HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0)

Transcription

1 +44 (0) Enjoy a breathtaking journey amongst the wild beauty of one of the world s most unique locations. Filled with a remarkable collection of flora and fauna, Madagascar is one of the planet s last great adventures and its main highway along National Route 7 takes you from the mountains of its Central Highlands to the deserted beaches around Tulear on its southwestern coast. Beginning in Antananarivo you will journey south first, towards the majestic Central Highlands around Ambositra and the beautiful setting of the Ranomafana National Park. After enjoying some night and day walks through the park you then moves on to the Andringitra National Park, home to some of the island s most renowned hiking trails and spectacular backdrops. Here you will have time to search out rare lemurs and enjoy some truly exhilarating walks before continuing on towards the eroded sandstone massifs of the south east. After exploring the beauty of Isalo National Park you then head for the beaches around Tulear, where your journey climaxes amongst the white sands and azure waters of Ifaty and the Mozambique Channel. After a chance to enjoy a little something of Tulear, you then fly back to Antananarivo where your journey ends. HIGHLIGHTS: Enjoy a guided night walk through the spectacular Ranomafana National Park Explore the breathtaking trails through the Andringitra National Park Visit the Anja Park community project Marvel at the beautiful landscapes of the Isalo National Park Swim in clear mountain pools and relax on deserted sandy beaches TOUR INCLUDES: 16 nights accommodation in traditional guesthouses and lodges 15 breakfasts and 15 dinners Domestic flight between Tulear and Antananarivo (baggage restrictions apply) Private driver and car for the duration of the trip Local guides in each destination Entrance fees and National Park Fees *Please note, the above price is per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

2

3 ITINERARY DAY 1: ANTANANARIVO Arriving in the Madagascan capital this afternoon you will be met at the airport and transferred to your overnight hotel, located just a short distance from the airport. A trip briefing later will then be followed by dinner, after which you will have time to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead. (D) DAY 2: ANTANANARIVO - AMBOSITRA After breakfast this morning you will be collected from the hotel and driven south, through the spectacular backdrop of Madagascar's wonderfully scenic Central Highlands. Your destination is the town of Ambositra, famed for its woodcarvings and marquetry. On arrival the afternoon is then free to enjoy perusing some of the local craft shops, before heading on to your hotel for dinner and a chance to relax. (B,D) DAY 3: AMBOSITRA - RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK Following a leisurely morning your journey south continues, taking you on towards the densely forested expanse of the Ranomafana National Park, considered one of the most spectacular anywhere on the island. Home to no fewer than 12 species of lemur, including the critically endangered golden bamboo lemur, you can enjoy its scenic delights from the terrace of your hotel and on a variety of safaris. (B,D) DAY 4: RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK An early breakfast, this morning is followed by another guided walk through the park. Aside from its lemur populations, the park is also home to some 115 species of birds, over 60 different types of reptiles and a staggering collection of butterflies. After a chance to enjoy the breathtaking views of richly forested mountains, you can return to the hotel to spend the rest of the day relaxing, or perhaps pay a visit to Ranomafana town to enjoy its famed hot springs. (B,D) DAY 5: RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK - ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK Moving on from Ranomafana today, your next stop is amongst the high mountains and deep valleys of the Andringitra National Park. Stopping en route to visit the remarkable community project at Anja Park, you will have an opportunity to witness the local conservation efforts being put in place to protect its 500 ring-tailed lemurs. Arriving at Andringitra this afternoon there will be ample time to enjoy the views up the Tsaranoro Valley, before sundowners beside the lodge's natural waterfall. (B,D)

