| Advertise on this Site |
 |
| Bookmark this page |
| Email this page to a friend |
|
26 Days Islands of Renown - featuring Magnificent Madagascar Tour Package Duration: 26 Days / 25 Nights Priced From: $7,463 (All pricing reflects per-person Land Only expenses) Dates: Oct 
Lands of rich nature, highly agreeable temperatures year-round and poignant beauty enough to take the breath away, the islands of the Indian Ocean set themselves apart as superlative tour destinations. Our first port of call is Mauritius, arguably one of the Indian Ocean’s most striking islands and one that exhibits a pleasing blend of Asian, African, French and British influences. Golden beaches, green-blue tropical sea, undulating landscapes of coloured soils caused by the weathering of volcanic rocks, endemic flora, primeval vegetation and the unmistakable character of the capital city are among the highlights on this leg of our incredible journey. From here, it’s on to the Seychelles, an archipelago of upwards of 115 remote and unspoiled islands reminiscent of a land that time forgot. We admire rare species of abounding wildlife that have remained undisturbed and unchanged for centuries, peruse colourful, traditional stalls in the world’s smallest capital city and enjoy exquisitely serene, hauntingly beautiful vistas as we make our way through five national parks and cross into as many strikingly memorable countries. From the ruggedness of the cirques of Reunion -- the series of natural amphitheatres formed by volcanic valleys surrounded by looming peaks -- to the colourful houses and rich cultural diversity of Mayotte, and to the lemur-teeming, mist-enshrouded rainforests and fortress remains of Madagascar, we leave no stone unturned as we explore the cultural and natural attractions of this spectacular and unique region of the world. Tour Itinerary Day 1 Arrival in Mauritius Arrival in Port Louis, Mauritius. Mauritius basks in splendid isolation in the warmest ocean of all, the Indian Ocean, just inside the Tropic of Capricorn, bounded by Africa, India and Australia. Surrounded by a tropical sea, enhanced by golden beaches, covered with swaying fields of sugar cane and fringed with exotic coconut palms and casuarinas -- Mauritius is truly a garden. We have an afternoon tour of Port Louis, the capital city. We visit the harbour, sheltered in a semi circle of mountains; the Natural History Museum, famous for some very rare birds, now extinct; and La Citadelle, a stone fortress situated at the top of a hill from where one can see a view of Port Louis. We also explore the busiest place in the capital, the Port Louis market where you can shop at the local stalls. ATTENTION LAND ONLY PASSENGERS: In order to qualify for an Indian Ocean Air Pass on which this tour is based, all participants must have all or part of their international air booked with either Air Seychelles, Air Mauritius, or Air Austral. If you intended to secure your own air on a different carrier, then a surcharge will apply. Contact us for more information. Overnight on Mauritius. Dinner if required. Day 2 South Mauritius After breakfast we proceed on a full day tour to see some of Mauritius' most spectacular scenery with a visit to the extinct volcano, Trou aux Cerfs, The Black River Gorges, and Le Morne Brabant, an imposing cliff similar to the Rock of Gibraltar. A twisting road leads from Case Noyal village to the coloured earth at Chamarel. It is one of the oldest sites on the island and is also known as the Seven Coloured Earth, a mound of undulating land stretching in contrasting layers of colour, and the patches of blue, green, red, purple and yellow earth are believed to be the result from the weathering of volcanic rocks. The nearby Chamarel waterfalls emerge from the moors and primeval vegetation. The Black River Gorges, a 6,574 hectare park proclaimed in 1994, protects much of the remaining native forests of Mauritius and provides opportunities for the visitor to enjoy spectacular natural scenery and some of the unique endemic plants and bird life. A boardwalk provides access to the typical dwarf forest of the region and a fenced conservation management area (from which invasive non - native plants have been removed) protects a sample of the remaining healthland. Overnight on Mauritius. Breakfast and dinner. Day 3 Mauritius Today is free to enjoy this beautiful island. You may choose to take part in optional activities or excursions, such as a full day tour of Ile Aux Cerfs. You transfer from the hotel to the jetty of Pointe Maurice to board a boat for Ile Aux Cerfs. Spend the day at leisure on the island, which has miles of beautiful beaches, wide choice of water sports, restaurant and snacks bars. Your Tour Leader can help you plan your day. Overnight on Mauritius. Breakfast and dinner. Day 4 Port Louis, Mauritius - Mahe, Seychelles Today we fly to Mahe, Seychelles.