Experience Overview
Cut off from mainland Africa, Madagascar is a dream come true for intrepid explorers. Understandably, the wildlife is the main draw (much of it found nowhere else on Earth) and it’s the animals, and particularly lemurs, that take centre stage on this trip. Accompanied by experienced local trackers, we visit Andasibe in search of the indri, the largest lemur, and the cloud forest of Ranomafana National Park to look for rare golden and greater bamboo lemurs. We also search for ring-tailed lemurs in Anja Reserve and have a final day wildlife-watching in Tsimanampetsotsa National Park.
Profile
— Accommodation: 13 Classic nights (hotels) — Travel by private bus, boat and internal flight — Some long drives on poor roads
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 13 Classic nights (hotels) — Travel by private bus, boat and internal flight — Some long drives on poor roads
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate) with a Wildlife Rating of Three. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Madagascar is a rewarding destination with a wealth of flora and fauna; however, before you decide to travel, we would like to highlight the following issues for you to consider:
Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world and the infrastructure reflects this.Travelling by vehicle in Madagascar can be uncomfortable as road conditions are far worse than in Europe and North America. You should expect many narrow, winding and uneven sections of road. Roads away from the population centers and main routes are generally unpaved dirt roads which can be very bumpy.We do have some longer drives but the diverse scenery more than makes up for time spent on the bus. We break up our road journeys with stops at villages to take photos and stretch our legs.There will be a lot of very early starts and long days on this itinerary.For the best wildlife viewing opportunities there will be some early starts and tracking the wildlife can involve walking through difficult terrain at a quick pace.Parts of Madagascar are mountainous. You need to be prepared to walk in hills for up to four hours. The trails are fairly gentle in Andasibe but steeper in all the other national parks.The tourist infrastructure in Madagascar is new and some services are limited. It is not unusual for there to be changes to accommodation or internal flights and for this reason the order of the itinerary (but not the content) may sometimes change. However, what tourism does exist is of a good standard and you may be impressed by the level of service in some of the places we stay.Our boat transfer to Anakao involves a beach landing and walking through some water that might may be difficult if you have limited agility.
This itinerary includes the use of pontoon ferries, which do not (typically) offer emergency safety equipment such as flotation devices. We have risk assessed these crossings and find them to be low risk. However, if you are concerned about this aspect, please consider an alternative trip as we are unable to facilitate the provision of Western safety equipment.
Eating Drinking
Food standards in Madagascar can vary and are probably not of the same standard you are used to at home. The cuisine has been strongly influenced by the French and a three-course meal should cost 43,000-70,000 ariary (US$10-US$16). A one-course lunch should cost (US$4.40-US$7.60). Please allow approximately 1.4m ariary (US$325) for the meals not included, plus a little more if you enjoy a drink with dinner. Malagasy lager is reasonably priced and easily available. Malagasy wine is also reasonably priced but is not to everyone’s taste. It is sometimes possible to get hold of French or South African wine. A delicacy in Madagascar is flavoured rums, which are widely sold and very reasonably priced.
Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this trip – please inform us before departure of any dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.
Transportation
Travel is mainly by small private bus. Road conditions are far worse than in Europe and North America and you should expect many narrow, winding and uneven sections. Many of the roads away from the population centers and main routes are unpaved dirt roads which can be very bumpy. There are several days where the drives are long, with a maximum drive time of approximately 11 hours, but we make plenty of stops along the way.
There is one internal flight: from Tulear to Tana. There is also a round-trip boat transfer between Tulear and Anakao and a 4×4 transfer to Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. We use 4×4 vehicles on this section of the trip as the road is a dirt road and can be a little uneven at times (though the surrounding landscape and destination more than make up for it).
The driving distances are as follows. Approximate driving time including stops in brackets:
Antananarivo to Andasibe: 84mi/135km (five hours)Antananarivo to Antsirabe: 105mi/169km (six hours)Antsirabe to Ranomafana : 155mi/250km (10 hours)Ranomafana to Fianarantsoa to Ranohira: 230mi/370km (11 hours)Ranohira to Tulear: 149mi/240km (five hours)
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Belvedere, Antananarivo
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Getting to the start hotel
Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
A day room (available from 14h00 - 20h00) can be requested if required. This is subject to availability at the time of booking.
Transfer Details
Free transfers
Exodus offers FREE airport arrival and departure transfers on any flight for this trip. Unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the Exodus start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same flight, or on a flight with similar arrival times. All those taking advantage of the free airport transfers must provide full flight details for both arrival and departure in advance.
Flights
Remember, international flights aren’t automatically included in your trip. If you’d like Exodus to help you find some good options, give us a call on 020 8772 3837.
Weather Information
Madagascar has a tropical climate with two seasons: rainy and dry. The driest season extends from April to October. It can be cold on the central plateau (including Antananarivo) in the evenings, and in the rainforest areas, so bring warm clothes (fleece and waterproof). There is considerable regional variation but coastal areas will normally be very hot and dry. Expect daytime temperatures in the shade up to 38C (100F) from October to December and up to 30C (86F) during the trips running from April to June and September.
Spending Money
A Visa or Mastercard can be used to obtain local cash at some banks, but we advise you to bring your spending money in euros or US dollars cash as these are easiest to change to local currency. Bills of €100 or US$100 usually get a better rate than bills of 20 or less. British pounds can only be exchanged at banks at the airport, but even there, they are not always accepted. You can bring a maximum of €7,500 or the corresponding amount in another currency without declaring it on arrival. Above that amount, you have to declare it. Please note, you can import and export a maximum of 400,000 ariary. You cannot rely on credit cards for payment as they are rarely accepted and the ATMs do not always work; American Express or Diners cards are also rarely accepted in Madagascar.
All money should be exchanged at the airport on arrival, as the banks in the provincial towns take a long time to process. Also, the exchange rate at the airport is generally better than in the banks in Antananarivo or other cities.
