4821 Lankershim Blvd. Suite F-479, Los Angeles, CA, 91601
Phone: 818-766-6850
Email: info@1000treks.com
Madagascar!
Location: Madagascar: Antananarivo, Morondava, Baobab Avenue, Kirindy, Bekopaka, Miandrivazo, Antsirabe, Ranomafana, Ranohira, Tulear, and Ifaty.
***Internal flights (which we book for you) are extremely limited and already selling out. Thus, this trip may close at ANY TIME, so a deposit is recommended ASAP to secure your spot***
UPLIFT FINANCING AVAILABLE
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Magical Madagascar, where 90% of the flora and fauna is not found anywhere else in the world! We will go at the perfect time of year, when the lemurs are most active and babies are being birthed. If you are looking to feast your senses and be amazed, this is the trip for you.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Visit the east, west, and south of Madagascar in one trip - this is an extraordinary feat which we are only able to make happen by including two domestic flights to cover more ground in less time and maximize our experience. (An optional extension to the north will be made available as well.)
- Visit five national parks: Ranomafana (including tropical rainforest), Isalo, Andasibe-Mantadia, Zombitse-Vohibasia, and Tsingy de Bemaraha.
- Spend two nights at Isalo Rock Lodge built into the landscape within the boundaries of Isalo National Park.
- Visit six additional nature reserves: Kirindy, Anja, Peyrieras, Mitsinjo, Voimma, and Vakona.
- Go on ten safaris and expeditions to see all types of lemurs, chameleons, reptiles (including the leaf-tailed gecko), fossa, the Malagasy giant jumping rat, birdlife, and so much more!
- Take in sunset at the world-famous Avenue of the Baobabs.
- Visit to local fishing villages and tribes, with cultural, historical, and musical experiences.
- Take local types of transport such as riding a pousse pousse, river barges, and in a pirogue.
- Visit southern Madagascar coastal city Ifaty, with a chance to see humpback whales during their migration, or option to go to a turtle sanctuary, lounge on the beach, or even snorkel or scuba if you wish.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 - ARRIVE IN ANTANANARIVO
FREE DAY WITH OPTIONAL AMBOHIMANGA (ROYAL HILL) & LEMURS’ PARK VISITS
For those arriving early enough, we will have optional tours to see a cultural and historical site and also a lemur reserve.
We will go to see UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, the spiritual seat of Madagascar, consisting of a royal city, burial site, and ensemble of sacred places. The Hill is approximately 10 miles north of the Capital in the Madagascar highlands. With seven entrances, the fortified Royal Enclosure is positioned on the top of a hill overlooking rice paddies, and surrounded by “sacred” forest.
We will also visit Lemurs’ Park, a 12-acre private botanical garden and lemur reserve that houses nine lemur species, as well as various lizards and birds, and over 70 types of plants! The park works with Malagasy reserves to rehabilitate and breed lemurs.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel Colbert 4* or similar.
MEALS: N/A
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 – ANTANANARIVO TO MORONDAVA
DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO MORONDAVA | BAOBABS ALLEY AT SUNSET
This morning we will transfer to the airport for a mid-day domestic flight direct to Morondava. Upon arrival we will go to Kimony Resort to have a lovely lunch, then head north along the Route National 8 (RN8) to reach the world-renowned Avenue of the Baobabs and take it in for all its glory at sunset! Make sure you have your camera ready for this once-in-a-lifetime capture.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Laguna Beach 3* or similar.
MEALS: Breakfast.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 2 – MORONDAVA TO BEKOPAKA
TSIRIBIHINA | RIVER MANAMBOLO | TSINGY DE BEMARAHA NAT’L PARK ARRIVAL
Today we depart around 7AM. We will drive along the RN8 north to cross the River Tsiribihina by barge (45-minute crossing) before stopping at Belo sur Tsiribihina. We will take a short break in Belo before continuing north to reach the shores of the River Manambolo. After another barge crossing (this one about 10 minutes), we will arrive in Bekopaka, the gate to the National Park of the Tsingy de Bemaraha. This is one of the isolated and unique destinations that we ensured to include for the spectacular, awe-inspiring views that can only be found here.
ACCOMMODATIONS: L'Olympe du Bemaraha 5* or similar.
