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Madagascar Barefoot Luxury Culture & Kayak Adventure - 14 Days

A kayaking adventure to the South East of Madagascar Camping in style Accommodation - 13 Nights / 14 Days

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Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge Relaxing Deck Area Kayaking, Madagascar Beaches in Madagascar
Tour code: MKAM

A culture & kayaking adventure to the South East of Madagascar (Mandrare River Camp & Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge) with camping in style.

Departs: Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Ends: Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Group size: Minimum (2/4) guests and Maximum 12 guests.

This safari is run on scheduled dates throughout the year, but can also be tailor–made to meet your dates, time period and group size.

**Please note and there are no scheduled tours from mid-September to 19 November. Private departures can be arranged on request.

Summary
Spend 3 days in seclusion at Mandrare River Camp, in luxury tented chalets surrounded by an abundance of wildlife and the fascinating Antandroy tribe, before joining the Luxury Kayak Adventure in Fort Dauphin.

Highlights
Mandrare River, wildlife viewing, bird watching, Spiny forest, Sacred Forests and tombs of Ifotaka, day and night guided walks, baobab forests, authentic tribal displays, local village and market. Camping in absolute style with French-trained chefs catering all meals in Mandrare, St Luce and at Manafiafy, kayaking on the pristine river through the St Luce Reserve, wildlife viewing, bird watching, enjoying the beach at Manafiafy, walks in the rainforest, exploring deserted beaches, whale viewing (June - December) and snorkelling.

Meals
13x Breakfast, 11x Lunch, 13x Dinner.

Season
Safari Pricing (per person)
No flights included
Minimum 6 Pax


Single Supplement
01 Mar - 20 Jun
$ 4,665
$ 1,195
21 Jun - 31 Aug
$ 5,335
$ 1,490
20 Nov - 10 Jan '18
$ 4,665
$ 1,195
Child Under 16 years
50% of adult sharing rate
Internal Flights: Antananarivo – Fort Dauphin – Antananarivo from: US$640
Please note that for both internal flights and international flights the rates are subject to class, availability and to change.
All rates are subject to change according to rate of exchange fluctuations.

**Please note there are no trips from 01 September to 19 November. Private departures can be arranged on request.


Madagascar Barefoot Luxury Kayak Adventure Map


DAY 1; (1 Night)
ARRIVAL IN ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar  [Hotel]

Pavillon de l'EmyrneUpon arrival in Antananarivo (Madagascar's capital), you will be met and welcomed by an English speaking guide, before transferring to your hotel in the city centre.

The Pavillion de L'Emyrne has just twelve rooms and is situated in the heart of the old town of Antananarivo. It was originally built as a private residence in the 1930s and is a delightful city guest house with its own garden. Rooms are air-conditioned and have satellite television.


Overnight: Pavillion de l'Emyrne, or similar (double room with en-suite bathroom).
Meals: Dinner Supplied.


DAY 2; (1 Night)
ANTANANARIVO - MANDARE RIVER CAMP, Madagascar
  [Luxury Tents]

Mandare River Camp, MadagascarAfter breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred back to Ivato airport for your two hour scheduled flight to Fort Dauphin, on the south-eastern coast of Madagascar. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and will have lunch in Fort Dauphin, before driving west towards Antandroy Spiny Forest. The three hour journey offers a contrast of landscapes ranging from the rice paddies of the eastern seaboard, over the lush tropical plateau to the drier arid region of sisal plantations and “spiny forest”. You will arrive at your luxury tented camp in the late afternoon, allowing you to settle into your accommodation and enjoy the breath-taking views across the Mandrare River.

Three hours’ drive north west of Fort Dauphin, in southern Madagascar, Mandrare River Camp is nestled under the shade of tamarind trees on the banks of the Mandrare River - the lifeblood of the region. Set in the grounds of an old colonial sisal plantation house, the camp is just three kilometres from the village of Ifotaka and opposite the sacred ancestral forests of the Antandroy Tribe.


Overnight:
Mandrare River Camp (Private luxury tents with en-suite bathroom, hot water).
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner supplied.

