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Madagascar

No singing Lemurs but definitely a magical paradise

Destination Overview

If your students fancy themselves as a bit of an ecologist, then there’s nowhere better in the world.

Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island with its own unique lora, fauna and wildlife, so you have to be on the lookout for cheeky lumers that hide in the trees!

The main areas for trekking are the Masoala peninsula; Ankarana National Park (with it’s scary rickety bridge!), Bemaraha National Park (declared as a World Heritage site by Unesco in 1990); the Andringitra Mountatins – ranging from 650m to 2658m and the Isalo Mountains with their canyons, cliffs and gorges.

Let’s just say… you won’t be stuck for stunning views or photos to take back to your school!

Quick Facts

THE EXPEDITION

Grade – moderate

Altitude – 800m – 1,800m

Visa – 30 day tourist visa is available free of charge at the airport on arrival. Minimum 6 months on passport on arrival with 2 blank pages on passport.

MADAGASCAR INFO

Capital – Antananarivo

Official Language – French and Malagasy

Population – 23.1 million

Climate – tropical by coast, temperate inland and arid in south

Religion – Approximately 55% practice traditional beliefs, 40% are Christian and 5% Muslim.

Currency – Malagasy Ariary

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Location + Itinerary

Madagascar is the world’s fourth biggest island after Greenland, New Guinea and Borneo. The immense tropical forests of Madagascar are considered a true Eldorado by researchers and scientists worldwide. Even the large rainforests of South America cannot compete with the enormous biodiversity of Madagascar’s flora and fauna.

It is well-known for its biodiversity; 5% of all animal and plant species known to man live here and only here (70% of the fauna and 90% of the flora are endemic). For travelers, admiring this modern-day Noah’s Ark is a highlight of a trip to the Red Island. Elements such as seeing Lemurs, baobabs, rainforest, beaches, desert, trekking and diving make Madagascar is a dream destination for nature and outdoor lovers – and half the fun is getting to all these incredible attractions!

Day 1 - Depart U.K and arrival in Tana. Welcome drink and briefing in the hotel restaurant.
Day 2 - Andasibe. Morning transfer to Tamàna Kitchen. On the way stop at the market and meet the Chef. Together you will buy the ingredients to cook a traditional malagasy meal. Cooking in the morning, lunch all together and drive to Andasibe. If time allows, night walk at Voimma (if too late arrival this night walk will be done the day after).
Day 3 - Andasibe. Full day exploration in the Analamazoatra part of the Andasibe NP, including some fun activities such as quiz and route finding.
Day 4 - Antananarivo. Morning visit of the Vakona Private reserve including the lemur's island. Drive back to Tana. On the way a possible visit of the Peyrieras Exotic Park.
Day 5 - Diego (Antsiranana). Transfer to the airport for your flight to Diego. Walk up the French Mountain, and then continue to the 3 bays for a walking visit including time to swim. Picnic lunch on the beach. Drive back to the city and drop off to your hotel.
Day 6 - Joffreville. Morning drive to Amber National Park and visit for the day. In the late afternoon, night walk on the NP outskirts.
Day 7 - Ambilobe. Drive down to Iharana. On the way, visit of the red Tsingy.
Day 8 - Ambilobe. Full day dedicated to the activities proposed by the lodge, including walk in the Tsingy, zipline over the Tsingy, cave exploration. Lunch will be taken at the lodge.
Day 9 - Ankify. Drive to Ambanja and day dedicated to the exploration of the Sambirano valley, including cocoa plantation visit, walk to typical villages. Lunch will be taken at people's place, and prepared by a local women association. In the late afternoon, drop off at your hotel at Ankify.
Day 10 - Nosy Be. Today, board your speed boat, and head to Nosy Iranja. On the way, open your eyes for dolphins. Upon arrival, snorkelling to spot green turtles, manta rays, and many colourful coral fishes. Not guaranteed, but by the end of June it is already possible to spot humpback whales. Overnight camping on Nosy Iranja in simple tents with sharing facilities.
Day 11 - Nosy Be. Morning dedicated to the visit of the village and handicraft market, extra time to snorkel. Lunch and transfer back to Nosy Be. You'll be drop off in front of your hotel.
Day 12 - Nosy Be. Island tour including the visit of Hell-ville and its typical market, the "bazar Be", then the visit of the Sacred Banian, then drive up north of the island, lunch on the beach in a local restaurant, time to swim and enjoy the beach. At the end of the day go up to Mount Passot where from you have a 360° view. Drive back to your hotel.
Day 13 - Nosy Be. Full day excursion to Lokobe National Park. It includes a canoe transfer on the way to the park and the walking visit. Lunch will be taken on site, either packed of cooked, depending on what is possible (to be confirmed). Way back to the hotel in the middle afternoon, down time until the farewell dinner.
Day 14 - Transfer to the airport and return back to U.K.

What are you waiting for? Get started here...

What are you waiting for? Get started here...

"Fantastic!"

- Mel Black – Wilberforce College -

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