13/ The kingdom of lemurs with Berenty: 5 nights – 6 days

Due to its isolation from the rest of Africa, Madagascar wildlife has evolved on its own, making its fauna and flora unique in the world. The most amazing of Madagascar’s wildlife are the lemurs which are only found in Madagascar. More than 100 species have been recorded.

Located in the south-eastern part of Madagascar, Fort dauphin is a place of contrasts not only of vegetation but of landscapes and cultures as well. We have the humid part with its luxuriant vegetation and its huge mountains, the sea with its nice beaches, then the “Androy” which is the dry land with its spiny forest. In 6 days, you will see   a good sample of the whole country’s scenery. This tour brings us to the best area where travellers can spot and enjoy the lemur’s show: also to Berenty and Nahampoina, called  “the kingdom of lemurs” for their large population of lemurs living in their natural habitat.

DAY 1: FLIGHT TO FORT DAUPHIN

Arrival in to Fort Dauphin. Then transfer to hotel where you stay. Afternoon free. Fort Dauphin lies in the south-east coast of Madagascar. It is dotted with two distinct climates which gives it two contrasted landscape: the east humid with its wet and green tropical forest and the south with its dry and deserted plants like the numerous spiny Bush. Night in CROIX DU SUD on HB

DAY 2:FORT-DAUPHIN – ANDOHAHELA NATIONAL PARK – BERENTY

Early in the morning, 90minutes’ drive to Andohahela National Park. Located in the transition area between the humid and dry part of the Fort Dauphin area, this park is home to many endemic fauna and flora species. 2 hours hiking inside the different zones. Afterwards, 90minutes’ drive to Berenty, located about 50 km from Andohahela. Today we can admire the big contrast between the east humid of Fort Dauphin and the south dry of Amboasary. This is also seen in the features of the population, the Antainosy with their Asian side and the Antandroy with their Bantu origin. Stop over the “Nepenthès” fields, carnivorous plants in Fort Dauphin, then to the triangular palm “Neodypsis Decari”, an endemic palm to Fort Dauphin. Night expedition to explore the reserve and to look for night active animals. Night in BERENTY LODGE on HB

DAY 3 : BERENTY

Get up at dawn for a bird watching expedition, since Berenty offers one of the best forest to spot endemic birds in Madagascar. It will also an opportunity to admire the sifakas opening their arms to see the sun and enjoy the coolness of the forest before breakfast. After breakfast, another expedition inside the reserve with a special guide. Berenty is one of main reserve where we can see almost all the fauna and flora of the south. It is also known for the kingdom of lemurs such as the ring-tailed lemurs, the dancing lemurs and so many others.The reserve is split into five parcels surrounded by extensive sisal plantations. The total area of about 265 ha is situated along the Mandrare River. The gallery forest is dominated by huge tamarind trees and is suffering from a severe invasion by the alien rubber vine. Berenty is a good place to watch birds, and 83 prominent and nine species are recorded. Night expedition to explore the reserve and to look for night active animals.

DAY 4:BERENTY – FORT DAUPHIN

After breakfast, drive back to Fort Dauphin, we continue to Nahampoina to visit the “ Nahampoina Park” then end our day with a city tours of Fort Dauphin. Night in hotel on B&B.

DAY 5: FORT-DAUPHIN Excursion LOKARO

Day excursion to the Lokaro by boat along the fisherman village. After breakfast, drive up to Lanirano. Lake then we take the boat along a narrow channel through Aroyos (lagoon) with aquatic vegetation like pandanus, ravenala (palm trees), elephants’ ears and birds like heron. Afterwards we cross the big lake of Ambavarano where the area of mangroves starts. We reach the beautiful village of Evatra, where the lake communicates with the sea. Here we can admire the numerous beautiful creeks, the bay of fishermen with their small old pirogues. We continue our sailing up to the Col where we have a wonderful view of the village and the mouth of the lake flowing into the sea. Here are the domains of nepenthes «carnivorous plants” and the “pervenche de madagascar “. After passing through many beautiful creeks we reach Lokaro bay, a wonderful and round bay with green water. Region of the prawns and crawfish. Back to Fort Dauphin at the end of the afternoon. Night in hotel on B&B

Day 6: FORT DAUPHIN

Transfer to the airport to fly to Tana.