Optional excursions
Antananarivo:
Visit to Lemurs’ Park near Tana:
— 350,000 ariary (US$82) for one person — 215,000 ariary (US$50) per person for two people — 175,000 ariary (US$40) per person for three people — 145,000 ariary (US$34) per person from four people
Visit Tsimbazaza Zoo and Botanical Gardens near Tana:
— 200,000 ariary (US$45) for one person — 125,000 ariary (US$29) per person for two people — 105,000 ariary (US$24.50) per person for three people — 95,000 ariary (US$22) per person from four people
Anakao:
— Scuba diving single dive: Approximately 235,000 ariary (US$54) per person — Scuba diving night dive: Approximately 330,000 ariary (US$76) per person — Whale-watching excursion (July to September): Approximately 150,000 ariary (US$35) per person (minimum 3 people ) — Kite surfing: Approximately 235,000 ariary (US$54) per person, per hour — Surfing: Approximately 280,000 ariary (US$65) per person for three hours — Stand-up paddleboarding: Approximately 95,000 ariary (US$22) per person, per hour
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. You may feel your leader has performed well and want to show your appreciation of their services. If you would like to tip your leader, we suggest a figure of approximately 22,000 ariary (US$5) per person per day.
It is also courtesy to tip any extra guides/drivers you may have over the course of the trip, though certainly not compulsory. Shortly after arrival, the leader will suggest to the group that they donate a sum of approximately 282,000 ariary (US$65) per person towards a kitty on arrival. This money is then used for tipping local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc and will be distributed by the leader.
Highlights
- — Discover the best of Madagascar, one of the world’s great wildlife-watching destinations — Team up with skilled local trackers for unforgettable encounters with wild lemurs — Marvel at the amazing rock formations, spectacular canyons and natural swimming holes of Isalo National Park — Discover the otherworldly spiny forest of Tsimanampetsotsa National Park — Unwind with beach time in Anakao and a gentle walk along the white sands of Nosy Ve island
Trip Details
Product Code: 4131
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: ve hours)
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: WZIA3
Starts: Antananarivo, Isalo National Park
Finishes: Antananarivo, Isalo National Park
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
- — All breakfasts — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout
Accommodation
HotelsIn Madagascar, we spend 13 nights in hotels, each well located for our activities and in beautiful settings. The daily itinerary has the accommodations normally used; below are a few example properties. Antsirabe: Les Chambres du Voyageur (night 4) In Antsirabe, we stay at this husband and wife-owned hotel. They exhibit arts and crafts from the Zafimaniry ethnic group and there is a beautiful garden home to many endemic plants. Ranomafana: Centrest Hotel (nights 5-6) The Centrest Hotel is 10 minutes from the entrance to Ranomafana National Park and has enviable views of the park’s mountains and rainforest. The 18 spacious rooms are among the delightful gardens and there is an open-air restaurant and a bar to enjoy. Anakao: Prince Anakao (nights 10-12) On a secluded beach, Prince Anakao offers privacy at the end of a thorough tour of Madagascar. Rooms are spacious and have uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. There are a number of water sports that can be booked if you don’t feel like relaxing on the white-sand beach, plus the hotel restaurant serves freshly caught seafood and traditional Malagasy dishes.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 4940 (CAD 353 /day)
Itinerary
Our adventure starts in Antananarivo, the picturesque capital of Madagascar, which is often shortened to Tana. There will be a group meeting and briefing in the evening followed by an optional group dinner for those who would like to join. Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere (or similar)
This morning, we embark on a city tour of the capital. With busy markets, friendly people and an ancient town on a hill with freestone churches and ancient royal places, it is a magnificent place to explore. We then drive to Andasibe through the green vegetation of the east. This first stop brings us to the humid part of the country with many primary forests and lakes. Along the way, we see Merina villages in the rocky mountains. We arrive in Andasibe around 4pm and the rest of the afternoon is free to relax. In the early evening, we take a twilight/nocturnal walk along the road, close to the Andasibe Nature Reserve, looking for the nocturnal species of lemur as the torchlights pass their eyes. Accommodation: Hotel Feon’ny Ala (or similar)
Discover Andasibe National Park (also known as Perinet) and its wildlife on a four-hour walk. Expert trackers work with our leader to provide the best opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park is home to the teddy bear-like indri, the largest of the lemur species in Madagascar, as well as other flora and fauna and a wide array of birdlife. Listening to the piercing yet melancholy cry of the indri in the morning is an evocative sound and for those who are prepared to follow them through the thick rainforest, the reward is often a close-up view of these beautiful creatures. A group of five diademed sifaka has recently been reintroduced to Andasibe from Mantadia; if we are lucky, we may spot one of these unusual creatures. In the afternoon, we visit the Vondron’olona Miaro Mitia Ala Reserve, a community-run reserve where we can see several species of lemurs and birds. The reserve is an untouched paradise for endemic animals and plants. There are groups of indris, which we hope to see in their natural habitat, and their white-headed relatives, the diademed sifakas, jump between the treetops. For reptiles and amphibian lovers, the reserve is home to countless frogs along the crystal-clear river and several amazing chameleons live in the forest. Accommodation: Hotel Feon’ny Ala (or similar)
