The Best of Madagascar

On arrival at Ivalo International Airport, Antananarivo, you will be met by your driver and transferred by road to Les 3 Metis Hotel for 1 night on a half board basis.

Les 3 Metis

Is a boutique style hotel with restaurant in Antananarivo, in a colonial bourgeois traditional house dating back to 1900.

Situated 750 meters from the station of Antananarivo , the hotel is located in a beautiful old house full of history. Built around 1913 by a wealthy raffia exporter, it housed the American Embassy during the colonial period, then the Department of Mines, the Union of Banks, and finally a school before the headquarters of the Order of Physicians.

The boutique guest house opened in June 2007 after being completely renovated while retaining the

Malagasy architecture. The 24 rooms are full of character, each with solid parquet rosewood flooring and bearing the name of all the regions of Madagascar . They each have a balcony or veranda with views over the city or the beautifully landscaped garden. All rooms have a private bathroom, minibar, mosquito net, Wi-Fi.

In the gourmet restaurant Tahina Chef and his team are on hand to help you discover the best local fresh produce, and before your meal you might like to relax on the terrace or in the bar.

Today you will be transferred by car with your English speaking driver-guide to Andasibe, a drive of around 160 kilometres (3-4 hours) with a stop en route.

In Andasibe you will head directly to your accommodation and, after checking in, the remainder of the afternoon is free to relax and recover after your journey.

Your three night stay at Andasibe is on a half board basis, with included guided activities during the day and the early evening.

Dinner is included today. This afternoon you will visit Mitsinjo Reserve.

After dinner, you can enjoy a guided night walk in the Mitsinjo Private Reserve to try and spot some of the area’s nocturnal lemurs, chameleons and other reptiles.

Accommodation:

We work with a variety of hotels, lodges and guesthouses in Madagascar. Some recommendations are detailed in this itinerary, however in discussion with you we will tailor the itinerary to ensure that you will be staying in a property that best fit your needs and requirements.

Stay at Feon’ny Ala for 3 nights on a half board basis

Feon ny Ala is a simple but comfortable hotel only 3km from the entrance to Perinet Reserve in Andasibe. It has a pleasant location next to a lake and opposite a fragment of rainforest which is why its not uncommon to wake to the sound of distant indri song at dawn.

The hotel is in an ideal location for access to both Perinet and Mantadia National Parks but also particulary for night walks that are often taken along the nearby road during the evening. Although Feon ny Ala is one of the more basic options in Andasibe it still provides clean and comfortable accommodation in wooden A frame bungalows with thathed roofs. There are 40 rooms including large family bungalows and all feature private bathrooms with hot water showers, mosquito nets and a desk and power outlets for re charging equipment.

The main building houses a large restaurant serving good but basic food plus a games room with pool table, table tennis, TV and a small libary. Outside there is a garden area with tables and umbrellas and a children’s play area with views towards the nearby forest.

Today you go for a guided walk in Mantadia National Park in search of indri, whose haunting cry echoes through the forest.

Later on this evening go on another night walk.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

The greater Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, roughly four hours drive from Antananarivo, consists of two protected areas: Analamazaotra Reserve and Mantadia National Park. Analamazaotra Reserve was established to protect Madagascar’s largest lemur – the indri indri. Although small, the reserve has an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna, and a well-planned system of trails provides good access. There are nine species of lemur here, so as well as habituated groups of indri indri you may also see the brown and lesser bamboo lemurs, plus three nocturnal species: rufous mouse, greater

dwarf and eastern woolly lemurs.

It’s also a good place for birdwatching, with many endemic rainforest species that include: Madagascar green sunbird, cuckoo roller, blue pigeon, blue and red- fronted coua, Madagascar falcon, Madagascar long-eared owl, vangas, ground rollers, vasa parrot and many others. Botanists too, will not be disappointed.

Somewhat confusingly recent name changes mean the park is still variously known as , Analamazaotra, Périnet or Indri Special Reserve!

20 kilometres to the north lies the larger Mantadia National Park, a vast protected tract of rainforest.

The forest here is more impressive than in neighbouring Analamazaotra Reserve, although access is more difficult as the terrain is hilly and there are few established trails. However, with luck you can see two species of lemur not found in

Analamazaotra: the black-and-white ruffed lemur and the beautiful diademed sifaka.

