Discover the Eighth Continent Tour

Package Overview

This Discover the Eighth Continent of Madagascar package allows you to explore this land of wonders from the capital Antananarivo to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ranomafana with its incredible diversity of wildlife. To discovering Lemurs at Andasibe and learning about the diversity of reptiles which occur on the island at Peyrera’s Reptile Farm and the Vakona and Mitsinjo Private reserves. Take in the beauty of the picturesque crater lakes of Andraikiba and Tritriva. Enjoy a traditional Malagasy feast. Watch traditional paper making at Antaimoro paper and see the many traditional arts and crafts of Madagascar with this itinerary. Then spend some time on the country’s beautiful beaches.

Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : ANTANANARIVO

  Upon your arrival at the airport you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
  Bed and Breakfast basis at LES 3 METIS or similar
• Day 2 : ANTANANARIVO - ANDASIBE. (145km –3h30)

  After breakfast at the hotel you will be driven eastward to the Andasibe National Park through the hills and valley’s covered in rice paddies and the eastern rainforest. On the way you will stop off at the Peyrera’s Reptile Farm where you can see some of the diverse array of colourful chameleons and other reptiles which occur on the island. You will also enjoy a delicious lunch.
  In the afternoon you will visit the Vakona Private Reserve. You will check into your chosen accommodation where you’ll have time to relax before going on a night walk to spot nocturnal species as the chameleon, mouse lemurs and nocturnal birds such as the Madagascar nightjar.
  Half board basis at FEON’NY ALA or alternative – 2 nights
• Day 3 : ANDASIBE

  After breakfast at the hotel you will visit of the Analamazaotra National Park which is the home of the black and white indri, the largest of the Malagasy lemurs which has a haunting cry which can be heard throughout the forest. Other lemur species might be discovered during the visit includes the common brown lemur, grey bamboo lemur and the eastern woolly lemur. The walk will last around 3 hours after which you will be taken to a restaurant for lunch (own charge).
  In the afternoon you’ll visit the Mitsinjo Reserve to discover other species of lemurs and chameleons such as Uroplatus and Parsons Chameleon the largest species on the island. Mitsino forest is managed and protected by the local community association of Mitsinjo. Accommodation on Half Board basis.
• Day 4 : ANDASIBE - ANTANANARIVO - ANTSIRABE (315km – 8 hours).

  Enjoy a tasty breakfast at the hotel before driving back to Antananarivo en route to Antsirabe. The driver will stop at a local restaurant where you can purchase lunch. Then go to the renowned aluminum workshops in Ambaotlampy who makes cooking pots for the country. You’ll arrive at the hotel in mid-afternoon and have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to relax.
  Half board basis CHAMBRE DU VOAYGEUR OR VATOLAHY – 2 NIGHTS
• Day 5 : ANTSIRABE AND SURROUNDINGS

  After breakfast drive to Betafo about 40 minutes away where you will go on a tour starting by visiting the uptown sector, the former administrative capital of Vakinankaratra, with its houses with their wrought-iron verandas. Drive to the picturesque crater lakes of Andraikiba and Tritriva.
  In the afternoon visit of the city of this thermal town and stop off at its crafts workshops where you can purchase souvenir such as zebu horns etc. Accommodation on a half board basis.
• Day 6 : ANTSIRABE - RANOMAFANA 240 KMS

  After your breakfast you will continue southward to Ambositra. It is the capital of the Malagasy culture and there are many stalls selling intricate local carvings. Continue to Ambohimahasoa about two hour’s drive from Ambositra where you’ll have the opportunity to savor a local Malagasy lunch accompanied by a local entertainment. (Lunch is served in a Protestant church yard which offers a panoramic view onto a valley of the Betsileo countryside). In the afternoon, continue to Ranomafana. Leaving the highlands behind, you’ll head to southeastern of Madagascar, crossing the area of the Tanala tribe. You will arrive quite late at Ranomafana.
  Half board basis GRENAT HOTEL or alternative – 2 nights
• Day 7 : RANOMAFANA

  Visit of the main forest of the Ranomafana National Park for spotting birds and lemurs. Three species of bamboo lemurs are found in this forest (grey bamboo lemur, golden bamboo lemur and the greater bamboo lemur) as well as other lemur species as the Milne Edwards sifaka, the common brown lemur and the red bellied lemur. With luck you may spot some of the biggest chameleons in the island – the Parson’s chameleon. In the afternoon you will be driven to Vohiparara forest where you will try to see some endemic birds such as the Cryptic warbler, the Yellow bellied asity, the Madagascar Yellow brow, Nuthatch Vanga, Madagascar forest fody as well as lemurs. Accommodation on half board basis.

  • Hotspots Ranomafana National Park
• Day 8 : RANOMAFANA - FIANARANTSOA 56 km

  After breakfast at the hotel you’ll visit the Ranomafana village and spa before continuing to Fianarantsoa. On the way, stop at the Tanala village and watch the blacksmith’s at work in the village. Go on a city tour in Fianarantsoa, visit of the old royal city and the schools and churches of the old city of Fianarantsoa. Then visit the modern city and its railway station. Half board basis ZOMATEL
• Day 9 : FIANARANTSOA - AMBALAVAO - RANOHIRA. 280KM about 8hours

  After breakfast, continue the drive southwards to Ambalavao where there is an interesting factory making hand-made paper named Antaimoro paper. Visit of the Anja villager’s reserve where you can easily spot the ring tailed lemur. In the afternoon, the second part of the journey is over Ihosy and across the wide Horombe grassland plateau towards Ranohira. Different photo stops will be done on the way at the south gate, the Bishops hat and the Horombe table land where the Reunion Harrier bird as well as the African Marsh Brown might be spotted. It will be a late arrival in Ranohira.
  Half board basis at ISALO RANCH or alternative – 2 nights
• Day 10 : RANOHIRA

  After breakfast at the hotel you’ll walk to a natural swimming pool where you can enjoy a refreshing dip. In the afternoon, visit of the museum or relax at the hotel. Before the diner you will take in the sunset at the windows of Isalo. On this day we can include an optional visit to the Namaza Forest to spot lemurs and visit its natural pools. (Please ask to add this at time of booking).
  Half board basis
• Day 11 : RANOHIRA - TOLIARA. (275km – 4 hours till Tulear )

  After breakfast continue southwards to Toliara through the many villages of the sapphire miners. Once you have arrived in Toliara you’ll visit the Antsokay botanical garden.
  Half board basis at CALIENTE BEACH or alternative
• Day 12 : TOLIARA - ANTANANARIVO

  Today after breakfast at the hotel you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival in Antananarivo you’ll be transferred to your hotel or assisted with your flight back home.

Inclusions

• Hotel

Terms & Conditions

This Tour is Offered by

• 104 Piazza Building (1st Floor), 32 Parliament Street, Cape Town, South Africa - 8000
• XXXXXX2323 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@abangafrica.com View Mail ID

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