Itinerary Highlights
- Indri, Parson's chameleon, Blue coua and other flagship species of the east Malagasy rainforests at Andasibe-Mantadia
- Critically Endangered Coquerel's sifakas, Madagascar fish eagles marvellous Baobabs at Anjajavy
- Superb accommodation and exceptional hospitality at remote Anjajavy
- Rest and relaxing time at Anjajavy's sunny beaches
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Travel Guide
- Transfers
12 nights from £6,750 - £7,675 per person
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
Discerning travellers who don't have too much time available and who would like to get a feel for Madagascar's marvellous contrasts, will enjoy this sample itinerary,which can be modified to suit individual requirements.
Begin with a rainforest sojourn to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park in the humid Eastern escarpment. Here, seek rare rainforest wildlife with your guides, who will point out flagship species such as Indri, Parson's chameleon, Mossy leaf-tailed gecko and Giraffe-necked weevil, among many others.
Then travel by light aircraft to the opposite side of the island, where you spend a few nights at remote and secluded Anjajavy, the country's only Relais & Chateaux property. Here you'll be able to explore an impressive example of tropical dry deciduous forest and seek rare wildife including Coquerel's sifaka, Coquerel's coua and Angel's chameleon. Anjajavy is also blessed with seven sunny beaches, where guests can relax inbetween partaking in actiivities and excursions on offer.
The itinerary can be done from the end of April through to end of December and guests choosing it, will be able to sample many of Madagascar's icons, such as Lemurs (many and varied); Chameleons; Baobabs; Beach and even some 'tsingy'-like limestone formations. You will also be able to observe fairly closely, a host of endemic species classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangered - in Andasibe those include Indri and Diademed sifaka, while at Anjajavy, iconic species such as Coquerel's sifaka and Madagascar fish eagle, always impress guests.
In all, this is a wonderful trip and as its title implies, one which makes for a straightforward and enjoyable break.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival into Antananarivo
On arrival into Antananarivo off your international flight (this sample itinerary is based on Kenya Airways flights*** from/to London Heathrow), you will be met and transferred to Relais des Plateaux, conveniently located just 5 - 10 minutes drive from the airport. Overnight at the hotel with breakfast included.
*** If you prefer to fly on another carrier such Ethiopian Airlines, Air France, Airlink or Air Mauritius, let us know and we'll be pleased to quote accordingly.
Day 2 Antananarivo - Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (drive)
This morning you will be met by your private, English-speaking guide and driver. Travel in your comfortable, private, air-conditioned 4-wheel drive vehicle through Merina villages, past rice paddy fields to the rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park - the journey takes about 5 hours (December 2022 update).
Stay 3 nights at Mantadia Lodge OR Vakona Forest Lodge, with dinner, breakfast all guided day and night walks included.
Your guide will take you on an introductory walk in the forest, home to the Indri, the largest surviving lemur. Many other lemur species, a host of rainforest-dependent birds, reptiles and frogs dwell in this magnificent rainforest.
Day 3 Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Full day to explore the wonders of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (Perinet) where most of the trails are graded as 'easy'. As most of the diurnal wildlife is really active in the early mornings, we recommend you start with an early breakfast, after which your guide will lead you into the rainforest, which, like all Malagasy protected areas, is explored on foot.
In the evening, you will be taken into the rainforest concession managed by proactive NGO Association Mitsinjo, to seek the nocturnal species, among them the Eastern woolly lemur, Weasel sportive lemur, Furry-eared dwarf lemur and Goodman's mouse lemur. This is also the best time to spot the area's abundant chameleons and tree frogs - Andasibe holds a world record of frog species when it comes to forests of comparable size. (More than 100 species).
Day 4 Maromizaha Rainforest Reserve OR Mantadia National Park
Today your guides will take you to explore some beautiful mid-altitude montane rainforest EITHER in the 10,000 ha Maromizaha Experimental Reserve, OR in the equally sized Mantadia National Park (if the latter is accessible).
Both these rainforest sites hold a select band of rare mammals and birds. These include Diademed sifaka, vociferous Black & white ruffed lemurs, Red-bellied lemurs and wonderful birds, notably Pitta-like ground-roller and Velvet asity. Please note that the trails here are narrower than they are in 'Perinet'/Andasibe and traverse steeper slopes so can be slippery during or after inclement weather. In the park you may see iconic 'herps' (reptiles and frogs) such as the enormous emerald Parson's chameleon and with luck, colourful Baron's mantellas.
Day 5 Andasibe-Mantadia National Park - Antananarivo (drive)
Enjoy a morning rainforest walk with your guides to catch up on species possibly missed previously, in Andasibe. Or, visit the impressive tree nursery of Association Mitsinjo where by arrangement visitors may have the opportunity to plant an endangered endemic tree as part of this NGO's commendable reforestation progamme.
In the afternoon, depart on the easy 5 hour drive along winding tarmac roads to Antananarivo. Your guide will be pleased to stop along the way so you can take photographs or visit village markets. Overnight at the very conveniently located and comfortable Relais Des Plateaux, breakfast included.