Throughout the park there is a good chance of seeing chameleons, including the impressive two-foot long Parson’s chameleon and the tiny nose-horned chameleon – the best time to see them is at the end of the rainy season in October/November.

The area claims a world record for the number of frog species, which include the brightly-coloured golden mantella. Most reptiles and frogs are seen during night walks, which are most productive in the spring, summer and autumn months (September to May), when area’s nocturnal lemurs are at their most active.

Breakfast and dinner are included today.

This morning you go for a guided walk in Analamazaotra Private Reserve to see diurnal species such as the indri, black and white ruffed lemur, diademed sifaka, common brown lemur, eastern grey bamboo lemur and red-bellied lemur. Morning visit to Analamazaotra reserve to spot Indri indri.

After visit, have lunch, afternoon visit to VOIMMA Park. Followed by another evening walk

After morning wildlife viewing drive to your overnight hotel in Antananarivo for one night on a half board basis.

Fly to Morondava and stay at the Baobab Café for one night on a half board basis.

Morondava is known for its traditional wooden boats, known as pirogues, which are used by local fishermen to catch fish and shrimp.

Visitors can take boat tours to see the fishermen at work and explore the nearby islands and beaches.

Driver to Kirindy, well-known for its high density of fosa and its diverse nocturnal preys such as Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur, Coquerel’s dwarf lemur, lepilemur to name a few. One night at Kirindy Forest Lodge (note that accommodation near to Kirindy is relatively basic with few choices).

Kirindy Forest

Kirindy (also known as the Swiss Forest), lies about 60 kilometres north of the west coast town

Morondava, a couple of hours by good road. It is arguably the best place in which to get to know nocturnal Malagasy wildlife which means that to get the most from your visit you should consider an overnight stop here as opposed to a day trip from Morondava, either camping or in a basic lodge.

Two of Kirindy’s most popular nocturnal inhabitants are the fosa (pronounced ‘foosh’) and the endangered giant jumping rat. The Fosa is a viverrid which grows up to two metres long and can weigh 14 kilogrammes! It is Madagascar’s biggest carnivore and a vicious predator of lemurs. The endangered giant jumping rat is endemic to the Kirindy area, as is the flat-tailed tortoise and breeding efforts are helping to sustain the current populations. There is a campsite and research station in the forest which is helping to promote ecotourism and protect the endemic species. In 1994 the pygmy mouse lemur was rediscovered here – at a mere 35 grams it is the smallest of all primates, and attracts as much attention as the larger lemurs. With luck, night strollers can see: rork-marked lemur, Coquerel’s dwarf lemur, fat-tailed dwarf lemur, lepilemur and grey mouse lemur. In terms of reptile fauna, Kirindy easily matches Ampijoroa, with highlights including the gorgeous Labord’s chameleon and Oustalet’s chameleon.

Birding is good too, with specials commonly seen including: Coquerel’s and crested couas; sicklebill and white-headed vangas, lesser and greater vasa parrots, a variety of raptors and many other species.

Kirindy Forest Lodge

Kirindy Lodge offers simple accommodation in a fabulous setting right inside Kirindy Reserve. A decidedly simple bush lodge, Kirindy accommodates its guests in basic wooden bungalows with limited amenities. While the accommodation is basic, Kirindy’s appeal lies in its location.

Occupying a prime spot within the forest, it offers great opportunities for game-viewing and guided nature walks in one of Madagascar’s wildest nature reserves. Kirindy doesn’t offer much in the way of facilities.

There’s a small bar where guests may congregate at the end of the day, and a restaurant serving light food and beer. No swimming pool!. All of the simple wooden bungalows are en-suite with flush loo and shower (cold water only). There is limited electricity in the evenings when the generator is switched on.

Kirindy Lodge provides the best means of exploring the 25,000 acre Kirindy Forest Reserve, which is home to a stunning variety of plant and animal life, including eight lemur species, tenrec, narrow- striped mongoose, giant jumping rat and the rare, magnificent fossa. Day and night guided walks in the Kirindy Forest Reserve are the primary activity at Kirindy Lodge.

