14 DAYS | 13 NIGHTS NOVEMBER 1 - 14, 2016 WITH SAN DIEGO BOTANIC GARDEN LED BY JULIAN DUVAL, DIRECTOR/CEO

Join San Diego Botanic Garden on this unforgettable expedition to Madagascar, a dream destination for nature and outdoor lovers. Experience the epic and incredible diversity of Madagascar including forests, reserves, canyons, waterfalls and more! Venture through national parks such as Isalo and Ranomafana to view the wonders of nature first-hand including over 900 of , the Isalo massiff, the endangered greater lemur and numerous other lemur species.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike through Ranomafana National Park, one of the most spectacular national parks in Madagascar. • Explore the riches of Isalo National Park, including over 400 species of plants. • Take several night hikes in search of nocturnal species such as the grey mouse lemur and chameleons. • Swim in the dark waters of the Cascade of the Nymphs. PHOTO BY ROD WADDINGTON ROD BY PHOTO ITINERARY of the best roads in the country with breathtaking scenery including large, open spaces and the rare, picturesque palm NOVEMBER 1 - ANTANANARIVO savannah. The park itself is over 200,000 acres of beautiful Upon arrival, after clearing customs and collecting your landscapes including sandstones, canyons, fauna and flora, luggage, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. natural swimming pools and waterfalls. The Isalo massif is Overnight at Hotel Le Louvre. a continental sandstone plateau dating back to the Jurassic Period. Begin with an exploration hike to the Cascade of NOVEMBER 2 - ANTSIRABE the Nymphs. Hike through the canyon to the waterfalls Morning at leisure to rest from your long journey. Lunch inhabited by many rare birds, butterflies and lizards. at the hotel and then drive to Antsirabe. Check in at the There are over 400 species of plants in the park, many of hotel, visit the colorful Cathedral of Antsirabe and then walk them endemic to the region. They include the Bismarck around to get a glimpse of small town life in Madagascar. palm (Bismarckia nobilis), which recovers well after fires; Overnight at Couleur Café Hotel. (BLD) Catharanthus ovalis, which has medicinal uses; the elephant’s foot (); and the Aloe isaloensis, named after the massif. From the top NOVEMBER 3 - RANOMAFANA there is a panoramic view over the green canyon. Throughout Early breakfast before transferring to Ranomafana. En this trek you will have the possibility to spot lemurs. The route, trek into the remote village, which specializes in silk highlight is a swim in the dark waters of the Cascade of the production. Begin the experience with a welcome by the Nymphs. Continue to the hotel for dinner. Overnight at villagers and then have a demonstration on the traditional Hotel Le Relais de la Reine. (BLD) way of weaving. Next, visit Ialatsara private reserve, located a short drive away from the village of Ambohimahasoa. Set NOVEMBER 6 - ISALO NATIONAL PARK on 6,177 acres of secondary forest, this reserve has been maintained by Mr. and Mrs. Rajaona, who dedicate much Spend the day exploring the riches of Isalo National Park. of their time to managing the fragmented highland forest Isalo is known for its Pachypodium, Aloe and Euphorbium. ecosystem. Hike along the trails in search of the Milne- The following vegetation zones are found in the park: Edward’s sifaka, dwarf lemur, sportive lemur and mouse riparian forest found along rivers in the canyons of Isalo; lemur. Then enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the facilities scattered Sclerophyll forest made up of fire resistant Tapia and continue to Ranomafana National Park. The immensity (Uapaca bojeri) and Heza (Astropeia micraster); Rupicolous of the park is clear as you approach. Ranomafana (which vegetation found on rocky surfaces and consisting of means “hot water” in Malagasy) is doubtless one the most Pachypodium (, Pachypodium willlamarai, spectacular national parks of Madagascar. Among the plants Pachypodium rosulatum, Pachypodium horombese, and that grow in these rainforests, many are used by the Tanala Pachypodium densiflorum); (Aloe acutissima, Aloe and the Betsileo for medical purposes. There are precious isalensis and Aloe detoideodonta); a species of Kalanchoes; and wood and palm trees, many orchids and carnivorous plants. dry forest on alluvial deposits. Begin with the Canyon of the In addition to its densely forested hills, the protected area is Makis circuit, which combines nature and cultural history. characterized by numerous small streams, which plummet Trek over rice fields, incised rocks, gorges and the Horombe down to the beautiful Namorona River. On the way to plateau. The hike will take you to a former royal village the hotel, stop by the beautiful waterfalls for a photo stop. where you can learn about the history and traditions of the This evening have dinner in a local restaurant.Overnight at Bara people. Explore the gorges and discover the unique flora Centrest Sejour. (BLD) of the forest, seeking out the numerous colonies of lemurs and other wildlife. At the end of the trek, take a dip in the canyon’s pool. Have a hot picnic lunch and then trek the NOVEMBER 4 - RANOMAFANA Canyon des Singes and visit its natural pool. This trek is full After breakfast, hike in the 102,000-acre Ranomafana of varied landscapes with different forms of sandstones and National Park. Ranomafana was created in 1991 following is dotted with the famous dwarfs baobabs. After an hour the 1986 discovery of the golden bamboo lemur. The park walk with short climbs, stop to rest in a spectacular valley has served as a model for subsequent parks and reserves in resembling the famous Death Valley in the United States. Madagascar and abroad. The forest is home to the critically The overlook shows miles of azure sky and rocky and desert endangered greater bamboo lemur, golden bamboo lemur valley with greenery winding through the middle. Continue and 11 other species including the mouse lemur, gray to the natural pool with its white sandy bottom and tropical bamboo lemur and more. This afternoon, have lunch at vibe for a much deserved swim before making the trek back Centre ValBio, a facility run by Dr. Patricia Wright that is to the starting point. Transfer back to the hotel for dinner. now Madagascar’s leading field research center. After, attend Overnight at Hotel Le Relais