Day 1 Arrive Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar! Upon arrival today, you will be met and transferred to your city center hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
The history of Antananarivo has left precious mansions that make it one of the most authentic capitals of the region. A haven of peace in the city center, the hotel is a beautiful traditional house dating from 1930.
The Pavilion Emyrne fully reflects the soul of its owner, who has put her heart and energy in the restoration and the development of this property. Antique furniture and objects found in the capital here and there, and then restored, imbibe a museum atmosphere.
Boasting lovely views of the Royal Hill and plains, the hotel is located in heart of the old city in a busy area abounding very fashionable restaurants.
Each room is outfitted with a TV, telephone, safe, free WIFI and is air-conditioned.
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Day 2 Antananarivo-Fort Dauphin-Mandrare River Camp | Meals: BLD
You will be transferred to the airport after breakfast for the two hour flight to Fort Dauphin, on the south-eastern coast of Madagascar. Meet your guide at the airport and stop for lunch in Fort Dauphin, before driving west towards Antandroy Spiny Forest. The three hour drive offers a contrast of landscapes ranging fromt he rice paddies of the eastern seaboard over the lush tropical plateau to the drier arid region of sisal plantations and "spiny" forest. Arrive at your luxury camp later this afternoon.
A three hours� drive northwest of Fort Dauphin, in southern Madagascar, Mandrare River Camp is nestled under the shade of tamarind trees on the banks of the Mandrare River � the lifeblood of the region. Set in the grounds of an old colonial sisal plantation house, the camp is just three kilometres from the village of Ifotaka and opposite the sacred ancestral forests of the Antandroy Tribe.
Six large luxurious tents are generously spread out high up on the shady river bank, all with views across the tranquil water and the mountains beyond. With stone built bathrooms to the rear of the tents, hot water is supplied by a solar system so it is never in short supply. By no means primitive, this is most definitely a luxury camp with comfortable beds and delectable cuisine prepared on site from the finest of ingredients. A real treat are the fresh Parisian patisseries prepared at 4am every morning. With so much to see and do, Mandrare River Camp and surroundings are best explored on a three night camping programme. Activities include visits to the Sacred Gallery and Spiny Forest with its excellent sifaka and ring tailed lemur populations at both day and night, sample the local markets, visit the local villages and have sundowners in the amazing Baobab Forest.
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Day 3 & 4 Mandrare River Camp | Meals: BLD
The next two full days are filled with morning and afternoon activities. Take a trip to the sacred Antandroy forest, crossing the river on foot to observe lemurs and many bird species. Visit the tombs of the Antandroy ancestor as your guide briefs you on the culture of ancestor worship. Other activities to choose from include a boat trip to the giant sand dunes of Lake Anony, night walks, visiting a local village and watching the various species of lemurs.
The Mandrare River region is a strand of deciduous gallery forest in an area predominantly covered by spiny forest and sisal. In an area so richly diverse, you will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the unspoilt life and rich culture of the Antandroy. By protecting the Sacred Forests, where the Antandroy ancestors rest in their ornate tombs, the tribe have managed to preserve large pristine wildlife areas. Through the traditions of Fady they not only protect, but seem to genuinely live in harmony with their environment.
You might like to take the 11-day version of this tour, which spends four nights at Mandrare River Camp.
A three hours� drive northwest of Fort Dauphin, in southern Madagascar, Mandrare River Camp is nestled under the shade of tamarind trees on the banks of the Mandrare River � the lifeblood of the region. Set in the grounds of an old colonial sisal plantation house, the camp is just three kilometres from the village of Ifotaka and opposite the sacred ancestral forests of the Antandroy Tribe.
Six large luxurious tents are generously spread out high up on the shady river bank, all with views across the tranquil water and the mountains beyond. With stone built bathrooms to the rear of the tents, hot water is supplied by a solar system so it is never in short supply. By no means primitive, this is most definitely a luxury camp with comfortable beds and delectable cuisine prepared on site from the finest of ingredients. A real treat are the fresh Parisian patisseries prepared at 4am every morning. With so much to see and do, Mandrare River Camp and surroundings are best explored on a three night camping programme. Activities include visits to the Sacred Gallery and Spiny Forest with its excellent sifaka and ring tailed lemur populations at both day and night, sample the local markets, visit the local villages and have sundowners in the amazing Baobab Forest.
×
Day 5 - 7 Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge | Meals: BLD
After breakfast, our drive takes us back to Fort Dauphin, where we stop for lunch before continuing past plantations of mango, citrus and bananas to the ocean coast and Manafiafy. Your lodge is situated on a beautiful white sandy bay, fringed with forest covered mountains.
