Wild Madagascar 2016 · Wild Madagascar 1-25 October 2016 A 25-day adventure through the land of...

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Wild Madagascar 1-25 October 2016 A 25-day adventure through the land of dancing lemurs and towering baobab trees. Above: Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) with young infant. Above right: Lowland rainforest of Masoala National Park. Far right: The endemic pitcher plant Nepenthes madagascariensis Imagine a vast tropical island separated from the rest of the world for 80 million years; a place where time and evolution flowed down its own independent path in one of nature’s greatest experiments. From moss-laden cloud forests to parched deserts, the land teems with unique organisms, the likes of which can be found nowhere else on earth. This is Madagascar. Regarded by some biologists as the “Eighth Continent”, the island of Madagascar is a naturalist’s promised land. From resplendent chameleons to amazing birds and playful lemurs, over 90% of the island’s species are endemic. Join us for an unforgettable journey across Madagascar’s varied landscape where we will be exploring some of the island’s most treasured nature reserves whilst enjoying the comforts of top quality forest lodges. The tour will be led by naturalist and wildlife photographer Ch’ien Lee, along with a host of knowledgeable indigenous guides.

Transcript of Wild Madagascar 2016 · Wild Madagascar 1-25 October 2016 A 25-day adventure through the land of...

Page 1: Wild Madagascar 2016 · Wild Madagascar 1-25 October 2016 A 25-day adventure through the land of dancing lemurs and towering baobab trees. Above: Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) with

Wild Madagascar 1-25 October 2016

A 25-day adventure through the land

of dancing lemurs and towering

baobab trees.

Above: Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) with young infant. Above

right: Lowland rainforest of Masoala National Park.

Far right: The endemic pitcher plant Nepenthes madagascariensis

Imagine a vast tropical island separated from the rest of the world for 80

million years; a place where time and evolution flowed down its own

independent path in one of nature’s greatest experiments. From moss-laden

cloud forests to parched deserts, the land teems with unique organisms, the

likes of which can be found nowhere else on earth. This is Madagascar.

Regarded by some biologists as the “Eighth Continent”, the island of

Madagascar is a naturalist’s promised land. From resplendent chameleons to

amazing birds and playful lemurs, over 90% of the island’s species are

endemic.

Join us for an unforgettable journey across Madagascar’s varied landscape

where we will be exploring some of the island’s most treasured nature

reserves whilst enjoying the comforts of top quality forest lodges. The tour

will be led by naturalist and wildlife photographer Ch’ien Lee, along with a

host of knowledgeable indigenous guides.

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ITINERARY

DAY 0 ANTANANARIVO

Arrival in Antananarivo and transfer to our hotel for a

welcome dinner and orientation. Sakamanga Hotel

DAYS 1-3 MASOALA NATIONAL PARK

A short flight will take us to the town of Maraontsetra

from which we will proceed by boat to the rugged

Masoala Peninsula. Madagascar’s largest nature

reserve, the humid rainforests here are home to a

dizzying array of flora and fauna, including endemic

geckos, chameleons, birds, and lemurs such as the

critically-endangered Red Ruffed Lemur (Varecia

rubra). Our comfortable lodge is located at the edge of

the park where the forest meets the pristine beaches

and crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Dounia

Forest Lodge

Our lodge at the edge of the forest in Akanin’ny Nofy.

DAYS 4-6 MANTADIA & ANDASIBE

After a return flight to Antananarivo, we will drive east

to the cool highlands of the Tsaratanana Massif. Our

destinations here are the lush montane forests of

Mantadia and Andasibe National Parks which are rich

with endemic animals and plants, including

extraordinary leaf-tailed geckos and colorful

Mantella frogs. The most sought-after quarry here

is the Indri (Indri indri), the world’s largest lemur,

whose haunting calls can be heard echoing through

the forest each morning. Feon’ny Ala

Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus) found in the

montane rainforest of Andasibe National Park.

DAYS 7-9 AKANIN’NY NOFY

Located along the beautiful Canal des Pangalanes

on Madagascar’s eastern seaboard, Akanin’ny Nofy

(“Nest of Dreams”) consists of rolling hills of sandy

coastal forest and meandering tea-colored swamps.

