Africa

78 DAY 1: ANTANANARIVO Upon your arrival in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital, you will be greeted by a local guide who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. DAYS 2/3: ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK Begin the day with a scenic drive to Andasibe National Park, traveling through the lush, green landscapes of eastern Madagascar. Along the way, you’ll pass through villages of the Merina people nestled among rocky mountains. Upon arrival in Andasibe, check into your hotel. In the evening, embark on a night walk observe nocturnal lemurs and other wildlife. Next day start the morning with a visit to the Special Reserve of Andasibe to see the Indri, the island’s largest lemurs. The 810-hectare reserve is home to a variety of orchids, chameleons, tenrecs, and birds. In the afternoon, explore the V.O.I.I.M.A community reserve, a reforestation project that supports local communities and protects the remaining rainforest. Encounter more wildlife, including brown lemurs, chameleons, and geckos. DAY 4: TRAVEL TO ANTSIRABE Drive back to Antananarivo, then head south to Antsirabe. Enjoy the highland landscapes, featuring beautiful rice fields and the eroded hills known as ‘lavaka’. Stop in Ambatolampy, a city renowned for aluminum recycling, before reaching Antsirabe. Known as the “place of salt,” this elegant city boasts a temperate climate and a vibrant beer industry. DAYS 5/6: RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK After breakfast, journey to Ambositra, the hub of Madagascar’s wood carving industry. The highland region’s distinctive architecture includes houses with ornately carved balconies. Continue through the ‘le col de tapia’, a fire-resistant tree, and admire the landscape of rice fields, pine forests, and rocky mountains en route to Ranomafana National Park.Next day explore the 40,000-hectare Ranomafana National Park. The park’s rainforest-covered hills & abundant wildlife make it a highlight of any Madagascar tour. Enjoy long walks through the dense forest, spotting lemurs, chameleons, and a variety of birds along the way. DAY 7: FIANARANTSOA AND BEYOND Depart Ranomafana and head towards Fianarantsoa, stopping for a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Visit the Anteimoro Paper Factory in Ambalavao and a community-based silk weaving project. Enjoy views of the Andringitra mountain range, which marks the transition from the highlands to the south. Arrive in Isalo after passing through the Horombe Plateau. DAY 8: HIKING IN ISALO NATIONAL PARK Explore Isalo National Park, known for its eroded sandstone formations and diverse vegetation. After a short drive from Ranohira village, hike for about 1.5 hours to reach the Natural Swimming Pool. Along the way, you may see various lemurs, birds, and unique plant species. Enjoy the stunning views of the sandstone mountains and relax by the clear waters of the swimming pool. DAYS 9/10: IFATY Continue to Tuléar and then arrive at Ifaty, passing through dry forests and spiny deserts along the way. Ifaty, with its beautiful beach, is perfect for diving, snorkelling, and birdwatching. Visit the Reniala Forest to see baobabs, spiny bush, and reptiles. In the afternoon, explore the village of Mangily and learn about the Vezo fishermen’s way of life. DAY 11: RETURN TO ANTANANARIVO Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Antananarivo. After checking into your hotel, spend the afternoon exploring the city. Visit the Rova, the queen’s palace, and stroll through the midcity’s chic boutiques and the lower town’s commercial areas. DAY 12: DEPART Transfer to Antananarivo airport for your onward flight. Get ready for an unforgettable exploration of Madagascar. For 12 days on this guided group tour, you will discover the countless treasures of this unique destination, featuring lemurs and other unique species, tropical beaches, bustling markets and ever-changing landscapes. This tour offers an intimate experience of the highlights of Madagascar. 1000 VIEWS OF MADAGSACAR 12 days from $4,480 INCLUSIONS • 11 nights’ accommodation • Breakfast daily • Transport and group transfers • Airport transfers • English-speaking guide • Activities as per itinerary • Specialist local guides in National Parks • Park entrance fees MADAGASCAR

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