We drive back to Tana, and head south to Antsirabe, across the highland landscape of beautiful rice fields. The spectacular eroded hills called lavaka remind us of the Far East with rice fields and a green landscape or vegetables and fruit trees. Antsirabe, or the Place of Salt, is a city known as the centre of the beer industry. Founded by Norwegians in 1856, it is the only place in Madagascar that really feels and looks like a European city. It has a temperate climate and all fruits and vegetable that grow in cold climates are found here. Accommodation: Les Chambres du Voyageur (or similar)
After breakfast, we drive for approximately 12 hours to Ambositra, the centre of the wood-carving industry in Madagascar. We are still in the highlands, where the houses are decorated with ornately carved wooden balconies and brightly coloured shutters. Further on we pass le col de tapia, a type of tree resistant to the bush fires of the area. The landscape is still dominated by rice fields, pine forests and eucalyptus trees, and rocky mountains. Our destination for the day: Ranomafana National Park. Accommodation: Centrest Hotel (or similar)
Parc National de Ranomafana, with rainforest hills and abundant wildlife, has long been considered one of the highlights in Madagascar, and is one of the most heavily visited national parks here. The entrance is about 4mi (7km) from Ranomafana village, while altitudes in the park range from 2,625ft to 3,940ft (800m to 1,200m). In addition to densely forested hills, the terrain here is characterised by numerous small streams, which plummet down to the beautiful Namorona River. Although much of the region has been logged, the easternmost part of the park retains relatively large areas of primary forest. We walk in the park for approximately five hours looking for lemurs, chameleons and other animals. As we track the wildlife for the best viewing opportunities, the walk has the potential to be challenging if we need to walk at a quick pace through the forest. We hope to see golden bamboo lemurs, which are unique to this park, plus other lemurs such as eastern woolly lemurs, red-bellied lemurs, grey bamboo lemurs, and red-fronted brown lemurs. This park is also home to other mammals including tenrecs, bats and carnivores such as mongooses and the Malagasy striped civets. Accommodation: Centrest Hotel (or similar)
We have an early start as we leave Ranomafana National Park. The scenery changes dramatically as we head to the small town of Ranohira, a journey of approximately nine hours. We stop near Ambalavao to visit Anja National Park along the way, a small reserve where several families of ring-tailed lemurs can be seen among the vegetation. Accommodation: Orchidee de l’Isalo (or similar)
After an early start, we spend our day exploring Isalo National Park, a vast region of wind-polished and water-scoured rock towers, deep canyons, gorges and oases often described as Eden. If the conditions are right, we walk in the magnificent Canyon des Makis in search of cheeky ring-tailed lemurs and the Verreaux's sifaka. We also visit the Piscine Naturelle (Natural Swimming Pool), a beautifully lush spot in such an arid landscape where we can swim and relax. The combination of coloured rock formations, strange plants and enveloping silence make this one of the most captivating places in Madagascar. Accommodation: Orchidee de l’Isalo (or similar)
After breakfast, we continue to Tulear. This brings us new scenery, among the dry forests of the west and the spiny desert of the south. On the way, admire the different Mahafaly tombs and the Antandroy tombs from the road and visit Zombitse National Park for a few hours. The Zombitse National Park forest is of particular interest to birdwatchers, as it is home to one of Madagascar's rarest endemics, Appert's greenbul, as well as other species such as giant coua, crested ibis and cuckoo roller. Verreaux's sifakas, red-fronted brown lemurs and sportive lemurs are also seen here. Accommodation: Hotel Victory (or similar)
This morning, we take a boat transfer to Anakao arriving at around 9am. This Vezo (meaning the people who fish) fishing village lies on the southwest coast of Madagascar and has white-sand beaches. The rest of the day is free for optional activities, including snorkelling, diving, pirogue (a small boat similar to a canoe) excursions, swimming and more. Accommodation: : Prince Anakao (or similar)
An early 4x4 transfer (approximately two hours) takes us to Tsimanampetsotsa for a full day in the national park. A large, shallow soda lake is the standout feature here, while a large limestone plateau has some of the most striking spiny forest vegetation in Madagascar with countless endemic species. The park sits on a large underground aquifer that runs north, evidenced by numerous sinkholes and caves. The lake is renowned for its waterfowl, notably flamingos and other rare endemic birds including the Madagascar plover. We may even be lucky and spot the emblem of the park, the very rare Grandidier’s mongoose. In the late afternoon, we return to Anakao. Accommodation: : Prince Anakao (or similar)
Today, we take a boat excursion to the small island of Nosy Ve to see red-tailed tropic birds (white seabirds with red bills and long, thin, red tails). If we are lucky, we may see the females roosting under small shrubs, well hidden from airborne predators such as hawks or eagles. A stroll around the shoreline, including a long white-sand beach, takes about one hour. After our exploration, we return to Anakao, usually around lunchtime. The rest of the afternoon is free for optional activities. Accommodation: : Prince Anakao (or similar)
Today, we transfer to Tulear airport for our flight to Antananarivo. Depending on the flight schedule, you may have free time in the afternoon to explore Tana on your own. Accommodation: Belvedere Hotel (or similar)
This morning we visit Ambohimanga, the fortified village and its royal palace. Ambohimanga, otherwise known as Blue Hills, was for a long time forbidden to Europeans. The kings and queens returned to this hilltop village for rest and relaxation. From here began the line of kings and queens who united Madagascar into one country. Ambohimanga remains spiritually significant for the Malagasy people with ceremonies and rituals still taking place. Our adventure ends after Ambohimanga. Please note: Clients must not book flights leaving before 2.30pm.
