Adventure Associates

Madagascar, truly is a lost world

Thanks to its long isolation from neighbouring continents, it is home to some 2,300 species of plants and animals, most found nowhere else.

Madagascar’s most intriguing wonders are often found tucked away in the most remote reigons. Join us on a journey of incredible wildlife and natural wonders as we explore Madagascar’s lost world on trips lasting four weeks. Our small groups (4-12 guests) will travel by plane, minibus, 4WD, canoe, boat, on foot and maybe even pousse-pousse (rickshaws) to all corners of the Island. At the end of a long and exciting day you will cool off and rest in the most comfortable (luxurious even) places.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Seeing the spiny forests and the amazing flora of the south
  • Exploring the National Park of Isalo, known as the Malagasy Colorado
  • Searching for the Golden bamboo lemurs in the rainforest of Ranomafana NP
  • Walking through the Avenue of Baobabs at sunset
  • Visiting the dry deciduous forest of Kirindy and hopefully seeing a Fossa or two
  • Wondering around the Tsingy de Bemaraha with its spectacular rock formations
  • Amber Mountain NP known for its endemic flora and fauna, waterfalls and crater lakes 
  • Ankarana NP, with its grey Tsingy of limestones pinnacles, canyons and caves 
  • The Red Tsingy hides plentiful secrets of nature for you to unveil
  • Andasibe NP, known for its rare orchids and the Indri Indri
  • Cruising in the Pangalanes canal, a chain of sweet water lakes and lagoons parallel to the Indian Ocean
  • To come face to face with one of the rarest creatures on the planet the elusive Aye Aye

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION Tana (Antananarivo) – Madagascar
DEPARTURE DATES

24 May 2025 – 19 June 2025 

DURATION 27 days/26 nights all inclusive
PRICES per person

AU$16,990 twin share rate // Now AU$15,990

AU$19,490 single rate // Now AU$18,490

GROUP SIZE 4 to 12 Guests
INCLUDED
Adventure Associates Escort
local English speaking guide
All Accommodation
Meals from Dinner Day 1 to Lunch Day 27
Transfers, 4WD’s, 5 x domestic flights and boat trips
Bottled water throughout the tour
Entrance fees sightseeing tours/park entry fees
Guides & Drivers gratuities/tips
All currently applicable service charges and taxes
NOT INCLUDED
International air-tickets and taxes
Excess baggage on any flight
Vaccination costs
Passport or Visa fees
Travel Insurance
Personal items like alcohol beverages and laundry
Any other meals or sightseeing not specified in the detailed itinerary

Additional information

DestinationMadagascar
1

Day 1

Arrive Tana (Antananarivo) Madagascar’s capital. On arrival in Tana you will be met at the airport and transferred to our group hotel. D

 
2

Day 2

We fly south to the coastal city of Tulear the southern capital of Madagascar, known as “The White City” or “Sun City”. The city offers bright colours and a rhythmic ambience made by the Tsapiky music. Then drive 25 km north to the quaint fishing village of Ifaty. B,L,D

 
3

Day 3

We spend the morning visiting the Honko’s mangrove conservation site and learn about the regions ecology and culture before heading back to the hotel for lunch and a nice swim in the pool or sea. In the afternoon we visit the Reniala (spiny forest) Reserve. B,L,D

 
4

Day 4

After breakfast we drive back to Tulear were we visit a private Arboretum – a botanical garden specialising in the flora and fauna of SW Madagascar. The Arboretum was created around 1980, on the initiative of a Swiss amateur botanist, Hermann Pétignat who died in 2000. There are almost 900 species of plants, 90% endemic to the region. After lunch, we pass through Sakaraha in the Atsimo-Adrefana region, where we should start to see baobabs, cotton growing and roadside painted tombs. We continue driving towards Isalo National Park passing through wild-west style towns, which in recent years have become the makeshift homes of sapphire hunters.