4 DAY 6: ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK One of the most biologically diverse of all Madagascar's national parks, Andringitra provides a chance this morning to tackle one of its numerous walking trails. There are a number of options available, from gentle village walks to the challenging seven hour hike up to Chameleon's Head. Or for those wishing to really test their mettle, you can take on the nine hour epic that is the Tsaranoro, the region's most iconic walking trail. (B,D) DAY 7: ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK - ISALO NATIONAL PARK After a leisurely start to the day your journey continues through the south-eastern landscapes this morning, eventually bringing you on to the beautiful setting of the Isalo National Park. Encompassing a strangely eroded sandstone massif, the park is home to a rich collection of animals, birds and plants that include a number that are endemic to Isola. Arriving this afternoon there will be time to relax around the pool and enjoy the spectacle of the sun setting across the granite outcrops. (B,D) DAY 8: ISALO NATIONAL PARK Blessed with some of the finest accommodation available in mainland Madagascar, Isalo provides an ideal spot to break this packed adventure at its midway point. A chance to relax and enjoy the hospitalities of your elegant lodge, today can be spent by the pool or perhaps visiting the nearby town of Ilakaka, home to Madagascar's burgeoning sapphire trade. (B,D) DAY 9: ISALO NATIONAL PARK A day walking through the park provides an opportunity to enjoy the sweeping Jurassic landscapes, and hopefully learn more about the resident flora and flora in the company of one of the park's expert guides. A haven for some 80 species of birds, ring-tailed lemurs, sifakas and rare palms, the park also provides cooling forest pools for a bracing swim before you return to the lodge late this afternoon. (B,D) DAY 10: ISALO NATIONAL PARK - IFATY An early start today is the best way to make the most of the long drive down past Tulear and on towards the secluded beaches that occupy Madagascar's beautiful western coastline. Your destination today is Ifaty, where you should arrive towards the middle of the afternoon. On arrival there should be time to enjoy a cool drink and wind down from the long day's drive as you gaze out across the azure waters of the Mozambique Channel. (B,D)

5 DAY 11: IFATY The perfect setting for a few days rest and relaxation, this deserted stretch of coastline provides some ideal opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. Paddle-boards are also available and fishing trips can be organised out into the Channel if you wish. Alternatively, just kick back, enjoy the beach and make the most of this glorious setting. (B,D) DAY 12: IFATY Another day to bask in the idyllic setting of this wonderfully isolated stretch of beach and its glorious sea views. Staff are always on hand with a steady supply of drinks and snacks around the pool and the beach restaurant is just a few steps away if you fancy trying some local delicacies. (B,D) DAY 13: IFATY For those looking for a little more adventure, there are opportunities during your stay to hire bicycles or head out on an organised horse-riding tour or guided quad bike excursion. A great way to explore more of the surrounding countryside, a day away from the beach provides an ideal opportunity to make more of this fascinating corner of western Madagascar. (B,D) DAY 14: IFATY A final day in Ifaty offers up more beach excursions or simple relaxation around the hotel. If you are visiting between June and September these coastal waters also provide a chance to perhaps enjoy a whale-watching boat trip. During this period the channel plays host to humpbacks as they migrate north towards the warmer waters of the tropics. (B,D) DAY 15: IFATY - ANTANANARIVO Departing the lodge after breakfast you will be transferred down to Tulear this morning, where you will have some time to explore before heading to the airport for the afternoon flight back to Antananarivo. Back in the capital you will then be taken on to your overnight hotel, where the rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure. (B,D) DAY 16: ANTANANARIVO After a leisurely day you will be collected and taken back to the airport, arriving in time to connect with your onward flight arrangements. (B)

6 ACCOMMODATION AMBOSITRA ARTISAN HOTEL AMBOSITRA Comfortably the leading hotel option in Ambositra, the Artisan Hotel is nestled away down a quiet side street in the heart of town, giving visitors a peaceful location but also easy access to explore the bustling town should they wish. The bedrooms are set in blocks away from the main area of the hotel and there are also a number of bungalows close to the dining area. Inside the bedrooms are clean and comfortable, if a little small, but they have en-suite bathrooms and are more than adequate for the overnight stay that is usually sufficient in Ambositra. There is a spacious courtyard in the centre of the property with some covered areas where guests can relax in the afternoons as well as tables for outside dining. The restaurant and bar area is open from 5:30pm daily and offers a varied menu of European and Malagasy Cuisine. They offer nightly entertainment in the form of traditional folk music and although this is notionally free of charge, guests are expected to tip the musicians upon leaving the dining room. This is by far the best hotel option in Ambositra, clean and comfortable with an excellent restaurant and friendly, hands-on staff. The views out across the town are lovely as well and guests can walk out into town from the hotel should they wish. ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK TSARA CAMP From its idyllic location at the entrance to the Tsaranoro Valley, Tsara Camp is the most comfortable and modern of the camps in the Andringitra National Park and as such is our preferred option for guests spending time here. There are 15 Standard Tents here, which are set in a semi-circle away from the main lodge. Inside the tents are comfortable and well-appointed with mosquito net draped beds, plenty of storage space and small shaded verandas at the front. The en-suite bathrooms have both indoor and outdoor showers and hot water is available 24 hours a day. The main lodge comprises of an indoor dining and bar area as well as an outdoor terrace where guests are welcome to relax in the afternoons. The views up to the Tsaranoro Mountain are spectacular and guests can take a short stroll from the main area to sit by the dam which is found just behind the property. The food here is very good with the menu offering a mix of traditional Malagasy and European dishes. Overall this is an excellent option for one s stay in the Andringitra National Park modern, well run and just 20 minutes drive from the start of the walking trails for which the park is renowned and the location, slightly set back from mountain, means that it commands the best views in the park. ANTANANARIVO

