Meals

Bed and Breakfast the whole trip Half Board on day 2, 16 & 17 Full Board on day 3-15

Others

Anja Park excursion (Lunch, entry and guide) All hikes in Andringitra (Lunch, entry and guide) Isalo National Park hikes (Lunch, entry and guide) Zombitse Vohibasia Park visit (Lunch, entry and guide) Honko visit (Lunch, entry and guide)

Transport

All airport/hotel transfers Bus with driver and Fuel included the whole trip

Accommodation

All accommodation is included

Not included:

Others

Visa Drinks Tips Health insurances Personal expenses Flights

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Day 1 Day 1: Arrival In Antananarivo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrival In Antananarivo

Landing at Ivato airport in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. Welcome or ‘tonga soa’! Our driver will bring you to your hotel near the airport to relax and have dinner. Along the road and near the hotel, you can enjoy the vast views of the characteristic rice paddies of the high plateau right away! Your journey already begins! - Visa and money exchange upon arrival at the airport - Shuttle from airport to hotel - Overnight at Bois Vert or similar
Day 2 Day 2: Antananarvio - Andasibe (B, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Antananarvio - Andasibe (B, D)

Today we visit the Andasibe area, with Mitsinjo; a local association that takes an integrated approach to conservation in close collaboration with the local communities. They will take you on an afternoon walk in the moist mountain Anamalazaotra forest, an independently managed protected area. This forest is home to seven groups of the indri. The indri is currently the largest living lemur species on the island with a very unique call. After the forest, we will visit Mitsinjo’s amphibian captive breeding centre which is part of the national amphibian conservation strategy to tackle a global fungal disease. If you like, in the evening, you can attempt your luck and go on a short night walk to find mouse lemurs, frogs, chameleons, and geckos who become active after sunset. - Transport Antananarivo – Andasibe (3.5 hours) - Overnight at Eulophiella or similar
Day 3 Day 3: Andasibe (B, L, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Andasibe (B, L, D)

After a wake-up call by the indri and a nice breakfast, we will do a guided morning visit in the montane rainforest of Andasibe National Park. After a picnic lunch, we will go across the road into the Analamazaotra forest station to look for more biodiversity. After dinner you can attempt on a short night walk to find the nocturnal mouse lemurs and frogs, as well as sleeping chameleons, and leaf-tailed geckos in the vegetation - Guided visit Andasibe National Park and Analamazaotra forest station - Picnic lunch - Overnight at Eulophiella or similar
Day 4 Day 4: Andasibe - Antsirabe (B,L,D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Andasibe - Antsirabe (B,L,D)

Today, we have a long but very colorful journey ahead of us along the National Road 7. First, we will return from the eastern montane rainforest over a winding road to the rice fields of Antananarivo. Southwards from the capital we cross the typical highlands with the small terra-cotta style houses, rice fields in terraces and hills. We make our way to the Malagasy capital of rickshaw in Antsirabe with its colorful markets full of fruits and vegetables, where we will have dinner and spend the night. - Transport Andasibe - Antsirabe - Lunch at Au Rendez-Vous des pecheurs in Ambatolampy - Overnight at Vatolahy or similar
Day 5 Day 5: Ranomafana - Talatakely (B, L, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Ranomafana - Talatakely (B, L, D)

Another long ride today. First we will pass Ambositra. Ambositra is famous for its Zafimaniry wood sculptures where we will make a short stop. The final stretch of the road will take us to Ranomafana, known in the old days for its hot springs, but in the last 2 decades it is more renowned for its 40,000 ha national park of mid-altitude rainforest with an incredible and unrivaled diversity of endemic fauna and flora. There are 12 lemur-, 115 bird-, 58 reptile-, 98 amphibian-, 90 butterfly- and over 200 spider species to discover along with lush plant diversity to admire. No wonder that in 2007 Ranomafana was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we are hosted by Centre ValBio (CVB), a unique research and conservation center that works in close collaboration with Madagascar National Park for over 26 years. CVB facilitates research and manages numerous projects including development, reforestation and biodiversity monitoring. Their main aim is to improve the health and well-being of Malagasy people while safeguarding the surrounding ecosystem and its biodiversity. - Transport Antsirabe – Ranomafana (5-6 hours) - Picnic lunch - Short hike mid afternoon Vohiparara - Overnight at Ny Tanana hotel or similar
Day 6 Day 6: Ranomafana (B, L, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Ranomafana (B, L, D)