 
5-6

Days 5-6

These days will be dedicated to exploring the NP of Isalo, the Malagasy Colorado and sacred burial grounds for the Bara people. The park has a unique combination of deep sandstone canyons, bush plains and rare endemic plants such as – the endemic Aloe. The park comprises of the entire stretch of the Isalo Massif – a spectacularmountain chain of eroded sandstone. This strikingly beautiful reserve consists of golden plains, punctuated by craggy pinnacles of terracotta rock, valleys, canyons and waterfalls. We plan to enjoy some wonderful walking in this surreal environment and cool off in natural oasis-like swimming hole along the way. We may also make a visit to one of the Sapphire mining areas. In the afternoons you might like to take a horse ride around the nearby pagodas, enjoying the evening light before dinner. B,L,D

 
7

Day 7

We say goodbye to the palm-laced savannah scenery of the Horombe Plateau and the Bara lands where we should encounter huge numbers of Zebu (the ubiquitous humped cattle). These animals hold an almost sacred position in Madagascan life and are certainly symbolic of the prosperity of their owners. We will have a stop at the private reserve of Anjah, sacred to the Betsileo people because their ancestors are buried in the high cliff tombs here. We might also be graced by close encounters with the cheeky ring tailed lemurs. If time allows we would like to visit some of the charming, highlands town of Ambalavao and visit the Antaimoro hand-made paper factory. This papyrus like paper is impregnated with dried flowers. B,L,D

 
8

Day 8

We have a full day dedicated to the nature reserve of Ranomafana. We certainly recommend waking up early for a morning walk in the park, as it is the best time for animal observation. The Park came to the world’s attention in 1986 with the discovery of the golden bamboo lemur. Ranomafana NP is also renowned for the originality and variety of both flora and fauna. There are 12 species of lemurs, 100 species of birds, 36 of which are endemic and many reptiles and butterflies. In the afternoon, we can visit the village with its hot spring & local market, followed by a night walk inside the national park on a search for nocturnal lemurs, chameleons and frogs. B,L,D

 
9-10

Days 9-10

En-route we will make a stop in Ambositra to visit the handicrafts markets. Ambositra is a small town renowned for its Zafimaniry woodcarvings and other handicrafts. The Zafimaniry people are known for the curious wooden architecture of their houses and fine ancestral woodcarvings. They inhabit about 100 villages in the forested highlands of the southeast; their language originated from Borneo and their culture and lands are classified as UNESCO World Heritage. Antsirabe is a beautiful city in the highlands of Madagascar, a mixture of cultures has formed the city over two centuries and is a key part of the Betsileo people, famed for their rice cultivation skills. Founded in 1872 by Norwegian missionaries, the city reflects the warmth of its people and the authenticity of its traditions is still alive. It will be a very early start as we have a long 10-hour-drive from Ansirabe to Morondava on the west coast of Madagascar crossing the heartland. B,L,D

 
11

Day 11

After lunch we drive through the remarkable Avenue des Baobabs on the way to Kirindy. This cluster of towering Grandidier’s baobabs is one of Madagascar’s most famous views. Kirindy is simply superlative and comprises of dry deciduous forest – one of the most outstanding and threatened wildlife habitats in Madagascar. It is renowned for the giant jumping rat and is home to 7 species of lemur and numerous endemic reptiles. After dinner we take a night walk through the forest. If we are lucky we may see the weird and wonderful fossa (cat-like) – the only endemic carnivorous species of Madagascar. B,L,D

 
12

Day 12

Up early for bird and wildlife viewing in Kirindy’s dry forest and wetlands, keeping an eye out for the paradise flycatcher, giant coa and Berther’s lemur, considered to be the smallest primate. A seven-hour drive on rough tracks, including ferrying across the languid Tsiribihina and Manambolo rivers takes us to our comfortable lodge in the heart of Tsingy de Bermaraha National Park. B,L,D

 
13-14

Days 13-14

We spend two days exploring the Tsingy’s (limestone plateaus dramatically eroded into pinnacles, caves and gorges) by canoe and on foot. UNESCO World Heritage-listed, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is home to bats, lemurs, birds and plants adapted to these spectacular 300m-high ‘stone forests’ – which offer fantastic views. B,L,D

 
15-16

Days 15-16

Drive back to Morondava, stopping for the sunset at the beautiful Avenue des Baobabs. The next morning will be at leisure to relax and enjoy the beach or visit the towns colourful bustling markets. After lunch we fly back to Tana. B,L,D

