Madagascar: Lemurs, National Parks & Coastlines (Christmas Departure)
Madagascar: Lemurs, National Parks & Coastlines (Christmas Departure)
Madagascar: Lemurs, National Parks & Coastlines (Christmas Departure)
15 Days Starting and ending in Antananarivo, Madagascar
Visiting: Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Ranomafana National Park, Andringitra National Park, Isalo National Park, Ifaty, Toliara, Andasibe National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CIM
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Interests:
Cultural, Eco Conscious, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable Christmas adventure to Madagascar, where you'll explore the island's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. This tour takes you through four stunning national parks, offering the chance to witness Madagascar's unique wildlife, including the iconic Indri Indri lemurs in Andasibe. Discover the intricate woodcraft of the Zafimaniry people, a UNESCO World Heritage legacy, and contribute to a reforestation program aimed at preserving the island's endemic species. Relax by the crystal-clear waters of Ifaty, enjoy a beachside BBQ, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ambalavao's Zebu market. With a maximum group size of 12, this tour promises an intimate and immersive experience, guided by local experts. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and a variety of transport modes, including minibuses and a domestic flight, ensuring a seamless journey through Madagascar's breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Antananarivo (Tana)
Location: Antananarivo
Accommodation: Gassy Country House or similar
Accommodation Name: Gassy Country House or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
The tour starts this evening in Madagascar’s highland capital, Antananarivo which is better known by its shortened name of Tana. Our joining hotel is located very near to the airport so there is no need to worry about any lengthy transfers after what is likely to have been a long flight.
Day 2: Tana - Antsirabe
Location: Antsirabe
Accommodation: Royal Palace Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Royal Palace Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast and an introductory briefing we’ll start our journey in earnest as we head south from the capital towards Antsirabe, some 3-4 hours away. This journey through the highlands provides us with a taster of the stunning scenery that Madagascar has to offer with its terraced rice-fields and spectacular eroded hills called lavaka. En route we plan to stop in the town of Ambatolampy which is renowned for its traditional metalwork. Approx 4 hours driving on asphalted roads
Day 3: Antsirabe - Ambositra
Location: Antsirabe
Accommodation: Artisan Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Artisan Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Antsirabe is considered Madagascar’s most elegant city as well as being home to more pousse-pousses (local-style rickshaws) than anywhere else in the country. We’ll have the morning to discover some of the craft skills for which this temperate city is well known, before continuing to Ambositra. This town is home to a traditional wood carving industry and you will be able to spend a little time here visiting some of the workshops to see how the extraordinary pieces are crafted by skilled local artisans. This afternoon we’ll head to the villages around Ambositra to visit the Zafimaniry. This group are masters of wood carving and their art has been recognised by UNESCO, with their wooden huts elaborately decorated with carved windows frames and door. Practically all wooden surfaces – walls, posts, beams, stools, chests and tools – display detailed crafted ornamentation and it is a privilege to witness this art form which was once widespread on the island and not only now found in isolated pockets such as this one. Approx 3.5 hours driving on asphalted roads
Day 4: Ambositra – Ranomafana
Location: Ranomafana National Park
Accommodation: Centrest Sejour or similar
Accommodation Name: Centrest Sejour or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll head south to Ranomafana National Park, which lies in tropical rainforest typical of Madagascar’s east coast. Here, rather than rice fields or zebu herdsmen, we’re more likely to see small villages selling bananas or charcoal. There may be time this evening to take a night walk, hoping to encounter some of the endemic chameleons, tree frogs and mouse lemurs. Approx 3hrs driving on asphalted roads + 1hr driving on dirt roads
Day 5: Ranomafana – Andringitra Np
Location: Andringitra National Park
Accommodation: Camp Catta or similar
Accommodation Name: Camp Catta or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll have most of the morning to explore some of the best trails inside the National Park. With our guide we’ll enter the rainforest in the hope of seeing, amongst others, the golden bamboo lemur which was only ‘discovered’ in 1986. In addition to lemurs, the park is also rich in birdlife, reptiles, butterflies, lichens, and orchids. The tracks are steep and can be slippery but we do not plan to cover a huge distance on foot as the emphasis is very much on experiencing the diversity of the rainforest. From here we’ll head towards Ambalavao, which houses the fascinating Anteimoro paper factory. Ambalavao has its market day on Wednesdays and also hosts the second largest Zebu market in Madagascar. This afternoon we hope to visit these sights before continuing south to the entrance to Andringitra NP, where we’ll transfer into 4WD’s and head off-road towards the impressive granite scenery and our remote walking base. Please note that due to the road terrain, the journey to our camp on day 5 and from camp on day 7 is likely to be bumpy.
