Where to see Madagascar’s Weird and Wonderful Wildlife

Rainbow Tours’ travel specialist and  naturalist, Derek Schuurman, has teamed up with some accomplished wildlife photographer friends to present an overview of Madagascar’s strangest and most sought-after life forms, regularly found  on the lists of visiting nature enthusiasts. Here are their top ten and where you can see them on our Madagascar holidays.

Aye Aye, photograph by Daniel Austin

The ‘gremlin’ of Madagascar’s forests and largest of all nocturnal primates, the Aye-aye essentially fills the niche occupied on continents by woodpeckers. It is arguably the only primate known to use echolocation in search of food. Although the size of an overgrown house cat, it is difficult to spot in the wild, so the best place in which to see it is by prior arrangement at the nocturnal animal house in the national zoological gardens in Antananarivo.

Spear-nosed or Twig-mimic snake

The rarely seen Spear-nosed or Twig-mimic snakes of the genus Langaha are among the island’s most remarkable reptiles. Males tend to have a spear-shaped nasal appendage, while females sport the extraordinary, fan-shaped nasal extensions. Langaha alluaudi and Langaha pseudoalluaudi are very seldom encountered so Hilary Bradt was extremely fortunate to photograph this one during a walk in the dry deciduous forest at Anjajavy. Our Madagascar Made Easy tour visits the protected lemur-rich rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (Perinet) and the deciduous dry forest of Anjajavy.

Leaf-tailed gecko

A favourite with visiting wildlife enthusiasts are the Leaf-tailed geckos (genus Uroplatus), some of which mimic dead leaves while others are bark mimics. The Satanic leaf-tailed gecko, Uroplatus phantasticus, above, is the best known of the dead leaf mimics.  Below is the Fringed gecko, Uroplatus fimbriatus. Both species can be seen in protected rainforests such as Andasibe-Mantadia (‘Perinet’) which is visited on our Madagascar Reefs & Rainforests tour. Those travelling along the RN7 will visit the Ranomafana National Park, where the Fringed gecko was photographed, on our Classic Madagascar Overland: the RN7 Route tour.

Leaftailed gecko, photograph by Rainbow Tours client Chris Gurr

Giant jumping rat

Confined to a narrow range near Morondava, the endangered, hare-sized Giant jumping rat is Madagascar’s largest endemic rodent. In summer months, lucky visitors may see it hopping around like a little wallaby in the baobab forest of Kirindy. Fortunately the species is breeding well at the Jersey Zoo as one of the subjects of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust’s SAFE projects (Saving Species from Extinction). Kirindy is included in some of our set departures such as our Madagascar Wildlife Discovery Tour and we regularly arrange for individual travellers to visit this fascinating place.

Highland streaked tenrec

Tenrecs are primitive insectivores on Madagascar which fill the niches occupied by shrews, hedgehogs, voles and even desmans. The Highland streaked tenrec (above) can be seen in Andringitra National Park which can be included in itineraries such as out Classic Madagascar Overland: the RN7 Route.

Painted burrowing frog

Madagascar boasts an incredibly diverse frog fauna, with well over 300 species described to date and many more awaiting formal classification. The clown of Malagasy amphibians, the brightly coloured Painted-burrowing frog, inhabits the sandstone formations of Isalo National Park and emerges briefly following rains in the austral summer. Isalo National Park is now Madagascar’s most  visited state-run protected area and is part of our popular RN7 Classic Madagascar Overland itinerary.

Schlegel's asity

The four members of the endemic Asity family are among Madagascar’s most interesting birds. During the breeding season, males develop near-fluorescent blue and green facial caruncles and are among the few birds to exhibit lek breeding behaviour. This rare photo of a Schlegel’s asity was taken by Callan Cohen in Ankarafantsika National Park (‘Ampijoroa’), the best known ‘stakeout’ for the species. The park is included in our popular Lemurs of Madagascar individual tour.

Fosa, Kirindy Forest

Largest of the island’s carnivores, the fosa is a formidable predator of lemurs and resembles a small, elongated puma. The best place in which to see it is Kirindy Forest, where some individuals loiter around the rubbish pit and cooking area at the campsite. You can hope to spot a fosa on our Madagascar Wildlife Discovery Tour.

Flatid leaf bug

Flatid leaf bugs adults (red) and nymphs (white). The nymphs excrete the white, waxy substance which grows into feathery shapes as a form of protection. They are commonly seen in some of the western and southern forests, notably Berenty Private Reserve, Ankarafantsika and Anjajavy both of which are on our Lemurs of Madagascar individual tour.

