Highlights of Madagascar
Mandrare River & Manafiafy
based on 9 nights inc. flights & daily experiences
Price Guide:
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AugHigh
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OctHigh
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* Pricing is a guideline only and excludes special offers. Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
Price includes:
International economy flights and taxes from the UK
Internal flights
Accommodation
Shared transfers
Full Board and activities
Based on 2 people sharing.
At a Glance
Adventurous itinerary exploring the Madagascan wilderness
Meet the Antandroy tribe
Marvel at the incredible, lunar landscape of the Spiny Forest
During whale season (July to November), watch the majestic creatures as they breach and blow
Take a canoe for a bird watching trip into the mangroves
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Any time of year is fine for a visit except from December to March, when heavy rainfall in many areas can make some roads all but impassable, and when there’s a high risk of cyclones in the east and northeast. In general, the best time to travel in most areas is April and October/November. The coolest time to travel anywhere is during the dry season (May to October).
Average maximum temperatures vary from about 30°C in coastal areas (higher in summer) to around 25°C on the hauts plateaux.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. To start planning your holiday
Itinerary
This exciting and adventurous itinerary takes you to some of Madagascar's remotest areas, staying in excellent little camps that are two of our favourite options on this mysterious island. Explore the wild life rich Mandrare and learn more about the fascinating culture of the Antandroy tribe, before flying over to Manafiafy Lodge on the beach, where you can relax, go in search of lemurs and chameleons or marvel as humpbacks breach during the migration season.
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Fly to Antananarivo
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Days 1-2: Antananarivo, Central Madagascar
Land in the capital Antananarivo and transfer to an intimate guest house in the suburbs of this fascinating city. Dependent on your time of arrival, embark on a historical city tour, or you can relax and refresh in the lush green gardens of your guest house on the edge of a turquoise pool.
Accommodation: Le Pavillon de l’Emyrne (1 night)
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Days 2-6: Mandrare River, Southern Madagascar
Transfer back to the airport before flying south by shared charter to Ifotaka in the south east of Madagascar. From here you will be collected and transferred to Mandrare River Camp. This delightful little camp overlooks the Mandrare River, a mecca for wildlife, and from here you will be able to walk and drive to see some of Madagascar's endemic wildlife. Choose to visit the spiny forest where you could spot the lemurs leaping from tree to tree, and marvel at the famous baobabs. Take a walk through the deciduous gallery forest and the littoral scrub forest, or scramble up the massive sand dunes at Lac Anony and enjoy the incredible views over the salt water lake. Spend some time with the Antandroy, the local tribe who have made this area their home. Discover their tombs in the Sacred forests and with your local guide learn about their local traditions and customs.
Accommodation: Mandrare River Camp (4 nights)
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Days 6-10: Southern Madagascar, Madagascar
Leaving Mandrare, you will travel by shared charter to Fort Dauphin for lunch before travelling onwards (a fascinating journey) to Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge. This lodge is beautiful and secluded - set in rich vegetation right on a curving beach with crashing waves. From here you can take a boat trip into the mangroves, where the bird watching is spectacular. At certain times of the year the humpback whales pass by on their migration, and the lodge has a special whale-watching boat which is deployed the moment the whales are sighted. Snorkelling and swimming is offered inside the natural bay created by large granite outcrops stretching into the sea. Guests can also choose to take a night walk in a local area of forest, to spot the nocturnal lemurs, night moths, night birds and other Malagasy species. Spend four nights here exploring the area and enjoying Madagascar's legendary hospitality before transferring back to Fort Dauphin and flying back to Antananarivo.
Accommodation: Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge (4 nights)
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Fly from Antananarivo
Experiences
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Antandroy traditional culture
During your stay at Mandrare River Camp, spend time discovering the fascinating traditions and cultures of the local Antandroy people. Your guide will explain more on an unobtrusive tour, offering a fascinating insight into their culture.
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Explore the spiny forest
Madagascar's spiny forests are one of the island's most unique and distinctive habitats. Explore the local forest near Mandrare with your guide to learn more, looking out for wildlife including lemurs along the way.
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Tree tent sleepout at Manafiafy
Sleep out in a unique tree tent strung between the trees for the ultimate romantic night under the stars on a private island, just offshore from Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge. A personal chef will prepare a delicious gourmet dinner on the beach.
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Whale watching from Manafiafy
Between the end of June and mid November, humpback whales can be seen off the coast of Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge as they migrate past Madagascar. They calve, nurse their young and perform aqua acrobatics during these months - a real treat!
Location
Mandrare River & Manafiafy
- 100% financial protection
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator