Lemurs, Landscapes & Beach Inclusive | All By Private Charter
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TIME
Arrival at Ivato International Airport. The group will be welcomed by HT Agency Tours Staff. Once you have cleared customs formalities, our Guide will smooth through the rest of the arrivals process – currency exchange, setting up the tour leader’s phone with a new local SIM card, and anything else you need. We will provide 1 SIM cards with Intenet + National Call + 10mn International call during their stay in Madagascar, this will make our contact easier. Then, drive directly to the hotel.
LOCATION: ANTANANARIVO
ACCOMMODATION: NOVOTEL
OPTION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
DRIVE: ABOUT 15MN DRIVE
DAY 2: ANTANANARIVO - ANDASIBE
We take directly a scenic drive to Marozevo where we visit the famous exotic animal breeding centre owned by naturalist Andre Pereyras, where we see almost all the chameleon species of Madagascar – as well as butterflies, leaf tailed geckos, lemurs and other interesting animals. On the national road number 2, to the east, we enjoy panoramic views of the stepped rice fields.
Along the road
We see various mountains and then continue to the east through the green and luxuriant vegetation, with stops along the scenic rainforest route in world-renowned Andasibe-Perinet National Park, seeing primary forests. On the arrival, after check-in at the hotel around 6:30PM, you end this day with a guided night visits which will take 1 hour and half, and then drive back to the hotel.
LOCATION: ANDASIBE
ACCOMMODATION: MANJARANO LODGE & SPA
OPTION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
DRIVE: ABOUT 4H DRIVE
DAY 3: ANDASIBE (PERINET) - ANTANANARIVO
After breakfast, you start with a guided visit at Analamazaotra National Park. It is better to leave the hotel early (about 7:30AM) to meet easily the Indri-Indri and the Diademed Sifaka in their forest home. The visit takes about 3 hours. Within a mile of the park you can hear the peculiar call of the indri very early in the morning until noon and again in the late afternoon.
Indris
They (called Babakoto in Malagasy) are the largest living lemurs at all reaching up to 1 meter. Andasibe is the best place to observe the Indris given that there are a couple of families habituated to humans. It lives in small groups and cannot survive in captivity. There are several legends trying to explain its origins since it is considered a sacred animal in the whole Madagascar.
Apart from the Indri
Another 13 lemur species inhabit these forests, such as woody lemur, grey bamboo lemur, diademed sifaka, brown lemur, red mouse-lemur, red-bellied lemur, black and white ruffed lemur and even aye-aye. In the afternoon, you will enjoy an amazing up close and personal experience with lemurs on the private Lemurs Island and then on to view many other species in the Vakona Reserve Zoo, where you will see many crocodiles in the river enclosure, native birds, and other wildlife in well-kept surroundings. After the visit, we will leave Andasibe by driving directly back up to Antananarivo (Capital).
LOCATION: ANTANANARIVO
ACCOMMODATION: NOVOTEL
OPTION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
DRIVE: ABOUT 4H DRIVE
DAY 4: ANTANANARIVO – BEKOPAKA - MORONDAVA (PRIVATE CHARTER)
Today, we will leave the hotel as early as possible to board our charter and flight directly up to Bekopaka (The fligh will take 55mn). Before landing, your will enjoy a flight over surrounding up the scenic landscape of Tsingy de Bemaraha. A private 4×4 will come to pick you up at the place where your private charter will be landing ; then drive you to the entrance of the famous National Park Tsingy of Bemaraha. A guided day visit to the Bemaraha National Park (Grand Tsingy) is organized, you can choose whichever tour you want to do on this day, in consultation with your local guide and your driver, depending on your energy levels and enthusiasm on the day.
World Heritage
There are circuits for all levels of fitness here at this World Heritage park. Here nature seems to be in perfect harmony with this wild and sharp limestone mountain. The flora consists of a dry western deciduous forest, plants typical of these dry limestone areas, such as species of Aloe and baobab Andasonia, the red-flowered flamboyant tree, Madagascar’s native banana Musa perrier. You can also see typical plants growing in the rocky area such pachypodium, orchids Concerning the fauna we can see the stump-tailed chameleon Brookesia perarmata, 53 bird, 7 lemur species including Decken’s sifaka Propithecus verreauxi deckeni. For your lunch, you will have picnic organized by the guide.
