FMC Travel Club. A subsidiary of Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (Inc.) *** Madagascar ***

Transcription

1 FMC Travel Club A subsidiary of Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (Inc.) Club Convenor : John Dobbs Travel Smart Napier Civic Court, Dickens Street, Napier 4110 O : E : john@travelsmart.co.nz *** Madagascar *** Set adrift from Africa, Madagascar, the world s 4 th largest island, became a giant ark of animals and plants found nowhere else. A naturalist s promised land, the ecology of this unique place will surprise and amaze. Lemurs, chameleons and baobabs are the icons, but there are tropical jungles, desert cactuses, sublime beaches and mountains. The human cargo also fascinates, with rites and complex belief systems binding them to the natural world and the ancestors they venerate. Discover Madagascar in depth on this comprehensive adventure! 6 th May to 7 th June days (30 days in Madagascar) $12995 ex Auckland. Trip leader : John Dobbs Price is our best estimate as at 6 th August 2018, so is subject to currency movements and changes until paid in full A solo room supplement is available at additional cost, if required All or any payments by visa or mastercard adds $400 to the final price Price Includes : International flights Auckland to Antananarivo return Four domestic flights in Madagascar All accommodation hotels, guesthouses and lodges on twin share basis, tent camping for 3 nights All transport minivans, 4 X 4 s, boat trips (we visit two offshore islands) Most meals all breakfasts, lunches and dinners except on Nosy Be Island which is daily breakfast only All guided safaris and excursions, parks and reserves entry fees, as per the itinerary All local taxes and airport transfers, all camping equipment, snorkelling equipment on Nosy Be English speaking tour leader/guide throughout and experienced FMC trip leader working together, local guides as appropriate, payment to FMC Price does not include : Personal expenses such as laundry, alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, transit hotel room in Singapore Airport going over, etc Meals not otherwise included three lunches and three dinners Travel insurance and entry visa (completed on arrival) Tipping guidelines will be given

2 Trip Leader John needs little introduction he is the travel club organiser, regular tramper with the Napier Tramping Club, keen mountain biker and Lions club member. He has led many trips for the travel club over 17 years and enjoys the fun and challenges or organizing and leading groups overseas. Madagascar is one of those real bucket list countries and it is easy to see why. A vast ark of unique and special fauna and flora, a terrific range of national parks covering the incredible variety of topography and landforms, a fascinating blend of people groups and cultural influences. A mini continent really. But it can be challenging - infrastructure creaks at times, roads slow and winding, the national airline helps to thread the corners of the country together, population pressures and slash and burn agricultural practices have scarred big areas of the landscape. But the wonderful people are resilient and welcoming, their cultures fascinating to encounter. This itinerary provides an awesome and adventurous month. Our previous trips to Madagascar in 2005 and 2008 were well received and successful. This time I m working with Cactus Tours Madagascar www. cactus-madagascar.com, who have been welcoming people to their island continent for 20 years. I welcome your interest and hope to see you aboard soon! Overview We begin from Antananarivo (Tana), the capital and largest city. Here we orient and walk to see the sights and soak up the atmosphere of this colourful and chaotic city. The narrow cobbled streets and old buildings at its center have an almost medieval feeling, while elsewhere the wooden and brick houses, churches, markets and rice paddies present an amazing mix. Several nearby must visit places are included. Tana becomes our hub as we fly in and out to other places. The second phase is to head east into the wet jungle of the eastern region and superb Andasibe National Park. This is a hotspot for animals, particularly lemurs, sifakas and indris. We will walk extensively in the park and also do short night walks to spot the nocturnal animals. Nearby we will also visit Mantadia Reserve and Analamazotra Nature Reserve for more rich encounters with wildlife and the challenging but rewarding primary rainforest. For something completely different, we take a domestic flight to Morondava in the dry west coast region. North of the city is the famous Avenue de Baobabs, which we will experience at sunrise and sunset. Kirindy Reserve has dry deciduous forest and baobabs too and our walks here with encounter other types of lemurs, along with snakes, chameleons and maybe the elusive fosa. Travelling in 4 X 4 s we reach the incredible limestone formations of Tsingy de Bemeraha, another of the country s precious World Heritage sites. Here we have some fine tramping and explorations, encountering a wide range of animals and birds. We now return to the central spine and high country to reach Ansirabe and Ambositra, both interesting and attractive towns where we learn more about the people groups and their way of life. Rice fields and market gardens are frequent sights on the way to Ranomafana National Park. This is another fabulous hotspot of flora and fauna to tramp and discover. The next national park is Andringitra and quite different again. Here we will do a 3 day tramp using campsites and plan to reach the summit of Pic Boby, second highest of the Madagascan peaks Next, we travel southwest to dry savannah country and Isalo National Park. He we discover another different zone of flora and fauna over several days of tramps. Western regions are also home to much ranching and raising of zebu, the distinctive cattle of Madagascar. From the west coast at Tulear, we fly back to Tana and on to the northern tip of the country, to Antsirinana. The far north has significant war history and is a place with a completely different heritage to the rest of the country, being influenced by traders and shipping Malay, Indian, Arabian and African influences. Another ranching area with zebu the main animal farmed. The landscape also changes as we spend time in two of the great northern region national parks Montagne d Ambre and Ankarana. The climate is dry and there are limestone features resembling the Tsingy, but also great caves, and luxuriant vegetation in places with a wealth of birds, lemurs and reptiles. Nosy Be is a large offshore island and wonderful location to spend a few days to end our trip. Think water based activities and wonderful seafood. We will visit several offshore islands and try snorkelling in the warm and safe waters around Nosy Be. A final flight back to Tana and a farewell to a month of solid adventuring in unique, special Madagascar.