Today we will do the 4-hour Varibolomena circuit in Talatakely, the secondary forest close to the research station. This forest has lots of bamboo and the invasive guava species, but nevertheless is a prime habitat for 3 bamboo lemur species, red-fronted lemur, red-bellied lemur and Milne Edward’s sifaka, as well as numerous birds and hopefully we can also find the peculiar giraffe-necked weevil. We will visit the ValBio Research Centre to hear more about the ongoing projects and after dinner attend a presentation of a resident scientist. - Guided hike Varibolomena circuit in Talatakely - Visit to ValBio Research Centre - Picnic lunch - Overnight at Ny Tanana Hotel
Day 7 Day 7: Ranomafana (B, L, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Ranomafana (B, L, D)

Today is reserved for a more strenuous 15 km hike to explore the Varijatsy primary forest with characteristic plants, lemurs, the black and white ruffed lemurs, as well as other animals. We might be accompanied by leeches for part of the trail, but the challenge is well worth it. We will be treated to a lush plant life, take a swim in a natural pool and enjoy beautiful scenery. - Guided hike Varijatsy 15 km trail - Picnic lunch - Overnight at Ny Tanana Hotel
Day 8 Day 8: Ranomafana - Andringitra (B, L, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Ranomafana - Andringitra (B, L, D)

Early in the morning we will drive onto our next destination, Andringitra, home of the spirits. On the way we will pass by Fianarantsoa, the Betsileo capital with its 1001 churches. Our main visit of this morning is the Anja community reserve, a 30 ha private reserve. The reserve was created in 2001 by the local community, and to provide additional income and local employment. This community-run model really works well and nicely demonstrates how conservation tourism supports sustainable livelihood with benefits for both biodiversity and the people. The reserve is home to the highest concentration of ring-tailed lemurs. The lemurs live in the sheltered forest surrounded by large boulders The road towards Andringitra National Park sets the scene as the magnificent granite landscape becomes visible on the horizon. This is one of Madagascar best kept secrets with only 1000 visitors per year, managed by Madagascar National Parks. The park offers some of the most scenic trekking in Madagascar. We lodge at the comfortable tented Tsara Camp in the middle of the Tsaranoro valley of dreams with spectacular views on the mountain range marking the beginning of Andringitra National Park. An experience you will never forget! - Transport Ranomafana – Andringitra (4 hours) - Guided visit and lunch in Anja community reserve - Overnight at Tsara Camp or similar.
Day 9 Day 9-10: Andringitra (B, L, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9-10: Andringitra (B, L, D)

The Diavolana circuit is a strenuous yet rewarding full-day hike (10h) that will take us through wild meadows of flowers, and orchids to a lunar landscape with blocks of granite with amazing shapes and lichen carpets everywhere. It is a land made of narrow valleys, high cliffs, streams and waterfalls. The pace of walking is peaceful, but you must be ready to walk hilly tracks, steep slopes, and some harder but non-technical passages. At the highest point, 2100m, there’s a rock slab that serves as a convenient picnic spot and offers an excellent viewing point to spot the ring-tailed lemurs on the opposite cliffs, who have adapted to living in this high-altitude colder habitat. There is the alternative to do the half-day circuit Asaramanitra instead which gives you a good flavor on the peculiar granite landscape as well. Both hikes include the sacred queen and king waterfalls, which tumble 300 m down the escarpment. On the second day we will select a shorter exploratory walk to discover the floral diversity, swim in a natural pool or just wander around and shoot images in the granite topped savannah in the Tsaranoro valley. Or you can just relax in the Tsara campsite surroundings. We continue our journey at lunch time and have picnic on the bus while driving southwards to Ranohira. - Guided hikes on both days in Andringitra - Picnic lunch - Transport Andringitra - Ranohira (4-5 hours) - Overnight at Tsara Camp or similar in Andringitra - Overnight at Rock Lodge in Ranohira
Day 10 Day 11: Ranohira (B, L, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Ranohira (B, L, D)

Today we will visit the Isalo National Park, covering 80.000 hectares consisting of sandstone rocks cut by deep canyons and eroded into weird shapes. In these canyons local wildlife inhabits the gallery forests that form corridors along small streams. After a BBQ picnic lunch, we can walk short but scenic Namaza trail along another canyon or go to the magnificent natural swimming pool where you can relax and take a refreshing swim. Around sunset we will visit the Soa Zara tree planting project, run by a local association to restore forests beyond park limits and to provide energy resources for the local population. - BBQ picnic lunch - Guided day visit in Isalo National Park - Visit the Soa Zara forest planting project - Overnight at Rock Lodge or similar.
Day 11 Day 12: Zombitse Vohibasia National Park - Tulear (B, L, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Zombitse Vohibasia National Park - Tulear (B, L, D)

