Madagascar September 2019 Tue 10 Sep This morning we are flying from Sydney to Johannesburg on Qantas flight QF63 which departs at 10.50am. The flight is scheduled for 14 hours and 10 minutes. We will arrive in Johannesburg at 5.00pm. After clearing Customs & Immigration we transfer to our hotel. The Peermont Metcourt Suites is one of four hotels within the Emperors Palace complex, just a few minutes from the airport. The central part of the complex offers a variety of reasonably priced restaurants, a casino and retail shops. Access to this area is five minutes walk from the Metcourt Suites. While the Metcourt serves breakfast (which is included), other meals will need to be taken in the central complex. Overnight Peermont Metcourt Suites, Johannesburg. (B&B basis) Wed 11 Sep This morning we return to the airport using the hotel s shuttle. Our SA Airlink flight (SA 8252) from Johannesburg to Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar, departs at 10:00am. Flying time is scheduled for 3hrs 10min. Arrival into Antananarivo is at 2:10pm. Visas are issued on arrival and the price is approximately 25.00 Euros (to be confirmed before departure). We will then be transferred by road to the city for our overnight stay. (On this tour all meals in Madagascar are included, except breakfast only in Antananarivo.)
Overnight at Le Louvre Hotel, Antananarivo. (B&B basis) Thu 12 Sep This morning we depart for Antsirabe (about 170km south of Tana). Our first stop will be at the little town of Ambatolampy. Here there is a craft factory producing aluminium cocottes (similar to a Dutch Oven) used for cooking in all Malagasy households. It is all undertaken by hand and shows what can be done by the simplest of methods. We will proceed to Antsirabe where we will take lunch at Zandina Restaurant followed by an afternoon tour to the nearby crater lakes of Tritriva and Andraikiba. We pass through typical rural hamlets near the lakes, and with luck see some rare birds at Andraikiba. Antsirabe is the third largest city in Madagascar and has a population of approximately 183,000. Due to its altitude (about 1,500m) temperatures are cooler generally, and very cool in winter. The temperate climate was probably the reason why Norwegian missionaries chose this place to settle down in 1872. Its name means where there is salt honouring the large number of hot springs the town has, a fact that has given the city the nickname of Malagasy Vichy. Thermal baths had been long appreciated for their curative effects by the local population before French colonists decided to locate a thermal bath here in the 19th century. Our stay here will be at Plumeria Hotel. Plumeria is a new hotel and is centrally located in the city of Antsirabe. The property boasts a large use of local wood sculptured by famous Malagasy artists.
Overnight Plumeria Hotel, Antsirabe Fri 13 Sep This morning we shall undertake a walk down the Grand Avenue, which will introduce you various aspects of Antsirabe s history and heritage. After we shall pay a visit to the Antsenakely Markets. We head south towards Fianarantsoa. On the way our next stop is Ambositra. Ambositra s vicinity to the forests has turned it into the centre of Madagascar's wood carving industry. Its name means the place of the eunuchs supposedly because the Merina tribe castrated all defeated warriors of the local tribe, the Zafimaniry. The cultural influence of this tribe can be found in the traditional motifs of the local houses with their intricately carved balconies, panels and shutters. There are many specialized workshops in printmaking, woodcarving and marquetry. Artisans usually coming from the nearby Zafimaniry villages are found in small workshops. We will have lunch at L Artisan hotel before continuing our journey. Fianarantsoa, is an old royal city which became in 1830 administrative capital of the region under the colonial power. The name Fianarantsoa means "the place where one can learn something good and was given by Queen Ranavalona 1st honouring the many academic institutions and schools that are based here and which justify its reputation as the academic, intellectual and religious capital of the country. It has the largest number of churches per square metre of the country. Like in Tana, older houses are generally found in the hills and the new ones have been built in the valleys. The old upper town, the new town (where most shops are located) and the railway station district, constitute the core of a city that has become almost unavoidable for any traveller heading to the South.
