


Explore a wild world of epic landscapes and endemic species on this unique adventure
Flight - 1 night
Antananarivo - 1 night
Andasibe - 3 nights
Antsirabe - 1 night
Ranomafana - 3 nights
Antananarivo - 1 night
Ifotaka - 3 nights
Antananarivo - 1 night
Flight - 1 night
A 16-day adventure to Madagascar, a unique land filled with curiosities
In a world of fading natural wonders, Madagascar is a nature lover’s paradise unlike anywhere else on earth. From lemurs to baobab trees, everything about Madagascar is distinctive. Credited by Conservation International (CI) as only one of 17 ‘Megadiverse’ countries with unique flora and fauna and with more than seventy species of lemur, diverse landscapes and a fascinating culture submerged in rituals and traditions. See the endangered Indri Indri, whose distinctive call resonates through the forests; come close to playful lemurs and spot chameleons and eye-catching birdlife. Madagascar is a-one-of-a-kind destination that must be seen as this sanctuary is slowly disappearing.
Chauffeur Driven Transfers*
Naturalist on Nature Walks
Local Expert Tour Manager
Price Guarantee
Group Size: 8 – 12
Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow via Johannesburg to Antananarivo.
Day 2 Arrive in Madagascar’s capital and largest city. Stay overnight at the Palissandre Hotel & Spa. An evening welcome reception and briefing with your local tour manager is followed by dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 3 Travel to Andasibe located in the mountains of eastern Madagascar. En route we will stop to look out for birds such as the drongo and herons. Enjoy lunch in the historical city of Moramanga, one of the ‘hot spots’ during the rebellion of 1947. Our home for three nights is the Andasibe Hotel near the National Park which encompasses a stretch of primary rainforest that hosts an incredible array of biodiversity. The rainforest comes alive at night, take a night walk with your guide to spot nocturnal dwarf and mouse lemurs in trees and other endemic species. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Transfer to the start of one of the park's trails before entering the rainforest on foot. The protected primary forest is a stark contrast to the replanted stretches of eucalyptus and pine trees that exist outside the park, with a verdant array of plant-life, and a chance of spotting some of the eleven lemur species that live here. A picnic lunch is taken in the forest. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Transfer to Analamazaotra Special Reserve home to the Indri Indri, the largest living lemurs with inquisitive black and white faces. Living in small family groups, these incredible animals can be heard for miles around when they sing a haunting howl which is even more powerful when experienced up close. Venture further into the forest for more spectacular flora and fauna such as the common brown lemur, grey bamboo lemur and the eastern woolly lemur, birds, orchids and unique reptile species. Lunch is taken at the Feon’nyAla Hotel restaurant located on the edge of Andasibe National Park, offering local cuisine. Continue to Vakona Reserve located on Lemur Island, watch lemurs dance and play across open ground and leap from tree to tree. (B, L, D)
Day 6 After breakfast, drive back to Antananarivo and take the national road to continue southward to Antsirabe through mountains, hills and rice fields where you can spot black herons and egrets. Learn about the daily life of the highlands and its typical scenery, meet people in local villages and markets. Arrive at Couleur Café Hotel for an overnight stay. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Depart the spa town of Antsirabe, continue to Ambositra and enjoy the landscapes of the highlands. En route visit Ambositra the capital of the Malagasy handicrafts and Madagascar’s woodcarving industry. Continue to Ranomafana through Ambohimahasoa where we leave the highlands behind and drive through tropical rainforests arriving at the Thermal Hotel late evening. (B, L, D)
Days 8 & 9 Two days exploration of Ranomafana National Park. Established in 1991, it was the fourth National Park to be created in Madagascar and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Head out to explore the park, famous for three out of the four bamboo lemur species; grey bamboo lemur, golden bamboo lemur and the greater bamboo lemur. You may also see Milne–Edward’s sifaka, characterised by a black body with a light-colored “saddle” on the lower part of its back, red bellied lemurs and red fronted brown lemurs. Ranomafana is excellent for birding, the best time for sightings being early morning. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Drive back to the national road and continue to Antananarivo via Antsirabe. Overnight at the Palissandre Hotel & Spa. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Transfer for the flight to Fort Dauphin then continue by road to Ifotaka (approx. 4 hrs) and Mandrare River Camp for three nights. On the wooded banks of the river from which it takes its name, Mandrare is a small safari camp in a remote location that really immerses you in unique culture and wildlife. Afternoon walk to the Sacred Ifotaka Community Forest filled with the ancestral tombs of the local Antandroy Tribe, and a bewildering array of flora and fauna, unique to the spiny gallery forest. Enjoy an evening aperitif on the terrace before dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Drive to the sacred gallery forests to the south of the camp, these forests are deciduous, dominated by tamarind trees which support a range of species including lemurs. The ring-tail lemur habituate the area in large family groups known as conspiracies. Later enjoy a sundowner watching the sun set and moon rise with a view across the Baobabs to the mountains beyond. In the evening local villagers from the Antandroy tribe perform traditional dances, accompanied by singing and music. (B, L, D)
Day 13 After breakfast continue to one of the nearby markets. See the full rich tapestry of valley life as people who have travelled for hours or even days buy and sell their local wares. With our expert guide to interpret all that you see, this is a rich fulfilling experience. Return to camp for a barbequed lunch. In the afternoon continue to the Forest of Zenavo, privately owned, the forest is excellent for night walks. We take a day into night walk, first spotting Sifakas and sleeping white-footed sportive lemurs, then once the sun has set we see two mouse lemur species, sleeping birds, chameleons, owls and sportive lemurs. Return to camp. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Depart the Mandrare Valley and return to Fort Dauphin by road for the flight back to Antananarivo for an overnight stay at the Pallissandre Hotel & Spa. Enjoy a farewell dinner. Alternatively why not take a different way home and extend to the luxury resort of Manafiafy for three nights. (B, L, D)
Day 15 Return flight to London via Johannesburg. (B)
Day 16 Arrive London.