Aftre lunch, you board back on your private charter flight to Morondava, located in the heart of Sakalava territory and known for its beautifully sculpted royal wooden tombs. The flight will take about one hour and you’ll be welcomed on arrival by a hotel staff member and transferred to Palissandre Côte Ouest. You’ll enjoy lunch at the hotel before enjoying a tour of the city. In the afternoon, your guide will drive you to the renowned Avenue of the Baobabs (Allée des Baobabs), a dirt road lined with dozens of ancient Grandidier’s baobab trees, the largest of the seven species of baobab found in Madagascar.
Baobabs
Over 800 years old, known locally as renala (in Malagasy for “mother of the forest”), are a heirloom of the dense tropical forests that thrived in Madagascar. The trees did not grow in isolation in this dry and bushy landscape but were part of a dense forest which has now disappeared (only 10% of primary forests remain in the country). Over the years, with the increase in the country’s population, forests have been cut down for agriculture, leaving only baobab trees, which locals preserve both out of respect and for their value as a source of food and materials of constructions. You’ll watch the gorgeous sunset over these magnificent trees before heading back to the hotel.
LOCATION: MORONDAVA
ACCOMMODATION: PALISSANDRE
OPTION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
DRIVE: 45 MN FLIGHT + ABOUT 30 MN DRIVE
DAY 5: MORONDAVA – ISALO (PRIVATE CHARTER)
Today we leave the hotel about 9 :00 am for the transfer to the airport to board our private charter to fly up to Isalo (The fligh will take 1h15 minutes). On arrival, drive to the hotel for check-in, then we will start our Horse Ride tour around the famous sandstone rock of Isalo, the ride will take about 1hour. Then we continue our visit by appreciating a breathtaking and spectacular sunset. The Isalo is in fact made up of three massifs, between which the savannah extends. In some places you can see the work of erosion, which opened a window through the rock.
LOCATION: ISALO
ACCOMMODATION: ROCK LODGE
OPTION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
DRIVE: 1H FLIGHT
DAY 6: ISALO
Today we explore the stunning desert plains, deep canyons, sandstone formations, grasslands and palm-lined oases of Isalo National Park. We hope to encounter the 3 lemur species that are found here – Red-fronted Brown Lemurs, Ring-tailed Lemurs and the loping, bipedal Verreaux’s Sifaka. We will also see vegetation such as Uapaca bojeri, Pachypodium rosulatum or ‘elephant’s foot’ and Aloe isaloensis, a native species of aloe endemic to Isalo. The eroded mountains also served as a place where the Bara people kept their dead before they could bury them in their actual tombs. This day includes strenuous walks. “Picnic lunch in the park”.
LOCATION: ISALO
ACCOMMODATION: ROCK LODGE
OPTION: BREAKFAST, PICNIC LUNCH AND DINNER
DRIVE: ABOUT 30 MN DRIVE
DAY 7 – 8 - 9: ISALO – ANJAJAVY
Today we will try to leave at 8:30am to fly back to Antananarivo. After breakfast, boarding on our private charter to fly up to Anjajavy, you will be welcomed at the lush perl of Madagascar. This Protected Area of Anjajavy is a component of the dry deciduous forests of Madagascar located in the Indian Ocean to the north-west of Madagascar.
Anjajavy
The Anjajavy forest surrounds the village of Anjajavy and provides habitat for many rare and endangered species. It covers about 50 square kilometers and occupies a continuous part of the peninsula on which the village of Anjajavy is located. The peninsula is bounded by Majajamba Bay to the south and Narinda Bay to the north. Anjajavy forest has a lot in common with other dry deciduous forests emerging from the Tsingy limestone formations of western Madagascar. It is because of the presence of large tsingy outcrops as well as the remoteness of this part of Madagascar from the country’s population center in Antananarivo that the forest here has been less disturbed than many other forests in the country.
