day to day
Day 01
Arrival
Tonga soa! Bienvenue! Welcome to Antananarivo, Madagascar’s crowded but attractive capital. After checking into your hotel you will have a presentation by the Mitsinjo Association on the biodiversity of Madagascar and the work of the Mitsinjo Association. Learn facts about plant species and how important they are to the rainforest of Andasibe.
Day 02
Antananarivo to Andasibe National Park
Today you’ll travel from Antananarivo to Andasibe National Park (Perinet). On route you’ll stop at Mandraka to visit the Saha Maintsonala forest. This ecotourism site, covering 36 hectares, features endemic falora and fauna, including various lemur species, orchids, lianas, and a diverse bird and reptile population. Here you’ll have a guided 1.5-hour walk which provides insights into the local biodiversity. After lunch by the river, the journey proceeds to Andasibe. Upon arrival, a Mitsinjo forest association representative presents on the forest’s biodiversity and shares saplings for planting. The day concludes with a night walk in Mitsinjo forest, where groups identify different animal and plant species to earn points.
Day 03
Analamazaotra National Park and reforestation activity
The day starts with a forest walk at Analamazaotra national park. We will explore the fauna and flora of Andasibe which is the most visited park in the country and famous for its 11 species of lemur. It is a home to the world’s biggest living lemurs called “Indri Indri”. Aside from lemurs, you might find endemic birds including the long-eared owl and the rufousheaded ground roller, as well as the smallest living chameleon – brookesia minima, insects and frogs. Before 11, we will drive to Andasibe village for a short tour and check outthe village markets for local fruits. Then we head back to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, we will spend some time at the nursery of Mitsinjo Association. The guide will give a short presentation on methods used in their nursery. Then we will join the members during a reforestation activity where we will get a chance to plant our samplings. Dinner will be ready at 6 this evening. Then we will have a campfire after 7, watch traditional music performance and dancers and play some games.
Day 04
Andasibe to Manambato
After breakfast we’ll leave Andasibe and head for Manambato. We will stop in a town called Antsapanana for lunch at a local restaurant. Then we will continue to Manambato, passing by Brickaville town. The private dirt road to Manambato is 7.5km before getting to Manambato we will to transfer to 4×4 vehicles as the dirty road is a bit rough from here, it’s a small off road adventure into the village. Arriving in Manambato in the afternoon, we’ll settle in and have a bit of rest before an evening bonfire and BBQ on the beach for dinner, and an opportunity to play some games and music.
Day 05
Manambato and fishing village visit
This morning we will be working alongside the villagers to help them fix the local clinic, roads, school or other communal infrastructure. Cyclones occur frequently in Madagascar and they damage schools, hospitals and many other infrastructures especially in remote areas. This has a significant impact on many villages including Manambato as the infrastructures are poor in those areas and lack maintenance. Roads can be inaccessible and people cannot transport their crops for selling to other villages. Around Midday, we’ll head back to the hotel for lunch before boarding our boats to Palmarium hotel. On the way, we will stop in a Betsimisaraka fishing village called Ampanotoamazina; a village that is steeped in history and located between the Pangalanes Channel and the Indian Ocean. This small private island is a home to the unique creature, long-fingered lemur that is native to Madagascar. It is guaranteed to see at least one during a nocturnal visit.
Day 06
Manambato to Andasibe
This morning you’ll take part in project work at a local school. Cyclones occur frequently in Madagascar and they damage schools, hospitals and many other infrastructures especially in remote areas. The tasks will centre around maintenance and renovations of the school working alongside skilled local workers who will guide you through the tasks. In the afternoon you’ll transfer back to Andasibe.
Day 07
Andasibe to Antananarivo
Today we’ll head back to the capital. Once in Tana, we will try one of the best restaurants in the city for lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit the Queen’s Palace called Rova which will give us a good understanding of the Malagasy history and cultures. The Palace is built on one of the high points of Analamanga region that offers a great panoramic views of the city. Inside the gate, you will have a good chance to photograph the Queen’s Palace and the tombs of the Queens and Kings, we will also visit the small museum in side.
Day 08
Departure
Good bye Madagascar. This morning you will transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight home.
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