DAY 3; (1 Night)
MANDARE RIVER CAMP, Madagascar
  [Luxury Tents]

Mandare River Camp, MadagascarEnjoy a relaxed breakfast on the banks of the river, before embarking on a trip to the sacred Antandroy forest, crossing the river on foot to observe lemurs and many bird species. We will also be able to see the tombs of the Antandroy ancestors, and the guide will explain in detail about the culture of ancestor worship.

Lunch will be served at camp, and there will be time to relax before we depart on an afternoon activity, unless you would prefer to rest at camp and enjoy the serenity of the river. Some of the activity options include a trip to the giant sand dunes of Lake Anony, watching the sun set at the Baobabs, night walks (gallery and spiny forest), watching various species of lemurs and birds, watching traditional dancers, and a visit to the village or local school.


Overnight:
Mandrare River Camp (Private luxury tents with en-suite bathroom, hot water).
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner supplied.

DAY 4; (1 Night)
MANDARE RIVER CAMP, Madagascar
  [Luxury Tents]

Mandare River Camp, MadagascarToday will be spent enjoying the various activities located at and around our luxury tented accommodation. These will be on suggestion of your guide, tailored to your interests. Activities from the camp take place in the early mornings and late afternoons and evenings to avoid the heat of the day. There are a number of designated forest areas in close proximity to the camp, where, with permission from and being accompanied by one of the local village chiefs, it is possible to explore this unique and fascinating natural paradise together with your guide.


Overnight:
Mandrare River Camp (Private luxury tents with en-suite bathroom, hot water).
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner supplied.

DAY 5; (1 Night)
MANDARE - FORT DAUPHIN, Madagascar
  [Hotel]

Beach scene, MadagascarAfter an early breakfast, we will return to Fort Dauphin – the small and pretty major town in south-eastern Madagascar. Its attractive location with green hills, blue seas, fine beaches and a myriad of surrounding attractions – make it a popular destination, especially for surfers. At the bottom of Saint Louis Peak, the urban area between two bays is one of the most beautiful in Madagascar. The first people who settled in La Reunion in 1674 came from this area. It is also the capital of crayfish which is celebrated in an annual festival that has become a traditional event. Upon arrival in Fort Dauphin, we will lunch at a beach restaurant, then settle in at the hotel to spend the remaining day at leisure.


Overnight:
Kaleta Hotel or similar (room with en-suite bathroom, swimming pool, restaurant and bar).
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner supplied.

DAY 6; (1 Night)
LOKARO - ST LUCE RESERVE, Madagascar   [camping]

KayakEnjoy an early breakfast before we set of on an adventure! Sainte Luce Reserve offers us an experience of the spectacular beauty of south east Madagascar. Your first day of kayaking will be for 4 hours to Evatra, with lunch on the banks of the mangroves and a delightful walk to Lokaro (2,5 hours). Experience beautiful coastal scenery and a gorgeous natural swimming pool nestled in the mountainous coastline.

St Luce Reserve is situated on an island-like peninsula, cut off from the mainland by river mouths to the north and south. The reserve has been established to contribute to the conservation of this extraordinary habitat, as it is some of the very last true coastal forest left in the south east of Madagascar and one of the most critically endangered in the country. This conservation area is bounded to the east by the Indian Ocean and white sand beaches, to the west by winding fresh water rivers, and to the north & south by more protected forests. There is no village, there are no neighbours, and as the reserve has a fresh water habitat, marine habitat, littoral forest, mangrove, wetland and open grasslands, you will find lemurs, birds, reptiles, mammals, sea turtles, crocodiles.... it's all here.


Overnight: Bush Camping at Lokaro (stunning palm-fringed beach with great swimming).
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner supplied.


DAY 7; (1 Night)
BELAVENO - ST LUCE RESERVE, Madagascar   [Camping]

Relaxing on the BeachAfter breakfast we head north through the mangroves and forest. The river is adjacent to the protected forest and wetland, which also incorporates many kilometres of stunning white beaches. At 9.30 am we head off for a 2 hour paddle, followed by a 20 minute walk to a secluded beach where we will enjoy lunch. Relax after lunch, enjoying this idyllic setting, before we set off at 3 pm for the 2 hours kayaking to Belaveno.