For example
The central highland plateau, easily accessible from the population center, has been decimated by decades of slash-and-burn agriculture by indigenous peoples, resulting in massive desertification and erosion. The incidence of species endemism in the western dry forests is very high, including ten of the fourteen known lemur genera, five of the eight tenrec genera, and 16 of the 17 genera of Chiroptera from Madagascar represented. There are a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and arthropods found in the Anjajavy forest. You will be here in a luxury standard and relaxing place.
LOCATION: NOSY BE
ACCOMMODATION: RELAIS ET CHATEAUX
OPTION: ALL EXCLUSIVE (ACTIVITIES OPTIONAL)
DRIVE: 2H10MN FLIGHT
DAY 10: ANJAJAVY – ANTANANARIVO (Departure)
For this last day, board on your private charter for flying back to Antananarivo. On arrival, your driver will drive in town for shopping and purchase some souvenirs at the craft market (Depending on your departure time, there may be time for last-minute). Then transfer back you to the Ivato international airport for your external flight.
END OF OUR SERVICES
- Tourists Taxes
- Private Charter (TNR-TSINGY-MOQ-ISALO-ANJAJAVY)
- All accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport
- Private car with Air Conditional
- Driver and Guide (with English speaking)
- Visits and excursions (following the itinerary)
- Guides + entrance fees included for all national parks/reserves
- Administrative management package
- Bottles of water (1 per person/day)
- Breakfasts and Dinners (HB)
- All inclusive at the relais et chateaux
- Picnic Lunch in Tsingy and Isalo national park
- 1 Local SIM Cards With Internet (You could have internet where available)
- International tickets flight
- Lunches
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks
- Gratuities
NOTE
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- Your guide will manage all programs’ timing
- During the trip, the following dietary requirement(s) are served: Regular (typically includes meat, fish, milk, sea food, …). If you have special dietary requirements it’s a good idea to communicate it to us
- Please note that the feasibility of the tour will depend on the availability of the proposed accommodations
- We do not take responsibility for any airline schedule changes that may occur after quoting or booking. We will do everything we can to alleviate any disruption of your itinerary or holiday but cannot be held responsible for any loss of funds, bookings, missed connections or other prebooked/paid services.
This tour will take you from Antananarivo to Andasibe, Tsingy of Bemaraha, Morondava (Baobabs Avenue), Isalo and Anjajavy.
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Andasibe National Park
Andasibe National Park is a part of Toamasina. It is 1.5 kilometers from Andasibe, 140 kilometers from Antananarivo, and 200 kilometers from Tamatave. The surface of the area is 16,310 hectares (Analamazaotra Special Reserve is 810 hectares while Mantandia National Park is 15,500 hectares). The climate is very humid, the average annual temperature is 18 degrees Celsius, and the average annual rainfall is 1,700 millimeters spread over 210 hectares. The park consists of 80% primary forests and 13% secondary forests, subject to the impact of human activity. The special reserve is dedicated to the protection of the largest Malagasy lemur, the indri. An orchid park is also open to the public. There are three campsites and a hotel in the park. When you travel in Madagascar and if you are fans of nature, do not miss to visit this park.
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Baobabs Avenue
About ten trees 30 meters high border this avenue, of the species Adansonia grandidieri, endemic to Madagascar. Baobabs, over 800 years old, known locally as renala (in Malagasy for “mother of the forest”), are a heirloom of the dense tropical forests that thrived in Madagascar. The trees did not grow in isolation in this dry and bushy landscape but were part of a dense forest which has now disappeared (only 10% of primary forests remain in the country). Over the years, with the increase in the country’s population, forests have been cut down for agriculture, leaving only baobab trees, which locals preserve both out of respect and for their value as a source of food and materials of constructions.
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Tsingy de Bemaraha
Located in the western part of Madagascar, about 200 kilometers from Morondava, the protected area of Bemaraha covers more than 150,000 hectares. It is home to the famous Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, one of the most spectacular landscapes of Madagascar and even of the world. The famous Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is the first tourist attraction that makes the western destination of Madagascar a popular destination for tourists. Indeed, the Tsingy are a group of limestone rocks whose formation began several million years ago when the sea still covered the region.
