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Madagascar |
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Madagascar ~ Island and CostalMitsio ArchipelagoUninhabited except by a few small fishing hamlets and one tourist resort, Mitsio is a collection of small islands 40 nautical miles north east of Nosy Be affording excellent diving and snorkelling on vibrant fringing coral reefs. Each island has a unique character. La Grande Mitsio is known for its huge basalt columns (the Organ Pipes). A climb up the highest hill on Nosy Ankarea (219m), passing many interesting succulents en route, reveals spectacular views over the entire archipelago. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit Les Quatre Frères (the Four Brothers), islands of silver basalt containing huge caves with impressive overhangs and nesting seabirds such as northern gannets, white-tailed tropicbirds, and frigatebirds.
Nosy IranjaIdyllic twin islands south west of Nosy Be, Nosy Iranja Be (big) and Nosy Iranja Kely (small) are connected by a sand bar only visible at low tide, offering an exclusive getaway for those who wish to spoil themselves with a little touch of paradise. Nature walks can reveal various bird and reptile species, huge coconut crabs and nesting marine turtles. Snorkelling and diving on nearby coral reefs is on offer. Other activities include water-skiing, kayaking, fishing, sailing and exploration of nearby islands and bays.
Nosy BeNosy Be, a large volcanic island eight kms off the north coast, is the country’s most popular location for visitors seeking beach relaxation and to explore the surrounding smaller islands such as Nosy Komba, Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Tanikely. It is intensively cultivated with plantations of coffee, cinnamon, cocoa, ylang ylang and vanilla, leading to its being named the Perfumed Isle. Stunning viewpoints can be accessed overlooking eleven crater lakes, the jagged coast, and the sea towards the Radama Islands to the south and Mitsio archipelago to the north. Certain areas are lively with bars and restaurants, while at others it is possible to find privacy in secluded coves lined with palm trees. Nosy Be supports some remarkable fauna, including a miniature frog which grows to around 1cm long and the world’s smallest chameleon, roughly the length of a fingernail. Black lemurs can be found in Lokobe Reserve, a patch of protected rainforest in the southeast of the island.
AnjajavyAn exceptional location for wildlife viewing and coastal relaxation, the Anjajavy peninsula in the north-west of Madagascar has 1000 acres of tropical dry deciduous forest in which at least two species of baobab can be found as well as Coquerel’s sifaka, common brown lemur, Milne Edwards sportive lemur, pale fork-marked lemur, tenrecs, chameleons and fosa. Tsingy caves harbour various bat species, and the abundant bird life includes Madagascar harrier hawk, white headed vanga, crested drongo and breeding pairs of the critically endangered Madagascar fish eagle.
AntsanitiaA small fishing village set by a river mouth a few miles north of Majunga, with long sweeping sandbars and beaches, wooded banks and one hotel. Access is by four wheel drive along a rough sand track.
Ile Sainte MarieSixty kilometres long and only seven wide, this pretty island off the east coast of Madagascar is best known for humpback whale-watching between July and September. The whales come to the sheltered waters between the island and the mainland to engage in courtship and give birth to their young. Ste Marie is also noted for its diversity of orchid species, including the stunning Queen of Madagascar orchid endemic to little Ile Aux Nattes just off its southern tip. Steeped in history, the island is a former hideout for pirates in the 17th century. Remains of pirate ships lie offshore providing rewarding sites for scuba diving, and it is possible to visit the pirates’ cemetery where the dreaded skull and crossbones is in evidence on tombstones.
AnakaoAround 35km south of Tulear in the remote southwest of Madagascar, Anakao is a traditional Vezo fishing village on a stunning white sand beach lined with colourful pirogues. On walks from Anakao you may stumble across Sakalava tombs and perhaps the eggshell remains of the enormous, now-extinct, Aepyornis (Elephant Bird). Humpback whales may be sighted between June and September breaching out to sea. Adventurous visitors may wish to visit the bizarre spiny forest and soda lake at Tsimanampetsotsa National Park (see Spiny Forest Section page 12) on a day excursion from Anakao.
