Día 1
SPAIN / INTERCONTINENTAL FLIGHT
Departure from our home airport with the final destination being Madagascar. Overnight on board.
Día 2
ARRIVAL IN ANTANANARIVO
Arrival at Ivato International Airport. Welcome and transfer to the hotel.
Día 3
ANTANANARIVO / AMBATOLAMPY / COLONIAL TOWN OF ANTSIRABE
We begin this day by heading towards the city of Antsirabe along the RN 7 national road. Along the way, we discover small, typical Merina villages, characterized by their mud and thatched-roof houses, which exude a warm atmosphere. The landscape is dotted with rice paddies and fields of various crops. In fact, this region is renowned as the garden of Madagascar. Passing through Ambatolampy, we make a short detour to visit an aluminum foundry, specializing in the production of charming handcrafted items used throughout the island. During our journey, we will stop for lunch, where we can enjoy one of the local specialties. We arrive in Antsirabe, also known as the city of water due to its abundant water resources. This city boasts several lakes, including Andraikiba and Tritriva, as well as numerous thermal springs; not to mention its famous Ranovisy mineral water. We spend the night in peaceful Antsirabe.
Día 4
COLONIAL TOWN OF ANTSIRABE / AMBOSITRA / RANOMAFANA
We explore three regions inhabited by three different ethnic groups: the Merina, the Betsileo, and the Tanalá, each with its own unique traditions and way of life. Our itinerary takes us to Ambositra, famous for its woodcarving crafts produced by the Zafimaniry people, who live in remote villages deep in the mountains. We visit the stalls selling furniture and decorative items made from eucalyptus, rosewood, and ebony. From there, we continue our journey to Ranomafana, a charming village nestled in the heart of the national park of the same name. The village derives its name from the natural hot springs located there.
Día 5
VISIT TO RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK / FIANARANTSOA
Ranomafana National Park, a biodiversity sanctuary, is a must-see destination for nature lovers. It is the subject of numerous studies by biologists from all over the world. This lush, humid rainforest, located in the east of this vast and incredibly diverse island, is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. It boasts more than a dozen species of charming primates, including the Prolemur simus, one of the most endangered lemur species in the world. This natural wonder of Madagascar also harbors dozens of species of amazing birds, 90 species of colorful butterflies, not to mention 98 species of unique amphibians and 62 species of reptiles, some of which seem to have come from another planet. During our visit, we will also have the opportunity to admire orchids, some of which are endemic to this region. They belong to the genera Bulbophyllum and Eulophiella. Rare botanical plants, carnivorous plants, and epiphytes thrive in this ecosystem, adding a touch of splendor to the verdant landscape of Ranomafana National Park. Afterwards, we will travel to the city of Fianarantsoa to spend the night.
Día 6
FIANARANTSOA / AMBALAVAO / ANJA RESERVE / RANOHIRA
We will continue our journey to the gates of Isalo National Park, one of the most unique parks in Madagascar. On the way to Ranohira, we will visit the Anja Reserve, located just a few kilometers south of Ambalavao, where we will spend approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours. From there, we will continue our journey towards Ihosy, from where we will take the final leg of the trip, arriving at sunset in Ranohira, the land of the Bara people. The Anja Reserve is home to several families of ring-tailed lemurs (also known as the lemur catta), as well as a great variety of reptiles, including chameleons and the Madagascar brown boa. It also boasts a wide variety of endemic flora, making it a place where you can observe different orchid species that bloom at the beginning of the rainy season. The landscape of this reserve is characterized by huge rocks amidst which the forest extends, as well as the numerous caves that can be found there.
Día 7
TREKKING IN ISALO NATIONAL PARK
A hiking day in Isalo National Park promises to be a symphony of discovery. This vast expanse of 81,540 hectares, stretching over 164 kilometers, makes it one of the largest national parks in the country. The adventure takes us through enchanting landscapes, dotted with wonders such as the Nymphs Waterfall, the Blue Pool, and the Black Pool, nestled within the Namaza Canyon. What makes Isalo truly special are its sandstone formations, remnants of the Jurassic period, revealing a distinctive geological landscape. In this semi-arid environment, an extraordinary diversity of endemic flora thrives. From aloes to euphorbias, from pachypodiums to kalanchoes, this floral diversity creates a veritable palette of colors and shapes, adding a unique dimension to the ecosystem of this natural gem. This exceptional site is home to no fewer than 77 bird species, nearly 40 reptile species, and 14 primate species, some of which are endemic to this region. Mid-morning, we take a well-deserved break and enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by the park expert chefs. At sunset, we head to the Isalo Window. This vantage point offers a breathtaking celestial spectacle, creating a vibrant canvas to conclude this day of adventure.