The Rock
Thus, corals and shells have stacked and welded together to form thick layers which have subsequently raised. In the open air, the limestone cracked to give rise to diaclases and canyons. Rainwater that has an acid characteristic has also contributed to erosion by shaping tapered slats and deep tunnels with concretions on the surface. It is a true limestone cathedral characterizing one of the most spectacular natural landscapes of the Great Island and even of the world, hence it’s inscription to the world natural heritage and national cultural heritage of UNESCO.
Fauna & Flora
Tsingy de Bemaraha is strongly regarded as a place of endemism because of their richness in plant and animal species where scientists have recorded a high level of endemism of around 80-90%. The protected area of Bemaraha is a true refuge for rare and endemic animal species. There are 17 rare species of reptiles, including the very small chameleon scientifically called the Brookesia perarmata and a species of rodents, Nesomys lambertoni, found only in the park. There are also 11 species of lemurs, six species of birds, and two species of local endemic amphibians. On the flora side, the park abounds with more than 600 species of plants, but the baobabs, aloes and flamboyants remain the first stars.
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Isalo National Park
Isalo is located in the south of Madagascar in Ranohira. The park extends over an area of 81,54 hectares. Isalo is home to a population dominated by the Bara ethnic group mixed with communities of various origins who settled there because of the exploitation of sapphire in the surrounding area of Ilakaka. The territory is also a historically rich archaeological site, as it retains the continental plate connecting Madagascar with Africa, two million years ago. A true tourist attraction for its geomorphological singularities, at the same time varied and unique in the world, it is the most visited site on the island.
The mountain of Isalo
The park is of rock structure that is globally shaped by the erosion of reddish mountainous sandstones dating back to the Jurassic era of 200 million years ago, extending for nearly 100 kilometers in the north-south direction. Its varied sculptural form is a chain of deep canyons, peaks up to 200 meters high, masses of granite and rock blocks of unstable appearance. There are currently 82 species of birds, 33 reptiles, 15 amphibians, and 14 mammals including seven primates. Among these, there are the maki, sifaka, and varika. As far as tourists are concerned, the main attractions are the pedestrian routes which, from the outset, are reminiscent of a decorative façade of the Far West.
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Anjajavy
Located in the northwest of Madagascar and reach in term of biodiversity. The exploration of animal and plant species in Anjajavy testify to a great biological richness with no less than 5 species in critical danger of extinction, 14 in danger of extinction and 13 vulnerable to extinction. The vast majority of these species being endemic to Madagascar, or the neighboring region. The different species of lemurs of Anjajavy le lodge are easy to observe in their natural environment. These adorable and harmless stuffed animals jump from tree to tree, in single file to reach the most budding trees.
Species of lemur
The most acrobatic are the magnificent Coquerel’s Sifaka, a species of lemur endemic to northwestern Madagascar. The latter rub shoulders, in the Protected Area, with many of their diurnal and nocturnal cousins ??moving freely, day and night, in the gardens and surrounding forests in search of food according to the laws of nature. Madagascar’s largest mammal is endemic to the island. The Fosa is actually more related to mongooses and civets. Very comfortable in the trees, its long tail allows it to balance itself in the branches. The Fosa is an animal vulnerable to extinction and, as a hunting animal, it is often not welcome around dwellings.
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Climate
The climate is tropical, but cooler in the highlands (dropping as low as 5°C at night in July/August in Antananarivo and Andasibe). The dry season is March to October continuing into November in most areas. The east coast is best March-May and September-November, January-March is cyclone season. The south west area is hot, dry and semi-arid. March-April is the best time for flowers and reptiles. November (spring) is generally the best time for wildlife and birds, but lemurs can be viewed all year round. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable.
