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INTRODUCTION Manahaona! Madagascar is an island in the Indian Ocean, ±400km’s from Southern Africa’s east coast. Over millions of years, Madagascar de...
Author: Ellen Lamb
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INTRODUCTION Manahaona! Madagascar is an island in the Indian Ocean, ±400km’s from Southern Africa’s east coast. Over millions of years, Madagascar developed a unique flora and fauna. This is the place where evolution has run wild and it has such a high degree of endemism, that it is truly a place like nowhere else on earth! Madagascar is famous for it’s remarkable selection of lemurs (51+ lemur varieties occur here!), primitive primate’s endemic to the island, brilliantly coloured chameleons & lizards, tenrecs, fossas, bats and rodents. Several early evening walks are planned for this tour, in order to experience the “darker” side of the nocturnal creatures - first hand! This Tour Programme is designed to offer guests of all ages a unique experience. We concentrate on nature and not just lemurs or plants or birds - we make time for it all! A medium level of fitness is required, as we can do quite a bit of walking. This Tour Programme is also designed to be family-friendly and photographers will love it!

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Antananarivo, Andasibe National Park, Antsirabe, Ranomafana National Park, Ranohira, Isalo National Park, Zombitse – Vohibiasa National Park, Toliara (Tuleur), Ifaty, Renialia Private Reserve, Anakao, Fort Dauphin & Berenty Reserve 7th to 24th June 2014 18 Days / 17 Nights En suite accommodation at the following: Palissandre Hotel and Spa, Vakona Forest Lodge, Hotel Vatolahy, Setam Lodge, Jardin Du Roy, Le Paradiser, Anakao Ocean Lodge, Gite de Berenty, Kaleta Hotel & Palissandre Hotel & Spa 2 x air transfers – Tulear to Fort Dauphin on day 14, Fort Dauphin to Antananarivo on day 17, Boat transfer to Anakao on day 13 and back on day 14 Meals as listed in itinerary All park entrance fees included Minibus or bus, depending on the group size Local English speaking guide, 1 x SafariWise tour leader & 1 x Sandwich Bird tour’s tour leader

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EXCLUDED FROM PACKAGE: All International flights Visa Fee (FOC at the moment) Gratuities Optional activities e.g. excursions in Ifaty, watersports, etc. Travel insurance Laundry Beverages Items of personal nature

TOUR PROGRAMME Day 1: 7th June 2014 Fly in to Antananarivo Unlike most capital cities in southern Africa Antananarivo was already a major city before the colonial era. The city was founded circa 1625 by King Andrianjaka and takes its name (the City of the Thousand) from the number of soldiers assigned to guard it. For many years it was the principal village of the Hova chiefs and gained importance as those chiefs made themselves sovereigns of the greater part of Madagascar, eventually becoming a town of some 80,000 inhabitants. In 1793 Antananarivo was made the capital of the Merina kings. The conquests of King Radama I made it the capital of almost all of Madagascar. The royal residence of the monarchs was set up at the Rova of Antananarivo. Until 1869 all buildings within the city proper were of wood or rushes and followed traditional Malagasy architectural norms, but even then it possessed several timber palaces of considerable size, the largest being 120 ft (37 m) high. These crown the summit of the central portion of the ridge; and the largest palace, with its lofty roof and towers, is the most conspicuous object from every point of view. Since the introduction of stone and brick, the entire city has been rebuilt and now contains numerous Europeanstyle structures, including the royal palaces, the houses formerly belonging to the prime minister and nobles. The Palissandre Hôtel & SPA is full of elegance, tenderness and warmth and is situated on a hillside in the heart of the City of thousands. It opens the doors to conviviality and Malagasy hospitality. The Palissandre Hotel & Spa is full of elegance, tenderness and warmth and is situated on a hillside in the heart of the City of thousands. It opens doors to conviviality and Malagasy hospitality. Birds likely to be seen: Madagascar wagtail, Common mynah, Spine-tailed swift, Madagascar bulbul, Madagascar white-eye, Madagascar green sunbird, Souimanga sunbird, Madagascar starling, Crested drongo, Pied crow, Madagascar fody & Madagascar mannakin. Accommodation: Meals: Included activities: Optional activities:

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Palissandre Hotel & Spa Dinner Pre-tour briefing N.A