Día 8
RANOHIRA / IHOSY / AMBALAVAO / FIANARANTSOA
We depart for Ambalavao, arriving there in time for lunch. After lunch, we will visit a local workshop where the traditional Antemoro paper is made. This craft has a rich history; it was in the 12th century that the Arabs, upon arriving on the east coast of Madagascar, introduced the fascinating art of papermaking to the Antemoro people. Initially, this paper was used to copy the Quran. Following our visit, we will travel to Fianarantsoa, located just over an hour from Ambalavao.
Día 9
FIANARANTSOA / AMBOSITRA / ANTSIRABE
We continue our journey towards Antsirabe. We will stop for lunch in Ambositra. Then we will continue our journey to Antsirabe.
Día 10
ANTSIRABE / MIANDRIVAZO
We will depart at dawn for the small town of Miandrivazo in the Menabe region (meaning -red land-), where we will be met on the banks of the Tsiribihina River. There, we will board traditional canoes to navigate the waters of the Mahajilo River, a tributary of the Tsiribihina. In the late afternoon, we will take another canoe trip along the Tsiribihina River, enjoying the sunset. Note: - Navigation on the Tsiribihina River, which is possible between May and early November, is subject to approval by the local authorities, depending on the river conditions on the day of the trip.
Día 11
MIANDRIVAZO / MORONDAVA / AVENUE OF THE BAOBABS / MORONDAVA
We will continue our journey to the far west of Madagascar. We will arrive in Morondava around lunchtime. Afternoon free to relax by the Mozambique Channel. In the late afternoon, we will visit the magnificent Avenue of the Baobabs to watch the spectacular sunset. Return to Morondava.
Día 12
MORONDAVA / FLIGHT TO ANTANANARIVO
It is time to say goodbye to Morondava, a chapter filled with memories, and fly to vibrant Antananarivo, the capital that pulsates with the rhythm of the island. Upon arrival, a transfer through the bustling streets will take us to our accommodation in the heart of the city. IMPORTANT: The weekly flight schedule between Morondava and Antananarivo does not include daily flights and varies throughout the year. Therefore, the days of the week for your international flight must be selected taking into account the weekly flight schedule between Morondava and Antananarivo to ensure it aligns with your travel itinerary.
Día 13
ANTANANARIVO / PEYRIERAS RESERVE / ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK
Dawn brings with it an adventure waiting to be discovered. Our destination: Andasibe National Park, a natural treasure yet to be explored. Before arriving, we will make a stop at the Peyrieras Reserve, a haven of biodiversity. Named after its founder, the Peyrieras Reserve is home to a wide variety of insects, reptiles, amphibians, and swallowtail butterflies species that are difficult to find in the national parks of this part of the island. Along the RN 2, a lunch break in the town of Moramanga adds a delightful touch to our journey. Then, the gates of the national park appear on the horizon, ready to welcome us. As evening falls, a special experience awaits us before dinner. A night walk will allow us to observe reptiles of all shapes and sizes, as well as mysterious amphibians. We will also encounter the fascinating mouse lemur, the smallest primate in the world, and other nocturnal lemurs. Practical tip: Please bring a headlamp, a small backpack, and sturdy footwear. Rain is common in this part of Madagascar.
Día 14
VISIT TO THE ANALAMAZAOTRA SPECIAL RESERVE AND VISIT TO THE RESERVE V.O.I.M.M.A OR VAKÔNA
An exceptional day awaits us, filled with unique experiences in the heart of nature. Our morning will take us to the Analamazaotra Special Reserve, nestled within the Andasibe National Park. This is where the unique charm of Madagascar wildlife truly comes to life. In the heart of this reserve, the indri, the largest lemur, can be seen swinging through the trees. If we are lucky, we may even hear its haunting call, a natural melody that touches the soul. After this unforgettable experience, we will have lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit either the V.O.I.M.M.A. Reserve or Vakôna (depending on accommodation). These are tranquil havens where other animal species live in harmony with their environment. As evening approaches, the wonderful memories of this day will remain with us, a gentle and natural reminder that will accompany us as we drift off to sleep.
