SUMMARY
In Madagascar, visit the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, home to the island’s iconic karstic plateaus. Admire these natural wonders in the centre west of the island. The National Park is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before exploring these rocky landscapes, enjoy a hike through the central highlands and a night in a community house. During your stay, you’ll visit the Kirindy Forest where you’ll see the smallest lemur in Madagascar, the mouse lemur, along with the fossa, the island’s largest mammal. Enjoy a quintessential sunset in the Avenue of the Baobabs. Your trip will have a lasting impact as you help to restore the mangroves in Morondava and enjoy a traditional Malagasy cooking workshop in the Upper Town of the capital.
After your stay in Madagascar, you’ll visit the pearl of the Indian Ocean. The diversity of the population reveals its rich history. Your stay on Mauritius will be full of unforgettable moments. The Ile aux Aigrettes, the Chamarel rum distillery and the seven-coloured soil will leave you with enduring memories. During the trip, a host of fun activities awaits, including hiking, electric bike riding, kayaking and snorkelling. Admire the contrast between the dense vegetation and the urban environment, which is steadily growing. You’ll love the breathtaking views, beautiful beaches and warm, turquoise lagoons for which the Vanilla Islands are known.
20
DAYS
19
NIGHTS
From
€3325
including taxes and charges*
per person
(Based on 2 people sharing)
| Getting in touch with nature | 3/5 |
|
| Meeting the locals | 3/5 |
|
| Eco-responsibility | 3/5 |
|
| Comfort | 4/5 |
|
| Accessibility | 3/5 |
A ECOTOURISTIC CIRCUIT CHARACTERIZED BY
Accommodation in an ecolodge and community houses
Experiences with local people and meetings with associations
Learning about biodiversity and the importance of protecting it
Hiking and outdoor activities
Historical and cultural visits and visits to UNESCO sites
COMBINED ITINERARY
The visits, meetings and transfers mentioned may vary depending on the availability of participants and local constraints.
Day 1 : Arrival in Antananarivo
Upon arrival, a team will organise your transfer to the Lapasoa hotel. You will enjoy full-board accommodation. Enjoy a welcome cocktail while listening to a quick briefing about your trip.
Day 2 : Antananarivo – Ambohimanga
The programme includes breakfast and a visit to the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, a royal citadel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sample local cuisine in a nearby restaurant. A visit to the Upper Town, the historic heart of Antananarivo, completes the day. Dinner and overnight stay in the Lapasoa hotel.
Day 3 : Antananarivo – Antsirabe
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll travel to Antsirabe. On the way, you’ll stop off to visit an aluminium utensils factory. Explore the market in Antsirabe before spending a night in a community house in the countryside.
Day 4 : Antsirabe – Kirindy
After breakfast, you’ll leave for Kirindy. You’ll eat lunch en route. You’ll be surrounded by nature in the Kirindy Forest Lodge.
Day 5 : Kirindy
Breakfast will be served before a hike in the Kirindy Forest. This nature reserve is home to endemic species including lemurs and fossas. After recharging your batteries, you’ll go back for a night-time visit to observe nocturnal species, including the mouse lemur. You’ll enjoy a freshly cooked dinner at the ecolodge.
Day 6 : Kirindy – Bekopaka
Breakfast at the lodge before leaving for Bekopaka. You’ll eat lunch en route; dinner will be served at Camp Croco. Experience an unforgettable night, full of memories you’ll treasure, in a tent in beautiful natural surroundings.
Day 7 : Visit the Small Tsingy in Canše
After breakfast, visit the Small Tsingy. You’ll descend the Manambolo river in a traditional canoe. Admire the flora, fauna and rock formations and experience the locals’ daily lives. Lunch, dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 8 : Visit the Great Tsingy
After a delicious meal, visit the Great Tsingy. Admire the diversity of the species in the picturesque landscapes of the Tsingy. Lunch, dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 9 : Bekopaka – Morondava
You’ll leave the camp early to make your way to the town of Morondava. On your way, enjoy taking a closer look at the majestic Avenue of the Baobabs. You’ll also enjoy local cuisine at lunchtime. You’ll check in to the Trecicogne hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 10 : Morondava
After breakfast, help to restore some of Morondava’s mangroves alongside young volunteers. Enjoy a ride in a traditional pirogue boat and sit down to lunch with local residents. Dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 11 : Morondava
After breakfast, enjoy a full day of free time in the beautiful city of Morondava. Lunch, dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 12 : Morondava – Antananarivo
Back to Antananarivo. You will have dinner and spend the night at the Lapasoa hotel. Learn how to make traditional Malagasy cuisine in a workshop in the Upper Town and dine with the locals.