Overnight: Bush Camping at Lokaro (stunning palm-fringed beach with great swimming).
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner supplied.


DAY 8; (1 Night)
OCEAN CAMP - ST LUCE RESERVE, Madagascar   [Camping]

Bush CampingThis morning sees us with a 2.5 hour paddle and an 8:30 am start. Enjoy another idyllic day of paddling on the river, following the littoral forest through the wetlands and soaking up the sights and sounds of nature and letting the stress and cares of modern living, dissolve away.

In the afternoon after lunch, we have a 2 hour paddle to a large lake. Wander in the forest to see the fruit bats, before your night walk to spot Mouse, Dwarf and Woolly Lemurs in the forest


Overnight: Bush Camping at Lokaro (stunning palm-fringed beach with great swimming).
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner supplied.


DAY 9; (1 Night)
MANAFIAFY  BEACH, Madagascar   [Bungalows]

Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest LodgeAfter our last day of paddling on the river (2, 5 hours), we end at Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge at approximately 11 am. Situated on a beautiful, private, white sandy bay, fringed with forest covered mountains, your lodge offers barefoot luxury with wildlife and water on your doorstep. A welcome barbeque on the beach will await you and a most well deserved 30 minute complimentary back massage for those tired muscles… Enjoy the location of your lodge in the afternoon, as the sun sets over the bay.


Overnight: Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge (private bungalow with en-suite bathroom, sundeck and separate access to the magnificent unspoilt beach).
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner supplied.


DAYS 10 - 12; (3 Nights)
MANAFIAFY, Madagascar   [Bungalows]

Kayaking in the mangrovesAfter breakfast you will embark on your choice of a wide range of wildlife and sporting activities which are included in your stay.

Some of the options include: Kayaking in the mangroves, early morning boat trips for wetland birding, day and night walks in the rainforest to see five species of lemur, snorkelling in the bay and nearby cove, whale watching from the 15ft observation tower (June to December). Boat trips to the nearby islands for a secluded picnic lunch, walks along long empty beaches, visits to the local village and school.

Optional activities, payable locally at the lodge include: massage treatments, whale watching boat trips (June to December), deep see fishing trips.

Forest walks are the main reason for visiting this part of the island and those accessible from Manafiafy are “Littoral” rain forests – shady dense vegetation with a high degree of humidity and home to several Lemurs (collared brown, woolly, brown mouse, dwarf and sportive) as well as reptiles, spiders, birds, insects and orchids. Walks can be done at any time of the day and early evening, and are always accompanied by a Manafiafy guide.

The rocks, islands and bays surrounding Manafiafy provide endless opportunities for exploring and within a short boat ride it is possible to find deserted beaches, scout for whales, or snorkel in the crystal clear water viewing corals and tropical ‘aquarium’ fish. There is always something to do at Manafiafy and each excursion provides its own reward of new experiences – most of them unique to the island of Madagascar.


Overnight: Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge (Private bungalows with ensuite bathroom, sundeck and separate access to the magnificent unspoilt beach).
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner supplied.


DAY 13; (1 Night)
RETURN TO ANTANANRIVO (via Fort Dauphin), Madagascar   [Hotel]

Drive back via Fort Dauphin to AntananrivoYou will drive back to Fort Dauphin and continue to the airport for your scheduled flight to Antananarivo, for your last night in Madagascar. Upon arrival in Antananarivo, you will be met and welcomed by an English speaking guide, before transferring to your hotel in the city centre and a farewell dinner!


Overnight: Pavillion de l'Emyrne, or similar (double room with en-suite bathroom).
Meals:
Breakfast and Dinner supplied.


DAY 14;  End of Tour
ANTANANRIVO, Madagascar   [TOUR ENDS]

Airport in AntananrivoTransfer to the airport for your return flight.


Overnight: N/A
Meals:
Breakfast supplied.


Note:
The accommodation specified in the itinerary is a guide only and is subject to availability. Alternatives will be nearby and of a similar standard.

