Madagascar

1000 Views of Madagascar / Dhow Camping Trip / Madagascar North
Madagascar South / Madagascar East / Island Hopping

South and Morondava Package (15 days / 14 nights)

Highlights
Antananarivo, Ranomafana National Park, trekking in Isalo National Park, private garden of Arboretum, Tulear, Morondava, Kirindy reserve

DAY 1: Johhanesburg - Antananarivo B
On arrival in Antananarivo, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Antananarivo, the picturesque capital of Madagascar. With its bustling markets, friendly people and ancient town on a hill with freestone churches and ancient royal places, it is unique among the world's other capitals.
Overnight at Residence Lapasoa, or similar.

DAY 2: Antananarivo - Antsirabe B
Depart to Antsirabe, a pretty thermal town, that combines a typical Malagasy style with the tranquility of a small European provincial town. Antsirabe means 'where there is much salt' and is one of Madagascar's major trading centres for semiprecious stones and minerals. We will drive through landscape, which is mainly composed of mountains and rice fields. In Antsirabe we will go on a city tour with a visit of Andraikiba lake and the legendary Tritriva crater lake. It is said that the lake's water level decreases during rainy season and increases in dry season. We will visit a gemstone factory, where you can watch the cutting and polishing process and purchase souvenirs.
Overnight at Residence Camelia, or similar.

DAY 3: Antsirabe - Ranomafana B
After breakfast, we will drive to Ranomafana National Park, one of the richest for discovering biodiversity in the eastern humid forest. It is nestled in a mountainous and extremely rainy region, which accounts for its nickname the 'misty land'. The tropical forest is home to 12 species of lemurs such as the golden bamboo lemur, brown lemurs and various species of birds, colourful chameleons and frogs.
In Ambositra we will stop for the visit of some Zafimaniry woodcarving shops. This art, classified as World Intangible Heritage by UNESCO, was revealed to the public in the fifties, when food shortage obliged this population of foresters to sell their furniture and sculptures on the market. Zafimaniry Art expresses itself through daily life objects (honey pots, weaving-looms, stools, plates…) as well as construction parts (doors and windows). We then head to Ranomafana National Park, where we will rest in preparation for our park visit the next day.
Overnight at the Centrest Sejour, or similar.

DAY 4: Ranomafana - Fianarantsoa B
In the morning we will explore the Park to see lemurs, chameleons and frogs living in the rainforest and discover some of the pandanus, ferns, orchids and medical plants in the undergrowth. After lunch, we will go on a city tour of Fianarantsoa - the capital of the Betsileo tribe. Fianarantsoa was built on 3 levels and the highest level and its old and picturesque quarters are classified as a protected area because of its historical and architectural interest. It lies in the heart of Madagascar's most fertile agricultural areas and is renowned for its vineyards, tea plantations and terraced rice fields.
Overnight at Zomatel, or a similar.

DAY 5: Fianarantsoa - Ranohira B
In the morning we depart early for Ranohira. On our way we stop in Ambalavao - the commercial centre of the southern Betsileo region, renowned for its folks, arts and crafts - we will visit a wine producer for a wine tasting and the "Antemoro Paper" factory, where you can watch the paper being made and buy locally made cards and other paper products. The famous Antemoro paper is a delicate, handmade, flower-decorated paper made of the fibres of a tree called "Avoha". We continue our drive to Ranohira and visit Anja Park along the way, where you can see some families of ring-tailed lemurs in their natural habitat. On arrival in Ranohira we check in at Isalo Ranch and simply relax to prepare ourselves for the next day of trekking.
Overnight at Isalo Ranch, or similar.

DAY 6: Ranohira B
Today we will spend the whole day trekking in Isalo National Park, which is chronologically the second one in Madagascar. Here, erosion has carved fantastic figures in the sandstone, from sharp needles standing up in the sky to rocky blocs apparently unstable on their base. Apparently dry, the Isalo National Park is a land endowed with an important network of streams feeding the tributaries of the river Mangoky. It is a sacred land, as it also shelters the Bara ancestors' cemeteries, dug on the cliff sides to prevent pillage. We will discover the massif of Isalo, its canyons and its endemic flora (Pachypodium, aloes,...) and fauna (lemurs and birds). We will even have the chance to go for a refreshing swim in the natural cascades swimming pool.
Overnight at Isalo Ranch, or similar.

DAY 7: Ranohira - Tulear B
After breakfast, we drive along a long straight road, where the landscape is composed of dry and spiny forests, baobab trees and some proudly decorated Mahafaly tombs. We will visit the Arboretum, an interesting private garden, established by a Swiss botanist, has close to 1000 species of plants endemic to south-western Madagascar. We will then go on a city tour of Tulear, which is Madagascar's most recently established provincial capital and south-western Madagascar's major town. The city tour also includes a visit to the museum.
Overnight at Paille en Queue, or similar.