Day 13 : Antananarivo – Maurice
After breakfast, get ready to travel to Mauritius. A team will organise your transfer to the hotel. You’ll be able to explore in the afternoon. You’ll spend the night at the Lux Belle Mare.
Day 14 : Blue Bay – Ile aux Aigrettes
After breakfast, you’ll travel to Blue Bay Marine Park. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its underwater fauna and flora. Typical Mauritian dishes are served here. Specialist guides will then take you to the Ile aux Aigrettes nature reserve before you go back to the hotel for dinner.
Day 15 : Free Day
After breakfast, relax at the four-star Lux le Morne hotel, where you’ll enjoy full-board accommodation.
Day 16 : Morne Brabant
An invigorating day awaits you. You’ll take on Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its history, fauna and flora make it a unique place. At lunch, sample a Creole dish. The day will continue with a visit to the Chamarel rum distillery, with its tantalising scents, before returning to the Le Morne hotel for the evening.
Day 17 : Mauritius
Today, you’ll be going canyoning. You’ll be able to explore the landscapes as you make your way to the Tamarin Falls waterfall. Take a dip in the waterfall before enjoying a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, relax on the beach.
Day 18 : Mauritius – Europe
Your trip to the Vanilla Islands comes to end with lots of photos and memories you’ll treasure.
EXPERIENCES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
• Hiking in the countryside and overnight stay in a community house
• Mangrove restoration with a local association in western Madagascar
• Visits to the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and the Avenue of the Baobabs
• Traditional Malagasy cooking workshop
• Climbing Le Morne Brabant mountain and visiting the Blue Bay Marine Park
• Learning about the biodiversity of Ile aux Aigrettes and conservation of the primary forest
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Visits, meetings and transfers may vary depending on the availability of service providers and local constraints.
Flights
Inter-island flight included
Tips
Tipping is at the customer’s discretion
Trip management in both countries
Accompanied by a driver/guide throughout your stay in Madagascar and Mauritius
Bank cards
All cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) are accepted at ATMs in big cities and medium-sized towns
Meals and drinks
Full-board accommodation throughout the trip (additional charge for beverages)
Insurance
Don’t forget travel/health insurance which includes repatriation and medical care
Accommodation
Full board
Madagascar : Accommodation in an ecolodge or a community house, when possible
Mauritius : Accommodation in 5-star hotels : Lux Belle Mare and Lux Le Morne
Don’t forget to pack
Mosquito repellent, sunscreen (in compliance with environmental standards) and walking shoes (for hikes and visits), Swimsuit for Mauritius, caps, hat.
Time difference (from UK)
Madagascar
• Summer : BST+2
• Winter : GMT+3
Mauritius
• Summer : BST+3
• Winter : GMT+4
Health
Madagascar
• No vaccinations required
• Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and typhoid fever are recommended
Mauritius : No vaccinations required
Useful information
Documentation
French nationals travelling to Madagascar must have a passport which is valid for at least six months. A visa will be issued at the airport. You will need 2 ID photos. For a stay of less than 30 days the cost is €35, payable in person and in cash, upon presentation of passport.
French nationals travelling to Mauritius must have a passport or identity card (valid for at least 6 months after their return date). You are also required to provide an address for your stay.
Transports
Madagascar : private transport with driver/guide
• Antananarivo – Ambohimanga : 50 km round trip
• Antananarivo – Antsirabe : 3-hour drive
• Antsirabe – Kirindy : 7- to 8-hour drive
• Kirindy – Bekopaka : 7-hour drive
• Bekopaka – Morondava : 8-hour drive
Mauritius : A vehicle takes you to all activity locations, accommodation and the airport
TARIF
Price per personn
€3325*
from Antananarivo
This price includes
• All transfers (including a driver/guide and fuel)
• Entry into national parks and sites
• Excursion to Antsirabe and mangrove restoration in Morondava
This price does not include
• A visa for Madagascar
• Mandatory guide’s fees at sites visited
• Activities during free time in Morondava
• Tips, beverages and personal expenses
• Travel and health insurance
This price includes
• Full-board hotel accommodation, based on a shared double room : Lux Belle Mare and Lux Le Morne
• The guided tours and excursions mentioned
• Transfers
• Tourist taxes
This price does not include
• Insurance (can be provided for an additional charge)
• Beverages and personal expenses
• Any expenses not mentioned above
*Single room supplement : €220 for Madagascar
Staying in Mauritius (excluding flights) : from €1498 /person, based on two people sharing
CONTACT
MADAGASCAR
Name : MORATRAVEL
Tel : +261 20 22 020 12
Email : info@moratravel.com
MAURITIUS
Name : PROMOTOUR
Tel : +230 465 8935
Email : audrey@promotourmauritius.com
THE VANILLA ISLANDS
info@vanilla-islands.org
www.vanilla-islands.org