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CLICK TO SEE DEPARTURE DATES


Included
2 Nights in Antananarivo at Pavillon de l’Emyrne on a bed and breakfast basis, 1 night in Fort Dauphin at the Kaleta Hotel, 3 nights at Mandrare River Camp inclusive of activities and meals, local soft drinks and beers, 3 nights bush camping and kayaking through the St. Luce Reserve an all-inclusive basis (activity, meals, soft drinks, beers, dome tents, stretcher beds, extra mattresses, lighting, bush showers & toilets), 4 nights at Manafiafy Lodge inclusive of activities, meals, local soft drinks and beers, as well as all required transport in an air-conditioned vehicle in Antananarivo, and in 4x4 vehicles in all other locations; The services of an experienced professional Malagasy guide, all excursions, park fees and community/ environmental levies. All kayaks, personal buoyancy aids and paddles are provided.

Excluded
International and domestic flights (Antananarivo – Fort Dauphin) and their taxes, Any excursions not mentioned in the program, all wine and spirits, laundry, visas and travel insurance, personal expenses and souvenirs.

Pre and Post Tour Arrangements
Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers can be arranged on request.

Departure
When arriving in Antananarivo in the morning of Day 1 of the tour you will be picked up from the airport and embark on your tour. Should you arrive prior to day 1, pre tour accommodation can be arranged and you will be picked up from your hotel on the morning of day 1. (Pick up time will be confirmed on arrival).

Transport
In Antananarivo we use an air-conditioned vehicle, and for the rest of the tour, we use 4x4 vehicles.

Accommodation
The city accommodation will be in up-market, boutique-style hotels, while the bush camping nights are spent in spacious 3 man tents that will include stretcher beds and mattresses with bedding. Bush style showers and toilets are provided, as well as all soft drinks and beers. Meals are a major highlight and prepared by French-trained chefs, both on the river and at Manafiafy, where the accommodation style has been selected for its barefoot luxury offering, quite unique to Madagascar.

The Pavillion de L’Emyrne
The Pavillion has just twelve rooms and is situated in the heart of the old town of Antananarivo. It was originally built as a private residence in the 1930s and is a delightful city guest house with its own garden. Rooms are air-conditioned and have satellite television.

Mandrare River Camp
The camp has just six private tents situated on the riverbank, each enjoying spectacular views of the river and the surrounding landscape. The camp has many natural wonders nearby, allowing you to explore this unique part of the world. Each double or twin-bedded tent has en-suite facilities with solar water heating and solar power for night time lighting.

Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge
The lodge contains only five private bungalows and offers an intriguing combination of rain forest lodge and barefoot luxury beach property all rolled into one. Each spacious en-suite bungalow is constructed out of local stone and mangrove poles under a palm thatched roof having its own sundeck and separate access to the magnificent unspoilt beach and ocean.

Kayaking equipment
We provide Synergy Fluid Double Kayaks, which also have a centre seat and so can be paddled by one person if needed. They are stable and durable, being made from Polyethylene and they weigh only 33 kg. The kayaks are 3.8 m long and 0.86 m wide, with a carrying capacity of 190 kg. Each kayak has 2 hatches and contains one 15 L “Dry Bag”. There is also a tank well with bungee cord if needed. Each kayak comes standard with a backrest on each seat, which are removable if so desired. Your PDF (personal flotation device) or “life jacket” is a handy ‘one size fits all’ and is a quality make and design. Cobra paddles with aluminium shaft and hard, durable plastic blades, complete the outfit.

Visas
A visa is required to enter the territory of Madagascar: Tourists staying in Madagascar for less than 90 days will be able to receive a free visa upon arrival. Please check if your passport is still valid (at least 6 months before expiry date). You can easily obtain a visa at the airport of Antananarivo. Please note that, to get a visa at the airport, you do not need to bring photographs.

Gratuities
If you feel you have been looked after well by your crew or guides, and you wish to show your appreciation for their services, a monetary tip is very welcomed by those in Madagascar. Here follows some suggested guidelines:
• Around EUR 4 per person, per day (10,000 Ariary) for a guide or a guide/driver.
• Around EUR 2 (5,000 Ariary) for a park guide, depending on your satisfaction.
• Around 5% of the bill at a restaurant
• 200 Ariary per bag for a porter.

