INCLUDED IN PACKAGE: Copyright SafariWise 1

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1 INTRODUCTION Manahaona! Madagascar is an island in the Indian Ocean, ±400km s from Southern Africa s east coast. Over millions of years, Madagascar developed a unique flora and fauna. This is the place where evolution has run wild and it has such a high degree of endemism, that it is truly a place like nowhere else on earth! Madagascar is famous for it s remarkable selection of lemurs (51+ lemur varieties occur here!), primitive primate s endemic to the island, brilliantly coloured chameleons & lizards, tenrecs, fossas, bats and rodents. Several early evening walks are planned for this tour, in order to experience the darker side of the nocturnal creatures - first hand! This Tour Programme is designed to offer guests of all ages a unique experience. We concentrate on nature and not just lemurs or plants or birds - we make time for it all! A medium level of fitness is required, as we can do quite a bit of walking. This Tour Programme is also designed to be family-friendly and photographers will love it! INCLUDED IN PACKAGE: Destinations: Antananarivo, Miandrivazo, Morondava, Kirindy, Mangrove, Morondava Tulear Ifaty, Ifaty Tulear Ranohira, Ambalavao, Ranomafana, Antsirabe, Andasibe & Antananarivo Date: 6 th to 23 rd November 2015 Duration: 18 Days / 17 Nights En suite accommodation at the following: Le Royal Palissandre, La Princesse Tsiribihina, Palissandre Cote Quest, Le Paradisier, Jardin du Roy, Tsieniparihy Lodge, Setam Lodge, Couleur Café & Vakona Forest Lodge Transfers: 1 x air transfer Morondava to Tulear on day 6, only dinner on day 1, breakfast and lunch on day 18 Park Entrance Fees: All park entrance fees included Vehicles: Minibus or bus, depending on the group size Day 2 to 6 4WD (4 passengers per vehicle) Guides: Mike Byrne of Clock Tower images & a local English speaking guide (John) Extras included: Tips to local staff; 1.5L of bottled water per person per day Copyright SafariWise 1

2 EXCLUDED FROM PACKAGE: All International flights Visa Fee (FOC at the moment) Gratuities Optional activities e.g. excursions in Ifaty, watersports, etc. Travel insurance Laundry Beverages Items of personal nature TOUR PROGRAMME Day 1: 6 th November 2015 Fly in to Antananarivo Unlike most capital cities in southern Africa, Antananarivo was already a major city before the colonial era. The city was founded circa 1625 by King Andrianjaka and takes its name (the City of the Thousand) from the number of soldiers assigned to guard it. For many years it was the principal village of the Hova chiefs and gained importance as those chiefs made themselves sovereigns of the greater part of Madagascar, eventually becoming a town of some 80,000 inhabitants. In 1793 Antananarivo was made the capital of the Merina kings. The conquests of King Radama I made it the capital of almost all of Madagascar. The royal residence of the monarchs was set up at the Rova of Antananarivo. Until 1869 all buildings within the city proper were of wood or rushes and followed traditional Malagasy architectural norms, but even then it possessed several timber palaces of considerable size, the largest being 120 ft (37 m) high. These crown the summit of the central portion of the ridge; and the largest palace, with its lofty roof and towers, is the most conspicuous object from every point of view. Since the introduction of stone and brick, the entire city has been rebuilt and now contains numerous Europeanstyle structures, including the royal palaces, the houses formerly belonging to the prime minister and nobles. The Palissandre Hôtel & SPA is full of elegance, tenderness and warmth and is situated on a hillside in the heart of the City of thousands. It opens the doors to conviviality and Malagasy hospitality. Le Royal Palissandre Dinner Pre-tour briefing Day 2: 7 th November 2015 Antananarivo Miandrivazo After breakfast we do a city tour and then continue to the town of Antsirabe. Lunch en-route before we continue to Miandrivazo. The town is located 220 km west from Antsirabe. Copyright SafariWise 2

