IT01-A-Madagascar Wildlife East & South: Berenty & Andasibe Mantadia National Park

Specials

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Short Madagascar trip to the South and to the East.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (formerly Perinet)

Montane rainforest holding various Lemurs (Indri, Diadem Sifaka, Grey Bamboo Lemur, Brown lemur and at least 4 species of commonly seen nocturnal lemurs); rare birds (including Brown Mesite, Pittalike Ground-roller, Short legged Ground-roller; Velvet and Sunbird Asitys; various species of Vanga; Emutails and all 3 Oxylabes) 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 (810ha). Ardent nature enthusiasts should also stop by at one of the nearby marshes for a select band of rare endemic birds, reptiles and frogs confined to marsh habitat.

In the damp forests you may prefer wearing trousers to help ward off leeches, mosquitoes and other biting insects. It is essential to have shoes with a good grip.
Berenty Private Reserve (near Fort Dauphin, south coast)

Please be warned, the road to Berenty is rough and the accommodation is very basic! This small private reserves lies in the weird southern semi-desert or Androy. They hold large populations of the southern lemurs (Ring-tailed & Brown Lemurs and Verreaux’s Sifaka as well as two nocturnal species). In both you can see a variety of birds and reptiles local to southern Madagascar (specials include Giant Coua and White-browed Owl) as well as the region’s flora, Euphorbia-Didieraceae bush. This includes baobabs and various bloated Pachypodium species and the baobab-like Moringas. En route to Berenty are several stops for local flora.

Itinerary - 7 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 Palissandre Hotel & Spa (B&B).

Day 2: Transfer to the Ivato airport and fly to Fort Dauphin (Taolagnaro), on the far South-east coast. From here you will be taken directly to the Berenty Reserve, a three hour drive inland (the road is in poor condition), from Fort Dauphin. Along the way you will see some Antanosy memorial stones, pass through a transitional zone, part of the Andohahela National Park set aside to conserve the endemic Triangulate Palm, before entering the dry Spiny Forest zone with its characteristic baobab and Octopus trees. Overnight in the bungalows at Gite de Berenty Lodge (Dinner, bed and breakfast).

Day 3: Whole day to enjoy the Reserve. Berenty also offers great birding, as well as interesting reptiles and invertebrates. The spiny desert flora is remarkable plus there is also some good dry gallery forest along the Mandrare River. A torch is useful for night walks when looking for nocturnal fauna. Overnight in the bungalows at Gite de Berenty Lodge (Dinner, bed and breakfast).

Day 4: Transfer to Fort Dauphin and check in for your flight to Antananarivo. Private transfer to Perinet Reserve (3½ hours by road with picturesque scenery en-route). Overnight Vakona Lodge / Feon’ny Ala / Eulophiella (B&B).

Day 5: Whole day to explore Perinet's rainforest. To get the most out of your visit here it is best to start early as this is when the birds and wildlife are most active. The trails are not difficult to manage and forest guides speak good English. If lucky you will see Grey Bamboo Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, Blue Coua, Velvet Asity and perhaps Nuthatch Vanga. You will also discover reptiles like the Malagasy Tree Boa and Parson's Chameleon. Orchids and other epiphytes festoon the trees. Overnight Vakona Lodge / Feon’ny Ala / Eulophiella / Grace (B&B).

Day 6: Today you can visit the nearby primary rainforest of Mantadia National Park, where the Perinet guides are used to taking visitors. This is more challenging terrain, less developed with steep paths in places but you can do as much as you feel comfortable with. The primary rainforest here is spectacular and wildlife includes Diadems Sifaka, Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs and birds like Brown Mesite, Pitta-like and Scaly Ground-rollers, Brown Emutail and Madagascar Blue Pigeon. Overnight Vakona Lodge / Feon’ny Ala / Eulophiella / Grace (B&B).

Day 7: Morning in Perinet before returning to Antananarivo by road in the afternoon. Overnight stay at Palissandre Hotel & Spa B&B).

Day 8: Transfer to the airport and check in for your return flight to Johannesburg.

Prices include
International flights (ex Johannesburg) and internal Malagasy flights 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, travel wallets.

Prices exclude
Any meals not indicated, drinks, tips to guides, porters etc., any personal expenses, travel insurance, airport taxes, optional excursions, and visa fees.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010):

Euro1825

Files:

UD_Specials_2009_2010_10.pdf528 K

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