MADAGASCAR
FLY-IN SAFARIS
For a party of two or more persons travelling together, we are happy to arrange a customized trip to Madagascar. Here is what we would suggest specifically for a wildlife tour. This is a superb itinerary which involves visiting some of Madagascar's top mammal sites: Berenty Reserve in the southern sub-desert; Perinet Reserve in the eastern rainforests and then the Kirindy Forest (Swiss Forest) for the third main floristic / climatic zone, which also boasts one of the highest primate densities internationally for forests of comparable size. Culturally also a lovely and diverse trip.
MADAGASCAR NATURE DISCOVERY
9 NIGHTS/10 DAYS
To see a reasonable spectrum of Madagascar's endemic mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates and flora it is necessary to visit one site in each of the island's three main climatic / floristic zones. These are the damp eastern rainforests, the tropical dry western woodlands and then the bizarre 'spiny desert' in the sub-arid south. Madagascar's enormity means that the prime wildlife hotspots are far from each-other, so getting to each involves domestic flights and /or road trips. This itinerary is perfect for first time visitors.
1. Perinet (Analamazaotra) Reserve and the nearby Mantadia National Park, in the eastern escarpment. Montane rainforest holding various Lemurs (Indri, Diadem Sifaka, Grey Bamboo Lemur, Brown lemur and at least 4 species of commonly seen nocturnal Lemurs); rare birds (including Brown mesite, Pittalike ground-roller, Shortlegged ground-roller; Velvet and Sunbird Asitys; various species of Vanga; Emutails and all 3 Oxylabes) and a plethora of reptiles (numerous Chameleons included) and frogs. Perinet claims a World record for numbers of frog species among rainforests of comparable size (810 ha). Ardent nature enthusiasts should also stop by at one of the nearby marshes for a select band of rare endemic birds, reptiles and frogs confined to marsh habitat.
2. Berenty Private Reserve OR Amboasary-Sud / Kaleta Private Reserve near Fort Dauphin, south coast. These two small private reserves lie in the weird southern semi-desert or Androy. They hold large populations of the southern Lemurs (Ringtails, Brown lemurs and Verreaux' sifaka as well as two nocturnal species). In both you can see a variety of birds and reptiles local to southern Madagascar (specials include Giant coua and White-browed owl) as well as the region's flora, Euphorbia-Didieraceae bush. This includes baobabs and various bloated Pachypodium species and the baobab-like Moringas. En route to Berenty are several stops for local flora.
3. Kirindy ('Swiss') Forest: 60 km north of Morondava on the sunny West Coast. Good example of tropical dry deciduous forest, the world's most threatened habitat type. This is one of the island's best places for mammals, especially nocturnal species like Fosa (biggest predator), various spiny Tenrecs and 6 species of nocturnal Lemur. (Lemurs include the World's smallest Primate, the recently described Pygmy Mouse lemur). In fact Kirindy claims a World Record for Primate density in forests of comparable size (10 000 ha). Good birding in the area, many 'specials' local to western Madagascar being seen frequently (White-breasted mesite; Madagascar jacana, Coquerel's and Red-capped couas; White-headed and Sicklebill vangas and more). Kirindy is also of note for it features three of Madagascar's six endemic species of Baobab tree. A bonus with Morondava is its sunny beaches.
Itinerary:
THURSDAY / DAY 1: Fly from Johannesburg to Antananarivo (Tana), the high-lying Malagasy capital. Meet + greet / airport assistance by our English speaking Malagasy agents, who will transfer you to hotel Tana Plaza in the city. Bed & Breakfast. City sightseeing tour in the afternoon.
FRIDAY / DAY 2: Transfer to the airport for the flight to Fort Dauphin in the far south. Transfer to Berenty Reserve, a 3-hour drive with several stops to see local flora. Gite d'Berenty Lodge, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
SATURDAY / DAY 3: Berenty Private Reserve Gite d'Berenty lodge - DBB.
SUNDAY / DAY 4: Transfer to the Fort Dauphin airport for the flight back to Antananarivo. Transfer directly to Perinet Reserve (Analamazoatra) by car (3-3½ hours drive, very good road). Vakona Lodge - B&B
MONDAY / DAY 5: Day for Perinet Reserve. Good trails into rainforest-clad slopes. Vakona Lodge -B&B
TUESDAY / DAY 6: Visit of the new Mantadia National Park. Narrow trails into steep slopes. Afternoon transfer back to Tana. Hotel Tana Plaza - B&B
WEDNESDAY / DAY 7: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Morondava on the West Coast. Transfer to Hotel Royal Toera - B&B
THURSDAY / DAY 8: Day excursion to the fabulous Kirindy (Swiss) Forest. After dinner in the campsite and a night walk, transfer back to Morondava. Hotel Royal Toera - Full Board.
FRIDAY / DAY 9: Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Antananarivo. Transfer to hotel Tana Plaza - B&B . Afternoon visit of the local market with guide.
SATURDAY / DAY 10: Transfer to the airport and assistance with checking in for the flight back to Johannesburg at 06h00.
2000 PRICES PER PERSON, DOUBLE OR TWIN ROOM SHARING:
TWO PERSONS: $2,012 P.P.
FOUR PERSONS: $1,860 P.P.
Single room supplement: $320
This price is based on 'best available' accommodation; the same itinerary can also be booked making use of somewhat less expensive accommodation. Discount available for early reservations & for payment by check.PRICES INCLUDE:
- International flights: Johannesburg - Antananarivo return
- SA departure tax
- All domestic Malagasy flights
- Malagasy visas
- All airport assistance and transfers: airports / hotels / airports
- All hotel nights with meals as per itinerary
- Excursions to the following protected areas: Perinet reserve, Mantadia national park; Berenty private reserve; Kirindy forest, with cars, fuel, drivers, English speaking guides, permits / entry fees and local guide fees included.
Please note that prices are subject to change & currency fluctuation until booking; a 20% deposit is required to confirm a provisional reservation, final payment 8 weeks prior to departure.
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