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Madagascar... The Trip of a Lifetime
from GALAPAGOS TRAVEL |
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Madagascar! Much like Galápagos, this is a place that conjures up images of amazing wildlife - wildlife that is among the best in the world in terms of diversity and abundance, and in some cases is as approachable as the wildlife of Galápagos. Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island, having broken away from Africa well over 150 million years ago. This isolation makes it a living laboratory of evolution, with plants and animals found nowhere else on earth - lemurs, chameleons, geckos, frogs, tortoises, and myriad birds. ...Ringtail Lemurs gathering in groups on the ground to warm up in the morning sun... The haunting calls of Indris high in the forest canopy... A glimpse of a Sifaka as it skips across the trail ahead... Radiated Tortoises, well, just sitting there... At the same time the forests and valleys are filled with wonderful birds - the iridescent Madagascar Kingfishers flitting along the waterways, paradise flycatchers, Madagascar White eyes, Giant Coua, Madagascar Scops Owl, Madagascar Fish-Eagle... The flora is equally astounding, from the surreal Boabab trees, to the spiny forests of the west and south, or rainforests of the east. The landscapes are equally as spectacular - the bright red soil of the highlands; the emerald green forest canopy festooned with orchids and other epiphytes; shades of grey in the limestone karst of the Tsingy; green rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls; white sand beaches, and all of it surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Madagascar truly is a land of rich colors and superlatives! Neither solely a birding or wildlife tour, nor just a cultural tour, this is a general Natural History tour - a mix of amazing wildlife, spectacular scenery and rich cultural discoveries. The people of Madagascar are amazingly welcoming. They are gracious, friendly and nearly always smiling (and quite often singing). Our Tour Leader for these trips is Richard Parsons - a former resident of Madagascar (and owner of the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve in Ecuador, and occasional Galápagos Tour Leader). Richard created these itineraries specifically for GALAPAGOS TRAVEL, to share the best of the diverse wildlife, scenery and cultural experiences with our travelers. His passion for Madagascar and her people is unmatched. We will be offering two expeditions to Madagascar; the first in September 2009 and again in May 2010. The trips will likely have the same itinerary (as travel dates with Air Madagascar work out). The weather will be drier and hotter in September, and the river levels lower. Both times should be wonderful - outside the rainy season making the roads passable, and just off the peak tourist times allowing us more flexibility in schedule! Please let me know if you have any questions on these amazing expeditions - I love talking about Madagascar, and my own journey there in 2008, although words alone cannot do it justice. I invite you to join us in Madagascar - it is sure to be another trip of a lifetime! Cheers, Mark |
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About Our: About: Special Stuff: Special Trips: |
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Madagascar 2 departures to choose from: Note: changes in this itinerary are almost to be expected, and we will have to ask for your understanding on this. However, we will be following this as closely as Madagascar permits! Day 1 We will meet at Charles DeGaulle Airport in Paris, in the Air Madagascar departure lounge, for our late afternoon departure. Day 2 Early morning arrival in Madagascar. Visas may be purchased on arrival. Entry fromalities completed we will regroup in the domestic departure lounge of the airport in preparation for our early morning flight (roughly 7am) to Maroansetra. As we near the coast the tropical greens and red earth of the highlands will give way to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. On arrival we will transfer to the port, then continue by boat to the remote Masoala Peninsula and the Masoala Forest Lodge. The Masoala Peninsula is largely National Park, and is a fascinating area where the rain forest comes practically down to the ocean, with coastal vegetation different from inland rain forest. This lodge is a luxury tented camp, with 5 twin rooms, so we will be taking the whole place. The first day we will take an exploratory guided hike in the environs, our first experience of Madagascar´s nature, where almost everything is endemic! Days 3 & 4 Two full days of exploration in the park, from forest waterfalls, winding streams and extensive boulder strewn empty beaches. White-fronted Brown Lemurs, Red-ruffed Lemurs, Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher, Common Newtonia, Madagascar White-Eye, Madagascar Malachite Kingfisher and Helmet Vanga all might be possible. In addition to hiking and canoe excursions there are options for kayaking and snorkeling along the shoreline (kayak & snorkeling equipment included). At night we will look for Eastern Woolly Lemurs, and Small-toothed Sportive Lemurs, as well as weird reptiles. Day 5 This morning we return to Maroansetra. Our afternoon is free to explore this very Malagasy little town with its markets, busy waterfront, and friendly people. Overnight at the simple waterfront Coco Beach Hotel. |
