Day 1 - Arrival in Antananarivo, Madagascar

 

Upon arrival in Antananarivo (Madagascar’s capital), you will be met and welcomed by an English speaking guide, before transferring to your hotel in the city centre.

Pavillion de l’Emyrne or similar 

 

 

Day 2 - Fort Dauphin, Madagascar

 

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred back to Ivato airport for your two-hour flight to Fort Dauphin, on the south-eastern coast of Madagascar. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and will have an opportunity to enjoy a light lunch in Fort Dauphin, before driving west towards Antandroy Spiny Forest. The three-hour journey offers a contrast of landscapes ranging from the rice paddies of the eastern seaboard, over the lush tropical plateau, to the drier and more arid region of sisal plantations and “spiny forest”. You will arrive at your luxury tented camp in the late afternoon, allowing you to settle into your accommodation and enjoy the breathtaking views across the Mandrare River.

Mandrare River Camp or similar (BLD)

 

 

Day 3 - Mandrare River Camp, Madagascar

 

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast on the banks of the river, before embarking on a trip to the sacred Antandroy forest, crossing the river on foot to observe lemurs and many bird species. You will also be able to see the tombs of the Antandroy ancestors, and your guide will explain the fascinating details of the culture of ancestor-worship. Lunch will be served at your camp, and there will be time to relax before you depart on an afternoon activity, unless you would prefer to rest at camp and enjoy the serenity of the river. Some of the activity options include a trip to the giant sand dunes of Lake Anony, watching the sun set over the surreal Baobabs, night walks (gallery and spiny forest), watching various species of lemurs and birds, watching traditional dancers, and a visit to the village or local school.

Mandrare River Camp or similar (BLD)

 

 

Day 4 & 5 - Mandrare River Camp, Madagascar

 

Today will be spent enjoying the various activities located at and around your luxury tented accommodation. An array of activities will be suggested by your guide and tailored to your interests. Activities from the camp take place in the early mornings and late afternoons and evenings, to avoid the heat of the day. There are a number of designated forest areas in close proximity to the camp, where, with permission from and being accompanied by one of the local village chiefs, it is possible to explore, together with your guide, this unique and fascinating natural paradise.

Mandrare River Camp or similar (BLD)

 

 

Day 6 - Manafiafi, Madagascar

 

After our last breakfast by the river, we transfer by road to Fort Dauphin, arriving in time for a relaxing lunch. We then continue onwards through plantations of mango, citrus, pineapples and bananas to the ocean coast and Manafiafy.  Nestled in a beautiful white sandy bay, fringed with forest-covered mountains, your lodge offers barefoot luxury with wildlife and water on your doorstep. For the afternoon, indulge in all the benefits of this lodge's perfect location, and take in the sunset over this exquisite bay.   

Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge or similar (BLD)

Please note it is possible to fly between Mandrare River Camp and Fort Dauphin, which reduces the long road transfer. The flight requires a minimum of 2 people to operate, takes approximately 30 minutes, requires reservation in advance and costs from EUR 200 per person. Maximum 3 people per plane.

 

 

Day 7, 8, 9 & 10 - Manafiafi, Madagascar

 

After breakfast you can embark on your choice of a wide range of wildlife and sporting activities, which are included in your stay. Some of the options include: Canoeing in the mangroves, early morning boat trips for wetland birding, day and night walks in the rainforest to see five species of lemur, snorkelling in the bay and nearby cove, and whale watching from the 15ft observation tower (June to December). also on offer are boat trips to the nearby islands for a secluded picnic lunch, walks along long empty beaches and visits to the local village and school. Optional activities, payable locally at the lodge, include: massage treatments, whale watching boat trips (June to December) and deep sea fishing trips.   

Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge or similar (BLD)

 

 

Day 11 - Tour Ends

 

Our magical island tour ends after breakfast. You will drive back to Fort Dauphin and continue to the airport for your scheduled flight to Antananarivo, where you will connect with your departure flight. we hope to welcome you back on another African safari adventure in the future!