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...[more]

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.

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

Euro1825

Madagascar Classic Camping (MCC) at Mandrare River:Located near the Southern tip of Madagascar, a 4 hour drive from Fort Dauphin, Madagascar Classic Camping’s Mandrare River Camp offers both nature...[more]

Sample itinerary: 7 nights

Day 1: Depart from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo airport and Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. On arrival proceed through customs and immigration and make your way into the arrivals hall. Our English speaking Malagasy agents will meet and will meet and transfer you to Palissandre Hotel & Spa for one night on a bed and breakfast basis (B&B).

Day 2: Today you transfer to Antananarivo airport and fly to Fort Dauphin (Taolagnaro), on the far south-east coast. On arrival you will be met by the representative of Madagascar Classic Camping (MCC). You will be heading west towards the town of Ambosary in a 4x4 vehicle. 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: 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: 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: 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.

Travel to the south of Madagascar and visit the Nahampoana Reserve and camp in luxury tents with Madagascar Classic Camping. [more]

Sample itinerary: 5 nights

Day 1: Depart from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo airport and fly to Fort Dauphin (Taolagnaro), on the far south-east coast of Madagascar. On arrival you will be met by the representative of Air Fort Services and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon an excursion to the Nahampoana Reserve offering many photo opportunities of the lemurs. Overnight stay at the La Croix du Sud Hotel (Dinner, bed and breakfast). Day 2: You will be collected by the representative of Madagascar Classic Camping (MCC). You will be heading west towards the town of Ambosary in a 4x4 vehicle. 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 at the MCC Camp on a fully inclusive basis.

Day 3: 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: 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  at the MCC Camp on a fully inclusive basis.

Day 5: Transfer to Fort Dauphin and check in for your flight to Antananarivo. Transfer to the Palissandre Hotel & Spa (B&B).

Day 6: Transfer to the airport and check in for your flight to Johannesburg.

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

±Euro2481

A short itinerary taking you to the West and the East of Madagascar. The forests of the Ankarafantsika National Park (Ampijoroa) is one of two last remaining examples of western Malagasy tropical dry...[more]

Itinerary: 7 nights

Day 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. On arrival airport our ground handler will meet and transfer you to Palissandre Hotel & Spa (B&B).

Day 2: Transfer to the airport and fly to Mahajanga. After arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred by road to the Ankarafantsika National Park (Ampijoroa), a 2-hour drive inland from the north-west coast. Overnight at Gite d’Ampijoroa (Full board). – Accommodation very basic!

Day 3: 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 sparrow hawks 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 woods, 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 Gite d’Ampijoroa (Full board).
 
Day 4: Morning in Ampijoroa before your afternoon return transfer to Mahajanga (Majunga) and visit the market. Overnight Sunny Hotel (Full board).

Day 5: Today you will transfer to Majunga airport for your flight to Antananarivo. From here you will be transferred by tarred road to the Perinet reserve (3½ hours). Here you will explore the rainforests along with a local forest guide. Overnight at Vakona Lodge / Feon’ny Ala / Eulophiella  (B&B).

Day 6: Whole day to explore Perinet's rainforests. 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 large Parson's Chameleon. Orchids and other epiphytes festoon the trees. Overnight at the Vakona Lodge/Feon'ny Ala/Eulophiella (B&B).

Day 7: Return transfer to Antananarivo for overnight at Palissandre Hotel & Spa (B&B).

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

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

Euro2081

This itinerary is one of the best choices for first time visitors as it is possible to visit almost all year (except February). The Nosy Be Archipelago is situated off the northwest coast of...[more]

Sample itinerary to Nosy Be & Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (Perinet Reserve): 7 nights

Day 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the central Highlands. On arrival proceed through immigration and customs and then make your way to the domestic terminal for your flight to Nosy Be Island. You will be met on arrival by a representative of the hotel and transferred to the hotel you have chosen (4 nights at the hotel of your choice).