DAY 8: Tulear - Morondava B
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Morondava, where you will be met and transferred to the city. Morondava is situated in the heart of Sakalava territory and is known for the royal sculpted tombs of the Menabe ancestors. These tombs are frequently decorated with well-executed, often erotic, funerary carvings representing life and fertility.
Overnight at Hotel Renala au Sable d'Or or similar.

DAY 9: Morondava - Kirindy - Morondava B
Today we set out for a day excursion to the Kirindy reserve - a dry forest that covers approximately 10,000 ha. You will have the chance to see 6 species of lemurs, including the fat-tailed lemur and the tiny Microcebus Myoxinus, believed to be the world's smallest primate. There are also 45 bird species and 32 reptile species, including the rare Madagascan flat-tailed tortoise, the side-necked turtle, Madagascar's only freshwater turtle, and numerous chameleons. On our way back to Morondava, we will stop to admire the beauty of the famous Baobab Avenue.
Overnight at Hotel Renala au Sable d'Or or similar.

DAY 10 - 13: Morondava B
The next 4 days are spent at leisure. Soak up the sun and enjoy the pristine white beaches and the warm Agulhas current. Explore the area on excursions and day trips or discover the marine life on deep-sea fishing trips or diving excursions. On the southern edge of town are tranquil mangrove swamps, which you can explore by pirogue, observing kingfishers, egrets and more along the way.
Overnight at Hotel Renala au Sable d'Or or similar.

DAY 14: Morondava - Antananarivo B
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Antananarivo, where you will be met and transferred to the city. You can wander through the capital's steep and narrow streets, taking in its architecture, atmosphere and pace. Or you can climb up to the old rova (palace) and enjoy the views over Antananarivo and the surrounding countryside. The town is at its best in the evening when the setting sun spectacularly illuminates its hillsides.
Overnight at Residence Lapasoa, or similar.

DAY 15: Antananarivo - Johannesburg B
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Johannesburg, where your unforgettable tour ends. We hope to welcoming you in Madagascar again very soon!

Meal Key B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner

Group Size Minimum 1 person, Maximum 10 people

2009 Per Person Rate: with 1 person = US$6250, with 2 people = US$3310 each, with 4 people = US$2505 each, with 6 people = US$2225 each, with 8 people = US$2065 each. Single supplement = US$670
Prices valid from 1 November 2008 - 31 October 2009
**Please note that internal flights should be booked in conjunction with international flights and the rates are subject to class, availability and change

Departure Dates 2009 Every Day of the week - subject to availability.

Included in the price
Accommodation based on a BED & BREAKFAST basis in twin sharing room at midrange hotels, all transfers and transport mentioned in the program, all entrance fees, specialist guides in the national park as per program, all excursions mentioned in the program, an English-speaking guide.

Not included in the price
All excursions not mentioned in the program, bottled water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, laundry, international flights, domestic flights from Tulear to Morondava, and from Morondava to Antananarivo, visas and travel insurance, all lunches, dinners, personal items. (Flights from/to Johannesburg can be arranged by operator)

Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers can be arranged on request.
Standard Room, IC Hotel (Antananarivo)= From EUR28 pp Sharing (BB) , From EUR51 pp Single (BB)
Airport Transfers on request at additional cost

Transport:
Transport will depend on the size of the group; A small car for 2 - 3 pax, A minivan for 4 - 6 - 8 pax, A bus for 10 pax or more
Accommodation:
Accommodation will be in basic Hotels. Please note that Madagascar is a country, which is in its infancy when it comes to tourism. Accommodation is limited so all the above mentioned accommodation are subject to availability and we reserve the right to change these using similar accommodation of the same standards. The Hotels used are simple & clean and of basic standard.
Spending money:
Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover their lunches and
Dinners, the purchase of curios and additional entertainment. Madagascar's new currency is Ariary. Euros are the most practical and convenient currency to exchange into the local currency, Ariary at the Airport. There are automatic teller machines (ATM's) available in the bigger towns like Tana, Fianarantsoa and Tulear. International credit cards and travelers cheques are very seldomly accepted, however Visa is the better option to have at places that do.
First Aid:
Our guides are trained in basic first aid and the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration, although it is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure.
Luggage:
Maximum baggage allowance on the plane will be 20 kg. Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, not a suitcase. Don't bring too much clothing, as there are washing opportunities along the way. Please adhere to the allowance specified as space for luggage is limited.
Insurance:
It is compulsory for all travelers to have insurance covering their personal requirements, medical expenses and personal possessions. This is to be arranged before leaving home country.
Visas:
NO ENTRY VISA IS REQUIRED for a stay of maximum 30 days, until 31st December 2009.