Set on a hillside in the heart of the city, the Palissandre Hotel & Spa opens the doors of friendliness and hospitality welcoming you in pure Malagasy tradition. Enjoy the outdoor heated pool or the terrace of the restaurant overlooking the city. WiFi throughout. Its 48 rooms have fine wood furnishings and are equipped with safe, mini-bar and TV.
One of the newest property in the ‘Perinet’ area, nestled in the lush greenery of rural Madagascar. Close to the national park entrance with a swimming pool and restaurant serving meals with a blend of European and Malagasy influence. WiFi in public areas. 20 comfortable and spacious air-conditioned rooms with safe, mini-bar, TV and a private veranda.
A charming hotel nestled around a pleasant spacious garden. The main building has a communal lounge and dining table where guests can get to know one another and relax. Throughout the property there is warm, welcoming design that blends harmoniously with the beautiful natural setting. The hotel offer traditional and delicious home made meals. The 15 bungalows have high ceilings and are light and airy, each uniquely decorated showcasing its own selection of artisan crafts designed from Malagasy materials.
Located within lush green gardens on the edge of the Ranomafana National Park, the Thermal Hotel is a restored building that offers all of the amenities of a modern hotel, including a restaurant serving local dishes and a cosy bar. The hotel is committed to sustainable tourism development in cooperation with the local community. WiFi in rooms. 21 spacious guestrooms are air-conditioned and feature safe, mini-bar and TV.
Set on the banks of the Mandrare River, overlooking the sacred community forests of the Antandroy Tribe, with its own avenue of baobabs, the camp offers luxury tented accommodation in a stunning setting. No WiFi. All seven guest tents are en-suite, have a four poster bed with mosquito net, a private terrace and river view.
Manafiafy Beach Extension
Depart Mandrare Valley and travel by road to Manafiafy via Fort Dauphin. Three nights at Manafiafy Beach Resort on full board, including soft drinks, mineral water and beer. All other drinks (wine, spirits and freshly squeezed juices are chargeable). With sparkling blue seas, verdant rainforests, abundant wildlife and distant mountains, this small and intimate lodge offers a choice of serenity or adventure. Leave the stresses and strains behind and relax or take part in a range of local excursions. Return to Fort Dauphin by road for the flight back to Antananarivo. Overnight at the Palissandre Hotel & Spa. Farewell dinner on your last night.
Included: 3-nights Manafiafy Beach Resort on full board with selected drinks, selected excursions from the lodge, flight to Antananarivo, 1-night Palisandre Hotel & Spa and transfers.
Day 1 Depart the Mandrare Valley and return to Fort Dauphin by road, continue to Manafiafy Beach Resort. (B, D)
Day 2 Time at leisure at Manafiafy Beach Resort with a number of activities available. This beautifully secluded lodge is set in rich vegetation on a curving beach. Snorkelling and swimming is offered inside the natural bay, created by large granite outcrops. (B, L, D)
Day 3 You may choose to take a boat trip into the mangroves, where the bird watching is superb, watch out for kingfishers, sunbirds and heron and the wonderful butterflies. Enjoy a nature walk in the rain forest or night walk in the littoral forest, to spot the nocturnal lemurs, night moths and night birds. You can also venture to the local village and market. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Return to Fort Dauphin for the flight to Antananarivo, overnight stay at the Palissandre Hotel & Spa. Enjoy a farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 5 Return flight to London via Johannesburg. (B)
Day 6 Arrive London.
Note: Manafiafy Beach Resort does not accept card payments.
A superb luxury lodge on a pristine beach, close to rich areas of mangrove. The lodge is fully solar-powered and works closely with the local community. Meals are enjoyed in the open-sided Ravinala thatched bar/dining area, the outside seating lets you unwind as you watch a perfect sunset. The 6 spacious, well-appointed, thatch-roofed cottages, each with an outdoor shower, private terrace and hammock, mosquito net and safe, lead directly onto white sand beaches and the azure waters of the Indian Ocean.
Set on a hillside in the heart of the city, the Palissandre Hotel & Spa opens the doors of friendliness and hospitality welcoming you in pure Malagasy tradition. Enjoy the outdoor heated pool or the terrace of the restaurant overlooking the city. WiFi throughout. Its 48 rooms have fine wood furnishings and are equipped with safe, mini-bar and TV.
Saturdays
per person in a twin room
South African Airlines from London
Heathrow
Saturdays
per person in a twin room
South African Airlines from London
Heathrow
A Jules Verne Limited Edition
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £990
Flight Options
Business Class from £3995
Extension Options
Extension - Manafiafy Beach
Manafiafy Beach Resort
4 nights - £1095
Single supplement £400
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, VIP return transfers*, 13 nights’ accommodation, full board, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, porterage, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Notes
*On all of our Great Journeys, we provide a VIP chauffeur driven transfer for passengers living within a 70-mile radius of the point of departure. For those passengers that live outside of this 70-mile radius, we will provide the most competitive quotation for the additional mileage.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm