Madagascar: Land of Lemurs, Exotic Birds, and Rare Plants
30 September - 11 October 2007
Although Madagascar has over 1,800 miles of beautiful beaches, exceptionally good food, and offers great value for the tourist dollar, its unique flora and fauna are its greatest attraction. Among the discoveries that await the photographer :
- Lemurs: These prosimian primates are found wild only in Madagascar .
- Exotic Birds: Five families of birds are endemic to Madagascar .
- Rare Plants: Madagascar boasts one of the richest floras in the world with more than 10,000 species of vascular plants, over 80% of which are endemic to the island.
- Other Attractions: reptiles (including chameleons, geckoes, turtles and tortoises), amphibians (including brightly colored frogs), beautiful butterflies, moths and stick insects, fantastic coral reefs, whales during the breeding season, and so much more…
Maximum Participants: 16
Photographer Escorts: David Anderson and Connie Bransilver
Our Itinerary
Sunday, 30 September 2007
Antananarivo
Upon arrival late this evening we will clear customs and meet our guides for transfer to the hotel. Hotel Colbert
Monday, 1 October 2007
Antananarivo
Today is spent exploring the capital, affectionately known as “Tana” where we will take a city tour. During the day we will visit Tsimbazaza Zoo and Cultural Museum for an introduction to early Madagascar life as well as the special birds, lemurs, and botanical wonders endemic to the island. Hotel Colbert
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Antananarivo - Perinet
This morning we depart for a scenic drive through the verdant Imerina countryside to Perinet/Analamazaotra Special Reserve in the eastern rain forest. We will stop for lunch and visit La Mandraka Nature Farm before continuing to the in the forest of the Analamazoatra Reserve. We will enjoy a fternoon and night walks into Perinet Reserve to see and hear the Indri, Madagascar 's most revered lemur, and the myriad nocturnal mammals, reptiles and insects. VakonaForest Lodge
Wednesday, 3 October 2007
Perinet Reserve - Tamatave
This morning you will have the opportunity to spend time on “ Nature Island ” adjacent to the hotel (lemur guaranteed). We will see Indri and other lemurs, birds and reptiles, or a more leisurly stroll through the island near the lodge where habituated lemurs can assure good photographs. We will have lunch prior to departing in the afternoon for a beautiful drive to the coastal lowlands and Tamatae. In the afternoon you will visit Parc Ivoloina (late afternoon is feeding time for the aye - aye) a unique animal rehabilitation centre, zoo and environmental education center. Ivoloina boasts excellent photo-ops with its large group of breeding Radiated Tortoises. Hotel Neptune
Friday, 5 October 2007
Tamatave - Maroantsetra
This morning we fly to Maroantsetra, gateway to the Masoala Peninsula great rain forest and mecca for naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts. You will then be transferred to Relais du Masoala for check-in. After lunch we depart by boat for a river cruise – the local highway – by canoe for a glimpse of life along the river returning in the evening. Relais du Masoala
Saturday, 6 October 2007
Maroantsetra – Excurision Nosy Mangabe
Today we take a day trip by boat to the Island reserve of Mangabe, a nature sanctuary for the world’s rarest lemur the aye - aye. We will have a picnic lunch by the Indian Ocean and the opportunity to swim and photograph Madagascar at its most pristine and authentic. The island is particularly known for its many frog species and hidden tombs at the top of the mountain. Relais du Masoala
Sunday,7 October 2007
Maroantsetra – Antananarivo
Flight time permitting, you can take a morning visit to the village of Navan and visit the vanilla, clove and coffee plantations. We will then fly back to “Tana” for overnight at Hotel Colbert
Monday, 8 October 2007
Antananarivo – Ft. Dauphin – Berenty reserve
This morning we board a 90-minute flight to Ft. Dauphin which sits at the extreme south east tip of Madagascar. Upon arrival you will continue on for a 2- hour drive through the “spiny forest” and past elaborate Antanosy graves to Berenty. In the late afternoon we will visit the reserve and overnight at the edge of the forest. Gite d’ Etape
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Berenty Reserve
Today we have a full day to spend in the reserve with walks along the wide, well maintained trails. The “maki”, better known as ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) are very friendly and will be happy to pose for photographs. Be ready for surprise encounters with the beautiful sifaka lemur as they “dance” across your path. Other species include flying foxes, lizards, chameleons, the endangered radiated tortoise and dozen of species of rare birds. Gite d’ Etape
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
Berenty – Ft. Dauphine – Antananaarivo
Today we drive back from Berenty in time to catch the flight back to “Tana”. Time permitting you may visit the Saiidi private gardens of the de Heaulme family prior to leaving for the airport. Hotel Colbert
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Antananarivo - Paris
You may depart today or continue on the extension.
Optional Extension
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Antananarivo – Diego Suarez – Montagne d’Ambre
Today we will board a morning flight to Diego, a unique port on the Northern tip of the island continent. Diego features an eclectic mix of architectural statues reflecting the myriad of influences throughout the centuries. We will meet and depart for the beautiful and lush nearby national park of Montagne d’Ambre where you can enjoy a late afternoon and evening walk. Nature Lodge
Friday, 12 October 2007
Joffreville – Excursion Ankarana
We depart early this morning for the Ankarana, known for the fantastic formations of eroded “tsingy” limestone pinnacles. Here we will explore the caves and have a great opportunity to photograph the crowned lemur which abound in the forest before returning to Joffreville. Nature Lodge
Saturday, 13 October 2007
Diego Suarez - Antananarivo
If time permits you will have a chance to tour the town of Diego prior to flying back to the capital. Once back at the capital you will have a day room to freshen up and rest prior to late evening transfer to the airport for your flight home.
The Price of Adventure
(Per Person, Double Occupancy)
$5,995 per person
Single Room Supplement: $990.00
Optional Extension: $500.00
Safari Price Includes:
- Accommodation as stipulated in the itinerary.
- Transport in custom built safari minivan and 4X4 Land Rover.
- Services of English-speaking safari driver/guide.
- Game viewing drives and parks entrance fees as per itinerary.
- All Government taxes and levies.
- All meals on safari as indicated
- Mineral water during game drives
- Internal flight as indicated in the itinerary
Not included are international airfare and personal expenses such as personal insurance; excess baggage fees; phone calls; gratuities to staff and driver/guides; airport departure taxes; passport and visa fees, and beverages, and any additional nights, which are not noted in itinerary.
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