* Seemingly forgotten out in the middle of the Indian Ocean, a thousand miles from Africa, more than 115 islands comprise the Seychelles Archipelago, a group of sun-kissed isles fringed by swaying palms and deep, clear lagoons, where wildlife untouched for centuries abounds. Mahe is, by far, the largest island, and it is home to the capital, Victoria, the international airport, the fishing and commercial ports, and most of the population. Although it is the nation's economic hub, it has retained all of its natural beauty and charm. * NOTE: This itinerary is based on flight schedules that can change without notice. Though accurate at the time of writing, this programme may require some adjustment or a re-ordering of islands prior to actual departure. Overnight in Mahe. Breakfast and dinner. Day 5 Mahe: Victoria & Free Afternoon Today we visit Victoria, the world's smallest capital city. We see such landmarks as the winged monument depicting the islands' ethnic origins and the famous clock tower that replicates one on Vauxhall Bridge Road in London. We also visit the National Museum dedicated to island history, folklore and music. There's time to explore Victoria with colourful markets and curio stalls. Mahe is the center for craft artisans as well as fine art painters, sculptors and woodworkers. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon. You may want to participate in some optional activities. There is an easy, incredibly scenic half-day hike to Copollia, led by an expert naturalist, through mountainous forest where you'll enjoy fabulous panoramic views of the Saint Anne Marine National Park and surrounding islands. You'll be introduced to a profusion of rare Seychellois insects, birds and fruits. This is one of Mahe's nicest nature walks (book in advance through your Tour Leader). This evening you may wish to celebrate your last night in the Seychelles with an optional evening "STARLIGHT SERENADE," a romantic way to spend late afternoon and evening. Cruise from Victoria past Mahe's north coast towards Beau Vallon Beach serenaded by guitars and Creole songs. Drinks are served as the suns sets then cruise on to Round Island in the Marine National Park. On the island you'll have an evening of delicious Creole barbecue, music and dancing. Your Tour Leader can help you plan your afternoon. Overnight in Mahe. Breakfast and dinner. Day 6 Mahe - Praslin Island & La Digue - Mahe Today we have a full-day excursion by boat to nearby Praslin Island (pronounced "Prah-lin"). The island features legendary natural beauty and superb beaches. We visit the World Heritage Site of Vallee de Mai -- a unique forest adorned with granite boulders and home to both the black parrot and the amazing coco de mer palm. We ferry across to La Digue, with its impressive perfect beaches sheltered by sculptured boulders, where bicycles and ox-carts ply the narrow roads. Small enough to explore on foot, coconut and vanilla plantations with tumble-down houses abound, along with lush tropical vegetation. At L'Union Estate you'll see coconuts made into copra, then oil, vanilla cured in the sun, giant tortoises and a majestic Plantation House. There's plenty of time to follow your own interests. Today's pace is leisurely (islanders would have it no other way!), with plenty of time to soak it in, enjoy a relaxing bbq lunch (included today) and a swim on some of the world's most stunning beaches. Return to Mahe in the late afternoon. Overnight on Mahe. All meals. Day 7 Mahe, Seychelles - St Denis, Reunion - Digne-les-Bains This morning we fly from the Seychelles to the French territory of Reunion. Reunion is a ruggedly beautiful island of contrasts. Three cirques or amphitheatres dominate the topography and the climate is temperate in the mountains. The east coast is humid, with verdant, tropical vegetation and wild, black volcanic beaches, whereas the west coast is generally dry, hot and sunny. Reunion