Description
Combine the big game of South Africa with Madagascar's unique endemic species for an unforgettable wildlife safari.Spot the biggest of Africa’s big cats in the famous Sabi Sands game reserve in South Africa, then head to unique Madagascar in search of lemurs, and other endemic wildlife. A beautiful, wildlife focussed journey, and you can add beach onto the end too.
Overview
We have chosen the Sabi Sands reserve in South Africa to start, as it is well known for its big cat sightings; lions and leopards galore here. You will be going on two game activities a day, where you will not only be seeing the wildlife but also learning about the whole ecosystem from your expert guide. On arrival in Madagascar you will have a private driver and guide who will make sure you have the best experience possible as you watch for cheeky lemurs of all types!
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
- Explore the wildlife rich Sabi Sands reserve and search for lions.
- Learn about the big 5 and other animals while on morning and afternoon activities.
- Wake to the haunting call of the indri in Andasibe, Madagascar.
- Close encounters with the eerie aye aye in Palmarium Reserve.
Itinerary
Johannesburg - Sabi Sands
On arrival into Johannesburg you will be met by our representative and assisted onto your onward flight to the Kruger’s Skukuza Airport. Here you will be met and transferred to your charming lodge in the private Sabi Sands game reserve. Once you have settled in and indulged in a delicious lunch you will head out on your first safari!
Overnight: Notten's Bush Camp (L, D)
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
For the next few days most of your time will be spent exploring the South African bush, either by vehicle or, for the more adventurous, by foot. Your game drives will be conducted in open top vehicles by experienced guides, who will keep you captivated by their stories of life in the bush. While not out on safari spend your time relaxing back at camp by the pool or indulge in a massage at the spa. Your evening can be enjoyed gathered around a blazing fire, known as the bush TV, reminiscing over the events of the day.
Overnight: Notten's Bush Camp (B, L, D)
Sabi Sands - Johannesburg
Today you will have one final game drive followed by a delicious breakfast before transferring back to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival you will be taken to your accommodation and the afternoon will be at leisure. Depending on your arrival time you may like to arrange a trip to Soweto or the apartheid museum.
Overnight: The Saxon Hotel (B)
Johannesburg - Andasibe
This morning you will check out of your hotel and head back to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo (flight not included). Once you have cleared immigration you will be met by your private driver and guide and start your journey to Andasibe National Park. The drive can take between three and four, hours and you will be driving through some stunning mountainous scenery dotted with rice paddies and villages. This is your first taste of the beauty of Madagascar, and it truly is astounding.
Overnight: Andasibe Hotel (B, D)
Andasibe & Mantadia National Park
Your next two days will be spent exploring the two national parks. Andasibe National Park is probably most famous for seeing and hearing the indri indri and hopefully you’ll wake to their haunting calls through the mist. This is the largest species of lemur and has a very distinctive eerie call that echoes through the forest and is best heard first thing in the morning. Each day you will be going on walks through the forest, led by an expert local guide. In the evening set of on a night walk with torches seeking out the luminous shapes of chameleons and the red eyes of nocturnal lemurs.
Overnight: Andasibe Hotel (B, L, D)
Andasibe - Palmarium
Today you will leave Andasibe behind and set out towards Palmarium Reserve. Your journey should take around four hours and includes a boat ride down the Pangalanes Canal. Once at Palmarium you will spend the rest of your afternoon settling into the lodge and watching the various lemurs that have chosen to live around close by.
Overnight: Palmarium Lodge (B, D)
Palmarium Reserve
Start early today an extremely interesting walk around the reserve with your local guide, learning about the flora and fauna found here. Back to the lodge for breakfast; it is quite an affair as you dine with your fellow guests, and a whole host of lemurs that come to visit! In the afternoon you catch a boat to a nearby island to see the resident family of aye aye that live there. The aye aye are possibly one of the most unique looking of lemurs; with their bat like ears, bright orange eyes and elongated digits, many fables have emerged from their eerie appearance.
Overnight: Palmarium Lodge (B, D)
Palmarium - Antananarivo
Today you will make the journey back to Antananarivo, starting with the boat trip back down the canals passing local villages and fishermen plying their trade, and then five hours by road back to the capital. Once back in Antananarivo you will be taken to your accommodation for the evening.
Overnight: Relais des Plateaux (B)
Depart Antananarivo
After breakfast you will be met by your guide and transferred to the airport. Time to say farewell to your guide and driver and check in for your flight home.
Accommodation
- Notten's Bush Camp
- Andasibe Hotel
- Palmarium Lodge
- Relais Des Plateaux
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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