Information on areas visited

Madagascar
Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa. Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world. It is the home of five percent of the world's plant and animal species, 80 per cent of them unique to Madagascar. Most famous among those are the lemurs. Madagascar and Mauritania are the only countries not to use a decimal currency. Its teeming fertile forests and geographical isolation have served to preserve and propagate 'nature's design laboratory' in a mix found nowhere else on earth. Madagascar's forests are a shimmering, seething mass of a trillion stems and dripping leaves.

Tana
Antananarivo, better known in the short version Tana, is the bustling capital of Madagascar with about 2,000,000 inhabitants. Situated in the high plateau, the city was founded in 1610 by a Malagasy King. To protect the newly gained territory he left 1000 men behind and that's how Antananarivo got its name (town of 1000). It has developed to a quite interesting city with a lot of contrasts. Thus that Tana habits the country's major international airport, most visitors will find themselves at least passing through the city. But you should spend some days here and explore the city, visit the market places and Roya. Roya is a palace and one of the main features of Tana. It is built on the highest hill and can be seen from for tens of kilometers in any direction.

Ranomafana
Ranomafana National Park was created in 1991, after the golden bamboo lemur was discovered there in 1986. Located 445 kilometres south of Antananarivo and 65 kilometres east of Fianarantsoa, this beautiful reserve protects a humid rainforest that is teeming with a vast array of wildlife. In addition to the golden bamboo lumur, other lemur species include the greater bamboo lemur, the red-bellied lemur, the grey bamboo lemur, Milne-Edwards sifaka, the red fronted brown lemur, the sportive lemur, the black-and-white ruffed lemur, the greater dwarf lemur, and the brown mouse lemur. Ranomafana also hosts the fanaloka, the eastern ring-tailed mongoose, the red forest rat, the eastern avahi, and ring-tailed mongoose. Present but hard to see are fosa and the aquatic tenrec.
Many reptile and frog species can be found at Ranomafana, including Parson's chameleon, Madagascar tree boa, three leaf-tailed geckos, the day gecko Phelsuma quadriocellata (common) and numerous frogs. The National Park of Ranomafana is arguably the best Malagasy rainforest for birding, hosting blue coua, red-fronted coua, Pollen's vanga, Tylas, velvet asity, sunbird asity, pitta-like ground roller, scaly ground roller, short-legged ground roller, rufous-headed gound roller, brown mesite, Henst's goshawk, Madagascar flufftail, slender-billed flufftail, forest rock-thrush, collared nightjar, common jery, green jery.

Parc National de Isalo
This park was established in 1962 and covers 81,540 hectares of a wildly eroded sandstone massif. The grassy plains are surrounded by sandstone ridges sculpted into wild forms, and secluded in the rocks are many Sakalava Tombs. The Canyon des Singes ('Canyon of Monkeys') makes for an interesting day walk, and you'll have a good chance of seeing sifakas
(A common lemur) leaping through the trees.
You can also walk along the canyon to the Piscine Naturelle - a hot and thirsty walk but worth it for the breathtaking landscape along the way. The Grotte des Portugais is at the northern end of the park. The cave isn't worth seeing, but the surrounding Forêt de Sahanafa is beautiful, with natural springs and a lot of lemurs. The Isalo is about 400km south-west of Tana, and the nearest town is Ranohira.

Toliara (Tuléar)
Toliara, which came into existence in 1895 and is also known as Tuléar, is Madagascar's most recently established provincial capital. It is a regionally significant port and southwestern Madagascar's major town.
Most commerce in the area is controlled by Indo-Pakistani traders who bore the brunt of Malagasy violence in 1987 rioting. On one street, a Chinese store escaped untouched to continue business while the Indian premises on either side, along with most of the central area, were gutted.
Apart from several interesting churches, most of Toliar's remaining buildings are fairly nondescript, as is its setting against a backdrop of mangroves and mudflats. The surrounding area, however, offers numerous attractions including good beaches, diving and snorkelling, surfing, kite surfing and wild surfing at Ifaty to the north and Anakao to the south; intriguing topography; interesting flora and fauna; and remote villages. In addition to the beach at Ifaty, popular travel destinations nearby include Sarondrano, Miary, Lake Tsimanampetsotsa and the Réserve Spéciale de Beza-Mahafaly. The Tropic of Capricorn crosses Madagascar just south of Toliara.

Morondava & Kirindy Forest
Morondava is a vibrant west coast town, well known for its seaside resort, laid-back atmosphere, and for being the centre of the Sakalava kingdom. Not only is it a prosperous rice-growing area, but it is also the southern gateway to the attractions of the west, such as the Kirindy forest, and the famous baobabs.