12/ Profound Madagascar


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This tour brings us to the deep south of Madagascar, following the coast on a dirt track in a magnificent landscape with colourful Mahafaly tombs. We drive through the Androy “the land of thorns”, territory of the Antandroy people, where only spiny forest, cactus, thorny bush and baobabs grow.

DAY TO DAY PROGRAM

Day 1 : TULEAR – ANAKAO :

Early in the morning, transfer to the Harbour  then 30 to 45 minutes boat transfer to Anakao. Situated on a nice beach with emerald seas, it is one of the best spots for diving, kite surfing and all sea activities. Optional visit to Nosy Ve, a sacred island and the top spot for diving in the country and home to the unique “white -tailed tropic bird” .

Day 2 : ANAKAO – TSIMANAMPETSOTSA Lake : 4 hours

3 hours by 4X4 along a sandy road to Tsimanampetsotsa lake, a salty lake home to pink flamingos and other birds, and the famous “typhleostris madagascariensis” a blind fish only found in this lake. Along the road we will see huge baobabs and some colourful “ Mahafaly tombs” all in a dry and deserted landscape. 3 hours visit of the Tsimanampetsotsa National park with a local guide. Overnight in hotel.

Day 3 : TSIMANAMPETSOTSA – ITAMPOLO 

After breakfast, we have 4 hours exploration of the Tsimanampetsotsa Park, afterwards we head on to Itampolowith a stop over in the village of Itampolo.  Overnight in hotel.

Day 4 :  ITAMPOLO – LAVANONO

Enjoy the  beautiful  view and atmosphere of  Itampolo, in the middle of spiny forest, baobab and the ocean. Afternoon, we head on to Lavanononand drive along the coastal road with thorny bush, dunes and baobabs. Arrival in Lavanono by the end of the afternoon.

Day 5 : LAVANONO – BERENTY

6 hours drive to reach Berenty through Antandroy territory, the deep south where only spiny forest and cactus can grow. We are in the driest part of the country where rainfall is less than 1mm per year. Arrival in Berenty around 5pm, after check-in, at dusk, exploration of the Berenty reserve to spot nocturnal lemurs and reptiles. Overnight in hotel.

Day 6 : BERENTY

At dawn, bird watching expedition with a local guide along the Mandrare river valley. Then 3 hours hiking through the deciduous reserve with a local guide. Berenty is one of main reserves where we can see almost all the fauna and flora of the south. It is also known as the kingdom of lemurs for species such as the ring-tailed lemurs known as makis and the dancing lemurs known as sifakas. The other species are brown lemurs, and for nocturnal we can see lepi lemurs, mouse lemurs. Night in  BERENTY LODGE on Half board.

DAY 7 : BERENTY – FORT DAUPHIN 80 km

Morning drive to Fort – Dauphin. We pass the Anosy Mountain chain then we arrive to the “transition zone” dominated by the triangular palm “Neodypsis Decari”, an endemic palm to Fort Dauphin. We drive along the humid forest of the east, the landscape will be decorated with rice fields, green and luxuriant vegetation, many palms and mango trees. Arrival in Fort Dauphin around noon, then visit to Nahampoina Park. Night in Hotel

DAY 8: FORT DAUPHIN – FLIGHT OUT 
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Tana or extension.

END OF SERVICE

PRICE per PERSON in DOUBLE ROOM

INCLUDED:
• Accommodation in a double room as per below program
• Transfer by boat from St Augustin to Anakao
• Excursions mentioned in the program
• Private 4×4 with fuel, driver from Tulear to Fort Dauphin from day 1 to day 6 with 2 days empty return

EXCLUDED:
• Personal expenses, drinks, insurances,
• All Optional excursions
• Domestic flights and taxes