IT05-A-Madagascar The East: Andasibe-Mantadia (Perinet) & Ile Sainte Marie

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 also known as Analamazaotra or Andasibe, one of Madagascar's most visited reserves. A scenic 3½ hour drive east of Tana finds you in this spectacular rainforest reserve. It is home to a large variety of rare rainforest animals, notably the baboon-sized Indri, largest of the lemurs. Many species of rainforest-dwelling birds, reptiles and other wildlife abounds here too. The trails are well mapped and the local forest guides will introduce you to many animal and plant specialities. This itinerary is suitable for all months except mid-January to mid-March which is the peak of the wet season.

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

Masoandro Lodge***

Princesse Bora***+

Soanambo***

Chez Baboo**

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 (midrange) or Eulophiella or Grace Hotel (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 (midrange) or Eulophiella or Grace Hotel (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.

Prices include

International (departure from 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, travel insurance, internet access, airport taxes and visa fees.

Approximate price per person sharing (October 2009)

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