HIGHLIGHTS: ACCOMMODATION: +44 (0)

Transcription

1 +44 (0) Home to a stunning array of unique wildlife, spectacular scenery and virginal beaches, Madagascar is one of the world s last great adventures. Encompassing a journey that showcases the very finest Madagascar has to offer, you ll travel along the west coast and down the main National Route 7 between Tulear and Antananarivo, passing through rural outposts and along deserted beaches as you head towards the stunning parks of Isalo, Andringitra and Ranomafana. After a chance to discover the extraordinary Avenue of the Baobabs and the spectacular limestone forest of Tsingy de Bemaraha, your journey then takes you on past the beaches of Mikea towards the wildlife-rich reserves that lie to the south. Here you ll track rare lemurs and colourful birds, swim in forest pools and watch the sun set over landscapes that have changed little in millennia. The final leg of the adventure then takes you on through the spectacular Central Highlands of Madagascar, towards Ambositra, where you can discover the artistry of its famed woodcarvings and marquetry before heading back to Tana for a final evening in the capital. HIGHLIGHTS: Discover the unique spectacle of Tsingy de Bemaraha. Enjoy sundowner drinks at the Avenue of the Baobabs. Relax on the deserted white sand beaches of Mikea. Walk in the beautiful Isalo National Park. Search for nocturnal lemurs amongst the forests of Ranomafana. ACCOMMODATION: 1 night Gassy Country House 1 night Les Chambres du Voyageur 1 night Princesse de Tsiribihina 2 nights Relais de Kirindy 2 nights Soleil de Tsingy 2 nights Pallisandre Hotel & Spa 1 night Kanto Hotel 1 night Chez Katia

2 3 nights Mikea Lodge 2 nights Satrana Lodge 2 nights Tsara Camp 2 nights Centrest Sejour 1 night Artisan Hotel Ambositra TOUR INCLUDES: 21 nights accommodation in traditional hotels and lodges 21 breakfasts and 21 dinners Private transport in a 4x4 vehicle with a professional driver for the duration of the trip Local guides in each destination Park entrances fees and taxes *Please note, the prices shown above and per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

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. The rest of the day will then be free to enjoy at your leisure, before meeting up with your driver and local staff later for a trip briefing. (D) DAY 2: ANTANANARIVO - ANTSIRABE Following breakfast and a morning tour of Antananarivo (Tana) you will begin your journey in earnest, with a drive through the stunning Madagascan highlands to the engaging town of Antsirabe. Filled with faded colonial elegance, the town provides a pleasant place to spend the afternoon, strolling through its once chic streets and taking in the ageing grandeur of its impressive old mansions and interesting railway station. (B,D) DAY 3: ANTSIRABE - MIANDRAVAZO After a morning spent discovering more about Antsirabe's thriving crafts industry, with its huge variety of curios and gifts made from the horns of local zebu cattle, you will have a chance to pay a visit to the gem market before departing on the next leg of the journey. Today's destination is the town of Miandravazo, located on the banks of the Tsiribihina River, where you be able to spend the afternoon enjoying the stunning views across the open floodplains. (B,D) DAY 4: MIANDRAVAZO - KIRINDY FOREST RESERVE An early start this morning sees you continuing west today, crossing through scenic countryside towards the coastal town of Morondava. Stopping here for lunch, this afternoon then sees you turning north, passing through the "Avenue of the Baobabs" and on towards the Kirindy Forest where you will spending the next two nights in a beautiful lodge close to the wildlife-rich forest. (B,D) DAY 5: KIRINDY FOREST RESERVE Home to one of Madagascar's most threatened ecosystems, Kirindy provides a fertile haven for an abundance of lemurs, giant jumping rats, chameleons and other reptiles. Its main draw though is the fossa, the island's largest predator. Considered one of the best spots to view this remarkable cat-like predator, guided day and night walks today provide a chance to hopefully catch sight of this elusive animal. (B,D)

