Madagascar

Sometimes it takes a long time before a dream becomes reality. Sometimes a dream never progresses beyond being a dream. This time the dream was put to a reality quite fast.

What triggered the dream is not 100% clear. Was it the movie? Was it documentaries on National Geographic? A combination of both most likely. The lemurs in both for sure played a key role!

Inspired by the thought of seeing these groovy, wooly animals we started browsing the brochures and websites on trips to Madagascar. Eventually we found a itinerary with nice combination of site seeing and romantic relaxing at a dutch travel agent. Unfortunately for them their response was very slow (still pending actually) and most likely too expensive (based on the offers on their webpage). And, we found a local agent in Madagascar (most likely their local agent as well), who had a track record of 20 years of sustainable and award winning international tourisem in Madagascar.

They were fast and affordable, so within a week or so we booked. Another dream will be a reality.

Our Program:



Day 1 - Paris / Antananarivo B
Welcome at the airport on the flight from Paris on Air France. Transfer to the hotel.
1 night at PAVILLON DE L'EMYRNE on bed and breakfast.


PAVILLON DE L'EMYRNE - A charming hotel in a traditional merina building of the 30s. A subtle mixture of the past with antiques, portraits of the kings and Queens of Madagascar and modern / design decoration. 10 comfortable rooms, all different, (amongst which 2 standard and 8 superior categories) all equipped with television, reversible air-conditioning and wifi facilities.
In the heart of Isoraka area known for its numerous good restaurants, Le Pavillon de l'Emyrne is a place where you feel good.
A little restaurant unit just for the clients and a warm atmosphere. An address with personality not to be missed.
www.pavillondelemyrne.com


Day 2 - Antananarivo / Anjozorobe BLD
In the morning, we leave for Anjozorobe primary forest (100 km - 2h30).
Arrival in Anjozorobe, one of the last vestiges of dense rainforest on the high plateaux, is a source of life for the population and harbours an enormous biodiversity: With its 11 species of lemurs (Indri, Propitecus Diadema, Microcebus…), 82 bird species (amongst which 43 are endemic), 423 plants (amongst 65% endemic), this forest is a dreamland for nature lovers and birdwatchers. BOOGIE PILGRIM has built an upmarket lodge, MANANARA LODGE, which is ready to greet guests since may 2007.
1 night at MANANARA LODGE on fullboard.


MANANARA LODGE's 5 semi tented / concrete bungalows are nestled in the vegetation, hiding lovers from their neighbours, and facing the forest : all have double bed, en suite bathroom with bathtub, a chimney for cosy winter evenings, and a little veranda. Our glass walled restaurant with terrace boasts splendid views on the forest. But what is mostly going to amaze you is the great tranquillity : we are far from civilization, from roads and villages… And all the sounds of the forests, the screams of the lemurs, song of birds are enhanced; And at night, the Milky Way shines bright in the sky.
You can choose from a large variety of short walks in the forest (we also bring you along for night walks to spot the nocturnal species). Discover traditional crayfish trapping or visit the local essential oil distillery... MANANARA LODGE works hand in hand with NGO Fanamby to protect environment and involve inhabitants in ecotourism. We inaugurated a school in 2005, and guests are welcome to visit school and make donations. All this efforts for sustainable tourism have been rewarded in 2005, when BOOGIE PILGRIM won worldwide contest DRV for ecotourism achievement.


Day 3 - Anjozorobe / Andasibe BD
Morning to explore the forest. Then, drive to Andasibe National Park ( 250 km - 5h30 ).
2 nights VAKONA FOREST LODGE on halfboard.
VAKONA FOREST LODGE (Périnet National Park – Andasibe)
Located in an eucalyptus plantation, 7kms away from the Périnet National Park entrance,



VAKONA FOREST LODGE is the most comfortable hotel of this area. The 26 bungalows are spread in a large domain, they are spacious, with a good bathroom, electric heaters, mini bar, safe and terrace. Different activities are proposed to the hotel guests such as a swimming pool, horse riding, squash, mountain bikes…
Cosy fireplace in the restaurant, overlooking a lake. Also a crocodile farm and a “lemurs island” on the site.


Day 4 - Andasibe BD
Morning to observe the fauna and flora of the Andasibe Park. We wake up early, because in the morning, lemurs are very active, and we might spot the biggest of all lemurs, the Indri-Indri..
We will also take the time to visit the private reserve of the hotel, where a traditional Betsimisaraka village has been constructed : you will learn all about the village and homes of this ethnic group of the eastern coast: the orientation of the rooms of their houses, the room of the ancestors…
Afternoon visit of the Lodge's private reserve. Night tour to spot nocturnal animals.


Day 5 - Andasibe / Antananarivo B
Drive back to Antananarivo (155 km – 03h00).
1 night at PAVILLON DE L'EMYRNE on bed and breakfast.


