In the heart of Madagascar lies the capital, Antananarivo, also called Tana. Your travels will form a triangle starting at the capital, at one point, to Tulear in the south then to Nosy Be in the north. Antananarivo is just the launching pad for your two week journey ahead. Move from one of the quaintest bed and breakfast inns in the capital city where you?ll be wined and dined, charmed and serenaded to the tastes, sights and sounds of Malagasy life. From there, the southwestern shore is a countryside change to the hustle and bustle of the capital city streets. The town of Tulear, also known as Toliara, is a flurry of activity. But all of this will soon fade away while traveling northward?up the coast?covering some of the most contrasting land in the country. The moist coastal air soon becomes the air of the dry desert of Isalo then returns to the cool breezes of the islands of the northern tip. Airs that waft around you and sweep you away?just to another part of this island paradise. After breaking away from Africa forming the Mozambique channel over 150 million years ago, this island nation is of matchless beauty. You?ll experience the rare nature and natural pleasures of Madagascar?s western shores.
Please note: because trip highlights can be subject to change, please contact one of our trip specialists to discuss the specifics as they will pertain to your trip.
DAY 1 | IN TANA
Touch down in the capital, Antananarivo, known as Tana. A representative will greet you at the airport for the transfer to Toliara, also called Tulear. Located in the southwest part of the island, Tulear, is Madagascar�s largest harbor and as geography would have it, the Tropic of Capricorn runs through it. The town�s streets are crowded with the most popular form of transport�a rickshaw-type vehicle called a pousee-pousse. If you want to try one, be sure to have your negotiating skills at the ready beforehand. Either a private car or bus will maneuver through the pousee-pousse foot traffic to take you along sandy road to Ifaty, a coastal village, just north of Tulear and a popular area for birdwatching. Check in to Hotel Mangily to drop off your things and have lunch in the hotel restaurant with a view of the ocean. Take the rest of the afternoon to relax. Or, snorkel, swim and get wet until it�s time to dry off for dinner.
DAY 2 | ON THE COAST: IFATY
After breakfast, head to the dry, spiny forest of Baobab trees. The southern part of Madagascar is known for these forests. The trees have a distinct look�with tall trunks and spiky branches bunched at the top. The Baobab�s bark is used to make textiles. Bird lovers will love this area. The forest is a great place for viewing some of the endemic bird species. In the afternoon, take a pirok�a dug-out canoe�to the coral reef for some snorkeling or just canoe-roaming around the lagoon. Return to Hotel Manglily in the evening. [B,L,D]
DAY 3 | FROM IFATY TO RANOHIRA
Have breakfast at the hotel in the morning. Then, passing some of the most beautiful coastal landscape, travel by car or bus to Ranohira�a small town about a six hour trip on paved road. You�ll make a detour in Tulear to the Arboretum D�Antsokay to have lunch and stroll among the wonderfully preserved native plants and trees of the botanical gardens. The Isalo National Park is next. The park mixes grasses, sandstone formations, deep canyons and caves, and the ring-tailed lemurs into the dry landscape. A landscape that is special to the Bara tribe of the area. For centuries, they have used to the caves as burial sites. Afterwards, head to Soarano, just a few miles from Isalo to check in at Relais de La Reine. The French-run hotel was constructed from the same rock found in the area. The famous �La Fenetre� rock formation is nearby�carved out of the earth like a frame to see the picture perfect sunset. Later in the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel. [B,L,D]
DAY 4 | NORTHERN ISALO PARK: CANYONS AND POOLS
After breakfast, it�s back to the Isalo National Park�the northern section�to hike the �Canyons des Maki� (sometimes called the Canyon des Singes�Canyon of the Monkeys). A stone staircase winds its way to a river of ferns and palm trees in the canyon. Nearby, the �Piscine Naturelle� is a cool pool to take a dip in or just to rest along side of it. From here, there is a spectacular view of the park�s rock formations. Return to Relais de La Reine for the evening. [B,L,D]
DAY 5 | TULEAR TO TANA
You�ll head out early to go back to Tulear in time to visit the local market and have lunch. If there�s not enough time for lunch in Tulear then after the transfer flight from Tulear to Tana, take lunch in the capital. Check into the quaint bed and breakfast, Chez Aina, an inn run by Aina and her husband Vincent. This is a transition day. It�s a good time to take advantage of the capital sites. [B,L,D]
