Penguin Travel

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.

Departure dates:
08 October 2010

Price with flight ticket:   2550 EUR

Additional price information:   Price is incl. flight from London to Antananarivo via Nairobi.

Price without flight ticket:    1590 EUR

Itinerary:
 

Day 1. Departure from Europe.
Day 2. Arriving at Ivato Airport and transfer to Hotel Les Trois Metis*** for overnight.
Day 3. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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 13-14. Days at leisure in Anakao. Optional trip to Tsimanapetsotsa Lake National Park.
Day 15. Transfer back to Tulear. Free time for shopping in Tulear. Transfer to the airport and flight back to Antananarivo. IC Hotel ***.
Day 16: Transfer to airport. Departure.

 Price of extra services:   Single supplement 390 euro.

Included in the price:   All transfers and internal flights, all entrance fees as per itinerary, English speaking local guide,  2 nights on BB (bed and breakfast) in Antananarivo,  and 12 nights 3*** and 4**** hotels  on HB (breakfast and dinner), flight ticket Tulear-Antananarivo.

Not included:   drinks, meals as per itinerary, personal expenses, tips, visa (65 EUR);

Practical information:    All European Union citizens can obtain their visa upon arrival at Ivato Airport (65 Euro). There is no need of photographs.

Tour highlights:   Ranomafana National Park– it is the flagship conservation project for Madagascar. Local communities play a significant role in the environmental protection activities. It is mountains covered by tropical forest, famous for its wide variety of orchids. There are 320 rainy days in Ranomafana NP. On the day trip you are most likely to see red-fronted brown lemur, grey bamboo lemur and the rarer red-bellied lemur. The night walk is very productive and gives the best opportunities for spotting striped civet and cute mouse lemur. Anja (Anjaha) Park – The reserve covers 8 ha and is inhabited by more than 200 ring-tailed lemurs. The landscape is scenic. The flora is adapted for the dry southern climate. The region is sacred to the Betsileo;

Tour difficulty:   A 

No special experience is needed; everyone who is in condition to cope with long Saturday walks in the forest can also cope with these tours. As a rule, the trips are short and at a low altitude. Often, it is your choice to join or skip a day-tour. The routes follow a hilly terrain without steep ascents and descents. Normally we walk 3/5h a day.

Group Size:   min. 10

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