3 The walking programme is rich and varied. National parks and reserves we visit often have formed tracks and in most cases we use local guides, its part of their system. Terrain will be a bit of everything. If you are used to tramping club trips and have the appropriate fitness and stamina, you can handle this trip. Just remember that Madagascar varies from tropical to sub-tropical and will be much cooler at the higher altitudes of the central spine of the country. A can-do attitude and flexible nature are important, we do a lot of tramping, majoring on day trips except for the overnight trip into Andringitra. Fitness. A good standard of fitness is essential to enjoy this trip and maintain the momentum of the group. Age is no barrier. You need to be comfortable walking on formed tracks, rough ground, climb steep slopes, big rocks, mud, dust, ford streams and handle encounters with insects, animals, snakes etc at any time. These comments are not intended to dissuade anyone, but to give the reality you will experience. Accommodation features a range of very pleasant mid range hotels, guesthouses and lodges, often with special local touches and architectural style in good locations. Twin or double rooms will be ensuited. There will also be three nights in tents in Andringitra National Park, with all camping requirements and provisions provided. Should a solo use room be required, a solo charge will apply, please enquire. Otherwise couples have their own rooms and solos of the same gender will be paired up to twin share. Transport is dedicated to us we have our own minibus and driver throughout. Note that there are some long days of driving and the standard of highways varies substantially. Roading investment is lacking, with potholes, roadworks or delays a likely occurrence, and driving standards can be a little chaotic. Long journeys are broken up with comfort stops, visits to towns or scenic sights, lunch etc. In the west when we travel to Tsingy de Bemeraha, the roads turn into dirt tracks, so we travel in 4 X 4 s to reach this stunning place. Travelling by road can sometimes seem expeditionary! This is the reality and part of the charm of Madagascar, but it takes a certain stamina. Air Madagascar threads the cities together more easily than the roading network, but it is a small airline with few aircraft. Even major population centres may only have one connecting flight to Tana each day and sometimes less frequently. Schedule changes and delays are not uncommon. However, to see the country properly within a period of one month, it is essential to have a few domestic flights. To reach Nosy Be Island, we take a regular ferry and then local boats to visit the other islands. Weather. We travel in pleasant months when there are not normally cyclones and conditions will generally be dry. The country is of course much wetter in the east and north and dry to very dry in the west and south, and we will be visiting all these regions. Nights on the high plateau where Antananarivo and many larger towns are located can get quite cold at night. Other items NZ passport holders require an entry visa, and these are easily arranged on arrival at Antananarivo International Airport. Currently the requirements are a cash payment of Euros 35, a couple of recent passport photos, 6 months validity on the passport, at least one clear page on the passport, and onward flight ticket to be presented. Group numbers are based on 8 minimum and 12 maximum. Having been under French control until independence in 1960, French became the official language and remains as such, together with Malagash. Tipping is creeping in and there will be expectations, these will be given in the pre-trip newsletter. Other items such as a full gear list, recommended phrases to learn and various other items will be included to help you plan well. While the diet is interesting, it is generally not spectacular, with rice and the local zebu beef featuring regularly. Following the French colonial influences, breakfast is often a minor meal rather than the more substantial meal we perhaps favour. Cereals are rare, whereas bread with jams, possibly fresh fruit or omelettes and tea/coffee feature. Tropical fruit from markets are a highlight. Seafood on Nosy Be is excellent. Should there be any cultural performances or other special events we can organise, these will be advised later on. We will also learn about some of the special customs and beliefs of the Malagasy people. For examples : Famadihana (the turning of the bones), Fady (taboos and ancestor worship) and Tavy (slash and burn practices of poor farmers steadily destroying the landscape for short term benefit, etc), mora

