Itinerary. Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo. Arrive in the Madagascan capital, Antananarivo where we have a group transfer to our accommodation.

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1 Madagascar

2 Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo Arrive in the Madagascan capital, Antananarivo where we have a group transfer to our accommodation. Accommodation: Palissandre Hotel & Spa, Antananarivo (2 nights) (Meals included: Day 2: Antananarivo We have a full day to explore the capital city and its surroundings with our historian guide. In the morning we ll take a heritage walk in the old city of Tana followed by an afternoon exploration of Ambohimanga Rova, cradle of Malagasy monarchy. (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, This is the island paradise for anyone interested in wildlife. Of all the plant and animal species found on this diverse island, 90% are endemic, found nowhere else in the world. This includes the famously lovable lemurs, the fossa, and myriad bird species. With the expertise of our local guide, as well as our HF Holidays leader, we will introduce you to this charismatic and vibrant island s diverse landscapes, species and culture. Day 3: To Tulear We fly to Tulear (1 night), in the south of the island. The flight timetable can be somewhat erratic; please be prepared that the timings of things may change. Tulear is a relatively modern provincial capital and is not a tourist destination, other than as a stop-off point en route to our tour of the national parks. We use our time here to introduce us to some of the endemic flora of the island, with a visit 2

3 to Antsokay Arboretum. The arboretum displays over 900 plant species from southwest Madagascar. 90% of these are endemic, with many of the succulents classified as endangered. If our flight is in the afternoon, we will visit the arboretum tomorrow. Accommodation: Le Paradisier, Tulear (1 night) (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, Day 4: To Isalo National Park Distance 225km on tarred roads - approx 5½ hrs in total. introduces us to the park s wildlife (approx 3 miles/5km, with little ascent). Accommodation: Le Relais de la Reine, Isalo (3 nights) Day 5: Exploring Isalo National Park We enjoy a walk exploring a rocky plateau, with views of the canyons and sandstone cliffs that provide a home to over 400 species of flora in this park. We enjoy a picnic lunch while we soak up the wilderness scenes that surround us. Guides will show you several tombs and explain their importance to the Bara culture. Aside from the delightful sight of dancing ring-tailed lemurs, watch out for some of the 77 bird species, including endemics such as Benson s rock thrush. Our walk is 6 miles/10km, approx 100m/324ft ascent/descent. There is very little shade on the route. (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, Today we travel to one of the island s most stunning national parks. The magical landscapes of Isalo (3 nights), where open grasslands contrast with rising golden sandstone cliffs, sculpted by the elements. This beautiful wilderness of canyons and natural pools provides us with superb walking over the next few days, and an excellent opportunity to see ring-tailed lemurs, and Verreaux s sifaka, amongst a whole host of other animal and plant species. Day 6: Exploring Isalo National Park This morning we walk in the Isalo National Park, before returning to our hotel for lunch. Afternoon is at leisure. En route to Isalo we visit Zombitse National Park, where our walk 3

4 On arrival at Tsara camp, you will have time to relax and perhaps enjoy a walk in the surrounding villages. Day 7: Tsaranoro valley. Distance 225km, tarred road and dirt road, approx 6 hrs. Accommodation: Tsara Camp (2 nights) Day 8: Iharavaratra walk Today we have a full day walk including a picnic lunch We travel to our camp in the majestic valley of Tsaranoro (2 nights), Andringitra National Park. The park is a sacred place for many cultures, and home to many mysteries and legends. Tsaranoro itself is known to many as the Yosemite of Africa. Its spectacular granite terrain is criss-crossed by numerous trails making this a walker s paradise. Vistas of dramatic peaks accompany our walks in this beautiful area. The last 40 minutes-1 hour of our journey into the park are by a 4WD open-sided lorry, from where we can sit and take in the views. The track is a rough unmade road and the ride will be bumpy. 4

