11-day Madagascar Bush and Beach

Our 11-day Madagascar Bush and Beach itinerary allows you to experience one of the most stunning parts of Madagascar, staying in some of the best properties the country has to offer. You will visit lots of varied habitats – from the tropical eastern coast, to the dry spiney forests.  The experienced guides have an excellent knowledge of the local flora and fauna found in the forest, which is home to lemurs, an array of birdlife, baobab trees and octopus trees. You can also visit local markets and villages, including meeting the nomadic Antadroy tribe and observing traditional dances.

Highlights

  • Antananarivo
  • Ifotaka
  • Manafiafy
  • Tolanaro (Fort Dauphin)
  • Madagascar

Tour Summary

Full Day by Day Itinerary

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Day 1 : Antananarivo

On arrival into Antananarivo Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

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Day 2 : Ifotaka

4 hour drive (bush track)
According to your flight schedule, flight to Fort Dauphin.  Upon arrival in Fort Dauphin, meet with our local English-speaking guide then transfer by road to the camp.  At arrival, settle into your tent and enjoy the majestic views over the river.  After a barbeque lunch, of succulent grilled meats and salads, leave for a walk to the Sacred Ifotaka community forests.  The forests are filled with the ancestral tombs of the local Antandroy Tribe, as well as a bewildering array of flora and fauna, unique to the spiny forest.  After a shower and freshen up, enjoy an evening aperitif on the river terrace, before a sumptuous 3-course dinner.  

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Day 3 : Ifotaka

After breakfast we drive to the Sacred Gallery forests to the south of the camp, these forests are deciduous mainly tamarind, and full of wildlife, especially lemurs with large groups of Ring Tailed Lemurs.  In the afternoon we head up to enjoy sundowners at the Baobab, watching the sun set and moon rise with a view across the Baobabs to the mountains beyond, this is a magical experience.  In the evening the local village may come to perform traditional dances, accompanied by singing and music.  

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Day 4 : Ifotaka

After breakfast of freshly baked croissant and pain au chocolate, fresh fruits, cereals and breads, continue to one of the nearby markets to see the full rich tapestry of valley life as people who have traveled for hours or even days, buy and sell their local wares.  With our expert guides to interpret all that you see, this is a rich fulfilling experience.  Returning to camp for lunch, in the mid-afternoon continue northwards to the Forest of Zenavo, this forest owned by an elderly gentleman, is excellent for night walks, we do a day into night walk first spotting Sifaka and sleeping White-foot Sportive lemurs, then once the sun has set we see two mouse lemur species, sleeping birds, chameleons, owls and sportive lemurs.  

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Day 5 : Tolanaro (Fort Dauphin)

Drive back to Fort Dauphin in the afternoon, overnight at Talinjoo Hotel.

 

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Day 6 : Manafiafy

3 hour drive (bush track)
Breakfast then departure by 4x4 and drive towards Manafiafy.  A beautiful place where the forest meets the turquoise seas with vast beaches of yellow sand.   Several activities are at your disposal such as, awesome whale watching from June to October, canoeing on the swampy mangroves, speedboat excursions, sport fishing.  Behind the camp to one side is a huge, mirror-like mangrove swamp; to the other, wetlands seething with amazing carnivorous plants that look like art nouveau candelabra.  

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Day 7 – 9 : Manafiafy

Free day at leisure on the spot.  Lunch, dinner and overnight stay at Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge.

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Day 10 : Antananarivo

2 1/2 to 3 hour drive (bush track) Depending on your flight schedule, drive to Fort Dauphin airport then flight back to Antananarivo.  Meet and transfer to your hotel.

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Day 11 : Departure

Depending on your international flight departure time, transfer to the airport then fly to your destination.

  

Included

4WD vehicle rent from Fort Dauphin to the Lodge and for all mentioned visits
Accommodation on two double tents
Full board-with meals, canapés, picnic lunches in Mandrare River Camp and Manafiafy Rainforest Beach & Rainforest Lodge
All drinks; mineral water, soft drinks, beer, wine, sparkling wine, gin, rum, whiskey, brandy, port (International Brands) in Mandrare River Camp and Manafiafy Rainforest Beach & Rainforest Lodge
A 50,000 Ariary conservation levy towards local community and environmental projects
The services of a qualified Malagasy guide to accompany clients on all visits (specialist guides on request)
Tourist taxes
Welcomes and transfers as programmed
Visits mentioned
Tourist taxes

Excluded

International flights
Visas
Travel Insurance
Laundry facilities are available in camp on request (Free-limited Hand washing facilities)
Gratuities