offers beaches, mountain scenery, hiking trails, and one of the world's most active volcanoes, the highest mountain in the Indian Ocean. On arrival we have a tour of St Denis. Of interest are the Monument aux Morts, the tall victory monument; the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall), considered by many to be the city's most beautiful building; the Cathedrale de St-Denis; and the Prefecture, which was begun in 1735 and served as the Compagnie des Indes headquarters. The Grand Marche is the main handicraft market, featuring a mishmash of items for sale such as Malagasy wooden handicrafts, spices, baskets and furniture. We continue to Digne-les-Bains. Overnight in Digne-les-Bains. Breakfast and dinner. Day 8 Digne-les-Bains - Cilaos We drive west along the coastal highway and then inland to the mountain town of Cilaos. This is a superb, scenic drive with views of the island's high mountains and steep gorges -- you will understand why Reunion has been called the Nepal of the Indian Ocean'! Overnight in Cilaos. Breakfast and dinner. Day 9 Cirque de Cilaos The Cirque de Cilaos, is one of the most spectacular landscape experiences that can be offered by the island of Reunion. The bottom of the volcano is 100 square kilometers, 1200 m deep and offers a unique outline not to be found elsewhere on the island. We have the day to enjoy the Cilaos area on foot. The Cilaos amphitheatre is the largest of the cirques, with a beauty akin to the Alps in summer. There are wonderful hiking trails up into the mountain forests and among the ravines -- and gentle, shorter walks. For those who care not to walk, just outside town, the Irenee Accot health spa offers a wide range of treatments. This evening be sure to try some special Cilaos red wine, as it is only made and sold up here and has a unique (and powerful) flavour. Overnight in Cilaos. Breakfast and dinner. Day 10 Cilaos - St Denis, Reunion - Mamoudzou, Mayotte Today we transfer back to St Denis in time to connect with our flight to the French island of Mayotte. We will arrive in the main town of Mamoudzou and then take a leisurely drive through villages to our hotel. Mayotte has inherited a very diverse culture, a richly-textured fabric of African, Persian, Oriental, Malagasy, European and Arab origins. Over the centuries, an indigenous form of Islam has developed on the island. Passed down from the early Arab arrivals, the religion is today omnipresent in daily life. Between tradition and modernity, the society of Mayotte maintains the customary rules under the guidance of cadis, judges with the role of civil servants. Muslim women play an important role in life on Mayotte. Owners of land and houses, responsible for household management, influential in local politics, women are the stabilisers of the island's economic life. Based on oral tradition, the heritage of Mayotte is not displayed visibly. The history, tales, beliefs and know-how of Mayotte culture are transmitted by the fundis, teachers who possess and pass on knowledge. Thus, fishing, animal husbandry and crop-growing make use of techniques and know-how transmitted from generation to generation. As for the harvesting of the ylang-ylang, Mayotte has maintained the centuries-old methods and rhythms that are its pride and essential elements of its cultural identity. Balance of the day at leisure to enjoy our beachside resort. NOTE: Our flight to Mayotte has a strict 20 kg / 44 lb weight limit for luggage, per person. Excess baggage can be left in storage in Reunion. Overnight on Mayotte. Le Jardin Maore Hotel. Breakfast and dinner. Day 11 Mayotte: Island tour & Free time After breakfast, we depart the Jardin Maore for a half-day tour. One interesting aspect of Mahorese culture are the bangas -- quaint and colourful little houses built by adolescent men when they move out of their parents' house. This is to make them mature and find their status in society without interference from their parents. When these men find a woman to marry, they move to their spouse's home. Most women also wear a yellow facial masks (m'sidzanou) made of ground sandalwood. It's a beauty mask that they wear all day long! We will travel to the west coast with a stop to the Ylang-Ylang & Vanilla Eco Museum in Jimaweni with the explanation about this flower. We will continue to Sada with an overview of its minaret and its islet before leaving the coast into the