5 Day 9: To Fianarantsoa Distance 170km, approx 5 hours. Dirt road, tarred road. The last 4 km is particularly uncomfortable on a very bumpy road. We leave the Tsaranoro valley and continue our journey north to Fianarantsoa. Enroute we stop to explore and walk in the Anjà community reserve. The reserve is famous for its large semi-tame population of ring-tailed lemurs, which we have a good chance of seeing on our walk (3 miles/5km, approx 50m/160ft ascent/descent). Accommodation: Ambalakely Hotel, Fianarantsoa (2 nights) Day 10: Village walks Today is all about local village life. Our village walk will introduce us to the Betsileo culture and their traditions. The Betsileo are of Malayo-Indonesian origin, and live in the highland areas of Madagascar. Their traditions and culture are quite different from the majority of the Malagasy population, which are largely of mixed Bantu African and East Asian descent. Day 11: To Ranomafana National Park Driving time 2 hours The tropical rainforests of Ranomafana await. There are many species of lemur to spot; if you are lucky you may find a new species too. The Varibolomena lemur was only discovered in the 1990s, in Ranomafana. The most famous of Ranomafana s residents through, is the golden bamboo lemur. This afternoon we have a privileged insight to the scientific research being undertaken in the reserve, during a visit to Vabio. We are introduced not only to the research, but to the community and educational projects promoted by the centre too. Our walk will take us through the rice fields and traditional Betsileo villages where we can meet local people and enjoy a snapshot of their life, as we share a typical Malagasy lunch at the home of one of the families (6 miles/10km, 150m/500ft ascent/descent). 5

6 Accommodation: Setam Lodge (2 nights) Day 12: Exploring Ranomafana National Park Forest trails introduce us to a host of wildlife. If we re lucky, this may include the park s famous resident, the golden bamboo lemur. Our walk leaves with an early departure, to give us the best chance of spotting wildlife. We spend 5 hours in the park, exploring its trails searching for wildlife. Paths can be slippery in places and there are likely to be some small leeches. Depending on where the different species are in the park, the guides may take us off the trails in search of them. Ascents/ descents can be steep and the forest floor rough underfoot. Day 13: To Antsirabe Distance 255km, 8hrs driving time. Today is spent mainly travelling, with some stops en route. Upon reaching Antsirabe visit the orphanage funded by Residence Madalief where you ll stay for the next 2 nights. Accommodation: Gîte Madalief (2 nights) Day 14: Antsirabe Distance 50km, driving time 1 hr 45 mins Today we offer two contrasting walks. One will be from the small pastoral village of Betafo where you can enjoy typical highland scenery and observe locals going about their daily lives (3 hours). After a bus drive and a picnic by Lake Tririva, we ll take a circular walk around the lake (4km flat) Day 15: Antananarivo Distance approx 170km. After a morning city tour, we ll make our way back to the capital. Enroute stop at an Aluminium pot workshop before enjoying lunch at Chez Lili La Pradelle restaurant. For those who are leaving today, the hotel Bois Vert, will be available for day use before an evening transfer to the airport. The return flight departs in the early hours of day 16. For those who have booked the Andasibe extension, overnight at the hotel. Accommodation: Au Bois Vert, Antananarivo (day use, or 1 night) Extension to Andasibe Day 16: To Andasibe Distance approx 160km We shall drive to Andasibe National Park, home to many endangered species, including 11 types of lemur and the Indri. We ll visit the Pereyras Exotic park en route. After lunch at the hotel we visit the private Vakona reserve including Lemur's island. In the evening we take a night walk at Voimma reserve, which will hopefully introduce us to a whole host of 6

7 chameleon species, amongst other animals. Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge (2 nights) Day 17: Analamazaotra National Reserve Today we shall have a full day to explore the Analamazoatra National Reserve. This is the most popular park within the Andasibe National Park. Local guides take us to explore the trails of the park, and there are excellent chances of spotting lemurs, as well as geckos, chameleon, owls and much more. The park s most famous resident is the ever vocal, panda-like Indri. The calls of the Indri can be heard throughout the park, and there s a good chance of spotting them too, along with diademed sifaka, possibly bamboo lemurs and black-ruffed lemurs too. Our guide will do their best to ensure we see as much wildlife as possible, during our 4-5 hour visit to the park. Distance approx 160km Early morning walk at Mitsinjo reserve before our return drive to Antananarivo. You will be taken to your hotel where you have a day use room available until your evening departure. Evening transfer to the airport for your return flight, which departs in the early hours of day 19. Day 18: Antananarivo 7