Overnight at Zomatel Hotel, Fianarantsoa. Sat 14 Sep This morning at 7:00am we join one of the most amazing rail journeys in the world, the Fianarantsoa-Côte Est (FCE) railway. Not your standard tourist activity, it lasts between 8-12 hours (163 kilometres), so be ready for a very different day. Here is a description from a Trip Advisor traveller : So why give this five out of five? In short it was the people. I spent most of the journey standing by the open train doors taking photographs. At stations all manner of food was sold and as the train went through the countryside everybody waved. The trains only run two times a week in each direction but acts as a lifeline to the communities the route serves - many of which do not have access to roads. We saw some very poor communities en route but all were smiling. The journey was a photographer's dream - until the last hour or two when there was no light left and the journey became rather tedious. But this could not mar the delights of earlier in the day! The day may be a long one, but you will experience a side of Madagascar definitely worth the effort. A picnic lunch will be had on the train. After 67 bridges and 48 tunnels we arrive at Manakara where our driver will be waiting for us and we will proceed to Parthenay Hotel for dinner, and a hot shower. (From time to time this rail service is cancelled without notice. In this case our journey to Manakara would be by road, which would allow us to visit the fabulous weekend markets at Kelilalina on the way.) Overnight at Parthenay Club Hotel, Manakara.
Sun 15 Sep After yesterday s train journey, today will be a total contrast as we spend part of the day on the water discovering the Pangalanes. Behind the coral beaches of the East Coast there is an almost continuous line of lagoons from Foulpointe to Farafrandana. These are linked by man-made channels to form an inland waterway called the Pangalanes Canal. The Canal des Pangalanes, is a 600-kilometer long waterway formed by the washing up of sand on the island by the Indian Ocean currents and by the silting of rivers. The joining of these lagoons, created a means of transportation up and down the coast, as well as an expanded fishing area. Today will be quite relaxing as we travel slowly through the canals and lakes south of Manakara. We will stop at one of the villages and enjoy a freshly cook seafood lunch on the beachfront, where we can witness the local fishermen returning in their canoes. On Sunday afternoon many of the townsfolk gather along the river and breakwater, close to our hotel a chance to wander with the locals in a very relaxed setting. Overnight at Parthenay Club Hotel, Manakara. Mon 16 Sep This morning we depart Manakara and travel back up the ranges to Ranomafana. (about a 3hr 45min road journey) with stunning scenery along the way. We will arrive in time for lunch and will be staying at the Centrest Hotel. The hotel is only a few minutes walk from the centre of the township.
This evening we undertake a rainforest walk in search of some of the forest s nocturnal creatures, like this Mouse Lemur. Overnight at Centrest Hotel, Ranomafana. Tue 17 Sep This morning we enter Ranomafana National Park (which means hot water in Malagasy). It is doubtless one of the most spectacular National Parks of Madagascar. The park contains twelve lemur species. Aside from the rare golden bamboo lemur, visitors may see: eastern woolly lemur, red bellied lemur, eastern grey bamboo lemur, greater bamboo lemur, red-fronted brown lemur, black-and-white ruffed lemur, Milne- Edward s sifaka, Small-toothed sportive lemur, greater dwarf lemur and brown mouse lemur and sometimes the very rare aye-aye. (the Golden Bamboo is shown Lemur below) Other mammals include 7 species of tenrecs, 8 bats and 6 carnivores, like the Malagasy striped civet and some mongooses.
Birds are also widespread in Ranomafana. There are at least 115 species catalogued (30 are local endemic to this part of Madagascar), among them the Henst's goshawk, Rufous-headed ground-roller, velvet asity, mesites or the threatened crested ibis. Apart from that, the wildlife is completed by 62 species of reptiles (chameleons, snakes and fringed and satanic leaf-tailed geckos are pretty common), 98 frogs, 90 butterflies, 350 spiders and several fishes and crayfishes. We will spend part of today walking through the quite rugged forests in search of wildlife. Later in the day we depart from Ranomafana and travel on to Fianarantsoa. On arrival we shall undertake a late afternoon tour of the city, including the Haute Ville. the charming historic upper town which becomes a magically colourful place at days end. Overnight at Zomatel Hotel, Fianarantsoa. Wed 18 Sep Today we depart Fianarantsoa and drive to Ranohira (359kms). The journey will take us through some stunning landscapes of the Horombe Plateau. Our first stop on this journey will be Ambalavao which is home to the renowned Antaimoro craft paper (hand-made), which is beautifully decorated with dried flowers and leaves. We shall witness the paper and decoration processes.