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
David Knass - Traveled, September 2023
Once in a Lifetime Trip The main objective of this wildlife trip was met in that we saw 14 species of lemur thanks to the efforts of the local guides and their spotters. This was interspersed with about 90 species of birds over two thirds of which were endemic species with examples from most of the endemic families. Other wildlife such as reptiles and other mammals were few and far between mainly because the majority these are nocturnal. The travel between the National Parks enabled us to have a good insight into the culture, beliefs and customs of the local people together with visiting various historical sites. We found the hotels better than we might have expected and particularly enjoyed the 3 nights at the beach hotel at Anakao. The food also was generally good especially the fish and seafood at Anakao. Wifi was available everywhere we stayed. Insects didn’t seem to be a problem. You should easily have enough local currency if you follow the Exodus advice and most of us changed currency back to Euros at the airport before coming home. Most Inspirational Moment It has to be the lemurs and the anticipation as we approached each species in particular the Indri. Snorkelling off Nosy Ve and swimming in the warm ocean was the non wildlife highlight. Thoughts on Group Leader Sol was excellent and organised the arrangements faultlessly for the six of us on the trip.. He also sorted out any special needs of individuals without any fuss. He was informative throughout whether it related to wildlife or culture and was good company. His background included wildlife guiding, in particular birds and reptiles, which is ideal for this type of trip. Although the weather was quite hot at times Sol always made sure we all had adequate water. Special mention should be made too of Andry our brilliant driver who was very careful and didn't put a foot wrong throughout and made the journeys as comfortable as possible. Advice for Potential Travellers The Trip Notes and previous reviews cover essential information. It is a good idea to search out some publications and read about the island before travelling other than that found in the standard travel guides. Suggestions Although expected it was disappointing to see the lack of wildlife in between the National Parks particularly in the first week or so. The Malagasy have by necessity made use of virtually every square metre of countryside in particular for the production of food, building materials or fuel which has driven out all other forms of nature. The history of deforestation is disheartening and many species are still under threat of extinction. The state of the roads in places is poor which adds extensively to travel time so on several days we did not arrive at our hotel until dusk. Although slow progress can be tedious there is nearly always something of interest to see on the journeys so treat it as a once in a lifetime experience. On the day at Ranomafana the guiding ended at lunchtime so we hired the guide for the afternoon to find a few more birds (harder than you might think in the rainforest) but in the event turned up two more lemur species! It would have also been nice to spend more time at the reserves in particular Andisabe as you don't visit Mantadia on this trip, however the only way to do this would be to add additional days. It was a privilege to visit the country and meet it's friendly people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2023
Louisa Green - Traveled, October 2022
Great trip, just a few unfortunate moments A lovely trip exploring the highlights of Madagascar, staying in some beautiful hotels with plenty of wildlife seen (13 different species of lemur, many frogs, chemeleons, geckos, kingfishers, flamingos) and beautiful scenery. The local guides are exceptional with their level of knowledge and ability to answer all questions! However for context, I visited Costa Rica with Exodus in 2019 and personally I thought it was better than Madagascar in terms of the amount of wildlife seen, and therefore value for money. Just be aware that not every single day on this trip is jam-packed with wildlife viewing. For the first six days of the trip, four of them (8am til 6pm) were entirely on the bus. The long driving days on difficult roads are not to be underestimated, and can feel frustrating at times but really is the only way that x6 national parks in two weeks can be covered. Perhaps naively, I wasn’t prepared for the level of poverty seen, it is extremely sobering and does tug at the heartstrings. All in all a great trip, just with a few unfortunate bits along the way and the only things which let it down for me were the food and the group demographics. With a fitter and more like-minded group, and a less ‘beige’ diet, this trip would have been absolutely perfect. Thoughts on Group Leader Our leader Bodo was absolutely fantastic. Our every need was met, we arrived on time for everything and her nightly briefings explaining tomorrow's timings and activities were fantastic. There were some more 'difficult' members in our group but Bodo dealt with each situation professionally and calmly. She did a brilliant job of sharing her beautiful country with us. Most of us also fell ill with some variation of a 'dodgy stomach' at some point over the trip and Bodo was lovely throughout and very caring. Advice for Potential Travellers Age-suitability/fitness - please consider your own level of fitness and agility for the sake of yourself, your leader and the rest of the group. In our group of 11 we had two people, not a couple, in their 70s - one spent most of the holiday with vomiting and diarrhoea, and the other fainted one hour into a beautiful flat trek in our first national park, from standing up for too long. Not to sound unkind, but these two scenarios were not fair on the guides, group leader or the rest of the group. The trek in Ranformana is pretty treacherous in parts, and there are some challenging climbs and difficult descents. Our leader Bodo was brilliant though and arranged for the younger fitter folk to be taken ahead by the guide, to save us having to stop every 10 minutes (literally) for a water break for the elderly and unfit out-of-breath group members. In Isalo, it was blisteringly hot (35 degrees plus, in the shade) and dry when walking in the canyons, again we had to stop every 100m to stop the older people from fainting. Whilst I understand that activities need to be inclusive, it was annoying to have spent the entire previous day on the bus, only to finally go for a trek at a rate of 3km in 3 hours. Again, I really don't mean to sound unkind, but these holidays are not cheap and have been much anticipated after a long spell of not travelling during Covid. So when you miss seeing the lemurs ahead you because it takes so long for the group to get going, it's beyond irritating. So taken together and in my opinion, you don't have to have the fitness of an Olympian but this trip is much better suited to younger people, or older people with a sound level of fitness/stamina who can keep to a decent pace on the walking/searing heat days. Additionally, and perhaps this is a generational thing, the two older group members were also the ones who insisted on taking pictures of the wildlife by shoving their phone within inches of the chameleon/spider/gecko every single time, often shaking the leaf or tree which they were perched on in the process. Not only is this selfish and doesn't let other group members see, but it's also far too intrusive to the natural world and by the fifth day of this, it caused a bit of a rift within the group. You don't come to the Southern hemisphere to have your view of a chameleon blocked by an