MEALS: Breakfast.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 – BEKOPAKA
TSINGY DE BEMARAHA | PETIT TSINGY DE BEMARAHA
A great day lies ahead, in which we will visit the famous Tsingy de Bemaraha - a national park and UNESCO world natural heritage site - composed of sharp fluted and laminated limestone up to more than 150 feet high, home to endemic animals and plant species in Madagascar (lemurs, birds, plants). This is often said to be one of the most beautiful sights of the whole of Madagascar. Tsingy can be translated to “where one can only walk on tiptoe.”
Our visit should take about 5 to 6 hours. If time permits, we will attempt to visit the Petit Tsingy de Bemaraha as well. The Petit Tsingy is an area of the national park that can be explored in formations down below, a maze of passageways and slot canyons that give a completely different perspective.
ACCOMMODATIONS: L'Olympe du Bemaraha 5* or similar.
MEALS: Breakfast.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4 – BEKOPAKA TO KIRINDY
KIRINDY RESERVE | NIGHT SAFARI WALK
Today we leave after breakfast, heading out to Kirindy Reserve. Kirindy is a privately managed forest in one of Madagascar's most threatened ecosystems: its dry deciduous forests. Kirindy has one of the highest densities of nocturnal primates in the world, and is a must for the lemur watcher. Four of the seven lemur species are nocturnal, thus we will go on a night safari looking for them!
Notably, this is where we will have our opportunity to see the fossa, a slender, long-tailed wild cat-like mammal and the biggest carnivore of Madagascar, which don’t exist anywhere else! We are making a special trip to Kirindy in hopes to see them! Kirindy is famous for the Malagasy giant jumping rat (similar to a rabbit in features), and is home to equally unique flora.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Relais du Kirindy 3* or similar.
MEALS: Breakfast.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 – KIRINDY TO MIANDRIVAZO
BETANIA FISHING VILLAGE | SCENIC ROAD TRIP
Today we will head out early to be in Morondava by 9AM. We will be gifted with a totally authentic local experience today in which we will take a dugout canoe traveling south of Morondava to visit Betania Village, where a majority of local fisherman live. We will see traditional huts made from mud and Satrana (dried palm leaves) and watch fishermen returning from the sea with their catch. We will take in this way of life and enjoy lunch on the beach.
By early afternoon we will head back to Morondava and begin our 1,000-mile road trip along some of the most picturesque sites Madagascar has to offer. Our first stop will be Miandrivazo, where we will arrive around 7PM.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Eden de la Tsiribihina 3* or similar.
MEALS: Breakfast.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 – MIANDRIVAZO TO ANTSIRABE
ROAD TO ANTSIRABE & EXPLORE
After breakfast we leave the lowlands of Miandrivazo and begin the ascent towards Antsirabe in Madagascar’s central highlands. We will arrive by early afternoon. In Antsirabe we will ride in some velo pousse to visit different ateliers, or you can choose to just stroll around the town and visit the main general market.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Royal Palace 3* or similar.
MEALS: Breakfast.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 – ANTSIRABE TO RANOMAFANA
PRECIOUS WOOD IN AMBOSITRA | LUNCH IN AMBOHIMAHASOA | MUSIC/CULTURE WITH LOCAL TRIBE
We depart Antsirabe early for a “wonder-full” day. We will stop briefly in Ambositra, the center of Madagascar's wood-carving industry due to the presence of the Zafimaniry tribe, a subgroup of the Betsileo tribe. We will visit the town and its many souvenir shops of precious wood before we stop again in Ambohimahasoa for lunch.
We expect to arrive in Ranomafana by 3 or 4PM. We will visit a local tribe in Tanala Village, where we will be welcomed by their unique music and learn about their history, habits, and beliefs.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Karibotel or Centrest Sejour, or similar.
MEALS: Breakfast.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 – RANOMAFANA TO RANOHIRA
RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK VISIT | AMBALAVAO & ANJA RESERVE
Today we will have an early breakfast, as we have many activities planned for the day as well as some miles to cover. We will visit UNESCO World Heritage site Ranomafana National Park around 7AM immediately following breakfast. The Park is known for its incredible wildlife (12 protected species of lemurs) within its approximately 100,000 acres of rainforest. Here you can spot the endemic greater bamboo lemur, eastern bamboo lemur, golden bamboo lemur, red-bellied lemur, red-fronted brown lemur, black-and-white ruffed lemur, and Milne Edward's sifaka, just to mention some.