We take an early start today and leave Ranohira to get some morning hours in the Zombitse Vohibasia National Park, a birders paradise. The baobabs along the road indicate we are entering a much drier area. Zombitse Vohibasia is an isolated pocked of transitional forest between the Western and Southern Domains, that was saved from severe deforestation. The surrounding area is a denuded semi-desert landscape following slash and burn agricultural practices. Nevertheless, this relic forest shelters an astounding 90 recorded bird species, of which 38 species are endemic based on which this location qualifies as an Important Bird Area. We stop here for a 2-3 hour easy hike to explore its richness and look for endemic species. After our picnic lunch we continue to the city of Tulear where you will have the rest of the afternoon free to relax or explore the city. - Transport Ranohira – Zombitse ( 1.30 hours) - Guided visit Zombitse Vohibasia National Park - Picnic lunch - Transport Zombitse-Tulear ( 2.30 hours) - Overnight at Hyppocampo in Tulear
Day 12 Day 13-15: Anakao - Tsimanampetsotsa - Nosy Ve (B, L, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13-15: Anakao - Tsimanampetsotsa - Nosy Ve (B, L, D)

On day 13 we leave Tulear by boat and go southwards to the Lalandaka Ecolodge, a haven of tranquillity, white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, where you have the rest of the day to enjoy daily scenes of vezo canoes sailing by, enjoy sunset, go for a swim, organise a dive, visit the fisherman’s village or go for a stroll along the beach. We start day 14 really early to avoid the heat and drive southwards to Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, part of the spiny desert of southern Madagacsar. Spiny forest is known for it very high level of endemic plant species and considered one of the most important ecosystems worldwide due to its uniqueness. There are even endemic plant families, such as the Didiereaceae, but the park is also home to the endemic radiated tortoise and Grandidier’s mongoose. The park is named after its lake, registered as a RAMSAR wetland of international importance; which is an important breeding and feeding area for flamingos. After a picnic lunch we return back to the lodge. On day 15, if weather conditions allow, we will do a half-day excursion to the small island of Nosy Ve. It is home to the only breeding colony of red-tailed tropicbirds on Madagascar. These white seabirds are like angels of the sky and very photogenic.The tiny island is also surrounded by beautiful coral reefs where we will snorkel. We will enjoy a picnic on the beach before heading back to the Ecolodge. - Boat tour Tulear - Anakao - Return drive Anakao - Tsimanampetsosa ( 4 hours) - Guided visit Tsimanampetsotsa with picnic lunch - Boat tour Anakao - Nosy Ve - Nosy Ve excursion, mask and snorkel included - Overnight at Ecolodge Lalandaka
Day 13 Day 16-17: Anakao - Tulear - Mangily (B, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16-17: Anakao - Tulear - Mangily (B, D)

On day 16, we take an early boat trip back to Tulear, from where we drive northwards to Mangily, Ifaty. Along the way we visit the Honko Community-Based Mangrove Reserve, an important wetland and mangrove area. We go on a 2-hour guided tour to observe the mangrove species and several rare birds. We continue our journey up along the coast and stop in Mangily, our final destination. You have the afternoon and the following day free to visit Reniala to see more spiny forest, or the Turtle Village, a sanctuary for land turtles or go sailing with a Vezo cano, or just relax, swim or read a book. - Boat trip Anakao - Tulear (1-1,5 hours) - Transport Tulear - Honko - Ifaty (1,5 hours) - Guided visit Honko Mangrove - OVernight at Solidaire Mangily
Day 14 Day 18: Tulear - Antananarivo (B, D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Tulear - Antananarivo (B, D)

Today, depending on your inland flight schedule, you will be transferred back to the airport of Tulear. There, you will take your return flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival in the capital, you will be transferred to a hotel near the airport for a day-use. Afterwards, you will be taken to the international Ivato airport and will leave Madagascar with, hopefully, some unforgettable memories! - Day use at Bois Vert & goodbye dinner

+11

14 days tour

Biodiversity Exploration On The Eight Continent - Madagasca

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Itinerary of your trip Biodiversity Exploration On The Eight Continent - Madagasca

Day 1: Arrival In Antananarivo

Day 2: Antananarvio - Andasibe (B, D)

Day 3: Andasibe (B, L, D)

Day 4: Andasibe - Antsirabe (B,L,D)

Day 5: Ranomafana - Talatakely (B, L, D)

Day 6: Ranomafana (B, L, D)

Day 7: Ranomafana (B, L, D)

Day 8: Ranomafana - Andringitra (B, L, D)

Day 9-10: Andringitra (B, L, D)

Day 11: Ranohira (B, L, D)

Day 12: Zombitse Vohibasia National Park - Tulear (B, L, D)

Day 13-15: Anakao - Tsimanampetsotsa - Nosy Ve (B, L, D)

Day 16-17: Anakao - Tulear - Mangily (B, D)

Day 18: Tulear - Antananarivo (B, D)

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