7 GASSY COUNTRY HOUSE The charming Gassy Country House is found just a five minute drive from Antananarivo International Airport making it the ideal spot to spend arrival nights as well as any pre-flight nights to avoid battling through Tana s notoriously awful traffic. The property is set down a side street and has 13 Standard Rooms as well as 11 Suites. All of the rooms are spacious and comfortable with en-suite bathrooms, tiled floors, TV screens and mosquito net draped beds. The suites have separate sitting areas and balconies looking out across the swimming pool so are a great choice. There is a lovely restaurant adjacent to the pool which serves a wide selection of local and International dishes whilst the wide veranda with its sofas and comfortable chairs is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon with a good book. Owned and run by a reputable local tour operator, whose office is next door, this is an excellent option for overnight stays in Tana. Many itineraries, especially those which involve a lot of flights, all of which route through Tana, will include several nights at Gassy Country House and although this may seem like overkill, the unreliability of internal flight schedules do mean that these nights are necessary. IFATY LES DUNES D'IFATY Set 2 minutes down a sand track off the main tarred road in to Ifaty, Les Dunes D Ifaty is an excellent lodge for spending some well-earned downtime on a tour through South-Western Madagascar. Stylish and well-run, this is one of the area s leading beach lodges. There are 11 Standard and 11 Superior Rooms here which are located close to the swimming pool and perfect for couples, although the Standard Rooms are a little on the small side. They all have large covered verandas, hardwood floors, plenty of storage space and mosquito net covered beds. Large en-suite bathrooms are found at the rear of each room. There are also 19 similarly styled Villas tucked away at the side and rear of the property which are very spacious and the extra bed space makes them perfect for families. There is one restaurant for breakfast and lunch as well as a beach bar & restaurant for lunch as well as a lovely swimming pool area where guests can relax during the day. Access to the beach is easy and guests can swim safely in the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel. This is a very good option for visitors to Ifaty, with the spacious grounds, easy access to the beach and variety of dining options all helping to make this a very popular place to stay. ISALO NATIONAL PARK

8 SATRANA LODGE Beautifully appointed gazing out across to the towering granite boulders that characterise the Isalo National Park and surrounding area, Satrana Lodge is one of the best properties on mainland Madagascar and a truly superb spot to spend your time in this stunning part of the country. The lodge offers both Standard and Deluxe Bungalows, which are similar in style but the Deluxe Bungalows are more spacious and tend to be used for families. They have the feel of traditional safari tents, raised up on wooden decks with dark canvas walls and thatched covers to them. The private decks at the front are a great spot to sit in the afternoons and take in the superb views. Inside they are very comfortable with en-suite bathrooms boasting both indoor and outdoor showers. The swimming pool is beautifully appointed, as is the bar with its outdoor terrace and the spacious dining room offers a varied menu of local and International dishes. This is undoubtedly one of the leading properties on the Madagascan mainland and should be high on one s list for places to stay in Isalo. Modern and well run with superb food, a stay at Satrana Lodge will always be a memorable one. RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK CENTREST SEJOUR One of the best lodges in the vicinity of the Ranomafana National Park, Centrest Sejour is found a ten minute drive from the main entrance to the National Park and looks out across the stunning rainforest the area is known for. The lodge is set up on the hillside with the bedrooms nicely spread away from the main public areas of the lodge. Inside they have a very modern feel to them, with tiled floors, mosquito net covered beds and plenty of storage space. The bedroom areas are very spacious and although the en-suite bathrooms can be a little on the small side, they have all of the facilities one requires and the hot water is 24 hours, which is a bonus for Madagascar. There is a lovely lounge, bar and dining area with tables looking out across to the rainforest. The food is very good with varied selections of International and local cuisine to choose from. The modern feel here is complemented by the warm Malagasy hospitality that the staff provide and the vicinity to the park entrance means guests can start their walks nice and early each morning with the minimum of fuss. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0) info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com