Menabe and Deep Madagascar Wildlife

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SUMMARY

DURATION  : 16 days/ 15 nights
AREA :
Western and Northern of Madagascar
TRIP: Multi days Private Tour
PLACES TO VISIT : Antananarivo – Morondava – Kirindy – Bekopaka (tsingy of Bemaraha national park), Ankarafantsika, Manongarivo, Ankarana, Montagne d’Ambre and Masoala.
TRAVELER: Group
TRANSPORT TYPE: Private car/Regular flight/Private Charter            
ASSISTANCE: Guide / Local Guide (With English speaking)

TOUR AVAILABILITY : FROM JUNE TO THE END OF OCTOBER

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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 your stay in Madagascar.


LOCATION: ANTANANARIVO
ACCOMMODATION: NOVOTEL
OPTION: HALF BOARD

DAY 02: ANTANANARIVO – MORONDAVA - KIRINDY

Breakfast, 45mn visit of the Queen’s Palace (Rova Manjakamiadana), transfer to the airport for flight (Departure at 12:20am) to the west coast of the island, destination to Morondava (Arrival at 13:20pm). On your arrival, drive directly to the North, 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). Around 6:30 PM, beginning of the Guided night walks at Kirindy Reserve. 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 redtailed sportive lemur. Several bats, tenrecs, mongoose and rodents complete the mammal population.

LOCATION: KIRINDY
ACCOMMODATION: RELAIS DY KIRINDY
OPTION: HALF BOARD

DAY 03 : KIRINDY - BEKOPAKA

After breakfast, After breakfast, around 7:30 AM, 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, on the road to go directly to the North, following the secondary road which a bit winding, to reach the village of Bekopaka, located at the entry of the park.

LOCATION: BEKOPAKA
ACCOMMODATION: SOLEIL DES TSINGY
OPTION: HALF BOARD

DAY 04 : BEKOPAKA (Tsingy of Bemaraha)

After breakfast, guided visit to the Bemaraha National Park (Grand Tsingy), 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. 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. After lunch, you will continue your visit to the Small Tsingy.  

LOCATION: BEKOPAKA
ACCOMMODATION: SOLEIL DES TSINGY
OPTION: HALF BOARD

DAY 05 : BEKOPAKA - MORONDAVA

After the breakfast, back to Morondava. Lunch at Belo sur Tsiribihina. Then continue up to Morondava with two special stops, the first in Baobab Amoureux and the second in the famous Streets of Baobabs to appreciate a beautiful sunset. Arrival at Morondava in early evening, transfer to the hotel. 

LOCATION: MORONDAVA
ACCOMMODATION: PALISSANDRE
OPTION: HALF BOARD

DAY 06 : MORONDAVA – ANTANANARIVO - ANKARAFANTSIKA

After breakfast, transfer directly up to the airport of Morondava for your flight back to Antananarivo. On arrival, you will be picked up bay your private driver, then drive directly to the north to reach Ankarafantsika. The drive will take about 7hours, you will pass through different dry mountains and lush landscape, free lunch en route. On arrival, you will be installed at your hotel and relax for the rest of the evening.

LOCATION: ANKARAFANTSIKA
ACCOMMODATION: BLUE VANGA
OPTION: HALF BOARD

DAY 07 : ANKARAFANTSIKA NP

This day is dedicated to discover the forest of Ankarafantsika. This beautiful forest is a bird and lemur sanctuary. A particularity that makes conservation a real leitmotif for this national park. 8 species of lemurs have been observed in Ankarafantsika: a diurnal species, 2 mixed species, 5 typically nocturnal species including the famous Microcebus, the smallest primate in the world. 129 species of birds nest in the forest of Ankarafantsika. 75 of them are endemic. Finally, Ankarafansika is also home to local endemic reptiles: chameleons, iguanas, snakes and freshwater turtles. This will be a full day walk so a picnic lunch will be arranged. At dusk we leave for a nocturnal visit in search of the mustelian lemur, the woolly avahi or the medium chirogale.

LOCATION: ANKARAFANTSIKA
ACCOMMODATION: BLUE VANGA
OPTION: HALF BOARD

DAY 08 : ANKARAFANTSIKA – ANTSOHIHY

After breakfast, back to the National Road number 6, to reach Antsohihy, a stopover town before Ambanja the road is in very bad condition so it takes longer than usual. Once in Antsohihy, you will regain all your energy to continue this northern circuit of Madagascar after a night at the hotel.