Ambalavao is also the site of the largest Zebu (the national cattle) market in Madagascar - we shall call in here, as it is being held today. In conjunction with the cattle market, today is also the town s weekly market-day so we shall also visit it. We continue on to nearby Anja Park. The forest in Anja was designated a protected area reserve by the Government of Madagascar in 1999. The reserve extends over 30 hectares. The space is enriched with an ecological wealth of flora and fauna species, most notable for its dense population of semi-tame ring-tailed lemurs. Anja Reserve is the most visited community-managed forest and ecotourist site in Madagascar. Anja has become a vital example of how community management of natural resources can both effectively protect the area and benefit the community. We should see lots of young, as they are only a month or two old and stay close to their mothers.
Lunch will be taken at Anja Park following our lemur walk. After lunch our destination is Le Jardin de Roy, which is found in a beautiful rock formation setting just south of Ranohira. The hotel takes its name from the land on which it was built, Le Jardine du Roy, a property belonging to ancestors of the king of Bara. The hotel was designed to blend into the pristine natural environment. The roof's high slopes mimic that of the surrounding rocks. All of the granite on the property has been selected one by one and hand-carved to reproduce the colours of the massif. The entire hotel has been built with local materials common in Malagasy construction including rosewood and marble. It is conveniently located near Ranohira and the entrance to Isalo National Park. Overnight at Le Jardin de Roy, Isalo Thu 19 Sep Today we visit Isalo National Park. Established in 1962, the Isalo protects 815 km² of sandstone massif wildly eroded by wind and rain into bizarre ridges (known as runiformes ) featuring wild forms, impressive gorges and canyons and tiny stalagmite pinnacles. Though wildlife is here not as prominent as in other parks of the country, there are still species you should be on the lookout for. Ring-tailed lemurs, brown lemurs, sifakas and 14 nocturnal lemurs hide in dense vegetation along the streams. The park is also home to approximately 80 species of birds (including the rare Benson s rock-thrush, the knob-billed duck and the crested ibis), 35 species of reptiles and several endemic frogs. The flora is indeed more interesting than the fauna. There are several local endemic plants among the 500 species which are found within Isalo, such as the elephant s foot and some rare palms and aloe species.
The park s terrain varies from grasslands to steep gorges, and a variety of walking circuits are provided to meet the individual s capabilities. Our guide will assist you in determining which ones will match your abilities.. Overnight at Le Jardin de Roy, Isalo. Fri 20 Sep This morning we depart from Isalo and drive to Tulear (or Toliara) 245kms in around 4 hours. We shall take lunch at Auberge de la Table, and then visit Arboretum d'antsokay. The Arboretum was created around 1980, on the initiative of a Swiss amateur botanist, Hermann Pétignat who died in 2000 (his family continue to operate the facility). On a surface of 40 hectares there are almost 900 species of plants, 90% endemic to the region. We then proceed to Tulear where there will be a tour of the city and the markets, before we drive 27 kms north to the coastal village of Ifaty.
Our stay is at Dunes d Ifaty, a comfortable, superbly located resort right on the edge of the Mozambique Channel. Overnight at Dunes d Ifaty. Sat 21 Sep This morning we will have a local tour to Reniala Park where, amongst other natural history wonders, we will explore the Spiny Forest. Reniala Private Reserve 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. It shelters an amazing, bizarre and unique ecosystem which only occurs in the southern parts of Madagascar: the spiny forest. The towering spiny bushes are home to more than 2000 plants species (many of them local endemic), some spectacular and very old baobabs (there is a giant baobab of 12.5 m diameter) and a complete endemic plants family, the Didieraceae. Overnight at Dunes d Ifaty.
