MADAGASCAR
Family Adventure Tour

Arrive in ‘Tana’ to begin  your Madagascar family adventure. On arrival, you will be met and our representative will provide your transfer to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, you may have time to explore the city. There are no meals nor guided activities today. Overnight Gassy Country House, or similar.

(Driving time: approximately 4 hours)

Depart after breakfast and drive eastward towards Andasibe National Park, descending from the ‘hauts plateaux’ through the lush green landscape of rice terraces and scattered villages, a route which lends a blend of unexpected dramatic views, snapshots of the bustling local lifestyles, glassy lakes and as we approach Andasibe, stunning primary forest. During the drive, you pause at a local waterfall, a place for “collective laundry” and indeed, highland tribal tradition dictates that, after funerals, whole families do their washing here, so the river purges away all the bad luck. A brief stop in Manjakandriana, an important agricultural city, supplying dairy and vegetables to the whole region. En route, we visit Pyereras Reptile reserve to get up close to its rare chameleons, snakes and frogs. After checking in at the lodge, you visit a private sanctuary where you can get up close to Lemurs – the lemurs may jump on you but please note that this is perfectly safe. Later, take a guided dusk walk on the edge of the forest in search of nocturnal creatures. Overnight Vakona Lodge, or similar. (BL)

Andasibe is probably the best national park in Madagascar and a good place to watch the spectacular Indri, the largest species of lemur on the island. You will probably hear it before you see it!  You take a morning walk through the forest in search of this enigmatic creature as well as other wildlife, accompanied by an expert local guide. Expect to see a huge range of flora and fauna, strolling beneath the extensive canopy of trees to the backdrop of the forest chorus. In the late afternoon you can visit a Betsimisaraka village, experiencing first-hand their tribal crafts, skills, customs and dances.  Alternatively you can choose to visit a local reforestation project and contribute to enhancing this vital ecosystem. Overnight Vakona Lodge, or similar. (BL)

(Driving time: approximately 3 hours; speed boat: 1 hour)

Continuing eastwards, you stop at Brickaville, a centre of sugarcane and citrus production, before plunging into the wilder reaches, taking the dirt road to Manambato, a stunning resort on the pearlescent white sands of Lake Rasoabe. From there you enjoy a 1-hour boat to reach the idyllic retreat of Akanin’ Ny Nofy. We cross a string of picturesque forest fringed lakes, before steering into the amazing Pangalanes Canal, built during the colonial period, where we can admire many birds amidst the luxuriant vegetation. At nightfall and equipped with your headlamp, enjoy a guided night walk and try to spot some very tame black and white ruffed lemurs and if possible the curious Aye-Aye. Accommodation is sympathetic to the environs: low level and rustic by design. Overnight Palmarium Hotel, or similar. (B)

Palmarium is an ideal escape from the buzz of outside world in the heart of a natural paradise.  Just beside the hotel, there is an excellent opportunity to really get close to many different kinds of animals – lemurs, chameleons, frogs included – inside the luxuriant rainy tropical forest private park of Palmarium Reserve. A day or night walk through the palms reveals highlights such as the indri, sifaka, ruffed and crowned lemurs that seem to have a natural curiosity for humans. With its wide tropical garden, many orchids and even the carnivorous pitcher plants can be spotted. Overnight at Palmarium Hotel, or similar. (B)

(Speed boat: 2 hours; Domestic flight: approximately 1 hour)

After a breath-taking view of the sun ascending over the lake at breakfast, head to the harbour. From here, embark on a spellbinding and tranquil 2-hour boat ride along the Pangalanes Canal to Tamatave.  As with much of Madagascar, the journey itself is as mesmerising as the destination, with birdlife abounding and human activity in regular evidence along the shores.  Transfer to the airport and fly back to Tana before the next leg of your adventure north tomorrow.  Overnight Gassy Country House, or similar. (B)

(Domestic flight: approximately 2 hours)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Diego-Suarez (timings can vary). After landing, there will be time to take in a short city tour of Diego, view its extraordinary natural harbour and explore its colonial and modern history. Of particular interest is the Commonwealth war cemetery which marks the graves of those who died in a little-known, but fascinating conflict during World War II. For those that wish we can take a hike in Montagne Des Francais National Park which affords magnificent views out over the 3 Bays of Baie des Dunes, Baie des Pigeons and Sakalava Bay. During the hike it is also possible to see lemurs and endemic trees including species of the baobab tree. Afterwards, transfer to your accommodation. Overnight Mantasaly Resort, or similar. (BD)

Note – The hike up Montagne de Francais is steep in parts and conditions can be very hot. Please take plenty of water and wear a hat and other appropriate sun protection. For those that do not wish to walk then you can relax at the hotel.

Today, immerse yourself fully in the stunning surroundings of Jungle Park. This offers the perfect setting for the youthful or energetic to take full advantage of the superb natural environment. The park prides itself on its diversity of activities and its sustainable ecotourism. Many activities are offered on the spot. Here the Madagascar family adventure gives you the the chance to explore the local scenery with hiking, bird watching and climbing. There are also more strenuous pass-times such as paintballing, bush golf, caving and even a challenging high-wire and zip-wire course available to satisfy the full family range of tastes. Overnight Mantasaly Resort, or similar. (BD)

(Driving time: approximately 5 hours)

After an early breakfast, drive to nearby atmospheric but crumbling Joffreville and experience the exquisite beauty and natural bounty of a morning walk in Amber Mountain (Montagne d’Ambre) National Park, notable for its wonderful waterfalls and plentiful wildlife.  Then, en route to your final destination, drive down a short detour along a dirt track to the hauntingly beautiful, Tsingy Rouge. Admire these evocative russet-tinted natural sculptures resulting from seasonal erosion by the local river.  From there we skirt the edge of Amber Mountain National Park and its continued opportunities for possible wildlife sightings, heading further south until we reach Ankarana National Park. Overnight Ankarana Lodge, or similar. (B)

After breakfast, you start your day exploration of the “Tsingy Ankarana”, where erosion of limestone highlands has conjured up a landscape of fantastic proportions, with spires and arêtes of karst scenery all around. The vegetation itself is as idiosyncratic as the Tsingy itself. A wander through the forest beneath the dizzying canopy, you will be surrounded by a huge range of trees, from figs, and palms to superb specimens of the Madagascan baobab. The park offers a huge range of trails and is stuff of dreams for adventure and wildlife lovers. Each new corner reveals geographically isolated and distinct landscape features and possible wildlife sightings.  Only explored in detail in the 1960s, the cave systems in particular offer opportunities for investigation, either on or below the surface of the plethora of limestone features. Overnight Ankarana Lodge, or similar. (B)

(Driving time: approximately 3 hours; boat: 1 hour)

Travel to Ambanja, passing alongside the stunning Tsaratanana Mountains which is home to Maromokotro, the highest peak in the country. The route reveals a seemingly infinite maze of ridges and peaks, stretching as far as the eye can see, and offers an abundance of photography opportunities.  Continue to welcoming Cyrille plantation, an ethical co-operative style farm, which offers an excellent explanation of the crops such as cacao, coffee and vanilla that are prevalent in this fertile region of Madagascar. A short trip north leads to Ankify, a small picturesque harbour surrounded by hillsides of small fruit plantations. From here take the speed boat to Nosy Be, the seascape opening up to reveal glorious sandy shores and sumptuous islands. On arrival transfer to your hotel in Nosy Be. Overnight Home the Residence Madagascar, or similar. (BD)

(Boat: approximately 15 minutes to reach Nosy Komba and 15 minutes to reach Nosy Tanikely)

Today imbibe the stunning marine environment and tranquil isles, accessible only by boat. First stop is Nosy Komba (literally ‘island of lemurs’).  Black lemurs are easily seen here and guided walks, local handicrafts and even tribal dancing are all available. Continue to Nosy Tanikely, a tiny island with a matching light house, but hugely blessed in its marine and island wildlife. The idyllic white sands and exquisite turquoise shallows make it a veritable paradise: an ideal spot for watersports such as diving, fishing, and especially snorkelling where, with relative ease, you can see an amazing variety of corals, starfish, anemones, every colour and shape of fish, turtles and lobsters.  Even a stroll on the dazzling shoreline can afford views of flying foxes and an array of birdlife.  Return to Nosy Be at the end of the afternoon. Overnight Home the Residence Madagascar, or similar. (BD)

(Boat: approximately 1.5 hours)

Nosy Iranja, located to the southwest of Nosy Be, is referred to as “Turtles’ Island” after the visiting hawksbill and green turtles that bury their eggs in its immaculate white beaches. This flawless sanctuary, two tiny islands linked by an ivory sandbar, is also home to unique fauna and flora that live in gentle tranquillity surrounded by azure seas and natural coral reefs, teeming with exotic fish and even offering a vantage point for viewing passing humpback whales. Sun kissed beaches; an abundance of nature and a tropical climate provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable visit to this paradise. The island also boasts an intriguing lighthouse, designed by the famous Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame. Back to Nosy Be by 2.00 pm, allowing time to enjoy some relaxation beside the shores of the Indian Ocean at the hotel. Overnight Home the Residence Madagascar, or similar. (BD)

Note – It is possible to extend the number of days you spend at Nosy Be – contact us for prices.

Today transfer to the airport at Nosy Be for your onward flight connection. (B)

Note – It is possible to extend your Madagascar family adventure in the islands or fly back to Tana for further adventures.