We will offer two extensions to suit the palate of those wanting a mix of rest and adventure and one for the true adventurer. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change.
Extension #1 | Ifaty and Andasibe: June 8 - 13, 2023
Thursday, June 8: Isalo | Toliara | Ifaty
This morning you will depart with the group to Tulear and after lunch continue by coach bus north to the beach area of Ifaty. The afternoon will be at your leisure. Dinner and overnight is at the Les Dunes located on the beautiful coastal line of Madagascar. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Friday, June 9: Ifaty | Reniala Reserve
Today you have the option to relax and enjoy many of the water sports and activities Les Dunes offers or visit nearby Reniala Reserve, an eco-system known as the spiny forest consisting of towering spiny bushes and some spectacular ancient baobab trees. The botanical trail reveals a bird sanctuary, endangered radiated tortoises, various species of chameleons and lemurs as well. All meals will be enjoyed at Les Dunes.(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday, June 10: Ifaty | Toliara | Antananarivo
Following an early breakfast, you will depart to the Tulear Airport for your flight to Tana. Upon arrival in Tana, you will have lunch and experience the Digue Market. Once you have purchased your souvenirs and are tired with ‘bargaining’, the group will make its way to the Hotel Colbert for your overnight accommodations. Dinner is on your own this evening. (Breakfast and lunch included)
Sunday, June 11: Antananarivo | Andasibe
Plan for an 8:00 AM departure for a three-hour (approximate) drive through the highland countryside to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park where you will spend the next two nights at the Vakona Forest Lodge. This evening enjoy an optional nocturnal walk with your experienced guide before dinner. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Monday, June 12: Andasibe
Rise early to hike into Analamazaotra Reserve to see and hear the unforgettable babakoto (and other denizens). This is the largest of the lemurs, also known as the Indri indri, and has consistently refused to live in captivity – the only place in the world where to see them and hear their haunting call. Meals and overnight Vakona Lodge. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Tuesday, June 13: Andasibe | Antananarivo
Following breakfast we will make a stop at Lemur Island before we begin our drive back to Tana for your international flight home. A stop at the Relais des Plateaux will be included for a buffet dinner before your transfer to the airport dinner. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Extension #2 | Andasibe and Palmarium: June 8 - 13, 2023
Thursday, June 8: Antananarivo
Upon arrival in Antananarivo, we will continue to the Hotel Colbert Hotel for the evening. Dinner is on your own.
Friday, June 9: Antananarivo | Andasibe
Rise early for breakfast and an 8:00 AM departure for our three-hour drive to Andasibe. Following check-in and lunch at the Vakona Lodge, we will visit Lemurs Island. Get ready to get the perfect photo of you and a lemur(s)! We will return to the Vakona Lodge for dinner and your overnight. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday, June 10: Andasibe
This morning we will visit the Analamazaotra Reserve to see and hear the unforgettable babakoto (and other denizens). This is the largest of the lemurs, also known as the Indri indri, and has consistently refused to live in captivity – the only place in the world where to see them and hear their haunting call. You will enjoy a leisure lunch before late afternoon/ evening nature walks in Mitsinjo. Overnight at Vakona Lodge. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Sunday, June 11: Andasibe / Palmarium
After an early breakfast we will make the drive to the coastal lowlands of Manambato and upon arrival, depart by boat on the Pangalanes Canal to the Palmarium Reserve, a littoral forest with a wide variety of palms, orchids, and other interesting plants, including the carnivorous "pitcher" plant. Dinner and overnight at the Palmarium Hotel Ankanin’Nofypark. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Monday, June 12: Palmarium Reserve
Today will be exploring the reserve where there are ten different species of habituated (largely introduced) lemurs including the rare Aye aye, black-and-white ruffed, crown and sifakas. Also orchids, carnivorous Pitcher plants, rare insects, chameleons, frogs and green lynx spiders can be found along the well-maintained trails. Meals and overnight at the Palmarium. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Tuesday, June 13: Palmarium | Tamatave | Tana
Following by breakfast we will return to the port city of Tamatave (Toamasina). You can expect about a four hour drive from Manambato to Tamatave. We will stop for lunch and time permitting visit a local market before transferring to the airport for the short flight back to Tana where you can then connect for your return flight home. If needed, overnight accommodations at the Relais can be arranged. (Breakfast and lunch included)
