MADAGASCAR: ISLAND OF THE ANCESTORS AND NATURE'S SANCTUARY



The fourth largest island in the world, often referred to as a "mini-continent," Madagascar offers an incredible variety of indigenous peoples, unique flora and fauna, and spectacular scenery.

Unaffected by external pressures until relatively recently, the island had been free to evolve and develop its own distinctive characteristics. Such evolution was the basis of Darwin’s observations on the variation of species in the Galapagos archipelago. The Galapagos Islands, however, are not uniquely privileged in this respect, and the slight variations in the fauna and flora detected by Darwin are much more dramatic in Madagascar, where climate and environment differ so greatly from one region to another.

Numerous colorful chameleons, rare turtles, strange and exotic insects, five families of endemic birds, and some 10,000 varieties of plants make Madagascar a unique natural sanctuary. The island is home to over thirty species of lemur, one of the most primitive of primates, whose survival can be credited to the historic lack of predators.

To better understand the ancestral traditions and mystical practices of the warm and friendly Malagasy people, their art forms and culture, as well as nature’s highlights, anthropology, primatology and botany, guest lecturers will join the group to share their knowledge and enthusiasm.

For the first time, we are able to offer a level of comfort and convenience never before possible in Madagascar. A guest lodge allows our travelers to experience the parks of this unusual island without the discomfort of "roughing it" in tents or sleeping bags.

For those with a true spirit of adventure, a journey to this land, as yet undisturbed by mass tourism, will be a most enlightening and rewarding experience. Join us on this unique expedition!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Eleven-day/ten-night program
Round-trip, economy-class air from New York
Intra-Malagasy flights
Day room on the outbound journey at the Charles de Gaulle Hilton Hotel in Paris

Antananarivo:
One night at the first-class Hotel Colbert
Visit to Tsimbazaza Zoological and Botanical Park

Périnet - Mantadia National Park:
Two nights at the Vakona Forest Lodge
Nature hikes in search of lemurs (nine species)

Tamatave:
One night at the Hotel Neptune on the Indian Ocean shore
Scenic drive through high-altitude rainforest
Visit to Ivolôina Zoological Park
Meeting with Andrea Katz and Charley Welch at the Duke Primate Center
Visit to Tamatave’s colorful market

Maroantsetra:
Three nights at the Relais du Masoala
Visit Andrifotra private reserve by canoe
Boat excursion to Nosy Mangabe Island Reserve
Excursion to Masoala National Park
Early morning stroll to downtown Maroantsetra’s craft market

EXCEPTIONAL VALUES:
Distinguished Study Leader throughout
Tour Director throughout
Resident guides and escort
All meals while in Madagascar, including a welcome cocktail party, daily buffet breakfast, table d’hôte lunches, and dinners with mineral water and coffee or tea
Transfers and handling of one piece of luggage per person
All park and entrance fees and service charges
Gratuities to porters, waiters, drivers, and resident guides
Extensive pre-tour assistance including Practical and Cultural guide
Travel bag, name badge, passport wallet, luggage tags


Important Note:
Madagascar is a unique, exotic land, a land of natural beauty, contrasts and uniqueness inhabited by warm and friendly people. It is also a land where tourism is still in its infancy, with transportation schedules changing rapidly, and hotels may not be of American standards. Tour members need to have the spirit of adventure and happy dispositions, as what we will see will more than compensate for any obstacles or temporary discomfort.
AVAILABLE FOR GROUP AND INDEPENDENT TRAVEL IN 2005 - 2006
Contact Travel Plans International at 800-323-7600 for complete details
* Additional U.S. gateways available
** Paris Extension Available


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