 
17-18

Days 17-18

We fly from Tana to Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), in the extreme north Diego Suarez and have a look at the port town with its wide streets, old colonial-era buildings, and buzzy atmosphere. We take an early lunch at Mellville Restaurant with its amazing views of the natural bay before driving to Ankarana Lodge. The following day we visit Ankarana National Reserve. Here we find the impressive grey Tsingy (limestone pinnacles) which are surrounded by dry deciduous forest. Its dense forests support one of the largest and least disturbed populations of crowned lemurs. Keep an eye out for northern sportive lemur, dwarf lemurs and ring-tailed mongoose. B,L,D

19

Day 19

After an early breakfast, we head towards Montagne d’Ambre (Amber Mountain), with a detour to visit the “Tsingy rouge” (Red Tsingy), which provides a wonderful spectacle of sculptured coloured sands shaped by the wind and rain. Depending on the time we can take a walk down into the canyon to see the red tsingy up close. B,L,D

20

Day 20

Today is dedicated to exploring the Amber Mountain National Park. Established in 1958. This massif rises from the surrounding dry region forming an isolated stretch of montane rainforest covering an area of 18.200 hectares at altitudes between 800m and 1470m. The park offers great biodiversity: a huge tropical forest with endemic fauna and flora, luxuriant vegetation and many waterfalls and volcanic lakes. The climate is perfect, and the cool air refreshing after the heat of the lowlands. The dominant ethnic groups in this area are the Sakavala and the Antankarana. A large number of animal & reptile species inhabit the NP along with: Sanford’s brown lemur, crowned lemur, lesser bamboo lemur and five species of nocturnal lemurs. B,L,D

21-22

Days 21-22

An early morning flight back to Tana. Then we drive to Andasibe for 2 nights, stopping in Marozevo to visit the private reserve “Pereyras” – where we’ll have the opportunity for close viewing of some of the island’s most extraordinary reptiles and invertebrates. We continue on to Andasibe NP for a night walk before dinner. the following day we set out to find the star of the park the indri indri; at up to 1m tall, it’s the largest lemur. But there are more than a dozen other lemur species, many endemic birds and more than a hundred orchid species. We will have a full day to explore this amazing region. B,L,D

23-25

Days 23-25

After breakfast, we drive to Manambato for lunch before transferring to the longboat which takes us along the Pangalanes Canal, a chain of freshwater lakes and lagoons connected by man-made channels to form a 600 km inland waterway. Akanin’ny Nofy (Nest of Dreams), on the white sandy shores of Lake Ampitabe. is where we will spend the next 3 nights. It is a haven of forests, pitcher plants, mangroves and palms. We visit the Palmarium, a private reserve of endemic palms and vanilla bean. Where lemurs, including indri indri, sifakas, crowned lemurs, and the endangered aye-aye, enjoy complete freedom. B,L,D

26

Day 26

After breakfast we cruise by boat to the head of the cannel to Tamatave Madagascar’s most important seaport. After lunch we will visit Tamatave’s colourful Bazary Be markets that sells fruit, vegetables, spices, handicrafts and beautiful bouquets of flowers (should you feel the need to brighten up your hotel room). Fly back to Tana. B,L,D

27

Day 27

Our final day in Tana before transferring to the airport for your return flight home. B

 
Please note: The proposed itinerary is just a guide and changes could be made due to domestic flight schedule changes and hotel availability.

Mana Razafy

Mana was born in a little village called Mevarano. Sadly he lost his parents 
at an early age and was sent to Tana to work for a family, who also sent him to school. He saved his money, bought a book and cassette-tape and taught himself to speak English. After passing his Bachelor degree he did his National Service at twenty. When he returned, he completed a Master’s Degree in Management at the University of Antananarivo. Mana started his career in Tourism in 1999. He gained great knowledge about the flora, wildlife, history and the environment, which gives him much pleasure to pass on to his guests. When he is not touring he enjoys playing music, spending time with his family and teaching karate to the orphan children in his village.

Sue Werner

Sue graduated as a veterinary nurse before embarking on a more adventurous life as a professional outdoor guide. Over the past 25 years she has worked as an expedition leader, photographer and tour guide. Throughout that time she has been at the cutting edge of developments in adventure travel, mainly specialising in Antarctica and the High Arctic. Her enthusiasm has taken her to many remote corners of the world, including Madagascar, the Amazon, Africa and the Himalaya. Spending three months living in Grytviken, working for the South Georgia Heritage Trust and was a highlight of Sue’s career. In January, 2015, Sue purchased Adventure Associates and continues to plan even more exciting journeys to remote destinations.

