One of the most extraordinary places on earth, Madagascar, abruptly disjointed from Africa some 160 million years ago, provides some of the most unique wildlife and nature experiences available. Its removal from Africa caused its evolutionary path to stray from that on the main continent and has resulted in a wildlife and nature of a seriously un-familiar territory. Lemurs, elephant birds, baobabs, chameleons,reptiles, Vangas and many other specialities evolved into many unique forms that are only to be seen on these islands. If you have a penchant for discovery and exploration, then a safari to Madagascar is for you. The wildlife is outstanding; its uniqueness enchanting. Please read further about the trip of a lifetime, a place where evolution has provided a world of new opportunities.
Highlights - natural world and photographic
- 30 plus lemur species that occur only on the Madagascar islands - Chameleons- from the huge Parsons Chameleon, through to the Pygmy leaf chameleon that is about the size of a thumb nail. - A variety of habitats- Dry deciduous forests in the northwest, eastern Rain forests and the semi-arid south with its fascinating 'spiny desert'. - Verreaux' Sifakas dancing between trees as they run across the ground. - Reptiles and insect populations second to none. - The timing of the tour co-incides with the birthing of baby lemurs, the breeding plumage of birds and the new hatching of insects. - A unique ecologically isolated island experience. No apes, no carnivores and nearly 40 percent of endemic birds whilst almost the entire mammal population is found only on the island. - The highly endangered Aye-Aye found on Nosy mangabe - Madagascan Fish eagle of which there are only about 100 pairs remaining.
Price: R48 050 per person sharing. Single supplement: R4 495.00 per person Euro 3700 per person sharing Single supplement: Euro 390.00 per person All-inclusive tour. Includes accommodation, transfers, 3 x internal flights and food and soft drinks. Includes international return flight: JHB -TANA
Madagascar is a very different photographic destination. A lot of the photography is done on foot and much of it is with a macro lens, although telephoto lenses are also very handy to have. For more information on a C4 Images and Safaris photo tour and the equipment used to Madagascar see this article here. We will be very happy to discuss photo equipment requirements if you are interested
Your Guide: Shem Compion, founder of C4 Images and Safaris will lead the tour together with Dr Strat Liddiard. Shem is an award winning photographer specialising in nature, wildlife and travel images. Normally a 'large mammal man', he has more recently been specialising in the smaller species and macro subjects- perfect for the small beauties of Madagascar. Strat has travelled to Madagascar on many occasions, all for photographic tours. His passion for the island has led to a portfolio of images ranging from the large lemurs to most of the beautiful insects that abound there. He is currently commissioned to supply insect photography for a book on Madagascar. Strats passion, knowledge of the island and great energy will ensure that you get to see and photograph all the best that this island has to offer. Itinerary:
Day 1 Travellers from South Africa depart Johannesburg/Dbn, South Africa. Tour arrives in Antanarivo. You will be met by your photographic and local guides and allowed to settle into your accommodation at the Hotel du Louvre.There will be short activities around Antananarivo for those with some energy. Transfers to be arranged for different arrival times.
Day 2 In the morning, after breakfast, we drive directly east to the town of Andasibe, about 140km from Antananarivo (3-4 hours). Andasibe is better known by its French name Perinet. Here the rain forest contains an astonishing variety of lemurs, birds, reptiles and frogs. Perinet protects the largest surviving lemur species, the Indri Indri, with its eerie, wailing cry. Eight other species of lemur inhabit the reserve,including brown and grey bamboo lemurs. Among the nocturnal species are mouse lemurs and the greater dwarf lemurs. This lowland rain forest claims a world record for frog diversity: over 100 species have been recorded! Just some of the reptiles include the enormous Parson's chameleon, but due to the illegal trade in reptiles, they are very difficult to find. Birders should see the blue coua and the coral-billed nuthatch vanga to name but a few. The trails in this reserve are gentle and very well maintained. The evening will include a lovely walk in the brisk evening air in order to spot the mouse lemurs and the greater dwarf lemur; just two of the resident nocturnal species. We have the possibility to see some chameleons as well, including the nosed-horned, the short-nosed and the short-horned chameleon. Accommodation will be at Vakona Lodge
Day 3 You can spend the whole morning walking in the Analamazaotra Park with one of local guides. Here, once again, the paths are narrow and steep throughout the forest. The climate creates a perfect environment for the surprisingly large bright green chameleon, a remarkable,prehistoric-looking creature. In the afternoon you have the option to visit the nearby Orchid garden. Accommodation again will be in the Vakona Lodge, a comfortable setting in a secluded piece of forest, not far from the parks main entrance.
Day 4 After a morning walk in the Rain forest and the photographing the last of the Indri, we spend lunch on the road and return to Tana for the evening.We will be back at the Hotel du Louvre for the evening.
