Madagascar Wilderness Trek

Arrive in Antananarivo, built over twelve hills, Madagascar's capital is a blend of the old and new - Old wooden style houses, french colonial buildings and modern offices and apartments. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Antananarivo at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR) which is around 15 minutes' drive from the hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to explore independently. This once medieval capital, which is affectionately known as 'Tana', where the houses appear stacked one upon the other down the sloping hills of the highlands.

This morning we have an early start for our long journey south by charter bus via Antisarabe to Ambositra. We drive through subtropical highland, the volcanic field around Antisarabe, terraced rice paddies and village communities typical of the Malagasy highlands. We will aim to leave around 8am on day 2, drive to Antsirabe in the central highlands for lunch and then continue south west to Ambositra. On arrival we'll head into town, purchase provisions and drinks for the evening and, time permitting, see the local market and wood carving shops (Ambositra is the centre of the woodcarving tradition of Madagascar). In the evening, we will enjoy a wholesome feast of Madagascan locally prepared dishes, after which our family hosts will play music on drums and flutes and dance before we return to our hotel.

Continuing south, we drive for a further four hours to Ranomafana. Once we arrive at the park, we'll have a picnic lunch and then trek from the park entrance to the campsite in the primary rain forest keeping an eye out for local wildlife including lemurs along the way . If we are extremely lucky we will see the endangered golden bamboo and greater bamboo lemurs. It was the discovery of the rare golden bamboo lemur here that persuaded the government to create Ranomafana National Park in 1986. The terrain is hilly rainforest and the walk is mainly on unmade forest trails. We stay at a simple campsite with one long drop toilet and cold water shower. Today's moderate five kilometre walk is expected to take around three hours with 230 metres of ascent.