Magical Madagascar
Madagascar
12 days
TAILOR-MADE SAFARI | SAMPLE ITINERARY
Step into the magical world of Madagascar. This active adventure takes you in search of camouflaged chameleons, iconic lemurs, prized orchids and brilliantly plumed birds, with encounters across spectacular beaches, rain forests and some of the island’s most remarkable wild places.
Highlights
Explore a place unlike any other, fantastically beautiful and diverse, where half the fun is getting to these incredible attractions.
Discover the joy of waking to the distant singing of the local Antandroy tribe as they fetch water from the river.
Experience the thrill of spotting your first mouse lemur on a nocturnal forest walk.
Enjoy a one of kind adventure, tracking more than a dozen species of lemurs in forests of every kind – rain, dry and spiny.
Accommodations
1. Maison Gallieni
Madagascar, Antananarivo
Maison Gallieni was built in 1879 and housed the first bank in Madagascar. Located on a hill, in the historic heart of Antananarivo, it has spectacular views overlooking the town. Beautifully designed of brick, stone and wood, the restored mansion is an elegant mix of modern and traditional décor. The guesthouse consists of 4 spacious, air-conditioned bedrooms, indoor common areas, a library, heated pool, garden and outdoor lounge.
2. Mantadia Lodge
Madagascar, Andasibe
Mantadia Lodge is located up on a hill, with panoramic views of the forest of Andasibe National Park. All en suite rooms have Wi-Fi, cable TV, private terrace with panoramic views, shower with panoramic views, indoor lounge and a wood burning stove for the cool season. The restaurant, with large windows has been designed for exceptional views. The terrace is the perfect spot to soak up the sun and enjoy a cocktail. The lodge has a bar and lounge with a reading area, an infinity pool, two massage parlors and a curio shop with products and souvenirs made by local artisans such as jewelry, decorative objects, honey and wild pepper.
3. Mandrare River Camp
Madagascar, Mandrare River
Mandrare River Camp is nestled under the shade of tamarind trees on the banks of the Mandrare River. The tents are spread out along the river bank with breathtaking views across the tranquil water, which is the lifeblood of the region. Each tent has a private terrace with hand carved wooden furniture, 4 poster bed with mosquito netting, safari wardrobe, dressing table, baggage trunk, and bedside lights. A fully plumbed en-suite stone built bathroom, with shower and toilet, extends to the rear of the tent. Solar panels provide hot water and 24 hour lighting. Meals are served on the large terrace which extends to the water’s edge. Far from civilization the camp is incredibly peaceful. Each day is greeted with the singing of children by the river, accompanied by the calls of birds and other forest animals. Spend your time on day and night guided walks with experienced guides in the Sacred Gallery and Spiny Forest to see the sifaka and ring tailed lemurs. Visit the colorful markets and local villages to learn about the local Antandroy tribe. Enjoy sundowners in the Baobab Forest and then return to camp for dinner served in the warm glow of hurricane lamps.
4. Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge
Madagascar, Sainte Luce
Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest lodge is bordered by lush rainforest forest and leads directly onto the pristine white sand beaches and azure waters of the Indian Ocean. The lodge is made of local wood, ravinala thatch and stone creating the perfect “Robinson Crusoe” experience. The spacious bungalows are discreetly tucked along the edge of the forest and are designed with enormous windows and private terraces with plenty of sun loungers, an outside shower and a hammock. The rooms feature a king size bed with a day bed, en-suite bathroom with walk in shower and toilet. Hot water and electricity is supplied by solar energy. The main area is designed very much in the style of an African lodge, with a high thatched ceiling, bar and dining area, and a wonderful sunken fire pit, perfect for brisk nights. Outside seating lets you unwind as you watch a perfect sunset.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Antananarivo, Madagascar
Tonga Soa! Bienvenue! Enjoy a fetching French-Malagasy welcome and your first night in ‘Tana,’ Madagascar’s 500-year-old capital. (D)
Maison Gallieni
Day 2. Antananarivo / Andasibe
Meet your guide and begin your journey past rice fields and fruit stands to Andasibe, gateway to the Perinet Reserve. Check into your airy bungalow beneath the palms and enjoy the music of the rainforest. Later this afternoon visit a private reserve operated by Mitsinjo, a local NGO. (BLD)
Mantadia Lodge
Day 3. Andasibe
Spend a fascinating day exploring Mantadia National Park. Be on the lookout for Grey bamboo lemur, Red-bellied lemur and White ruffed lemur. This is a naturalist’s goldmine with many seldom seen species of mammals, reptiles and birds. Perhaps you’ll spot a Scaly Ground Roller or a Red Breasted Coua. While the trails are slightly more difficult, the rewards are great as the forest is taller, wilder and less crowded. In the evening you may choose to go on a night walk to witness the antics of the nocturnal species. (BLD)