Day 5: Today you will transfer to the airport at Nosy Be and fly to Antananarivo. Here you will be met and transferred by road to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (3½ hours by good, winding road). Overnight at Vakona Lodge or Feon'ny Ala or Eulophiella (B&B).

Day 6: You have the whole day to explore Andasibe's rainforest. If you are interested in birds it is best to begin as early as possible as this is when the birds are most active. Lemur activity usually begins a bit later in the mornings for those of you who are less keen on early starts. The trails are not difficult to manage and all the forest guides speak English and French. Here you should see Grey Bamboo Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, Indri and birds like the Turaco-like Blue Coua; the rotund Velvet-Asity and the tiny 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: Today you will transfer by road to Antananarivo and check into the Palissandre Hotel & Spa  for the last night (B&B).

Day 8: Transfer to the airport and assistance with check-in. Return flight to Johannesburg.

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

upmarket option with Vakona Lodge in Perinet and below on Nosy Be Archipelago: ±Euro2000 [Amarina dinner, bed and breakfast (superior room)]

±Euro2900 [Tsarabanjina Private Island Full Board]
±Euro1900 [Vanila Hotel bed and breakfast (air-conditioned, standard room)]

midrange option with Feon'ny Ala in Perinet and below on Nosy Be Archipelago ±Euro1500 [Chanty Beach bed and breakfast]

Combine the rainforest reserve of Andasibe-Mantadia with the Anjajavy Resort (Relais & Chateaux).

Andasibe-Mantadia (Perinet) also known as Analamazaotra, is one of Madagascar's most visited...[more]

Itinerary - 10 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 (B&B).

Day 2: Transfer to the airport and check in for your charter flight to Anjajavy where you will be staying for 7 nights on a full board basis.

Day 9: Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Antananarivo and transfer to Andasibe Mantadia National Park (3½ hours by good, winding road). Picturesque scenery en route. Overnight stay at Vakona Lodge or Feon’ny Ala or Eulophiella (B&B).

Day 10: Whole day to explore Andasibe Mantadia National Park’s rainforest. To see the most wildlife (especially Indris and birds) we recommend you be in the rainforest as close to daybreak as possible as the animals are most active. The trails are not difficult to walk 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 stay at Vakona Lodge or Feon’ny Ala or Eulophiella (B&B).

Day 11: Today you can visit the more remote, nearby rainforest of Mantadia National Park, where the Andasibe Mantadia National Park guides are used to taking visitors. This is more challenging terrain than Andasibe Mantadia National Park, but you can do as much as you feel comfortable with. The primary rainforest here is spectacular and wildlife includes Diadem’s Sifaka, Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs, Indri and birds like Brown Mesite, Pitta-like Ground-roller, Brown Emutail and Velvet Asity. Later you will transfer to the airport where our agents will assist you with check-in. Return flight to Johannesburg.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010): Euro 5265

This is a perfect itinerary for travellers looking for an island beach holiday as well as experiencing some of Madagascar's wildlife.You visit Ile Sainte Marie for some beach R&R and then Perinet...[more]

Sample itinerary: 7 nights

Day 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. On arrival proceed through customs and immigration and make your way to the domestic terminal for your flight to Ile Sainte Marie (Nosy Boraha). A representative of the hotel will meet you on arrival. Transfer to the hotel of your choice where you will be staying for 4 nights. Ile Sainte Marie Hotels Princesse Bora Hotel & Spa ***+ La Crique **
Baboo Village **

Day 2: Sainte Marie Island. Overnight stay at the hotel of your choice.

Day 3: Sainte Marie Island. Overnight stay at the hotel of your choice.

Day 4: Sainte Marie Island. Overnight stay at the hotel of your choice.

Day 5: Transfer to the airport and fly back to Antananarivo. From Tana you will transfer by road to Perinet Forest Reserve. The route east to Andasibe-Mantadia (Perinet) is picturesque and during your stay here you'll explore the rainforests for its amazing diversity of wildlife.Remember to pack a good torch should you be interested in a night walk in search of any nocturnal wildlife.Overnight at the Vakona Lodge (upmarket) or Hotel Feon'ny Ala or Eulophiella (midrange)(B&B).

