Description
Contribute to the conservation of endangered lemurs with 'backstage passes' to important research projects and community reserves.Visiting some of the island's best wildlife hotspots, including the rainforests of Ranomafana and Andasibe, as well as conservation projects, community reserves and the famous 'lemur island', this immersive safari gives you the opportunity to observe up to 20 unique species of lemur in the wild, including the indri, aye-aye and the critically endangered greater bamboo lemur.
Overview
Encounter up to 20 different lemur species as you explore a range of diverse ecosystems, underpinned throughout with ‘behind-the-scenes’ activities giving you unparalleled access to various community reserves, research projects and on-the-ground conservationists. Marvel at the haunting calls of the indri in the eastern rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia, visit ‘lemur island’ for an intimate encounter with habituated lemurs, and head out on a night walk with the Mitsinjo Project in search of the elusive nocturnal aye-aye. Golden bamboo lemur and the rare greater bamboo lemur are among the 12 primate species that can be found within the dense forests of Ranomafana National Park, while ring-tailed lemurs abound amidst the rocky outcrops of the Anja Community Reserve. Gain exclusive access to the Kianjavato Lemur Project, a conservation project which researches bamboo lemurs, black-and-white ruffed lemurs and aye-ayes. Here you can track the endangered lemurs and spend time with the researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the conservation issues facing Madagascar today.
A tailor-made safari is one designed according to your specific requirements, including budget, dates, personal interests, the number of people travelling, and more. This itinerary is just an example and can be refined and altered to make it perfect for you.
What makes this trip extraordinary
- Observe a variety of lemur species in their natural environment.
- Explore the wildlife-rich eastern rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia and Ranomafana National Parks.
- Visit the Kianjavato Lemur Project, available only to NWS guests, to learn more about their important conservation and community development work.
- Get up close and personal with the habituated bamboo, brown and black-and-white ruffed lemurs of lemur island.
Itinerary
Arrive Antananarivo
Today you will fly into Ivato International Airport. Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel in Antananarivo, where you will have time to relax following your flight.
Overnight: Relais des Plateaux
Antananarivo - Andasibe National Park
This morning you will depart the capital and be driven to your lodge in Andasibe National Park, passing through the scenic highland landscapes and rice fields that characterise this Eastern region. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a walk through Analamazaotra Reserve and hopefully spot your first lemur! Return to the lodge for dinner, before heading out once again for a night walk to observe the reserves nocturnal inhabitants.
Overnight: Vakona Forest Lodge (B, D)
Mantadia National Park
Spend the day exploring the rugged and untouched primary rainforests of Mantadia National Park, located 20km north of Andasibe. Wildlife found in the park includes the golden diademed sifaka, indri and black and white ruffed lemurs, as well as bird species such as the scaly ground roller and red-breasted coua. In the evening, head out for another night walk in the reserve.
Overnight: Vakona Forest Lodge (B, D)
Lemur Island
This morning you will visit the Analamazaotra Special Reserve once again for a guided walk, looking out for resident wildlife including bamboo and brown lemurs, and listening for the haunting call of the mysterious indri. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and explore the surrounding reserve, including the famous lemur island where you can get up close and personal with the resident habituated lemurs.
Overnight: Vakona Forest Lodge (B, D)
Andasibe - Antsirabe
This morning you will depart Andasibe National Park and be driven south to the city of Antsirabe (approximately 6 hours), with an optional stop at Ambatolampy to witness the town's famous aluminium workshops. Upon arrival in Antsirabe, settle into your hotel, the homely Couleur Café, and relax following your drive.
Overnight: Plumeria Hotel (B, D)
Antsirabe - Ambalavao
Today you will be driven further south through the central Madagascan highlands to the town of Ambalavao, and transferred to your hotel, La Varangue Betsileo, located just outside of the town with stunning views over the surrounding area.
Overnight: La Varangue Basileo
Anja Community Reserve
Today you will visit the Anja Community Reserve, located a short drive from Ambalavao. Designated as a protected area in 1999, the reserve covers an area of 30 hectares and is home to around 300 semi-habituated ring-tailed lemurs, as well as several species of lizard, bats and owls. In addition to protecting wildlife, the reserve also provides a livelihood for many people in the surrounding area, supporting community projects to build primary schools and health centres in the nearby villages.
Overnight: La Varangue Basileo
Ambalavao - Ranomafana National Park
This morning you will depart Ambalavao and drive (approximately 2 hours) north to Ranomafana National Park. In the afternoon you will venture into the national park, consisting of dense jungle which is home to 12 species of lemur including the golden bamboo lemur, Milne-Edwards' sifakas and the critically endangered greater bamboo lemur, as well as an impressive 118 bird species.
Overnight: Setam Lodge (B, D)
Kianjavato Lemur Project
Today you will have the opportunity, exclusive to Natural World Safaris, to visit the Kianjavato Lemur Project. This project researches bamboo lemurs, black and white ruffed lemurs and aye-ayes, as well as working on a number of reforestation and community projects. Spend the day tracking these three endangered lemur species with the project researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the conservation issues in Madagascar, and visit a local school to witness how the project is benefiting the local community.
Overnight: Setam Lodge (B, D)
Ranomafana - Ambositra
This morning you will pay another visit to Ranomafana National Park to search for lemurs and other wildlife, before being driven to your hotel in the city of Ambositra for your final night in Madagascar. You will be staying at L'Artisan Hotel, a simple but comfortable hotel located just five minutes from the town centre.
Overnight: L'Artisan Hotel
Depart Ambositra
This morning you will depart Ambositra and drive (approximately 5 hours) back to Antananarivo, in time for your international flight home.
Accommodation
- Vakona Forest Lodge
- Setam Lodge
Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation, and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below,
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash.
- Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash.
- Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.
- Cancellations will be accepted only by email.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.
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