8 Accommodation Although comfortable, facilities are modest compared to international standards, and on some evenings accommodation is comfortable, but simple. 12 nights offer en-suite rooms, 2 nights are in a basic tented camp in the Tsaranoro valley, a truly stunning location. Palissandre Hotel & Spa, Antananarivo (2 nights) Relais De La Reine, Isalo National Park (3 nights) Palissandre Hotel & Spa is 4-star hotel located in the center of Antananarivo overlooking the famous Avenue of Independence. It provides the perfect base for exploring the capital. Rooms are air-conditioned, and facilities include TV & minibar. Le Paradisier, Tulear (1 night) The location of the fabulous Relais de la Reine is superb, in the Isalo National Park. The comfortable chalets are all en-suite, with their own veranda, and are arranged around a shaded garden next to the pool. Relais de la Reine, Isalo, Ranohira 313, Madagascar Le Paradisier provides the perfect place for relaxation, located on the lagoon of Ifaty. The rooms take full advantage of the surroundings with each freestanding bungalow overlooking the ocean. Facilities also include an infinity pool, timer patio and on-site restaurant. 8

9 Tsara Camp, Tsaranoro (2 nights) Ambalakely Hotel, Fianarantsoa (2 nights) Our camp is located in the Tsaranoro Valley with the Tsaranoro Mountain on one side and the huge mountain chains of Andringitra National Park on the other. The camp is basic. Each tent is large with two simple beds, bedside table, space to hang up clothes, and a basic en-suite bathroom. Chairs on the veranda of each tented area provide the perfect place to watch the changing light on the backdrop of the mountains. Ambalakely means in the small country side and this hotel certainly lives up to its name with its beautiful lush surroundings. Rooms are modern, and all have private bathrooms, but are designed with comfort and quiet in mind. Setam Lodge, Ranomafana (2 nights) Setam lodge is located just on the outskirts of the national park. It makes the most of its stunning setting with huge windows in the restaurant to take in the views, and each of the rooms has a small terrace overlooking the valley. Each chalet contains two bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. 9

10 Residence Madalief, Antsirabe (2 nights) pool, makes it the ideal place for you to rest after your flight. Rooms are air-conditioned, and facilities include TV, safe and free internet connection. Residence Madalief is a charitable organisation which operates community projects in and around Antsirabe. The guest house was opened to generate funds to support the charity. Our stay there is in en-suite rooms which look out onto a well-kept garden, the ideal place to relax. Watch out for the bird of prey that has made its home above the kitchen door! ge_id=2 Au Bois Vert, Antananarivo (1 night) Au Bois Vert is located just a 5 minute transfer from the airport. The lodge has been built in the heart of a 3-hectare forest and its setting, along with its 10

11 Extension to Andasibe National Park Vakona Forest Lodge, Andasibe (2 nights) Vakona Forest Lodge welcomes you with a log fire in its central seating area and fantastic views overlooking the lake. Dotted around the hillside nearby are the Malagasy-style bungalows that provide our accommodation, each with its own terrace. Rooms are all en-suite and are simple but comfortable. There is also a pool and sun deck. 11

12 Before your holiday We hope you find this information comprehensive if not please visit our website for more details or contact us. All details correct at time of writing (Feb 2017). Passport and visa requirements are subject to change; please check with your consulate before you travel. We would advise that you check your government s travel advisory before travelling. For UK travellers, please check In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel +44 (0) or +44(0) ( from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0) Airport parking & accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call and quote HX031 or book online at Suggested Kit List Please try to keep luggage to a minimum as you will need to carry it yourself at airports and between your transport and your hotel. Walking boots (worn in) with good ankle support and spare bootlaces Walking socks Walking sandals Lightweight fleece Lightweight waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts Long trousers and long-sleeved light coloured shirts with collars to protect from the sun your clothing should ideally be pretreated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor) Warm fleece and hat Sun hat Head torch Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2 litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains Soap and hand sanitizer gel Insect repellent Universal adaptor plug Universal sink plug Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, plasters, blister kit, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets 12