Today drive to Bekopaka where you will spend two nights at the Grand Hotel du Tsingy on a half board basis.

Day expedition to the Large Tsingy or little tsingy, depending on your choice.

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

This largely unexplored area is one of Madagascar’s natural wonders but it is a long journey to get here. Huge areas of limestone have been eroded into the island’s largest and most impressive pinnacle karst formations. The awe-inspiring scenery is matched by the diversity and abundance of wildlife in the forests with troops of white Decken’s sifakas clearly visible as are red-fronted brown lemurs and many reptiles. At the park’s southern boundary the Manambolo River cuts an impressive gorge – boat trips offer and ideal way to see wildlife in the forest along the banks.

Following breakfast you will drive back to Morondava and on the way you will stop to see the ‘Avenue of the Baobabs’ as the sun begins to set. In Mornodava, check-in to Baobab Café for one night on a half board basis.

Fly back to Tana, and depending on your flight time drive to Antsirabe to stay for one night at the Couleur Cafe on a half board basis.

Antsirabe is a city located in the central highlands region of Madagascar. It is the capital of the Vakinankaratra region and is situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level. The city has a population of approximately 250,000 people and is known for its thermal springs, colorful rickshaws, and beautiful colonial architecture.

The name “Antsirabe” means “the place of much salt” in the Malagasy language, and the city is known for its mineral-rich waters. The thermal springs in Antsirabe are a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, and many people come to the city to enjoy its relaxing spas and hot baths.

Antsirabe is also known for its vibrant markets, where visitors can purchase a wide range of local handicrafts, including woven baskets, textiles, and wood carvings. The city is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Andraikiba Lake and the 19th-century Lutheran Church.

Continue on to Ranomafana today for three nights at the Centrest Lodge on a half board basis.

Centrest, Ranomafana

This simple lodge on the outskirts of Ranomafana overlooks the national park, and provides a good base from which to explore. To one side are views of the town, and to the other magnificent views of mountains and rainforest. Thirteen rooms in the main building are built around a central courtyard, with tiled floors, whitewashed walls and pine-clad ceilings; although basic, they are adequate, with en suite bathroom (shower) and mosquito net. On the hillside above nine bungalows built in traditional style with thatched roofs share communal facilities. There is a good restaurant, bar and small shop.

Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana National Park is a rugged, mountainous park, located in Fianarantsoa Province in south- eastern Madagascar, arout two hours drive from Fianarantsoa and around 10 hours drive from Antananarivo. It stands on the edge of the high plateau wit h elevations varying between 600 and 1,400 metres.

Due to the variation in altitude the vegetation ranges from lowland rainforest to cloudforest to high plateau forest. The scenery is superb, with white-water rivers cascading down steep rainforest- clad slopes. Ranomafana village lies on the banks of the Namorona River which has carved a gorge from the rock as it descends from the highlands to the east coast. In colonial times the French turned the spot into a spa, making use of the local hot springs, and when in 1986 golden bamboo lemur were discovered and greater bamboo lemur rediscovered, a new national park was created to protect these two species.

Today the park covers an area of over 40,000 hectares of rainforest and is one of the most important mammal sites in Madagascar, protecting 12 species of lemur, including: red-bellied lemur, red- fronted brown lemur, Milne-Edwards’ sifaka, small-toothed sportive lemur, eastern woolly lemur, lesser bamboo lemur – plus the rare greater bamboo lemur and g olden bamboo lemur, the park was created to protect. Like many of Madagascar’s parks one highlight here is a nocturnal forest walk to look for the rufous mouse lemur and one of Madagascar’s few predators, the stripped civet.

Also worthwhile is an early morning bird walk where you might see some of the more secretive forest birds such as the yellow-browed oxylabes, Crossley’s babbler, slender-billed flufftail, and the vocal but elusive red-legged ground roller and pitta-like ground roller.

Your time will be spent in the park looking for lemurs and other animals, taking a picnic lunch with you. Rain is common in Ranomafana, making the steep forest trails slippery, so after your morning lemur-hunting exertions you may prefer to return to the village for a soak in the thermal baths.

Day and night visits to Ranomafana to spot nocturnal creatures on the trails.

