Madagascar: An Island of Marvels

Madagascar, fourth largest island in the world, is a truly unique destination. Its separation from Africa some 65 million years ago resulted in the evolution of flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. Today, the island is often considered to be the eighth continent for its remarkable bio-diversity and culture which this exceptional tour, with the help of expert local guides, explores in depth. Due to the close connections Amelia has with the Durrell Conservation Trust, which has a number of important projects operating in Madagascar, we will have the benefit of meeting some of their staff working and living on the island during the tour.

Our journey begins in the island's capital, Antananarivo, or Tana as it is known, where we explore the city including the Queen’s Palace, the flower market and a crocodile farm. We then fly north to Antsiranana, formerly Diego Suarez, from where we explore the extraordinary Jurassic landscape of the Ankarana National Park with its limestone tsingy, caves and dry deciduous forest. We also devote a day to the rainforest of the Montagne d'Ambre National Park, which is home to seven species of lemur, mongoose and fossa - the largest carnivore in Madagascar - chameleon and other mammals, over 70 species of bird and a variety of flora.

Flying to the far south of the island, we come to a highlight of the tour when three days each are spent at two very special eco-lodges both of which have been reserved for our exclusive use. The secluded Mandrare River Camp is a luxury tented camp in a breathtaking setting which affords intimate access to the fascinating Antandroy tribe and also the remarkable Spiny Forest, as featured in a recent David Attenborough documentary, which is home to a unique variety of wildlife including Verreaux's Sifaka and three species of lemur. In contrast Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge nestles in a forest fringed cove on the Indian Ocean. From here we enjoy walks in the littoral rainforest with its diverse flora, fauna and birds, whale watching, explore local villages or simply relax at the end of a memorable journey.

Day 1: Friday, 12th October

London / Johannesburg

Evening departure from London Heathrow on a South African Airways flight via Johannesburg to Antananarivo (Tana).

Day 2: Saturday, 13th October

Johannesburg / Tana

On arrival early afternoon, transfer to the Royal Pallisandre Hotel where two nights are spent. The hotel is situated in the heart of Antananarivo on a hillside, ideally placed close to the Grand Avenue de l’Independence, and just ten minutes walk from the hub of the city. The rooms are simple but comfortable, with en-suite facilities and air conditioning. Service at the hotel is good and there is a swimming pool and a bar and restaurant, which is situated on a terrace which has wonderful views over the roofs of the French-inspired buildings of the city. The menu includes local specialities as well as fine French food. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Sunday, 14th October

Tana

City tour to include the Queen’s Palace or Rova, a royal palace complex that served as the former residence of the sovereigns of the Kingdom of Imerina in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the rulers of the Kingdom of Madagascar in the 19th century. It was destroyed by a fire in 1995 and has been painstakingly restored. Also visit the colourful flower market where a wide range of tropical blooms are on display.

Lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the Croc Farm which, in addition to a variety of reptiles, fossas and free-range lemurs, boasts an impressive number of crocodiles which are continually under threat from habitat and illegal hunting. Dinner hosted by Simon Peers who has lived in Tana for many years and has an extensive knowledge of the local customs and who will give a talk on Madagascar and Weaving Spider silk.

Day 4: Monday, 15th October

Tana / Diego Suarez

Transfer to Antananarivo (Tana) airport for a morning flight to Antsiranana (Diego Suarez). On arrival transfer into town and visit the market with its colourful local people, where fruit and vegetables and a variety of local produce is for sale. Check in at the Grand Hotel where three nights are spent. The hotel is situated in the centre of the town with international-standard rooms, indoor and outdoor restaurants, a large swimming pool, an excellent massage centre and an ice-cream parlour.

Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the pool or to explore the amusing local shops selling products ranging from precious uncut gems for which Madagascar is famous to the amazingly embroidered tablecloths specific to this area of the island. Dinner at the Allamanda restaurant.

Day 5: Tuesday, 16th October

Diego Suarez

Full day excursion to the Ankarana National Park, an ‘island’ of tsingy (limestone karst pinnacles) and forest penetrated by numerous caves and canyons. Some of the largest caves have collapsed, forming isolated pockets of river-fed forest with their own perfectly protected flora and fauna. The caves are home to crocodiles and the reserve is known for its many lemur species, including crowned and Sanford’s Brown lemurs, and also the inquisitive Ring-Tailed mongoose but it is also marvellous for birds, reptile and insects.

Picnic lunch. Dinner under own arrangements.

