Menabe and Deep Madagascar Wildlife

• International tickets flight
• Lunches
• Travel Insurance
• Drinks
• Gratuities

• • 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 the best parts that symbolize Madagascar:

• 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.

• Kirindy

The Kirindy National Park is located in the Menabe region, Kingdom of Sakalava located about 70 km south of Morondava on the edge of the Mozambique Channel. Kirindy amongs the 20 new UNESCO Biosphere Reserves! A total of 669 representing 120 countries. Terrestrial National Park and RAMSAR Site and BIOSPHERE RESERVE. It is the transition between the biodiversity of the West and the South: dense dry forest that occupies 70% of the park, thorny thicket Didiereaceae and Euphorbiaceae, brackish coastline lake, habitat of many species, birds, reptiles, lemurs. Endemicity of biodiversity: 97%.

• 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. 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.

National cultural heritage

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.

• Ankarafantsika

The park is between the Betsiboka River to the west and the Mahajamba River to the east. Originally there were two parks on either side of Route 4 national road, but they were combined in 2002. The park occupies about 135,000 hectares and consists of patches of thick dry tropical forest interspersed with less dense areas. There are also savannah, scrub and sandy eroded rock areas and some land is farmed by the indigenous Sakalava people.

There are a number of lakes and the park is criss-crossed by tracks and paths

There are lodging facilities and guides are available to help visitors appreciate the wildlife and scenery. Ankarafantsika National Park is mostly woodland, and the tree species are typical of dry tropical forest. Over 800 species are present, many of them endemic to Madagascar. Notable examples include the flowering bush mpanjakabenitany (Baudouinia fluggeiformis), the katrafay (Cedrelopsis grevei) used in traditional medicine, the small tree lohavato (Hymenodictyon occidental) and sakoanala (Poupartia silvatica), a large tree with conspicuous flowers.

Plant

The native fauna of Madagascar are well represented. Ten species of amphibian and 44 reptile species are present. These include the rare Madagascan big-headed turtle (Erymnochelys madagascariensis), the rhinoceros chameleon (Furcifer rhinoceratus) and the dwarf chameleon (Brookesia decaryi). There are two ground-dwelling boa constrictor snakes Acrantophis madagascariensis and Sanzinia madagascariensis, and the rare terrestrial snake Liophidium therezieni. Mammals include eight species of lemur, two of which are mouse lemurs (Microcebus spp.), the world’s smallest primates. The greater big-footed mouse (Macrotarsomys ingens) is a recently described small rodent known only in the park and its vicinity.

Madagascar fish eagles:

One hundred and twenty nine species of birds have been recorded in the park, more than half of them endemic to Madagascar. They include the Van Dam’s vanga (Xenopirostris damii), the rufous vanga (Schetba rufa), the elusive banded kestrel (Falco zoniventris) and the more easily observed Madagascar fish eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides) which can often be seen at Ravelobe Lake. The endangered Madagascar heron (Ardea humbloti) can be seen at Lake Ravelobe.

• Manogarivo

Manongarivo Special Reserve is one of Madagascar’s protected areas that possess natural beauty. The reserve was created in 1956, it is located in the mountain range not far from the northwest coast of the big island, about 40km south of Ambanja. The site constitutes 33 km2 of humid evergreen and humid semi-deciduous forests, and represents an excellent example of Malagasy tropical forest. Its landscape is exceptionally formed by various waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation, altitude forests varying from 20m to 30m in height. With a very high endemicity rate, the area is considered one of the richest in biodiversity on the island.

• Ankarana

The Ankarana Special Reserve is part of Madagascar’s network of protected areas. In addition to its fauna rich in endemic species of the island, this reserve is of geological interest, due to karstic erosion, as well as cultural with its sacred lake and a set of Antakarana tombs in the caves. The region is made up of a limestone plateau which does not exceed 300 m in altitude and which slopes gently towards the east. To the west, where it is highest, it ends in a mirror fault.

Plateau

The latter constitutes a cliff called “wall of Ankarana” which extends over 25 km from north to south. The plateau is composed of Jurassic limestone, chalky in the upper part and more siliceous at the base. Due to the heavy rains, these rocks have been strongly eroded: the whole forms a karst where the majority of the erosion phenomena are located on the surface (turreted karst, corresponding to a very evolved lapie, chasms, etc.).

• Montagne d’ambre

The Montagne d’Ambre National Park is a national park located near the town of Joffreville (Diego-Suarez province) in the northern part of Madagascar. The park is home to a tropical rainforest. There are several Oleaceae of the species Olea ambrensis, Olea capensis subsp. macrocarpa and Olea lancea. The park shelters an important tropical fauna, including seven species of Lemurs out of the 70 Malagasy (2 nocturnal and 5 diurnal), 75 species of birds and 59 of reptiles. The visit to the park, managed by Madagascar National Parks (MNP) is organized around 18 sites made up of sacred waterfalls (Antakarana, etc.) or paths through the forest (Chemin des Mille Arbres, etc.).

• Masoala

Masoala National Park is created in 1997, in the northeast of Madagascar, in the province of Diego-Suarez on the granite peninsula of Masoala. It is the largest of the island’s protected areas with its 235,000 ha of tropical rainforest. The park was created to manage, protect and restore the Malagasy natural heritage which is on the island subject to strong pressures (15 species of lemurs as well as dozens of other species have disappeared since the arrival of Man). Masoala has preserved remarkable landscapes, the last memories of what was the green island (one of the old names of Madagascar);

Relic of the dense ombrophile forest

As the botanist Martin Calmander recalled, filmed on site by Yann-Arthus Bertrand, “this forest so dense that 90% of the light never reaches the ground! ». This makes it one of the best places for ecotourism and sustainable tourism, as well as for the study of ancient rainforests and marine environments. You will be able to appreciate the richness of the fauna, mushrooms and flora (partly endemic) of the Big Island, even of the peninsula

• 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.

• Altutude

  • Antananarivo : 1300m
  • Morondava : 22m maximum and an average altitude above sea level of 6m
  • Kirindy : 100m
  • Bekopaka : 334m
  • Ankarafantsika : 250m
  • Manongarivo : 27m
  • Ankarana : 300m
  • Masoala : 1224m

• 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 other national parks. 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.

• 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/

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.

• 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. 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.

• 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. 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.

• 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

• Tip

Tipping in Madagascar during your visit is quiet simple cause there is no specific amount for, if a service charge is added to the bill « This is available at the any places you go or company you contract with », tipping is not necessary. If not then, about 10% is reasonable. Usually a local would pay much more or lesser, but a higher tip is expected from foreigners. But basicaly, it depends on how satisfy you are. 

• 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