3 From Antsirabe to Miandrivazo: Scenic stops: The Cathedral of Betafo, The phenomenon LAVAKA, which is a result of deforestation and erosion, Many different Sakalava villages along the road, The remains of the natural forest at Marovitsika. Birds likely to be seen: Bee eater, Black kite, Mascarene martin, Great egret, Madagascar Crested drongo, Madagascar red fody, Madagascar coucal. La Princesse Tsiribihina Scenic drive to Antsirabe & Miandrivazo Day 3: 8 th November 2015 Miandrivazo - Morondava After breakfast we continue our drive to Morondava. In the late afternoon we go for a walk to see the arrival of the local dhows. Morondava is a laid-back seaside town with sandy streets and gently decaying clapboard houses. Many people come here just to see the magnificent Avenue du Baobab right outside town. The giant trees, some a thousand years old, stand regal guard in an almost straight line along a rich earthen path that s a joy to walk down. Morondava is also a good place to organise a visit to Parc National des Tsingy de Bemaraha further north. Tranquil mangrove swamps, which can be explored by pirogue, are found on Morondava s southern edge. There is good birding in here, including opportunities to observe kingfishers, egrets and other birds. There are decent beaches to the south and north, although the city s beachfront has been pretty much eroded away. The area around Morondava was once the epicentre of the Sakalava kingdom, and home to burial grounds with erotically carved tombs for which the tribe is famous. Sadly, nearly all the sacred tombs have been destroyed. They were pillaged to the point of destruction decades ago. Palissandre Cote Ouest Morondava National Park excursions, late afternoon walk Day 4: 9 th November 2015 Morondava An early breakfast before we drive to the National Park of Kirindy. We leave early in order to watch the sunrise over the famous Allée des Baobabs. Kirindy is one of the outstanding wildlife habitats in Madagascar. In recent years visitor facilities have been improved and Kirindy is arguably the best place to see the wildlife of the western region of the islet. Several species, such as the Giant jumping rat, are only found there. Before we head back to the hotel, we stop at the Allée des Baobabs for a sunset photo. Copyright SafariWise 3

4 Birds likely to be seen: White brested mesite, Coquerel s coua, Crested coua, Sickle billed vanga, White headed vanga, Rufous vanga, Blue vanga, Madagascar nightjar, Madagascar harrier hawk Mammals likely to be seen: Giant jumping rat, Narrow striped mongoose, Fosa, nocturnal lemur: Pygmy moose lemur, Grey mouse lemur, red tailed sportive lemur, Lesser dwarf lemur, Pale fork marked lemur, diurnal lemur: Verraeaux s sifaka and red fronted brown lemur. Reptiles likely to be seen: Dumeril s boa, Oustalet s chameleon, Ground boa, Plated lizards, Horned chameleon, Uroplatus fimbriatus, and several days gecko. Palissandre Cote Ouest Kirindi Reserve excursion Day 5: 10 th November 2015 Morondava Early morning we have the possibility to take photos of the dhows locally called Botry. This kind of transportation is still very important in the region. Then we go in a canoe to the mangrove swamp for bird watching. Birds likely to be seen: Kingfisher, Black heron, Black winged stilt, Kitlitz plover, Bee eater. In the afternoon we go to Mangily. We visit a typical Sakalava village. Palissandre Cote Ouest Mangrove swamp excursion Day 6: 11 th November 2015 Morondava Tulear - Ifaty We enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we transfer to the airport for our flight to Tuléar. On arrival we transfer to Ifaty. We drive along the Mozambique Channel through the village of the Vezo fishermen. Flora likely to be seen: Mangrove, Spiny forest and other flora characteristic of the southwest region. The current spelling of Tuleur, was adopted in the 1970s and reflects the orthography of the Malagasy language. Many geographic place names were similarly altered in this time from their previous French spellings following Malagasy independence in The city has a population of 101,661 (2001 census). As a port town it acts as a major import/export hub for commodities such as sisal, soap, hemp, cotton, rice, and peanuts. With sweeping sea views, a beautiful swimming pool and some great diving it is impossible not to enjoy this private haven of Le Paradisier! Le Paradisier provides Copyright SafariWise 4

5 an exclusive, charming and relaxing hotel stay in blissful surroundings, on a white sandy beach. Built from natural local materials, the property blends in harmoniously with the environment. Le Paradisier Flight to Tulear & scenic drive to Ifaty Day 7: 12 th November 2015 Ifaty This morning we visit Reniala Private Reserve. It is a small protected area of only 60 ha, managed by an environmental association called Reniala (which means baobab in Malagasy) that is trying to develop eco-tourism in the area. The reserve is located less than 1km from the Mozambique Channel near the village of Ifaty-Mangily, about 25 km North of Tulear. It shelters an amazing, bizarre and unique ecosystem which only occurs in the southeastern part of Madagascar, the spiny forest. The towering spiny bushes are home to more than 2000 plants species (many of them locally endemic), some spectacular and very old baobabs. Reniala includes a botanical trail and a bird sanctuary. In the afternoon we visit a local fishing village. Le Paradisier Reniala Reserve excursion; village excursion Day 8: 13 th November 2015 Ifaty Ranohira Today we drive to Ranohira. We enjoy lunch en route. Along the road we see Mahafaly tombs and villages and we cross through the Zombitse forest. Vohibasia National Park was established in 1997 and covers 363 km² of dry forest, marshes, and savannas. It is located on the southwest of Madagascar about 90km west of Isalo NP and 20km northeast of Sakaraha. The Park is divided into three different sections: Zombitse (168 km²), Vohibasia (161 km²) and Vohimena Isoky (32 km²). This National Park can personify the biggest environmental problem of Madagascar: deforestation. Hundreds of years of slash-and-burn agriculture and tree falling have turned the landscape into an arid and almost lifeless plateau. The local Bara and Mahafaly people are zebu (cattle) farmers who need more and more space to feed their herds and grow rice and corn. Only a patch of protected forest remains nowadays. These isolated forests constitute the most important remnant of dry deciduous forest of Madagascar. Zombitse- Vohibasia acts as a transition zone between the dry and the humid forests of Madagascar. Therefore the flora is especially rich within the protected area. Baobabs and several orchids are particulary common. Jardin du Roy Mahafaly tombs & Zombitse forest excursions Copyright SafariWise 5