Nosy VeThis uninhabited coral island three kilometres off Anakao has deserted white sand beaches and low greenery with little shade. Local fady (taboo) has left it unspoilt and provided a safe nesting ground for red-tailed tropicbirds which allow close approach. Snorkelling is available on the fringing reef but better at Nosy Satrana, also possible to visit on a day excursion from Anakao. AmbolaRemote and little visited, this is about as isolated as you can get. A beautiful deserted beach and small fringing reef, with nothing but passing fishing pirogues to break the isolation, this is the place for those who want to get completely off the beaten track and a good base from which to visit Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. |
With superior accommodation, remarkable scenery and an impressive variety of wildlife both terrestrial and marine, this “Madagascar soft adventure” is an excellent introduction to the Big Red Island. Of great appeal to those wishing to travel in a high degree of comfort at a gentle pace without too much driving, this tour comes highly recommended. Find out more... For those who relish a well-paced overland journey escorted by private guide and driver, experiencing panoramic landscapes and unwinding at the most exclusive luxury coastal resort in the country, this grand Madagascar deluxe tour will hold great appeal. All three main habitats are represented (rainforest, spiny forest and dry deciduous forest), with their accompanying cast of irresistible lemurs and other unique wildlife only to be found in Madagascar. Find out more... This breathtaking Madagascar wildlife tour combines exceptional wildlife and scenery found in the most important wildlife reserves of the north and west with a beautiful tropical island for reefs and pure beach relaxation. Staying in a range of accommodation including park huts and a luxury boutique resort, you should encounter some of the island’s most unusual animal species in this Madagascar wildlife tour of great breadth and variety. Find out more... Something extra-special to look forward to after your wedding, this delightful Madagascar honeymoon begins with the perfect location for some well-earned relaxation: the most exclusive coastal resort in the country. It then reveals the many natural history marvels to be found in the dry tropical forests, rainforests and spiny forests of Madagascar, ending at a lovely private island resort offering white beaches and excellent snorkelling and diving on glorious Indian Ocean reefs. Well worth getting married for. Find out more... These locations are some of the most impressive and exciting in all Madagascar, resulting in a varied and adventurous northern Madagascar holiday, mostly well off the beaten track. In addition to Kirindy, with the world’s highest primate diversity, and the Tsingy of Bemaraha (one of only two natural World Heritage Sites in Madagascar), you will have the privilege of climbing through the pristine rainforests of Marojejy to its summit, taking in some very rare species as you ascend. Finally, quality time is enjoyed in the Masoala (the other natural World Heritage Site) for further rainforest exploration and marine park swimming. Marojejy and northern Madagascar are altogether almost too wonderful for words. Find out more... A comprehensive natural history exploration of many contrasting, unique regions yet only involving one domestic flight, our Madagascar Adventure Overland offers excellent value in accommodation of varying degrees of comfort. It will appeal greatly to active individuals who relish good hiking, stunning landscapes, varied wildlife viewing, unusual flora and friendly encounters with interesting tribes. Find out more... Designed for the budget-minded traveller with limited time who wishes to enjoy a good spread of Madagascar’s manifold attractions at an affordable price. Two great rainforest reserves, the best dry deciduous forest park and the most popular tropical island are all included, along with simple yet comfortable accommodation, lots of private guiding, plenty of activities and most meals to give you a well rounded and stimulating Madagascar budget holiday of exceptional value. Find out more... The following compact itinerary is based on a film shoot for the Holiday Programme arranged for the BBC by Reef and Rainforest Tours. It gives those with limited time the chance to gain an excellent insight into what makes a Madagascar holiday so special, while enjoying luxury lodge and boutique resort comforts. Find out more... For those wishing to enjoy their Madagascar travels from December to April when rain is more frequent, we have designed this itinerary to include a good range of prime wildlife locations which normally receive the least precipitation. A tour of the highest calibre, these will reveal a wide variety of habitats and species and perfectly suit off-season travellers, or indeed those going at any time of the year. Find out more... IMPORTANT NOTE (1): Despite recent improvements, Madagascar still has some accommodation of a low standard, and a precarious infrastructure including unreliable domestic flights, poor communications and bad roads. Many areas are isolated and far from medical and other services. Trails can be strenuous, campsites and park huts basic. Bookings are only accepted if the client accepts Reef and Rainforest Tours has done everything in its power to ensure there are no difficulties, but has limited control over standards of equipment, availability of accommodation and other services, airline and hotel reservation policies, flight schedule changes or breakdowns in communications. |
We saw ten species of lemur which was clearly the highlight of the trip…I must say Madagascar is a hugely underrated destination. The wildlife, fabulous scenery, varied geography and the people make the country a very attractive active holiday destination. Mr A N, Bangkok. |
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Tsarabanjina Island Resort