Several days of exploration here will give us

opportunities to view a variety of extraordinary

flora including orchids and carnivorous plants

(Utricularia, Drosera, and Nepenthes

madagascariensis) as well as a host of lemurs

including the bizarre nocturnal Aye-aye

(Daubentonia madagascariensis). Bush House

Day 10 ANTANANARIVO

Return to Antananarivo and overnight. IC Hotel

Days 11-12 BERENTY RESERVE

We will fly to Fort Dauphin at the southern end of

Madagascar and proceed by vehicle to Berenty

Private Reserve. This is the realm of the spiny

forest, a striking desert-like habitat full of unique

vegetation and creatures found nowhere else on the

planet. In addition to endemic reptiles and birds, we

will encounter a variety of mammals such as the

diminutive mouse lemurs which are scarcely larger

than a hamster. Roving bands of Ring-tailed Lemurs

and ‘dancing’ Verreaux’s Sifakas (Propithecus

verreauxi) are impossible to miss as they frequently

pass through the grounds of our resort. Berenty Lodge

Day 13 ANTANANARIVO

Departing from Berenty, a return flight will take us

back to Antananarivo. IC Hotel

Jewels of the forest floor, Mantella frogs advertise their toxicity

with vivid colorations.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION: TSINGY DE BEMARAHA

Days 14-15 KIRINDY FOREST

After a brief flight to Morondava we will continue by

vehicle to Kirindy. This dry deciduous forest, which is

dominated by enormous baobab trees, represents one

of Madagascar’s most endangered habitats. It is home

to a variety of mammals and provides one of the best

opportunities to encounter the island’s largest

carnivore, the cat-like Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox). Gite

Kirindy

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STANDARD TOUR (30 Sep – 13 Oct 2016)

Dates: 30 Sep – 13 Oct 2016

Group size: 6-10 people

Fitness level: low to moderate

Trip cost: USD $3850 per person (twin-share)

Single supplement: USD $350

Start: Antananarivo International Airport

End: IC Hotel, Antananarivo

Includes: all accommodation, meals (except see below),

in-country transport, park entrance fees,

Not included: International airfare, visa fee ($50),

drinks, laundry, and some meals: Day 0 (D), Days 4-6 (L,

D), Day 10 (L, D), Day 13 (L, D)

To register for the trip please visit:

http://www.wildborneo.com.my/reg_mad16.php

or inquire at: [email protected]

TSINGY DE BEMARAHA EXTENSION (14-19 Oct 2016)

Group size: 6-10 people

Fitness level: low to moderate

Trip cost: USD $1550 per person (twin-share)

Single supplement: USD $215

Start/end: IC Hotel/Sakamanga Hotel, Antananarivo

Includes: accommodation, meals, transport, park fees

MAROJEJY SUMMIT EXTENSION (20-25 Oct 2016)

Group size: 4-8 people

Fitness level: strenuous (camping in shelters)

Trip cost: Please inquire

Start: IC Hotel, Antananarivo

End: Antananarivo International Airport

Includes: all accommodation, meals, transport, park

fees, guides, porters for group gear and food.

Please inquire for a list of suggested equipment.

Days 16-17 TSINGY DE BEMARAHA

Described as one of the most incredible landscapes on

earth, the tsingies (meaning “tiptoe” in Malagasy) are

a vast labyrinth of limestone needles, blades, and

pinnacles. This national park (a UNESCO World

Heritage site) protects not only the unique geology,

but also the pristine habitats for flora and fauna

occurring therein. A full 11 species of lemurs can be

found here, including the beautiful white Decken’s

Sifaka (Propithecus deckeni) which is often seen nimbly

leaping between the razor-sharp rock formations.

Olympe du Bemahara

Day 18 MORONDAVA

Our return drive to Morodava will bring us to the

famous Avenue des Baobabs, where we will take a

sunset stroll through the gargantuan 1,000-year old

trees. Hotel Chez Maggie

Day 19 ANTANANARIVO

Depart Morondava early for a return flight and transfer

to our hotel in Antananarivo. Sakamanga Hotel

Helmet Vanga (Euryceros prevostii) an iconic Madagascan bird

restricted to the rainforests of the northeast.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION: MAROJEJY SUMMIT

Days 20-25 MAROJEJY NATIONAL PARK

This is a trekking adventure to one of Madagascar’s

last remaining truly wild places. Marojejy National

Park spans 55,000 ha and holds one of the island’s

tallest mountains at 2,132 m. The rugged terrain is

clothed almost completely in virgin rainforest, but

gives way to scrubby montane vegetation at the higher

altitudes. Wildlife abounds, including birds such as the

iconic Helmet Vanga (Euryceros prevostii) and the

critically-endangered Silky Sifaka (Propithecus

candidus) which are called by locals the “angels of the

forest”. Our 6-day trek will take us up through a series

of forest camps (wooden bungalows) to the summit of

Marojejy Massif, allowing us to view a broad spectrum

of habitats full of endemic flora and fauna. Participants

are required to carry their own backpacks, or

alternatively hire a private porter. Please inquire for

further details.

All photographs copyright Ch’ien C. Lee