Itinerary Highlights
- Grand tsingy formations at Tsingy de Bemaraha
- Wildlife at Kirindy Forest - Fosa, Verreaux's sifaka; nocturnal lemurs and more
- Whale-watching (July - August) at Ste Marie
- Majestic Grandidier's baobabs
- Indri and other rainforest wildlife in Andasibe-Mantadia
- Quiet palm-lined coves at Ste Marie island
What's Included
- Accommodation Throughout
17 nights from £6,885 per person
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
This wonderful tailor-made individual tour includes a visit to one of Madagascars most spectacular national parks, Tsingy de Bemaraha***, with the addition of visiting the fascinating dry forest of Kirindy in Menabe Antimena Protected Area, and Baobab Alley en route.
You will also explore the isand's number 1 protected rainforest wildlife hotspot, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, highly praised for its wonderful wildlife and lovely rainforest trails.
Enjoy a beach break on relaxed Ile Sainte Marie, where in season (July to mid September) whale watching is superb.
Due to accessibility of the Grand Tsingy formations at Tsingy de Bemaraha, this trip should be done only from late May to mid October.
The order of locations in the itinerary can be swapped around / tailored to suit your schedule and other requirements.
*** January 2023 update: following a shift in rainfall patterns due to climate change, we no longer offer trips to Tsingy de Bemaraha beyond mid October: early rains in the 2023 season meant that access was rendered very difficult.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Antananarivo
On arrival into Antananarivo off your international flight, you will be met, assisted and transferred to Relais des Plateaux to stay overnight with breakfast included.
* This sample itinerary is quoted with Kenya Airways international flights. Should you prefer another carrier, or if you wish to arrange flights independently, please let us know and we'll adjust your proposal accordingly.
Day 2 Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
After breakfast (time to be confirmed locally), your guide and driver collect you at the hotel. Travel 5 hours east along winding roads to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park ('Perinet') where you stay for 2 nights in an en suite bungalow on a half board basis.
This afternoon, take an introductory rainforest walk with your guides.
Enjoy an introductory rainforest walk after lunch and a night walk after dark.
Day 3 Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Explore Madagascar's 'number one must see' protected rainforest site with your guides. Trails are mostly graded as 'easy' and the guides are adept at locating sought-after species such as Indri, Diademed sifaka; a multitude of rainforest birds and interesting reptiles such as Parson's and Nose-horned chameleons.
In the middle part of the day, we'll take you to see the impressive Frog Breeding Centre managed by Association Mitsinjo in collaboration with other initiatives, to conserve localised, threatened endemic amphibians such as the Golden mantella (pictured), which is found only in this small area.
In the evening, a night walk is possible in the rainforest concession of Analamazaotra, administered by proactive and exemplary NGO Association Mitsinjo.
Day 4 Andasibe-Mantadia National Park - Antananarivo
This morning, visit the primary rainforest at Maromizaha Experimental Reserve where some rare species not necessarily present at Andasibe ('Perinet') may be sought. Trails here are steeper than at Andasibe and they can be slippery during or after inclement weather.
Depart mid-afternoon for the drive back to Antananarivo, where you arrive at dusk to overnight in Relais des Plateaux with breakfast included.
Day 5 Antananarivo - Morondava (flight) - Kirindy Forest
Transfer to the airport for the (twice weekly) Air Madagascar flight to Morondava on the central-west coast. On arrival your guide and driver meet you and transfer you about 2 hours north on a dirt road to Kirindy Forest via the alley of giant baobabs.
Overnight in the rustic, comfortable Relais du Kirindy, about 20 minutes drive from Kirindy.
Day and night guided walks in the forest for rare and unusual wildlife. At Kirindy, you have the chance to see mammals such as the endangered Fosa, the hyperactive Boky boky or Narrow-striped mongoose (a smaller, diurnal viverrid); a variety of lemurs and birds including Giant coua, Sickle-bill and White-headed vangas and reptiles such as Giant hog-nosed snake and Oustalet's chameleon.
Day 6 Kirindy - Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
After breakfast, travel north to Tsingy de Bemaraha. This 8 hour journey includes driving on some rough 'roads' and a ferry crossing. Stay 3 nights in the very comfortable Soleil des Tsingy with all meals included.
Day 7 Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park - Petite tsingy and Manambolo River
Your guides will take you to visit the Petite Tsingy formations and during the balance of the day, take a river trip on the Manambolo River, praised for its spectacular gorges where one can see wildlife and wonderful baobabs as well as deciduous dry forest.
Day 8 Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park - Grand Tsingy!
Visit the Grand Tsingy today. These incredible formations are accessible from June to November and are one of the trip highlights. But please note that
(a) a reasonable level of fitness is required for this excursion and
(b) you will need a head for heights.
The routes do involve hanging bridges and chain ladders - safety harnesses are provided.
Afterwards, relax at the hotel which is a veritable oasis in the middle of Menabe-Sakalava country.
Day 9 Back to Kirindy Forest
Depart on the drive (again with ferry crossing over Tsiribihina River) where you once again stay at the Relais du Kirindy, with all meals included.
A night walk this evening will give you another chance to seek out the remarkable wildlife which is found in Kirindy and nearby Marofandilia Forest.
Day 10 Kirindy - Morondava
Enjoy another morning walk in Kirindy Forest to chalk up further wildlife sightings.
Drive back to Morondava with a stop at Baobab Alley along the way, and stay overnight in the comfortable seaside Palissandre Cote Ouest.
Day 11 Morondava - Antananarivo (flight)
Transfer to the airport to check in for the Air Madagascar flight to Antananarivo (currently these operate twice weekly).
On arrival you will be welcomed and transferred to Relais des Plateaux to stay overnight with breakfast.
During the afternoon you will be taken for some sightseeing in the capital.
Day 12 Antananarivo - Ile Sainte Marie
Transfer to the airport for the Air Madagascar flight to Ile Sainte Marie.
On arrival you will be met and taken by oxcart or by car, to Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa for a 4-night stay in a Charm/Confort bungalow with dinner and breakfast included.
Day 13 Ile Sainte Marie
Enjoy sublime Ile Sainte Marie and Ile Aux Nattes. In season (July and August in particular), whale watching is often productive.
More active guests could hire quadbikes or mountainbikes, or take an excursion for snorkelling to nearby Ile Aux Nattes.
Day 14 Ile Sainte Marie - rest and relaxation time
Relax at Princesse Bora or partake in activities which can be arranged at the hotel - enquire at reception or ask us for details.
Day 15 Ile Sainte Marie - fun in the sun
Final day to enjoy Sainte Marie.
Day 16 Ile Sainte Marie - Antananarivo
Transfer to Ste Marie airport for the Air Madagascar flight back to the capital. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to Relais des Plateaux where you have the use of a day room. Late evening transfer back to the airport to check in for the Kenya Airways flight departing early the next morning.
Day 17 Departure
Air France flight to Paris CDG where you connect with your onward Air France flight back to London or selected other UK airports.
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
17 nights from £6,885 per person
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 economy class (Kenya Airways) flights from London Heathrow to Antananarivo
Domestic Air Madagascar flights
Airport taxes
Private transfers and private 4WD transportation
Accommodation and meals as listed
All excursions and activities
Services of professional English-speaking Malagasy guide and of driver
Park permits and park guide fees
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Any drinks and any meals not listed
Visa fee (€18)
Tips
Items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, travel insurance)
Pricing Notes
Prices are based on Kenya Airways airfares from London Heathrow. (economy class seating) and on 2 people travelling together.
*** If you prefer to fly with another carrier, please let us know.
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