During your three night stay, choose from a variety of activities such as canoeing in the mangroves, day and night walks in the rainforest in search of at least five species of lemur; whale watching (between June and December), boat trips to the nearby islands.
The Manafiafy Forest (also known as Sainte Luce Reserve) is one of the last remaining stands of littoral forest in the country, and is home to one of the most critically endangered micro-habitats (palms, birds and the brown collared lemur). Forest walks in the "Littoral" rain forests are a highlight here. These humid forests of shady dense vegetation are home to the collared brown lemur, woolly lemur, brown mouse lemur, sportive lemur and dwarf lemur. Guided walks can be done during the day or early evening and are always fascinating.
The Sainte Luce Private Reserve has been established to contribute to the conservation of this extraordinary habitat, and is part of 450 hectares of protected forest (including 26 hectares of primary forest), and wetlands, and also boasts miles of white-sand beaches. The western edge of the forest is surrounded by meandering riverine habitat. Here you will find various species of lemurs, chameleons, birds, reptiles, mammals, and sea turtles, thanks to the littoral forest, mangrove and open grasslands. You can explore Sainte Luce with day and night walks or long pirogue rides through the mangrove-lined rivers.
You might like to take the 11-day version of this tour, which spends five nights at Manafiafy Lodge.
Manafiafy, Madagascar � Set on the South East Coast of Madagascar on a sheltered, forest fringed bay, Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge is a new 6 bungalow lodge offering barefoot luxury in a tranquil setting. Located just 2 1/2 hours drive North East of Fort Dauphin, Manafiafy is a sleepy fishing village steeped in history.
Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge has only 6 bungalows on the edge of the forest and just a short walk from the calm blue waters of the ocean in a sheltered bay. The lodge is entirely powered by solar and each bungalow has hot and cold running water. The furniture is designed for you to relax and enjoy the magnificent views from your private deck. Two of the bungalows can accommodate families. The 6 bungalows are all discreetly tucked into the forest; just a few feet from the calm blue waters of the sheltered bay. There are 4 beach bungalows with a double bed and 2 family bungalows which can sleep 2 adults and 3 children in two partitioned rooms.
×
Day 8 Antananarivo Depart | Meals: B
Drive back to Fort Dauphin to take the flight to Antananarivo, where you continue on your flight home.
Welcome to Madagascar! Upon arrival today, you will be met and transferred to your city center hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Le Pavillion de l'Emyrne
The history of Antananarivo has left precious mansions that make it one of the most authentic capitals of the region. A haven of peace in the city center, the hotel is a beautiful traditional house dating from 1930.
The Pavilion Emyrne fully reflects the soul of its owner, who has put her heart and energy in the restoration and the development of this property. Antique furniture and objects found in the capital here and there, and then restored, imbibe a museum atmosphere.
Boasting lovely views of the Royal Hill and plains, the hotel is located in heart of the old city in a busy area abounding very fashionable restaurants.
Each room is outfitted with a TV, telephone, safe, free WIFI and is air-conditioned.
×
Day 2 Antananarivo-Fort Dauphin-Mandrare River Camp | Meals: BLD
You will be transferred to the airport after breakfast for the two hour flight to Fort Dauphin, on the south-eastern coast of Madagascar. Meet your guide at the airport and stop for lunch in Fort Dauphin, before driving west towards Antandroy Spiny Forest. The three hour drive offers a contrast of landscapes ranging fromt he rice paddies of the eastern seaboard over the lush tropical plateau to the drier arid region of sisal plantations and "spiny" forest. Arrive at your luxury camp later this afternoon.
Mandrare River Camp
A three hours� drive northwest of Fort Dauphin, in southern Madagascar, Mandrare River Camp is nestled under the shade of tamarind trees on the banks of the Mandrare River � the lifeblood of the region. Set in the grounds of an old colonial sisal plantation house, the camp is just three kilometres from the village of Ifotaka and opposite the sacred ancestral forests of the Antandroy Tribe.
Six large luxurious tents are generously spread out high up on the shady river bank, all with views across the tranquil water and the mountains beyond. With stone built bathrooms to the rear of the tents, hot water is supplied by a solar system so it is never in short supply. By no means primitive, this is most definitely a luxury camp with comfortable beds and delectable cuisine prepared on site from the finest of ingredients. A real treat are the fresh Parisian patisseries prepared at 4am every morning. With so much to see and do, Mandrare River Camp and surroundings are best explored on a three night camping programme. Activities include visits to the Sacred Gallery and Spiny Forest with its excellent sifaka and ring tailed lemur populations at both day and night, sample the local markets, visit the local villages and have sundowners in the amazing Baobab Forest.