Mantadia Lodge
Day 4. Andasibe / Antananarivo
After breakfast, visit the Perinet Reserve or, as the Malagasy call it, the Analamazaotra rainforest. As you walk with your guide, listen for the haunting wails of the Indri Indri, the largest of lemurs. There are another 11 species of lemur to spot as you walk through the rainforest. This is a birdwatcher’s delight and special ones to look out for are the Velvet Asity and Nuthatch Vanga. After lunch, return to Antananarivo. (BLD)
Maison Gallieni
Day 5. Antananarivo / Mandrare River
Fly to Fort Dauphin where your guide awaits your arrival to transport you to the southern island’s arid, other-worldly terrain. Settle into your tent and enjoy the majestic views of the river and mountains beyond. Late in the afternoon, if time permits, head for a walk through the Sacred Spiny Forest filled with the ancestral tombs of the local Antandroy tribe, as well as an extraordinary array of flora and fauna, unique to the spiny forest. The Ringtail Lemurs and Verreaux’s Sifaka bed down for the night as a whole host of different and interesting creatures start to stir. Torchlight unveils the shining eyes of White-footed Sportive Lemurs and Grey and Grey-Brown Mouse Lemurs scurrying through the trees looking for their next meal. (BLD)
Mandrare River Camp
Day 6. Mandrare River
Awaken to the tantalizing aroma of baked croissants before setting out for the Sacred Gallery forest. A guided walk among the tamarind trees will reveal large groups of Ring-tailed lemurs and dancing Verreaux’s sifakas. Return to camp for lunch and a relaxed afternoon by the pool. In the late afternoon, go for a walk through the Sacred Spiny forest dotted with the ancestral tombs of the local Antandroy tribe, as well as an extraordinary array of flora and fauna, unique to the Spiny forest. Learn about the Antandroy culture and customs. Toast your day with sundowners on the river bank. (BLD)
Mandrare River Camp
Day 7. Mandrare River
Immerse yourself in the tapestry of valley life as you spend the morning with your guide at the local marketplace, mingling with the Malagasy who have travelled from afar to buy and sell their wares. Lunch will be served in camp followed by a relaxed afternoon observing life along the river. Later this afternoon enjoy a sundowner among the baobabs, watching the sun set and moon rise is a magical experience. In the evening the local village may come to perform their beautiful traditional dances, accompanied by singing and music. (BLD)
Mandrare River Camp
Day 8. Mandrare River / Manafiafy
After breakfast, depart Mandrare River Camp with your camp guide and driver to Fort Dauphin. Enjoy lunch and a chance to stretch your legs, before continuing your journey to Manafiafy also known as Sainte Luce. Upon arrival check into your luxury bungalow, then set off on a night hike to explore the last untouched block of coastal rain forest in southern Madagascar. Keep your eyes peeled for leaping lemurs, the Madagascar Scops Owl, leaf-tailed geckos and other masters of camouflage. Return to the lodge for dinner. (BLD)
Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge
Day 9. Manafiafy
Fill your days with a selection of adventure filled activities or simply do nothing at all. Explore the surrounding rain forests on day and night walks in search of different lemur species. Boat trips into the mangroves are wonderful for wetland birding. Stop to chat to the local fishermen along the way. Go kayaking, or take a boat trip to the nearby islands for a secluded picnic lunch and a snorkel in the sheltered bay. (BLD)
Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge
Day 10. Manafiafy
Manafiafy is a lovely Antanosy village with traditional wooden houses and pirogues lining the beachfront. Go on a guided walk through the village, interact with the fishermen and their families and learn about the local customs. For the ultimate romantic adventure, sleep out out in a unique tree tent strung between the trees on a private island. A personal chef will prepare a delicious gourmet dinner on the beach. (BLD)
Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge
Day 11. Manafiafy
Enjoy another day in Manafiafy with time to relax or choose from a range of optional activities. During whale season, set out by boat in search of humpback whales along the coast, or enjoy a guided beach walk and take in the peaceful surroundings of this remote stretch of Madagascar. (BLD)
Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge
Day 12. Manafiafy / Depart
After breakfast, depart with your camp guide and driver Fort Dauphin airport for your flight to Antananarivo, then connect to your international flight. (B)
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are carefully selected for their positive impact on local communities, the planet, and wildlife—while creating meaningful and immersive moments for our guests.
Pricing
Land Arrangements (Price per person)
This itinerary does not operate Jan 10-March 24
Air Arrangements (Internal Airfare)
Internal air included in land arrangements.
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Add-Ons
Currently there are no add-ons for this tour
