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Culture & Wildlife of Madagascar

Culture & Wildlife of Madagascar

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~~$1541~~

$1493

Culture & Wildlife of Madagascar

7 Days Starting and ending in Antananarivo

Visiting: Madagascar

Tour operator:

World Expeditions

Tour code:

CWM

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 12

Physical rating:

Adventure touring

Age range:

18-80

Tour operated in:

English

From: $1541 $1493 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$49

NB: Prices correct on 31-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

The essence of Madagascar is the unique wildlife, fabulous rainforests and stunning coast. Until you visit, you cannot imagine that the Malagasy people could be so welcoming. All of these attributes, and more, come together on this wonderful trip. From the dry Central Highlands, we pass through lush rainforest and small village communities where tropical fruits and terraced fields set the scene, to reach coastal fishing villages where nets and Travellers' palms abound. We have both day and night walks in the forest to view colourful chameleons, to observe numerous species of lemurs, and to enjoy the rich forest habitat. Our simple lodges are in the midst of rainforest reserves that are home to lemurs that will delight you with their curiosity and gentleness. On the wild east coast, surf rolls onto white-sand beaches lined with coconut palms that protect both the fishing villages and the expansive fresh water lakes beyond. The villagers here are fishermen, taking fish from both the sea and the pristine lakes. We travel by boat on a series of lakes and along narrow canals, known as The Pangalanes, to reach our lake-side beach hotel. Set in the forest, the hotel is our base for exploring the lakes and villages by boat or on foot. You will be privileged to discover areas far from the tourist trails, and which offers amazing experiences in this remarkable country.

Highlights

Cruise the lakes and canals of the Pangalanes Channel, far from the tourist trails
Search for lemurs and chameleons in the lush rainforest of the Perinet Reserve
Experience the traditional lifestyle of the coastal Malagasy fishing villages
Be immersed in the scenery, villages and forests

Itinerary

tourhub | World Expeditions | Culture & Wildlife of Madagascar | CWM | Route Map

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Day 1 : Join Antananarivo

If you are arriving in Antananarivo on Day 1 you will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel for overnight. If you are arriving on any other day, private airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost. Overnight Hotel Belvédère or similar.

Day 2 : Drive To Andasibe (145Km / 4Hrs)

After breakfast, you will meet your driver-guide and afterwards we will drive to Andasibe. We journey towards the spectacular tropical coast, passing through scenery and villages that few get to see, and arrive in Andasibe in the afternoon. Later, we can take a night walk, searching for nocturnal species in the Mitsinjo Reserve. Overnight Hotel Eulophiella or similar. Approx driving distance/time: 145 km; 4 hrs

Day 3 : Perinet Reserve

This morning we take a walk deep into the rainforest of Perinet Reserve, home to more than 9 species of lemurs, including the largest, the almost mythical Indri Indri, the most revered of all the species. But these explorations are not only about lemurs. There is a host of spectacular plant life, and the magical chameleons that are found throughout Madagascar. We will return to the hotel in the afternoon. Overnight Hotel Eulophiella or similar.

Day 4 : To Manambato, Pangalanes Cruise (135 Km / 4 Hrs)

We drive to Manambato passing ravinala, which is one of the iconic plants of Madagascar. The ravinala, which is native to Madagascar and also known as the Travellers Palm, becomes more common as we travel east and enter the coastal zone. Arriving at Manambato, we board our boat to travel along the Pangalanes (approx 1 hr boat crossing). The Pangalanes are a series of coastal lakes and canals along the east coast that are one of the wonders of Madagascar, but have not yet been “discovered”, except by more adventurous travellers and expats resident in Madagascar. These placid backwaters are verged by tropical forest and are home to the Betsimi sararka people, who still lead a traditional fishing lifestyle. We travel to Ankanin’ny Nofy where we stay in a simple hotel where the lemurs come to visit. Overnight Hotel Palmarium or Bush House Hotel or similar. Approx driving distance/time: 135 km; 4 hrs.

Day 5 : The Pangalanes

We spend the morning exploring a private reserve. It is a small forest station that is home to many species of wildlife, including lemur species we have not yet seen. The afternoon is free to swim, visit the local fishing village, walk on the beach or continue wildlife viewing. The fishing village faces the Indian Ocean and the canal, and a visit here (boat fare) costs around US$7. The fabled Aye Aye live in the nearby forest, and there will be a short excursion this evening. Overnight Hotel Palmarium or Bush House Hotel or similar.

Day 6 : Return Cruise To Manamboto, Transfer To Antananarivo (280 Km / 7 Hrs)

After an early breakfast, we travel on the Pangalanes canal and return to Manambato and our vehicle (approx 1 hr boat crossing). We drive past coastal ravinala and pandanus and enter the forest, climbing to the highlands. After the visit we continue to the capital, Antananarivo. Overnight Hotel Belvédère or similar. Approx driving distance/time: 280 km; 7 hrs

Day 7 : In Antananarivo, Trip Concludes

You may like to take a family walk around the city centre this morning, or depart earlier for the airport to visit the large craft market near the airport entrance and shop for last minute items. (It is an approx. 90 minute transfer to the airport for your International departure). 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

Accommodation
6 nights hotel
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners
Airport transfers (day 1 and 7 only)
6 nights in 2 star hotels on a twinshare basis (3 star upgrade for Antananarivo and Andasibe on request)
English speaking local driver-guide (Groups of 1-5 will have an English speaking local driver-guide; groups of 6-12 an English speaking local guide and a local driver will accompany group)
Permits, entry fees and local guides in parks and reserves
Private vehicle transport throughout
Tourist taxes
International flights and departure taxes
Arrival and departure transfers if not arriving/ departing on Days 1 & 7
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
Tips
Visa
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Optional activities and sightseeing

What's Not Included

Insurance
International Travel

Accommodation

6 nights hotel
In selecting hotels 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. Accommodation is based on 2 star hotels (3 star upgrade for Antananarivo and Andasibe on request).

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 moderately 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.

Check out our Q&As

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Josephine Debono(Cranebrook, NSW Australia)

Culture & Wildlife of Madagascar

11 Aug 2024

Our Culture and Wildlife of Madagascar tour was terrific. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and night walks to see lemurs, chameleons and more. We also experienced many aspects of the local culture, and we especially enjoyed the coastal lakes area of the Pangalanes, a tropical paradise. Our guide was informative and keen, and our accomodation was very comfortable.

R. Patten(NC, USA)

Culture & Wildlife of Madagascar

23 Jul 2019

I traveled with my 16-year-old son after finding a great airfare to Madagascar. I chose this excursion due to it fitting our air schedule perfectly. Our guide was fantastic and the trip provided great access to lemurs and chameleons which were high on our list to see. Our driver was excellent and spoke English well and was well versed in knowledge of his country. We traveled during the summer cool season which was dryer and made life much more comfortable. Fantastic trip for a father and son to make memories.

J. Burrows(Manchester, UK)

Culture & Wildlife of Madagascar

27 May 2019

We had the most amazing time whilst in Madagascar, everything was perfect. Our guide was excellent, as were all of the guides who we encountered at various places. The accommodation was great, whilst it was basic it was clean and tidy and the views we had at the National Park and in the Pangalanes was amazing. We couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Sarah Woods(Melbourn, VIC Australia)

Culture & Wildlife of Madagascar

7 Nov 2023

Great tour - Madagascar is an amazing country to visit

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Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$49

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