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Day 2: 8th June 2014 Antananarivo – Andasibe After a city tour, we drive to Adasibe for our three nights stay. Vakona Forest Lodge is designed in line with local Malagasy architecture. The ten bungalows and 14 double rooms offer the traveller the desired comfort of en-suite bathrooms, and verandas looking out into the forest of Andasibe National Park. Warmed by the central fireplace the dining room offers views outside whilst keeping warm or alternatively one can relax on the veranda that overlooks the lake. Vakona Forest Lodge is a comfortable eco-lodge comprising 28 Malagasy style bungalows scattered in a planted garden of palm trees and bougainvilleas. Birds likely to be seen: Madagascar buzzard, Madagascar harrier-hawk, Madagascar turtle-dove, Madagascar blue-pigeon, Lesser vasa parrot, Blue coua, Madagascar coucal, Madagascar kingfisher, Cuckoo-roller,Cuckooshrike, Ward’s vanga, Red- tailed vanga, Chabert vanga, Madagascar blue vanga, Nuthatch vanga, Hook billed vanga, Madagascar starling, Madagascar magpie robin, Madagascar stonechat, Long-billed tetraka, Spectacled tetraka, Madagascar brush-warbler, Dark newtonia, Common newtonia, Common jery, Green jery, Stripe-throated jery, White-throated oxylables, Madagascar mannikin, Madagascar wagtail, Nelicourvi weaver, Madagascar red fody, Forest fody, Madagascar green sunbird. Accommodation: Meals: Included activities: Optional activities:

Vakona Forest Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner Scenic drive to Andasibe & Parc of Marosevo excursion N.A

Day 3 & 4: 9th & 10th June 2014 Andasibe We visit the Mantadia & Andasibe National Parks. We may see some species of lemurs such as the Indri indri, Red-bellied, Common brown lemurs and Diademed sifaka. During our evening walk, we may find the Madagascar scops-owl, Greater dwarf lemur, Brown mouse lemur and several chameleons. Birds likely to be seen: (Mantadia) Madagascar little grebe, White-throated rail, Madagascar spine tailed swift, Short-legged ground roller, Scaly ground roller (rare, only Mantadia), White-headed vanga, Madagascar blue vanga, Tylas, Madagascar kestrel, Madagascar turtle dove, Blue coua, Collared nightjar, Madagascar kingfisher, Madagascar bee-eater, Madagascar wagtail, Long-billed tetraka, Madagascar paradise flycatcher. Accommodation: Meals: Included activities: Optional activities:

Vakona Forest Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner Mantadia & Andasibe National Park excursions, evening walk N.A

Day 5: 11th June 2014 Andasibe - Antananarivo – Antsirabe We drive back to Antananarivo and continue southwards to Antsirabe, which is the third largest city in Madagascar and the capital of the Vakinankaratra region. The city had an estimated population of about 186,000 in 2001. In Madagascar, Antsirabe is known for its relatively cool climate, its industry and the high concentration of pulled rickshaws or "pousse-pousses", amongst other things. Copyright © SafariWise

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Birds likely to be seen: Pied crows, Madagascar red fody, Madagascar red fody, Madagascar kestrel, Madagascar wagtail, Dimorphic egret, Great egret. Accommodation: Meals: Included activities: Optional activities:

Hotel Vatolahy Breakfast, lunch & dinner Scenic drive from Andasibe to Antsirabe N.A

Day 6: 12th June 2014 Antsirabe – Ranamofana Today we drive to Ranomafana for our three nights stay. Setam Lodge is set above the forested river valley, just inside Ranomafana National Park. Each of the 10 bungalows looks out from the hill on which they are perched, down to the river and to the spectacular rainforest below. Accommodation: Meals: Included activities: Optional activities:

Setam Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner Scenic drive from Antsirabe to Ranamofana N.A.

Day 7 & 8: 13th & 14th June 2014 Ranomafana We spend the next two days visiting the park. Ranomafana means ‘hot water’ in Malagasy. Ranomafana National Park was originally set up to preserve two of Madagascar’s endangered lemur species, the golden bamboo lemur and the greater bamboo lemur. So this 40,000 hectare area is great for spotting the majestic creatures, as well as being great for birding! It was classified a World Natural Heritage site in 2007. It shelters a big wealth in endemic biodiversity. The park is also the genetic reservoir of some rare and endemic plant species. Several animal species have been recorded as well as 115 species of birds, 90 species of butterflies, 98 amphibian species and 62 reptile species. Special birds in the area include Henst's goshawk, Rufous-headed Ground roller, Velvet asity and the threatened Crested ibis. The park contains twelve Lemur species. Aside from the Golden bamboo lemur, visitors can spot Eastern woolly lemur, Red-bellied lemur, Eastern grey bamboo lemur, Greater bamboo lemur, Red-fronted brown lemur, Black and white-ruffed lemur, Edward´s sifaka, Small-toothed sportive lemur, Greater dwarf lemur, Brown mouse lemur and the very rare aye-aye. Birds likely to be seen: Henst’s hoshawk, Madagascar swamp warbler, Madagascar blue pigeon, Rufus-headed ground roller, Pita like ground roller, Madagascar buzzard, Madagascar cuckoo hawk, Short-legged ground roller, Red-tailed vanga, Madagascar wood rail, Madagascar nightjar, Madagascar magpie-robin, Red-fronted coua, White-throated rail, Forest fody, Madagascar bulbul, Madagascar pygmy kingfisher, White-headed vanga, Madagascar cuckoo roller, Madagascar bee-eater, Madagascar green sunbird, Souimanga sunbird, Common jery, Madagascar brush-warbler, Madagascar scops-Owl, Madagascar harrier-hawk, Ward's vanga, Madagascar rail, , Hook-billed vanga & Madagascar white-eye, Madagascar spine-tailed swift, Alpine swift, African palm swift.

