On arrival in Antananarivo (Tana), you will be met by a Pulse Africa representative, assisted through airport procedures and transferred to Pavillon de l’Emyrne Hotel.
After breakfast meet your guide and driver and set off in a private vehicle to Antsirabe (170kms). There are numerous photographic opportunities along the way, please feel free to stop as often as you wish. You may also find a local market or two and any little local “hotely” would be only too pleased to serve you an ice cold beer. Take your time, interact with the locals and enjoy lunch on route. Arrive in Antsirabe in time for dinner and overnight.
Drive from Antsirabe to Ranomafana (230kms). Stop at Ambositra for lunch at the Tanamasoandro Restaurant and a visit to the Woodcarving market. There is an abundant choice of carved figures and marquetry, as well as other souvenirs. Some of the best shops are found opposite the Grand Hotel, which in itself is worth visiting for a cold beer. Continue on to Ranomafana. On arrival check-in at Setam Lodge.
Full day to explore Ranomafana. It is worth taking one of the longer paths (6-8 hours) so that you get right into the primary forest. Here the trees are bigger and it is quieter. You do need to be fairly fit. A picnic lunch will be prepared and taken along.
Drive to Ranohira (284 km). On route, visit Anja Park and the Antimoro paper shop. Once you get to Ranohira, the area of Isalo National Park, check into Isalo Rock Lodge., stop at Anja Park. This park has some unique animal and plant species. The reserve was started by the local community with the aim of protecting the environment. It is a scenic park boasting forest, hills, valleys and fabulous rock formations. It is a wonderful place to see ring tailed lemurs, chameleons and rare plant species.
You have a full day at leisure to enjoy the facilities at the hotel or visit the Isalo National Park.
You have another full day at leisure to enjoy the facilities at the hotel or visit the Isalo National Park.
Drive to Tulear (235 kms) with a visit to Mr. Petignat’s arboretum en route.
Mr. Petignat’s arboretum was established in 1980 by a Swiss born botanist Hermann Petignat. There are nearly 900 species of plant here, 90% of which are endemic to the region. Around 80% also have medicinal qualities. During the two hour tour you will see some of the 100 species of euphorbia and 60 species of kalenchoe. You will also see an abundance of birds and reptiles. After the tour enjoy lunch in the restaurant. Continue the drive to Tulear.
Early morning breakfast and transfer to the airport. MD713 departs Tulear at 09H35 for arrival back in Tana at 11H15. On arrival in Tana, met and drive to Andasibe (160 km). On arrival check into Vakona Forest Lodge.
After breakfast spend the morning visiting the reserves of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park..
Enjoy lunch, own account, at one of the local restaurants on the border for the park. In the afternoon visit the Vakona Private Reserve.
After breakfast drive to Manambato and boat transfer to Akanin Ny Nofy.
The Pangalanes consists of a series of lakes linked by artificial canals. These were built in French colonial times for commercial use. The canals are today used mostly by local fishermen for fishing and transporting of goods between small villages and the main port of Toamasina. In recent years, this area has become popular with tourists and a number of bungalows and private nature reserves have been developed along the banks of the lakes. These fresh water lakes, offer visitors clear water for swimming and white sandy beaches for relaxation.
Spend the day visiting the Palmarium Reserve. In the afternoon visit a Betsimisaraka fishermen village. If you have the energy enjoy a Nocturnal visit to meet the Aye-Aye lemur.
Take a boat transfer through the Pangalanes channel to Tamatave. On arrival, met and driven to the airport for the short flight to Saint Marie. On arrival in Sainte Marie, met and transferred to Princess Bora.
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Tana. On arrival in Tana, met and transferred to hotel Pavillon de l’Emyrne.
Transfer to the airport for the flight home. SA8253 departs Antananarivo at 15H00 for arrival in Johannesburg at 17H40.
