.

Prices Do Not include

Meals not indicated, drinks, tips to guides, porters etc., any personal expenses, travel insurance, internet access, airport taxes and visa fees.

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Approximate price per person sharing (October 2008):

• upmarket option: USD3000; EUR2000; ZAR24 000
• midrange option: USD2800; EUR1800; ZAR21 500
  

Related News:

 Madagascar: Nahampoana Guesthouse**  - 22-08-08 13:01

 Madagascar: Chez Maggie *** - 22-05-08 13:40

 Madagascar: Baobab Cafe *** - 22-05-08 11:40

 Madagascar: Grace Hotel ** - 23-01-08 12:42

 Madagascar: Vakona Lodge *** - 11-12-07 13:25

 Madagascar: Gite de Berenty ** - 11-12-07 13:01

 Madagascar: Eulophiella ** - 11-12-07 12:42

 Madagascar: Feon'ny Ala ** - 12-07-07 13:42

 Madagascar: Palissandre Hotel & Spa **** - 20-12-06 13:20

 Madagascar: Relais des Plateaux *** - 12-07-06 14:18

Links:

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