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Accommodation: Meals: Included activities: Optional activities:

Setam Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner Ranomafana National Park excursion and night walk N.A.

Day 9: 15th June 2014 Ranomafana – Ranohira Today we drive to Ranohira. Ranohira is a town and commune in Madagascar. It belongs to the district of Ihosy, which is a part of Ihorombe Region. The population of the commune was estimated to be approximately 6,000 in the 2001 commune census. The majority 85% of the population of the commune are farmers, while an additional 10% receives their livelihood from raising livestock. The most important crop is rice, while other important products are peanuts and cassava. Services provide employment for 5% of the population. Jardin du Roy is a luxury lodge 240km from Tulear on the southern boundary of Isalo National Park in the south west of Madagascar. Built from granite to blend in with the landscape, it is a great place to take time to relax and enjoy great views or explore the local surroundings. Birds likely to be seen: Madagascar buzzard, Namaqua dove, Madagascar coucal, Pied crow, Madagascar red fody, Black kite and Madagascar partridge, Forest rock-thrush, Madagascar magpie robin, Malagasy stonechat, Madagascar brush warbler, Madagascar cisticola, Madagascar paradise flycatcher, Common jery, Stripe throated jery, Madagascar bulbul, Long-billed tetraka. Accommodation: Meals: Included activities: Optional activities:

Jardin du Roy Breakfast, lunch & dinner Anja Park excursion N.A

Day 10: Ranohira – 16th June 2014 This morning we trek inside the Isalo National Park to discover the massif of Isalo, famous for its canyons and flora that are unique. The road offers panoramas of vast savannah areas and hills with evocative profiles. Though the wildlife here is not as prominent as in other parks of the country, there are still a couple of species worth looking for that include the Ring-tailed Lemurs. Birds likely to be seen: Madagascar buzzard, Helmeted guineafowl, Madagascar turtle dove, Namaqua dove, Madagascar coucal, Madagascar wagtail, Forest rock thrush, Common jery, Pied crow, Madagascar red fody, Black kite, Madagascar partridge, Madagascar buttonquail and Madagascar brush warbler. Accommodation: Meals: Included activities: Optional activities:

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Jardin du Roy Breakfast, lunch & dinner Isalo National Park excursion N.A

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Day 11: 17th June 2014 Ranohira – Toliara (Tulear) – Ifaty Early this morning, we drive to Toliara - the capital of the Atsimo-Andrefana region. The current spelling of the name was adopted in the 1970s and reflects the orthography of the Malagasy language. Many geographic place names were similarly altered in this time from their previous French spellings following Malagasy independence in 1960. The city has a population of 101,661 (2001 census). As a port town it acts as a major import/export hub for commodities such as sisal, soap, hemp, cotton, rice, and peanuts. We stop at Zombitse – Vohibiasa National park to see some birds, like Grey-headed love birds, Vassa parots, Madagascar harrier-hawk, Madagascar paradiseFlycatcher, Madagascar crested drongo and Madagascar coucal. We have lunch in Toliara before we transfer to Ifaty, which is situated about 27 km north of Tuléar. With sweeping sea views, a beautiful swimming pool and some great diving it is impossible not to enjoy this private haven! Le Paradisier provides an exclusive, charming and relaxing hotel stay in blissful surroundings, on a white sandy beach. Built from natural local materials, the property blends in harmoniously with the environment. Accommodation: Meals: Included activities: Optional activities:

Le Paradisier Breakfast, lunch & dinner Scenic drive from Ranohira to Tulear and visit of Zombitse Vohibias National Park N.A