Thanks to Hilary and Daniel for the use of their photographs.

Discover Costa Rica’s Flora & Fauna

I’m just back from two weeks in Costa Rica and loved every minute of my trip. If you adore lush, beautiful scenery and the bountiful wildlife that lives within it, this is an inspirational destination, especially given the country’s determination to protect its natural heritage through eco-conscious development. The infrastructure is good which makes it easy to visit many of the national parks, and if you want to really get away from it all, the extra effort to reach the Corcovada Peninsula is well worth it. I found the Costa Ricans to be so welcoming and friendly, which really helped to make this a very special holiday. These are just some of the places I visited and the wildlife I spotted along the way.

Upon arrival into San Jose International Airport we were welcomed into this tremendous country by the warm smile of the Costa Ricans, or Ticos, as they call themselves. They are genuinely proud of their slice of paradise, and after spending two weeks travelling around Costa Rica I can understand why. We started our journey like most, in the capital, San Jose. Instead of staying in the city we opted to stay on the outskirts in Santa Barbara de Heredia.  After a short 25 minute drive from the airport we arrived at the Finca Rosa Blanca – a wonderful, artistic design property situated on an organic coffee plantation, surrounded by beautiful gardens and unforgettable views of the valley and beyond. It is definitely worth spending a couple of nights here to unwind after a long flight.

Sarah at the Finca Rosa Blanca

Finca Rosa Blanca

Our next destination was Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast. The overland transfer from San Jose by road and boat took 3 hours, however the transfer is like a tour in itself. Once you have left the city behind the scenery is stunning. You drive through the Braulio Carrillo National Park before reaching the lowlands of Limon, with hectares of banana plantations. Once you reach Cano Blanco you transfer onto a small boat for the last leg of your scenic transfer through the waterways of Rio Tortuguero. By the time we arrived at Evergreen lodge we had already seen Sloths, Caimans, Herons and Spiders Monkeys. The lodge is situated on the banks of Lake Tortuguero and this idyllic setting makes it the perfect choice -you can relax on your porch in a rocking chair and listen to the surrounding wildlife. You never have to set an alarm clock to wake up in the morning when you can rely on the Mantled Howler Monkey cries at 5am. Their cries can be heard up to 3 miles away, making them the loudest land animal on the planet.

A sloth in Tortuguero National Park

Our 3 day, 2 night programme, included a trip to the local village, a morning walk through the national park, and – the highlight of my trip –  a cruise through the canals of Tortuguero National Park . This was undoubtedly the best way to view the scenery and wildlife. If you are travelling to Tortuguero between June-Sep – it’s turtle nesting season!

Tortuguero National Park

Leaving Tortuguero behind we set off for Corcovado, located on Costa Rica’s remote southern pacific coast. The transfer was a scenic flight with Nature Air to Palma Sur airstrip, then an exhilarating 1 hr 30 m boat ride through mangrove channels, which are home to American Crocodiles.

A scenic flight with Nature Air

American Crocodile

The Osa Peninsula is situated in the remote southern tip of Costa Rica. With mind-blowing flora, abundant wildlife and deserted beaches, this is a wildlife fanatic’s dream! You are never far from the calls of the Howler Monkeys and the sight of many rare birds, but it’s not just about what you can see on land, the Osa Peninsula is one of the best areas to dive and snorkel in Costa Rica. As part of our 4 day package at the Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge we took a boat to the Isla del Cano and just before reaching the island we were welcomed by a pod of 30 Spotted Pacific Dolphins. These graceful creatures move though the sea so beautifully, every time I encounter them my heart races with excitement. The underwater visibility was excellent – at least fifty meters allowing us to spot two white tip reef sharks, an eagle ray and lots of colourful fish.

Howler Monkey, Osa Peninsula

Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge

For anyone who is interested in visiting Corcovado National Park, I would recommend a 4 day/3 night package staying at the Casa Corcovado. This heavenly jungle lodge is a must if you love to be off the beaten track with deserted beaches and abundant wildlife as it is the closest lodge to Corcovado National Park. There are trails from the lodge that lead deep inside the primary rainforest that you must visit with a tour guide. The trees are very high, acting as a natural umbrella, which is great if it’s raining, or if you want to stay out of the sun’s strong rays.

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park

Situated 3 hours from San Jose on the Pan Pacific highway is La Fortuna, where one of Costa Rica’s active volcanos lies – Arenal. This massive volcano with its picture perfect conical shape, towers over the country’s largest lake, Laguna de Arenal. Being quite a tourist stop there are lots of activities to do around La Fortuna, we took a guided tour around the beautiful trails at the foothills of Arenal, followed by a bit of R&R at the Tabacon Hot Springs. There is free admission for those staying at the luxurious Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort Lodge.