Drive to Isalo via Anja Community Park. At Isalo you will stay at Isalo Ranch for 2 nights on a half board basis.

Isalo Ranch

This eco lodge is situated at the foot of the Isalo National Park with panoramic views of the

mountains. Calm and tranquil, Isalo ranch provides a relaxing haven after a day of exploring or sightseeing in the National Park.

Anja Communitiy Park

Anja is a small locally managed area some 13 km southwest of the town of Ambalavao, which is home to some 300 ring-tailed lemurs.

The shorter circuit takes 1 – 2 hours and winds through rocky landscape where the lemurs may be seen.

Today you will explore Isalo NP, and see sunset at the Window of Isalo.

Isalo National Park

Isalo National Park lies in the south-western Isalo Massif, some three to four hours drive from Toliara airport on the south-west coast, and is quite unlike anywhere else on the island. This upland massif rises sharply up from the flat surrounding grassy plains.

The sandstone has been eroded into strange shapes, cut through by impressive gorges and canyons of which the Canyon of Rats and the Canyon of Lemurs are highlights. Woodlands are concentrated in the canyon bottoms where streams flow, and where you may – if lucky – spot Verreaux’s sifaka, red-fronted brown lemur or ring-tailed lemur. Birdlife in the area includes Benson’s rock-thrush, white-throated rail, Madagascar coucal, Madagascar wagtail and Madagascar kestrel.

Reptiles and frogs are numerous including: Oustalet’s chameleon, jewel chameleon, spiny-tailed iguanid lizard, stump- tailed chameleon, and two locally endemic frogs, the beautifully coloured Scaphiophryne gottlebei and the brownish Mantidactylus corvus. Enjoy hiking in the park with a picnic lunch, followed by a refreshing dip in one of the clear mountain pools.

The journey by car from Ranomafana and Fianarantsoa to Isalo takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Madagascar, although the wildlife interest of this stretch is limited. As you descend from the highlands there is a fabulous view of the plains of the savannah and huge granite mountains known as inselbergs.

You pass through Madagascar’s small wine growing region, where it may be possible to visit a vineyards. The elusive Reunion harrier is sometimes sighted in this area.

Plants endemic to the region include the dwarf baobab, Isalo aloe, kalanchoes and pandanus.

Today you will drive to Tuléar and then on to Ifaty. On the way, visit Zombitse National Park, have lunch in Tuléar, before driving to Ifaty. Stay in Belle Vue for 3 nights on a half board basis.

Zombitse National Park

Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park is located to the west of the Islolo Massif, 135 kilometres from Toliara on the southwest coast. It consists of transitional forest and sandstone domes that vary between 485 and 825 metres in height. These ancient formations of limestone and sandstone, interspersed with canyons, harbour eight species of lemurs, and 41 frogs and reptiles. Among the 85 bird species recorded here is the extremely rare Appert’s greenbul, which is found nowhere else.

Other notable species include the Madagascar buzzard, Madagascar cuckoo roller, greater and lesser vasa parrot and grey-headed lovebirds.

Relax at Ifaty with a morning visit on one morning to the Spiny Forest.

Ifaty is a small authentic fishing village with idyllic palm- fringed white beaches on the south-western coast of Madagascar, 22 kilometres from Toliara airport and a few hours’ drive from Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park.

There are a few basic beach resorts with bungalow accommodation along the coast, and for those who don’t want luxury it makes a good low key place to relax for a day or two after visiting the central highlands. Diving and snorkelling on the nearby reef is possible, and local fishermen also take visitors out in their pirogues.

Although unprotected, the spiny forests inland from Ifaty are of great interest to birdwatchers and botanical enthusiasts alike. This is the best place to look for two of the island’s most threatened birds: the long-tailed ground roller and sub-desert mesite – which are often seen on early morning bird walks.

There is plenty more of interest, not least an excellent diversity of other birds and some of the most bizarre flora imaginable – fascinating spiny forest of Alluadia madagascariensis in which the crazy waving branches of devilishly-spined octopus trees contrast sharply with the squat, rounded forms of bulbous baobabs.

Transfer back to the airport. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Les 3 Metis for one night on a half board basis.

Depending on flight time – opportunity for a city and market tour.

Onward flight – unless visiting a beach resort in the north of the island first.