Magical Madagascar
Madagascar
9 days
The Highlights of Magical Madagascar
Step into the magical world of Madagascar. This active adventure takes you in search of camouflaged chameleons, multiple species of the island’s signature lemurs, prized orchids and brilliantly plumed birds.
How Your Trip Matters
Often known as the “8th Continent” for its biodiversity, this magical tour of a wild island reveals epic beaches, rain forests, and wildlife.
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.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are conscious travel experiences chosen with great care based on the positive social or environmental impact they have both on their communities, and on those who experience them: our guests. You can identify these experiences across our trips by locating the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience seal.
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. Novotel Convention & Spa Antananarivo
Antananarivo, Madagascar
The Novotel Madagascar offers a 5-star experience with world-class comfort. 180 rooms include luxurious hi-tech suites and offer panoramic views of Antananarivo. An events space can easily be adapted for up to 800 people, and there are several choices of restaurants and bars, a spa, indoor pool and fitness area. Novotel Convention & Spa is the go-to spot for lifestyle amenities in Antananarivo.
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)
Located in Andasibe, one of the biodiversity hotspots of the eastern Madagascar rainforest corridor, Mitsinjo integrates the protection of prime habitat and the generation of sustainable income for the local population living in the area.
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)
Spend the morning with your guide at the local marketplace, mingling with the Malagasy who have traveled from afar to buy and sell their wares.
Mandrare River Camp
Day 8. Mandrare River / Antananarivo
After breakfast, your driver will take you to the airport in Fort Dauphin for your flight to Antananarivo. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (BD)
Novotel Convention & Spa Antananarivo
Day 9. Antananarivo / Depart
Return to the airport for your international departure flight. (B)
Pricing
Land Arrangements (Price per person)
**Surcharges Apply 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