6 Day 9: 14 th November 2015 Ranohira Today we visit the National Park of Isalo. The camping ground offers excellent photographic opportunities of both Ring-tailed and Common brown Lemurs. Isalo is a remarkable landscape of sandstone formations eroded into strange shapes, cut by impressive gorges and canyons. Rare plants such as aloes, Kalanchoe, Tapia, Pandanu occur here. Some species of birds can be observed, like Black kite, Madagascar Paradise flycatcher, Madagascar Coucal, Madagascar Bulbul, Madagascar wood Rail, Madagascar Wagtail, Madagascar magpie Robin, Forest Rock-thrush, Common Jery. Jardin du Roy Isalo National Park excursion Day 10: 15 th November 2015 Ranohira Ambalavao After an early morning breakfast we cross through the savannah plains to Ambalavao. Late afternoon we visit the Anja Park where we can admire the famous Ring tailed lemurs. The Anja Park in Madagascar has some unique animal and plant species. The reserve is located in the south of the country and was started in 1999 by the local community in order to protect the environment it s now bringing in useful tourist revenue. Tsieniparihy Lodge Scenic drive through to Ambalavao & Anja Park excursion Day 11: 16 th November 2015 Ambalavao Ranomafana In the morning we explore the local markets. We drive to Fianarantsoa for lunch. After lunch we continue to Ranomafana National Park. Setam Lodge is set above the forested river valley, just inside Ranomafana National Park. Each of the 10 bungalows looks out from the hill on which they are perched, down to the river and to the spectacular rainforest below. Setam Lodge Scenic drive to Ranomafana; night walk Day 12: 17 th November 2015 Ranomafana After breakfast at the hotel, we spend the day visiting Ranomofana National Park. Ranomafana means hot water in Malagasy. Ranomafana National Park was originally set up to preserve two of Madagascar s endangered lemur Copyright SafariWise 6

7 species, the golden bamboo lemur and the greater bamboo lemur. So this 40,000 hectare area is great for spotting the majestic creatures, as well as being great for birding! It was classified a World Natural Heritage site in It shelters a big wealth in endemic biodiversity. The park is also the genetic reservoir of some rare and endemic plant species. Several animal species have been recorded as well as 115 species of birds, 90 species of butterflies, 98 amphibian species and 62 reptile species. Special birds in the area include Henst's goshawk, Rufous-headed Ground roller, Velvet asity and the threatened Crested ibis. The park contains twelve Lemur species. Aside from the Golden bamboo lemur, visitors can spot Eastern woolly lemur, Red-bellied lemur, Eastern grey bamboo lemur, Greater bamboo lemur, Red-fronted brown lemur, Black and white-ruffed lemur, Edward s sifaka, Small-toothed sportive lemur, Greater dwarf lemur, Brown mouse lemur and the very rare aye-aye. Setam Lodge Ranomafana excursion Day 13: 18 th November 2015 Ranomafana - Antsirabe After breakfast we travel through the terraced agricultural land of the highlands. There seems to be a pousse-pousse (rickshaw) for every person in Antsirabe (ant-sira-bay), a bustling city where the look and attitude is classic highland Madagascar. The urban oasis in a rural desert is an almost elegant place where the fresh air, cool climate (nights can be freezing) and therapeutic springs led Norwegian missionaries to build a health retreat in the late 1800s. When the French came to town, Antsirabe became a chic spa getaway for wealthy colonists wanting to escape Antananarivo s hustle. Today, the city thumps to a uniquely Malagasy beat it s colorful, chaotic, cluttered, gritty and poor. Brightly painted rickshaws crowd wide palm-lined boulevards, their drivers hustling hard for enough fares to feed their families, and gangs of scraggly children and young mothers with furrowed brows beg on the streets. The town has numerous artisan workshops with quality handicrafts in some cases the attention to detail on even the smallest metal bicycle is truly amazing. Couleur Cafe Scenic drive to Antsirabe To Ambositra: Scenic stops: The terraced rice fields, The Hill of granite an eruptive rock along the way to Ambositra, Betsileo architecture, The Betsileo with their colourful clothing Synonym of their joy and integrity. To Antsirabe: Birds likely to be seen: Great egret, Cattle egret, Hamerkop, Madagascar kestrel, Madagascar stonechat, Madagascar wagtail. Copyright SafariWise 7