Many reptiles and amphibians can be seen in this lush environment as well, not to mention the extraordinary birdlife, of which there are 115 bird species of which 30 are endemic. The flora is also noteworthy, with an incredible number of endemic plants and trees in Ranomafana.
After our expedition into the park for 2 or 3 hours, we will head south to Ambalavao, where we will stop for lunch. A little bit south of Ambalavao, we will visit the Anja Community Reserve, a gorgeous 75-acre wonderland. Designated a protected reserve in 1999, this fascinating park has breath-taking views, incredible plant life, and hosts the largest population of ring-tailed lemurs in the world, with more than 300 very outgoing ones living here! In Anja, nature and humans coexist and flourish. After our visit to Anja, we will continue south to Ranohira.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Isalo Rock Lodge 4*, or similar.
MEALS: Breakfast.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 9 – RANOHIRA
RANOHIRA | EXPLORE ISALO NATIONAL PARK
Isalo National Park is more famous for its scenery than its wildlife, and we will be staying in accommodations built right into that landscape at Isalo Rock Lodge. It is a truly unique park with incredibly diverse landscapes, including prairie-like grasslands, mountains, deep canyons, and tropical oases with picturesque waterfalls dropping into inviting pools. Keep an eye out for several types of lemurs, panther chameleons, and approximately 80 species of birds, including the rare Benson’s rock-thrush. You will also find rare palms and aloe species here.
We will be prepared with good shoes and plenty of water, because there are so many sights to roam and places to explore here. You may choose to take a dip in the pool at our accommodations, but will really probably want to enjoy the beautiful natural swimming pools of Isalo!
Before sunset we will head to the famous Window of Isalo, a rock formation for one of the best sunset photo opportunities of the trip.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Isalo Rock Lodge 4*, or similar.
MEALS: Breakfast.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 – RANOHIRA TO TULEAR TO IFATY
ZOMBITSE NATIONAL PARK | LEISURE TIME IN IFATY
Our first stop today is about an hour from Ranohira, Zombitse National Park. The Park is an unbelievable ecosystem that marks the end of the savannah and the beginning of the endless spiny forest of the southwest. Zombitse is known for the many different species of endemic birds, and travelers are often surprised at just how much they enjoy the magnificent birds of Madagascar.
After about an hour visiting the park, we will continue driving south to reach the coast. Ifaty is our next stop, where we will spend an afternoon at leisure and be very happy to have that time in this beautiful coastal locale. Our hotel overlooks the coral barrier of the Mozambique Channel and offers access to the baobab forest of Ifaty.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Les Dunes d’Ifaty 3*, or similar.
MEALS: Breakfast.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 – IFATY TO ANTANANARIVO
LEISURE TIME IN IFATY | DOMESTIC FLIGHT FROM TULEAR TO ANTANANARIVO
We have the morning and early afternoon at leisure in Ifaty. You can choose from a host of optional activities: lounge and revitalize on the beach, take a ride on a pirogue, look for humpback whales (annual migration through Ifaty June to late September/early October, so note we will be on the tail end), head to the Ifaty Nature Reserve & Tortoise Sanctuary (Reserve Reniala), or even reinvigorate hitting the water for some snorkeling or scuba.
We leave the hotel around 3PM to reach Toliara Airport for the local flight to Antananarivo. We will arrive in the capital in the evening and transfer to our hotel to rest up for the next day’s activities.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel Colbert 4*, or similar.
MEALS: Breakfast.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12 – ANTANANARIVO TO ANDASIBE
PEYRIERAS RESERVE | MITSINJO RESERVE | VOIMMA RESERVE | NOCTURNAL SAFARI
CHAMELEONS, GECKOS, BUTTERFLIES, AND EXOTIC CREATURES
We just couldn’t do this trip without heading to the east for the spectacular reserves there. A few hours into our journey we will stop at the private reserve of Peyrieras where we can see beautiful butterflies, chameleons (including endemic dwarf chameleons), and other insects and exotic critters difficult to find outside of the reserve, and all endemic to Madagascar. We are determined to see the leaf-tailed gecko (yep, you guessed it, endemic to Madagascar alone!), which we think might be one of the coolest looking creatures to exist. So, this is a stop we just had to make!