4 DAY 6: KIRINDY FOREST RESERVE - BEKOPAKA Following breakfast you continue your journey north today, passing through a breathtaking landscape of forest and savannah en route to the Mania River. From here you then board a ferry for a 45-minute journey down to the far bank, from where you will continue on to the Manambolo River to make the short crossing to Bekopaka and your next lodge. (B,D) DAY 7: BEKOPAKA Arguably one of the most scenic parts of Madagascar, this morning provides a chance to explore the area by boat, as you journey down river to the spectacular Tsingy de Bemaraha, one of the highlights of Madagascar's unique natural bounty. A designated World Heritage Site, the walk through this extraordinary limestone forest of rocky outcrops and caves takes around four hours, after which you will return to the lodge to enjoy a well-earned rest. (B,D) DAY 8: BEKOPAKA - MORONDAVA Departing the lodge early this morning your journey re-traces the route across the two rivers today, taking you back past Kirindy and stopping off to enjoy the sunset along the "Avenue of the Baobabs" before continuing on to the small fishing community of Morondava. Spending a leisurely evening here, you will have a chance to try some of the delicious seafood for which the town is famed. (B,D) DAY 9: MORONDAVA The laid-back ambience of Morondava provides the perfect place to relax and unwind after the last few days of travel. A stretch of golden sands looks out across the Mozambique Channel and the town's local market presents a chance to hunt for some interesting souvenirs and fabrics. A large fishing village on the outskirts of town provides some rural interest and local colour, whilst the beaches offer up an ideal spot to simply sit back and do nothing. (B,D) DAY 10: MORONDAVA - MANJA After a leisurely morning you will head back out on the road this morning, departing for the small town of Manja where you will spend this evening. Stopping off to enjoy a picnic lunch along the way, you'll arrive in Manja early this evening, to enjoy the simple, but limited, facilities of this rural farming community. (B,D)

5 DAY 11: MOROMBE From Manja you turn towards the coast this morning, crossing the shallow waters of the Mangoky River before continuing on to the sleepy fishing village of Morombe. Rarely visited by tourists, this out of the way enclave has a practically deserted beach that provides the ideal spot to spend an afternoon, before settling down to a delicious seafood dinner. (B,D) DAY 12: MOROMBE - MIKEA Your journey down the west coast continues this morning, as you pick your way along sandy tracks that take you through local villages and forests towards the wild and predominantly deserted stretch of coastline at Mikea. Arriving in the early afternoon, there will be time for lunch before an afternoon of leisure, with perhaps a gentle stroll along the beach before dinner. (B,D) DAY 13: MIKEA Named after the local Mikea people, this area is home to traditional huntergatherers who live in small clans amongst the forested landscapes located just a few miles from the coast. By prior arrangement it may be possible to spend some time with these fascinating people in the company of a local interpreter, learning first-hand about lives, traditions and customs that have remained relatively unchanged for centuries. (B,D) DAY 14: MIKEA Madagascar's breathtaking western coastline provides a spectacular backdrop to some welcome rest and relaxation today. There are a number of options available, from kayaks and paddle-boards, to a trip in a traditional pirogue canoe or a day on the beach. Between June and September these waters play host to pods of humpbacks, which migrate along the coast in search of new breeding grounds, providing an opportunity to join a specialist boat excursion on an unforgettable whale watching trip. (B,D) DAY 15: MIKEA - ISALO NATIONAL PARK A long day's drive takes you down towards Tulear today, where you will pick up the tarmac road and turn north-east, heading up to the beautiful setting of the Isalo National Park. Stopping off for lunch along the way, you'll arrive at your lodge midafternoon, in time to relax by the pool and enjoy the spectacular views across the park before dinner. (B,D)

6 DAY 16: 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 returning to the lodge late this afternoon. (B,D) DAY 17: ISALO NATIONAL PARK - ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK Departing Isalo this morning, your journey continues along National Route 7 today, as far as the stunning landscapes of Andringitra National Park. After turning off the main tarmac road, the drive on to your lodge takes around another hour, getting your to your final destination by the middle of this afternoon in plenty of time to enjoy the views up the Tsaranoro Valley. (B,D) DAY 18: ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK One of the most biologically diverse of all Madagascar's national park's, Andringitra is renowned for its excellent walking. Today provides the perfect opportunity to head out in the company of your guide along one of its numerous trails, with a number of options available to suit all tastes and abilities. Ranging from gentle village walks to challenging eight hour hikes, your guide will be on hand to recommend a walk to suit you. (B,D) DAY 19: ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK - RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK Having enjoyed breakfast you will depart the lodge and drive back towards the main road this morning, before turning north and making your way on towards the Ranomafana National Park. Stopping en route to visit the remarkable community project at Anja Park, you will then break for lunch before completing the journey to your lodge at Ranomafana. Arriving late this afternoon, there will be time to relax before dinner. (B,D) DAY 20: RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK Home to no fewer than 12 species of lemur, including the critically endangered golden bamboo lemur, you will spend today exploring what is considered one of the most spectacular parks anywhere in Madagascar. Day and night safaris afford the chance to experience the richly contrasting diversity of the park, with local guides on hand to make the experiences, especially the night walks, even more enjoyable and informative. (B,D)

