Tour Notes Enigmatic landscapes of Madagascar – Tailormade Tour Duration – 17 Days Tour Rating Fitness ●●●○○ | Off the Beaten Track ●●●●○ | Culture ●●●○○ | History ●●○○○ | Wildlife ●●●●○ Best time to travel May – November – Travel outside of this time is not possible due to road conditions in the West Tour Highlights ✓ Experience the best of the spectacular landscapes and vistas of Madagascar. ✓ Diverse geography from rainforest and mountains to limestone massifs and coastal idylls. ✓ Spend time with the Mikea and Zafimaniry tribes, enjoying their customs, skills and crafts. ✓ Explore isolated and unfrequented far reaches of the island. ✓ View the fantastical tsingy features of the Bemaraha park and take on the Grand Tsingy circuit ✓ Encounter a superb cross-section of Madagascar’s endemic flora and fauna. Tour Map Enigmatic landscapes of Madagascar Tour Essentials Accommodation: Mix of simple but comfortable lodges, hotels and tented camps. 1 night in spent in basic accommodation. Included Meals: Daily breakfast (B), plus lunches (L) and dinners (D) as shown in the itinerary Group Size: Private tour with English speaking driver Start Point: Antananarivo End Point: Antananarivo Transport: 4WD road transport and one domestic flight from Antananarivo to Morondava Country Visited: Madagascar Enigmatic landscapes of Madagascar The island of Madagascar occupies a unique place, both culturally and geographically, within Africa. Separated from the mainland millions of years ago, its fauna has developed very differently from the rest of the continent’s wildlife, and it is home to countless species found nowhere else on earth. Its people are an intriguing mix of Malay and African ancestry, with complex patterns of beliefs and an unusual history. Our adventure traverses some of the stunning landscapes that Madagascar has to offer as we seek out the most photogenic scenes and memorable canvases, as well at times, getting up close to the extraordinary flora, fauna and people of this enigmatic land. From the capital, we head south west to the land of the ancient baobab and the mesmerising lemur and bird-life of Kirindy. Here is possibly the best chance on the island to spot the shy and elusive Fossa. Heading into the untrodden ways of the region, we visit Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and have the chance to explore the other-worldly landscape of the tsingy from the exhilarating vantage point of the ‘via ferrata’ there. Further exploration of the less-explored areas of the island culminates on the beautiful west coast at the beach paradise that separates Mikea Forest from the Indian Ocean, giving you time to both relax and explore the Mikea people’s homeland. The return northwards takes in two of the very best National Parks: firstly the much vaunted and incredibly biologically diverse Isalo reserve, where stunning panoramas are complimented by beautiful natural springs and a reminder of the rapidly declining forest delights that once clad so much of Madagascar; and then the little-visited, but awe-inspiring granite topography of Andringitra. Before the journey is over, we head to the highlands where the Zafimaniry people ply their incomparable wood skills. Madagascar is unlike anywhere else on earth – join us to experience its diverse charms on a trip that will challenge what you thought you knew about Africa. Tour itinerary notes The day-by-day itinerary as given below is an exemplar and, upon request, has a large degree of flexibility built in. This may include additional side excursions, stop-offs en route or indeed further days to visit other sites. Overnight stops may vary from those suggested and on occasions alternative accommodation, of a similar standard to that named below, will be used. Although we try to be as accurate as possible, distances and timings indicated in the itinerary are meant as guidelines only and can substantially vary from one departure to another one depending on local safety initiatives, road conditions, road traffic and other unforeseen events. Tour Guide Our guides are a key strength, chosen for their knowledge of and passion for the areas in which they work. All of our guides are carefully hand-picked, and are not merely passing through these countries, but are usually locally born. Unlike some companies, it should be noted we do not send a guide or tour leader from Undiscovered Destinations in the UK: we have every confidence in our locally appointed representative who is responsible for operating the tour on our behalf. On this tour you will be accompanied by an English- speaking professional driver and in addition at the parks and reserves adopt the services of local park guides. It is also possible to be accompanied throughout the whole tour by a professional English-speaking guide. Just inform us of your preference. Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Antananarivo Arrive in ‘Tana’. On arrival, you will be met and a member of our local team who will travel with you to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, you may have time to explore the city. Overnight Gassy Country House, or similar. No guided activities or meals are included today. Accommodation Description: Gassy Country House: Simple but comfortable small-scale hotel Situated conveniently only 3 minutes from Ivato International Airport and 30 to 40 minutes to the centre this is a simple but comfortable small hotel designed for guests looking for comfort in a place not far from the centre and near the airport. A haven of local hospitality, guests at Gassy Country House are treated as friends rather than guests. The hotel accommodates only 30 guests and rooms are decorated vibrantly and offer a good level of comfort. Bathrooms are ensuite and some rooms have verandas. The hotel has a small swimming pool and terrace area to relax after or before a long flight. The restaurant offers a choice of European and Malagasy cuisine and there is also a small bar. WIFI is available at the hotel (connections cannot be guaranteed), as are services such as laundry. The local staff at the hotel is always happy to make local recommendations as well for eating out. The hotel accepts Visa credit card and also is able to change currency at good rates. Antananarivo Antananarivo, locally known affectionately as ‘Tana’, is the capital and largest city in Madagascar. The name Antananarivo literally translates as ‘the City of the Thousands’, named after the thousand warriors of King Andrianjaka, who established Tana as the capital city of the Merina tribe at the end of the 16th century. The sacred city was largely chosen for its privileged location – being on high ground (1,370m) and surrounded by marsh made it easily defensible. By 1808, it had become the island’s effective capital city, as the Merina established overlordship of the whole island. Tana has idiosyncratic French and Asian inspired architecture with winding cobblestone streets and staircases that lend it a medieval air. The city is built on three essential levels, making it hilly, but very compact to explore. The main street of Araben ny Fahaleovantena (Avenue de l'Independence) is a good orientation point with sundry shops and excellent restaurants. Other attractions include the colourful daily flower market beside tranquil Lake Anosy and the botanical and zoological gardens, where you can view the egg and 3m-tall skeleton of the extinct aepyornis, or elephant bird. The Rova (Queen's Palace) burned to the ground in 1996; currently being restored, its gardens and partially renovated King’s House, baths and tombs are impressive and lend you a spectacular 360⁰ vista of the capital. Antananarivo may not have too much in the way of conventional sightseeing, but if you enjoy walking around, watching local scenes and experiencing the laid-back atmosphere that is prevalent here, the city is fascinating – vibrant markets, decadent colonial buildings, deliciously stocked cafés (a must!) and many craft shops make it a great destination to delve into. Day 2: Antananarivo – Morondava – Kirindy (Flight – 1 hour; Drive time: approximately 2 hours) Enjoy a refreshing breakfast at the hotel before embarking on the first phase of this adventure in Madagascar. After breakfast our local team will meet with and brief you on the itinerary and your needs for the entirety of the tour. From here, transfer the short distance to the airport and fly to Morondava, a sleepy seaside town which provides the gateway to one of Madagascar’s most iconic sights: as you embark upon the drive to Kirindy, your route will lead you through the incomparable “Allée or Avenue des Baobabs”, a protected natural monument where the road is flanked by magnificent baobab trees, some of them calculated to be over 1000 years old, which tower above you on either side. After arrival and check-in at Kirindy’s bungalow accommodation in the forest, you will be guided on an hour’s hike in Kirindy Reserve. At around 6pm, you will meet your guide again for a thrilling night walk in search of an array of nocturnal creatures. Overnight Relais de Kirindy, or similar. (B) Accommodation Description: Relais de Kirindy: Comfortable mid-range standard – Lodge Style A relatively new property, Relais du Kirindy is just a short drive from the dry deciduous Kirindy Forest, an excellent reserve to spot many endemic species of flora and fauna. The property has 26 spacious bungalows which are raised on desks. The bungalows have mosquito nets and fly screens. Cooling is by way of fan rather than air conditioning. En suite bathrooms are a feature of all bungalows. To the front one can relax on your own decking area. The main part of the lodge is very comfortable with a nice swimming pool to enjoy. The restaurant serves good local and international options and there is a bar and open-plan lounge area to relax with a drink.