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Wild Madagascar 1-25 October 2016
A 25-day adventure through the land
of dancing lemurs and towering
baobab trees.
Above: Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) with young infant. Above
right: Lowland rainforest of Masoala National Park.
Far right: The endemic pitcher plant Nepenthes madagascariensis
Imagine a vast tropical island separated from the rest of the world for 80
million years; a place where time and evolution flowed down its own
independent path in one of nature’s greatest experiments. From moss-laden
cloud forests to parched deserts, the land teems with unique organisms, the
likes of which can be found nowhere else on earth. This is Madagascar.
Regarded by some biologists as the “Eighth Continent”, the island of
Madagascar is a naturalist’s promised land. From resplendent chameleons to
amazing birds and playful lemurs, over 90% of the island’s species are
endemic.
Join us for an unforgettable journey across Madagascar’s varied landscape
where we will be exploring some of the island’s most treasured nature
reserves whilst enjoying the comforts of top quality forest lodges. The tour
will be led by naturalist and wildlife photographer Ch’ien Lee, along with a
host of knowledgeable indigenous guides.
ITINERARY
DAY 0 ANTANANARIVO
Arrival in Antananarivo and transfer to our hotel for a
welcome dinner and orientation. Sakamanga Hotel
DAYS 1-3 MASOALA NATIONAL PARK
A short flight will take us to the town of Maraontsetra
from which we will proceed by boat to the rugged
Masoala Peninsula. Madagascar’s largest nature
reserve, the humid rainforests here are home to a
dizzying array of flora and fauna, including endemic
geckos, chameleons, birds, and lemurs such as the
critically-endangered Red Ruffed Lemur (Varecia
rubra). Our comfortable lodge is located at the edge of
the park where the forest meets the pristine beaches
and crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Dounia
Forest Lodge
Our lodge at the edge of the forest in Akanin’ny Nofy.
DAYS 4-6 MANTADIA & ANDASIBE
After a return flight to Antananarivo, we will drive east
to the cool highlands of the Tsaratanana Massif. Our
destinations here are the lush montane forests of
Mantadia and Andasibe National Parks which are rich
with endemic animals and plants, including
extraordinary leaf-tailed geckos and colorful
Mantella frogs. The most sought-after quarry here
is the Indri (Indri indri), the world’s largest lemur,
whose haunting calls can be heard echoing through
the forest each morning. Feon’ny Ala
Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus) found in the
montane rainforest of Andasibe National Park.
DAYS 7-9 AKANIN’NY NOFY
Located along the beautiful Canal des Pangalanes
on Madagascar’s eastern seaboard, Akanin’ny Nofy
(“Nest of Dreams”) consists of rolling hills of sandy
coastal forest and meandering tea-colored swamps.
Several days of exploration here will give us
opportunities to view a variety of extraordinary
flora including orchids and carnivorous plants
(Utricularia, Drosera, and Nepenthes
madagascariensis) as well as a host of lemurs
including the bizarre nocturnal Aye-aye
(Daubentonia madagascariensis). Bush House
Day 10 ANTANANARIVO
Return to Antananarivo and overnight. IC Hotel
Days 11-12 BERENTY RESERVE
We will fly to Fort Dauphin at the southern end of
Madagascar and proceed by vehicle to Berenty
Private Reserve. This is the realm of the spiny
forest, a striking desert-like habitat full of unique
vegetation and creatures found nowhere else on the
planet. In addition to endemic reptiles and birds, we
will encounter a variety of mammals such as the
diminutive mouse lemurs which are scarcely larger
than a hamster. Roving bands of Ring-tailed Lemurs
and ‘dancing’ Verreaux’s Sifakas (Propithecus
verreauxi) are impossible to miss as they frequently
pass through the grounds of our resort. Berenty Lodge
Day 13 ANTANANARIVO