Day 6: In Andringitra Np
Location: Andringitra National Park
Accommodation: Camp Catta or similar
Accommodation Name: Camp Catta or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we have a full day on foot to take in the diverse scenery of Andringitra and the Tsaranoro valley, which is home to many ring-tailed and catta lemurs. This whole area is considered a paradise for walkers with its spectacular views of huge granite peaks towering above the valley. On our full-day walk today we plan to take in some of the area’s most diverse sights as well as meeting some of the Betsileo people, who mainly live as rice cultivators. Today's walk does involve climbing up and down over approximately 600 meters. If you prefer there are other walks available.
Day 7: Andringitra Np - Isalo Np
Location: Isalo National Park
Accommodation: Satrana Lodge or similar
Accommodation Name: Satrana Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we head south west, passing through the immense savannah lands of the Horombe Plateau before arriving at our next destination, Isalo National Park. This is considered to be one of Madagascar’s highlights with its striking sandstone rocks formations. This stunning place will be or base for the next 2 nights, and we’ll take the chance to unwind and relax on arrival before dinner.
Approx 3hrs driving on asphalted roads + 1hr driving on dirt roads.
Day 8: In Isalo Np
Location: Isalo National Park
Accommodation: Satrana Lodge or similar
Accommodation Name: Satrana Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll have a full day to enjoy the delights of Isalo on foot. We’ll start with a short trek to a beautiful natural swimming pool and then continue deeper into the canyon. Isalo is known for its strange geological formations, eroded by the rain and the wind, which offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. This is also a place where the Bara tribes used to bury their dead. If we are lucky, we may see some ring-tail lemurs during our walk today.
Day 9: Isalo Np – Ifaty
Location: Ifaty
Accommodation: La Mira de Madiorano or similar
Accommodation Name: La Mira de Madiorano or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The scenery changes today as we descend towards the coast via the lands of the Antandroy, a people of Bantu origins, and whose tombs we’ll see along the way. Our destination today is Madiorano where we stay for the next couple of nights at our coastal resort which is renowned for its excellent food. 1.5hrs driving on dirt tracks + 4hrs driving on asphalted roads.
Day 10: In Ifaty
Location: Ifaty
Accommodation: La Mira de Madiorano or similar
Accommodation Name: La Mira de Madiorano or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we have the opportunity to relax and unwind in this idyllic setting. This morning we take a boat trip out to the nearby coral reef for a chance to snorkel and appreciate the sea life. We will then head back to our hotel for lunch. The rest of the day will be free for you to take a walk along the beach or have a snooze and chill out with a cocktail.
Day 11: Ifaty – Tulear - Tana
Location: Toliara
Accommodation: Gassy Country House or similar
Accommodation Name: Gassy Country House or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depending on the flight schedule for today we’ll make our way to Tulear airport to catch our flight back to the capital, Tana. Tulear was renamed as Toliara in the 1970’s to reflect the Malagasy name as opposed to the French colonial title. The city is located on a broad coastal plain, surrounded by dunes and mangroves, near the Tropic of Capricorn in the Mozambique Channel. The Vezo are nomadic fishermen and the indigenous ethnic group here, but the city has spread and grown in population specialising in the import and export of various products including sisal, cotton, rice, peanuts and soap. En route we may well make a stop at the Reniala Forest or ‘spiny forest’ to view the wonderful baobabs and euphorbia along with many other species of plants. Once back in the capital we will head to our hotel for the rest of the day.
Approx 1.5hrs driving on dirt tracks
Day 12: Tana – Andasibe Np
Location: Andasibe National Park
Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge similar
Accommodation Name: Vakona Forest Lodge similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we take the National Road N2 to Andasibe, a journey of approximately 5-6 hours. This drive brings us to a humid part of the country through the green landscape of the east, with many primary forest and lakes. We arrive late in the afternoon where we’ll check-in to our hotel.
Day 13: In Andasibe Np
Location: Andasibe National Park
Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge similar
Accommodation Name: Vakona Forest Lodge similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we will enter Andasibe National Park and hike for around 3 – 4 hours. The National Park comprises a huge tropical rain forest in the east boasting a variety of nine species of lemurs. The highlight is the ‘Indri Indri’ which are the largest lemurs of the Madagascar. This 810 hectare reserve is home to other unique flora and fauna and contains a wide variety of orchids, a verdant canopy, endemic animals such chameleons, tenrecs, and many varieties of birds. After the hike we will take a stroll through Andasibe village, a typical Betsimisaraka (The-Many-inseparable) village, home to Madagascar's second largest ethnic group, who cultivate rice and vegetables. This will give us an opportunity to experience their lifestyle and culture. In the late afternoon we’ll visit the private park of Vakona including an optional visit to the ‘lemurs’ island’ to hopefully see three species of lemur. It provides a perfect opportunity and great location to take photo of lemurs close up.