iPhone. Food - only breakfasts are included in this trip, unlike other Exodus holidays. Meals are generally OK although very basic. Expect a lot of zebu & chips, chicken & chips, and very simple (non-filling) breakfasts, typically a hot drink, a very small amount of fruit, a thin omelette and hard bread. If you are vegetarian, there isn't much choice beyond pasta & veg, noodles & veg or couscous & veg but this is a reflection of life in Madagascar though, and not at all due to the standard of hotels, Exodus or efforts of our leader. A sense of camaraderie and a willingness to engage with others in the group is essential, as without this the long days on the road feel twice as long. There was a small group of us with this ethos who got on really well, and it made these journeys much more pleasant. Suggestions If you have any particular optional activities you would like to do on the free afternoons in Anako, I'd advise maybe asking the leader to call ahead and find out if they are available. I had budgeted some money for a scuba dive at the end of the trip, only to find out the day before that it was no longer an option, which was disappointing. Be aware that only breakfasts are included in this holiday, unlike other Exodus trips. As breakfasts are not buffet-style or especially filling, you will need to include more money than you think for meals and drinks.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2022
Vicky La Trobe - Traveled, September 2022
How do you choose highlights? What a remarkable journey of exploration, a rare opportunity to begin to understand, at first hand, a country, people, landscape and biodiversity unlike any I have experienced before. An intimate trip which does not try to disguise the challenges and difficulties of life in Madagascar but very honestly celebrates its diversity and energy. Whilst our main reason for taking the trip was the unique, endemic wildlife, which we were lucky enough to see so much of, we were equally staggered by the incredible range of environments and landscapes that we journeyed through and the glimpses that we got into the villages and lives of the proud, friendly people who call Madagascar home. Travelling by road in order to include so many high lights in 2 weeks is quite hard work, but surely the best way for any visitor to really appreciate this incredible country. Most Inspirational Moment Hearing the morning calls of the Indiri Indiris in the forest in Andasibe NP. Hearing those beautiful, mournful cries ringing out across the tree-tops was literally like listening to the voice of the rainforest and then shortly after being surrounded by a large family group of Diademed Sifakas and being with them for more than 20 minutes as they leaped and chattered- incredible. Thoughts on Group Leader Armel was superb! What an absolute gem! His experience and professionalism made the trip the success it was. He worked tirelessly to ensure we enjoyed every possible experience and saw as much as we possibly could in the time available and became not just a tour leader, but a friend who made us feel genuinely welcome in his country. Organising and managing a trip like ours in Madagascar cannot be easy but Mel made it appear effortless. We cannot thank him enough for his hard work, enthusiasm and humour together with his encyclopedia knowledge. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't think twice about booking this trip! Please go and enjoy this country and its wildlife. The Exodus trip helps to support local businesses and aims to help local economies which is something very important to this country. Road journeys are long but they are worth it- don't be put off- the scenery is so diverse and beautiful. We travelled in September and the first half of the trip, especially in the higher altitudes, was cooler than some of us expected so we'd suggest taking more lightweight, long sleaved trousers and shirts than shorts for example. They are not only useful when it's cooler but also help avoid scratches when hiking in the rainforest or spiny forest. On the internal flight back to Tana, hand luggage is weighed and there is a strict 5kg limit that you have to adhere to.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2022
Mark Coates - Traveled, September 2019
Madagascar in June This was our first holiday with Exodus and our first group holiday and looking back was probably one of the best holidays we have had. It was great to see such a wide variety of landscape and we were very lucky with the amount of wildlife we saw. We were in a group of 10 people and it was nice to share the experience with others. Our group leader, Rija made the trip so interesting. The final few days on the beach was very relaxing. Most Inspirational Moment I really enjoyed the trip to the Chameleon research center which wasn't on the itinery but was great for getting up close to such a wide variety of chameleons. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader, Rija was excellent and what really made the holiday great. She was very knowledgeable, full or tales about the different tribes and passionate about her country. She made the trip special, organising birthday cakes, local dancing and when someone mentioned the beach would be a great place to have a camp fire, the next evening it appeared with more dancing. Thanks Rija. Advice for Potential Travellers The days were very full with lots of early starts, but it gets dark around 5:30-6:00 so plenty of time in the evening to recover. Make sure you have a good torch for the night trips. There are plenty around but it's better if you can direct it where you're looking. I had an old camera but still managed to get some great photos. I could have done with a better zoom for the lemurs but a lot of people had phone cameras which worked fine. Suggestions We're now looking at other Exodus trips
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2019
T C - Traveled, October 2018
Wildlife Adventure of a Lifetime I have been dreaming of seeing lemurs in the wild since I was young and this trip did not disappoint. I had never done a group tour before and was admittedly very hesitant to sign-up for one, but the itinerary allowed me to see most of what I wanted to, so I thought I’d give it a try. In the two weeks, we were able to see thirteen species of lemurs, which was thrilling and more than I had expected. The itinerary is thoughtfully laid out and even the long days travelling were made better by the many stops and stories from our group leader. I can’t describe the feeling of first arriving to our cabins in Andasibe to the sounds of Indri calls in the forest. It was really out of this world. The diversity of landscapes and parks that we visited was excellent and I couldn’t have planned it better myself. Having a local guide and engaging (mostly) with local tour operators and businesses was an important aspect of the trip for me as well. Overall, excellent adventure that I wish I could go back in time and do again. Most Inspirational Moment Definitely the first night we arrived in Andasibe to the call of Indris in the distance. That will be a memory that stays with me forever. The dry forests and desert landscapes were so incredible to see as well. The beach in Anakao at the end, spectacular! Getting to know our group leader as well and spending time with her on the trip was also very special, as well as the lovely people in our group. Perhaps not inspirational, more sobering, was getting to see first-hand the devastating effects of slash-and-burn agriculture. It was disheartening to witness this and other environmental destruction. The biodiversity in Madagascar is particularly precious and I fear it will be gone within the next couple decades. I'm more committed than ever in continuing to support local