Hot Springs at the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort Lodge

Tabacon Hot Springs at the foot of Arenal Volcano

One of my biggest highlights was the transfer between Arenal and Monteverde by boat, horse back and minibus. After a short cruise across Laguna de Arenal, where you get spectacular views of Arenal, we were met by our cowboy-come-tour guide and introduced to the horses that would be taking us along the scenic lake trails for the next 2 hours. Being a confident rider, ( I have ridden all my life in many different countries) I have experienced a few interesting – and worrying! –  horses in my time. But I was very impressed with our guide and the horses’ demeanor.

Our horses for our two hour trek to Monteverde

Monteverde is in the cloud forest and probably the best place to get a glimpse of the Resplendent Quetzal as well as hundreds of different bird species and other wildlife. If you want to experience the thrill and adrenaline of zip-lining above the tree tops on a canopy tour, this is the best place to do it. We stayed at Fonda Vela Hotel, which is a cosy and friendly family run hotel, within close proximity to Monteverde National Park. Being so close to the forest means the gardens are teaming with wildlife. We spotted a Sloth from our balcony and Agutti’s lounging on the lawns. The owner is a Canadian artist and his paintings adorn all the rooms in the hotel – you can even buy one.

A sloth in Monteverdi National Park taken at Fonda Vela Hotel

Hummingbird in Monteverde National Park

On my travels through Costa Rica I feel that I have learnt so much about the biodiversity, flora and fauna of this special place – and the efforts of the Costa Ricans to protect their small fortune. In two weeks I have encountered so much wildlife and more species of bird than I have in my whole life. You can appreciate something as small as Leaf Cutting Ants working together like soldiers to get the leaves back to their nest (maybe Costa Rica does have an army after all!), to the Howler Monkeys swinging in the high trees above in their troops. With over hundreds of different species of orchids and exotics flowers in bloom, this just adds to the beauty of this country.

If you are planning a holiday to Costa Rica it would be great to share my love and passion for this country with you, and put together your perfect itinerary.

Nature Based Tourism Part 1, Madagascar

Two of Rainbow Tours travel consultants have worked closely with conservation organisations in Africa and believe that these projects are helping to make a real difference to species survival. At the same time these efforts create jobs for local people, often in remote rural areas, where work is hard to come by. In part one Rachel Dobb tells us about her experience studying in Madagascar.

Rachel Dobb - Madagascar Travel Specialist at Rainbow Tours

Rachel Dobb on MADAGASCAR

“I lived and studied in Andasibe for nine months as part of my degree. I was working with an inspirational NGO (non-governmental organisation) called Mitsinjo, and helped with their conservation work to protect the Greater Bamboo Lemur Prolemur simus), which is found in only two of Madagascar’s national parks – Ranomafana and Andringitra. This species is classified as critically endangered on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) red list and it’s estimated that only about 300 mature individuals are left in the wild, with an estimated decline of at least 25% over the next 9 years. These numbers are shockingly low, but we were very excited as there had been sightings in unprotected areas around Torotorofotsy and Mantadia near where Mitsinjo is based.

Greater Bamboo Lemur, Ranomafana National Park

The project obtains behavioural, ecological and genetic data that is used to develop and implement large scale conservation management plans. Often, collecting this data requires long hours in the field, so our team of researchers, students and guides camped inside the National Park for months at a time, working in the early hours when the lemurs are most active. The research looks at issues such as whether unprotected areas need to be protected, what habitat features specific lemurs require and what can be done to stop the destruction of habitats that are essential to a specific lemur species. Data collection methods often rely on the use of expensive equipment like radio-tracking collars.

A stream in the primary rainforest of Ranomafana National Park, eastern Madagascar

Tourism provides vital funds to support the work of Mitsinjo and similar research projects through the entrance fees that are paid to the national parks by each visitor. The president of Mitsinjo allocates the money raised each year to worthy projects and  scientific studies. Most of these projects are locally based. As well as generating hard cash for projects, NGOs like Mitsinjo also provide jobs for local people and give the guides a sense of ownership over their local environment and a duty to protect it. Everyone at Mitsinjo has a job they wouldn’t have without tourism, and the genuine desire to protect the forest and its wildlife is clear.”

See our website for a full range of our responsible Madagascar holidays. Read about the conservation efforts hoping to protect the mountain gorillas of Uganda here.

