15 days Madagascar group tour 2024
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DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN ANTANANARIVO
Arrival in Ivato International Airport. Reception by HT Agency Tours, Meet and greet. Once you have passed customs formalities, it is to the Guide to smooth through the rest of the arrivals process – changing money, setting up your phone with the new SIM card, and anything else you need. Transfer directly to the hotel in town for check-in “Antananarivo”.
Night at the Centel hotel
DRIVE TIME: 25mn
INCLUSION: Breakfast & Dinners
DAY 02 : ANTANANARIVO – ANDASIBE (PERINET)
After breakfast, guided visit to the cultural and historical of Ambohimanga royal Palace, located at 20 km from the way out of the North of the Capital.The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga consists of a royal city and burial site, and an ensemble of sacred places. It is associated with strong feelings of national identity, and has maintained its spiritual and sacred character both in ritual practice and the popular imagination for the past 500 years. It remains a place of worship to which pilgrims come from Madagascar and elsewhere.
After the visit
Transfer directly to the East to reach Andasibe (130 Km from Antananarivo), with some stops on the way to enjoy the landscape, for photos and some breaks if it is necessary. After 4 hours, arrival in Andasibe village, check-in at the hotel. Around 6:30PM, beginning of the Guided night visits, the visit will take 1hour and half, and then drive back to the hotel.
Night at the MANTADIA LODGE
DRIVE TIME: Around 1h to Ambohimanga + 5 hours to Andasibe
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 03 : ANDASIBE (PERINET)
After breakfast, Guided visit to Analamazaotra National Park (It is better to leave the hotel at 7:30AM). This morning you need an early start to catch the Indri-Indri and the Diademed Sifaka in their forest home. The visit takes about 4 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
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.
Night walk
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 huge river enclosure, native birds, and other wildlife in well-kept surroundings.
Night at the MANTADIA LODGE
DRIVE TIME: 10MN
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 04 : ANDASIBE - ANTANANARIVO
After breakfast, drive back directly to the capital with one stop at the Pereiras park. The fascinating park owned by the Peyrieras family, to see Cocquerel’s Sifaka, and chameleons and many other reptiles, and some other Malagasy animals such as butterflies, moths (the giant Atlas Moth) and tenrecs. Then continue to Antananarivo. After Lunch in town, 45mnvisit in the Queen’s Palace (Rova Manjakamiadana) on the top of the hill, you could have an amazing view of the capital there. The rest of the day is free.
Night at the RELAIS DES PLATEAUX
DRIVE TIME: 5 hours
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast & Dinners
DAY 05 : ANTANANARIVO – MORONDAVA (FLIGHT) - KIRINDY
After breakfast, transfer disrectly to Antananarivo airport for flight to the west coast of the island, destination to Morondava. On the arrival, get in 4×4 car directly to reach the North of the menabe area, about 42 km following the secondary road which a bit winding, to reach the famous Kirindy Park. Check-in at your hotel (Relais du Kirindy).
Night walk
Around 6:30 PM, beginning of the Guided night walks at Kirindy. Kirindy is the best place in the whole island to observe fosa. Other nocturnal species includes: the rare Coquerel’s giant mouse lemur and pygmy mouse-lemur, fork-crowned lemur, grey mouse lemur, western fat-tailed dwarf lemur and red-tailed sportive lemur. Several bats, tenrecs, mongoose and rodents complete the mammal population.
Night at the RELAIS DU KIRINDY
DRIVE TIME: 1h15mn Flight + 2h30mn drive
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 06 : KIRINDY – BELO - BEKOPAKA
After breakfast, early departure in the morning. On the road to go to the North, about 152 km following the secondary road which a bit winding, to reach the village of Bekopaka, located at the entry of the park. After few hours of drive, you will discover beautiful landscape through another types of baobabs, to continue by a ferry crossing to reach the small village of Belo sur Tsiribihina, where we stop for lunch. Then, continue to the North through a landscape of rice fields and small village, to arrive at the end of the afternoon at Bekopaka.
