7 Days Madagascar Flying Safari
Spanning over 220,000 square miles in this 7 Days Madagascar Flying Safari, travelers will find steep escarpments with lush tropical forests, expansive central highlands of fertile rice valleys and grassy hills, desert, shrub-lands, mangrove forests and sandy beaches. At once alien and enchanting, the island’s diverse landscape is of intrigue to all visitors. That said, the real highlight is the island’s unique wildlife . Life has been left to develop in relative isolation here, making it a biodiversity hotspot. Over 90% of its flora and fauna is found nowhere else on Earth, including one of the world’s largest lemurs, the Indri. The island is home to over 100 species and sub-species of lemur altogether.
Madagascar is a big country, and the 4th largest island in the world. It’s capital, Antananarivo (a.k.a. Tana), lies in the country’s center. Though we like Tana as an introduction to Malagasy culture and history, this city has notoriously terrible traffic and is most commonly used as a jumping off point between wildlife locations elsewhere in the country.
From Tana, you will look to the far reaches of the country’s circumference to find the most iconic points of interest. But accessing these far away areas can prove to be a challenge, in large part due to the national airline (Tsaradia) being unreliable, and the roads unmaintained. We find the best way to explore Madagascar is by incorporating charter flights (either scheduled or private), in order to eliminate long stretches of bumpy road or uncertain flight schedules. Of course, the cost of a chartered flight is higher than driving or flying on the national carrier, so we can work with you to shape the best itinerary for your budget, interests, and time frame.
Apart from Tana in the center, we can look at Madagascar in 4 areas: East, South, West, North & Islands.
East – Here you will find highland forests, which are very wet. Enjoy viewing an incredible number of unique animals while exploring parks such as Andasibe, Mantadia, and Masoala.
South – Isalo National Park boasts beautiful hilly and rocky landscapes, offering plenty of opportunity for hiking. Beyond this, we adore both Madagascar Classic Collection camps and areas. Mandrare River Camp is a safari-style camp through and through with proper tented camps and the fully inclusive lifestyle we safari-goes have become accustomed to. The spiny forest, salty Lake Anony, opportunity for cultural interaction, and incredible array of wildlife make this location unique. It’s sister camp, Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge, offers excellent birding and rainforest species on a stunning stretch of private beach.
It is important to note that, due to the season, the Tsingy is not accessible between November and April.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL & DRIVE TO THE RAINFOREST OF ANDASIBE
You will be welcomed by our team at the international airport of Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. We will start our journey towards the Eastern part of the island. We will reach the Andasibe National Park by the end of the day.
Overnight stay in a forest Lodge: Vakona Forest Lodge or Mantadia Lodge
DAY 2: EXPLORE THE RAINFOREST OF ANDASIBE.
The transfer to Andasibe can be done by helicopter – price on request. The forest of the Andasibe National Park is home to 108 species of birds ,14 species of lemurs, 51 species of reptiles, and 84 species of amphibians. Early in the morning, we reach the entrance of the Andasibe National park. We will hike in the rainforest to track lemurs whilst getting a view of various species of plants, trees, insects and reptiles. We will also explore the famous Vakona Island for close up experiences and many photos with the animals. At nightfall, pick up your headlamps and flashlights for a nocturnal walk in this community-run reserve. Search for lemurs, listen to frogs, or stumble across sleeping chameleons after dark.
Overnight stay in a forest Lodge: Vakona Forest Lodge or Mantadia Lodge
DAY 3: PRIVATE FLIGHT OVER THE MENABE, VISIT OF THE SMALL TSINGY OF BEMARAHA.
We drive back to Antananarivo and embark on your private charter flight and land a few kilometers from the Tsingy of Bemaraha. We will end our day with an easy introduction to this peculiar environment by visiting the Small Tsingy. This short circuit passes through a labyrinth of limestones and its access is relatively easy via walkways, iron ladders and small bridges. We have some good chances to spot the Decken’s sifaka and red-fronted brown lemurs.
Overnight stay in a boutique Lodge: Le Soleil des Tsingy or L’Olympe du Bemaraha
DAY 4: THE GREAT TSINGY OF BEMARAHA, PRIVATE FLIGHT OVER THE DRY FOREST & SUNSET AT THE ALLEY OF BAOBABS.
We will be equipped with harnesses clipped to a steel cable to climb and walk across the limestone forest. The Tsingy de Bemaraha Integral Nature Reserve represents rare or eminently remarkable geological phenomena and is of exceptional beauty. The limestone cathedral spires offer a grandiose and spectacular natural landscape. You will experience inspiring moments of a lifetime while hiking through caves, mazes, and the peaks. We will then fly towards Morondava to enter the world-famous Alley of Baobabs at sunset.
Overnight stay in a boutique Lodge: Le Soleil des Tsingy or L’Olympe du Bemaraha
DAY 5: THE VEZO CULTURE & PRIVATE FLIGHT TO THE MASSIF OF ISALO.
If the tide is on our side, we will embark on a pirogue to navigate across the mangroves to see Betania, a small coastal village of Vezo semi-nomadic fishermen. After this easy morning in the laid-back seaside town near the shores of the Mozambique Canal, we will fly down South to the massif of Isalo. Once you are settled in this spectacular landscape, we will have time to have a swim in a natural pool and contemplate the sunset over this iconic massif.
Overnight stay in a 4 star Lodge: Jardin du Roy or Isalo Rock Lodge
DAY 6: VISIT OF ISALO NATIONAL PARK & PRIVATE FLIGHT BACK TO THE CAPITAL.
We will navigate by foot through the canyons and oases of Isalo and its lunar landscape to reach different places and get a panoramic view of the landscape. This environment was formed during the Jurassic age and a unique flora has evolved adapting to the existing conditions. We will see different species of lemurs, including the world-famous ring-tailed lemur.
We fly back to Antananarivo to visit the historical neighbourhoods of the city and enjoy a gastronomic experience in one of the capital’s finest restaurants.
Overnight stay in a boutique hotel downtown: Tamboho Hotel or Maison Gallieni
DAY 7: BEGINNING OF EXTENSION OR INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE.
Take advantage of the available time to browse through the treasuries you may find in the handcraft market. We will take you to the airport so you can continue your journey or return home to tell stories of your amazing adventures.
(approx. 17h00)..
Price per Person =Â USD
Included
- Transfers in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle
- Includes 4 private flights, 6 breakfasts & 4 dinners.
- 1 nights tented accommodation at Pretoriuskop Rest Camp
- 2 x 3-hour game drives in the Kruger National Park
- Kruger National Park entrance fees
- All meals as per itinerary
Excluded
- Purchases of a personal nature
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (cash bar only)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Any activity not specified in the itinerary
- Gratuities
- Visa fees if required