de la Reine. (BLD) a presentation on the flora, fauna and research efforts in Ranomafana. This evening, eat dinner at a local restaurant NOVEMBER 7 - TULÉAR and take a nocturnal walk in search of the mouse lemur and chameleons. Overnight at Centrest Sejour. (BLD) Early departure to Zombitse National Park for a hike in the spiny forest and to see the immense baobabs (Adansonia NOVEMBER 5 - ISALO NATIONAL PARK grandidieri). Have a picnic lunch. Later, continue with a transfer to Tuléar, stopping at the beautiful Antsokay After breakfast, head to the Great South and Madagascar’s en route. Created over 20 years ago by a most visited park, Isalo National Park. Drive along some passionate botanist, this arboretum shows in one single place NOVEMBER 12 - ANTANANARIVO most of the southern endemic Malagasy flora. The arboretum After breakfast, transfer to Fort Dauphin for your flight to has a collection of over 900 plant species from the southwest Antananarivo. Upon arrival, transfer to Ferme d’Ivato, a of Madagascar; 90 percent are endemic to the region and 80 full organic farm. Have a healthy and tasty organic lunch in percent have medicinal properties. Among these are many the gardens and then take a walk through the farm to learn succulent species recognized as endangered. After the visit, about the organic farming process. Head back to the hotel to continue to the seaside town of Tuléar. Have dinner at the freshen up before dinner. Overnight at Hotel Le Louvre. (BLD) hotel. Overnight at Caliente Beach Hotel. (BLD) NOVEMBER 13 - ANTANANARIVO/DEPARTURE NOVEMBER 8 - ANTANANARIVO After breakfast, learn about the history of the city during This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to a bus and walking tour. Accompanied by a local historian, Antananarivo. Upon arrival, transfer to Lemur’s Park, a small learn about the Imerina royalty, and then continue to and lemur reserve covering 12 acres, located the modern city before heading to the sacred village of 14 miles southwest of Antananarivo. It was founded around Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience 2000 by Laurent Amouric and Maxime Allorge. The park, a special Malagasy lunch at the Ambohimanga restaurant. which also contains more than 70 of Madagascar’s endemic Enjoy entertainment by traditional dancers and singers. plant species, was created more than 10 years ago to increase Return to the hotel later to freshen up and have a special public awareness of the importance of protecting the lemur farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel. For species of Madagascar. Nine different species can be observed those departing on Air France flights, transfer to the airport roaming freely here. The trained park guides will share later this evening for the early morning (1:45 am) departure. information about the park and different species during the Day room or overnight at Hotel Le Louvre. (BLD) visit. Return to the hotel this evening for dinner. Overnight at Hotel Le Louvre. (BLD) NOVEMBER 14 - DEPARTURE For those departing on South African Airways flights, NOVEMBER 9 - BERENTY transfer to the airport this morning for the mid-afternoon After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight departure. (B) to Fort Dauphin. Upon arrival walk around the oceanside town, exploring the colorful streets and learning about the history of this fishing town, which has been impacted LAND COST positively by tourism. Have a nice meal and then continue to Berenty. Berenty is a privately owned reserve that lies only 50 $5,400 (based on 12 participants) miles south of Fort Dauphin. However, the road is long and bumpy, so be prepared for an adventurous three- to four- Price includes: all accommodations, meals, non-alcoholic hour drive through local villages and stunning countryside. beverages with meals, park fees and activities as listed in En route is a small grove of triangle palms (Dypsis decarii), itinerary, private vehicle transportation, internal flights a rare treat. Upon arrival in Berenty, settle into your room within Madagascar, a full-time guide, a $200 donation to and have a short rest followed by dinner. After dinner at the SDBG, bottled water on the bus, and all gratuities except lodge, take a night walk through the spiny forest, looking for those for maids and drinks purchased on own. nocturnal species such as the grey mouse lemur, the white- footed sportive lemur, and chameleons. Overnight at Berenty Price does not include: international airfare, travel/ Lodge. (BLD) trip cancellation insurance, gratuities for maids and drinks purchased on own, or items of a personal nature. NOVEMBER 10 - BERENTY Holbrook Travel can assist with making your flight This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast while relaxing in the arrangements upon request. lodge’s pleasant gardens. Watch habituated ring-tailed lemurs and dancing sifakas at play, who love to take to the ground and “dance” across the pathways and into the forest for a THE FINE PRINT day of foraging. Great photo and video opportunities! Spend the rest of the day exploring the reserve trails. Overnight at Berenty Lodge. (BLD) Price is based on double occupancy. Single occupancy arrangements are offered at additional cost of $650. A $200 NOVEMBER 11 - BERENTY per person deposit and enrollment form is required to secure This morning, visit the arboretum near the Berenty your space on the trip. This deposit is refundable until July restaurant, which contains a collection of the extraordinary 28, 2016 excluding a $100 cancellation fee. Final payments flora of the spiny forest. In the area you can also find an are due no later than July 28, 2016; cancellations received ethnological museum, which depicts the life of the local after this date are non-refundable. Travel/trip cancellation , the Antandroy, as well as a re-built Antandroy village. insurance is strongly recommended. For more information call After lunch, visit a nearby site for a chance to see giant fruit Travel Insured at 800-243-3174. Holbrook Travel’s agency bats. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to number is 15849. explore on your own. Overnight at Berenty Lodge. (BLD) FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL PHOTOS BY Contact Sandy Schmidt at [email protected] or 877-907-5360 or visit Ian Segebarth, Stephanie Kowacz holbrook.travel/sdbgmadagascar and Pelin Karaca