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Madagascar Encompassed
Group Tour
Overview
If you thought that a visit to Madagascar was just about seeing lemurs then think again, as there is so much more to discover on this fascinating island. This trip eschews domestic flights (which are notoriously prone to delay, cancellation and strike action) in favour of exploring at a slower place and in greater depth by minibus, riverboat, 4WD and on foot, the incredible diversity of flora, fauna, landscapes, people and culture that the world’s fourth largest island has to offer.
After ...
If you thought that a visit to Madagascar was just about seeing lemurs then think again, as there is so much more to discover on this fascinating island. This trip eschews domestic flights (which are notoriously prone to delay, cancellation and strike action) in favour of exploring at a slower place and in greater depth by minibus, riverboat, 4WD and on foot, the incredible diversity of flora, fauna, landscapes, people and culture that the world’s fourth largest island has to offer.
After an initial visit to see the Indri Indri, the world’s largest lemurs, we’ll leave the fertile highlands and travel along the River Tsiribihina through semi-dry tropical forest to the iconic Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll then take little used coastal tracks from Morondava to Tulear to experience not only the stunning scenery of this less-visited part of the country but also to meet with the Mikea hunter-gatherers, Vezo fisherman and the numerous other tribal people who call this region home.
This trip also takes in some of the better-known sights of the country, including the National Parks of Andasibe, Isalo, Ranomafana and Kirindy Forest Reserve. To our mind, this is THE best trip out there to Madagascar. Go. You will not be disappointed!
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
Minibuses, a privately chartered riverboat (see Supplementary Information section) and 4WDs. No flights.
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip.
On this particular trip we will stay in a mixture of comfortable hotels and lodges along with some more basic accommodation (particularly in Manja and Morombe), when we are on our adventurous 4WD overland route from Morondava to Tulear. There will be 2 nights wild camping in tents as part of our riverboat trip along the River Tsiribihina.
Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour Starts in Antananarivo (Tana)
Day 1 Tour Starts in Antananarivo (Tana)
The tour starts this afternoon in Madagascar’s highland capital, Antananarivo which is better known by its shortened name of Tana. Our joining hotel is located very near to the airport so anyone arriving on a late flight need not worry about any lengthy transfers after what is likely to have been a long flight.
Day 2 Tana - Andasibe National Park: City Tour & Drive Through The Countryside
Day 2 Tana - Andasibe National Park: City Tour & Drive Through The Countryside
We start the day with a city tour of Tana, visiting the main governmental, cultural and royal districts. We then take the National Road N2 to Andasibe, a journey of approximately 5-6 hours (dependent upon Tana traffic!). This drive brings us to the humid part of the country through the green landscapes of the east, with primary forest and lakes. We arrive in Andasibe National Park late in the afternoon where we’ll check-in to our hotel for the night. Approx 5-6 hours driving on asphalted roads
Day 3 In Andasibe National Park: Lemurs & Betsimisaraka Village
Day 3 In Andasibe National Park: Lemurs & Betsimisaraka Village
After breakfast we will enter Andasibe National Park and hike for around 3 – 4 hours. The National Park comprises a huge tropical rain forest in the east boasting of nine species of lemurs. The highlight is the ‘Indri Indri’ which are the largest lemurs of Madagascar. This 810 ha reserve is home to other unique flora and fauna and contains a wide variety of orchids, a verdant canopy, endemic animals such as chameleons, tenrecs, and many varieties of birds. After the hike we will take a stroll through Andasibe village, a typical Betsimisaraka (The-Many-inseparable) village, home to Madagascar's second largest ethnic group, who cultivate rice and vegetables. This will give us an opportunity to experience their lifestyle and culture. In the late afternoon we will visit the private park of Vakona including an optional visit to ‘lemurs’ island’ to see three species of lemur. It provides an excellent opportunity to view these fascinating animals.