4 mora, literal meaning is slowly slowly, but depending on the situation, it could mean slow down, take it easy, be patient things will happen when they happen. The Lonely Planet is a great reference book for this trip and well worth buying a copy or borrowing from your local library. There is an interesting article you can download under which talks about the wildlife of the country. It lists 10 recommended locations to visit for the wildlife. In this trip, we visit 7 of the 10 they list. Flights. International flights and domestic flights in Madagascar are part of the trip cost. We fly Air NZ and Ethiopian Airlines (both are members of the Star Alliance) to/from Madagascar and Air Mad within the country. This is the current international flights schedule : 06 May Auckland Singapore May Singapore Addis Ababa May Addis Ababa Antananarivo Jun Antananarivo Addis Ababa Jun Addis Ababa Hong Kong Jun Hong Kong Auckland the next day Once a core group is registered and the trip confirmed to depart, then we will secure international and domestic flights. The schedule shows that a stopover point could occur at either Singapore or Addis Ababa on the way over and Addis Ababa and Hong Kong on the way back. If you would like a few days in any of these cities at your own cost, you would need to advise in ample time. Otherwise, the core trip flights as shown will be booked.

5 Countries navigation Itinerary Day 1 Mon 6 th May. Depart Auckland Group gather in Auckland and morning departure to Singapore Day 2 Tue 7 th May. Arrive Madagascar Onwards flights via Addis Ababa and arrive in the afternoon. Transfer to the hotel and meet our local guide. The hotel is centrally located and has a deck with lovely views over the city plus a swimming pool. Enjoy a welcome to Madagascar briefing and dinner. B. Day 3 Wed 8 th May. Antananarivo orientation and local sights Our walking tour with include the Rova or Queen s Palace, Lake Ihosy and downtown sights. A short drive our of the city brings us to the Lemur s Park for our first encounters with these endearing animals and a whole lot more. B.L.D. Day 4 Thu 9 th May. Antananarivo