LOCATION: ANTSOHIHY
ACCOMMODATION:
OPTION: HALF BOARD

 

DAY 09 : ANTSOHIHY – AMBANJA

Here the distance is shorter, about 190km. After 4hours drive, you will be installed at your hotel in Ambanja. The afternoon is dedicated to discover the cacao plantation that make the popularity of the area.

LOCATION: AMBANJA
ACCOMMODATION:
OPTION: HALF BOARD

DAY 10 : AMBANJA (MANONGARIVO)

Today we suggest to leave the hotel as early as possible to reach the Manongarivo reserve, among the protected areas of Madagascar, can be visited almost all year round. The site will amaze you with the beauty of its flora and the diversity of its fauna. The reserve does not yet have tourist infrastructures and circuits, to tell the true nature. Explore impressive waterfalls.

The number of animal species is still quite hight

It is home to 17 species of mammals, including several rare lemurs, namely the Sambirano mouse lemur, the large dwarf lemur and the regional endemic black lemur. In this dense forest, 103 species of birds can also be located such as the French sparrowhawk, the blue-fronted coua, the killer whale and the Schlegel’s asite, the Sakavala and nelicourvi weaver, the sickle-billed vanga, the crested ibis, the white-throated oxylabe or Crossley’s babbler. Besides these species, 31 amphibians and 39 species of reptiles complete the great biodiversity of Manongarivo.

The vegetation of the Manongarivo reserve is forest

At the foot of the massif, the dense low-altitude evergreen humid forest is intact with sparse undergrowth, lots of ferns, lianas and epiphytes. With altitude, the vegetation turns into dense evergreen humid forest of medium altitude. Indeed, like its fauna, the flora of the region is particularly rare. 40 species of plants are known only in this region, including ferns. Most of the plants listed in this reserve are used by the local population as in traditional medicine. After the visit, back to the hotel for relaxing and free time for the rest of the day.

LOCATION: AMBANJA
ACCOMMODATION:
OPTION: HALF BOARD

DAY 11 : AMBANJA – ANKARANA

After breakfast, we drive through plantations of coffee, cocoa and ylang ylang. Thanks to cocoa, the north of Madagascar has escaped the catastrophic deforestation that continues to ravage the Red Island of the Indian Ocean. The plains of the north, especially the north-west, are covered with cacao trees that reach up to twelve metres high. This trip will take us through a volcanic zone and the most fertile region of Madagascar.

LOCATION: ANKARANA
ACCOMMODATION: IHARANA BUSH CAMP
OPTION: HALF BOARD

DAY 12 : ANKARANA

Tsingy Tsingy Hike: Meet the Tsingy located in front of Iharana Bush camp! Take paths accessible, adapted and fun to achieve a lunatic decor: the immensity of the limestone massif contrasting with the surrounding greenery. Requiring a normal physical condition, this activity will take you through narrow passages of small step ladders and small bridges, to meet a great diversity of fauna and flora: lemurs, pachyposiums, euphorbia, etc … Stable belvederes on the roof of Tsingy offer a view overlooking the lake and the camp, or even the archipelago of Mitsio.

Chameleon

The visit of the so-called “chameleon” cave is also on the agenda. Fully excavated, this excavation is filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Ankarana National Park visit: We will have a hike in one of the other location where lime stone forests can be observed in Madagascar. The Ankarana Special Reserve in northern Madagascar was created in 1956. It is a partially vegetated plateau composed of 150-million-year-old middle Jurassic limestone.With an average annual rainfall of about 2,000 millimetres (79 in), the underlying rocks are susceptible to erosion, thereby producing caves and underground rivers-a karst topography. The rugged relief and the dense vegetation have helped protect the region from human intrusion.

The park

It is sacred to the Antankarana people, who have historically taken refuge from encroaching enemy armies in its caves and other natural rock shelters. Indeed the Massif contains the longest cave systems in Madagascar, and probably in the whole of Africa. The Ankarana Reserve is an important refuge for significant populations of the crowned lemur (Eulemur coronatus), Sanford’s brown lemur (Eulemur sanfordi) and other mammal species.

LOCATION: ANKARANA
ACCOMMODATION: IHARANA BUSH CAMP
OPTION: HALF BOARD

DAY 13 : ANKARANA – TSINGY ROUGE - MONTAGNE D’AMBRE

We leave the region of the bays and the forests of the Amber Mountain and hit the National Road 6. We drive about 100km through very heterogeneous landscapes of the Antakarana country.

Their name means ” the people of the tsingy

” the limestone rock formations that distinguish their traditional territory. The Antankarana have many similarities with the neighboring Sakalava which they split off from in the early 17th century following a succession dispute.. They practice tromba (ancestral spirit possession) and believe in nature spirits. They adhere to a wide range of fady (ancestral taboos), particularly including several that serve to protect wildlife and wilderness areas. The traditional economy of the Antankarana revolved around fishing and livestock, although more recently they have adopted farming.

