The Discovery Journey to Madagascar
Explore the rare treasures of the world's fourth largest island and the only place where the exotic lemur has its natural roots. Madagascar is a living laboratory to unravel the evolution of plants and animals, while enjoying the unique blend of cultures, from French traditionalism to the enchanting rituals of the Malagasy. Traverse this diverse land and all it offers: the stark, rugged beauty of the exotic south and Berenty Reserve, the strange rock formations in Isalo National Park, the untamed rainforest of Perinet, and the wildlife that calls them home. And of course, the lemurs! Become enthralled with the unusual dancing sifakas and hear the intense wailing of the largest species, the indri. The land, its culture and its lemurs, will definitely leap into your heart.
Days 1/2/3 - New York/Paris/Antananarivo
Fly overnight to Paris, and connect with your flight to Antananarivo, Madagascar. You are met by your professional naturalist and escorted to your French-style hotel just a short drive through lush green rice fields. See the sites of the city including Lake Anosy, the European District and the birthplace of the Malagasy state - Ambohimaga - with its enormous stone gate. Stop at Tsimbazaza, a botanical and zoological garden, home to the endemic species of Malagasy flora and fauna. HOTEL COLBERT. (Meals Aloft; D)
Days 4/5/6 - Fort Dauphin/Berenty Reserve
Travel to Fort Dauphin by plane, then drive to Berenty, a private wildlife reserve known for dramatic landscapes of tamarind gallery and riverine forest where troupes of ring-tailed lemur greet you. During early morning hikes, search the trees for the distinctive white fur and black face of the highly acrobatic Verreaux's sifaka. See hundreds of flying foxes clinging under the forest canopy, and evening excursions may afford sightings of the white-footed and grey mouse lemur. A chameleon may surprise you around the bend and the extraordinary call of the couas bird may stop you in your tracks! Visit the ethnographic museum of textile collection followed by a tour of the adjacent sisal plantation. Relax among the playful lemurs at your hotel's tea garden. GITE D'ETAPE. (B,L,D Daily)
Day 7 - Fort Dauphin
Enjoy your last morning with the endearing lemurs of Berenty and return to Fort Dauphin where you check into your hotel - one of the newest and built in a semi-circle around a lovely garden. Tonight's restaurant overlooks the water. LA CROIX DU SUD HOTEL. (B,L,D)
Days 8/9/10 - Tulear/Isalo National Park
Board your flight to Tulear. Drive to Isalo National Park, a desert-like landscape dominated by massive rocks from the Jurassic period. Tranquility accompanies you on walks around these eroded and unique sandstone formations dotted with endemic succulents, the elephant's foot and Isalo aloe. Deep canyons harbor the fire-resitant tapia tree on which the Malagasy endemic silkworm feeds, and crystal-clear waterfalls create delightfully refreshing natural swimming pools. At the Isalo Interpretation Centre, learn about the local indigenous tribes whose mysterious burial sites are found here. At sunrise hear the song of the endemic Benson's Rock Thrush and watch the skies for the Black Kite soaring overhead. Your hotel is built into the rocks on the edge of the Park. RELAIS DE LA REINE. (B,L,D Daily)
Day 11 - Tulear/Antananarivo
Your drive returns to Tulear, an oasis of sandy beaches, friendly people and the third largest coral reef system in the world. Visit a fishing village and enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant before flying back to Antananarivo. HOTEL COLBERT. (B,L)
Days 12/13/14 - Perinet Reserve/Mantadia National Park
Perinet Reserve is the next stop on your drive; a montane rainforest home to the largest species of lemur - the indri. Three feet tall with black and white markings, its eerie calls at first light will be your alarm clock. Nine species reside here, including the brown, Gray bamboo and Eastern woolly lemur. Watch for amazing birds, including the Madagascar Crested Ibis and the bizarre looking Helmet Vanga. Diademed sifaka and black-and-white ruffed lemur can often be found on steep and narrow trails while exploring nearby Mantadia National Park. Your lodge has a small reserve for intimate visits with troupes of black-and-white ruffed and brown lemur. VAKONA LODGE. (B,L,D Daily)
Days 15/16 - Antananarivo/Paris/New York
Begin your scenic drive back to Antananarivo visiting en route La Mandraka Farm, a breeding facility for almost every reptile and butterfly endemic to Madagascar. Continue to Antananarivo and the HOTEL COLBERT where a dayroom awaits you. Late this evening you will be transferred to the airport for your return flights home. (B,L, Meals Aloft)
Optional Post-Extension to the Untamed Masoala Peninsula
Learn about the island's diversity and natural wonders at Parc Ivoloina through its zoological exhibits, free-ranging lemurs, botanical trails and environmental center. Then off to discover the wilderness of Masoala National Park and the island reserve of Nosy Mangabe. This is one of the few remaining areas where the tropical rainforest extends to the sea. Spend two nights at a rustic campsite in a wilderness wonderland inhabited by lemurs, rare birds and amphibians. Look for the strange nocturnal lemur, the aye-aye, at Nosy Mangabe Reserve.
Your Journey Includes:
- Lodging in the deluxe wing at the Colbert Hotel in and best accommodations throughout as indicated.
- Breakfast daily; other meals per itinerary. Bottled water with meals.
- Professional naturalist will accompany the group throughout.
- Vehicles and drivers as needed.
- All excursions, entrance fees to parks/reserves and local guides provided.
- All applicable hotel/lodge taxes, tips and gratuities for baggage handling.
- All transfers.
- Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.
2008 Dates |
Price Main Trip Land Only |
Single Supplement Price/Main |
Price Extension |
Single Supplement Price/Ext |
May |
$6,595 |
$1,495 |
$2,295 |
$395 |
Aug |
$6,695 |
$1,495 |
$2,295 |
$395 |
Sep 18 - |
$6,595 |
$1,495 |
$2,295 |
$395 |
Oct |
$6,595 |
$1,495 |
$2,295 |
$395 |
*Prices do not reflect applicable taxes.