Día 15
ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK / ANTANANARIVO / RETURN FLIGHT
With mixed emotions, we headed to Antananarivo to catch our flight home. This farewell day is filled with a symphony of memories that will stay with us forever.
Día 16
ARRIVAL IN SPAIN
Arrived at destination.
Traveling in Madagascar
Madagascar is an island larger than Spain, with infrastructure very different from what we are used to. Its road network is very limited, and the condition of the roads often means that travel between destinations can take quite a long time. The pace of life in Madagascar is dictated by daylight hours, with the day typically starting between 5:00 and 6:30, either at dawn or shortly after sunrise, and ending at 6:30 pm, when it is completely dark, which coincides with the local dinner time. National parks and reserves usually open early, generally between 6:30 and 8:00 am, in order to take advantage of the time when the diurnal wildlife is most active. We will soon adapt to this Malagasy rhythm, which, although sometimes unusual for us, allows us to make good use of the daylight hours for sightseeing and travel between destinations, and to use the hours of darkness for rest, sleep, and to recharge for the following day. It is important to keep this in mind and to follow the schedules provided by our tour guide. If our travel program includes free days at the beach, we can use those days to relax at our own pace.
Passport and Visa
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from Madagascar and must have at least 3 blank pages. A visa is required in all cases. It can be obtained at the Madagascar consulate in Barcelona and at the Antananarivo airport. The cost depends on the length of your stay in the country.
Currency and Exchange
The currency of the country is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). In most places, it is necessary to pay in cash in the local currency, as credit card payments are not common. You can exchange money at the Antananarivo airport and at banks during business hours. There are ATMs in the main towns where you can withdraw money using your credit card (Visa/Mastercard). Health
No vaccinations are required to enter Madagascar, provided the traveler is not coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, in which case only the yellow fever vaccination is necessary. Pharmacies in the main cities in Madagascar stock all types of medications, although it is advisable to bring them from your home country. It is important to pack mosquito repellent, such as RELEC FORTE. Tropical Medicine recommends malaria prophylaxis. Travelers should contact a travel health clinic to determine which vaccinations are recommended.
International Vaccination Center
www.msssi.gob.es/profesionales/saludPublica/sanidadExterior/salud/centrosvacu.htm . It is advisable to purchase travel insurance that includes medical evacuation and repatriation, as in the event of serious illness or accident, it is preferable to receive treatment in the neighboring Seychelles, Réunion Island, or Mauritius, given the shortage of hospitals, equipment, and qualified medical staff in Madagascar.
Packing List
• Trekking shoes or boots, preferably Gore-Tex and with Vibram soles.
• Socks.
• 2 pairs of pants (one long and one short), easy to wash and quick-drying.
• One pair of jeans.
• Underwear.
• Sandals for the beach.
• Sleeping bag (if camping).
• Fleece jacket for the highlands.
• Summer clothes.
• Rain jacket.
• Headlamp.
• Batteries and/or power bank.
• High SPF sunscreen (one should be enough for everyone).
• Hat or cap.
• Sunglasses for the beach.
• Swimsuit.
• Mosquito repellent, such as Relec Forte.
• Motion sickness medication (most of the roads in the highlands are winding).
• Necessary medications (antibiotics, eye drops, anti-diarrheal medication, anti-inflammatory medication, antihistamine, etc.).
• Camera equipment.
• Small backpack for day hikes.
• Euros for currency exchange. • And anything else the traveler deems necessary.
Allowed baggage per traveler: one soft suitcase, backpack, or similar bag, and one small trekking backpack or similar. In addition, a handbag and a camera are permitted.
Medical Assistance and Cancellation Insurance
When booking this trip, travelers must purchase travel insurance that includes medical assistance and cancellation coverage, tailored to the specific characteristics and cost of the trip. In the event of cancellation, they must notify MADAGASCAR NATOUR by sending an email to:
info@madagascar-natour.com, including their full name, passport number (scanned copy), date of birth, and the booking reference number.