rain forest where we will see ylang-ylang plantations. We will have stops at largest baobab tree in Mayotte at Musical Plage. Baobab trees are endemic to Mayotte, Madagascar and Africa. They are very interesting looking trees -- thick trunks, large fruit shaped gourds and remarkable branches that look like the roots are on the top of the tree, instead of underground. Some are estimated to be 1,000 years old. We also stop at the Chirongui Pass to have a wonderful overview of the bay of Boueni and Choungui peak. Overnight on Mayotte. Le Jardin Maore Hotel. Breakfast and dinner. Day 12 Mamoudzou, Mayotte - Antananarivo, Madagascar We have a couple hours free this morning before transferring to the airport for our midday flight* to Madagascar. * NOTE: At the time of the writing of this itinerary, flights to Madagascar occur twice a week to two different towns. Depending on availability and in case of air schedule changes / cancellations, we will, a) fly today to Tana via Majunga (Mahajanga); or b) fly tomorrow via Nosy Be. Both scenarios require a free day on Mayotte or in Antananarivo (as per Day 12). Finally, c) Barring the first two options, we may fly to Reunion and connect to Antananarivo the following day. Whatever happens, we'll get you there! Overnight in Antananarivo. Breakfast and dinner. Day 13 Antananarivo Today is free in Antananarivo. Antananarivo means City of the Thousand', supposedly because a thousand warriors protected it. By the end of the 18th century, Andrianampoinimerina had taken Antananarivo from his rebellious kinsman and moved his base there from Ambohimanga. From that time until the French conquest in 1895 Madagascar's history centred around the royal palace or rova, the modest houses. There was no reason for the French to move the capital elsewhere: its pleasant climate made it an agreeable place to live, and plenty of French money and planning went into the city we see today. Overnight in Antananarivo. Breakfast and dinner. Day 14 Antananarivo - Andasibe-Mantadia National Park In the morning we will have a sightseeing tour of Antananarivo, known as Tana. Tana has the quality of a child's picture book, with brightly coloured houses stacked upon the hillsides, and mauve jacarandas and purple baugainvillea against the dark blue of the winter sky. Rice paddies are tended right up to the edge of the city, clothes are laid out on the river bank to dry, and zebu-carts rumble along the roads on the outskirts of town. After lunch we will travel by road to the popular rainforest reserve of Andasibe-Mantadia (formerly known as Perinet). The drive over the highlands the escarpment is pleasant and the scenery is stunning. Since this is in the eastern escarpment, the climate is not too hot and rain falls mostly at night. The mist-enshrouded rainforest creates an awesome spectacle in the early morning. This evening we will go for a walk through the Analamzaotra Special Reserve. There are at least nine species of lemur here, (including the recent discovery of the aye-aye). Our most likely encounter will be with a troop of grey bamboo lemurs which are diurnal and sometimes feed on the bamboo near the warden's house. On a nocturnal lemur hunt one should look for mouse lemurs, and the greater dwarf lemur which hibernates during the cold season. Pack raincoats and a good flashlight for a night walk to see nocturnal animals. NOTE: There are some moderate to strenuous walks on this tour that, though optional, are an integral part of experiencing the highlights of the country. Reasonable level of physical fitness and steadiness on one's feet is important for the participant to fully and comfortably enjoy such tour activities. Overnight in Andasibe-Mantadia. Breakfast and dinner. Day 15 Analamazaotra Special Reserve Today we visit Analamazaotra Special Reserve today (walks/hikes in the reserve). This reserve protects the largest of the lemur family, the indri. Standing about three feet high, with barely visible tails, black and white markings and surprised teddy-bear faces. You will be an observer: most people see indris in Analamazaotra Special Reserve, and if they don't see them they hear them. For it is their voice that makes this lemur extra special: while other lemurs grunt, the indri sings. It is an eerie, wailing sound somewhere between the song of a whale and a police-siren, and it carries for up to two miles as troops call to each other