Madagascar - The Lost Continent
After the split from Gondwana 160 million years ago, Madagascar has taken its own way of evolution. Existence in isolation has transformed the life on the 4th biggest island on the Earth into something unique and endemic. The itinerary route traces picturesque landscapes, enters remarkable national parks, stops at lovely towns and villages and gradually uncovers the face of Madagascar’s soul – its nature. The island is not seized by the “greedy” hands of the massive tourism and offers to small groups of tourists tranquillity, authentic experience and unspoiled beauty.
Tour highlights:
♦ Ranomafana National Park– it is the flagship conservation project for Madagascar. It is mountains covered by tropical forest, famous for its wide variety of orchids.
♦ Isalo National Park - protects 81,540 hectares of wildly eroded Jurassic sandstone massif.
♦ Perinet – Perinet is the old French name for Analamazaotra, now known as the Indri Special Reserve and part of Mantadia-Andasibe National Park.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Departure from Europe. It can be on day-2 if the arrival is the same day.
Day 2. Antananrivo (Tana)
Arriving at Ivato Airport and transfer to Hotel Tana Plaza*** for overnight. The rest of the day (depending upon arrival time) is at your own disposal.
Day 3. Tana - Perinet
After breakfast transfer to Perinet. 2/3 of the global species of chameleons can be seen in Madagascar. Visit of Peyreiras Reptile Park for observing a great variety of geckos, lizards and chameleons. Overnight in Perinet, hotel. Eulophielle Lodges***.
Day 4. Perinet
Early morning wildlife observations in the rain forest of Perinet National Park. It is the most visited protected area in Madagascar and is famous for its variety of lemurs and birds. It is the best place to see the largest Madagascar’s lemur, the Indri. Hotel Eulophiella Lodges***.
Day 5. Perinet - Atsirabe
Breakfast and departure for the town of Atsirabe. On the way stops at a local market and at a magnificent Andraikiba crater lake. Antsirabe is known as the town of rickshaws. Overnight in Antsirabe - Hotel des Thermes***.
Day 6. Atsirabe - Ranomafana
In the morning depart for the town of Ranomafana. It is an area with hot mineral springs and notable natural reserve - sheltering numerous endemic species. En route planned stops at Ambositra for observation of traditional woodcarving. Accommodation for two nights at Centre Est Hotel ***.
Day 7. Ranomafana
Guided exploration of Ranomafana National park. Colourful birds and lemurs are teeming among the trees of the primary rain forest. A night walk to observe the nocturnal wildlife in the protected area (mouse lemur and striped civette). Centre Est Hotel ***.
Day 8. Ranomafana - Isalo
Continuation to the south. Visit the village of Ambalavao en route. In the afternoon a guided walk in the mini-reserve Anja (ringtailed lemurs). Two nights Isalo National Park - Hotel Relais dela Reine ***(*).
Day 9. Isalo
Isalo NP is situated between the Isalo massif and the Horombe Plateau. A 3-hour walk through the park to Priscine Naturelle (a natural swimming pool).
Day 10. Isalo - Tuléar
Early morning a walk in Canyon des Makis (Monkey Canyon). After lunch continue to Tuléar. We will see the biggest baobab tree in the area and the famous Mahafaly tombs. Overnight at hotel Paille en Queue*** in Tulear.
Day 11. Tuléar - Anakao/Veso
Drive to the harbour and transfer by boat to the pretty Vezo fishing village on Anakao peninsula. Hotel located right at the sandy beach. 3 nights hotel Prince Anakao***.
Day 12. Veso - Nosy Ve - Veso
Half day trip in digged-out pirogue to Nosy Ve island. Nosy Ve has fine white sands and breeding colony of red-tailed tropic birds. For those who are fond of sea sports there are options for hiring snorkelling equipment. There are opportunities to dive in a coral reef.
Day 13. Anakao/Veso
Day at leisure in Anakao. Optional trip to Tsimanapetsotsa Lake National Park.
Day 14. Anakao - Tuléar - Tana
Transfer back to Tulear. Free time for shopping in Tulear. Transfer to the airport and flight back to Antananarivo.
Day 15. Departure
Departure towards Europe with arrival on the next day.
Included in the price: ► All transfers and internal flights ► 2 nights on BB (bed and breakfast) in Antananarivo, and 11 nights at 3*** hotels on HB (breakfast and dinner) ► flight ticket Tulear-Antananarivo (OW) ► all entrance fees as per itinerary ► English speaking local guide ►English speaking tour leader (with min 8 persons)
Not included: ► water ► drinks ► meals not included in the itinerary ► personal expenses ► tips ► visa (65 EUR);
Price of extra services: ► Single supplement 375 euro.
Good to know: ► Please note that from time to time due to for operational reasons our itineraries may be slightly changed (hotel accomodation or day-to-day changes) ► The tour can be arranged even with less than 8 participants but without a tour leader from Penguin Travel.
Visa: All European Union citizens can obtain their visa upon arrival at Ivato Airport (65 Euro). There is no need for photographs. NOTE: All visa information is subject to change and sometimes the information has not come to our knowledge.
Vaccinations: No special vaccinations are needed (or are obligatory) but we recommend that you make a vaccination against yellow fever as well as take malaria pills with you. If you have any doubts it is always better to check with your personal doctor well in advance.
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