6 Continuing our local tour, we will include a visit to Ambohimanga Palace, a Unesco World Heritage listed site on an imposing hill above the city. The spiritual and political centre of the Merina people since the 16 th century. We may also include the Tsimbazaza Zoo this afternoon. B.L.D. Day 5. Fri 10 th May. Andasibe National Park Heading east to the wetter side of the country on a 4 hour drive to this wonderful park and our lodge accommodation right in the forest. Expect good tramping on formed trails and encounters with a range of lemurs. But particularly the largest of them all the Indri. Described as a 4 year old in a panda suit, the Indri is famous for its loud and eerie wailing cry - it s quite stunning. Lemurs, sifakas, chameleons, tenrecs and 100 bird species and 20 species of amphibian inhabit this gem of a park. A walk in the forest tonight will be revealing. B.L.D. Day 6. Sat 11 th May. Andasibe and Mantadia Another tramp in Andasibe plus a 4 X 4 trip into Mantadia, home for a raft of further species of lemurs, birds and chameleons for more challenging hiking. Return to our forest lodge. B.L.D. Day 8. Sun 12 th May. Analamazotra, return to Antananarivo A tramp in nearby Analamazotra Reserve should bring us to another enclave of Indri s as well as other wonderful wildlife. Mid afternoon we should be back in the capital city. Around 4 hours travelling time today. B.L.D. Day 9. Mon 13 th May. To Morondava and Kirindy A free morning before we return to the airport for our early afternoon flight west to Morondava. Here we meet up with a local guide specialising in the area we will see in the next few days. A couple of hours drive north brings us to Kirindy Reserve for our overnight stop. The dry deciduous forest here holds a completely different range of lemurs, snakes, chameleons and more. On our night walk we may encounter the elusive fosa as well. Along the way we will pass through the amazing avenue of baobabs, which is one of the most photographed sights in the country. B.L.D. Day 10. Tue 14 th May. Kirindy to Tsingy de Bemeraha After an early morning walk in Kirindy, we continue the journey north in 4 X 4 s to the town of Belo Tsiribinha. Here we take a ferry across the Tsiribinha River and continue north on challenging roads to Bekopaka on the Manambolo River, where we take another ferry. The landscape will travel through is largely savannah grasslands and occasional baobabs. We are now close to the incredible formations of Tsingy de Bemeraha, another of the World Heritage listed sites of the country. After a long day of travel (possibly 8 hours), we can relax in our pleasant bungalow accommodation, overlooking the Manambolo River. B.L.D. Day 11. Wed 15 th May. Tsingy exploration A full day of tramping will see us visit the Big and Small (Petit) Tsingy zones of this 66,000ha national park. The jagged, cathedral like spires reach several hundred meters high. The maze like tsingy and caves between them were the venue for ancient cults. The parks shelters 13 species of lemur, mammals like the fosa and mongoose, nearly 100 species of birds as well as heaps of amphibians and reptiles! A tiring but rewarding day. B.L.D. Day 12. Thu 16 th May. Return to Morondava The long drive back to Morondava will see us heading through the famous Avenue of Baobabs towards sunset, when the colours and shadow effects are simply stunning. Morondava is a laid back dusty seaside town. Our beachside cottages are well located and there is a pool too. B.L.D. Day 13. Fri 17 th May. Antsirabe Departing the coast, we head east and another long day of travel. We ll stop for lunch at Miandrivazo, a river port town before continuing east towards the high plateau once again. Sweeping vistas of agricultural scenes abound. Our destination is the pleasant small city of Antsirabe which has a European feel and the country s largest brewery. It is also known as the crafts city for the wonderful things made with zebu horn and recycled items. Our accommodation is in cottages in a park like setting. B.L.D. Day 14. Sat 18 th May. Ranomafana National Park Heading south on the country s main highway, we will make a stop at the town of Ambositra to visit the woodcarving workshops the town is noted for. Our destination is Ranomafana National Park, a large area of cloud forest and

