The Best of Madagascar | Private Charter
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DAY 1: ANTANANARIVO - ANDASIBE
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. On the national road number 2, to the east, we enjoy panoramic views of the stepped rice fields. 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.
LOCATION: ANDASIBE
ACCOMMODATION: MANTADIA LOGDE
OPTION: BREAKFAST AND DINNERS
DRIVE : 4H
DAY 2: ANDASIBE - 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 (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. Then, before in arring Mandraka, one stop for a small visit at the Pereyras Reserve, for 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. After the visit, we will leave driving directly back up to Antananarivo (Capital)
LOCATION: ANTANANARIVO
ACCOMMODATION: NOVOTEL
OPTION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
DRIVE : 4H
DAY 3: ANTANANARIVO - MORONDAVA
Today, transfer to the airport for flight TNR (Departure at 11:20 am) to the west coast of the island, destination to Morondava MOQ (Arrival at 12:25 pm). On your arrival, transfer directly up to the hotel for check-in and stay enjoy the lush vew on the beach until 4pm to start your visit at the famous baobab 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. After the visit, drive back to the hotel.
LOCATION: MORONDAVA
ACCOMMODATION: PALISSANDRE
OPTION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
DRIVE : 55MN FLIGHT
DAY 4: MORONDAVA – KIRINDY – MORONDAVA – ISALO
After breakfast, around 7:00 AM, drive directly to the North, about 42 km following the secondary road which a bit winding, to reach the famous Kirindy Park. After about 2h drive, beginning of the Guided day visits at Kirindy reserve. Kirindy Reserve is home to seven species of lemur. The most common are the common brown lemurs and the Verreaux’s sifakas. These long-legged, seven-pound lemurs, white with dark patches, leap among tree trunks high in the canopy, propelled by their powerful hind legs but continually maintaining an upright posture. 40 bird, 50 reptile and 15 amphibian species are also found in this magnificent forest. After the visit, back to the Morondava. Then, transfer to the airport for board directly your private charter to fly up to Isalo (The fligh will take 39 minutes). In arrival, drive to the hotel with one stop at the famous window of Isalo to appreciate a breathtaking and spectacular sunset.
LOCATION: ISALO
ACCOMMODATION: ISALO ROCK LODGE
OPTION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
DRIVE : 2H DRIVE IN BUMPY ROAD (Round trip) + 1H15M FLIGHT
DAY 5: ISALO
After breakfast, 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: ISALO ROCK LOGDE
OPTION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
DAY 6: ISALO - RANOMAFANA
Today, you will have a very long drive, so it is better to leave early at Isalo (7:00AM). After breakfast, drive directly to Ranomafana. Today, we pass through the legendary „Porte du Sud‟ and cross the desolate expanse of the Plateau de Horombe with its deep red soil, then you can appreciate a landscape of rock formations typical of the dry Grand South, some of which are sacred. Further on we pass the volcanic peaks of the Andringitra massif, which serves as a transition between the green Highlands with its very spectacular granite rock formations and the dry south. We continue to Ihosy, capital of the Bara tribes, who are herders of Zebu cattle. We then continue to Anjar Community Reserve for a short walk, during which we have the chance to see Madagascar‟s iconic animal – ring-tailed lemurs (Lemurian Catta.) In the past, visitors fed the lemurs, so the majority of the animals are unafraid to come near us to pose for photographs. We visit a local winery and a workshop making the unique Antemoro paper, which is hand made from the bark of a local tree using a method is inherited from Arab culture. In arrival, chek-in at the hotel.