DAY 6 | ISLE OF NOSY BE
After an early breakfast chez Aina, transfer to the airport to fly to the northern Island of Nosy Be. Called the �Perfumed Island� because of the fragrant flowers, like Ylang-ylang that are everywhere on the island, Nosy Be is one of the twelve islands in the Mitsio Archipelago. Later in the day, go to the Ylang-ylang brewery for a tour. Or, head to the outdoor market and the rum and sugar factories. A trip at sunset to the highest point on Nosy Be, Mont Passot, is a perfect way to ease into the evening hours. Check into the Marlin Club Hotel by the sea. Dine here on the fresh catch of the day before you turn in for the night. [B,L,D]
DAY 7 | DAY ONE ON NOSY ANKAREA
Move from Nosy Be and the Marlin Club Hotel to Nozy Ankarea and the Ankoay Lodge, fifty miles away. A three-hour boat ride will take you to your first day on the island. Another tropical island gem, Nosy Ankarea is in the Mitsio Archipelago. Spend this day getting to know the island and your immediate surroundings. A well-appointed tented camp, Ankoay Lodge will be your comfortable homebase during your three-day stay on the island. [B,L,D]
DAY 8 | DAY TWO ON NOSY ANKAREA
Wake up to a spectacular day that is all yours for the filling and amending. The island of Nozy Ankarea is surrounded by coral reef. Kayak to any of the uninhabited islands that circle Nosy Ankarea. Dive in to the cool, blue waters and explore. When you come back up for air, dry off and relax on the beach and soak up some sun. At the end of the day, return to Ankoay Lodge for dinner. [B,L,D]
DAY 9 | DAY THREE ON NOSY ANKAREA
It�s another sand and surf day after breakfast. Wake up early, or wake up late if you want. In the early morning, comb the white sands for shells or swim the cooler ocean waters. Mark your fun by the position of the sun and when it hits the horizon, head back to the Ankoay Lodge for dinner. [B,L,D]
DAY 10 | THE ECOVILLAGE FIHAVANANA OF NOSY BE
From Nosy to Nosy, take your leave of Ankarea and go back to Be. Along the way, you�ll make visits to two smaller islands nearby, Nosy Komba, the island of the Maccaco-Maccaco lemur and the island of Nosy Tanin-Kely, home to a natural aquarium of tropical fish and reef. Take lunch at one of the islands before moving on to Nosy Be in the afternoon. The next two nights are at the Ecovillage Fihavanana located on a hilltop with a spectacular view of the lake. Walk the stone path to reach the hotel and your private, comfortable bungalow. A little bouquet of bougainvillea and hibiscus flowers will welcome you in. Meals are served in an open-air canopy dining room with views of the sand and sea. Here is an aside about Ecovillage Fihavanana: Started by a Swiss association, Ecovillage Fihavanana is managed by the village of Ambatozavavy and is slated to become a school to introduce students to the hotel industry. Plus, the Ecovillage supports the local community by running small farming projects, a health center, pharmacy and provides educational funds for the village children. Possible Sidebar:[It is possible to arrange a village homestay with a local family. Please call for more information.] [B,L,D]
DAY 11 | LOKOBE AND LEMURS
This morning, after breakfast, the Lokobe Reserve is on the agenda. Take the well-worn path there via the sandy mangrove forest, then paddle in a pirok�a dugout canoe�for an hour or so. The village of Ampasipoha will come into view�your clue that you�ve reached Lokobe. The Black Lemur Forest Project (BLFP) is stationed in Lokobe. The black lemur�s habitat is vanishing and the BLFP was established to protect them. With lemurs, various reptiles and healing herbal plants, Lokobe is a dry tropical forest. Enjoy the beachside lunch while the waves roll and the sun shines. Then, head back the way you came in a pirok. The hour�s canoe ride is a great way to wind down the day until dinner at Ecovillage Fihavanana. [B,L,D]
DAY 12 | AMBATOZAVAVY VILLAGE
This morning, visit the village of Ambatozavavy. Take your time walking around the village. Ask questions to understand daily village life. Take lunch at Ecovillage Fihavanana then pack up for your flight back to Tana. The warmth of Chez Aina awaits you, again. [B,L,D]
DAY 13 | IN TANA�DEPART MADAGASCAR
This is your last day in Tana and in fact, Madagascar. As you depart the capital to fly home, look down at the red roofs of the houses and the peeked buildings of the city center. It�s a sight to behold from above. [B]
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