IT13-A-Madagascar Nature Discovery Tour with Madagascar Classic Camping

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To see a reasonable spectrum of Madagascar’s endemic mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates and flora it is necessary to visit one site in each of the island’s three main climatic/floristic zones. These are the damp eastern rainforests, the tropical dry western woodlands and then the bizarre spiny desert in the sub-arid south. Madagascar’s enormity means that the prime wildlife hotspots are far from each other, so getting to each involves domestic flights and road trips.

The arid south: Madagascar Classic Camping

Located near the Southern tip of Madagascar, a 4 hour drive from Fort Dauphin, Madagascar Classic Camping’s Mandrare River Camp offers both nature and culture, in a stunning locale. This is a true luxury camping experience, with strong attention to local culture and ecotourism. As you fly down the haut plateau and into the town of Fort Dauphin, the mountains covered in verdant rainforest contrast magnificently with pure white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Landing in this tropical seaside town you continue eastwards to the giant sand dunes of Lac Anony and on still further into the spiny desert to your camp on the banks of the mighty Mandrare River.

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.

Kirindy (“Swiss”) Forest

Sixty kilometres north of Morondava on the sunny West Coast. Good example of tropical dry deciduous forest, the world’s most threatened habitat type. This is one of the island’s best places for mammals, especially nocturnal species like Fosa (biggest predator), various spiny Tenrecs and 6 species of nocturnal Lemur. (Lemurs include the World’s smallest Primate, the recently described Pygmy Mouse lemur). In fact Kirindy claims a World Record for Primate density in forests of comparable size (10 000 ha). Good birding in the area, many ‘specials’ local to western Madagascar being seen frequently (White-breasted Mesite; Madagascar Jacana, Coquerel’s and Red-capped couas; White-headed and Sicklebill vangas and more). Kirindy is also of note for it features three of Madagascar’s six endemic species of Baobab tree. A bonus with Morondava is its sunny beaches.

Itinerary: 9 nights

Day 1: Arrive in Antananarivo.

Flight from Johannesburg to Antananarivo. Meet and greet on arrival by Za Tours and transfer to your hotel. (B&B)

Day 2: Fort Dauphin – Mandrare River Camp

Collection by the representative of Madagascar Classic Camping (MCC). You will be heading west towards the town of Ambosary in a 4x4 vehicle. (1 hour) Shortly after the town of Ambosary you will turn south through the Sisal plantations to Lac Anony (approximately 2 ½hrs). After a shaded picnic lunch by the lake shore you continue to the southern end of the lake to marvel at the enormous dunes, some 70ft high. A large variety of aquatic birdlife can be seen in and around the lake, with Flamingos in September and October. The dunes are magnificent and the view at the back of the dunes is just breath taking, miles and miles of completely un-spoilt beach with beautiful water and waves. Back in your vehicle for the final 1¾ hour drive to the camp. Approximate time of arrival at the camp is 5pm. After settling into your tent you will gather for canapés and sparkling wine. A traditional group from the nearby village perform Antandroy music and dance around the campfire before dinner. Overnight stay at the MCC camp on a fully inclusive basis.

Day 3: Mandrare River Camp

After a breakfast of eggs, bacon, freshly baked Croissants and Pain au Chocolate, you will head for the sacred forests and ancient tombs across the river. The car trip to the Ifotoka village where you will cross the river takes a about 20 minutes. In the forest your guides will explain the culture of ancestor worship and may show you how to use a Piletse, the traditional Antandroy slingshot. Return to camp and relax before a sumptuous BBQ lunch. Mid afternoon you drive to a local village to experience a traditional ‘Ringa’ competition. This Antandroy form of wrestling is a deeply proud and historical tradition. Some participants walk for up to 2 days from outlying villages to compete. This is an activity which the contestants take seriously, and although injuries are rare, they may occur from time to time so it is not advised for children. After the Ringa we take a night walk looking for Mouse and Sportive lemurs then drive back to the camp for dinner. Overnight stay at the MCC camp on a fully inclusive basis.

Day 4: Mandrare River Camp

An early start takes us to nearby Gallery forests with excellent Sifaka and Ring Tailed Lemur populations, as well as great birding. Then back to camp for a late breakfast. The remainder of the morning is at leisure to go bird watching along the river, sit in the hammock reading a book. The more energetic may like visit a local market or school. After a barbeque lunch is served in camp, the afternoon is spent exploring nearby spiny forests for more lemur sightings and bird watching. After dinner a step down to the beach with a pair of binoculars or with the astronomy telescope. Being hundreds of km’s from the nearest big city there is zero light pollution. Overnight stay at the MCC camp on a fully inclusive basis

Day 5: Mandrare River Camp - Fort Dauphin – Antananarivo – Andasibe National Park

Transfer to Fort Dauphin and check in for your flight to Antananarivo. Transfer to the airport and flight to Antananarivo. Transfer to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (Perinet) (3½ hours by road with picturesque scenery en-route). Overnight at Vakona Lodge or Feon’ny Ala or Eulophiella (B&B).

Day 6: Andasibe

Whole day to explore Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (Perinet). 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 or Feon’ny Ala or Eulophiella (B&B).

Day 7: Mantadia

Today you can visit the wilder, nearby rainforest of Mantadia National Park, where the Perinet guides are used to taking visitors. Fairly challenging terrain, 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, Pittalike Ground-roller, Brown Emutail and Velvet Asity. Overnight at Vakona Lodge or Feon’ny Ala or Eulophiella (B&B).
(B&B).
Day 8: Andasibe National Park to Antananarivo

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Morondava on the West Coast. Transfer to Palissandre Côte Ouest (dinner, bed and breakfast).

Day 9: Antananarivo to Morondava

Day excursion to the Kirindy (Swiss) Forest. After dinner in the campsite and a night walk, transfer back to Morondava. Overnight stay at Palissandre Côte Ouest (Full Board).

Day 10: Flight out

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

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):

Euro3800

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