Sun 22 Sep Today is a rest day. At this beautiful location on the Mozambique Channel you can relax, wander the beaches or partake in some of the local excursions of snorkelling and whale watching. Overnight at Dunes d Ifaty. Mon 23 Sep Today we fly with Air Madagascar to Antananarivo. As 2019 schedules have not been finalised, the timing is unknown. The airport is only 40 minutes from Dunes d Ifaty, so either you can relax at the resort prior to your flight, or if the timing is earlier you will have a free afternoon in Tana. On arrival at Tana we will be met and transferred to our hotel. Overnight at Le Louvre Hotel, Antananarivo. (B&B basis) Tue 24 Sep This morning we depart for Andasibe, a journey of 145kms on quite good roads (about three hours duration). We will stop at Réserve Peyrieras, a private reserve created by Mr. Peyrieras. Almost all species of Madagascar s insects and butterflies are represented here. Visitors can observe them at all stages of their development at the large aviaries adapted to their natural environment. Mr. Peyrieras also has a large collection of chameleons, plus various amphibians, snakes, lizards and crocodiles. The nearby forests are home to some Coquerel Sifaka, and if they are nearby we shall visit them for some close-up photos.
We shall then transfer to our lodge. This afternoon we will visit Vakona Private Reserve, which is a nature reserve owned by Vakona Forest Lodge and also contains Lemur Island - is a great opportunity to get up close to Lemurs in a natural setting. Overnight at Eulophiella Hotel, Andasibe. Wed 25 Sep Today we will visit the Analamazaotra Reserve. The Andasibe-Mantadia National Park with its 154 km² encompasses two distinct areas: the small Réserve Spéciale d'analamazaotra (popularly known by the old French name of the nearby town and railway station, Périnet ) in the south next to Andasibe village; and the much larger Parc National de Mantadia to the north. Both parts belonged to the same humid forest, but because of human activities are now divided in two. The park was created in 1989.
The Reserve is famous for the Indri which is the largest of all lemurs and whose calls can be heard widely during the mornings. There are 13 other lemur species found here. The extraordinary animal diversity is completed with another 15 mammal species, more than 100 of birds (many of them endemic, like the Madagascar yellowbrow, Madagascar baza, Madagascar wagtail or the Madagascar serpent-eagle), 50 species of reptiles, among them the biggest chameleon of the island - the boa manditra, many leaf-tailed geckos and more than 80 species of amphibians. In all of the nature reserves you visit expect to do quite a bit of walking. In this reserve in particular it may be hot and humid. It can be quite hilly, and after rain, muddy. Overnight at Eulophiella Hotel, Andasibe. Thu 26 Sep This morning we have the opportunity for a final walk in the forests of the Reserves before we depart from Andasibe and travel east, down the escarpments to the coastal plain, where after winding our way through coastal villages we end up at the town of Manambato. We leave our vehicles here and start our journey through the waters of the Pangalanes. This section of canals was constructed under the governance of General Joseph Gallieni during the early French colonial years of 1896-1904. It was designed to facilitate transportation of goods to the main trading port of Toamasina (Tamatave), because shipping from the Indian Ocean coast was too dangerous. The canal still dominates daily life in this region as it provides the main source of trade, transport and travel. Many traditional Betsimisaraka villages can be seen along the banks, as well as pirogues (traditional dugout canoes), local fishermen, over-crowded ferries and rafts with straw huts carrying timber en-route to Toamasina.
We travel about 25kms on the water to reach Le Palmarium (also known as Ankanin ny Nofy) which is set on the banks of Lake Ampitabe. The lodge is found on a small private reserve set up to preserve some of the area's unique flora and fauna. Palm trees, orchids and even carnivorous plants can be found growing in the gardens, and lemurs are easily spotted all year round. The lodge has eleven bungalows with en-suite bathrooms. The bungalows are simple inside, but with all of the essentials. They have a very natural feel, with thatched roofs, polished stone floors and white washed walls. Either this evening or tomorrow (before dinner) you shall have the opportunity of visiting a small island which is home to some extremely rare Aye-Aye lemur. Palmarium has exclusive access to this location and their staff accompany us to find some of the Aye-Aye. Overnight Palmarium, Lake Ampitabe. Fri 27 Sep This morning we shall undertake a guided walk through the private reserve of Palmarium. There are 10 different lemur species living here and although wild, some are very confident and it is a great chance to get close to these creatures, endemic to Madagascar.
