
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!
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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.
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