LOCATION: RANOMAFANA
ACCOMMODATION: THERMAL
OPTION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
DRIVE : 7H
DAY 7: RANOMAFANA
This morning we search Ranomafana National Park„s rainforest for lemurs, accompanied by our local naturalist guide. This is a high-altitude rainforest reserve where the Golden Bamboo Lemur was discovered in 1986. The forest is home to 11 other lemur species, endemic chameleons, Leaf-tailed Geckos, Mantella Frogs and a myriad of birds. We embark on a quest to see the fabled “Hapalemur aureus” – the Golden Bamboo Lemur – which is only found in Ranomafana. We will also see many different species of birds, such as Ground Rollers. The park is particularly rich in flora and features many plant varieties unknown elsewhere, including different types of orchids and ferns. The approximately 40,000 ha of Parc National de Ranomafana, with its rain forest-covered hills and abundant wildlife, has long been considered one of Madagascar‟s highlights. Altitudes in the park range from 800 to 1,200 metres above sea level. In addition to its densely-forested hills, Ranomafana‟s terrain is characterised by numerous small streams which plummet down to the beautiful Namorona River. Although much of the region has been logged, the park retains relatively large areas of primary forest. This day includes strenuous walks in the rainforest. After 4 hours visit, we will get back to the hotel for lunch, and get rest a little bit before starting the Guided night walk in the area around our hotel to try and spot the Rufous Mouse Lemur, the Greater Dwarf Lemur and some of the other nocturnal wildlife. After the visit, back to the hotel.
LOCATION: RANOMAFANA
ACCOMMODATION: THERMAL
OPTION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
DAY 8: RANOMAFANA – ANTSIRABE
After breakfast, we heading to the north direction Antsirabe. The landscape is still dominated by very photogenic rice fields, pine forests, eucalyptus trees and rocky hills. At the Malagasy arts and crafts capital, Ambositra, we stroll through the city with visiting workshops of Zafimaniry artisans – skilled sculptors working on marquetry rosewood and ebony. Further on we pass the “le col de tapia”, a type of tree resistant to bush fires. Then, we continue to wind our way through the Highlands‟ scenic landscapes, where the houses are made with ornately-carved wooden balconies and shutters with bright colours. We visit a number of the town‟s famed craftspeople to watch them working on the precious and semi-precious stones that Antsirabe is famous for. Transfer at the Hotel.
LOCATION: ANTSIRABE
ACCOMMODATION: ARO HOTEL
OPTION: BREAKFAST AND DINNERS
DRIVE : 6H
DAY 9: ANTSIRABE - ANTANANARIVO
After breakfast, drive directly to Antananarivo. You will pass through the beautiful landscapes of the Merina people, witnessing along the way the everyday life of these people, who were (and really still are) the ruling class in Madagascar. Stop briefly at Ambatolampy and visit the manufacturers of pots and decorative items from aluminium. This is a really important local industry and the artisan forgers now make, as well as the pots and pans used every day by all Malagasy, beautiful polished trinkets made from aluminum. Lunch in Behenjy (Town of fois gras). Arrival to the capital in the afternoon.
LOCATION: ANTANANARIVO
ACCOMMODATION: NOVOTEL
OPTION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
DRIVE : 4H
DAY 10: ANTANANARIVO – DIEGO
To wake up early in the mornig, transfer to the airport for flight TNR (Departure at 6:30 am) to the west coast of the island, destination to Antsiranana DIE (Arrival at 8: 30 am). In arrival, we visit the three bays. The three bays are connected by a sandy road and a path that runs along the coast. This trail allows explorers who do not wish to be guided to move easily on foot to discover the magnificent view offered by the landscape or even listen to the sound of waves and birds.
LOCATION: DIEGO
ACCOMMODATION: ALLAMANDA
OPTION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
DRIVE : 1H45MN FLIGHT
DAY 11: DIEGO - ANKARANA
After breakfast, heading to the north begening the visit to the National Park d‟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. This 18,220 ha animal reserve is located in a mountain range in the north of the island,
LOCATION: ANKARANA
ACCOMMODATION: NATURE LOGDE
OPTION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
DRIVE : 6H
DAY 12: ANKARANA – NOSY BE
After breakfast, embarkation on a speed motor boat, direction to Nosy Be (the transfer takes around 45mn). Then, you could enjoy the luxury ecolodge nestled in the heart of the Mitiso archipelago, and whose luxury villas have ecological thatched roofs. Isolated 80 km from the northwest coast of Madagascar, the place promises a unique experience in a real private paradise still preserved, and unforgettable memories. Surrounded by a beautiful coral reef, the place is perfect for water activities, such as scuba diving and sea trips. On the road we will have the chance to see some Cacao and Vanilla fields.