Day 6: Wednesday, 17th October

Diego Suarez

Full day excursion to Montagne d’Ambre National Park with its splendid example of montane rainforest that rises from the surrounding dry region and has its own micro-climate. The name comes from the amber-coloured resin which oozes from some of the trees and is used medicinally by the local people. The park is famous for its waterfalls, crater lakes, and wildlife including various species of lemur and fossa and in particular for its rich diversity of reptiles such as chameleon, snake, skink and frog.

Lunch at Le Domaine de Fontenay Hotel situated in the National Park. Walk in Le Domaine de Fontenay’s own park area where Sanford’s Brown lemurs are often seen as well as nocturnal varieties such as the Greater Dwarf, Grey Mouse and Northern Sportive lemurs. Return to the hotel and dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7: Thursday, 18th October

Diego Suarez / Tana

Morning at leisure to enjoy the hotel’s large swimming pool or go shopping.

Lunch at the hotel. Transfer to Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) airport for a flight to Antananarivo (Tana), transfer into town and check in at the Royal Pallisandre Hotel where one night is spent. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 8: Friday, 19th October

Tana / Fort Dauphin / Mandrare River Camp

Transfer to Antananarivo (Tana) airport for a morning flight to Fort Dauphin. Drive to Mandrare River Camp.

Picnic lunch en-route. Check in at the Mandrare River Camp where three nights are spent, located near the Southern tip of Madagascar, three and a half hours’ drive from Fort Dauphin. This drive is long, but a pleasure and covers a diversity of landscape and differing flora. The camp is set in the shade of Tamarind Trees, a strand of Deciduous Gallery forest in an area predominantly covered by Spiny forest and sisal. The tents are generously spread out high up on the shady river bank, all with views across the tranquil water and the mountains beyond. Dinner at the camp.

Days 9 - 10: Saturday - Sunday, 20th - 21st October

Mandrare River Camp

Awake to the sound of the morning calls of the Coucal and Crested Drongo or the local Antandroy tribe singing as they fetch water from the river. There will be the opportunity to see first hand the life of the Antandroy and experience this rich culture. The Sacred Forests of Ifotaka harbour a great diversity of wildlife. Day and night walks through the Southern Spiny forests (Spiny Desert) and the Deciduous Gallery forests will allow you to see both forests in detail and the particular wildlife that lives in them. There are four species of lemur: Ring Tailed, Verreux’s Sifaka, Mouse and White Foot Sportive (both nocturnal). The birding is exceptional with at least fifteen resident species in camp and many more in the surrounding wooded areas, including Scops Owl, Malachite Kingfisher, Verreaux’s Coua and many raptors.

Lunches and dinners at the camp.

Day 11: Monday, 22nd October

Mandrare River Camp / Manafiary Lodge

Charter flight to Manafiary Beach and Rainforest Lodge, in the southeast of the island, where three nights are spent. Nestled into a forest fringed cove, the luxury thatched bungalows offer private decked terraces inches from the sea and stunning views across Sainte-Luce Bay. Melding local wood, ravinala thatch and stone with modern comforts. Meals are enjoyed in the open sided, Ravinala thatched bar and dinning area.

Lunch at the lodge. Activities at the lodge including walks in the littoral rainforest, canoeing and snorkelling. Dinner at the lodge.

Days 12 - 13: Tuesday - Wednesday, 23rd – 24th October

Manafiary Lodge

The sheltered bay with its calm waters and abundant, coral based sea life provides the perfect spot for safe swimming and snorkelling (free equipment provided). Motor boat trips into the mangroves and wetlands are a must for birders. The mix of fresh and mangrove water attract sea and wading birds and a wealth of other wildlife. Alternatively, explore the mangroves and the bay at your own pace in the lodge’s three person canoes. The lodge also offers many shore and forest based activities. October is the best time for whale watching off the south-eastern shores of Madagascar so you will take a trip by motor boat to witness the awesome spectacle of Humpback whales breaching, powering themselves high into the cobalt sky. Other whale and dolphin species are also frequently spotted.

Lunches and dinners at the lodge.

Day 14: Thursday, 25th October

Manafiary Lodge / For Dauphin / Tana

Transfer to Fort Dauphin for a flight to Antananarivo (Tana). Transfer into town and check in at the Royal Pallisandre Hotel where a further night in spent.

Lunch at Le Bois Vert restaurant. Visit Lake Tsaraotra, a private wildfowl reserve owned by the Ranarivelo family a few miles out of town. Various species of duck can be seen as well as the Madagascan Pond heron and Dimorphic egret. Dinner at Villa Vanille restaurant.