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Altutude
- Antananarivo : 1300m
- Andasibe : 964m
- Morondava : 22m maximum and an average altitude above sea level of 6m
- Bekopaka : 334m
- Isalo : Varies from 800m to 1200m
- Anjajavy : 113m
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Equipment
HT Agency Tours offers torches for nocturnal wildlife walks, a water bottle. Please bring camera film (and spare batteries), binoculars and a beach towel and swimwear. Rain proof pants are very handy for walks in the rainforest. Walking poles maybe useful in Ranomafana NP and Andasibe NP. Lightweight walking bootshoes and trainers is recommended. Clothing should be lightweight, but a warm sweater or jacket is advisable as nights at altitude and under desert conditions can be very cold, even in summer and especially in July to September. Rainwear is highly recommended on all tours for the occasional shower. Warmer layers will be required during the winter months
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Visa and Passport
Madagascar: An entry visa is required by USA citizens and can be obtained on arrival. The visa is chargeable at 40USD and issued for 30 days. The visa fee is payable in USD or Euro and we advise to take small denominations and a little extra as the USD amount is calculated daily by the applicable rate of exchange. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. For a single-entry tourist visa, you can apply via the e-visa website: https://evisamada.gov.mg/en/
Need to be printed
You will need to print a copy of your evisa approval letter and present this with your passport at immigration upon your arrival. The approval letter will take a minimum of 3 days to be processed so we strongly advise for you to apply within plenty of time (maximum of 6 months prior to your arrival) before your departure. You will be permitted to stay within Madagascar for a maximum of up to 90 days and we strongly recommend for you to read the FAQ section on the e-visa website before applying.
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Insurance
It is a condition of booking with HT Agency Tours that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities.
Important
Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude, please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip.
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Vaccinations
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A plus, Polio and diptheria. Please note that all travellers aged over 9 months old that have travelled from or have transit via a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, will need to present a Yellow Fever certificate at immigration/borders in Madagascar for inspection. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
We advise
Following the advice given by the Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, we strongly recommend the wearing long sleeved shirts and the liberal application of insect repellent as a precautionary measure to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. These precautions should be taken at all times as the mosquitoes are also active during daylight hours. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure.
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Food and drink
The costs of meals may vary according to the location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given below are just an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the center of a major city may charge more:
- Lunch price: 10 USD
- Dinner price: 17 USD
- Beer price: 2 USD
- Watter price: 1 USD
For safe operation
- Given the fluid nature of local COVID-19 protocols, our itineraries are regularly reviewed and will be modified based on local requirements to ensure a safe experience. If a major change is necessary, we will let you know before departure.
- Our guide will use their judgment during the trip to modify the itinerary if physical distancing cannot be achieved
- Our guide will receive in-depth training on COVID-19 protocols and how to conduct our journeys in the “new normal”.
- Our guide will brief you upon arrival on the use of face masks and physical distancing during the trip, based on local government guidelines.
- Only restaurants with strict protocols that comply with local food hygiene and physical distancing requirements will be used. We will encourage outdoor dining areas where possible.
- All of our staff and third party suppliers will be continually informed of new health and safety protocols.
Transportation Protocols
- Our drivers will follow local protocols on the use of face masks and physical distancing required.
- Our drivers will provide alcohol-based hand sanitizer and tissues in the vehicle and encourage customers to wash their hands when getting into the vehicle.
- All vehicles will be disinfected (seats, door handles, etc.) regularly throughout the day.
Protocols for Hotels
- We will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines.
- We will ensure that these measures include; improved room cleaning, ventilation, physical distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff retraining and minimization of contact within properties
If You Get Sick
- All of our leaders are trained to help any guest who becomes ill while traveling.
- We also have an “action plan” in case of suspected COVID-19 cases within the group and are ready to seek medical support at any time.
- Our guides are supported by our 24/7 based operations team and local partners across the country
Our recommendations
- We recommend you to bring your own face masks (at least 2 reusable) and an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- We recommend you to check with the airline for their individual COVID-19 requirements prior to departure.
- We recommend you to check your own government travel advice and meet entry requirements including, but not limited to, COVID-19 testing, pre-arrival health questionnaires, and tracking and traceability in the country, etc
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