Day 4 Andasibe National Park - Antsirabe: The Journey South
Day 4 Andasibe National Park - Antsirabe: The Journey South
This morning we’ll head back towards Tana, from where we’ll start heading south to join our loop of Madagascar. We should arrive in Antisarbe by the late afternoon, for the chance to relax a little before dinner this evening. Approx 9-10 hours driving on asphalted roads
Day 5 Antsirabe - Miandrivazo: Discover Crafts In The City
Day 5 Antsirabe - Miandrivazo: Discover Crafts In The City
Antsirabe is considered Madagascar’s most elegant city as well as being home to more pousse-pousses (local-style rickshaws) than anywhere else in the country. We’ll have the morning to discover some of the craft skills for which this temperate city is well known before heading west towards Miandrivazo, located in the savannah of the lowlands as opposed to the green of the highlands. Approx 7-8 hours driving on asphalted roads
*Please note tonight may involve splitting the group between two hotels, depending on availability and group size.
Day 6 Miandirivazo - Tsiribihina River: River Trip & Hike To Waterfall
Day 6 Miandirivazo - Tsiribihina River: River Trip & Hike To Waterfall
This morning we transfer the short distance to Masiakampy where our privately chartered riverboat will be waiting to take us down the Tsiribihina River. This trip allows us to get away from any crowds and to meet the people who use the river as their main conduit for travel. Today we plan to take a short hike up to a waterfall with a natural pool for a swimming opportunity. There’ll be ample time to just relax on board and watch life go by, but in addition we’ll be stopping at villages to meet the Sakalava people who are the major ethnic group in this region. After dinner on board, we’ll set up camp on the banks of the river. See ‘Travel along the Tsirbihina River’ in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for more details. Approx 6 hours by riverboat
Day 7 On The Tsiribihina River: Village Walk & Riverside Camp
Day 7 On The Tsiribihina River: Village Walk & Riverside Camp
This morning we plan to take a walk around a local village before we continue our journey downstream, with a good chance of seeing lemurs, crocodiles, bats and some amazing birdlife in the primary semi-dry forests that line the riverbanks. The scenery changes quite dramatically today as the river takes us through the Tsiribihina Gorge. For a second night we’ll set up camp by the riverside to take in the tranquillity of the Madagascan bush. Approx 6 hours by riverboat
Day 8 Tsiribihina River - Bekopaka: Mad Zebu & Four Wheel Drives
Day 8 Tsiribihina River - Bekopaka: Mad Zebu & Four Wheel Drives
Our last morning on the river takes us through to the largish settlement of Belo Tsiribihina which, despite its remote setting, is home to Mad Zebu, one of the country’s best restaurants where we plan to have lunch. Here we bid farewell to our riverboat and meet our 4WDs who will take us north along rough roads towards the village of Bekopaka, which sits at the entrance to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Approx 4hrs by riverboat + 4-5 hrs driving on dirt roads
Day 9 Bekopaka – Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park - Bekopaka: Limtestone Massif & Wildlife
Day 9 Bekopaka – Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park - Bekopaka: Limtestone Massif & Wildlife
Today will be dedicated to exploring the world of the Tsingy de Bemaraha, a limestone massif spectacularly eroded into karst pinnacles some of which can reach up to 50m in height. For those feeling adventurous, we’ll drive 90 minutes north to enter the world of the Grand Tsingy, which is home to the highest pinnacles. Access to this part of the National Park requires a short trek through dry western deciduous forest. We plan to spend the rest of the day exploring this natural phenomenon. The pinnacles themselves are accessed by way of a regularly maintained via ferrata. Here we will also have the opportunity to explore a series of caves and canyons linking these natural wonders, as we enter ever deeper into the National Park. No previous experience is needed and safety harnesses are provided but you will need to be agile and able to scramble over sharp rocks. For those feeling slightly less adventurous, there will be the opportunity to explore the smaller but equally impressive Petit Tsingy which is accessible from Bekopaka itself and which does not involve the need for any safety harnesses. Whichever option you choose, today will also be a day where wildlife sightings including 7 species of lemur, should also feature prominently. Approx 3 hrs driving on dirt roads (if visiting the Grand Tsingy)
Day 10 Bekopaka - Kirindy Forest Reserve: Ferry Crossing & Fossa Night Walk
Day 10 Bekopaka - Kirindy Forest Reserve: Ferry Crossing & Fossa Night Walk
After breakfast we’ll cross the Manambolo River by ferry and drive back via Belo Tsiribihina to Kirindy Forest Reserve. After checking in to our accommodation we’ll head out for a night time nature walk in the hope of seeing the fossa and the giant jumping rat!
