MadagascarMadagascar is one of the most unique and iconic places on earth, and having separated from the African mainland 165 million years ago, it has evolved into an astonishing mix of fascinating wildlife, amazingly varied landscapes and gorgeous sandy beaches.

The biodiversity is incredible in terms of variety and the level of endemic species - overall 93% of mammals, 98% of reptiles and amphibians, and 89% of the plants are unique to Madagascar!

Why Madagascar?Wildlife – Lemurs (over 90 species), Chameleons (world’s smallest and largest), Geckos, hump- back whales, over 100 types of birds found nowhere else on the planet and much more!

Scenery – tropical rainforests, arid spiny forests, vast ‘fields’ of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles, mangrove swamps, massive baobab trees, and beautiful islands and beaches.

Culture – combination of Asian-African ancestry makes for a fascinating cultural, genetic and linguistic mix. Warm, generous people with unique, fascinating customs and beliefs.

Who?Wildlife enthusiasts, honeymooners, families, solo travellers, beach lovers, hikers..Madagascar has something to suit everyone!

When?Can be a year round destination, but mid- December to mid-March is best avoided due to the rainy season. Best time is May-November. Specific areas can be better at different times of year, so please ask us for further advice.

How?Coming from the UK, Air France via Paris and Kenya Airways via Nairobi are normally the best options into the capital Antananarivo. Both fly several times a week and the total journey is normally around 15 hours. There are also flights between Madagascar and Johannesburg. Madagascar is two and a half times the size of the UK so internally it is often best to fly between areas. Air Madagascar has a good network of domestic flights. On overland journeys, 4x4 vehicles with private driver and guide are used.

Accommodation?Madagascar has some exceptional hotels and lodges both in nature reserves and on the beach. There are a wide range of styles including upmarket air-conditioned hotels, simple guesthouses, safari-style tented camps and small bungalows. Most trips will encompass a mix of accommodation.

Language?Malagasy is the local language, but French is the second language and widely spoken. Our guides however do speak English.

Time?Due to its size it is impossible to see everything in one trip, unless you have several months. Most people will spend between ten days to three weeks on the island, combining a couple of locations.

RN6

RN2

RN

4R

N7

ANTANANARIVO

Ile Sainte Marie

Nosy MangabeSpecial Reserve

Manakara

MozambiqueChannel

Maroantsetra

Ambanja

Ambositra

Fianarantsoa

Ihosy

Zombitse NP

Morondava

Anakao

Tolanaro(Fort Dauphin)

Andohahela

Toliara (Tulear)

Tsingy deBemaraha NP

Pang

alan

esC

anal

KirindyForest

Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez)

MontagneD’Ambre NP

AnkaranaSpecial Reserve

Anjajavy

Isalo NP

Ifaty

TsimanampetsotsaNature Reserve

Berenty Private Reserve

Anja

Andringitra NP

Ranomafana NP

Masoala NP

MarojejyNP

Nosy Bé

Indian Ocean

Antsirabe

Ambatolampy

Andasibe – Mantadia NP(Périnet)

AnkarafantsikaNP (Ampijoroa)

PRINCESSE BORA LODGE & SPA

ANJAJAVY HOTEL

EDEN LODGE

VAKONA FOREST LODGE

MANAFIAFY BEACH & RAINFOREST LODGE

MANDRARE RIVER CAMP

Mahajanga

CONSTANCE TSARABANJINA

Africa & Beyond Tops Tips & Info for planning a trip to

Madagascar

• Atripmustbewell planned and use guides who we at Africa & Beyond know and trust.• Itisavastcountrywith difficult geography and frail infrastructure, so things may not always run smoothly. A relaxed and patient attitude is needed.• Donottryanddotoo much. Discuss with us what areas may be of interest to you and focus on those. You can’t see everything!• Berealisticonbudget. For a 2 week trip visiting a couple of wildlife areas and some time on the beach at least £2,500 per person is needed (including international flights).• Itisverydifferentto mainland Africa. As there are not any dangerous animals, visitors will normally explore parks on foot with a guide.• Itisacountryunlike anywhere else and people will leave amazed!What do we offer?