Follow me on my journey from North to South Peru

My first taste of Latin America was in 2007 when I went on a research trip to Peru. I quickly found that the country is bursting with variety, colour, wonderful sights, welcoming people, fascinating wildlife and handsome architecture – the perfect mix for never ending photo opportunities!

I started in Lima and explored Plaza de Armas (the main square) which is flanked by the historic center, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and the magnificent City Hall. The old streets with colonial mansions and Moorish balconies are striking and incredibly beautiful. Another popular site which I didn’t get the chance to see on my last visit is Santo Domingo Convent, an icon of colonial architecture, which was completed in the late stages of the sixteenth century and has been restored recently.

Next I headed for Trujillo which is still relatively undiscovered. In Trujillo you don’t feel like you are on holiday, more as though you are on an adventure. The archaeological sites of Huaca Sol y Luna and Chan Chan are still being excavated and but are none-the-less impressive and fueled my interest in archaeology.  Another interesting place is Chiclayo, which is situated close to some further impressive archaeological sites including Tucume and the Brunning museum, which houses gold artifacts. They date from Moche times and some archaeologists consider them to be one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the world as the main tomb was found intact and untouched by thieves.

Further south I visited the Chaucilla Cemetery. This is the only archaeological site in Peru where ancient mummies can be seen in their original graves. The bodies are buried along with ancient artifacts which date back to 1000 AD. This is an eerie but incredibly fascinating insight into Peru’s history.

Another place I would recommend to anyone planning a trip to Peru is the town of Yura, the National Reserve of Salinas/ Aguada Blanca and Pampa Cañahuas. Here you can see South American camels as well as many bird species in their natural habitats. Another highlight in the Arequipa District is spotting a Condor flying free in the immense Colca Canyon. This species is the largest flying land bird in the Western hemisphere. These massive birds are so heavy that they live in windy areas, such as the Andean mountain ranges, as the wind currents here allow them to glide with little effort.

Nobody visiting Peru for the first time would want to miss out on Machu Picchu.  From the Sacred Valley I went to Aguas Calientes on the Vistadrome train. The Vistadome has panoramic windows that give you a superb view of landscape and great photographic opportunities. I then took the bus up to the ruins of Machu Picchu for a guided tour with time to explore on my own. The site was much larger than I expected but just as awe-inspiring. I returned by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes a lively market town that has grown up around the railway. This is a great place to get to meet the locals and see their way of life firsthand.

If you have time, our Complete Peru – North to South takes in many of these highlights and is a fabulous trip if you want to see as much as possible on a Peru holiday.

A celebration of the Panama hat

Our guest blogger Alberto Santin celebrates UNESCO declaring that the art of weaving a Panama hat in Ecuador would be added to their list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is a term used for when knowledge, traditions and rituals which make up the everyday life of a community are passed down through generations and form an inherent part of their culture and Individuality. Other forms of cultural expression which have already received this title include Spanish Flamenco and Chinese acupuncture.

Alberto Santin

The sombrero de paja toquilla or ‘Panama hat’ as it’s incorrectly known is in fact an Ecuadorian creation. It was widely worn in the coastal regions of Ecuador but nowadays it’s mainly produced for export. The best hats are made by hand in Montecristi, a fishing village located in Manabi province. The quality of the sombrero is measured by the number of fibres – with more fibres meaning more flexibility. This is why you can roll the hat and put it in your back pocket without damaging it. It also goes without saying that the finest hats can be very expensive and cost up to £1500.

The hat is woven from palm leaves

The hats are made from the leaves of a small palm called Toquilla. This palm grows in abundance around the Ecuadorian coast near rivers and lakes and when the Spanish conquistadores arrived in Ecuador they saw the indigenous wearing head pieces made of this material. These early hats looked like helmets rather than the European appearance we now know and love. The Toquilla hat reached international notoriety when during the construction of the Panama Canal vast numbers were shipped to be worn by the workers and it was there that President Roosevelt was photographed wearing one during a visit to the building site.

The Toquilla plant

From then on the Ecuadorian hat became fashionable. Anyone who was someone wanted to have one and amongst the famous who have being photographed sporting it are: Prince Harry, Prince Charles, Humphrey Bogart, Gary Cooper, Winston Churchill, Barak Obama, Madonna, Daniel Craig and Harry Truman.

Panama hats are sold in markets across Ecuador

On Ecuador holidays you can pick up your own hat and learn more about this countries rich cultural heritage. I personally believe donning blue jeans, a white shirt and an Ecuadorian hat is a timeless look!