Day 11 Kirindy Forest Reserve - Morondava – Belo Sur Mer: Sunrise At Avenue Of The Baobabs & Fishing Village
Day 11 Kirindy Forest Reserve - Morondava – Belo Sur Mer: Sunrise At Avenue Of The Baobabs & Fishing Village
We wake early (!) and drive to the famous ‘Avenue of the Baobabs’ in time for one of Madagascar's most iconic sun rises. From here we’ll stop for supplies in Morondava, before heading off on our real adventure southwards towards Tulear. Come prepared as we will not see asphalt for several days (!) and will have many rivers to cross along the way. The exact route that we take may be dictated by local river levels as well as the impact that the previous year’s cyclone season may have had on watercourses. However such uncertainty will be par for the course over the next few days and part of the fun. Our aim today is to get to the small fishing village of Belo sur Mer, situated on the beach and famous for its traditional open-air schooner construction, which we hope to be able to witness this afternoon. Approx 4hrs on dirt tracks
Day 12 Belo Sur Mer - Manja: Heading Inland
Day 12 Belo Sur Mer - Manja: Heading Inland
Today we’ll continue our off-road adventure towards the inland town of Manja where we’ll stay in by far the most basic hotel of the trip. Approx 5hrs driving on dirt tracks
Day 13 Manja - Morombe: Rice Plantations & Reaching The Coast
Day 13 Manja - Morombe: Rice Plantations & Reaching The Coast
Today’s drive is a long but rewarding one with beautiful scenery, huge baobabs, spiny forest and more rivers to cross. Along the way we’ll pass several small villages and take time to ponder over the fact that the rough track we are taking was once a well-maintained national road! After crossing the Mangoky River by ferry we’ll continue on to our beachside hotel in Morombe, where we’ll pass some immense rice plantations that help feed this rice-loving nation. Approx 8hrs driving on dirt tracks.*Please note tonight may involve splitting the group between two hotels, depending on availability and group size.
Day 14 Morombe – Mikea: Huge Dunes & Sandy Roads
Day 14 Morombe – Mikea: Huge Dunes & Sandy Roads
After breakfast, we’ll continue our drive taking in the striking coastal scenery which offers a mixture of large dunes, sandy beaches, yet even larger baobabs (!), spiny forest, and mangroves. We’ll encounter the most difficult part of the journey – a 30km stretch of sandy road after Befandefa - before finally reaching our beachside lodge which will be our base for the next 2 nights. Approx 6hrs driving on dirt tracks
Day 15 In Mikea: Beachcombing & Forest Hike
Day 15 In Mikea: Beachcombing & Forest Hike
Our lodge lies on an idyllic stretch of white sandy beach and so is ideal for beachcombing, visiting local Vezo fisherman villages or just relaxing. There’ll be the opportunity for a 4km hike inside the nearby forest, where we may meet with the Mikea, a hunter-gather tribe who even today rarely engage in any contact with the outside world and who live predominantly on the wild honey they forage from beehives. In the season (usually July to September) there may also be the chance to take a boat-trip out to see humpback whales but as this is always dependent on local conditions it hasn’t been included and would need to be arranged on an ad hoc basis at additional cost. Approx 2/3 hrs walking distance, total distance 4km
Day 16 Mikea – Isalo National Park: The Antandroy & Rock Formations
Day 16 Mikea – Isalo National Park: The Antandroy & Rock Formations
We’ll spend the morning taking our final drive along Madagascar’s stunning coastline southwards to Tulear where we come to end of the dirt road and join the asphalted road known as Route National 7. Now the scenery changes quickly as we ascend into, the lands of the Antandroy, a tribe of Bantu origins, and whose tombs we will see along the way. Our destination today is considered to be one of Madagascar’s highlights - Isalo National Park with its striking sandstone rocks formations – and this will be or base for the next 2 nights. Approx 4hrs driving on dirt tracks + 5hrs driving on asphalted roads
Day 17 In Isalo National Park: Canyon Walk & Wild Swimming
Day 17 In Isalo National Park: Canyon Walk & Wild Swimming
We’ll have the full day to enjoy the delights of Isalo on foot. We’ll start with a short trek to a beautiful natural swimming pool and then continue deeper into the canyon. Isalo is known for its strange geological formations, eroded by the rain and the wind, which offer some of the most spectacular scenery of the country. This is also a place where the Bara tribes used to bury their dead. If we are lucky, we may see lemurs during our walk today.