13 Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover note; HF Holidays registration form Optional: sleeping bag liner, trekking poles, camera, umbrella, binoculars. Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them; carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance 1 piece checked-in luggage (max 20kg). Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Passports & visas Passports must be valid for 6 months on date of entry and must have two blank pages. Visas are required for UK, Australian, Canadian and US passport holders. Return or onward tickets are required. You can get a 30-day tourist visa at the airport on arrival, payable by cash in Euros (approx.. cost 35) or US Dollars (approx. cost $37). If you are getting a visa at the airport, make sure an entry stamp is recorded in your passport. There is no embassy of Madagascar in London. For further information about entry requirements, or if you wish to obtain a visa before travel, contact the Embassy of Madagascar in Paris, which offers a visa service (Telephone ; info@ambassade-madagascar.fr). Other nationals should check with their nearest embassy or consulate for details of entry requirements. Travel insurance If arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. Health advice This is subject to change and we would highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling. For further information on country specific advice, visit or Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus vaccinations are recommended. Malaria prevention may be recommended too. Some GPs recommend Malarone for the antimalarial tablets, but some guests have experienced side effects when taking these, so this may not be the best type for you. Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or overthe-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country s embassy/ consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution: Keep your medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription too 13

14 If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country that you re visiting Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel. Travel tips for a comfortable flight We ve put together a few simple tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible, ensuring you begin your holiday in tip-top shape. Move about. Change position and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in the development of clotting disorders. Get out of your seat and walk around as regularly as possible to improve circulation No pills. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight; this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish Protect your ears. If you experience discomfort due to the cabin pressure changes, suck a sweet, chew, or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose; this should equalise the pressure. If you still experience problems, speak to a member of the cabin crew Drink plenty. Ask a member of the cabin crew if you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Instead, try to drink plenty of fruit juices or water Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes Flight socks are recommended to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights Lost/damaged luggage If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport. They will assess the damage and in some cases the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if settlement cannot be reached. In many cases baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests For those travelling on our HF Holidays group flight, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, when you arrive at your destination. Your leader or local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. 14

15 Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0) They will have a list of the relevant transfer costs. Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin, and insurance details. We need to have this from you at least 4 weeks before travel. Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor If you become separated from the group, please stay where you are, the leader will retrace their steps to find you Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines, and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 124 (ambulance), 118 (fire) or 117 (police). Please then call our emergency number (see page 11) and let us know there is a problem. Tipping Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any additional tips are at your own discretion. We have not allowed for tips for the extension part of the holiday General information This holiday is at the upper end of our level 2 walks. Trails are rough and rocky underfoot. Walks are 3-6½ miles (5-10km) with up to 1,850 feet (570m) of ascent. There is quite a lot of travelling on this tour, on some poorly made roads. You'll need plenty of stamina for this trip. Some National Parks have more walking than others, and because of the wildlife element of this holiday, some of the walks do turn into nature walks. Good walking boots are recommended, with a comfortable pair of trekking sandals that you can wear whilst travelling and at the end of a walk. Climate Because of its geography, Madagascar's climate is highly variable. Generally, the climate is hot 15

16 and sub-tropical; it is colder in the mountains, while the south and west regions are particularly dry. Monsoons bring storms and cyclones to the east and north from December to March. The rainy season is November to March, and the dry season is April to October. The mountains, including Antananarivo, are warm and thundery from November to April and dry, cool and windy the rest of the year. Temperatures can be up to and over 30 C, and it is essential that you drink plenty of water, at least 2-3 litres per day. GMT/UTC +3 hours Time difference Local currency & money matters Ariary (Ar). Major credit cards are accepted at top-end hotels in Tana and the provincial capitals. However, outside of the main cities cash will be required. ATMs can be found in and around the capital and in some of the larger towns. Traveller s cheques are not advised. If you change your money at the airport on arrival, please count your money immediately. Suggested reading and maps Lonely Planet Madagascar 2016 Peter Tyson Madagascar: The Eighth Continent 2013 Maps can be obtained in advance from The Mapshop Electricity 220V, round 2 pin plugs Group size Maximum 17 guests plus local guide HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK 16