Day 6 - Antananarivo/ Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) BLD
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to Diego Suarez on MD314/366 07h50 – 09h55.
Full day to explore Diego and its 3 bays (with picnic lunch on the beach) : Sakalava Bay, Pigeons Bay and Dunes Bay. Of course, we will also be told about Diego’s Pirates’ History and see bay of Diego and its sugar loaf. Picnic lunch.
1 night at Hotel ALLAMANDA on halfboard.


ALLAMANDA HOTEL is located near the harbour, by the sea, 10min from city. We specially recommend for the nice sea view and the tranquillity. The 12 rooms and junior suites are in different concrete buildings, set in a tropical garden. All the rooms are comfortable but classic, with A/C, satellite TV, balcony or terrace, safe. Swimming pool, a restaurant with a seaview terrace..


Day 7 - Diego Suarez / Montagne d’Ambre BLD
Short car trip south of Diego (approx 45min), crossing Joffreville (Rest village for the French Army built in 1902) to visit Natural Park of Montagne d’Ambre: this volcanic range offers several botanical trails, crater lakes, great cascades and provides home for wildlife ranging from rare reptiles amongst which the brookesia minima the smallest chameleons, lemurs (crowned lemurs, sanford lemurs, fulvus lemurs...) and 70 species of birds. Picnic lunch.
Dinner and night at NATURE LODGE.


NATURE LODGE is a cosy lodge, full of personality 10 bungalows only, blending in the vegetation, and all overlooking Diego’s Bay and its sugar loaf. Each bungalow has a double bed, private shower and WC and balcony.
www.naturelodge-ambre.com


Day 8 - Ankarana BLD
3h by car to reach exceptional Park of Ankarana where we will see the famous stone formations called “ Tsingy ”. We will also discover the nearby bat filled grottos (with stalagmites and stalactites), underground rivers… During our walk, we will see Xerophyte plants such as kalanchoes, bottle-trees, euphorbias and are likely to encounter our agile fluffy friends, the lemurs! The Antakarana consider the Ankarana massif as sacred: in past, the Antakarana fleeing the Merina took refuge in the Ankarana caves and tsingy; many of their kings are buried there. Picnic lunch.
1 night on CAMPING.


Day 9 - Ankarana / Ankify / Nosy Komba BLD
Continuation of the excursion in Ankarana. Then route to Ankify. On the way, we will see coffee, cacao, ylang ylang, sugar cane and clove plantations and cross small towns of Ambilobe and Ambanja. Final destination of the day is Nosy Komba (30min by boat from Ankify).
Nosy Komba is a small volcanic island, with beautiful beaches and plenty of lemurs. If you can get out of your sun bed, follow the walking trails inland. A small paradise, a tropical island just as in your dreams! Nosy Komba is only 30 min boat from main island Nosy Be. Nosy Be is starting to get very touristic and busy: Nosy Komba is by far more tranquil and preserved.
Dinner & night at TSARA KOMBA


Tsara Komba : Only 6 spacious bungalows (75 to 95m²!) blending beautifully in a lush garden, coloured by bright purple bougainvilleas. Terrific view on the sea, beautiful and inventive decoration (precious wood, statues, canopy beds, zafimaniry chairs and chests…). A charming, luxurious, intimate and one of the most exclusive hotels in Mada. (Closed from mid January to end February).
www.tsarakomba.com


Day 10 : 16 - Nosy Komba BLD
Day at leisure or relax. FULL BOARD at TSARA KOMBA
You can visit the TANIKELY island, a protected marine reserve and a fantastic snorkelling spot: colourful corals, fish and occasionally sea turtles… A real aquarium!
18/10/09 Nosy Komba/Nosy Be/Antananarivo/Paris B
Boat to the port, then transfer to the airport and flight to Tanà by MD327 17h10 - 18h40.
Transfer at RELAIS DES PLATEAUX for a dayroom. Around 22h00 transfer to the airport for the return flight to Paris on Air France.


RELAIS DES PLATEAUX Hotel is the best accommodation available around the airport. 10 rooms and 1 suite, air conditioned, with satellite TV, all ground level. A swimming pool and a restaurant in nice gardens.


END OF SERVICES


Included :
meals and accommodation as mentionned each day (B : Breakfast, L : Lunch, D : Dinner), generally on halfboard basis except in Tanà on Bed&Breakfast and in Tsara Komba & Mananara Lodge on Fullboard basis
4WD with driver Tana / Anjozorobe / Andasibe / Tana and gas
entry fees in Andasibe & Anjozorobe
local guides and entry fees in 3 Baies, Montagne d’Ambre & Ankarana
boat transfer Ankify / Nosy komba / Port of Nosy Be
all transfers Apt/Hotel/Apt or port
touristic taxes


Not included:
international & domestic flights with supplement
meals not mentionned in the itinerary
excursions and activities proposed by hotels
visa, drinks, tips, personal insurance and personal expenses