Unique Madagascar
All content by World Expeditions
10 days (Antananarivo)
Destinations visited: Madagascar, Antananarivo To Toamasina
from
USD$2,390
A complete exploration of the enigmatic island 'continent' of Madagascar
The Island of Madagascar is synonymous with the exotic, if not the quirky. Isolated from Africa millions of years ago with the break up of Gondwana, Madagascar has its own unique cargo of endemic plants and animals. Lemurs have filled most mammal ecological niches of the forests and spectacular Chameleons are the most iconic of the reptiles. The climate influences the vegetation from arid Spiny Forest in the south to tropical rainforest in the North and East. We explore the spectacular collection of the island's national parks on this itinerary, taking in the full diversity of the land and animals, including the Isalo, Andringitra and Ranomafana National Parks. Our daily wildlife adventures contrast with the comfort of pleasant hotels and tented accommodation, combining the best of local style and French colonial charm.
Highlights
- Walk amongst the sandstone rock formations at Isalo Massif
- Spectacular granite rock valleys of Andringitra National Park
- Cloud-forest National Park of Ranomafana
- Antananarivo
- Ambositra wood carving town
Itinerary
Day 1 Antananarivo
Arrival in Antananarivo, transfer to the hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure. Please check at hotel reception for details of the pick-up time tomorrow for your flight to Toliara. There is no group briefing today as you will meet your guide upon arrival in Toliara tomorrow.
Day 2 Fly to Toliara, drive to Isalo Massif
We have an early breakfast before transferring to the airport to catch our flight to Toliara on the South West coast. Upon arrival we will meet our guide and begin our journey northwards. In the afternoon we arrive at the dramatic Isalo Massif, a mysterious landscape of imposing rock formations, called “ruiniforme”. Here we discover the semi arid landscape known as ‘Spiny Desert’ and the famous erotic ‘Mahafaly Tombs’. Overnight hotel.
Day 3 Isalo
We enjoy exploring the rugged canyons cut deep into the sandstone plateau this morning. Lush vegetation in the moist canyons is home to many species of lemur and chameleon, which we have opportunity to see if we are lucky. After lunch in Isalo town, we spend the afternoon walking amongst the spectacularly sculptured rock formations of Isalo Massif, discovering the “Piscine Naturelle” – a delightful natural swimming pool. Overnight hotel.
Day 4 Isalo to Andringitra
We drive across the Horombe Plateau with its grasslands dotted with termite mounds. Today is quite a long but interesting drive as we continue to Tsaranoro Valley in the Andringitra Massif. Overnight permanent campsite.
Day 5 Andringitra
We enjoy a full-day walking in the Andringita National Park amongst the unique granite and gneiss formations. Andringitra has a wide diversity of ecosystems ranging from low altitude rainforest in the east to high mountain prairies in the west and the greatest diversity of lemurs in Madagascar. There are a number of options from easy to demanding trails, depending on how many hours you wish to walk. Overnight permanent campsite.
Day 6 Andringitra to Ranomafana
We start early today as the road is slow and we have a long day. We drive across the central plateau, crossing dry highland landscapes typical of the east coast. We will break our journey in the town of Ambalavao, with its colourful houses and local craftspeople who manufacture Antaimoro paper from the bark of Ahova trees. Continuing from here we arrive in the evening at Ranomafana, a region of lush rainforest vegetation that contrasts the landscapes we have seen earlier today. Overnight hotel
Day 7 Ranomafana
Ranomafana National Park was established in 1991 to protect the habitat of the rare Golden Bamboo Lemur and is an area rich in wildlife. Today we head out on foot to explore the primary forest, hoping to catch a glimpse of these fascinating animals as well as some of the other 13 species of lemur only found here. The world's rarest primate - the Giant Bamboo Lemur is one of these. We also have opportunity to go on a night walk to discover the nocturnal wildlife within the reserve such as the Striped Civet and Mouse Lemur. Overnight hotel.
Day 8 To Ambositra
Early in the morning we drive to Ambositra, via the picturesque cultivated highlands. We arrive in Ambositra in the afternoon, the arts and crafts capital of Madagascar. The local artisans are most famous for their wood carvings and we have plenty of opportunity to explore and shop. Overnight hotel.
Day 9 To Antananarivo
This morning we begin our return to Antananarivo. Along the way we will visit Antsirabe, a hill-station and spa town in the central highlands, famous for its multitude of rickshaws. After lunch in the town, we continue to Antananarivo where we expect to arrive in the evening. Overnight in hotel.
Day 10 Trip concludes
Trip arrangements end after breakfast with a transfer to the airport for onward travel. Please ask your reservations consultant for details if you would like additional nights in Antananarivo (extra cost applies).
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners
- arrival and departure transfers on Days 1 & 10 only
- english speaking driver-guide
- accommodation in simple but comfortable 2 star hotels/lodges
- all linen and bedding in permanent campsites (2 nights)
- flight Antananarivo/Toliara valued at US$255
- permits and entry fees and local guide in Isalo, Andringitra & Ranomafana National Parks
- private vehicle transport throughout
- tourist taxes
Summary
- 10 day trip
- 7 nights hotels/lodge
- 2 nights permanent campsite
Trip Main Activities
- Wildlife Safari
- Day Walking
- Adventure Touring
Group Size Min
4
Group Size Max
12
Accommodation Summary
Equipment Required
Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.
Check dates and prices
Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site
from
USD$2,390
Why we recommend World Expeditions
- Pioneers in responsible travel.
- No local payments.
- True adventures in every sense.
- Expert guides and support.
- Quality facilities and transport.
Customer care
World Expeditions is a global company with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada, all staffed with experienced adventure travellers.
Contact World Expeditions customer serviceAdvertisement
Advertisement