Night at the SOLEIL DU TSINGY
DRIVE TIME: 7 hours
INCLUSION: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 07 : BEKOPAKA
After the breakfast, this is a special day of discovery of the exceptional and great site, counted among the most beautiful landscape of Madagascar, the famous Tsingy, a site classified under the world heritage of UNESCO.
In the morning, go for a day of trekking in the famous Tsingy, picnic lunch in the park itself. A hike to discover the famous peaks, the fauna and flora life of that area. Passage through the cathedrals of carved blade limestone shaping the peak of the Tsingy, and then a hanging bridge accross the rift networks, on the top, you will appreciate a magnificent sunset. Back to the hotel in the afternoon.
Night at the SOLEIL DU TSINGY
DRIVE TIME: 45mn
INCLUSION: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 08 : BEKOPAKA – MORONDAVA
After the breakfast, back to Morondava. Lunch at Belo sur Tsiribihina. In the afternoon, on the way, a special stop is a must in the famous Streets of Baobabs to appreciate a beautiful sunset. Arrival at Morondava in early evening, then transfer to the hotel.
Night at the PALISSANDRE
DRIVE TIME: 8 Hours
INCLUSION: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 09 : MORONDAVA - ANTSIRABE
Today you will have a very long drive so it’s better to leave Morondava Early (07:30AM). So after breakfast, drive directly to Antsirabe with some stops on the road for photos and breaks if it is necessary. Lunch in the city in the city of MIandrivazo. Then continue to Antsirabe.
Night at the ROYAL PALACE
DRIVE TIME: 12 Hours
INCLUSION: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 10 : ANTSIRABE – RANOMAFANA
Early in the morning, after breakfast, city tour inAntsirabe by rickshaw (visit: Independence Avenue, the famous Hotel des Thermes, the stone market and the horn small factory). Direction towards the South enjoying the beautiful landscape Betsileo composed of terraced ricefields.
Ambositra
Main stop at Ambositra for lunch, followed by a small tour of the city to discover the typical Malagasy craft of the region : the marquetry, weaving, and especially wood carving. Then, continue to the village of Ifanadiana, well known for theRanomafana National Park.
Night at the THERMAL
DRIVE TIME: 7 Hours
INCLUSION: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 11 : RANOMAFANA
In the morning, departure for a visit at the heart of the wet forest of Ranomafana National Park, a reserved area typical and belonging to the remaining forest corridor longing the East part of the great island. Discovery of the wealth of the endemic biodiversity of the region, such as the rare species and gravely threatened lemurs, many species of rare plants and endemic used by the local population for traditional medecine.
Walk in the Forest
Trekking in the forest by following a track longing the forest passing through beautiful waterfall, meeting the rare species on the way. Back to the hotel for lunch. After the long day of tiring morning or visit of the spa source, nap and rest for the end of the day. Around 6:00PM, beginning of the guided night walk.
Night at the THERMAL
DRIVE TIME: 10mn
INCLUSION: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 12 : RANOMAFANA – ISALO
After breakfast, back to the road for the South to reach the city of Ranohira to meet Isalo National Park. By passing through the city of Ambalavao for lunch, with a small visit of product factory where you have the opportunity to learn the history of the famous Antemoro paper. During the journey, we can often stop to notice the various change of the mountain and rice field landscape. Arrival at Isalo at the end of the day.
Night at the RELAIS DE LA REINE
DRIVE TIME: 8 Hours
INCLUSION: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 13 : ISALO
After breakfast, a day dedicated to trekking and discovery of the parc, composed of massif in form of ruin dating from jurassic, discovery of the most beautiful landscape of Madagascar. Hike and visit accross : the canyon of makis, the natural pool, where you can go for a dip, etc… Picnic lunch in the park. At the end of the afternoon, back to the hotel, with a stop at the famous window of Isalo to appreciate a breathtaking and spectacular scene of the color of the sun.