organizations to protect what still remains. Please do not purchase any souvenir animal products, wood products, gemstones or other trinkets that can't be sourced ethically. Foreigners continue to have a role in driving some (if not much) of the ruin you will witness. Thoughts on Group Leader She was excellent. I can't say enough good things about her. She is intelligent, kind and had a great sense of humour. She took her job very seriously and had so much integrity, I didn't question for a moment that we were in great hands the whole trip. We had quite a large group, 16 people (which I was not aware of before arriving in Madagascar) and initially worried about how one person was going to be able to manage so many people, but she did so with great expertise and care. It was a tough job for her, but I always felt she had all of our best interests at heart and was flexible with the schedule, depending on how people were feeling and what their needs were. I was quite sad at the end to say goodbye! Advice for Potential Travellers Take it as it comes, be flexible and don't arrive with too many expectations. I've done a lot of traveling and don't take this privilege for granted, but this was one of the top adventures I've ever had. The opportunity to see the most endangered mammals on the planet and the exquisite biodiversity this island has to offer, really can't be matched. Try and stay in the moment and really appreciate every minute of this adventure. If you're not comfortable being in an intensive group situation or going without creature comforts, this may not however be the trip for you. Expect and plan for digestive illness, it comes with the territory. I suffered quite a bad case of food poisoning, but the group leader managed it well and allowed for me to convalesce for a couple days before rejoining the tour. Educate yourselves before coming, about the island, peoples and appropriate conduct when visiting delicate ecosystems. Do not feed the animals, ever, we had some people who did this and it was incredibly upsetting. Suggestions I would love to do this trip all over again :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2018
Deborah Terry - Traveled, November 2018
An Extraordinary Trip Madagascar is an extraordinary country facing numerous challenges. Its national parks are excellent and much of the scenery is spectacular. It is, however, very poor and facing many environmental challenges. This makes it all the more creditable that the hotels and food on this trip were both so good. Most Inspirational Moment Too many, but obviously the lemurs - we saw at least 15 different varieties, plus all the other wildlife, and the baobabs, plus the Highlands scenery. And the wonderful jacarandas in flower in Tana. Thoughts on Group Leader Vula was one of the best leaders I've ever had on an Exodus trip. She has huge warmth and charm and was never off duty. One couple had to be airlifted to Jo'burg and many of the rest of us were ill, and she was brilliant at checking we were OK. She's passionate about showing her country to visitors and was determined that we'd get the best from the trip. She went the extra mile all day every day and can't be praised too much. Advice for Potential Travellers This trip takes stamina but amply rewards it. It packs a huge amount in in a short time and the contrasts of experiences etc is excellent. Pack light (the Isola hotel does washing), be prepared for a 24-hour bug, and take plenty of Jungle Formula. Wifi was generally available, but mostly in reception rather than in the rooms. Contrary to some of the advice given we had no difficulty in finding ATMs in most of the towns we went through, so taking all cash seems a bit unnecessary. And anyway you won't spend much. I had 36 hours on my own in Tana at the start of the trip and while I was careful, I enjoyed going out, exploring and finding good lunch spots. As a 60-something female I felt perfectly safe. Suggestions Deforestation is happening apace, so go soon. A unique destination.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2018
Nik Kowal - Traveled, September 2018
One of the best trips ever! Madagascar is amazing with so much unique wildlife, plants and trees. A well organised trip, with good accommodation. Comfortable bus with lots of breaks on the long journeys. A mixture of leisurely time on the bus and in the towns, with some very strenuous treks in the reserves. Be prepared for heavy rain and blistering heat as you pass through the varied landscapes. Most Inspirational Moment The ancient baobabs in the spiny forest. Thoughts on Group Leader Very organised and efficient, but some of her commentary got lost in translation. Advice for Potential Travellers As above. Pack everything especially a head torch and walking poles.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2018
Laura Davey - Traveled, September 2018
Life changing and unforgettable experience This was a truly life-changing trip. By that I mean, it was an experience of many extreme highs, such as seeing the unique and beautiful wildlife, coupled with being witness to some very difficult scenes, such as the slash and burn practice and huge areas of deforestation. The trip has left me wanting to learn more about this incredible country, its people and its wildlife. Would very much like to visit again and investigate further into the issues this country is clearly facing. This is a very special country and any visitor will be rewarded in many ways. Most Inspirational Moment The wildlife was what I booked the trip for and it did not disappoint. I had no idea we would see so many species of lemurs, reptiles, birds, plants and trees insects and frogs and at such close range, we really were so very lucky. I cannot underestimate just how special it felt to witness these incredible endemic species in their (rapidly disappearing) habitat. The call of the indri is a sound that I will never, ever forget. I feel inspired to learn more and find out if there is any way in which I can help contribute to the future of this country, as the people and the native plants and animals are facing some very severe challenges, such as a hugely increasing population, rapid loss of habitat moved over to farming, shaky political leadership, the introduction of non-native species of animals, trees and plants that cannot support native wildlife, and the slash and burn agricultural practice. Thoughts on Group Leader Our leader, Vola was really lovely. She kept us safe, listened to feedback, was flexible with timings and programmes and informed us on any queries and questions we had as best she could. At times, she went above and beyond for her clients, giving massages to one guest who was suffering from back and shoulder pain, and taking another client to the dentist for emergency treatment. She was also fun to be around and made us laugh every day. Advice for Potential Travellers Go with an open mind, and be prepared to see the mass destruction of the environment which you will definitely witness. Bear in mind, this is a very poor country and life here is hard. Saying that, the people were all very warm and welcoming to the small number of tourists that we saw. We never ever felt threatened or anything other than welcome. This is what makes the environment/humanity inbalance so very difficult to bear witness to, as the people are just as amazing as the flora and fauna that most visitors come to see. We found the physical rating of 1 to be misleading, I would say there are some moderate to strenuous hikes on this tour. Bring camera, binoculars, insect repellent and some detergent to wash clothes. Accommodation and food were excellent, much better than we expected. Suggestions Go now, before it's too late! and do anything you can to help this amazing place. It has so much to offer from gorgeous deserted beaches, lovely people, wildlife, birds and trees you won't find anywhere else in the world - not even in zoos! It's got rainforest, culture, spiny forest, desert, incredible rock formations and valleys, natural swimming areas, mountains - everything you could ever want to see, all in one very unique country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2018