×
Day 3 & 4 Mandrare River Camp | Meals: BLD
The next two full days are filled with morning and afternoon activities. Take a trip to the sacred Antandroy forest, crossing the river on foot to observe lemurs and many bird species. Visit the tombs of the Antandroy ancestor as your guide briefs you on the culture of ancestor worship. Other activities to choose from include a boat trip to the giant sand dunes of Lake Anony, night walks, visiting a local village and watching the various species of lemurs.
The Mandrare River region is a strand of deciduous gallery forest in an area predominantly covered by spiny forest and sisal. In an area so richly diverse, you will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the unspoilt life and rich culture of the Antandroy. By protecting the Sacred Forests, where the Antandroy ancestors rest in their ornate tombs, the tribe have managed to preserve large pristine wildlife areas. Through the traditions of Fady they not only protect, but seem to genuinely live in harmony with their environment.
You might like to take the 11-day version of this tour, which spends four nights at Mandrare River Camp.
Mandrare River Camp
A three hours� drive northwest of Fort Dauphin, in southern Madagascar, Mandrare River Camp is nestled under the shade of tamarind trees on the banks of the Mandrare River � the lifeblood of the region. Set in the grounds of an old colonial sisal plantation house, the camp is just three kilometres from the village of Ifotaka and opposite the sacred ancestral forests of the Antandroy Tribe.
Six large luxurious tents are generously spread out high up on the shady river bank, all with views across the tranquil water and the mountains beyond. With stone built bathrooms to the rear of the tents, hot water is supplied by a solar system so it is never in short supply. By no means primitive, this is most definitely a luxury camp with comfortable beds and delectable cuisine prepared on site from the finest of ingredients. A real treat are the fresh Parisian patisseries prepared at 4am every morning. With so much to see and do, Mandrare River Camp and surroundings are best explored on a three night camping programme. Activities include visits to the Sacred Gallery and Spiny Forest with its excellent sifaka and ring tailed lemur populations at both day and night, sample the local markets, visit the local villages and have sundowners in the amazing Baobab Forest.
×
Day 5 - 7 Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge | Meals: BLD
After breakfast, our drive takes us back to Fort Dauphin, where we stop for lunch before continuing past plantations of mango, citrus and bananas to the ocean coast and Manafiafy. Your lodge is situated on a beautiful white sandy bay, fringed with forest covered mountains.
During your three night stay, choose from a variety of activities such as canoeing in the mangroves, day and night walks in the rainforest in search of at least five species of lemur; whale watching (between June and December), boat trips to the nearby islands.
The Manafiafy Forest (also known as Sainte Luce Reserve) is one of the last remaining stands of littoral forest in the country, and is home to one of the most critically endangered micro-habitats (palms, birds and the brown collared lemur). Forest walks in the "Littoral" rain forests are a highlight here. These humid forests of shady dense vegetation are home to the collared brown lemur, woolly lemur, brown mouse lemur, sportive lemur and dwarf lemur. Guided walks can be done during the day or early evening and are always fascinating.
The Sainte Luce Private Reserve has been established to contribute to the conservation of this extraordinary habitat, and is part of 450 hectares of protected forest (including 26 hectares of primary forest), and wetlands, and also boasts miles of white-sand beaches. The western edge of the forest is surrounded by meandering riverine habitat. Here you will find various species of lemurs, chameleons, birds, reptiles, mammals, and sea turtles, thanks to the littoral forest, mangrove and open grasslands. You can explore Sainte Luce with day and night walks or long pirogue rides through the mangrove-lined rivers.
You might like to take the 11-day version of this tour, which spends five nights at Manafiafy Lodge.
Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge
Manafiafy, Madagascar � Set on the South East Coast of Madagascar on a sheltered, forest fringed bay, Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge is a new 6 bungalow lodge offering barefoot luxury in a tranquil setting. Located just 2 1/2 hours drive North East of Fort Dauphin, Manafiafy is a sleepy fishing village steeped in history.
Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge has only 6 bungalows on the edge of the forest and just a short walk from the calm blue waters of the ocean in a sheltered bay. The lodge is entirely powered by solar and each bungalow has hot and cold running water. The furniture is designed for you to relax and enjoy the magnificent views from your private deck. Two of the bungalows can accommodate families. The 6 bungalows are all discreetly tucked into the forest; just a few feet from the calm blue waters of the sheltered bay. There are 4 beach bungalows with a double bed and 2 family bungalows which can sleep 2 adults and 3 children in two partitioned rooms.
×
Day 8 Antananarivo Depart | Meals: B
Drive back to Fort Dauphin to take the flight to Antananarivo, where you continue on your flight home.
