Madagascar Discovery

14 days—Experience Exceptional - World’s Most Biodiverse Destination

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$15000 USD

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Safari summary

Madagascar was cut off from Africa's mainland over 80 million years ago and is often referred to as "the Eighth Continent." This gem of an island is in the Indian Ocean some 300 miles east of southern Africa.

Madagascar is best known for the big-eyed lemurs, colorful chameleons, towering baobab trees, and stunning orchids. It is home to endemic flora and fauna, with unique landscapes that take you from desert to rain forest to mystical, rocky outcroppings and everything in between. Charming fishing villages and tranquil beaches add to its appeal. Madagascar is a rarely visited country with a completely different feel from any other area in Africa, or, for that matter, the world.

The World Wildlife Fund selected Madagascar as one of the world's top wildlife locations, with more than 80 percent of the island’s wildlife and plants, including more than 100 varieties of lemur, existing nowhere else in the world. The towns have a colonial flavor, and beaches are beautiful.

To provide the most seamless experience throughout Madagascar, we utilize scheduled charter flights wherever possible to bypass the island's vast distances. For regions where driving remains the most practical option, we use high-quality, comfortable vehicles. While road conditions can be challenging, the ever-changing landscapes and vibrant culture visible along the way make every transit an integral part of the adventure.

Accommodations are limited, but Born Free will select the best in the area for your trip. These range from all-inclusive lodges to eco-lodges, ensuring a comfortable and authentic stay that prioritizes both quality service and proximity to the island's unique wildlife.

The proper amount of time exploring Madagascar should be a of minimum of 8 days and should not be considered a short "add-on" to another destination.

Flights schedules are limited. Certain tour circuits may have to start on a particular day of the week.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	April, May, June, July, August, September, October
	Countries	Madagascar
	Parks	Andasibe-Mantadia

Fine details

Safari highlights

Bird watching—with professional guide

What’s included?

Accommodation
Internal flights
Meals
Park fees

What’s not included?

Hot air balloons
International flights
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Day 01 - Antananarivo, Madagascar

You'll be greeted on arrival at the airport by a Born Free Safaris host who will escort you to your hotel in the capital city of Antananarivo ("Tana" as the locals call it). Tana offers fascinating traditional architecture with French and Indonesian influences. Settle in and get a good night's sleep – your adventure begins in the morning!

Day 02

Andasibe-Mantadia

After an early breakfast, depart Tana with your guide on a road journey to the stunning rainforest park of Andasibe. The half-day road journey will take you to Andasibe. Drive through rural villages, past rice fields, orchards, and roadside stalls selling seasonal fruits and vegetables. Stops can be made along the way. This afternoon, visit a private reserve where you will see a fascinating array of wildlife, including the indri and other lemur species, numerous chameleons, and birds.

Day 03

Andasibe-Mantadia

Set out on a full-day expedition to Mantadia National Park. Your guide will point out the resident lemur species, including the Indri indri, diademed sifaka, grey bamboo lemur, red-bellied lemur, and white ruffed lemur. Birders will appreciate the abundance of birdlife, including the scaly ground roller, the pitta-like ground roller, and the red-breasted coua. After dinner, join an exciting night walk into the forest surrounding the reserve.

Day 04 - Andasibe – Antananarivo

Andasibe-Mantadia

Today's adventure begins with a visit to the Perinet Reserve with a local guide. Search again for the Indri Indri. With a barely visible tail, black and white markings, and a surprised teddy bear face, this lemur is one of the few animals in the world that cannot survive in captivity. Later in the afternoon, depart the forest and journey by road back to the city of Antananarivo.

Day 05 - Namoroka National Park

This morning, board your scheduled charter flight to Soalala. Your private guide will await your arrival, then escort you on the 2-hour road transfer to Namoroka. Namoroka National Park in northwestern Madagascar is a mesmerizing natural wonder, featuring razor-sharp limestone formations known as tsingy. It is one of the most pristine areas on the island. Explore awe-inspiring landscapes with narrow canyons, vertical spires, lush forests, and unique flora.

Day 06 - Namoroka National Park

The park is home to an incredible abundance of birds (100 species) and other wildlife. Each day will present new experiences and sightings. There are 6 lemur species to see, including the playful Von der Dicken’s Sifaka, Milne-Edwards Sportive lemur, the Red lemur, and the secretive Aye Aye.

Day 07 - Namoroka National Park

Today explore the Tsingy formations, the caves and of course explore one of Madagascar's least-visited, biodiverse areas. Picnic lunch in the shade of the tsingy. No other place on earth can offer such beautifully bizarre and majestic views.

Day 08 - Soalala - Antananarivo

After a breakfast in Namoroka, it's time for the adventurous road transfer back to Soalala to catch your scheduled charter flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, your driver will escort you to your hotel in Tana. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore Tana as you please. Perhaps visit one of the several nearby open-air markets that vibrantly showcase the local culture.

Day 09 - Antananarivo

Meet your guide this morning and explore historic upper Antananarivo, with its stunning French-inspired architecture. Stop at the Lemur Park, a worthwhile visit to see the efforts being made to rehabilitate lemurs back into the wild after they have either been injured or sick. Then continue with your guide to explore Ambohimanga. Located 12 miles northeast of Tana, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the ancestral home of the Merina kings and queens who united Madagascar under one rule.

Day 10 - Antananrivo - Anjajavy

Early this morning, a scheduled charter flight takes you to the peninsula of Anjajavy. In the early evening, venture out on a night walk in the reserve to spot a variety of nocturnal lemurs. The charismatic Coquerel’s sifakas are a highlight, and Danfoss mouse lemurs can be seen just after nightfall. Listen for the strange squeal of the Grewcock’s sportive lemur. Look for Commerson’s leaf-nosed bat and Madagascar's largest predator, the rare elusive fossa.

Day 11 - Anjajavy

Greet the day with a morning walk to see the fabulous birdlife, beautiful baobabs, and, of course, the famous hairy crab. Whether you are a birdwatcher or not, you can't help but be enchanted by the kaleidoscope of colors and shapes of the reserve's birds. This is one of the best places to spot the regal Madagascar fish eagle, shy crested Ibis, and the rare Madagascar sacred Ibis.

Day 12 - Anjajavy

This morning, embark on a boating excursion to Moramba Bay. Your captain and guide will search for one of the rarest raptors in the world, the critically endangered Madagascar fish eagle. If the water is clear, jump in for some snorkeling before returning to the lodge. In the afternoon, head out for a long walk along the King's Alley to view extremely ancient baobab trees and tsingy rock formations found only in Madagascar.

Day 13 - Anjajavy

A day to spend as you please. Optional activities are available such as nature walks, kayaking, and sunset boat tours, which provide the perfect opportunity to discover this region's beautiful biodiversity. Local village visits can also be arranged to learn about the Anjajavy community culture, customs, and heritage.

Day 14 - Your Journey Onward

After breakfast, wave goodbye to Anjajavy as you depart on your scheduled charter flight to Antananarivo. Then on to your international flight onward.

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