Unique Madagascar
11 Days Starting and ending in Antananarivo
Visiting: Madagascar
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MGU
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
16-80
Tour Overview
The Island of Madagascar is synonymous with the exotic, if not the quirky. Separated 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 occupied most mammal ecological niches of the forests and spectacular chameleons are iconic reptiles. The vegetation varies 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, 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
Itinerary
Day 1 : Antananarivo
Upon arrival at Antananarivo international airport on Day 1 you will be met and transferred to the group hotel. (Normally this is late in the evening thus, there is a group briefing tomorrow.) Please check at hotel reception for details of the pick-up time tomorrow for your trip to Antsirabe. If you are arriving on any other day, private airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost. Overnight hotel.
Day 2 : Drive To Antsirabe
After breakfast we drive to Antsirabe, which is well known as the capital of rickshaw (pousse-pousse), a hill-station and spa town in the central highlands. Along the way, you can have a look at the beautiful landscape of the highlands decorated by rice fields and green fields. After lunch we will have a city tour and visit to the market. There is a meeting with the group this afternoon; dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 3 : Antsirabe To Ranomafana
In the morning we begin our journey to Ranomafana Rainforest National Park located on the eastern mountain slope of the island and dominated by a humid tropical climate. We enjoy a picnic lunch and stopover at Ambositra to visit this little wood carving capital of Madagascar. (The local artisans are most famous for their wood carvings and we have an opportunity to explore and shop.) Then we continue driving to Ranomafana National Park. Overnight hotel.
Day 4 : Ranomafana National Park
Ranomafana National Park was established in 1991 to protect the habitat of the rare Golden Bamboo Lemur and is an area rich in wildlife. It's the only locality for the recently discovered Golden Bamboo Lemur as well as the world's rarest primate, the Giant Bamboo Lemur. Today is exploration day: we head out to explore this evergreen forest, hoping to catch a glimpse of these fascinating animals as well as some of the other 13 species of lemur only found here. We can appreciate the views of the waters of the Namorona river and a picnic lunch. Overnight hotel.
Day 5 : Drive To Andringitra
We start early today as the road is slow and we have a long day. We drive to Andringitra Tsaranoro Valley. We will break up 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. Dinner and night of camping.
Day 6 : Andringitra Tsaranoro
We enjoy a day of trekking in the high mountain prairies of the Tsaranoro Valley, with it's 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. Perhaps we will encounter a few families of Lemurs Catta. Overnight camping.
Day 7 : To Isalo
Today we drive across the Horombe Plateau with its grasslands dotted with termite mounds. We journey to Isalo and arrive in the afternoon. Overnight hotel.
Day 8 : 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 as we hike in the "Canyon des Makis". After lunch in Isalo town, we spend the afternoon hiking amongst the spectacularly sculptured rock formations of Isalo Massif, with its abstract sculpting and colors of the eroded sandstone rocks to the “Piscine Naturelle” – a natural swimming pool. Overnight hotel.
Day 9 : Drive To Toliara
We continue driving southwards to reach Toliara, past the semi-arid landscape known as ‘Spiny Desert’ and the famous ‘Mahafaly Tombs’. Overnight hotel.
Day 10 : Fly From Toliara To Antananarivo
Transfer to the airport and flight back to Antananarivo. (Please note: flight at own expense - schedule is subject to change and availability, and the flight is unescorted). Transfer to hotel at the arrival and overnight in hotel.
Day 11 : In Antananarivo, 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) or airport transfers on any other day (extra cost applies).
What's Included
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Accommodation
8 nights hotel -
10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners
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airport transfers (day 1 and 11 only)
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8 nights in 2 star hotels on a twinshare basis
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linen and bedding in permanent safari camp
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English speaking local guide (or driver-guide only for groups of 2-5 people)
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permits and entry fees as listed in itinerary
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local guide in Isalo, Andringitra, Ranomafana National Parks
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private vehicle transport throughout
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tourist taxes
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Internal flight Toliara/Antananarivo is NOT included
Accommodation
8 nights hotel
Accommodation
In selecting hotels and guesthouses, our foremost criteria are cleanliness and comfort, but outside of the capital the accommodation is very rustic. Hotel accommodation is twinshare, unless a single supplement has been paid in advance. Most properties have ensuite bathrooms, while the permanent campsite at Andringitra has shared ablutions.
Permanent Camp Set-up
While camping in Andringitra National Park, all equipment is provided. Two person tents are supplied, as are mattresses and bed linen. The campsites and facilities are basic but allow a wilderness experience in these special environments. There is a communal dining area and shared ablution facilities.
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 balm etc.
Grading
These adventure tours sometimes may visit remote areas where facilities are often basic. Many of these trips involve some camping or basic lodging at times and will often involve long journeys on rough roads. To enjoy these adventures we suggest reasonable fitness and health, a moderatley active lifestyle and a positive attitude. Although there is no commitment to extended walking on this journey we nonetheless want to keep the ‘accent on the active’. We therefore advise that any physical training you complete before undertaking the trip will be to good effect. We recommend walking on undulating terrain for an hour or more, two or three times a week for at least 3 months prior to departure. The fitter you are the more this will enhance your experience.
Wildlife
The wilderness areas of Africa are populated by large numbers of wild and potentially dangerous animals. The trip aims to view these animals in their natural habitat, uncontrolled by fences. Your experienced guides will make every effort to ensure the safety of the group at all times. Please be aware that all safari travel, including vehicle safaris in the proximity of wild animals is never entirely without risk. By travelling into wild areas in search of wild animals, all participants accept that they are choosing an adventure that includes an element of risk and this is an inherent aspect of the enjoyment of this style of travel.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.