7 another World Heritage site. Here we spend a couple of nights in a lodge close to the entrance to the national park. Around 6 hours travelling time today. An evening walk in the park follows. B.L.D. Day 15. Sun 19 th May. Ranomafana National Park There are well marked trails in the park and we will see some rare species of lemur here as well as rare forest habitats and wonderful scenery, interspersed with streams and waterfalls. Another night walk to reveal the special creatures that can only be seen after dark. B.L.D. Day 16. Mon 20 th May. Andringitra National Park Continuing our journey southwards, we pass through the city of Fianarantsoa, the second biggest city and a university town. Next we will stop at the town of Ambalavao. Here we will meet up with our special guide for the Andringitra National Park, so totally different to all the parks we have visited so far. Tonight we head into the park and stay at a fixed camp at Namoly. Andringitra is another special park with World Heritage status. B.L.D. Day 17. Tue 21 st Ma. Andringitra National Park This park has amazing scenery, rocky valleys and strange formations, forest pockets with lemurs, waterfalls and amazing views from high points. We will be aiming for a high camping point so we can reach our ultimate, the summit of wonderful Pic Boby, at 2658m it is the 2 nd highest in the country and the most accessible peak. Camping tonight. B.L.D. Day 18. Wed 22 nd May. Andringitra National Park The granite rocks and peaks of Andringitra are wonderful and evocative of Yosemite in California. A tough but excellent day will see us reach the summit today. This is a tramper s mountain for sure. But it will be cold from the high camp and to the summit. Believe it or not, there are palm trees growing up to 2000m here! Just another example of the weird and interesting flora of this country. The waterfalls spilling off the granite peaks and escarpments are superb. B.L.D. Day 19. Thu 23 rd May. Isalo National Park Returning a different way, we reach our vehicle in about 3 hours and initially head northwards to exit the park. On our way to Isalo National Park we will make a stop at Anja Reserve, the initiative of a local village, to see how they are protecting their special place, now home to an increasing number of lemurs. Then a 5 hour drive southwest through rolling savannah and rocky country. This huge plateau is the area of the Bara people, a conservative farming tribe whose livelihood and rituals are centred on the zebu cattle that they raise. We ll have three nights at a nice lodge with views to the not too distant national park formations. B.L.D. Day 20. Fri 24 th May. Isalo National Park Composed of eroded ruiniform sandstone formations from the Jurassic era, Isalo is a semi desert area characterised by its canyons, oases and lunar landscape home to lemurs and many other endemic species. The flora here consists of palms and tropical vegetation where there is wate,r through to true desert plants and many fascinating forms of euphorbias, cactuses, aloes, kalanchoes and the fat, elephant foot plants. There are ancestral tombs to discover, so a number of cultural sights too. A wonderful day o f tramping in this stunning place! B.L.D. Day 21. Sat 25 th May. Isalo National Park There is a palpable feeling of open space and stillness here as we continue another great day of tramping and exploring with several possible swims in remote canyons and pools possible. Later on, enjoy the superb sunset the park is renowned for. B.L.D. Day 22. Sun 26 th May. Tulear and return to Antananarivo Leaving Isalo now and heading westwards to the coast to the city of Tulear to connect with our afternoon flight back to Antananarivo, with some interesting sights along the journey. Lunch and a look around Tulear before we depart. This leaves a little free time back in the capital. B.L.D. Day 23. Mon 27 th May. Antsirinana The next part of the country we concentrate is the far north and a quite different region again! Flying into Antsirirana, also known as Diego Suarez, we have a tour of this port city to reveal its French colonial architecture, that also has a connection to World War 2. In 1942, Diego Suarez was the primary objective of the Allied invasion of

8 Madagascar. The Allies were concerned that Japan would pressure Vichy France into granting use of Madagascar and determined the island should not be a base for the interception of Allied shipping. The Japanese responded with an attack by submarine on British naval forces in the harbour. We will learn a little of the events when we visit the well tended cemetery of those whose lost their lives in the battle. Our pleasant hotel is in the heart of the city. B.L.D. Day 24. Tue 28 th May. Montagne d Ambre National Park For the next three days, we concentrate of the sights of the two most northern parks, both oases of forest and a treasure trove of animals, with caves and rock formations resembling those of Tsingy de Bemeraha. Montagne dámbre has beautiful dense forests, and we can take breaks at several of the impressive waterfalls, hoping to encounter the pygmy chameleon that is found here. We stay in a nature lodge beside the park. B.L.D. Day 25. Wed 29 th May. Montagne d Ambre and Ankarana National Parks The vegetation changes from luxuriant to grassy valleys and also rice fields. Today we will encounter the very different red tsingy area. Both parks offer a different experience and are reasonably close to each other. B.L.D. Day 26. Thu 30 th May. Ankarana National Park Our day tramping will be full of variety as we discover above and below ground and enjoy the richness of the wildlife here. The tsingy area is also an ancestral worshipping place for the Antakarana tribe. B.L.D. Day 27. Fri 31 st May. Ankarana and Nosy Be This part of Madagascar has a favourable climate for several export crops like cocoa, vanilla, coffee and pepper. The population has the highest standard of living and income in the whole of the country. The land is very fertile and gentle. On our journey we will travel through different plantations and visit some of them. Them we take a 45 minute boat transfer over to Nosy Be, a large offshore island. There are gorgeous sandy beaches, forest and little villages here and it is a wonderful place to relax and to wind down after some rigorous travel and exploration up to this point. Our accommodation is right on the beaches of the west coast. B. Day 28. Sat 1 st June. Nosy Be and offshore islands While relaxation and gentle exploration of the island is the order here, we do have snorkelling gear available and will have a boat trip out to the gorgeous island of Nosy Komba to snorkel the surroundings reefs and enjoy the beaches here. Nearby is the marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely where we continue our water themed activities. The seafood available on these islands is first rate! B. Day 29. Sun 2 nd June. Nosy Be A final day on Nosy Be. Bikes are available for hire, or visit the little capital of Hell-Ville. An odd name for a pleasant town and maybe that souvenir from the market. B. Day30. Mon 3 rd June. Return to Antananarivo Perhaps a final swim before we head to the airport on the other side of the island for the afternoon flight back to Antananarivo. A final end of trip celebration dinner tonight! B.D. Day 31. Tue 4 th June. Depart Madagascar. A farewell to an epic adventure as we return to the airport and begin flights home, via Addis Ababa and Hong Kong. B. Day 32. Wed 5 th June. Flights Flight continue Day 33. Thu 6 th June. Arrive Auckland Early afternoon arrival into Auckland and the cessation of travel. Welcome home!