Day 12: 18th June 2014 Ifaty This morning, we visit Reniala Private Reserve. It is a small protected area of only 60 ha, managed by an environmental association called Reniala (which means baobab in Malagasy) that is trying to develop eco-tourism in the area. The reserve is located less than 1km from the Mozambique Channel near the village of Ifaty-Mangily, about 25 km North of Tulear. It shelters an amazing, bizarre and unique ecosystem which only occurs in the southeastern part of Madagascar, the spiny forest. The towering spiny bushes are home to more than 2000 plants species (many of them locally endemic), some spectacular and very old baobabs. Reniala includes a botanical trail and a bird sanctuary. Birds likely to be seen: Madagascar buzzard, Madagascar harrier-hawk, Madagascar kestrel, Subdesert mesite, Whimbrel, Common greenshank, Black-winged stilt, Turnstone, Common sandpiper, Grey plover, Madagascar plover, Madagascar turtle-dove, Madagascar green pigeon, Greater vasa parrot, Lesser vasa parrot, Grey-headed lovebird, Madagascar lesser cuckoo, Red-fronted coua, Running coua, Green-capped coua, Crested coua, Madagascar coucal, Madagascar nightjar, Madagascar swift, Madagascar kingfisher, Madagascar bee-eater, Long-tailed ground roller, Madagascar hoopoe, Madagascar cuckoo-shrike, Red-tailed vanga, Hook-billed vanga, Lafresnaye’s vanga, Sickle-billed vanga, Sub desert brush-warbler, Common newtonia, Archbolds newtonia, Common jery, Madagascar mannikin, Sakalava weaver, Madagascar red fody and Madagascar lark. Accommodation: Meals: Included activities: Optional activities: Copyright © SafariWise

Le Paradisier Breakfast, lunch & dinner Reniala Reserve excursion N.A 6

Day 13: 19th June 2014 Ifaty- Tulear – Anakao This morning we are transferred back to Toliara, where we have a boat transfer to Anakao. Anakao is a coastal fishing town of about 3000 people on the south-west coast of Madagascar, 35 kilometres south of Toliara. For a cultural travel experience of the island of Madagascar, a stay here is requisite. Enjoy your own little piece of paradise on an unforgettable coastline, where the beach stretches over 1.5km, the pace of ‘normal’ life is forgotten and authentic Madagascan values are savoured. Made from local materials with thatched roofs, the hotel is designed for maximum comfort and relaxation, ready to revive the spirits. Birds likely to be seen: Littoral rock-thrush, Subdesert brush-warbler, Dimorphic egret, Madagascar plover, Red tailed tropicbird, Madagascar gull, Caspian tern, Saunder’s tern and Madagascar bee-eater. Accommodation: Meals: Included activities: Optional activities:

Anakao Ocean Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner Morning boat transfer to Anakao & excursion to Nosy ve Island N.A

Day 14: 20th June 2014 Anakao – Tulear – Fort Dauphin – Berenty This morning we have a boat transfer back to Toliara before we fly to Fort Dauphin. Upon arrival in Fort Dauphin, we travel to Berenty for our two nights stay. Berenty Lodge features 12 eco-friendly bungalows each with en suite bathroom, ceiling fan and a small veranda with a deck chair. There is a charming tea garden where you can spend time watching the lemurs. Accommodation: Meals: Included activities: Optional activities:

Gite de Berenty Breakfast, lunch & dinner Scenic drive from Fort Dauphin to Berenty N.A

Day 15: 21st June 2014 Berenty We visit Berenty Reserve, which is a small private reserve of gallery forest along the Mandrake River, set in the semi-arid Spiny forest region of the far south of Madagascar. The reserve is also a favourite for visitors who want to see some of Madagascar's endemic bird species. Touring Berenty is a unique experience as the reserve is the natural habit of a number of animals and birds. While roaming around the reserve we can come across Sifakas, Ringtailed Lemurs, and Brown Lemurs. A tour of Berenty during the night will introduce us to Tenrecs, Red-andGrey mouse Lemurs, Grey-brown mouse Lemurs, etc. Reptiles are abundant in the reserve and it is full of chameleons, skinks, snakes and lizards. Two significant creatures are the Radiated Tortoise and the Spider tortoise. Various species of birds including the Madagascar Cuckoo-hawk, different types of couas, owls and Madagascar mannikin inhabit the Berenty reserve. The reserve has accommodation in the forest and a set of forest trails to explore. It is the most popular reserve in Madagascar. Birds likely to be seen: Cattle egret, Dimorphic heron, Great egret, Red-billed teal, Madagascar harrier-hawk, Madagascar sparrowhawk, Frances’s sparrowhawk, Madagascar buzzard, Madagascar kestrel, Banded kestrel, Madagascar partridge, Common quail, Helmeted guineafowl, Madagascar bottunquail, Madagascar sandgrouse, Madagascar turtledove, Namaqua dove, Madagascar green pigeon, Greater vasa parrot, Grey-headed lovebird, Copyright © SafariWise