LOCATION: NOSY BE
ACCOMMODATION: CONSTANCE TSARABANJINA
OPTION: ALL EXCLUSIVE
DRIVE : 3H DRIVE + 45MN SPEED BOAT + ANOTHER 45MN SPEED BOAT
DAY 13 - 14: NOSY BE (CONSTANCE TSARABANJINA)
Relax time by enjoying the beach, you will be accommodate at All exclusive. Tsarabanjina is one of the islets of the Mitsio archipelago. Still considered sacred today, the inhabitants of the Mitsio Islands revere this place. They come with their offerings (money, honey, rum,…). Bordered by three white sand beaches with extraordinary bird colonies, lush vegetation and surrounded by a coral reef, the region enjoys constant sunshine throughout the year.The islets of the Four Brothers, opposite Tsarabanjina, are well known for the diving and nesting of many birds (gannets, straw tailed, frigates, etc.)
LOCATION: NOSY BE
ACCOMMODATION: CONSTANCE TSARABANJINA
OPTION: ALL EXCLUSIVE
ACTIVITIES : OPTIONAL
DAY 15: NOSY BE - ANTANANARIVO - DEPARTURE
This last day is dedicated to transfer you from the hotel to the airport (fascene) for your flight to Antananarivo, the flight will take about 1h35m. On arrival, you will be picked up by our driver, then drive to the craft market for shopping and purchase some souvenirs. Lately, transfer directly to the airport for your external flight.
Small Group Tours Madagascar
Tourists Taxes
Motor Boat transfer
Private charter (TNR to MOQ to ISALO)
All domestic flight tickets (TNR to DIE and NOS to TNR)
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 nationalparks/reserves
Administrative management package
Bottles of water
Breakfasts and Dinners
Picnic Lunch in Isalo national park
All exclusive at the CONSTANCE TSARABANJINA
1Local SIM Cards With Internet (You could have internet where available)
- International tickets flight
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Your guide will manage all programs’ timing
- Private charter: TNR MOQ – MOQ ISALO
- Domestic flights: TNR DIE and NOS TNR
- 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 or similar accommodations
- During the trip we will pass through difficult and bumpy road, we would like to set your expectations, so if you have any motion sickness, please let us know.
- 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 Isalo, Kirindy, Andasibe:
- 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.
- 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 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.
- Kirindy National Park
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%.
- 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.
- Ankarana
The Ankarana would have been used as a refuge by the Antakarana people. A cave of the Ankarana served as tomb for the Antakarana Kings.At least three hundred and thirty (330) species in seventy seven (77) families. Most trees bear deciduous leaves and many bloom from September to November.Landscape composed of a spectacular Tsingy expanse in a dense deciduous dry forest formation.The Ankarana National Park is located in the DIANA region in the Ambilobe district. 04 peripheral rural municipalities: Marivorahona, Antsaravibe, Anivorano-Nord and Ambondrona
- Constance Tsarabanjina
Tsarabanjina is one of the islets of the Mitsio archipelago. Still considered sacred today, the inhabitants of the Mitsio Islands revere this place. They come with their offerings (money, honey, rum,…). Bordered by three white sand beaches with extraordinary bird colonies, lush vegetation and surrounded by a coral reef, the region enjoys constant sunshine throughout the year.The islets of the Four Brothers, opposite Tsarabanjina, are well known for the diving and nesting of many birds (gannets, straw tailed, frigates, etc.)
- 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
- Andasibe : 964m
- Morondava : 22m maximum and an average altitude above sea level of 6m
- Isalo : 820m
- Kirindy : 100m
- Nosy be: 455m
- Diego : 150m
- 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.
- 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
- 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