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Day 6 Morning transfer to airport for our flight down the coast to Toamasina (Tamatave). Here our bus will collect us for our journey to the highlands, traveling through lowland villages and a largely farm landscape to Andasibe National Park (Perinet). This evening we will explore the forest on a night hike looking for nocturnal lemurs, frogs, reptiles... Overnight Vakona Lodge for 2 nights. Day 7 The Perinet area is home to the largest lemur, the Indri - its call through the forests is haunting, and close up, indescribable! Many forest birds to look for here as well, including Nuthatch Vanga, the elusive Red-breasted and Red-fronted Couas, and Madagascar Rail. Optionally one might also visit Lemur Island - a small island preserve where you might have closer-than-wild encounters with several species of lemur. Day 8 After an early morning hike we continue inland to Antananarivo (Tana). The cool forests of the Eastern slopes give way to the more sparsely vegetated hauts-plateaux, with the red thatched houses, and bustling village life. A late afternoon flight will take us from Tana to Toliara. Overnight in Toliara. |
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Day 9 Traveling by motor boat, and then 4-wheel drive jeeps, we will continue down the coast (we are now in the remote regions of the dry spiny forests of the southwest) to the village of Ambola. Overnight at Domaine D´Ambola, located directly on the seemingly-endless spectacular white sand beach outside of the village. Day 10 A full day touring the Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, traveling in the local fashion, by Omby (ox) cart. The park is famous for its spiny forest (many plants look like cacti, but are in a separate Didiereaceae family), blind cave fish, and a huge lake populated by Greater Flamingo. Only recently opened to visitors, the visit here will be a true adventure. Overnight Domaine D´Ambola. Day 11 This morning fishing pirogues will take us out to the surrounding reef for a snorkeling excursion. The snorkeling is good (including several species familiar from the Galápagos), and the water reasonably warm, although the coral has suffered in recent years. Snorkeling equipment is available w/o charge. The afternoon is at leisure for simply taking in where you are beachcombing, visiting the village, hiking, reading, or watching the sun set over the water from the huge covered veranda of the hotel. Overnight: Domaine D´Ambola. Day 12 Return by vehicle and boat to Toliara. Depending on flight schedules we will try to visit the local museum where a preserved specimen of the prehistoric coelocanth fish is on display. An afternoon flight will take us further up the west coast to Morondava. Transfer to Chez Maggie Hotel on arrival. Depending on the time we might have some time to explore this commerce-rich port city, or just take in the sunset from the hotel-front beach. Overnight Chez Maggie Hotel. Day 13 Depart by 4-wheel drive vehicles to the Kirindy deciduous dry forest reserve, via the famous Avenue des Baobabs. These amazing trees look as if they have put their head in the ground, and roots in the air! The accommodation here is simple, but just for one night. On the other hand, wildlife is spectacular: Verreaux Sifaka, Red-fronted Lemur, Grey Mouse-Lemur, Leaf-tailed Gecko and chameleons. Also, if we are lucky, Madagascar Ground Boa, and Fosa - Madagascar’s top predator. Birds include Crested Coua, Madagascar Green Pigeon, and Madagascar Nightjar. Day 14 Today we continue inland towards the village of Bekopaka. Our journey involves two river crossings by ferry, and gives a good glimpse into the lives of the Sakalava people, with their herds of cattle and scattered homes. Arriving at Bekopaka early evening, we transfer to the extremely comfortable Hotel L ´Orchidee Bemaraha. |
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Days 15, 16 & 17 Three full days to explore this area of amazing limestone karst landscape (a UNESCO World Heritage site); the Petit Tsingy and the Grand Tsingy utterly indescribable landscape, plus unique wildlife surprises such as the delightful Decken´s Sifaka, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, Giant Jumping Rat, Sickle-billed Vanga, Madagascar Wood-rail and maybe the rare Madagascar Fish-Eagle on the Manambolo River. As a limestone area, there are some amazing caves to explore, and the Tsingy itself has been made accessible via hanging bridges, sturdy ladders and ingenious footholds - fantastic explorations! We also anticipate taking a pirogue paddle along the river. Overnight: L ´Orchidee Bemaraha. Day 18 A full day on the road, returning to Morondava. Our goal will be to return through the Avenue of the Boababs at sunset - one of the world-famous Madagascar photo stops... Overnight: Chez Maggie, Morondava. Day 19 Transfer to the airport for a flight to Fort Dauphin (Taolagnaro) on the southern coast. On arrival we will set out by mini-bus for the Berenty Reserve. Depending on flight times we might stop at a local market or the Andohahela National Park with its spiny and transitional forests en route. Overnight: Berenty Private Reserve. Day 20 & 21 At Berenty, we will explore the riverine gallery forest, where we will find large troops of Ring-tailed Lemurs, also Verreaux Sifaka, Madagascar Flying Fox, Giant Coua, Hook-billed Vanga and more. We will again take a night hike here, plus possibly visit one of the surrounding sisal plantations. Overnights: Berenty Private Reserve. |
