Mysteries of Madagascar
On this adventurous journey, discover the fantastic and unusual wildlife of Madagascar. Isolated for 65 million years, the remote island’s flora and fauna have evolved in isolation, resulting in over 200,000 endemic species, including nearly 100 species of lemur.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Antananarivo (Tana), you will be welcomed by your Cox & Kings local representative and transferred to your hotel. Hotel Palissandre – 1-night
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through the hills to the wilds of the Perinet-Andasibe Special Reserve. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and spend some time exploring the grounds. Enjoy a drink in the airy restaurant, take a dip in the lovely pool and you may opt for a night walk on the estate, seeking out colorful chameleons and nocturnal lemur species. Vakôna Forest Lodge – 2-nights (B, D)
Enjoy guided walks in Perinet-Andasibe, home to a large variety of rare rainforest animals, most notably the baboon-sized Indri, the largest of the lemurs. The nearby Mantadia National Park showcases old-growth rainforest and additional lemur, bird and orchid species. Horseback riding at Vakona and more nocturnal walks are also possible. (B, D)
Return to Antananarivo for your flight to Fort Dauphin, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Founded in 1643 by the French East India Company, the charming town of Fort Dauphin occupies a scenic location on the sunny southeastern coast of the island. Kaleta Hotel – 1-night (B)
After breakfast, drive west to Ifotaka. Enjoy lunch along the way at the brackish Lake Anony, where strange sand dunes meet the Indian Ocean. Lake Anony is also home to a colony of pink flamingos. Then head to the banks of the Mandrare River where your camp features six en suite tents set in the shade of a grove of tamarind trees. The Mandrare is a lush oasis in this otherwise barren and dry region, attracting a great diversity of wildlife. Mandrare River Camp – 3-nights (B, L, D)
Enjoy walks searching for lemurs and birds in the spiny and deciduous forests of Ifotaka and interaction with local Antandroy people. Walks will allow you to track ring-tailed lemur, Verreux’s Sifaka, the white foot sportive and the mouse lemur. The birding is exceptional with at least 15 resident species in camp and many more in the surrounding wooded areas. (B, L, D)
Drive back to Fort Dauphin today for your scheduled flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival in the capital, check in to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. Relax by the pool or enjoy a pampering massage in the spa. Hotel Colbert – 1-night (B, L)
Fly to Antsiranana today, where you will transfer to Le Fontenay Reserve, a lovely stretch of forest crisscrossed by nature trails. A colonial estate built in the early 20thcentury, Domaine de Fontenay offers gracious public spaces, comfortable rooms and a stylish aura of bygone days. Le Domaine de Fontenay – 3-nights (B, D)
Explore the waterfalls, crater lakes and rainforests of Montagne d’Ambre National Park, home to eight different species of lemur. Discover the surreal Tsingy formations, where reddish rock has been eroded over centuries by wind and rain. Search for the crowned lemur and Sanford’s brown lemur in the dramatic limestone terrain of Ankarana Special Reserve. And take a guided tour of Diego Suarez, a lively town that lies at the extreme north end of the island where the Indian Ocean meets the Mozambique Channel. (B, D)
Bid adieu to Madagascar as you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo to connect with your onward flight. (B)
Extend Your Journey
Perfumed Isles of Madagascar
Mauritius: Princely Isles
Classic South Africa
Classic East Africa: Kenya & Tanzania
- See the world’s largest species of lemur, the Indri, in the wild
- Spot endemic colorful chameleons in the lush reserves around Andasibe
- Wander through the unique terrain of the spiny forest
- Get to know the local Antandroy people from your camp on the banks of the Mandrare River
- Explore the natural wonders of Montagne D’Ambre National Park
- Discover the Tsingy rock formations of the north
12 DAYS & 11 NIGHTS
Antananarivo, Perinet-Andasibe, Ifotaka, Spiny Forest, Diego Suarez & Amber Mountain
2012 Dates:
Apr - Jun 20
Jun 21 - Nov 20
Nov 21 - Dec 31
Internal Air
Prices From:
$4,840
$5,295
$4,840
$1,385
Note:
Upon request, your travel consultant can provide an exact price based on your specific dates of travel.
Includes:
All internal flights (priced separately), accommodation, breakfast daily and other meals as noted, full board dining daily at Mandrare River Camp, all transfers, sightseeing and activities, services of local guides. Private Journeys depart daily subject to availability.