7 DAY 21: RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK - AMBOSITRA After breakfast this morning you will be collected from the lodge and driven towards the spectacular backdrop of Madagascar's wonderfully scenic Central Highlands. Your destination is the town of Ambositra, famed for its woodcarvings and marquetry and, on arrival, the afternoon is free to enjoy perusing some of the local workshops before heading on to your hotel for dinner and a chance to relax. (B,D) DAY 22: AMBOSITRA - ANTANANARIVO An early departure this morning sees you heading back to Antananarivo, arriving back in the city in time to connect with your onward flight arrangements. If you have a late departure we can arrange a day room for you at a hotel located close to the airport. (B)

8 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

9 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. ANTSIRABE LES CHAMBRES DU VOYAGEUR A charming Ecolodge set just outside of Antisrabe, Les Chambres du Voyageur is an excellent choice for visitors looking to enjoy a traditional Malagasy stay experience coupled with European touches to help make their stay that little bit more comfortable. There are 8 Bungalows at the lodge as well as 2 Family Houses. The Bungalows are spread throughout the gardens and feel very private, with en-suite bathrooms, plenty of storage and small writing desks in the corner. The Family Houses have two bedrooms so can accommodate up to 5 people and come complete with their own lounge areas with satellite TV. The main part of the lodge is an open-plan dining room and bar area with a conservatory area where guests can enjoy meals as well. The gardens have been beautifully designed and there are areas where guests can sit in the afternoons and contemplate the peace and tranquility that this property offers. The food here is good, although dinners are by prior arrangement, but a number of good restaurants can be found nearby. This is a truly charming spot to spend a night in Antsirabe and although visits to the town seldom last for more than a night, guests staying at Les Chambres du Voyageur always speak very highly of their time here. BEKOPAKA

10 SOLEIL DE TSINGY The beautifully styled Soleil de Tsingy sits high on a hillside overlooking the stunning forest canopy below and is one of just a handful of properties on mainland Madagascar that can comfortably be described as luxurious, although the bumpy drive up there can be arduous, it is only short and the delights that await at the lodge make it more than worthwhile. There are 16 spacious Bungalows set in two wings, the North and South Wing, either side of the lovely main lodge. Inside they are very spacious with mosquito net draped beds, separate sofas and wellappointed en-suite bathrooms with full amenities provided. The rooms all have their own private decking areas which look out to the forest below. The main part of the lodge is a split-level bar and dining area which leads down to the infinity pool which is very welcoming after a hot day exploring the nearby Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. The lodge also has a cinema room and pool table, so there is plenty to keep guests entertained in the evening. Soleil de Tsingy is undoubtedly the best property in Bekopaka and wouldn t be out of place in any itinerary. The famed Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is 90 minute drive from the lodge which is the main attraction of visiting the area. ISALO NATIONAL PARK 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. KIRINDY FOREST RESERVE

11 RELAIS DU KIRINDY The stylish Relais du Kirindy opened its doors in April 2017 and has provided a welcome luxurious accommodation option to an area previously lacking in upmarket places to stay. Just 30 minutes drive from the Kirindy Forest, this is an excellent option for a stay in the area. There are 26 spacious Bungalows at the lodge, all of which are raised up on decks and set a short walk from the main area of the lodge. Inside they are spacious and comfortable with mosquito net draped beds, two fans and plenty of storage space. The doors and windows have fly screens on them as well as shutters so they rooms are as bug-proof as they can be. En-suite bathrooms are found at the rear of each room with basic amenities provided. Each room has a shaded deck at the front with easy chairs for relaxing in. The main part of the lodge is very stylish and reminiscent of an upmarket safari lodge, with a large pool and decking area as well as an open-plan lounge, dining room and bar area with the food being amongst some of the best we have enjoyed on mainland Madagascar. Relais du Kirindy is new, but is fast establishing an excellent reputation amongst visitors to Madagascar as one of the best options on the mainland and is a very good option for one s stay in this stunning and much under-visited part of the country. MANJA KANTO HOTEL The Kanto Hotel is set down a side street just off the main drag of the small town of Manja and currently represents the best accommodation option in town and is used for no more than an overnight stay. The hotel is made up of a series of small Bungalows which are dotted around the grounds, each of which has a small sleeping area and en-suite bathroom. There are no fans although there is a mosquito net over each bed. Electricity and hot water are intermittent but they will always work at some point during a stay. There is a central open-sided dining area where guests congregate for meals in the evenings and the menu is pretty limited, but there should be sufficient choice for all guests to enjoy an evening meal. The Kanto Hotel is a very simple option which we use for single night stays only and owing to the lack of facilities, itineraries will be constructed to ensure time spent here is kept to a minimum, although we would stress it is a clean and safe place to spend just one night. MIANDRIVAZO