Day 6 Antananarivo - Anjajavy Le Lodge (light aircraft transfer)
You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for the scheduled light aircraft transfer to Anjajavy to stay 5 nights in a luxury air-conditioned villa on an all inclusive basis.***
Facilities include a large, sparkling pool, a variety of water-sports and mountain bikes. There are seven beautiful, deserted beaches to explore, as well as the protected dry deciduous forest - with baobabs and other interesting flora - behind the lodge, inhabited by a variety of lemurs and a wealth of birdlife.
*** Anjajavy's all-inclusive plan includes full board, non-premium drinks (hot beverages, Malagasy rum cocktails, table wine, soft drinks and sparkling mineral water during mealtimes) and snack menu, available all day.
*** Free activities: (2024 update):
Anjajavy proposes/ arranges 2 free activities per day for guests: walking excursions/trails include:
* From cove to cove
* The salt sellers path
* The crab path
* The king’s alley
* The Sakalava cave
* The tsingy enclosure
* Marobozo
* The Sakalava path
* The giant’s walk
Free water-based activities:
* Kayaks, windsurfing, catamaran and snorkelling.
* Tea time at the Oasis every afternoon from 5 :00 pm (tea, cold drinks and cakes are served)
Please note that there is a private guide supplement if free activities are booked with a specific date : 50€ / activity.
As of 2024 night walks in the forest around the lodge are 50€ per person.
Image: D Rogers Anjajavy
Day 7 Anjajavy Le Lodge
Relax at the hotel or partake in some of the land and water based activities on offer. Guided day and night walks around the reserve - which was recently expanded to 1,030 hectares with more plans in the pipeline - are really rewarding with circuits ranging from a couple of hours to a full day in duration.
The trails cover flat, gentle terrain.
During afternoon tea in L'Oasis - a part of the sprawling gardens - you are likely to see a variety of birds and also, Coquerel's sifakas which tend to enter the gardens daily.
Image: courtesy of Anjajavy
Day 8 Anjajavy Le Lodge
Continue your exploration of this remote forested peninsula, accessible only by means of light aircraft. While there are no reefs here, snorkelling is good around the strongly eroded, limestone islets in Moramba Bay, which we highly recommend as a day trip.
Anjajavy's highlights include the critically endangered Madagascar fish eagle (photo courtesy Anjajavy), which breeds in the area.
Day 9 Anjajavy Le Lodge
Enjoy remote and secluded Anjajavy, the perfect location for honeymoons and family holidays alike. It is one of a small handful of sites in the country which offer the rare combination of high quality accommodation with both the wildlife and beach aspect. While biologists have created reasonably complete inventories of the local flora and fauna, new surprises will undoubtedly crop up as is always the case in Madagascar.
Image of Baobabs at Moramba Bay by Louise Jasper/Anjajavy
Day 10 Anjajavy Le Lodge
More time to enjoy delightful Anjajavy.
In terms of its operating practice, Anjajavy is truly exemplary: the lodge has made significant contributions to improve living standards of the residents of the nearby villages, such as financing a clinic, school, education programmes and wells. Additionally, the privately protected Anjajavy Forest Reserve, has been expanded in size and provides vital habitat for a plethora of endangered species of the western Malagasy dry forest zone.
Day 11 Anjajavy - Antananarivo (light aircraft transfer)
Take the scheduled Madagascar Trans Air flight from Anjajavy to Antananarivo, where you are met and transferred to Relais des Plateaux.
If flying out early the next morning on Air France***, you will have day/evening room use.
Your guide and driver will take you sightseeing in the capital.
*** If you are flying Air France: Late evening transfer to the airport for the Air France check in.
*** Certain other carriers like Ethiopian Airlines depart Antananarivo in the afternoon, in which case you could fly out sooner if you wish
Day 12 Departure
If you are flying on Kenya Airways, depart early this morning from Antananarivo to Nairobi.
Connect with the Kenya Airways flight to London Heathrow.
*** Do contact us if you prefer to fly on other carriers servicing the Madagascar route - we will be pleased to quote accordingly.
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
12 nights from £6,750 - £7,675 per person
Itinerary Dates
Pricing
5th Jan 2024 -
30th Jan 2024
30th Jan 2024
1st Jul 2024 -
4th Jan 2025
4th Jan 2025
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
* Return international Kenya Airways flights (economy class seating) from London to Antananarivo via Nairobi
* Scheduled internal Madagascar Trans Air flights from Antananarivo to Anjajavy return;
* Departure taxes
* All private transfers and private 4WD land transport
* Services of a professional English-speaking Malagasy guide for Antananarivo and Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
* Entry permits and park guide fees
* Excursions and activities as outlined.
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
* Items of a personal nature
* Drinks, gratuities and visa (€18)
Pricing Notes
Please note: this is a sample itinerary and can easily be tailored to suit your travel calendar and interests.
*** If you do not wish to use Kenya Airways for your international flights, let us know and we'll be pleased to quote on one of the other airlines servicing the Antananarivo route.
For family holidays, do call us for tailored quotes, as children can benefit from substantial discounts.
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
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