Day 18 Isalo National Park – Ambalavao: Bara Tribe & Ring-Tailed Lemurs
Day 18 Isalo National Park – Ambalavao: Bara Tribe & Ring-Tailed Lemurs
After breakfast we head on to Ihosy which acts as a de facto capital of the Bara tribe who are predominantly Zebu shepherds. We’ll pass through the immense savannah lands of the Horombe Plateau before coming to Anja, a community run park started by local villagers, where part of the income pays the teachers of the local school. Here we’ll walk for a couple of hours into the nearby forest to see almost guaranteed up-close sightings of large families of ring-tailed lemurs. From here we’ll continue to Ambalavao, which houses the fascinating Anteimoro paper factory. Tonight we’ll stay in the middle of the Betsileo highlands. Approx 5hrs driving on asphalted roads
Day 19 Ambalavao – Ranomafana National Park: Zebu Market & Rain Forest
Day 19 Ambalavao – Ranomafana National Park: Zebu Market & Rain Forest
Ambalavao has its market day on Wednesdays and hosts the second largest Zebu market in Madagascar where cattle sellers have been known to walk from Tulear (400km's away) to attend, we will get to experience the spectacle of market day before we leave for Ranomafana. Ranomafana, which lies in tropical rain forest typical of Madagascar’s east coast. Here, rather than rice fields or zebu herdsmen, we’re more likely to see small villages selling bananas or charcoal. There may be time this evening to wander the friendly streets of the small village which sits near the entrance. Here we’ll take a short night walk outside the park, hoping to encounter some of the endemic chameleons, tree frogs mouse lemurs that make Ranomafana their home. Approx 4hrs driving on asphalted roads
Day 20 Ranomafana - Ambositra: Wildlife Spotting Through The Rain Forest
Day 20 Ranomafana - Ambositra: Wildlife Spotting Through The Rain Forest
We’ll have the morning to explore some of the best trails inside the National Park. With our specialist guide we’ll enter the rainforest in the hope of seeing, amongst others, the golden bamboo lemur which was only discovered in 1986. However in addition to lemurs, the park is also rich in birdlife, reptiles, butterflies, lichens, and orchids. The tracks are steep and can be very slippery, but we do not plan to cover a huge distance on foot as the emphasis is very much on experiencing the diversity of the rainforest. After a well-deserved lunch we’ll head north towards Ambositra, a great place to pick up some last minute souvenirs. Approx 3.5hrs driving on asphalted roads
Day 21 Ambositra – Tana: Ambatolampy Metalwork
Day 21 Ambositra – Tana: Ambatolampy Metalwork
After breakfast, we’ll head back to Tana, retracing our steps from Antsirabe to the capital. En route we plan to stop in the town of Ambatolampy which is renowned for its traditional metalwork. In Tana we will have our final dinner together before the tour ends. Approx 5.5hrs driving on asphalted roads
Day 22 Tour Ends in Tana
Day 22 Tour Ends in Tana
The tour ends today with a free morning to relax in the hotel.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Gassy Country House, Antananarivo
The charming Gassy Country House is just a five-minute drive from the international airport making it an ideal option just before an early flight or after a late arrival. The property is set down a side street and has 13 standard rooms and 11 suites. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with en-suite bathrooms, tiled floors, TV screens and mosquito net-draped beds, whilst suites have separate sitting areas and balconies facing the swimming pool. Adjacent to the pool is a restaurant serving a selection of local and international dishes. The hotel is owned and run by a reputable local tour operator whose office is next door.