9 Booking Conditions : FMC Travel Club and Travel Smart Napier 1. The FMC Travel Club (FMC) offers this small group trip in conjunction with Travel Smart Napier (TSN). All travel arrangements for the operation of the core trip are made with TSN. Participants agree to all terms and conditions by signing the Registration Form. 2. FMC and TSN are not responsible or liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may arise from weather, defect in any vehicle, vessel or aircraft, of through the acts or default of any person or company engaged in carrying out any of the arrangements of the trip. 3. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if minimum numbers don t eventuate. In such an event, all monies paid will be fully refunded. We also reserve the right to make any modifications that may be essential, or to offer a modified trip to a smaller number of people. 4. The trip includes a payment to FMC. 5. Registrations are accepted in good faith on a first comers basis on receipt of the Registration Form. The deposit is $6000 per person and will be invoiced once a core minimum number of registrations have been received. Registrations close by 30 th November 2018 (or earlier if the trip fills) and final balance is due by 29 th February All payments may be made by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, internet banking, visa or mastercard to the offices of TSN. All or any payments by Visa or Mastercard adds $400 to the final trip price. Our preferred method of payment is internet banking. Please use : at ANZ Napier providing your name and Madagascar as identifiers. 6. Events beyond our control such as currency fluctuations or any unforeseen additional costs may affect the overall trip price. We cannot guarantee the price until such times as full payment has been received. Upon full payment, the trip price is guaranteed. 7. Cancellations. If you need to cancel your registration for any reason, you must advise TSN in writing as soon as possible. An is acceptable, a phone call alone is not. Travel insurance will cover you for unforeseen circumstances but will not cover you for changing your mind after committing to the trip. Cancellation fees apply as follows : Cancellations received from 1 st December 2018 to 28 th February 2019 incur a fee of $6000 (the deposit) Cancellations received from 1 st March 2019 onwards incur a fee of 100% of trip costs. 8. Travel insurance is mandatory, and we can assist with cover through Kiwi Holiday Insurance. For your own protection, travel insurance should be effective not later than 30 th November 2018, the date that trip deposits become non-refundable.

10 Registration Form Madagascar 2019 Complete and send to John Dobbs at TSN with a passport scan. Registrations close by 30 th November 2018 (or earlier if the trip fills). So your earliest commitment is appreciated. All or any payments by Visa or Mastercard adds $400 to the final trip price. Our preferred payment method is internet banking into : at ANZ Napier. Do not send the deposit initially, this will be requested once a core minimum number of participants have registered. Your full name(s) as per passport(s) and please underline or highlight your preferred first name(s)... Mailing address. Day phone.night phone Mobile.. .Date(s) of birth.. What are your recent tramping experiences? How often do you tramp? Please extend your answers overleaf or on separate paper, or by . Specify any dietary requirements, allergies or medical conditions. Contact person in NZ for any emergencies : name, address, contact phone numbers, and the relationship to you. In the event of any emergency, this is the sole person you are authorizing us to liaise with I/We have read the full trip dossier and I / We agree to pay all trip costs by due date, as advised by invoice. I / We understand that the final trip price is subject to minimum numbers and other cost impacts as detailed under the Booking Conditions section; therefore the final trip price cannot be guaranteed until such times as full payment has been made..signed and dated by each person registering Send to : John Dobbs, FMC Travel Club Convenor Travel Smart Napier. Civic Court, Dickens Street, Napier P : E : john@travelsmart.co.nz

11