Departing from Berenty, a return flight will take us
back to Antananarivo. IC Hotel
Jewels of the forest floor, Mantella frogs advertise their toxicity
with vivid colorations.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION: TSINGY DE BEMARAHA
Days 14-15 KIRINDY FOREST
After a brief flight to Morondava we will continue by
vehicle to Kirindy. This dry deciduous forest, which is
dominated by enormous baobab trees, represents one
of Madagascar’s most endangered habitats. It is home
to a variety of mammals and provides one of the best
opportunities to encounter the island’s largest
carnivore, the cat-like Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox). Gite
Kirindy
STANDARD TOUR (30 Sep – 13 Oct 2016)
Dates: 30 Sep – 13 Oct 2016
Group size: 6-10 people
Fitness level: low to moderate
Trip cost: USD $3850 per person (twin-share)
Single supplement: USD $350
Start: Antananarivo International Airport
End: IC Hotel, Antananarivo
Includes: all accommodation, meals (except see below),
in-country transport, park entrance fees,
Not included: International airfare, visa fee ($50),
drinks, laundry, and some meals: Day 0 (D), Days 4-6 (L,
D), Day 10 (L, D), Day 13 (L, D)
To register for the trip please visit:
http://www.wildborneo.com.my/reg_mad16.php
or inquire at: [email protected]
TSINGY DE BEMARAHA EXTENSION (14-19 Oct 2016)
Group size: 6-10 people
Fitness level: low to moderate
Trip cost: USD $1550 per person (twin-share)
Single supplement: USD $215
Start/end: IC Hotel/Sakamanga Hotel, Antananarivo
Includes: accommodation, meals, transport, park fees
MAROJEJY SUMMIT EXTENSION (20-25 Oct 2016)
Group size: 4-8 people
Fitness level: strenuous (camping in shelters)
Trip cost: Please inquire
Start: IC Hotel, Antananarivo
End: Antananarivo International Airport
Includes: all accommodation, meals, transport, park
fees, guides, porters for group gear and food.
Please inquire for a list of suggested equipment.
Days 16-17 TSINGY DE BEMARAHA
Described as one of the most incredible landscapes on
earth, the tsingies (meaning “tiptoe” in Malagasy) are
a vast labyrinth of limestone needles, blades, and
pinnacles. This national park (a UNESCO World
Heritage site) protects not only the unique geology,
but also the pristine habitats for flora and fauna
occurring therein. A full 11 species of lemurs can be
found here, including the beautiful white Decken’s
Sifaka (Propithecus deckeni) which is often seen nimbly
leaping between the razor-sharp rock formations.
Olympe du Bemahara
Day 18 MORONDAVA
Our return drive to Morodava will bring us to the
famous Avenue des Baobabs, where we will take a
sunset stroll through the gargantuan 1,000-year old
trees. Hotel Chez Maggie
Day 19 ANTANANARIVO
Depart Morondava early for a return flight and transfer
to our hotel in Antananarivo. Sakamanga Hotel
Helmet Vanga (Euryceros prevostii) an iconic Madagascan bird
restricted to the rainforests of the northeast.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION: MAROJEJY SUMMIT
Days 20-25 MAROJEJY NATIONAL PARK
This is a trekking adventure to one of Madagascar’s
last remaining truly wild places. Marojejy National
Park spans 55,000 ha and holds one of the island’s
tallest mountains at 2,132 m. The rugged terrain is
clothed almost completely in virgin rainforest, but
gives way to scrubby montane vegetation at the higher
altitudes. Wildlife abounds, including birds such as the
iconic Helmet Vanga (Euryceros prevostii) and the
critically-endangered Silky Sifaka (Propithecus
candidus) which are called by locals the “angels of the
forest”. Our 6-day trek will take us up through a series
of forest camps (wooden bungalows) to the summit of
Marojejy Massif, allowing us to view a broad spectrum
of habitats full of endemic flora and fauna. Participants
are required to carry their own backpacks, or
alternatively hire a private porter. Please inquire for
further details.
All photographs copyright Ch’ien C. Lee