Cultural Tour: Discover the Real Madagascar

  Madagascar

Antananarivo

Description: If you're searching for a destination with tropical jungles, beautiful coastlines and bustling cities then Madagascar is definitely the place for you and this tour will take you right to the heart of it. You'll begin in Antananarivo, the country's remarkable capital, where white-washed buildings pepper the hillside and traditional market stalls pack the streets. The city is perfectly positioned to provide links to all Madagascar's most prominent attractions and you'll find yourself returning to this picturesque setting again and again.

Then you'll be whisked off to Prinet, home to the impressive Analamazaotra Special Reserve where you could have a chance to see Madagascar's most impressive species of lemur, the indri indri. Since the extinction of Madagascar's giant lemurs the indri indri has taken pride of place as the largest living lemur on the planet and travellers now come from far and wide just to see them.

Next it's off to Ranomafana where you'll spend day and night exploring another of Madagascar's famed national parks. This is a unique opportunity to observe nocturnal lemurs in their natural habitat and it promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Finally you will travel to Mahajanga, on the breathtaking north-east coast. Here you will have time to lap up the beautiful scenery as you wander through Ampijoroa National Park. In this magnificent setting you will have the chance to catch a final glimpse of Madagascar's indigenous lemur before traveling back to Antananarivo.

Highlights: Day 1: Antananarivo
You will be met at the airport and taken to your accommodation in downtown Antananarivo, close to the presidential Palace and business quarters.

Day 2: Antananarivo - Mantasoa
After breakfast at your hotel you will visit the former monarch's Prime Minister's Palace up on Tana's main hill and other sites of the city. In the late afternoon you will drive to Lake Mantasoa, 60 km to the east of Antananarivo, where you will stay for the night on a half board basis at the Domaine de l'Ermitage hotel.

Day 3: Mantasoa - Perinet (Andasibe)
After breakfast this morning you will drive to Perinet, through breathtaking Anjiro landscapes and with fantastic views over the Mandraka cliffs. Upon arrival in Perinet you will transfer to your hotel, Buffet de la Gare, where you will be staying on a half board basis.

Day 4: Perinet (Mantadia)
After breakfast this morning you will visit the National Park of Mantadia to watch for the elusive lemurs inhabiting the area. The diadem sifaka is considered the most beautiful of all lemurs and other species may be seen such as the red bellied lemur. You may also encounter birds endemic to the region such as the couas and the ground roller and you will have time to visit the native orchids garden.

The remainder of the day will be at your leisure, with accommodation on a half board basis at the hotel Buffet de la Gare.

Day 5: Perinet (Analamazaotra)
This morning you will make an early morning visit to Analamazaotra Park, the land of Indri Indri or Babakoto which are the largest living lemurs in Madagascar today.

The remainder of the day will be at your leisure, with accommodation on a half board basis at the hotel Buffet de la Gare.

Day 6: Perinet - Antananarivo
This morning you will return to Antananarivo where you will spend some time learning the Valiha, a famous Malagasy musical instrument. Later in the day you will be acquainted with malagasy cooking.

You will stay at the Radama hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 7: Antananarivo - Ranomafana.
Today you will drive southward past Antsirabe, the malagasy spa and capital city of the "pousse pousse" (rickshaws), and through the undulating landscapes of the high lands. En route you will stop at Ambositra, a Malagasy town well-known for handicrafts, particularly for woodcarvings and marquetry. After lunch in Ambositra (at your own expense) you will continue on your drive, reaching Ranomafana in the late afternoon.

Tonight you will stay at the hotel Domaine Nature on a half board basis.

Day 8: Ranomafana
After breakfast at the hotel you will spend the full day visiting the National Park of Ranomafana, the domain of the rare Bamboo lemurs which were only discovered in the late 20th century.

In the evening you have the opportunity to take an optional night safari to look for the nocturnal lemurs such as the brown lemur, white foot sportive lemur, the microcebus and the cheirogales.

Tonight you will stay at the hotel Domaine Nature on a half board basis.

Day 9: Ranomafana
Today you have the day free. You could choose to take an optional excursion to the National Park or you could take a walk around the small town.

Tonight you will stay at the hotel Domaine Nature on a half board basis.

Day 10: Ranomafana Antananarivo
Today you will drive back to Antananarivo where you will spend the night at the Radama hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 11: Antananarivo Mahajanga
After breakfast this morning you will drive to Ampijoroa National Park, 480 km north west of Antananarivo, in the region of Mahajanga (Majunga). On the way you will cross the Tampoketsa table land. You will reach the Park in the late afternoon, where you will be camping on a half board basis.

Day 12: Ampijoroa
Today you will spend the full day visiting the National Park, followed by a meal and camping in the Park.

Day 13: Ampijoroa - Antananarivo
Today you will drive back to Antananarivo where you will spend the night at the Radama hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 14: Antananarivo
Today will be your last day for shopping and souvenir hunting. You will transfer to Ivato international airport for your final departure.

Please note that this itinerary may be subject to change and is a guideline as to the timings you can expect on this tour.

Why take this tour:
This tour is ideal for nature lovers, taking you to visit four of Madagascar's national parks and giving you ample opportunity to view a wide range of Malagasy wildlife, particularly the lemur. You will spend time in Antanarivo getting an idea of the history and culture of the Malagasy people and also visit other sites of interest along the way. The whole experience will give you a real feel for both the people and the wildlife of Madagascar.

What to expect on the tour:
During this tour you will spend a lot of time travelling around Madagascar so you should be prepared for bumpy rides, many hours on the road and lots of time on your hands for conversation.

Where meals are not provided your guide will point you in the direction of good places to eat. Any knowledge you have of the French language will be a help to you during your time in Madagascar, although it is not necessary that you speak French.

Please book your flight to arrive into Antananarivo Airport (airport code TNR) on the advertised arrival date to ensure your airport pickup.

This tour is guaranteed to run with a minimum of 1 participant. Call our sales team for details of current bookings for this tour.

Cost in US$: $2,036.22

    * Airport pickup
    * Twin or triple-share accommodation as described in the itinerary
    * All relevant surface transportation by private, chauffeur driven vehicle
    * Local guide and entrance fees for all parks mentioned in the itinerary
    * Tour guide and tours described as included in the itinerary
    * Tourist taxes

Not included:

    * Flights, visas and departure taxes
    * Return airport transfer
    * Excursions not described as included above
    * Meals not included in the above itinerary
    * Vaccinations and travel insurance
    * Tipping
    * Items of a personal nature (drinks, gifts, photos etc.)

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Madagascar Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

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