This afternoon is free for your own discovery of the Reserve and the areas surrounding the lodge, or take a wander along the shores of the lake. Overnight Palmarium, Lake Ampitabe. Sat 28 Sep This morning it s back onto the water as we continue the journey through the Pangalanes, its people and its watercraft. We continue north through the canals and lakes and end up at Toamasina (commonly known as Tamatave). It is Madagascar s second largest city and with the presence of the main regional seaport has a growing potential for economic activities. It is the country s largest port, and therefore the country s commercial hub, handling much of the island's foreign trade. We leave our boat here and will be transferred to our hotel. This afternoon we take a walking tour of Toamasina. Overnight at the Calypso Hotel, Toamasina Sun 29 Sep Today we fly from Toamasina back to Antananarivo with Air Madagascar the scheduled time for this flight will be confirmed closer to departure.
On arrival in Tana we will be met and transferred to Hotel Louvre. Overnight at Le Louvre Hotel, Antananarivo. (B&B basis) AT THIS STAGE THOSE FOLK WHO ARE TAKING THE EXTENSION DEPART Core tour continues: Mon 30 Sep This morning you will have a guided tour of the city. This tour will include historic and cultural areas, plus some of the major markets which are so crucial to the daily life of the city. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Le Louvre Hotel, Antananarivo. (B&B basis) Tue 1 Oct Today is a day at leisure to undertake some walking and shopping around Antananarivo. Overnight at Le Louvre Hotel, Antananarivo.
Wed 2 Oct Late this morning we transfer to the airport to join our South African Airlink flight (SA8253) which departs at 3.00pm for Johannesburg. We arrive into Johannesburg at 5.40pm. After clearing Customs & Immigration we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight at Peermont Metcourt Suites, Johannesburg. (B&B basis) Thu 3 Oct Today is free until around 5.00pm when we need to check-in for our Qantas flight back to Australia. You must check-out of your rooms by 10:00am, but luggage can be stored in the hotel and collected later in the day. This will allow time for a guided tour of parts of Jo burg, visit Sandton City for a little shopping, or just relaxing before the flight. (These are optional tours and not included, but can be easily arranged for you) The Qantas flight (QF64) departs at 7:10pm. Fri 4 Oct We arrive back into Sydney at 3:00pm. ===============================================================
Northern Madagascar (optional extension) Mon 30 Sep Today we take the Air Madagascar flight (timing to be confirmed) from Anatanarivo to Antsiranana (also called Diego Suarez), the largest regional centre in northern Madagascar and a major port. Often called Diego by the locals, it is not only hotter than what you have experienced in the south, but as an historic trading centre, the whole town has a different feel about it. The city is singled out by its majestic bay which is listed among the most beautiful bays worldwide. It is overhung by generous mountains and is rich in nature, cultures and history. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel with the remainder of the afternoon free to explore central Antsiranana. Overnight at the Grand Hotel, Antsiranana (Full Board Basis) Tue 1 Oct This morning we head south and visit the famous Red Tsingy. This is a sandstone formation made of sandstone needles, which are located inside a small canyon and it is very photogenic. In contrast to all other Tsingys of Madagascar, these red ones are not made from limestone and are much smaller, restricted to only this single canyon.