Vakona Forest Lodge, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
The charming Vakona Forest Lodge is nestled in a stretch of lush primary forest close to the entrance of the Andasibe National Park and is an ideal lodge to use when wanting to explore this wonderful part of Madagascar. Although this is a relatively large property, with eighteen standard bungalows and ten family bungalows, there is plenty of space both around the grounds and in the main area, so the property never feels busy. The Bungalows are all very comfortable and well-appointed with en-suite bathrooms, small balconies, mosquito nets over the beds, mini fridges and safes. The main part of the lodge is an open-plan bar and restaurant area where there are a variety of local dishes on the menu and the central fireplace is very welcome in the cool evenings. There is a lovely swimming pool area and sprawling terrace, ideal for alfresco dining. With easy access to the Andasibe National Park as well as marked walking trails around the property and access to horse riding trails and canoeing trips, this is a great for those looking to keep busy and active during their stay.
Royal Palace Hotel, Antsirabe
Tucked away in a quiet part of central Antsirabe, the Royal Palace hotel is an excellent spot to spend a night or two when passing through the city. There are 36 bedrooms and 4 apartments at the hotel, so despite being large by Madagascar’s usual standards, there is still a good level of service at the hotel. The bedrooms are spacious and comfortable with en-suite bathrooms and mini-bars, some also have small balconies. The apartments are ideally suited to families or friends travelling together as they offer more space and have excellent views out to the swimming pool. The pool and surrounding terrace are popular spots to relax in the afternoon and the hotel gardens have plenty of umbrella shaded tables for alfresco dining. The restaurant is very good and serves a variety of international and traditional and Malagasy dishes. Clean, comfortable and well-run, the Royal Palace is an excellent choice for a stay in Antsirabe and it provides easy access for visitors to explore this charming town.
Princesse du Tsiribihina, Miandrivazo
Tucked away overlooking the plains surrounding Miandivazo and towards the Tsiribihina River, the Princesse du Tsiribihina is a good spot to spend the night when staying in the area. The bedrooms are simple, yet comfortable, with double, twin and triple options available, as well as family bungalows for larger groups. They all have en suite bathrooms and the beds are draped in mosquito nets for guest’s comfort, whilst small verandas at the front are a good spot to relax. The property is set around a central swimming pool and patio where guests can relax in the late afternoons and take in the stunning views. The spacious dining room have a lovely terrace looking out over the surrounding countryside and focuses on serving fresh, seasonal dishes, with freshwater prawns being a specialty. There is always a warm, friendly atmosphere created by the charming staff which serves to make this the best place to spend a night when passing through the area.
Soleil de Tsingy, Bekopaka
The beautifully styled Soleil de Tsingy sits high on a hillside overlooking the stunning forest canopy below and is one of just a handful of properties on mainland Madagascar that can be described high-end. Although the drive up is bumpy and uncomfortable, it is only short and the delights that await at the lodge more than make up for it. There are 16 spacious bungalows set in two wings, the north and south wing, either side of the lovely main lodge. Inside they are very spacious with mosquito net draped beds, separate sofas and well-appointed en-suite bathrooms with full amenities. The rooms all have their own private decking areas which look out to the forest below. The main part of the lodge is a split-level bar and dining area leading down to the infinity pool which is very welcomed after a hot day exploring the nearby Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. The lodge also has a cinema room and pool table, so there is plenty to keep guests entertained. Soleil de Tsingy is undoubtedly the best property in Bekopaka and is 90 minutes from the famed Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, the main attraction of visiting the area.
Relais du Kirindy, Kirindy Forest Reserve
The stylish Relais du Kirindy opened its doors in April 2017 and has provided a welcome higher-end accommodation option to an area previously lacking in upmarket places to stay. Just 30 minutes’ drive from the Kirindy Forest and an hour from Avenue of the Baobabs, this is an excellent option for a stay in the area. There are 26 spacious Bungalows at the lodge, all of which are raised up on decks and set a short walk from the main area of the lodge. Inside they are spacious and comfortable with mosquito net draped beds, two fans and plenty of storage space. The doors and windows have fly screens on them as well as shutters so the rooms are as “bug-proof” as they can be. En suite bathrooms are found at the rear of each room with basic amenities provided. Each room has a shaded deck at the front with easy chairs for relaxing in. The main part of the lodge is very stylish and reminiscent of an upmarket safari lodge, with a large pool and decking area as well as an open-plan lounge, dining room and bar area with the food being amongst some of the best enjoyed on mainland Madagascar. Relais du Kirindy fast established an excellent reputation amongst visitors to Madagascar as one of the best options on the mainland and is great for a stay in this stunning and under-visited part of the country.