Discover Chile With These Inspirational Films

Tierra Patagonia is situated in the South of Chile on the eastern area of the Torres del Paine National Park. The hotel only opened in 2012 and offers 40 well-appointed guest rooms.

Tierra Patagonia beautifully overlooks the Lake Sarmiento which can be seen from all the rooms. There is a living room, bar, presentation room, television room, dining room and wireless in the public areas. After a day of excursions such as trekking, mountain hikes and horseback riding, guests can relax in the outdoor Jacuzzi, indoor swimming pool, sauna and Uma Spa. The guides at the hotel will even take you to the less visited areas of this beautiful national park.

Tierra Atacama is one of a new generation of boutique lodges in the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama.

Tierra Atacama has two family suites and 30 rooms, all of which are spacious and extremely comfortable. Rooms are furnished in a minimalist style but with materials sourced from the local area. The public areas of the hotel include a lounge, bar, restaurant, swimming pool and a multi-treatment spa. With so much to see surrounding San Pedro, the hotel organises many excursions by van, mountain-bike or horseback to explore the local villages and natural landscapes.

What’s so special about the Shoebill?

Singled out in the latest Attenborough programme, Africa, the Shoebill (Baleiniceps rex) looks like an extraordinary throwback to prehistoric times. Fitting in somewhere between pelicans and storks on the taxonomic tree, the Shoebill is an inhabitant of Central and East Africa’s swamplands, standing at almost 5ft (152 cm) with a wing span of over 8ft (260 cm). It’s one of the most sought-after birds on people’s ‘must-see lists’, appealing not only to birders but anyone fascinated by Africa’s incredible wildlife. It’s really up there with seeing wild chimpanzees and the Mountain gorillas made famous by the work of Dian Fossey, and it never fails to leave a lasting impression on those who see it.

Shoebill, Lake Opeta, Uganda

The Shoebill is generally a solitary creature, only breaking this pattern in order to breed or if food is scarce. Both parents incubate the eggs and tend to the chicks, with females contributing slightly more. Inter-sibling rivalry is thought to be the reason for only one chick ever fledging. It tends to frequent shallow, oxygen-starved waters where fish surface more often to breathe. Its formidable, shoe-shaped beak is adapted for dealing with its favoured prey – catfish and African lungfish. An ambush predator, the speed and force of its attack is awe-inspiring, as the Shoebill quickly seizes and crushes its tough, slippery prey.

This giant bird is fiercely territorial and mostly silent: when it does vocalise, it sounds rather like a mooing cow or whining human. More often though, it performs bill-clattering displays.

With a global population of only 8,000 and officially classed as ‘vulnerable’, the Shoebill is fairly scarce through most of its range and can be found in a number of Uganda’s swamps including those in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park and the Lake Edward Flats in Queen Elizabeth National Park. But the most accessible place to seek it out, Mabamba Wetland, is only a 40 minute drive from Entebbe. A short (1 ½ hour) canoe trip into this papyrus swamp can be incorporated into most Uganda holidays, and it is something we would highly recommend.

Bountiful Botswana from Chobe to the Kalahari [PICS]

Botswana is wildlife heaven and really is a top safari destination. The Okavango Delta is out of this world, so lush with crystal clear streams, all the more incredible as it flows through the desert. The house boat on the Zambezi was a fabulous way to watch all the river activity as animals come to drink. Don’t miss the Kalahari if time allows as these vast flatlands are breeding grounds for huge flocks of birds and attract thousands of zebra in the Spring.

With an estimated population of 70,000 elephants, Chobe National Park is the perfect place to visit if you want to see the largest land mammals on the planet.

Traditionally a means of transport for the locals, a mokoro is the perfect way to experience the tranquil Okavango Delta. The mokoro allows you to gently glide through the Delta and is perfect for birding and finding the smaller creatures while on your Botswana safari.

2 young male lions had claimed territory from an older male. The young male must then mate with the lioness which can happen 20 – 40 times a day and only lasts about 15 – 20 seconds.

Wild dog are endangered species. I was fortunate to see 3 different packs at Vumbura Plains, Selinda and Chobe National Park. It is amazing how the whole pack start to wake with the pups first and then the older dogs waking slowly over about 30 – 60 minutes.

Impala are also known as the McDonalds of the bush. The rutting or mating season begins in April/May at the beginning of the wet season. The young are usually born 6 or 7 months later but more specifically as the first rains fall in October or November. The female has the ability to delay giving birth until the rains begin.

As terrifying as light aircrafts are to some people you cannot argue that this is the best views of the Delta. You can also choose to do a helicopter trip from certain camps in Botswana.