We then continue towards Andasibe. Upon arrival, and after a lunch break, we will visit the Mitsinjo reserve, a less visited and known park, but absolutely fantastic and a must-see reserve run by locals. They have been able to recover part of the old primary forest through conservation programs and reforestation of endemic trees and plants. Part of what is now Mitsinjo Reserve used to be part of slash-and-burn agricultural land. The reserve is also work for over 40 people in the community.
After dark tonight, we will look for nocturnal lemurs in the nearby Voimma Community Reserve.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Vakona Forest Lodge and Sahatandra River Hotel, or similar.
MEALS: Breakfast.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13 - ANDASIBE
ANDASIBE MANTADIA NATIONAL PARK | LEMURS, REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS
Today we will visit a true paradise for nature lovers. The Andasibe Mantadia National Park enjoys a rich and incredible flora and fauna. We will see some of the 14 species of lemurs, 51 species of reptiles, and 84 species of amphibian. Among the lemurs we will probably see and hear is the biggest of all, the indri. We will also be on the lookout for the black-and-white ruffed lemur and the sifaka diademed, amongst many others.
We will also be keeping an eye out for beautiful chameleons. Our circuit will be approximately 3-4 hours.
In the afternoon we will visit the famous Vakona Reserve. Some, or all, of us will actually have the opportunity to stay at the lodge (Vakona Forest Lodge) here, depending on sign-up order.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Vakona Forest Lodge and Sahatandra River Hotel, or similar.
MEALS: Breakfast.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - ANDASIBE TO ANTANANARIVO
DEPARTURE DAY | OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO NORTHERN MADAGASCAR STARTS
In the early morning we head back to the capital, Antananarivo. The main tour ends and the optional extension to northern Madagascar begins. If leaving, depart no earlier than the evening according to FLIGHT GUIDELINES below. If you are staying for the extension, you will have a free day in the capital and hotel stay booked (optional extension will be listed on the 1000 Treks website separately when it becomes available).
ACCOMMODATIONS: N/A
MEALS: Breakfast.
- 14 nights of accommodations at double-occupancy (please see OCCUPANCY below).
- Breakfast (14) at accommodations or packaged to go, according to our morning departure times.
- Internal domestic flights (2): Antananarivo to Morondava & Tulear to Antananarivo.
- Entrance to all activities, tours, & locations listed in the itinerary unless otherwise listed as optional.
- English-speaking guide, local activity guides, and 1000 Treks group leader(s) throughout the tour.
- Transportation to and from Ivato airport to the hotel if you arrive within the guidelines on FLIGHT GUIDELINES below. If you arrive or leave at a different time, you may have to arrange your own transportation.
- All transportation to our scheduled activities as well as to and from accommodations while with the group. If you do your own activity or arrive/leave on a different day, you’ll have to arrange your own transportation.
ACTIVITIES:
- Morondava: Visit to and sunset at Avenue of the Baobabs.
- River Tsiribihina and River Manambolo barge crossings and Belo sur Tsiribihina stop.
- Bekopaka: Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park guided walk.
- Ambivy: Kirindy Private Reserve visit and night safari.
- Toliara: Betania fishing village experience.
- Antsirabe: Artisan workshop & ateliers.
- Ambositra: Wood-carving shops.
- Tanala Village visit and local tribe experience.
- Ranomafana National Park rainforest tour.
- Ambalavao: Anja Community Reserve visit.
- Ranohira: Isalo National Park visit and stay at Isalo Rock Lodge in the Park.
- Zombitse National Park visit.
- Ifaty: Coastal city visit.
- Marozevo: Peyrieras Reserve visit.
- Andasibe: Mitsinjo Reserve visit.
- Andasibe: Voimma Reserve nocturnal safari.
- Andasibe-Mantadia National Park guided walk.
- Vakona Reserve visit.
- International flights (see FLIGHTS below).
- Optional activities, or any activity not described in the itinerary.
- Meals other than those specifically stated in the itinerary.
- Tips to guides, drivers, staff, etc.
- Any potential rentals.
- Souvenirs or anything extra you would like to get.
- Double-occupancy: You will be paired up with someone of the same gender as a roommate, unless you have someone that you are already coming with.
- Single supplement (if you want a room for yourself): $1,995.00
- The last people to RSVP and pay the deposit MAY have to be put in triple-occupancy rooms (if we end up with an odd number of men or women).
International flights (arrival into and leaving Madagascar) are NOT included. Flights are very easy to book on your own, and as some people choose to do side trips, it is best to allow you flexibility in booking these. Many travelers also use miles or other ways of making their flights free or saving money. So instead of including air, we give guidelines so you may book your own.