Night at the RELAIS DE LA REINE
DRIVE TIME: 25 mn
INCLUSION: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 14 : ISALO – TOLIARA – IFATY
After the breakfast, direction to the great city of the South, Tuléar. On the arrival, lunch at a local restaurant. Then continuation towards the small village of fishermen Vezo of Ifaty located at 30 km in the North of Tuléar. 1 hour visit at theReniala reserve, a dry forest typical of the dry south, meeting the diversity of fauna and flora of the region, including the varieties of Baobab. Free times for the rest of the day to discover the beach one of the beautiful lagoons of the great island.
Night at the PARADISIER
DRIVE TIME: 6 Hours
INCLUSION: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 15 : TULÉAR – ANTANANARIVO - DEPARTURE
After breakfast, transfer directly to the airport of Tulear for flight to the Capital city. The flight will take 45mn. On the arrival, Lunch in town followed by a shopping and purchase of some souvenirs in the artisanal market. And then, transfer to the airport for the external flight.
END OF THE TOURS
Luxury Madagascar with the best luxury African safari tours packages. Discover your next perfect destination with HT Agency Tours
- Tourists Taxes
- All Domestic flight tickts (TNR to MOQ & TLE to TNR)
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport
- Private car with Air Conditional
- Driver/Guide (with English speaking)
- Visits and excursions (following the itinerary)
- Guides + entrance fees included for all national parks/reserves
- Administrative management package
- Bottle of water per day
- Breakfasts & Dinners
- International ticket’s flight
- Drinks
- Tips
- Gratuities
NOTE
- 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, Morondava (Baobabs Avenue), Tsingy de Bemaraha, Ranomafana, Isalo and Tulear.
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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.
Fauna & Flora
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.
Moreover
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. 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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Ranomafana National Park
The Ranomafana National Park is located in the southeast of Madagascar straddling the regions of Upper Matsiatra and Vatovavy Fitovinany. It is 412 km south-east of Antananarivo, 65 km north-east of Fianarantsoa and 139 km west of the town of Mananjary. Terrestrial National Park classified World Heritage Site with its dense low-lying humid forest (600-800m), its dense humid forest of medium altitude (800-1400m), its bamboo forest, its marshland where plant and animal species such as Pandanus, Varecia variegata variegate, Crayfish, Limnogale Mergulus choose as habitat.
Fauna
6 species of fish, 74 species of insects, 90 species of butterfly including 4 rare species, 350 species of spiders, 6 endemic species of crustaceans and a subspecies of crayfish of the group of Astacoides. 58 species of reptiles, 98 species of amphibians, 115 of the 257 species of birds of Madagascar the majority of which is endemic. 12 species of lemurs, 7 species of carnivorous mammals and 20 species of insectivores, 07 species of bats including Myzopoda aurita, a monogenous that exists only in Madagascar. There are also 13 species of rodents.
Flora
The Ranomafana forest is of the rainforest type whose hard core considered as primary forest is distant from the road axis. There are Apocynaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Rubiaceae, Dypsis sp and Phloga sp of the family Palmae, Asplenium nidus, orchids of the genera Bulbophyllum and Eulophiella. Large areas of secondary forest are occupied by Psydium cattleyanum of the family Myrtaceae. Tropical hardwoods such as rosewood or Dalbergia sp, maka or Weinmania sp and varongy or Mespilodaphne tapack are also visible. A profusion of rare plants is also identified: ferns, bamboos and hundreds of orchids. Chinese guava occupies more and more spaces and is dispersed by lemurs and frugivorous birds.
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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.
Tourist attraction
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.
Fauna
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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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
- Kirindy : 100m
- Bekopaka : 334m
- Antsirabe : 1500m
- Ranomafana : 876m
- Isalo : Varies from 800m to 1200m
- Tulear : 8m
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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.
What to whear?
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/ 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 recommend
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