Day 5,6 Transfer to Mahajanga and stay at the very comfortable Angap Bungalow. Late afternoon we will indulge in the Ampijoroa Forest Station, in the Ankarafantsika Reserve, for a walk. Ampijoroa is a very accessible section of the Ankarafantsika Reserve, and is one of the two best remaining examples of western Malagasy tropical dry deciduous forests. Here, you can almost be guaranteed to see all the special endemics to western Madagascar's hot, wide lowlands. These include Coquerel's sifaka, mongoose and brown Lemur and the Rhinoceros chameleon. Broad paths lead into gentle terrain, and it is also the best place to seethe spectacular Madagascar Crested Ibis, White-throated Rail and a host of raptors. The star attraction, however, is the endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle, now down to about 100 pairs. In the woods, you will also see Greater Vasa Parrot, Madagascar Lesser Cuckoo, Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher and various vangas. Ampijoroa is a birders paradise and this time of year guarantees seeing all the courting behaviour of these fantastic birds. A boat cruise on Lake Ravelobe offers sights of humblots heron, Madagascan malachite kingfisher, Madagascan fish eagle as well as excellent views of many other water birds.
Day 7 If time allows we will head out for a morning walk in the forest. Transfer back through Mahajanga and via local flight to Antananarivo.Accommodation is again at the hotel du Louvre. After settling in we will take a short walk of the city.
Day 8 A full day's drives takes you further south on the highway to Ranomafana National Park (approx. 250 km, 7-8 hours drive). En route we pass Ambositra, famed for its wood carvers and furniture makers, before the going becomes somewhat tougher as you enter mountainous, forested terrain. Eventually, we turn east off the main road onto a rutted track that leads down to Ranomafana, a popular spa in colonial times. This tract of lush, high altitude tropical rain forest was designated as a national park in 1991 to protect its resident lemur population. The night will be spent in Setam Lodge.
Day 9 Ranomafana is the heart of the Madagascan reserves and offers some of the best lemur viewing ion the island. The morning is taken up with a long walk (4 hours) in the park. The trail through the forest is steep in places,which can make it quite hard going. This reserve is home to a total of twelve species of tree-dwelling lemur, which was only identified here as recently as 1986. It's also an excellent spot for birding - 36 of the one hundred or so species found there are endemic - and we'll also cross a plethora of butterflies.
The afternoon is free to explore the small settlement and may be have a soak in the hot springs In the evening, we can go out to spot some of the nocturnal animals that live in the park - particularly the mouse lemur and civet. Another night spent in Setam Lodge.
Day 10 Drive to Isalo National Park. First stop is in Fianarantsoa, capital of Betsileo, well known for their rice plantations and house styles. Then,we carry on to Ambalavao where the largest wine yards in Madagascar are. This town is famed for its wine as well as a hand-made paper factory. You'll have the chance to visit the workshop and see the paper making process. Continuing south, you head on to Isalo through small deserted villages and wild landscape. The trip brings us to the south west coast. Along the roadside we'll see huge baobab trees, sapphire mining towns, and the elaborate stone tombs of the Mahafaly and Antandroy ethnic groups. Overnight at Relais de la Reine
Day 11 Spend the morning walking in the prehistoric rocky landscape of Isalo National Park, whose deep canyons were scoured out by thousands of years of erosion. Start at the idyllic steep-sided Canyon des Singes.After emerging from the forest we follow a rocky path steeply upward (200m) through the sandstone cliffs of the massif. Once on top of the plateau, we are rewarded with magnificent views down into a starkly eroded canyon. The dry landscape of the spiny forest is very different to the lush rain forests we have been accustomed to over the previous week. Several unique species of tree and shrub have evolved water-retaining characteristics that enable to survive in this arid climate: various type of cactus and euphorbia trees. Towards the end of the afternoon, we arrive at the delightful Piscine Naturelle - a natural pool in an isolated spot, where you can take a refreshing bath before driving to the Hotel Victory to spend the night.
Day 12 Transfer to the airport. Fly to Fort Dauphin. Transfer directly to Berenty. Although only 80 km away, the journey can take three hours as most of the road is unpaved. Berenty is a privately owned nature reserve, which consists of gallery forest, spiny forest,and sisal plantation. It is home to famous ring tail and brown lemurs as well as the incredible Verreaux's Sifaka. Stay at Berenty Lodge.
Day 13 Full day expedition in the park. Berenty has so much to offer, one could spend the whole morning with the ringtails, or stalk the dancing sifakas as they lope across the pathways. This is really is a photographers paradise. Spend another night in Berenty Lodge.
Day 14 After enjoying the wonders of Berenty gallery forest and its highlighted features, you transfer back to Antanarivo and spend the last night in the Hotel du Louvre.
Day 15 Flights back to your destination. This is the end of the Tour. We will facilitate the various times and transfers for flights to the various destinations.
End of Tour.
What our Safari includes:
The above costs include:
- Pickup and transport and transfers for the entire Safari - Entrance and accommodation to all reserves - All meals and mineral waters. Cost of alcoholic beverages are not included Emergency medical evacuation. Private medical insurance is still mandatory - Game activities, drives and walks. - Gratuities for local guides are included in the tour price - The services of our guides.
Costs not included:
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. - Extra activities not included. - Personal expenses - Travel insurance - Travel visas
What to bring along:
- A range of warm and light clothes. The days are warm, but the mornings and evenings can be relatively cool. - Hats and caps. The weather may be cool, but the sun is still very harsh. - Sunscreen. African Sun is always a threat to the skin. - Cameras and lenses. - Binoculars. - Lots of Film.
Upon deciding to book a Safari with us, please contact us via telephone,facsimile or e-mail. We will forward you a booking form, which needs be completed and returned. A 40% deposit of the total amount must be paid to secure a booking. Final payment is due six weeks before the Safari.