Day 14: Andasibe Np – Tana
Location: Antananarivo
Accommodation: Gassy Country House or similar
Accommodation Name: Gassy Country House or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will visit a tree plantation project close to Andasibe. Unfortunately widespread habitat degradation and deforestation has recently led to Madagascar’s unique wildlife being confined to small fragments of their former habitats. This project at Mitsinjo promotes reforestation and rainforest restoration and small rainforest fragments are being linked up by the planting of corridors, allowing the movement and growth of the endemic animal populations. Maintaining up to five tree nurseries at a time, Mitsinjo produces an annual average of 30,000 seedlings of up to 100 endemic species of rainforest trees per nursery. After our visit we head back to Tana. Depending on how we do for time we may visit the tree plantation on day 13 instead
Day 15: Tour Ends In Tana
Location: Antananarivo
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends this morning after breakfast. Those on the suggested group flights will be transferred to the airport in time for the afternoon departure.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 14 dinners.
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Transport
Transport includes minibuses, a domestic flight, and an open-backed truck for the final few kilometers to/from Andringitra.
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Group Size
The maximum group size for the tour is 12 participants.
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Carbon Contributions
Contributions to climate and community projects are included for all bookings.
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Expert Team
The tour includes the full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate.
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Accommodation
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary is included.
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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Fitness Rating
The tour has a moderate fitness rating.
What's Not Included
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Visas & Travel Insurance
Visas are nationality dependent and travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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Tips
Tips are optional and not included, but guidance will be provided in the pre-departure information documents.
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International Flights
International flights are not included.
An obligation-free quote for flights originating in the UK can be provided. -
Airport Transfers
Complimentary transfers are included only if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.
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Beverages & Personal Costs
Beverages and any costs of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs, are not included.
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Madagascar.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Madagascar For those individuals at highest risk please discuss with your local health care provider if a vaccine for Cholera is required. For any clients transiting for more than 12 hours through an airport/country with a risk of yellow fever transmission you will require a yellow fever certificate.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
Malaria is present in all parts of Madagascar and precautions are essential.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however, please note there will be several hikes on offer (typically 1-3hrs in duration) which you should be able to undertake if wanting to get the most out of the tour. All walks are considered easy to moderate although some of the National Parks have some rugged and at times challenging terrain. All the hikes are optional should you not wish to partake.
You should come prepared for some for some long driving days. Conditions in Madagascar can be unpredictable and a flexible attitude is essential during this trip. For logistical reasons it might be necessary to change this itinerary at very short notice, and you must be flexible enough to deal with this and acknowledge that this is an inherent part of travel to Madagascar.
Travelling Solo and single supplements
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement
then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except at Andingitra National Park where, depending on the final number of clients on the tour, it might be necessary for you to share a bungalow for these nights. If this is the case we would reimburse part of the cost of your single supplement on a pro-rota basis.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Travelling Solo and single supplements
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement
then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except at Andingitra National Park where, depending on the final number of clients on the tour, it might be necessary for you to share a bungalow for these nights. If this is the case we would reimburse part of the cost of your single supplement on a pro-rota basis.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement
then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except at Andingitra National Park where, depending on the final number of clients on the tour, it might be necessary for you to share a bungalow for these nights. If this is the case we would reimburse part of the cost of your single supplement on a pro-rota basis.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Madagascar using minibuses, a domestic flight, and an open-backed truck for the final kilometers to/from Andringitra, ensuring a diverse and adventurous transportation experience.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of accommodations including Gassy Country House, Royal Palace Hotel, Artisan Hotel, Centrest Sejour, Camp Catta, Satrana Lodge, La Mira de Madiorano, and Vakona Forest Lodge, offering comfort and local charm throughout your journey in Madagascar.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can we expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including different species of lemurs such as the Indri Indri and the golden bamboo lemur, as well as chameleons, tree frogs, and various bird species. The tour also offers opportunities to see ring-tailed and catta lemurs in Andringitra and Isalo National Parks.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes cultural experiences such as visiting the Zafimaniry wood craftsmen, exploring the traditional wood carving industry in Ambositra, and visiting the Betsimisaraka village to experience their lifestyle and culture.
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What kind of physical activities are involved in the tour?
The tour involves several hikes, typically 1-3 hours in duration, through national parks with some rugged and challenging terrain. There are also opportunities for walking tours in cities and villages, and a boat trip for snorkeling at a coral reef.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 people.
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation during the tour includes minibuses, a domestic flight, and an open-backed truck for the final few kilometers to and from Andringitra.
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Is there a focus on responsible travel during the tour?
Yes, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are core aspects of the tour. The itinerary includes experiences that positively impact local communities and environments, such as supporting social enterprises and conservation projects.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
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