The Red Tsingy:

We leave the National Road 6 and take junction to head to the Red Tsingy. This off-road section is about 18km and the site will be reach about 45 minutes after we leave the junction. Once on site, we will have a short and easy walk to see this unique geolgical phenomenom. Erosion of red sandstone resulted in the formation of these ephemeral structures carved at the whim of the wind and rain. The composition of the rock enables play stunning lights throughout the day depending on the orientation of the sun. We will also stop at a view point which will allow us to take pictures over the canyons.

On arrival, guided visit in the Amber Mountain National Park

The Amber Mountain National Park is a volcanic and mountainous area at an altitude of between 850 meters and 1475 meters (Peak of Amber Mountain), 40 km from Diego Suarez. Created in 1958, this park, rightly regarded as a “biological treasure”, aims to preserve flora and fauna unique in the Diego Suarez area. It is home to a magnificent rain forest, protected from any human impact, where a rich and prosperous complex nature. This visit will allow you to enjoy various forms of vegetation: canarium, ficus, orchids, ferns, …. The park is home to several species of lemurs such as crowned lemur, lemur fulvus …

Moreover

Several species of birds and chameleons (whose brookesia, the smallest in the world) …. You will discover beautiful waterfalls, lakes and magnificent views of the far north of the island. We leave Antsiranana and drive 45km North in the mountains to reach Joffreville. It derives its name from Joseph Joffre, the French colonel in charge of Diego-Suarez region, who established the small city in 1903 during the colonization era. It is the gateway to the Amber Mountain National park.

LOCATION: ANKARANA
ACCOMMODATION: BLACK LEMUR CAMP
OPTION: HALF BOARD

DAY14 : MONTAGNE D’AMBRE – DIEGO SUAREZ – MAROANTSETRA - MASOALA

After breakfast, drive directly to Diego airport to board your charter for the flight to Maroantsetra. Welcoming and greeting, transfer to the harbour afterwards. Boat ride over the Antongil bay about 02 hours. Possibility of dolphin sightings and the forested mountains of the Masoala Peninsula. Check-in at your lodge. After lunch, beginning of the activities : to explore the beaches and coastal surrounding of the lodge, swimming before taking a guided walk with the possibility of spotting birds, lemurs (white fronted brown lemurs, the red ruffed lemurs…), dwarf chameleon,and plants (palms, orchids,….) in the coastal forest. Overnight at masoala forest lodge on all inclusive for 03 nights.

LOCATION: MAROANTSETRA
ACCOMMODATION: MASOALA FOREST LODGE
OPTION: HALF BOARD

DAY 15 : MASOAL

Two days spent in Masoala rainforest to discover the flora and fauna, especially the birds as the blue Vanga, the Helmet Vanga, the Bernie’s Vanga, the blue Coua, the Crested Coua, the Red Owl, or the Serpent Eagle….).Tampolo river by traditional pirogue; guided sea kayak; to swim or to do snorkeling in the Tampolo marine Park; night walk to discover some nocturnal wildlife such as Leaf-tailed Gecko, Dwarf and Mouse lemurs and maybe even the elusive Aye-Aye.

LOCATION: MAROANTSETRA
ACCOMMODATION: MASOALA FOREST LODGE
OPTION: HALF BOARD

DAY 16 : MASOAL – MAROANTSETRA – ANTANANARIVO

After breakfast, boat transfer to Maroantsetra. If time allows, visit of Nosy Mangabe reserve, then board your charter and flight back to Antananarivo. On arrival, drive to the craft market for shopping and purchase some souvenirs. Lately, transfer directly to the airport for your external flight.

END OF OUR SERVICES

INCLUSIONS
EXCLUSIONS
NOTES
HIGHLIGHTS
TRIP INFORMATONS
SAFETY COVID19
  • Tourists Taxes
  • All domestic flight tickets (TNR – MOQ and MOQ – TNR)
  • Private Charter (DIE – WMN and WMN – TNR)
  • Transfer from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport
  • Private car with Air Conditional
  • Driver and Guide (with Spanish speaking)
  • Visits and excursions (following the itinerary)
  • Guides + entrance fees included for all national parks/reserves
  • Administrative management package
  • Bottles of water
  • Breakfasts and Dinners
  • Picnic Lunch in Tsingy of Bemaraha
  • 1 Local SIM Cards With Internet per person (You could have internet where available)
  • 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

 

Proceed Booking