Ecolodge du Menabe, Belo Sur Mer
Idyllically located on a deserted stretch of beach outside the small village of Belo sur Mer, Ecolodge du Menabe is a real gem of a property and although visitors seldom spend more than a night here it is always a popular part of any trip down the West Coast. There are just 10 simple yet spacious bungalows with reed walls, hardwood floors and small shaded terraces where guests can relax in the afternoons and gaze out to the azure waters of the Mozambique Channel just a stone’s throw away. The beds are covered with full length mosquito nets and well-appointed en-suite bathrooms are found at the rear of each room with shade provided by the groves of trees in which the bungalows sit. There is a good restaurant at the lodge and the seafood is especially good as one would expect. The sea is warm and safe for swimming and guests can relax in the shaded lounge area or out on the beach. This is a good spot for relaxing during the afternoon as most stays will only be for one night, however for anyone dwelling a little longer the deep sea fishing here is very good and the lodge have a fully equipped boat for up to four people which is chartered at a locally payable cost.
Kanto Hotel, Manja
The Kanto Hotel is set down a side street just off the main drag of the small town of Manja and currently represents the best accommodation option in town and is used for no more than an overnight stay. The hotel is made up of a series of small bungalows which are dotted around the grounds, each of which has a small sleeping area and en-suite bathroom. There are no fans although there is a mosquito net over each bed. Electricity and hot water are intermittent but they will always work at some point during a stay. There is a central open-sided dining area where guests congregate for meals in the evenings and the menu is pretty limited, but there should be sufficient choice for all guests to enjoy an evening meal. The Kanto Hotel is a very simple option which we use for single night stays only and owing to the lack of facilities, itineraries will be constructed to ensure time spent here is kept to a minimum, although we would stress it is a clean and safe place to spend just one night.
Hotel Le Paletuvier, Morombe
A welcoming coastal property in Morombe. Between the location and the wonderful host, guests will feel truly relaxed and at ease during their stay here. Accommodation is made up of small, simple bungalows. Please note that Wi-Fi access is very limited, but with a large garden that has direct access to the idyllic sandy beach, this shouldn't be too much of a problem.
Mikea Lodge, Mikea
Nestled on a wonderfully isolated stretch of coastline overlooking the idyllic Mozambique Channel, the lovely Mikea Lodge is a simple yet stylish beach lodge and a wonderful spot to spend a few days relaxing and enjoying the peace and tranquility that this area has to offer. The lodge has ten tented rooms which are all set away from the main part of the lodge and raised up on decks to give stunning views out to sea. Inside they are very spacious and comfortable with plenty of space for additional beds should they be required. The front and side of the tents have gauze covered windows with flaps which roll down should guests wish, although these can also be left open to allow a cooling breeze to flow through. The en-suite bathrooms have open roofs and are a lovely feature of the tents. The main area comprises of a dining room, lounge and bar area with a terrace that leads directly down to the lovely beach. The menu is relatively limited, with a choice of three dishes for each course, but is superb and there is a big focus on locally sourced seafood. Guests staying at Mikea can enjoy a variety of activities including whale watching from June to September diving, fishing and canoe trips on the ocean as well as trips into the nearby forest to visit the honey-gathering Mikea people who live off the land deep in the spiny forest.
Satrana Lodge, Isalo National Park
Satrana Lodge is a beautifully appointed four-star property gazing out across to the towering granite boulders that characterise the Isalo National Park. The lodge offers both standard and deluxe bungalows which are similar in style but, with the deluxe bungalows offering more space, they are favoured by families. Accommodation has a traditional safari feel, raised up on wooden decks with dark canvas walls, thatched roofs and individual verandas. Inside they are comfortable with en-suite bathrooms and both indoor and outdoor showers. The swimming pool, outdoor terrace and bar are very stylish, as is the spacious dining room offering a menu of local and international dishes.