12 PRINCESSE DU TSIRIBIHINA Tucked away overlooking the plains surrounding Miandivazo and towards the Tsiribihina River, the Princesse du Tsiribihina is a good spot to spend the night when staying in the area. The bedrooms are simple, yet comfortable, with double, twin and triple options available, as well as family bungalows for larger groups. They all have en-suite bathrooms and the beds are draped in mosquito nets for guest s comfort, whilst small verandas at the front are a good spot to relax. The property is set around a central swimming pool and patio are where guests can relax in the late afternoons and take in the stunning late afternoon views. The spacious dining room have a lovely terrace looking out over the surrounding countryside and focuses on serving fresh, seasonal dishes, with freshwater prawns being a specialty. There is always a warm, friendly atmosphere created by the charming staff which serves to make this the best place to spend a night when passing through the area. MIKEA MIKEA LODGE Nestled on a wonderfully isolated stretch of coastline overlooking the idyllic Mozambique Channel, the lovely Mikea Lodge is a simple yet stylish beach lodge and a wonderful spot to spend a few days relaxing and enjoying the peace and tranquility that this area has to offer. The lodge has 10 Tented Rooms which are all set away from the main part of the lodge and raised up on decks to give stunning views out to sea. Inside they are very spacious and comfortable with plenty of space for additional beds should they be required. The front and side of the tents have gauze covered windows with flaps which roll down should guests wish, although these can also be left open to allow a cooling breeze to flow through. The en-suite bathrooms have open rooves and are a lovely feature of the tents. The main area is simple yet stylish dining room, lounge and bar area with a terrace that leads directly down to the lovely beach. The menu is relatively limited, with a choice of 3 dishes for each course, but the superb is superb and there is a big focus on locally sourced seafood. Guests staying at Mikea can enjoy a variety of activities including whale watching from June to September diving, fishing and canoe trips on the ocean as well as trips into the nearby forest to visit the honeygathering Mikea people who live off the land deep in the spiny forest. MOROMBE

13 CHEZ KATIA Found just back from the wide beach at Morombe, Chez Katia is a charming owner-run guesthouse where visitors can spend a very comfortable evening when passing through this sleepy little fishing village. There are seven bedrooms here, all of which are similar in style although they can all offer different bedding configurations. Inside they are clean and very comfortable with mosquito net draped beds, wall mounted fans and tiled floors. There is a small dressing area between the bedroom and en-suite bathroom which has basic amenities provided. The dining area is open-sided and meals are cooked in the adjacent kitchen by the owner, so although the menu is limited the food is very good with a strong focus on locally sourced seafood. There is a terrace right by the beach and guests can relax here with a drink in the afternoons and enjoy the view out across the Mozambique Channel. Most visitors to Western Madagascar will need to spend a night in Morombe as this is the natural breaking point of journeys along what is a very poor road and there is no more comfortable spot to spend this evening than at the charming Chez Katia. MORONDAVA PALLISANDRE HOTEL & SPA The wonderfully stylish Pallisandre Hotel & Spa sits on an unspoilt stretch of beach in Morondava and is undoubtedly the leading property in the town. Modern but with traditional local twists, this should always be a first choice when staying here. Guests are accommodated in one of 30 Bungalows which are strung out along the beach and come in a variety of bedding configurations. They are all raised up on hardwood decks and have covered verandas at the front with stunning views out across the beach and to the Mozambique Channel beyond. Inside they are spacious and comfortable with air-conditioning, minibars, safes and en-suite bathrooms with a small selection of toiletries provided. The main area of the lodge is built around the swimming pool and comprises of an open-sided dining room, bar and games area with two pool tables. The food here is very good with the seafood, as one would expect, a large part of the offering. In a country somewhat lacking genuinely luxurious accommodation options, Pallisandre stands out from the crowd and is a truly wonderful place to stay and would grace any Madagascar itinerary as one of the stand out properties. RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK

14 CENTREST SEJOUR One of the best lodges in the vicinity of the Ranomafana National Park, Centrest Sejour is found a 10 minute drive from the main entrance to the National Park and looks out across the stunning rainforest which characterises the area. 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. 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. Overall we really love this property. The modern feel is complemented by the warm Malagasy hospitality that the staff provide and the location, within 10 minutes of 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) Fax +44 (0) info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com