Charlotte Grant - Traveled, September 2018
Madagascar is great, unique & marvelous but one needs to be very fit to enjoy this amazing adventure The trip is rated as leisurely & I would rate it challenging. We had extremely long travel days in the vehicles on winding bumpy roads (5 hr, 6 hr, 11 hr, etc.) The trip notes advise some long days, but we weren’t expecting such challenges just traveling in the van; our muscles were all tensed up by the end of each drive. The hiking to get to the Lemurs requires a person to be very fit in order to scramble up steep banks, cross streams, climbing steps up & down, & bushwhacking for 4 hrs at a time. It would be helpful to put this information in the ‘Is this trip for you’ section Most Inspirational Moment The most inspirational moment was getting so close to the lemurs, we could practically touch them. We had the joy of watching a number of different groups for long periods times. I have tracked the mountain gorillas & traveled all over the world, but have never been in such a unique country. Ever day was filled with adventure & excitement & new destinations. It took a lot of effort & challenge to do this trip, but at the end of the day it was totally worth it. Go now before it gets to filled with Tourists. Thoughts on Group Leader Our leader was Vola & she was excellent. Advice for Potential Travellers Read the trip notes carefully & be in very good physical condition so you can enjoy every moment of this amazing country. Suggestions Tipping can cause consternation as we all view tipping differently. I agree that we should tip for great service & we want to put money into the Madagascar economy plus we want to get money to the Madagascar working people. However I do not agree with the suggested leader tip.The suggested tipping for our leader was $5 U.S. per day; $5.00/day x 14 days = $70/person tip x 14 people is $980. $980 is a fortune in Madagascar. If our leader is paid well (as it says in the trip notes), I don’t believe the leader should receive an additional $980. I believe we should tip according to the country we are in. The leader should get a fair tip, but $980 is far too much. The trip kitty of $50 is fair, however the group should be told what amount of tip is being given as the tip is given; we should not have to wait until the trip ends to know the numbers. On all other trips we were told what tip was given as it was given to the person. Our leader did not share the tips given until the trip end. I am not confident the tip kitty went to the appropriate people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2018
Karen Butler - Traveled, August 2018
Great trip to see Lemurs Loved the trip, great country, great people, great guide and great wildlife Most Inspirational Moment Lemur island, loved the fact that the country was supporting the re-introduction of "pet" lemurs back into the wild, great experience Thoughts on Group Leader Mel was fantastic, I couldnt find fault if I tried !!! Advice for Potential Travellers Many early starts and long road trips but well worth it. Suggestions I was saddened to see the extent of plastic on the beaches, and the use of plastic straws everywhere
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2018
Steve Gilbert - Traveled, September 2017
Wow, Wonderful Place and Excellent Holiday I travelled there with some expectations regarding wildlife especially. These were exceeded. I was amused, impressed and very pleased at the number of wildlife sightings and especially the great opportunities I had for some brilliant wildlife photography. Most Inspirational Moment There was no single moment I can identify. It was each occasion we went for a walk and encountered the Lemurs and Reptiles. Through the choice alone of the Lemus and Chameleons we got very close on more than one occasion. I will emphasise this was the animals choice not mine. Brown & Ring Tailed Lemurs can approach up to an arms length away. I didn't get bitten but I was wary. But it was exciting! Thoughts on Group Leader Rija was one of the most enthusiastic and happy tour leaders I have had the pleasure of travelling with. Not only was she informative and organised she was also an expert wildlife spotter. She had an ability to spot something, when all we could see was undergrowth. I distinctly remember the rare 4 inch chameleon in the dark that she spotted from 10 paces when actually it was under a large leaf? I've never travelled with a leader equipped with xray infrared vision before, but I have now. Advice for Potential Travellers The tour company was good and supplied bottled water every day. Don't throw away the bottles. They are a desired commodity to the people in the hills and they are very happy when you hand over the empties for them to put their local produce in, honey, oil or similar. You may like to hand over other stuff too but the children can get a bit boisterous so choose your moment carefully if its something for them. Dont forget the adults, they are poor too. In a couple of areas during September it got chilly in the evening, please remember a light fleece or jumper. Suggestions I was surprised so many people used their mobile phone or tablet to take pictures. Be patient with them, as I noticed it took them much longer, and they stood so much closer to the subject than us with the SLR cameras.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2017
Eve Doyle - Traveled, June 2017
A Great Experience This was an excellent trip. Very well organised. Madagascar is a huge island and there are some long travel days to get across the country. Very varied environments and we saw lots of different wildlife. Most Inspirational Moment Being close to , seeing and hearing the Indri Lemurs was a very special experience. My favourite day was the walk in Isalo National Park. Thoughts on Group Leader Rija was one of the best guides I have ever had. Her local knowledge was amazing. She had done this trip many times and she knew how to make it run smoothly, sometimes in difficult circumstances. Despite her experience she was still really enthusiastic about everything and made the trip really enjoyable. Advice for Potential Travellers Take walking poles if you usually walk with them. It was torrential rain in the Rainforest and I could have done with my full set of waterproof clothing and back pack cover. I should have taken a warmer jumper as well as my fleece. The hotel at Isalo offered washing very cheaply and we got all our wet and muddy Rainforest clothing washed and dried there. Change all your money at the airport on arrival and when you go back through later. The ATMs [we had two opportunities] may only allow you to change around £50. Those who did try and change money at the bank had to queue around 2 hours to be served!! No where took cards. Be prepared for the unexpected...no electricity, no running water, hold ups, bumpy roads, changes of time, unexpected encounters with local people etc Suggestions You need to have an Adventurous spirit. These sort of trips are more of an experience than a holiday!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2017
Sean Williams - Traveled, October 2016