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Day 22 This morning we return to Fort Dauphin, where we catch our last internal flight, returning to Tana. This bustling capital city is built atop a group of hills with the connecting lowlands still devoted to rice farming. This afternoon we will tour the old town of Tana, with the Palais de la Reine (Queen’s Palace, under restoration) and the hillside quarters of Faravohitra, and the surrounding area. We also plan to visit Tsimbazaza zoo this afternoon, where we will have a recap of the varied wildlife of Madagascar, plus hopefully a look at the strange Aye-Aye lemur (very unlikely we will have seen this in the wild). Overnight: Pavillon de l ´Emyrne. Day 23 An hour outside of Tana you step into another worlkd, at the former country palace of Andrianampoinimerina; an 18th century king of the Merina. Day 24 This morning we will visit a huge artisan handicraft market where we’ll have time to discover - and buy - the amazing craft goods produced in Madagascar. Afternoon free in Tana, whether for relaxing at the hotel, exploring the winding side streets, or topping off your suitcases with last minute shopping bargains. Early evening transfer to the airport for our flight back to Paris. End of program. Day 25 Early morning arrival in Paris. |
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TOUR COST: INCLUDED IN TOUR COST: NOT INCLUDED: |
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GROUP SIZE & ACCOMMODATIONS: MEALS: TOUR LEADER: WHAT TO EXPECT: |
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You might expect to be traveling by jet, turbo prop, speed boat, dugout canoe, 4-wheel drive, mini-bus, deluxe bus, omby cart, river ferry, or pousse-pousse (rickshaw), but first and foremost you will be walking. And, walking a lot. We travel slowly to really see and experience where we are. Our itinerary is longer, taking in most of the major areas. We will fly between many distant parks and preserves to save time on the roads, and give us more time on the trails. |
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The photographic opportunities are boundless. You will encounter much of the wildlife at close range, including some lemurs and birds, plus reptiles, bugs and amphibians. Many lemur species spend their days high in the forest canopy however, so some views will be more distant. Likewise of course for many of the birds. We will take both day and evening hikes to maximize what we see as some species are only found after dark. The sweeping landscapes always compete for our photographic attention as well. Plus, the people of Madagascar are always happy to interact with us, and usually happy to have their photo taken as well (young and old, everyone loves seeing the results on the digital camera backs!). Travel to Madagascar, and these expeditions, are definitely not for everyone however. Madagascar is a third world country, and a very poor and remote one at that. Our 2008 group joked that it was like traveling in a different dimension - nothing would be quite as you expected it to be. One must travel with a sense of humor, and be able to roll with any changes. Flight schedules change almost daily. The roads are famously bad and some of the drives very long. The hikes can be on very uneven trails with rocks, roots, and other hidden obstacles. There are few public toilets, so you will likely find yourself behind a bush or tree in the countryside on occasion. The electricity is erratic. The water unsafe (although bottled water is readily available). The food was tasty, and very plentiful, but service slow and the choices limited. It can be cold and wet in the rainforest, and hot and dry in the spiny forests. You might be caked with dust and dirt following a day in the 4-wheel drives. We plan to visit some very remote areas, and medical care can be sparse even in the towns. Nine out of ten participants suffered some stomach ailments in 2008 - mostly minor. And yet, it is wonderful, magical, captivating and so worth the effort! In fact, everyone on the 2008 trip had such a good time that they have expressed interest in returning! Travel with a sense of discovery - travel to learn and experience and be a part of something otherworldly and amazing, and this will absolutely be the trip of a lifetime! |
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About Our: Trips | Yachts | Itineraries | Departure Dates and Prices | Guidebook |
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GALAPAGOS TRAVEL Toll free from the US and Canada: 800-969-9014 |
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Except as noted, this page and all its contents are © 1995-2008 GALAPAGOS TRAVEL. |
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Photography by Mark Grantham & Mike Tossy |
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