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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in Antananarivo
Upon arrival in Antananarivo (known as Tana) today you will be met by a driver and privately transferred to your hotel in the historic centre. The balance of the day is at leisure for you to recover from your journey.
Overnight: Maison Gallieni
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Day 2 To Morondava
Begin the day with a guided introduction to some of Antananarivo's most historic neighbourhoods and significant sights, including the majestic Queen's Palace. You will then travel to the airport for your flight to Morondava, a charming seaside town on the west coast. Upon arrival you will take a leisurely pirogue journey across the mangroves to a Vezo fishing village. Here you will be able to observe traditional ways of life and the buzz of locals bargaining for the freshest shrimps and tuna once the fishermen return on their pirogues. Later this afternoon, check in to your relaxed beachfront hotel in Morondava.
Overnight: Coastal hotel
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Day 3 Kirindy Forest & Avenue of the Baobabs
After breakfast you will set out to explore the dry deciduous forests of the Kirindy Reserve. Your expert guide will help you spot Kirindy's rich flora and fauna, which includes seven species of lemur, colourful endemic reptiles and the fossa, Madagascar's largest predator. Later this afternoon you will travel to the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs for an opportunity to photograph Madagascar's towering ancient trees at sunset.
Overnight: Coastal hotel
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Day 4 To Andasibe
Fly from Morondava back to Antananarivo, from where you begin the scenic five-hour journey towards Andasibe, travelling through emerald rice fields, tranquil villages and undulating hills. Along the way, stop at a captivating butterfly farm, home to other animals such as iguanas, geckos and frogs. This evening, a night walk through one of Madagascar's most biodiverse rainforests on the Mitsinjo Reserve, where you can spot some of the country's intriguing nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight: Central hotel
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Day 5 Mantadia Park & Andasibe Village
This morning, enjoy a scenic drive to Mantadia Park. Here, you'll embark on a mesmerising trek through the park's vast forest, home to a large variety of birds, 14 lemur species, and many kinds of reptiles and amphibians. As well as the thriving fauna, the forest is home to several types of orchids, adding a vibrant burst of colour as you traverse its steep slopes and winding paths. You'll eventually reach Andasibe Village, whose cobbled streets, rustic stalls and friendly locals provide a glimpse of life inside the park. You can learn all about the day-to-day activity here, enhanced by the expert knowledge of your guide.
Overnight: Central hotel
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Day 6 Analamazaotra Special Reserve & Vakona Reserve
Today, your wildlife adventures continue. This time, wake early to make your way to Analamazaotra Special Reserve - home to the endemic Indri Indri species of lemur. Taking around three hours, your walk will take you deep into the reserve, where you'll hear the Indri Indri's distinctive call. Your guide will help you to spot them as they swing through the canopy above. Afterwards, your immersion into Madagascar's wilderness continues with a visit to Vakona Reserve. As well as further chances to spot the region's tree-dwelling wildlife, you'll also get to witness Madagascar's formidable crocodiles at the Crocodile Oasis. Return to Antananarivo by road this evening.
Overnight: Central hotel
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Day 7 To Isalo Rock Lodge
Fly from Antananarivo to Toliara this morning, admiring its undulating highlands and sweeping coastal plains from the air as you go. Your five-hour road transfer from Toliara's airport to Isalo Rock Lodge will take you past villages established during the sapphire rush, as well as through deciduous forests and past towering baobabs. Spend the rest of your day relaxing at the lodge, perhaps enjoying a refreshing soak in the swimming pool or a sunset walk with views of the surrounding sandstone landscapes.
Overnight: Isalo Rock Lodge
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Day 8 Isalo National Park
The natural wonders of the Isalo National Park await today as you set out on a guided walk through the dramatic canyons to pristine oases and hidden waterfalls. Formed during the Jurassic Age, a unique flora and fauna has developed in Isalo and your explorations will offer opportunities to spot ring-tailed and red-fronted lemurs, Verreaux's sifaka and some of the rarely-sighted endemic birds. You will also have the chance to cool down after your hike with an invigorating dip in the natural pools. This afternoon, visit the gem-mining town of Ilakaka and take in the sight of an enormous open-pit sapphire mine before rounding off the day with a sundowner at a spectacular viewpoint over the other-worldly landscapes of Isalo.
Overnight: Isalo Rock Lodge
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Day 9 Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park & Antsokay Arboretum
Leaving Isalo you will travel west and discover the intriguing array of flora and fauna to be found in the Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park. An important transition area between Madagascar's dry deciduous and humid forests, eight species of lemur can be found here along with myriad birds, amphibians and reptiles including the endemic Standing's day gecko. This afternoon, visit the impressive Antsokay Arboretum where over 900 plant species can be found; 80% of these have been found to have medicinal properties, and 90% are endemic to southwest Madagascar. Plentiful wildlife also makes its home in Antsokay, including the country's smallest species of lemur. Spend the evening at a stylish lodge looking out over the Mozambique Channel.
Overnight: Bakuba Lodge
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Day 10 To Anakao
A scenic speedboat journey this morning takes you south, traversing pristine lagoons and crossing the Tropic of Capricorn to reach Anakao. This small fishing village has remained blissfully protected from modern development, and Anakao Ocean Lodge - your base for the coming days - is positioned on a pristine stretch of white sand lapped by calm turquoise waters.
Overnight: Anakao Ocean Lodge
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Day 11 Tsimanampetsotsa National Park
A morning adventure by quad bike or four-wheel drive vehicle delivers you to the Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. The park is named after its vast lake, one of the largest in Madagascar, and is surrounded by rolling dunes and limestone plateaux blanketed with spiny forest. Wildlife that can be observed here includes three different species of flamingo, the endangered Grandidier's mongoose, the endemic radiated turtle and four different species of lemur. After ample time to explore the park there will be the opportunity to unwind and swim in the picturesque setting of Ambola Beach.
Overnight: Anakao Ocean Lodge
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Day 12 Beach relaxation on Nosy Ve
Today you will enjoy a castaway experience on the uninhabited island of Nosy Ve. An hour's leisurely pirogue crossing takes you to this small coral island, known for its dazzling beach and a remarkable colony of red-tailed tropicbirds. Spend ample time swimming, snorkelling and relaxing in these beautiful surroundings before returning to Anakao this afternoon.
Overnight: Anakao Ocean Lodge
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Day 13 Depart
After a final breakfast at the lodge, return to Toliara by speedboat. Here you will be met by a driver and transferred to the airport in plenty of time for your flight to Antananarivo, followed by your onward flight home.
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Depart