Day 6: Whole day to explore Perinet's rainforest. In order to see as much as possible it is best to be in the rainforest by daybreak as the animals are most active then. The trails are not difficult to manage and the forest guides speak English. You should also encounter the likes of Grey Bamboo Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur; birds like the lovely Blue Coua; Velvet-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 the Vakona Lodge (upmarket) or Hotel Feon'ny Ala or Eulophiella  (midrange)(B&B).

Day 7: Return to Antananarivo and check in to the Palissandre Hotel & Spa for the last night (B&B).

Day 8: Transfer to the airport for return flight to Johannesburg.

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

upmarket option with Vakona Lodge in Perinet and on Ile Sainte Marie

±Euro1950 Princess Bora Dinner, bed and breakfast and B&B rest of the tour

mid range option with Feon'ny Ala in Perinet and on Ile Sainte Marie

±Euro1500 Baboo Village B&B throughout

Montagne D’Ambre National Park is a long-extinct volcano covered by primary tropical forest, including craters and waterfalls. A 45 minutes drive to the south-west of Diego takes you to the more...[more]

Itinerary: 12 nights

• Day 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. On arrival at Tana International airport (Ivato) please proceed through immigration and customs, collect your luggage and then proceed to the arrivals hall. Here our Malagasy agents will meet you. Look out for your name on a hand-held notice board. You will then be assisted with your transfer to Palissandre Hotel and Spa or Residence Lapasoa (Bed & Breakfast).
• Day 2: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Diego Suarez /Antsiranana, to the far north of the island. At Diego airport, you will be met and then transferred by car to your hotel near to Montagne d’Ambre. If you arrive early enough you will be taken to the park. Overnight at Le Domaine de Fontenay or Nature Lodge (Full Board).
• Day 3: Montagne D’Ambre National Park is the focus for the day. The forest guides will show you around the trails, taking in some of the park’s scenic highlights. If you are up in the early morning, you may see birds like the gorgeous Pitta-like Ground-roller, the Spectacled Greenbul, Madagascar Crested Ibis and White-throated Oxylabes among others. You will see several different lemurs including Crowned and Sanford’s Brown Lemurs and various chameleons and lizards. You can enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pool at the base of Grand Cascade waterfall. Overnight stay at Le Domaine de Fontenay or Nature Lodge (Full Board).

• Day 4: Transfer from Montagne d’Ambre, southwards to the remarkable Ankarana Reserve, some 130km south of Diego. Days in the unworldly Ankarana.  Overnight at Tsingy Lodge or Le Relais de l’ Ankarana.  (Full Board).
• Day 5: Transfer to the northwest coastal settlement of Ankify (about 4 hours). Your accommodation for the night is Le Dauphin Bleu situated on the hill of Ankify. (Full Board).
• Day 6: Transfer by boat from Ankify to the holiday island of Nosy Be (about 1½ hours). Nosy Be is one of the better-known holiday venues of Madagascar, mainly because its tropical climate is always pleasant. The secret to getting maximum value for one’s money and time in this area, is to visit some of the idyllic surrounding islands, where one can go snorkelling, diving, fishing, hiking, lemur watching and relaxing on sun-drenched beaches. Overnight stay at hotel of your choice.
• Day 7 – Day 11: Nights on Nosy Be island at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel of your choice.
• Day 12: Transfer to the airport in time for your return flight to Antananarivo. Transfer to the Palissandre Hotel & Spa or Residence Lapasoa (Bed & Breakfast).
• Day 13: Transfer to Tana airport and assistance with check-in. Return flight to Johannesburg.12 

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010):
upmarket: with Le Domain de Fontenaie and Vanila (Nosy Be): EUR2810
mid range: with Nature Lodge and Vanila (Nosy Be): EUR2574