Rainforest, wildlife, reef and whales
Wildlife, whales, rainforest and beach
This popular two-centre Madagascar itinerary entails a three-night stay in the wildlife-rich rainforest of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, followed by a relaxing week at lovely Princesse Bora Lodge on the holiday islandf Ile Sainte Marie. In season (July to early September), the waters around Ste Marie offer world-class whale-watching - Humpbacks migrate to these waters to calve and mate (they don't feed there).
Begin the trip with a night in the vibey capital Antananarivo, after which an easy 3hr,30 minute drive with your dedicated, personable and professional Malagasy guide will take you to the eastern escarpment. Aside from wonderful lemur-watching for iconic species like Indri, you'll be able to learn about inspiring conservation initiatives in place to preserve the rainforest and its fascinating wildlife. You can visit the Association Mitsinjo nursery and plant an endangered, endemic tree as part of their reforestation programme - what better way could there be to literally put something back into Malagasy soil?
Return to the capital and fly to idyllic Ile Sainte Marie, once a notorious pirate hangout and site of the world's sole Pirate cemetery. Offshore, the chilled Ile Aux Nattes makes for an essential day excursion. Princesse Bora Lodge is definitely our accommodation of choice on Ste Marie - the staff are welcoming and the lodge has all it takes for an enjoyable stay. There's a spa, watersports centre and a variety of activities on offer.
This sample itinerary - ideal also for families and for honeymooners, can be tailored to suit your individual requirements and travel schedule. Ask us for details.
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The itinerary…
Day 1: Fly to Madagascar
Antananarivo
Board your international flight to Antananarivo. On arrival in the late evening, you'll be welcomed and transferred to Bois Vert Hotel near the airport for an overnight stay with breakfast.
Day 2: Head to the rainforests: Andasibe-Mantadia
Andasibe Wildlife
Enjoy a lie-in today. After breakfast, your professional guide and driver collect you at the hotel. Set off on the easy 5 hour drive east to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park aka 'Perinet', which is Madagascar's number one protected rainforest site. Stay 3 nights in either Andasibe Hotel or Mantadia Lodge (or similar), with dinner and breakfast.
Take an exploratory rainforest walk with your guides.
Days 3 - 4: Malagasy rainforest magic at its best: Andasibe-Mantadia
Andasibe Giraffe Necked Weevil
Two days in which to enjoy exploring the beautiful montane rainforest of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, where your guides will point out wonderful wildlife and interesting flora. Trails in Andasibe itself, Analamazaotra and the VOIMMA parcel are generally easy (some slightly moderate) in grading.
One of the mornings can be allocated to Mantadia National Park, where you experience primary rainforest and can seek some rare mammals and birds that one might not necessarily seen in Andasibe.
Day 5: Back to Antananarivo
Andasibe Rainforest
After a final morning exploring Andasibe's rainforest, travel back to Antananarivo for an overnight stay at Bois Vert with breakfast.
Day 6: Fly to Ile Sainte Marie
Princesse Bora Lodge Beach
You'll be transferred to Ivato airport to check in for the Air Madagascar flight to relaxed Ile Sainte Marie, where on arrival you are met and taken either by vehicle on on an oxcart (good fun!) to lovely Princesse Bora Lodge for a 7 night stay in a double (or twin) Charme Villa with dinner and breakfast.
Days 7 - 12: Sainte Marie - rest & relaxation time
Princesse Bora Lodge Quadbiking
Make the most of relaxed Ile Sainte Marie, where you can enjoy the pretty beach, visit the charming offshore island Ile Aux Nattes, go exploring by means of bicycle, quadbike or tuk-tuk, and in season, go whale watching with MEGAPTERA. Princesse Bora operates well managed whale-watching excursions in association with MEGAPTERA, and guests are invited to contribute observations to the marine biologists after the excursions.
Day 13: Fly to Antananarivo and depart
Antananarivo
Transfer to Ste Marie airport to check in for the Air Madagascar flight back to the capital. On arrival, you'll be met and taken to Bois Vert where you have the use of a day room. Time allowing, you'll be taken to the Artisans market for some souvenir shopping.
Evening transfer to the airport for the Air France check-in.
Day 14: Welcome home!
Depart on your international flight home.
Duration: 13 nights
Location: Madagascar, Africa
Price: £3515pp
Price per person based on two adults travelling together and sharing in double or twin room accommodation is from £3,515.
This includes:
Return domestic Air Madagascar flights from Antananarivo to Ste Marie
Airport taxes
Airport facilitation
All private transfers and 4-wheel drive transportation
Services of professional, experienced, English-speaking Malagasy guide for Andasibe-Mantadia and Antananarivo.
Park permits and national park / reserve guide fees
Excursions and activities as outlined
Accommodation as per the itinerary based on double room occupancy, with meals as indicated.
Tailor this trip around your preferred dates, your budget and your ideas.