After a picnic lunch we continue on to Ankarana National Park. Created in 1956 the Park is consists of an eroded limestone fortress of sharp ridges (this is the Tsingy, or the karst-pinnacle formation that is so well known in many areas of Madagascar), interspersed with dense tropical jungle, deciduous forest, deep caves and canyons with rushing rivers. The cave formations here are the largest network in all of Africa. Our overnight stay is just near the entrance to the National Park. Overnight at Ankarana Lodge. (Full Board Basis) Wed 2 Oct Today we spend a full day exploring the Park. During the day we may find the crowned lemur, Sanford's brown lemur, Perrier's black lemur, the northern sportive lemur and dwarf lemurs. A variety of chameleons and leaf-tailed geckos are also found within the Park. Overnight at Ankarana Lodge. (Full Board Basis)
Thu 3 Oct Today we spend a further day exploring various areas of Ankarana. Overnight at Ankarana Lodge. (Full Board Basis) Fri 4 Oct This morning we travel from Ankarana north to the nearby Park called Amber Mountain, which derives its name from the colour of the resin in local trees. Although established around the same time as Ankarana, Amber Mountain is smaller than its neighbour, but it boasts a greater bio-diversity. The area is dotted with old volcanic cones and crater lakes, a very different scene from the Tsingy further south. Later in the day we return to Antsiranana. Overnight at the Grand Hotel, Antsiranana (Full Board Basis) Sat 5 Oct Weekends are always fun times on Madagascar s coastlines as people enjoy their beaches. We shall visit one such area today.
We journey to the "3 baies" with a picnic lunch. Small bays and coves are the "Three Bays" on the Indian Ocean. These are composed of Sakalava Bay, Pigeon Bay and Bay Dunes. They are all connected by three dunes and a long white sand beach, lined with casuarina trees and thorny bushes, forming a corner of this area's paradise. Overnight at the Grand Hotel, Antsiranana (Full Board Basis) Sun 6 Oct Today we fly back to Antananarivo with Air Madagascar the scheduled time for this flight will be confirmed closer to departure. Overnight at Le Louvre Hotel, Antananarivo. (B&B basis) Mon 7 Oct Late this morning we transfer to the airport to join our South African Airlink flight (SA8253) which departs at 3.00pm for Johannesburg. We arrive into Johannesburg at 5.40pm. After clearing Customs & Immigration we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight at Peermont Metcourt Suites, Johannesburg. (B&B basis) Tue 8 Oct Today is free until around 5.00pm when we need to check-in for our Qantas flight back to Australia. You must check-out of your rooms by 10:00am, but luggage can be stored in the hotel and collected later in the day. This will allow time for a guided tour of parts of Jo burg, visit Sandton City for a little shopping, or just relaxing before the flight. (These are optional tours and not included, but can be easily arranged for you) The Qantas flight (QF64) departs at 7:10pm. Wed 9 Oct We arrive back into Sydney at 3:00pm.
Madagascar September 2019 The cost of this tour is made up of two components: (1) International Airfares Between now and the time of travel all airlines will release special fares, and it is our intention to offer these as/when they become available. Our estimate is that the economy airfares (Sydney-Johannesburg-Anatanarivo Return) will total between $2,900 (which is an instant purchase version available from time to time) or, from $3,600 being the standard economy fare (including airline taxes and charges). (2) Tour cost. We are quoting this tour in US Dollars. The tour price will be converted from US Dollars to Australian Dollars at the current NAB Selling Rate on the day of your final payment. Base Tour: US $7,285.00 per person sharing. Total Tour: US $9,935.00 per person sharing (includes Northern Madagascar Extension): (A single supplement applies for sole use of a room: Base Tour = $1,750.00 Total Tour = $2,230.00) The costs of the tour includes:- The complete tour as per the itinerary All Domestic Airfares (within Madagascar which are included in the Tour price) ** All Domestic Airport and Airline taxes & charges ** Meals as specified All meals during the Madagascar tour, except in Antananarivo which is breakfast only. Johannesburg includes breakfast only. The cost does not include: International Airfares identified above in component 1. Madagascar Visa Travel Insurance (we have special discounted offers for this tour) Any expenses of a personal nature (such as laundry, phone calls, personal tipping etc.) Meals, not specified as included in the itinerary Any drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) Any optional tours Johannesburg ** Please note: Airfares within Madagascar may vary prior to the time of travel and we will need to pass on to you any airfare variations from Air Madagascar. We reserve the right to vary the day-by-day schedules of this tour, especially as it relies upon Air Madagascar timetables (not yet announced).