FLIGHT GUIDELINES
- Arrive in Antananarivo at Ivato International Airport (TNR) on Saturday, September 30th anytime. Check-in at the hotel is 2:30PM. We strongly advise an early arrival on September 29th for this trip (any person missing the domestic flight we are taking Sunday 10/1/23 will miss the trip).
- Leave Antananarivo Ivato International Airport (TNR) on Saturday, October 14th no earlier than 4:00PM.
- Price: $3,795
- In order to save you money, we don't add the cost of credit card processing to the price of the trip, so this price is for check, bank transfer, or any form of payment that does not incur a fee. We can take the deposit via credit card, but need the remaining balance to be paid by a direct form of payment. If you want to pay for the remaining balance with a credit card, we can accept it, but have to add a 5% fee.
- A deposit of $600.00 (non-refundable, but movable) starts your reservation. Once we receive your deposit, we'll send you a questionnaire and a contract that will need to be returned to us in 72 hours to guarantee your spot. You can read the contract in advance HERE.
- Your spot is not officially reserved until we are able to confirm your internal flight bookings, which we will do once we have your deposit, passport, contract, and questionnaire.
- Once you return the filled-out questionnaire and signed contract, we will send you an invoice for the remaining amount. You will have until June 30, 2023 (three months before the trip) to finish making your payment.
- Once you are confirmed, your deposit becomes movable. That means, if you need to cancel your participation in the trip for any reason, you may request a credit for 100% of your deposit that can be applied to any 1000 Treks Trip which departs within one year of the departing date of the original trip.
- When you make your deposit, you will be asked for your email. MAKE SURE YOU LIST AN EMAIL YOU CHECK DAILY WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR PAYMENT. THAT'S WHERE YOU'LL RECEIVE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE, INVOICE, AND ALL THE EMAILS IN REGARDS TO THE TRIP.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT.
- Full payment is only due by June 30, 2023, three months before the trip. You can make payments when and how you prefer so long as you are fully paid by the due date.
- If you make payments or pay in full before the due date, your payments (minus the deposit) are refundable before the due date. After that, all payments are entirely non-refundable.
- All trips are governed by our comprehensive contract. You should familiarize yourself with it prior to signing up for any of our trips. You can access it by clicking HERE or visiting https://www.1000treks.com/contract/. A link to the contract can also be found at the bottom of all our webpages under CONTRACT.
- Travel insurance is REQUIRED. You may purchase insurance with any company you wish, but we require that your policy covers personal injury, death, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and treatment, repatriation, and personal liability, with a minimum coverage of USD $200,000. You will be required to submit proof of insurance no later than (seven) 7 days prior to the start of the trip or you will not be allowed to participate in the Trip and will forfeit all your payments. Although not part of the requirement, we STRONGLY suggest that you get insurance right away (within 15 days of making your deposit), and that you buy a policy that will cover you in case you need to cancel your trip for any reason.
- Because of the adventurous nature of our trips, our itinerary and some locations are subject to change due to weather, tides, road conditions, logistics, and other unforeseen circumstances. It’s not likely, but it could happen. Whenever we make a change in the itinerary, we will do our best to maintain the integrity of the trip.
- A passport is required for all international travel. Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your return date. If you don't have a valid passport, or if your passport expires before 6 months after the date you will arrive back in the U.S., make sure to get started on a new one ASAP. Here's the link for the Department of State Passport section: http://travel.state.gov//content/travel/en.html
- As of the time of this posting all nationalities require a visa for Madagascar. Visas are available upon arrival. If you would like to apply in advance, you may get information here: https://www.us-madagascar-embassy.org/visa-consular-services. If you have an embassy in your home country you may be able to obtain a visa prior to departure.
- If you need to take care of any those issues, make sure to get on them ASAP so you don't get held up because of some unexpected delay. We've had people miss trips and lose money because they waited too long or had unexpected issues come up and couldn't take care of them before the trip started.
- Having a valid passport and all the required visas is your responsibility. Please make sure you have those, and any other necessary issues are resolved well ahead of time. 1000 Treks is not responsible for any problems resulting from you not taking care of issues ahead of time.
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Vickie and Peter
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Linda Perretta. What is physical level 3 mean? Is there a single supplement?
Been waiting for this . Michelle Kaufman
