Itinerary > Madagascar > Madagascar Wildlife Holidays
IT01-B-Madagascar Wildlife East & South: Nahampoana & Andasibe Mantadia National Park (Perinet)
This is one of the best itineraries combining the south and east of Madagascar. Nahampoana Reserve has four species of habituated lemurs. Andohahela National Park 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 isolated Bay of Lokaro is a beautiful spot about 20km north of Fort Dauphin. Visitors to this remote tropical paradise cannot fail to be struck by the stunning meandering rivers and palm-fringed lakes. Perinet (Andasibe) is Madagascar's most visited tropical rainforest reserve, as it is easily accessible. It holds a large variety of rare rainforest animals, notably the baboon-sized Indri, largest of all the Lemurs.
Nahampoana Reserve is situated 7 km to the north of Fort Dauphin (about 15 minutes by road). This 67 ha park has four species of habituated lemurs, Ring-tailed, Red-fronted Brown, 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 km from the main road along a very rough track and it will take an hour to drive the 8 kms 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 those most accessible to travellers.
Baie de Lokaro: The isolated Bay of Lokaro is a beautiful spot about 20km north of Fort Dauphin. Visitors to this remote tropical paradise cannot fail to be struck by the stunning scenery of the region: pristine littoral and tropical forests, rushing streams, meandering rivers and palm-fringed lakes. All these stretch from the mountains on the horizon down to the long stretches of fine white sand. Exposed rocky islets protect the bay's turquoise waters from the wild ocean beyond and help explain why Lokaro boasts the only substantial coral habitat in the south-east of Madagascar. The coral can be found in an idyllic lagoon sheltered by one of the bay's islands. This offers great snorkelling opportunities and can be reached from Lokaro's main beach.
Perinet (Andasibe) is Madagascar's most visited reserve, as it is so easy to access. It holds a large variety of rare rainforest animals, notably the baboon-sized Indri, largest of all the Lemurs. Many rainforest-dwelling birds, reptiles and other animal oddities abound there. Set in lush montane rainforest, Perinet is 3½ hours from Antananarivo on a good paved road. Its trails are well mapped. Forest guides will invariably find many animal and plant oddities. The nearby Mantadia National Park holds a select band of rare mammals and birds, which find sanctuary in its spectacular primary rainforest. Keen naturalists can also visit one of the nearby marshes, like Torotorofotsy or Ampasipoatsy, for endemic birds, reptiles and frogs. The trip is possible throughout the year.
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 the Palissandre Hotel & 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 Lokaro. Overnight at Nahampoana Guest House(Full Board).
DAY 4: Day excursion to Andohahela National Park. Overnight at Nahampoana Guest House (Full Board).
DAY 5: Transfer to Fort Dauphin and check in for your flight to Antananarivo. Private transfer to Perinet reserve (3½ hours) by road (paved and twisty). Picturesque scenery en route. Overnight stay at the Vakona Lodge (upmarket) or the Hotel Feon'ny Ala (midrange)(B&B).
DAY 6 : 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 at the Vakona Lodge (upmarket) or the Hotel Feon'ny Ala (midrange) (B&B).
DAY 7: 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 at Vakona Lodge (upmarket) or Hotel Feon'ny Ala (midrange) (B&B).
DAY 8: Early return transfer by road to Antananarivo by road in time for your return flight to Johannesburg.
Pricing include
International (departure from Johannesburg with Air Madagascar) 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.
Does Not include
Meals not indicated, drinks, tips to guides, porters, etc., any personal expenses, travel insurance, airport taxes and visa fees.
Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2009):
- upmarket option: ±Euro1950
- mid market option: ±Euro1800
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