Centrest Sejour, Ranomafana National Park
One of the best lodges in Ranomafana National Park, Centrest Sejour is found a ten-minute drive from the park’s main entrance so guests can start walks nice and early. The lodge is set up on the hillside with the rooms nicely stretching away from the lodge’s main public areas. Inside, rooms have a modern feel with tiled floors, mosquito net-covered beds and plenty of storage space. Rooms are spacious however, the en-suite bathrooms are a little on the small side but do have 24-hour hot water, a bonus for Madagascar. There is a lovely onsite lounge, bar and dining area all looking out to the area’s surrounding rainforest.
Artisan Hotel Ambositra, Ambositra
The three-star Artisan Hotel is tucked away down a quiet side street in the heart of town. In our opinion, this is the best option in Ambositra: clean and comfortable with a great restaurant and friendly, hands-on staff. The rooms are clean and comfortable, if a little small, and are set in blocks away from the main area, in addition to a number of bungalows close to the dining area. There is a spacious courtyard in the centre of the property with some covered areas where guests can relax, as well as tables for outside dining. The restaurant and bar are open for dinner serving European and Malagasy cuisine and there is usually nightly traditional folk music and entertainment.
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Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Women’s co-operative
On this tour you will be given the opportunity to support an indigenous women's co-operative. This co-operative was set up by the local women to retain their craft whilst earning a much needed income.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Supplementary Information
Travel along the Tsirbihina River
This photo shows a boat typical of that which we plan to take for the 3-day/ 2-night trip along the Tsirbihina River. The exact boat used will depend on the group size and availability but you can expect to find onboard a shared area for relaxing and dining (where we'll take all of our meals). There are no washing facilities or toilets on board but during the journey there will be waterfalls and swimming holes which you can use to freshen up and we will make regular bush stops. We will moor up each night along the riverbanks and set up tents and a toilet tent which we'll be carrying with us. This is not luxury cruising but it's not expedition basic either. Come expecting a real off-beat adventure with a modicum of comfort and you won't be disappointed!
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| ET 701 | London Heathrow (LHR) 21:00 | Addis Ababa Airport (ADD) 06:45 |
| ET 853 | Addis Ababa Airport (ADD) 08:50 | Ivato Airport (TNR) 13:40 |
| ET 852 | Ivato Airport (TNR) 14:40 | Addis Ababa Airport (ADD) 19:20 |
| ET 700 | Addis Ababa Airport (ADD) 00:45 | London Heathrow (LHR) 07:00 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Madagascar.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Madagascar For those individuals at highest risk please discuss with your local health care provider if a vaccine for Cholera is required. For any clients transiting for more than 12 hours through an airport/country with a risk of yellow fever transmission you will require a yellow fever certificate.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
Malaria is present in all parts of Madagascar and precautions are essential.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
While the climate of Madagascar can vary quite significantly as you travel from east to west and from north to south, in general there is a rainy season (often with cyclones) that runs from November to March. Our trips to Madagascar are typically designed to fall within the dry season (April to October), during which time temperatures can vary from early 30’s in the daytime in the lowlands of the west, to single digits at night in the central highlands. In general, June is the coolest time of year to travel but even at this time, you can expect many sunny warm days. Be warned that in the rainforests of the east it can rain at any time of the year!
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious, but not all Wild Frontiers tours are the same, and it is important that you choose a tour which is suitable for you. To help you decide and ensure you choose a suitable tour, please refer to our helpful guide here. As a minimum, you should make sure that you read the day-by-day itinerary and the Key Aspects to Consider sections carefully. Should you still have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour, then please contact us.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional.
However please come prepared for some very bumpy roads that have not been well maintained in recent years (and thus some long driving days) and some real adventures involving several river crossings. Conditions in Madagascar can be unpredictable and a flexible attitude is essential during this trip. Most walks are considered moderate but can be opted out of or alternative easier ones may be available if preferred.
Our nights spent wild camping along the Tsiribihina River are rustic but comfortable. There are no washing facilities and toilets will be bush stops or toilet tents. Please read the 'supplementary information' section for more details.
Though vegetarians can be catered for, the variety of food will be limited at times. This is not a ‘foodie’ tour and although you'll have an opportunity to try local dishes, you may find meals become a little repetitive.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour including all camping nights, when you would get your own tent.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 11274 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.