Madagascar

Tour members from across Canada gather in Toronto for the overnight flights to Madagascar.

After a quick connection, we continue to Madagascar, arriving in the capital Antananarivo (Tana for short) late this afternoon. On arrival, we are transferred to Radisson Waterfront or similar (2 nights).

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day followed by a brief orientation tour of the capital, visiting both the upper and lower towns as well as the Queen’s Palace. This afternoon, we visit the countryside to see the sacred hill of Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the former Royal Palace. 

We venture to the eastern rainforest (145 km - 3 hrs), with a short visit to the Peiryeras Reserve en route, noted for a variety of native animal species, including chameleons, lemurs, and geckos. Andasibe (Perinet) is noted for its lush rainforests and variety of wildlife. Later this evening, we shall walk in the forest in search of lemurs.  

Relais de Mantadia (2 nights)

This morning we will walk in the Analamazaotra Reserve in search of the Indri Indri (babakoto), the world’s largest lemur, and visit a small orchid farm. After lunch, we will explore the small island reserve on the premises of the lodge, which contains several rare species of lemur.  

This morning, we drive back to Tana (145 km - 4 hours) then fly to the southern end of the country to Toliara, a coastal city set on the Tropic of Capricorn. A drive along the coast to Ifaty Beach allows us to enjoy the scenery as we reach our resort overlooking the Madagascar Channel. 

Les Dunes d’Ifaty (2 nights) 

This morning we visit the Reniala Reserve to experience the local birds and see the fascinating Baobab trees that appear to be upside down. Balance of day at leisure to relax by the beach and to enjoy the sunset. 

Early this morning we begin our drive into the arid interior (260 km - 6+ hours). We visit Antsokay Arboretum, with some 900 local plant species, with emphasis on local flora and the spiny forest before travelling through Mahafaly with its striking baobabs, ornate hillside tombs, and the sapphire town of Ilakaka, a frontier town vaguely reminiscent of the Wild West. If time permits we will make a brief stop to explore Zombitse National Park with its wonderful Baobab trees. Later this afternoon, we reach Isalo National Park.

Isalo Rock Lodge (2 nights)    

The combination of abstract eroded sandstone rocks, rare endemic plants, and the absolute silence, make this park particularly rewarding. Verreaux’s sifakas, brown lemurs, and ring-tailed lemurs may be seen during our strenuous hike into the imposing Canyon of the Makis. Later (weather permitting), we will watch the sunset through the Window of Isalo. (This hike will be tailored to the needs of the group but allow 4 – 6 hours over very rough trails. Alternate arrangements will be available for those unable to handle this excursion.) 

As the day unfolds, our journey takes us onto the desolate  Horombe plateau, where the volcanic summits of the Andringitra massif dominate the skyline. Visit a community on the Anja Reserve on our way to see troops of ring-tailed lemurs close up. After lunch, we continue on to Fianarantsoa, the cultural capital of the Central Highlands where we will overnight (282 km - 6 hours). 

Pietra Hotel (1 night) 

In Ambalavao we visit a traditional “Antemoro” papermaking workshop. Continue to Ranomafana National Park, a high-altitude rainforest reserve where the golden bamboo lemur was discovered in 1986. The forest is home to eleven other lemur species, endemic chameleons, leaf-tailed geckoes, Mantella frogs, and a myriad of birds. Enjoy an evening walk in the park to spot active nocturnal animals.

Setam Lodge (2 nights)

Enjoy a full day to explore the rainforest. By day we will search for lemurs, rare birds, and reptiles such as the Madagascar tree boa and Parson’s chameleon. On an evening visit, we may see the rufous mouse lemur, greater dwarf lemur, and other nocturnal mammals. This day includes strenuous walks in the rainforest.

Today we continue north to Ambositra, a centre of woodworking and gateway to Zafimaniry country, home to people skilled at weaving the “landikely” and “landibe” silks. Following lunch and an opportunity to visit some workshops, we continue to Antsirabe, an attractive spa town founded by Norwegian missionaries (224km - 5 hours). Explore the surroundings: the volcanic lake and a semi-precious gem workshop. This evening we will have a presentation of traditional music at dinner. 

Arotel (1 night)  

Driving through the captivating scenery of the Central Highlands early this morning (162 km - 4 hours), we witness terraced rice paddies, quaint villages, and the brick homes of the Merina tribe. We return to Tana this evening. 

Radisson Waterfront (1 night)  

Visiting the Croc Farm this morning will allow us to see hundreds of these much-aligned beasts on display and the Lemurs park with many of the varieties native to the island. This afternoon we fly to the delightful island of Nosy Be, the “perfumed isle” with its aromas of ylang-ylang, plumeria, and assorted spices. Our delightful seaside resort awaits. 

Royal Andilana or Palm Beach Hotel (4 nights) 

Indulge in three completely free days at our resort - take a refreshing swim at the private beach and unwind beneath the shade of a tree. You may opt to take an optional excursion around Nosy Be or to another nearby island, or perhaps venture to the island’s capital, Hell-Ville, with its local market and French colonial buildings.     

Enjoy a completely free day at our resort. 

We transfer to the airport for our return flights to Canada.  

Arriving this morning, we transfer to our homes across Canada.