across the forest. In Malagasy the indri is called Babakoto. There are various legends connected with the indri, and explaining the esteem with which the local people hold them (it is unlucky to kill an indri). A popular legend tells of a man who climbed a forest tree to gather wild honey, and was severely stung by the bees. Losing his hold, he fell, but was caught by a huge indri which carried him on its back to safety. This is a good place for bird watching. There are flowering trees of a species much favoured by the Madagascar green sunbird (Cinnyris notatus) which has an iridescent green head and throat, and such nectar like the new World hummingbirds. There are also plenty of the cuckoo-like blue couas, blue pigeons, paradise flycatchers, two species of falcon (Newton falcon and Madagascar falcon), two species of black vasa parrot, and many others. Overnight in Andasibe-Mantadia. Breakfast and dinner. Day 16 Andasibe - Mantadia - Antsirabe Today we travel towards Antsirabe. Antsirabe was founded in 1872 by Norwegian missionaries attracted by the cool climate (1500m / 4,700 ft) and the healing properties of the thermal springs. Our journey takes us back via Antananarivo and into the highlands. Along the crest of the island lie the central highlands, a plateau region of red soil giving the country the nickname, "the Red Island." The name means "place of much salt". Antsirabe is the agricultural and industrial centre of Madagascar. This is the centre of a rich agricultural area lying on the slopes of the island's second highest peak. Overnight in Antsirabe. Breakfast and dinner. Day 17 Antsirabe - Ambositra - Ranomafana National Park Leaving Antsirabe we continue through typical highland scenery of rice paddies and low hills. We stop in Ambositra, the centre of Madagascar's wood carving industry where even the houses have ornately carved wooden balconies and shutters. There is an abundant choice of good quality carved figures and marquetry in several shops. From Ambositra, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular. We now pass remnants of the western limit of the rainforest. The road runs up and down steep hills, past neat Betsileo rice paddies interspersed with eucalyptus and pine groves. Before we reach Ranomafana we first have the marvellous drive down, with the dry highland vegetation giving way to greenery and flowers. Then there are the views of the tumbling waters of the Namorana river, and the relief when the hillsides become that lovely unbroken, knobbly green of virgin forest. The village of Ranomafana is situated by a river in the lush greenness of the eastern rainforest. The name Ranomafana means "hot water" and it was the waters, not the lemurs, which drew visitors in the colonial days to this place. Today the people give more attention to the Ranomafana National Park. This unprotected fragment of high altitude rainforest first came to world attention with the discovery of the golden bamboo lemur in 1986 and is particularly rich in wildlife. Overnight in Ranomafana. Breakfast and dinner. Day 18 Ranomafana National Park Today we enjoy morning and evening walks/hikes in the National Park. Hidden in these trees are at least 12 species of lemur: diademed (Milne-Edwards) sifaka, red-bellied lemur, red-fronted lemur, ruffed lemur and three species of bamboo lemur. At night you can add mouse lemur, avahi, lepilemur, fat-tailed dwarf lemur, and even aye-aye. Then there are more than 110 species of birds with 36 endemic, reptiles, butterflies and other insects. Even if your wildlife viewing is limited, there is enough variety in the vegetation and scenery, and enough pleasure in walking the well-constructed trails. During our walks through the National Park we are most likely to see red-fronted brown lemurs and perhaps the rarer red-bellied lemur. The golden bamboo lemur is less easily seen. The most memorable of the easily found lemurs is a subspecies of the diademed sifaka, Milne-Edward's sifaka. Unlike the more familiar Verreaux's sifaka which is largely white, this is dark brown with cream-coloured sides. Overnight in Ranomafana. Breakfast and dinner. Day 19 Ranomafana - Fianarantsoa This morning we depart from Ranomafana and journey onwards to Fianarantsoa. On our way there we pass forest, then open country, rice paddies and houses as we begin the approach to Fiarantsoa. The name means 'Place of good learning'. Fianarantsoa (Fianar for short) was founded in 1830 as the administrative capital of Betsileo. It is one of the more attractive Malagasy towns, built on a hill like a small-scale Antananarivo. The Upper Town, with its narrow winding streets and plethora of churches, is one of our stops today. Fianarantsoa has a wonderful market, which features a great variety of herbal medicines and dried fish brought up by train from Manakara. Overnight in Fianarantsoa. Breakfast and dinner. Day 20 Fianarantsoa - Ambalavao - Isalo National Park This morning we drive through rice, corn, potatoes, vegetable, coffee and wine fields to arrive in Ambalavao. This is where the famous Malagasy 'Antaimoro' paper is made. This papyrus-type paper impregnated with dried flowers is sold throughout the island as wall-hangings and lampshades. The people in this area are Betsileo, but paper-making in the area copies the coastal Antaimoro tradition which goes back to the Muslim immigrants who wrote verses from the Koran on this paper. This Arabic script was the only form of writing known in Madagascar before a written Malagasy language was invented nearly five hundred years later using the Roman alphabet. Antaimoro paper is traditionally made from the bark of the araho tree from the eastern forests, but sisal paste is now sometimes used. After the bark is pounded and softened in water it is smoothed on to linen trays to dry in the sun. While still tacky, dried flowers are pressed into it and brushed over with a thin solution of the liquid bark to hold the flowers in place. This afternoon we drive to Ranohira through an awesome landscape. Here we may see 'zebu herds' of the Bara tribe. Ranohira is situated on the bottom of the Isalo mountains. The combination of sandstone rocks (cut by deep canyons and eroded into weird shapes), rare endemic plants and dry weather (between June and August rain is almost unknown), makes this Isalo National Park particularly rewarding. Abstract sculpturing and colours of the eroded terrain sweeping panoramas and absolute and enveloping silence. Overnight in Ranohira. Breakfast and dinner. Day 21 Isalo National Park Today we spend exploring the Isalo National Park on foot. Beautiful flora and fauna, deep canyons eroded into weird shapes, rare endemic plants. This eroded mountain range is a marvellous and magical place. A flat grassy plain is surrounded by wind sculpted rocks and cliffs, seemingly full of eyeholes, noses and beaks. At ground level, there are strange leaves which grow lying flat on the ground, thousands of termite mounds, tiny stalagmite pinnacles, and mini baobab trees which look like inflated rubber gloves or planted human hearts! Some of these produce beautiful yellow flowers. Running through the middle is a small stream, which at two points runs into little lake gardens. These oases couldn't have been created more perfectly by a Hollywood set builder working on "Adam & Eve in Paradise". One in particular has a natural stone bridge and cave with a waterfall that tumbles into a cool, clean and deep pool, surrounded by overhanging pandanus trees. This spot, where you can swim, is simply Eden. Overnight in Ranohira. Breakfast and dinner. Day 22 Isalo National Park - Toliara This morning as we drive from Ranohira to Toliara (Tulear), the rugged mountains give way to grasslands. It is the human aspect that makes the final stretch so rewarding. There are some charming villages on our way, and as you get closer to Toliara you'll see baobabs and pass through a cotton-growing region. The name of the town is thought to derive from an encounter with one of those early sailors who asked a local inhabitant where he might moor his boat. The Malagasy replied: Toly eroa, "Mooring down there". Toliara is relatively modern (1895) and designed by an uninspired French architect. His tree-planting was more successfully aesthetic, and the shady tamarind trees, kily, give welcome respite from the blazing sun. Overnight in Toliara. Breakfast and dinner. Day 23 Toliara - Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin) Today we fly to Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin). The remains of two forts can still be seen in or near this town on the extreme south-east tip of Madagascar: Fort Flacourt built in 1643; and one that dates from 1504, the oldest building in the country, which was erected by shipwrecked Portuguese sailors. This ill-fated