IT12-A-Madagascar Natural History Tour

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IT12-A-Madagascar Natural History Tour

For those of you travelling to Madagascarwith an interest in Madagascar's natural history, this itinerary takes one to three different ecological zones: the eastern tropical rainforests, the southern spiny forests and the western dry deciduous woodlands. Access to these sites is via Antananarivo using internal scheduled flights and by road.

For an itinerary with a beach extension at Anakao see IT-12B Madagascar Natural History Tour (scroll down to important links)

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. You transfer to the Palissandre Hotel & Spa (B&B).
Day 2: You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Tulear on the south-west coast. This area is the island's most arid region and for nature enthusiasts, it is endlessly fascinating. From the airport you will be transferred through Tulear town and on toward the village of Ifaty, about 29-km north on a rough sandy track. The balance of your day can be spent in the hotel grounds where the hotel has its own coastal woodland/scrub vegetation with a circular walking trail or by the swimming pool. Overnight at the Hotel Paradisier (Dinner, bed and breakfast).
Day 3: This area very hot so early morning excursions are best so as to get the most out of this area. An excursion to the nearby botanical garden, Reniala, a protected piece of Spiny Forest with trails and labelled plants (guides are mandatory), is arranged. The gardens are about 20 minutes north on the outskirts of Mangily village. It is also good for the special birds of the area - Long-tailed Ground-roller, Lafresnaye's Vanga, Sub-desert Mesite, Running Coua and Archbold's Newtonia. The flora here is very different, although those familiar with African vegetation may recognise some of the genera. A chaotic ensemble of drought resistant plants, many of which are bloated, include diminutive Baobabs, Pachypodiums, Moringas, Hildergardia and Delonix spp. There are many orchids as well as species of Aloe, Commiphora, intermixed with the spiny octopus trees (Didieracea). The hotel has a pool with deck chairs and umbrellas for those needing some relaxation and snorkelling can also be arranged. Locals with pirogues will try to encourage you to take an excursion to the nearby reefs but please be aware that this is at your own risk. Overnight stay at the Hotel Paradisier (Dinner, bed and breakfast).
Day 4: Today, you will be transferred by road to Tulear airport for your flight to Antananarivo. In Tana you will connect to a flight to Mahajanga on the north-west coast. Here you are met and transferred for overnight at the nearby Sunny Hotel (Dinner, bed and breakfast).
Day 5: This morning you will transfer to the Ankarafantsika National Park, a 2-hour drive inland from the north-west coast. This is one of the two best remaining examples of western dry deciduous forests in Madagascar. A night walk should produce various chameleons as well as the chance of two species of Mouse Lemur (Microcebus ravelobensis and murinus, Woolly Lemur, Mongoose Lemur and Milne-edwards Sportive Lemur. Overnight at the Gite d'Ampijoroa (Full Board).
Day 6: Broad paths lead into gentle terrain, and you may look for all the local endemics; White-breasted Mesite, Coquerel's, Crested and Red-capped coua's, Schlegels' Asity and Van Dam's Vanga. It is also the best place in which to see the spectacular Madagascar Crested Ibis, White-throated Rail and a host of raptors, in particular Madagascar Buzzard, Madagascar Harrier Hawk, Madagascar and Frances's sparrowhawks and Banded Kestrel. But the star attraction on the raptor front is the endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle, now down to about 100 pairs. In the woodlands, you'll also seek Greater Vasa Parrot, Madagascar Lesser Cuckoo, Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher and various vangas, Madagascar Magpie Robin, Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher and Sakalava Weaver. Overnight at the Gite d'Ampijoroa (Full board).
DAY 7: Later today you will return to Mahajanga (Majunga) by road for your flight to Antananarivo. Overnight Palissandre Hotel & Spa (Bed & breakfast).
Day 8: Today you transfer by road to Perinet reserve (3-3½ hours on a good, paved contour road i.e. many curves). The scenery en route is picturesque. Remainder of day to explore the rainforest of Perinet with a local guide. Although spring or summer (late August to March) is best, pack a torch as you might get the opportunity to experience a short night stroll in search of any nocturnal animal life. Overnight at Vakona Lodge (upmarket) or Hotel Feon'ny Ala (midrange) (B&B).
DAY 9: Today you can visit the nearby rainforest of Mantadia National Park, where the Perinet guides are used to taking visitors. The terrain is more challenging that that at Perinet. This is easily accessible primary forest. It is spectacular and is good for ground-rollers, Collared Nightjar and lemurs here include Diadems Sifaka and Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur. Overnight at Vakona Lodge (upmarket) or Feon'ny Ala (midrange) (B&B).
DAY 10: Transfer to Tana airport for your return flight to Johannesburg.

Prices include
International (ex 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, internet access, travel insurance, airport taxes and visa fees.

Approximate price per person sharing (October 2008):

upmarket option: USD3650; EUR2350; ZAR28 000
mid range option: USD3500; EUR2300; ZAR27 000

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IT12-A-Madagascar Natural History Tour

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