As Euro coins cannot be changed into local money in Madagascar, it is advisable to tip in Ariary. We would ask that you please reserve your generosity for tipping for services only, and not providing free handouts to children or adults, as this encourages begging.

Information on Areas Visited
MADAGASCAR
Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa. Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world. It is the home of five percent of the world's plant and animal species, 80 per cent of them unique to Madagascar. Most famous among those are the lemurs. Madagascar and Mauritania are the only countries not to use a decimal currency. Its teeming fertile forests and geographical isolation have served to preserve and propagate 'nature's design laboratory' in a mix found nowhere else on earth. Madagascar's forests are a shimmering, seething mass of a trillion stems and dripping leaves.

Antananarivo
Antananarivo, better known in the short version Tana, is the bustling capital of Madagascar with about 2,000,000 inhabitants. Situated in the high plateau, the city was founded in 1610 by a Malagasy King. To protect the newly gained territory he left 1000 men behind and that'show Antananarivo got its name (town of 1000). It has developed to a quite interesting city with a lot of contrasts. Thus that Tana habits the country's major international airport, most visitors will find themselves at least passing through the city. But you should spend some days here and explore the city, visit the market places and Roya. Roya is a palace and one of the main features of Tana. It is built on the highest hill and can be seen from for tens of kilometers in any direction.

Fort Dauphin
This typically laid-back Malagasy town is beautifully set on a small peninsula flanked by sweeping golden beaches and backed by high mountains with green hills, blue seas, fine beaches and a myriad of surrounding attractions, making it a popular destination. The port is hardly used and rusting old shipwrecks can be seen in the vicinity. Fort Dauphin is "the lobster capital" of Madagascar and the town boasts excellent restaurants specializing in seafood.

Mandrare River
Three hours? drive north west of Fort Dauphin, in southern Madagascar is the Mandrare River - the lifeblood of the region. The Mandrare River is just three kilometres from the village of Ifotaka and opposite the sacred ancestral forests of the Antandroy Tribe (which is regarded by some as the fiercest and most traditional tribe in Madagascar - but friendly to visitors!)

The Mandrare River region is a strand of deciduous gallery forest in an area predominantly covered by spiny forest and sisal. In an area so richly diverse, you will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the unspoilt life and rich culture of the Antandroy. By protecting the Sacred Forests, where the Antandroy ancestors rest in their ornate tombs, the tribe have managed to preserve large pristine wildlife areas. Through the traditions of Fady they not only protect, but seem to genuinely live in harmony with their environment.

The journey by road to the river is varied and interesting, and you see the picturesque lake Anony with its flamingos and sand dunes. You will find there four species of lemur, the ring tailed, verreux?s sifaka, mouse and white foot sportive (both nocturnal). The birding is also exceptional with at least 15 resident species and many more in the surrounding wooded areas, including scops owl, malachite kingfisher, verreaux's coua and many raptors

Manafiafy / St Luce
The Manafiafy Forest (also known as Sainte Luce) is one of the last remaining stands of littoral forest in the country, and is home to one of the most critically endangered micro-habitats in the country (palms, birds and the rate brown collared lemur) . Located 40km from Fort Dauphin on a peninsula, this historical site contains some magnificent landscapes and beaches.

Maniafiafy offers a wild, natural beauty. It is nested in the middle of filaos and coconut trees and is bordered to the East by splendid beaches of the Indian Ocean, and to the north & south by more protected forests.

The Sainte Luce Private Reserve has been established to contribute to the conservation of this extraordinary habitat, and is part of 450 hectares of protected forest (including 26 hectares of primary forest), and wetlands, and also boasts kilometers of white-sand beaches. The western edge of the forest is surrounded by meandering sweet water crocodile habitat, and you will find various species of lemurs, chameleons, birds, reptiles, mammals, and sea turtles, thanks to littoral forest, mangrove and open grasslands. You can explore Sainte Luce during day and night walks or with long pirogue rides through the orchid-laden mangrove-lined rivers.

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