group of 80 reluctant colonists stayed about 15 years before falling foul of the local tribes. The survivors of the massacre fled to the surrounding countryside where disease and hostile natives finished them off. The year 1642 saw a French expedition, organised by the Societe Francaise de l'Orient and let by Sieur Pronis with instructions to 'found colonies and commerce in Madagascar and to take possession of it in the name of His Most Christian Majesty'. An early settlement at the Bay of Sainte Luce was soon abandoned in favour of a healthier peninsula to the south, and a fort was built and named after the Dauphin (later Louis XIV) in 1643. At first the Antanosy were quite keen on the commerce part of the deal but were less enthusiastic about losing their land. The heavily defended fort only survived by use of force and with many casualties from both sides. The French finally abandoned the place in 1674, but their 30-year occupation formed one of the foundations of the later claim to the island as a French colony. During this period the first published work on Madagascar was written by Pronis's successor, etienne de Flacourt. His Histoire de la Grande Ile de Madagascar brought the island's amazing flora and fauna to the attention of European naturalists, and is still used as a valuable historical source book. Overnight in Taolagnaro. Breakfast and dinner. Day 24 Berenty Private Reserve This morning we drive through beautiful landscape (mountains, endemic plants, baobab, cactus, sisal) to the Berenty Reserve. The reserve lies some 80 km to the west of Tolagnaro, amid a vast sisal plantation, and the drive there is part of the experience. For the first half of the journey the skyline is composed of rugged green mountains. Travellers' trees (ravenala) dot the landscape. Near Ranopiso is a grove of the very rare three-cornered palm, Neodypsis decary. We will first stop to visit some pitcher plants whose nearest relatives are in Asia. The yellow 'flowers' (actually modified leaves) lure insects into their sticky depths where they are digested, probably for their nitrogen content. Before reaching the spiny forest we will stop at an Antanosy 'tomb' (actually the dead are buried elsewhere) known as the tomb of Ranonda. It was carved by the renowned sculptor Fiasia. The artistry of this unpainted wooden memorial is of a very high standard although the carvings are deteriorating in the frequently wet weather. Berenty is famous for its population of ring-tailed lemurs and sifakas. Henri de Heaulme and now his son Jean have made this one of the best-studied 260 hectares of forest in Madagascar. Although in the arid south, its location along the river Mandrare ensures a well-watered habitat (gallery or reverine forest) for the large variety of animals that live there. In previous years the forest itself was threatened by the rampant spread of the cactus-like 'rubber vine', Cissus quadrangularis, but this is being vigorously tackled. The following species of lemur are often seen: brown lemur, ring-tailed lemur and sifaka. The lemurs here are well-used to people. There are approximately 350 ring-tailed lemurs in Berenty, and the population has stayed remarkably stable considering that only about a quarter of the babies survive to adulthood. The young are born in September and at first cling to their mother's belly, later climbing on to her back and riding jockey-style. Ring-tails eat flowers, fruit and insects. Overnight at Berenty Private Reserve. Breakfast and dinner. Day 25 Fort Dauphin - Antananarivo Today we fly from Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin) to Antananarivo. Overnight in Antananarivo. Breakfast and dinner. Day 26 Departure Departure from Antananarivo. NOTE: Ever-changing air schedules from Antananarivo may necessitate an extra overnight at the end of the tour which has NOT been included in tour pricing. Land only passengers please confirm dates BEFORE booking your flights. Breakfast. BON VOYAGE! Save time, money and stress! For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted byour Mauritius vacation specialist. Contact : Travelwizard.com Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252 10/09 |
|
Mauritius Vacations and Cruises Search Your Vacation, Tour or Cruise
Travel Books
Helpful Travel Links Travel Agent Jobs Travel Agent Jobs & Career Opportunities |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
