These journeys are available tailor-made from April to December. The 4 days version focuses on the tropical dry forest and some of Madagascar's most significant baobabs. The 8-days version includes Madagascar's largest area of Tsingy at Bemoraha - a scenically very beautiful area of lost tropical worlds, caves and a deep river gorge.
Madagascar is full of unique landscapes, vegetation and wildlife; and this experience takes you to explore highlights of what the eastern Tropical Dry Forests have to offer.
The Avenue of Baobabs is an iconic landscape not to be missed. Madagascar is home to 6 out of the world's 8 species of baobab, of which Grandidier's Baobab (Adansonia grandidieri) is the largest. The cylindrical trunks of these trees can reach 3 metres across and 30 metres (100 feet) in height. Grandidier's baobabs flower from May to August and bear leaves October to May. Fruit appear in November and December.
Lighting is everything at the Avenue of Baobabs, so we take you here both at sunrise and sunset. Other species of baobab you will see include the incredibly wide-trunked Fony Baobab (Adansonia rubrostipa).
For wildlife, there are four highlight species in Madagascar's western dry forests. These include the Fossa, which is Madagascar's apex predator. They look like a slender version of a puma, but it is more closely related to a weasel than a cat. Whilst we sometimes see these in the eastern rainforests, the Kirindy National Park provides our best opportunities.
Of primates, the Verreaux's Sifaka is a wonderful sight we can here. Not only is it one of Madagascar's most beautiful lemurs, but it can sometimes be seen moving upright on two legs. It is often referred to as the Dancing Lemur, because when it performs on two legs, it tends to bound with a delightful uneven spring in its step.
By night, our guide will take you in search of the World's smallest primate: Madame Berthe's Mouse Lemur (Microcebus berthae), whose average adult body mass is a mere 33g; and average body length is 9.2cm. In case you have ever seen the world's smallest monkey, the Pygmy Marmoset: Madame Berthe's Mouse Lemur is one third of its body weight. Whilst Madame Berth's are often difficult to find, the marginally larger Grey Mouse Lemur (Microcebus murinus) is easier to locate.
Madagascan Jumping Rats (Hypogeomys antimena) are another target for us. They look a little bit like a miniature kangaroo. They weigh in at just over 1kg and make extensive burrows, digging as deep as 16 feet with up to 6 entrances. To protect themselves from boa constrictors and fossas when they sleep, they cover these entrances with leaves and dirt. Unlike other rodents, Jumping Rats are monogamous. With gestation periods of between 102 - 138 days, they can quickly disappear when their habitat is disturbed. An estimated 11,000 individuals survive in the wild.
The Tsingy de Bemaraha is Madagascar's largest area of this unique rock formation, covering an incredible 600 square miles. It takes 6 hours to drive there from Kirindy, so too far to incorporate into a 4 days journey to the area; but we can incorporate it either by flying you over the area on a private plane charter; or more economically, extend your journey to 8 days.
At Bemaraha we will take you first to the Small Tsingy, reaching it by canoe down the beautiful Manambolo River Gorge. You will enjoy some excellent views here over the limestone rock pinnacles, seeing for yourself how these formations have been created through years of dissolution by rain; and by erosion beneath by underground rivers. In hidden forests amongst the rocks, you can hope to see Von de Decken's Sifakas (Propithecus deckenii) and Red-fronted brown lemurs. Von de Decken's Sifakas have distinctive white fluffy hair, which over their backs is uniformly white. On the chest and inside of the limbs, white and black mix; whilst its face and ears are distinctly black, with piercing yellow eyes.
We will also take you to the Great Tsingy, where you can trek to viewpoints over vast swathes of this rock forest; take a suspension bridge above the knife-sharp edges of rocks below; explore a maze of ground level tunnels; and seek more wildlife and unique plants which have adapted to this seemingly inhospitable environment.
Our 4-day and 8-day itineraries both include a stay along a lovely stretch of white-sand beach at Morondava, looking out to traditional fishing sail boats and the Mozambique Channel, across which lemurs first migrated to settle on this huge and isolated island.
Itinerary
4 Day Safari - In Search of Fossas, Giant Baobabs & Dancing Lemurs
On our 4-day itinerary, the Tsingy de Bemaraha can only be incorporated if you opt for a private charter flight between Morondava and Antananarivo (or vice versa).
Day 1 - Morondava to Kirindy Dry Forest Reserve
Upon arrival at Morondava airport, you will be greeted by your driver. You will then drive north to the Kirindy Forest where you can settle into your hotel before heading into the dry forest in search of wildlife. Your best opportunities will be to see Grey Mouse Lemurs, a Fossa perhaps ad Fork-tailed Lemurs. There is also a chance of seeing a Madame Berthe's Mouse Lemur (Microcebus berthae), but bear in mind that climate change seems to be leading to a decline in populations.
If you have patience, you can also stake out the exit hole of a Giant Jumping Rat, in the hope that one may emerge. You will need to be very quiet and still, since they are keeping a low profile in view of the threat Fossa pose to them.
Day 2 - Kirindy
You will have breakfast poolside, beneath a handful of baobab trees. Your driver will then take you back to Kirindy where you can go in search of lemurs, chameleons, birdlife and 3 species of baobab amongst the deciduous forest. Daytime is better for chances to see beautiful Verreaux Sifakas (Propithecus Verreauxi); as well as Brown Lemurs which often walk quite close.
You will head back to the hotel in the middle of the day. If you wish, your driver can take you to a seldom visited Avenue of Baobabs. You can also walk to a huge sacred baobab in the village nearby.
At sunset, your driver will take you back to the forest for another opportunity to go in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Day 3 - Kirindy to Avenue of Baobabs
This morning, we will take you back into the Kirindy Reserve, before driving south to the Avenue of Baobabs where you can catch the sunset.
You will stay the night at a very comfortable beachside hotel.
Day 4 - Depart Morondava
Transfer to Morondava airport for your scheduled flight out … or private charter to fly along the Avenue of Baobabs, over the Tsingy de Bemahara and on to Antananarivo where your plane will have originated.
8 Day Safari in Search of Fossas, Dancing Lemurs, Baobabs & Tsingy de Bemaraha
Day 1 - Morondava to Kirindy Forest Reserve
Upon arrival at Morondava airport, you will be greeted by your driver. You will then drive north to the Kirindy Forest where you can settle into your hotel before heading into the dry forest in search of wildlife. Your best opportunities will be to see Grey Mouse Lemurs, a Fossa perhaps ad Fork-tailed Lemurs. There is also a chance of seeing a Madame Berthe's Mouse Lemur (Microcebus berthae), but bear in mind that climate change seems to be leading to a decline in populations.
If you have patience, you can also stake out the exit hole of a Giant Jumping Rat, in the hope that one may emerge. You will need to be very quiet and still, since they are keeping a low profile in view of the threat Fossa pose to them.
Day 2 - Kirindy
You will have breakfast poolside, beneath a handful of baobab trees. Your driver will then take you back to Kirindy where you can go in search of lemurs, chameleons, birdlife and 3 species of baobab amongst the deciduous forest. Daytime is better for chances to see beautiful Verreaux Sifakas (Propithecus verreauxi); as well as Brown Lemurs which often walk quite close.
You will head back to the hotel in the middle of the day. If you wish, your driver can take you to a seldom visited Avenue of Baobabs. You can also walk to a huge sacred baobab in the village nearby.
At sunset, your driver will take you back to the forest for another opportunity to go in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Day 3 - Kirindy to Bekopaka
Today you will set out on a long and potentially bumpy drive to Bekopaka (Madagascar has an incredibly poor road network). The journey will provide good exposure to Tropical dry landscapes, interspersed with river crossings which require use of basic platform ferries.
You will eventually reach the gateway to the Tsingy Massif. If you have the inclination, there is a small reserve where you are staying, where you can wander amongst Tropical Dry Forest vegetation. You can also enjoy an infinity pool to gaze out over woodlands and the horizon.
Day 4 - Tsingy de Bemahara: Manambolo Gorge & Petit Tsingy
This morning, you will approach the Tsingy of Bemaraha by from the Manambolo River which you will descend by dugout canoe (pirogue). This will take about 1 ½ hours, passing sand banks and abrupt river cliffs up to 80 metres high.
The Petit Tsingy provides an excellent prelude to this bizarre landscape, with its razor-sharp rocks, caves and pockets of forest. You will be able to see some of the 53 species of bird that live here, alongside 6 species of lemur.
Day 5 - Tsingy de Bemaraha: the Great Tsingy
Today you will be taken to explore the Great Tsingy, with its dramatic karst limestone formations, canyons and caves. There is a suspended walkway we can use here, 60 feet off the ground. To see the most and reduce the heat, you will begin early and in order to finish earlier.
To explore the area to the full, you will have the option to go a little deeper into tunnels by going on all fours. Use of harnesses is also needed in places.
Day 6 - Bekopaka to the Avenue of Baobabs & Morondava
Early morning, you will set off towards Morondava, stopping at the Avenue of Baobabs en route to admire them at sunset. The journey will take about 6 hours altogether, ending at a lovely beachside hotel where you can absorb the cooling sea breeze.
Day 7 - Morondava
Today you can enjoy white sand beaches overlooking the Mozambique Channel. If you would like to see something of the town, then your driver / guide can take you there.
Day 8 - Depart Morondava
Transfer to Morondava airport for your scheduled flight out.
Dates
Minimum number 2 persons (please enquire for solo journey)
Price includes
4WD transportation
All guiding
Fuel
Accommodation in twin / double room
Half board (all breakfasts & dinners)
Entrance fees
Local taxes
Not included
Fights between Antananarivo & Morondava (£330 / $395 each way)
Tips
Insurance
