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itinerary
MADAGASCAR ITINERARY Nov 16 Arrive Antananarivo (Tana), capital of Madagascar. You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to our hotel, the Hotel Au Bois Vert. www.auboisvert.com Nov 17 Following an early breakfast at the hotel we’ll transfer to the airport for a 7:50AM flight to Morondava, on the west coast, arriving at 9:30. On arrival we’ll drive out through the famous Avenue of the Baobabs, one of the loveliest sights on the island. These unique and majestic Baobab trees are indigenous to Madagascar, and are up to 1000 years old. Then we’ll continue another 20 miles to the Kirindy Forest Reserve. Kirindy, a ‘dry forest’, is the best place to view the Fossa, the islands’ largest predator (best seen in November). There is also the highest concentration of lemurs of the entire island, as well as many species of birds and reptiles, and Giant Jumping Rat. Overnight in bungalows at the Campemente de Brousse. Nov 18 We’ll be up early looking for the Fossa, and the other crepuscular fauna. This morning we’ll take a walk in the Preserve with a local guide, looking for rare species. After lunch we’ll return to Morondava to relax by the sea late in the afternoon in our bungalows at Palissandre Cote Ouest. www.hotel-palissandre.com Nov 19 After another early breakfast, transfer to the airport for our 7AM flight to Tulear, the White City, arriving at 8. Drive several hours to Ranohira, stopping by Parc National Zimbotse en route to see more species of lemurs and birds. We’ll also stop to view some ancient Mahafaly graves with their strange wooden carvings. Continue on to Hotel Le Jardin du Roy, a fabulous hotel on the outskirts of Parc National Isalo. www.lejardinduroy.com Nov 20 A full day to hike, swim, or otherwise enjoy the eerie, unearthly, eroded Jurassic sandstone of Isalo Park. Those who wish can spend hours hiking numerous trails to pools and waterfalls. Others can take shorter hikes, or lounge in scenic splendor. Overnight at Hotel Jardin du Roy. Nov 21 Drive all day to Parc National Ranomafana. Along the way we’ll pass the Andringitra Massif, one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the country. Late in the day we’ll arrive at Setum Lodge. www.setum-madagascar.com Nov 22 A full day to explore the rich cloud-forest habitat of Ranomafana Park. Many unusual species live here, including the diademed sifaka, red-bellied lemur, and the recently discovered golden bamboo lemur. At night we’ll look for wooly, mouse, and sportive lemurs. The forests also abound with chameleons, geckos, and frogs, as well as over 100 bird species, 68 of which are endemic to Madagascar. There are also orchids, tree ferns, palms, mosses and stands of giant bamboo. Overnight at Setum Lodge. Nov 23 After breakfast, drive to the airport at Fianarantsoa, board our chartered aircraft, and fly to Maroantsetra on the north-east coast. Then board our boat for the ride across Antongil Bay, the only access to Masoala National Park, the finest virgin lowland rainforest habitat on the island. Here the forest canopy is 100’ above the ground, and rolls right down to the edge of the beach. 10 species of lemurs skip along lianas and branches that serve as highways between the forest floor and the world above. 85 species of birds call this home, including many endemics such as the rare serpent eagle and the Madagascar red owl. Huge butterflies flutter and monstrous beetles patrol the ground as fruit bats and birds of prey circle above. Check into the Masoala Forest Lodge, set in the rainforest, right on the water. www.masoalaforestlodge.com Nov 24 & 25 Two full days to explore Masoala National Park on foot and by boat, as well as swimming and snorkeling the coral reefs. We are well removed from the outside world over here in our own rainforest paradise. Nov 26 After breakfast we’ll take the boat back to Maroantsetra, an authentic and friendly town. Later in the day we’ll boat up the Andranofotsy River in search of he elusive aye-aye, as well as other rare species. Overnight at the Relais de Masoala. www.relaismasoala.com Nov 27 Morning transfer to the airport for our 9AM flight to Antananarivo, arriving at 11:15. Then drive to Perinet, or Park National D’Andasibe. Along the way we’ll stop at a butterfly farm that also has an amazing concentration of bizarre chameleons. Overnight at Vakona Forest Lodge. www.hotelvakona.com Nov 28 & 29 Two full days in Perinet Park. We’ll walk through the rainforest in search of the Indri, the largest of the lemus. Standing over 3’ tall, with black & white markings and a surprised look, the Indri appears to be a panda gone wrong. It’s cry carries throughout the forest and will be heard every day. There are also 10 other species of lemurs here, as well as tenrecs, and lovely spiders, insects and reptiles. Many rare endemic birds also call this home. This evening we’ll take a night walk looking for nocturnal species. Overnight at Vakona Forest Lodge.
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