• Expertpersonaladviceandfirst-handknowledge.• Tailor-madetripsforalltypesoftraveller.• Experiencedlocalrepresentatives&professionalguides.• ExclusiveAfrica&BeyondGroupTourin2015– Thursday 7th May–Wednesday 20th May, and Tuesday 27th October–Monday 9th November –Idealforfriends,couplesandsolotravellers (maximum 12 people).

For more information and bookings, please call us on0161 789 8838 or Email: enquiry@africaandbeyond.co.uk

ANDASIBE-MANTADIA NATIONAL PARK (PERINET)Just a 3 hour drive from the capital on good roads, this is probably the most popular wildlife hotspot in the country. The paths are generally easy and well maintained and it is a great choice for all travellers. 2-3 nights here is ideal. Highlights in this rainforest include seeing and hearing the largest of all lemurs–theIndri,nightwalksandover100 frog species.

THE RN7This overland route ventures from the capital Antananarivo to Tulear almost 1000kms to the south. Spend 7-10 days on the road stopping off for a couple of nights in each location. This is an extremely varied and beautiful trip allowing people to see several different types of scenery and habitats. Highlights include the craft shops of Antsirabe, the lemurs of Ranomafana National Park, hiking in Andringitra, the sandstone rockformationsatIsalo,thetombsofAndranovory and the beaches and spiny forestatIfaty.Awonderfultrip,butnotfor those who do not like being on the move.

IL ST. MARIE ANDPRINCESSE BORA LODGEAgain about an hour’s flight from the capital,IlStMarieisanidyllictropicalisland with miles of sandy beaches and reef-protected coves and bays. From July-September is has fantastic whale watching and diving, fishing, and surfing are all possible. Princesse Bora Lodge is one of the best value beach accommodations in Madagascar and has fine food, an infinity pool and a water sports centre. Whale watching trips are offered with specialists on board. The lodge must be booked early!

THE NORTHERN CIRCUITAt the top of the island visitors can explore some of Madagascar’s most scenic national parks and reserves. Start by exploring the lush rainforest of Montagne D’Ambre, before moving on to the massively contrasting landscape of caves and bizarre limestone pinnacles called ‘Tsingy’ in Ankarana National Park. There are some equally diverse and charming accommodation options in the north too. After 4-6 nights in the parks, finish with time on the tropical islands of the Nosy Be Archipelago. Two weeks in the North makes for a fantastically diverse and fascinating trip.

EDEN LODGE AND SAMBIRANO FOREST Across the bay from Nosy Be is the remote Eden Lodge, only accessible by boat. With just 8 tented, solar powered rooms right on the beach, this is pure paradise. The forest behind the lodge is full of baobab trees and on guided walks you should see lemurs, birds and reptiles. Swimming with turtles and watching dolphins is also a real possibility. Perfect for a stay of 3-7 nights after the Northern Circuit or just as a beach break with some wildlife.

ANJAJAVY RESERVE & HOTELAn hour’s flight from the capital on the north-west coast, Anjajavy combines beautiful empty beaches with a wildlife-rich, dry deciduous forest and fantastic scenery. The hotel itself is one of the best on the island and has 24 comfortable air conditioned villas. Water sports, fishing, boat trips, and wildlife walks are all possible or just relax on one of several beaches. A great combination with Andasibe or just on its own for a few nights or weeks. An easy way to take in lots of what Madagascar has to offer in one place!

THE SOUTHFly to Fort Dauphin in the far south and explore woodlands and forest of the Berenty Reserve, which is well known for its ringtailed Lemursand‘dancing’Verreaux’ssifaka.AlternativelyvisittheIfotakaForestandstayatMandrareRiverCamp,thefirstluxurytented

camp in the country. Relax and take in life on the river, explore the forest with your guide or visit the local markets and find out about the fascinating culture of the local people. 3-4 nights here combines perfectly with time on the beach at Manafiafy Beach Lodge, which is a 5-6 hour drive or short flight away. With just six rooms set along the beautiful beach in a secluded bay, people can simply relax or take in one of the many activities on offer including boat trips through the mangroves, snorkelling by nearby islands, walking through the village or guided walks in the nearby forest. 4-6 nights here would be ideal.

Our Top Picks ofLocations and Accommodation