Highlights of Madagascar This was a really enjoyable trip. Although the group was the maximum (16 people) and the bus could be a bit cramped at times, it worked really well. The trip used a local driver and guide both of whom were excellent (Ritza and Andree) and in particular Ritza was able to inform us about the wildlife and different aspects of the culture of Madagascar. The other guides used in the national parks and at the accommodation were also very good. Madagascar is an amazing place and the range of landscapes and wildlife is extremely varied. I also found the local people to be very friendly. Most Inspirational Moment There were many highlights including the following: 1. Hearing the early morning cries of the Indri lemurs in Andasibe. 2. Seeing mouse lemurs and the rainforest in Ramofana. 3. Seeing ring tailed lemurs very close. 4. The amazing landscapes and the "black pool" at Isalo. 5. Travelling to and from Nosy Ve by a traditional dhow. 3. The welcome given to us by the villagers when our bus broke down and we had a 90 minute delay while Andree fixed the bus. Thoughts on Group Leader Ritza was excellent. She was very friendly, enthusiastic and approachable throughout the trip and gave some very good talks on the bus on Madagascan life. The dealt with the bus breaking down crisis brilliantly and got the ladies on our trip dancing with the villagers. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for some long drives on some poor roads (although most of the roads outside the Tana to Fianarantsoa section were fairly decent) but that is realistically the only way to see the number of attractions which are covered by this trip. The accommodation was very good throughout but I would try and although the food was generally fine I would try and eat outside the hotels whenever possible. The town close to Isalo has an amazing pizza restaurant about 200 yards from the hotel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2016
Geoffrey Vaughan - Traveled, September 2015
Highlights of Madagascar The trip gives a good insight into the exotic fauna and flora of Madgascar and into several of the “cottage” industries that have been set up, mainly to provide items for the tourist trade. The trip involves many hours of travelling on roads that are in many cases badly surfaced, even when classifies as a “Route National” – this is not a trip for those that don’t like long coach journeys! The arrangements were very good and the hotels, in the main, excellent though facilities were quite varied. Most Inspirational Moment Obviously the wildlife was the main highlight: lemurs, chameleons and geckos were all fabulous. The range of species, colours, habits etc were constantly fascinating. If I had to pick one moment, however, it would be the chameleon catching an insect - so fast, so accurate, a great sight. Thoughts on Group Leader Elodoie was a great tour leader - full of enthusiasm and always wanting to tell us more about the island, its people, language and way of life - as well as the animals and flora. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for long coach journeys: make sure you have insect repellent and malaria prophylaxis: good walking boots/shoes are essential. I found poles very useful. Suggestions Learn to use your camera. Some of the party I was with didn't know how to switch off the red-eye protection so I have several photos bathed in red - very annoying!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2015
Richard Broughton - Traveled, May 2015
Highlights of Madagascar I great trip to see the centre and South of Madagascar with plenty of changing landscapes and Limurs in the forests. The island in the South was uniquely beautiful, but unfortunately a bus heavy trip was made much worse by the cancellation of internal flights adding another 23 hours to the time spent on a bus. Most Inspirational Moment The Ranohira national park had fantastic canyons and sandstone features. It was a shame we did not walk longer here. Thoughts on Group Leader The group leader was highly knowledgeable in all areas and managed to return us safely to Antananarivo safely even when the internal flights were cancelled. Advice for Potential Travellers There is really a lot of bus travel on this trip, even the city tour on the last day involves 60km of bus ride. Be careful about changing money back at the airport as we were tricked. The exchange only had 50 euro or 20 dollar notes so simply rounded up all the local money to an exchange rate in his favour essentially robbing us. Suggestions The cancellation of the internal flights essentially meant that we lost a day's holiday and any chance to explore and shop in Tana. This was extremely frustrating as I spent 2 days with motion sickness and diarrhea on the bus. Then the flight to Paris was delayed so I missed my connecting flight and spent 7 hours waiting at Charles-de-Gaulle as Air France would not transfer to the 3 Lufthansa flights that departed every 2 hours as my bags were checked through to my final destination.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2015
Kay Roantree - Traveled, August 2014
Highlights of Madagascar There were only six of us on the trip so this was a real bonus. It meant that we had lots of room in the minibus and when being guided around we could spend a long time viewing the wildlife. Saw more than was mentioned in the trip notes and spent longer in the national parks as being a small group we all agreed on what we wanted. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing lemurs in their natural environoment. Snorkelling on Nosy Ve Thoughts on Group Leader The holiday was really well organised by our tour leader Armel. He even worked on days when he really did not have to as when we had free time he still guided us around the towns. He was enthusiastic about finding lemurs and making sure we could all get a good view of them. Great tour leader enthusiasic and knowledgeable about the country and wildlife. He spoke excellent English and always wanted to make our holiday as enjoyable as possible. Advice for Potential Travellers There is a lot of driving but the days are broken up with visits to national parks, so not as onerous as it sounds in the notes. However the last few days from leaving the beach to arriving home is very tiring and for a couple of days there was not much to see in Tulear and Antananarivo Suggestions Go while there is still things to see
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2014
Nancy nancy - Traveled, August 2014
Marvellous Madagascar! A really varied trip with the opportunity to see several different areas of Madagascar; the gorgeous beaches, some beautiful national parks and delightful lemurs and chameleons! Most Inspirational Moment The range of lemur species that we were privileged to see interacting in the wild and swinging in the trees! I was surprised how close they came to us, allowing for some fantastic photo opportunities! Thoughts on Group Leader He was a native Madagascan so was able to give us a real insight into his country. He was also very eager to ensure that everyone had a positive experience and nothing was ever too much trouble... Having received the groups details before the trip began he'd even arranged some birthday surprises (a band and a cake) for one of the group members. Advice for Potential Travellers It was colder than I expected in the north, particularly at night - pack plenty of warm clothes for this part of the trip. And be prepared for crowds/chaos when you arrive - no one seems to queue for their entry visa! Suggestions I was struck by how poor the Madagascan people were, even compared to other African countries I'd visited. If I were to visit again I would take more T-shirts etc that I could give away when I'd finished with them or perhaps try to support a local organisation through something like the stuff your rucksack website.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2014
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