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Giant coua, Running coua, Red-capped coua, Madagascar coucal, Madagascar scops-owl, White-browed owl, Madagascar long-eared owl, Marsh owl, Madagascar nightjar, Madagascar spine-tailed swift, Madagascar kingfisher, Madagascar bee-eater, Madagascar hoopoe, Madagascar lark, Mascarene martin, Madagascar wagtail, Madagascar bulbul, Madagascar magpie-robin, Madagascar stonechat, Madagascar swamp-warbler, Subdesert brush-warbler, Madagascar cisticola, Common newtonia, Common jery, Stripe-throated jery, Madagascar paradise flycatcher, Souimanga sunbird, Madagascar green sunbird, Madagscar white-eye, Redtailed vanga, Hook-billed vanga, Sickle-billed vanga, White-headed vanga, Chabert’s vanga, Madagascar blue vanga, Madagascar crested drongo, Pied crow, Common myna, Sakalava weaver, Madagascar red fody and Madagascar mannikin. Accommodation: Meals: Included activities: Optional activities:

Gite de Berenty Breakfast, lunch & dinner Berenty Reserve excursion N.A

Day 16: 22nd June 2014 Berenty - Fort Dauphin Today we transfer back to Fort Dauphin (Taolagnaro), which is a town on the southern coast of Madagascar with an estimated population of 42,944. With its beaches (complete with rusting shipwrecks), beautiful bays and atmosphere of steady decay, Fort Dauphin is a charming town and is set in a gorgeous location, with excellent hiking opportunities and some stunning panoramic views of the adjacent countryside! Fort Dauphin, commonly known as Taolanaro or "Place of dreams", is a town that truly deserves its title. The rooms at the La Croix du Sud are built in a semi-circle around a green and very neatly manicured garden. Accommodation: Meals: Included activities: Optional activities:

Croix du Sud Breakfast, lunch & dinner Scenic drive from Berenty to Fort Dauphin N.A

Day 17: 23rd June 2014 Fort Dauphin – Antananarivo Later today we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Antananarivo. On arrival in Antananarivo we will be met at the airport and transferred to the city and then our hotel. Accommodation: Meals: Included activities: Optional activities:

Palissandre Hotel & Spa Breakfast, lunch & dinner Visit of the Artisan market N.A

Day 18: 24th June 2014 Antananarivo – Departure This morning we visit Lake Tsarasaotra. Lake Tsarasaotra is a tranquil oasis set in 66 acres of unspoilt, private land in the busy capital of Antananarivo. Watched over by the Malagasy Government and such influential groups as The World Wildlife Fund, Birdlife International and Peregrine’s Fund, Tsarasaotra has become a well known and safe haven where waterfowl can live and breed. The park is a classified RAMSAR site (International Convention on Copyright © SafariWise

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Wetlands) and is the smallest and only private site classified to date. Birds likely to be seen: Cattle egret, Squacco heron, Blackcrowned night heron, Dimorphic egret, Red-billed teal, White-faced whistling duck, Knob-billed duck, Madagascar kingfisher, Madagascar bee-eater, Madagascar cisticola, & Madagascar swamp warbler, Stripe throated jery, Madagascar crested drongo, Nelicourvi weaver, Madagascar red fody. Accommodation: Meals: Included activities: Optional activities:

N.A. Breakfast & lunch Excursion to Lake Tsarasaotra; transfer to the airport N.A **************

Quoted price: 2014 Minimum 8 pax: GBP 3,800.00 per person sharing GBP 800.00 single supplement Notes: a) The costing for the Tour Programme is based on a minimum of eight (8) guests. b) This is a quotation and is valid for 2014 only. c) No reservations have been made and all accommodation, flights and transport are subject to availability. d) Should any of the accommodation mentioned not be available, we reserve the right to substitute it with an alternative suitable venue, which might affect the final quoted price. e) Quoted price is also subject to availability, fuel/gas price and possibly exchange rate fluctuations. f) 20% non-refundable deposit is required on confirmation of safari. g) Full payment is required sixty (60) days prior to arrival. Please consult our webpage, www.safariwise.com.na for the Terms & Conditions. Please call on the office of SafariWise™ for bookings and/or enquiries: SafariWise™ PO Box 2796 SWAKOPMUND Namibia 2 Phillip Street SWAKOPMUND Namibia TASA Member No.: S19 NTB Reg. No.: TSO00076 Tel

+264 64 405 220

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