Anglin Razafimantsoa

Anglin grow up in Joffre Ville Madagascar at the base of Amber Mountain National Park and is where his love of the natural world began.
He studied hard and completed his secondary schooling and in 1994 he completed a National Tourism course in guiding. He also had the opportunity to work with researches from the University of Michigan who worked on a book called “biodiversity of reptiles and amphibians of Madagascar”.
In 2003 Anglin was again approached by a German company to assist and work on another two books, “A Field guide of the amphibians and reptiles of Madagascar”and “Lemurs of Madagascar”.
Anglin speaks two dialects of Malagasy and is fluent in English and French. In his spare time he enjoys listening to music and taking great pleasure in advising young teens in the community about future career opportunities.

How to Book

To ensure your place on this exciting adventure, please contact us to reserve a place 02 6355 2022 or , then complete the Adventure Associates Booking Form and return to us with your AUD 1000 per person deposit.

Deposit required per person: AU$1000 per person
Balance due: 75 days prior to departure
If booking within 74 days of departure: Full payment must be made.

Reservations are established when you receive written confirmation and acceptance of the deposit and Booking Form. Travel insurance is strongly recommended at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Cancellations must be advised in writing to Adventure Associates. Cancellation charges are subject to regulations of airlines, coach and tour operators, hotels and other principals involved. If it is necessary to cancel your arrangements, the following non-refundable charges will apply.

More than 100 days prior to departure AU$500 per person
Between 99 and 75 days prior to departure Full loss of deposit per person
Between 74 and 31 days prior to departure 75% of tour cost per person
On or within 30 days prior to departure No Refund

If the cancellation charge is more than your advance payment you remain liable for the difference. For these and other reasons mentioned above you are strongly recommended to take out Travel Insurance. Once the Land Tour has departed there will be no refund for any unused portions of the trip.

Madagascar A Lost World

Tour Reviews

5.00 based on 6 reviews
May 15, 2016

We had a terrific wonderful time in Madagascar.
We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Henrik is a fantastic person
We were very well looked after and god willing the weather was good.

December 6, 2017

We would like to commend Sue on her super organisation of our recent tour of Madagascar. It was an exceptional month away, leaving us with a humble respect for the Malagasy people. Thank you Sue we are grateful for the detailed itinerary which exposed us to such a variety of experiences, scenery, wildlife and providing such knowledgeable guides and helpful and safe drivers. You went above & beyond.

September 18, 2018

Thanks for such a great trip. I really enjoyed it and haven’t stopped talking about it. Your itinerary was really great and I really appreciated all your assistance and the effort you (and Guy) put in to making sure what I ate was safe for me. Everything worked very smoothly but I know that was due to the work you put into managing things in the background. I think it is one of the best trips that I have been on.

November 8, 2019

We travelled to Madagascar in May 2019. Only ones on the trip with our own driver and excellent guide. Sue’s itinerary is great, time on roads to see how the Malagasy live and flights to cover longer distances. Food, accommodation, wildlife and geological experiences were wonderful. Great walks at Isalo. Guides went out of their way to ensure you could see the lemurs. Loved it all especially the lemurs and wonderful chameleons.

November 21, 2023

We have just completed a 30 day tour of Madagascar with Adventure Associates. What an amazing time it has been with our thanks going to the guides and drivers. We have felt safe at all times. They have been professional and friendly and have shared their knowledge of this wonderful country, its wildlife and landscapes. Thank you for the memorable experiences!

December 14, 2023

From day 1 The scenery was amazing from dry forests to rainforests, sapphire mines to rice paddy’s, beautiful coastal areas to mountains & chaotic villages in between. We saw the many different Malagasy people & were given an insight into how they live, their culture & traditions. We saw many different birds, reptiles & of course lemurs, from the friendly to the elusive. Our guides & drivers were wonderful & very knowledgeable. Sue Werner from Adventure Associates accompanied us & made sure everything ran smoothly & we didn’t miss out on anything. She even arranged extra sails so we could experience areas from the water as we were only a group of 4 we weren’t hurried so could really appreciate this magnificent country. I’ve had a wonderful 30 days & will treasure the memories forever.

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