8 Day 14: 19 th November 2015 Antsirabe Andasibe Breakfast at the Couleur Cafe. Before we drive to Adasibe for our three night stay. Vakona Forest Lodge is designed in line with local Malagasy architecture. The ten bungalows and 14 double rooms offer the traveller the desired comfort of en-suite bathrooms, and verandas looking out into the forest of Andasibe National Park. Warmed by the central fireplace the dining room offers views outside whilst keeping warm or alternatively one can relax on the veranda that overlooks the lake. Vakona Forest Lodge is a comfortable eco-lodge comprising 28 Malagasy style bungalows scattered in a planted garden of palm trees and bougainvilleas. Vakona Forest Lodge Scenic drive to Andasibe Day 15: 20 th November 2015 Andasibe This morning after breakfast we visit Andasibe National Park. We take part in a night walk to explore the crepuscular and nocturnal inhabitants of the reserve: Greater dwarf lemurs, Brown mouse lemurs. Vakona Forest Lodge Andasibe National Park excursion & Night walk Day 16: 21 st November 2015 Andasibe After breakfast at the hotel we again visit the Andasibe National Park. We also visit the special reserve of Analamazaotra in search of the biggest lemurs species of Madagascar: the Indri Indri. The reserve is also exceptionally rewarding for reptiles, frogs and birdwatching. We have the opportunity to visit the private reserve of Vakona Forest Lodge in the afternoon. Vakona Forest Lodge Andasibe National Park -, Analamazaotra - & Vakona Forest excursions Day 17: 22 nd November 2015 Andasibe Antananarivo Today after breakfast we head back to the capital. Le Royal Palissandre Scenic drive to Antananarivo Copyright SafariWise 8

9 Scenic stops: The hills of Angavo and his secondary forest on the way to Manjakandriana, The scenes of life along the national road two RN2, The eastern rainforest, especially at the level of Betsimisaraka s cliff, which separate the highlands to the East coast, The Mangoro river and its landscape around, Day 18: 23 rd November 2015 Antananarivo Departure This morning we visit Lake Tsarasaotra. Lake Tsarasaotra is a tranquil oasis set in 66 acres of unspoilt, private land in the busy capital of Antananarivo. Watched over by the Malagasy Government and such influential groups as The World Wildlife Fund, Birdlife International and Peregrine s Fund, Tsarasaotra has become a well-known and safe haven where waterfowl can live and breed. The park is a classified RAMSAR site (International Convention on Wetlands) and is the smallest and only private site classified to date. Breakfast & lunch Excursion to Lake Tsarasaotra; transfer to the airport ************** End of Safari Quoted price: 2015 Days 1 18 CAD 8, per person sharing CAD 1, single supplement Notes: a) The costing for the Tour Programme is based on a minimum of six (6) guests. b) This is a quotation and is valid for 2015 only. c) All reservations have been made and all accommodation, flights and transport are subject to availability. d) Should any of the accommodation mentioned not be available, we reserve the right to substitute it with an alternative suitable venue, which might affect the final quoted price. e) Quoted price is also subject to availability, fuel/gas price and possibly exchange rate fluctuations. f) CAD 1000 deposit is required when booking the safari. This deposit is fully refundable up to 120 days prior to the tour departure date. g) Full payment is required 120 days prior to departure and is non-refundable unless the tour is full and an alternate traveller can be found. Please consult our webpage, for the Terms & Conditions. Please call on the office of SafariWise for bookings and/or enquiries: Copyright SafariWise 9

10 SafariWise PO Box 2796 SWAKOPMUND Namibia 2 Phillip Street SWAKOPMUND Namibia TASA Member No.: S19 NTB Reg. No.: TSO00076 Tel Fax Mobile Skype macleodsrossmund info@safariwise.com.na SafariWise Copyright SafariWise 10