Escape to Western Madagascar

Experience the Wonders of Madagascar ~ An Excellent Overview of the Great Red Island!

Custom Program - Available May through October - A wonderful family vacation

Remote River Expeditions is based in Morondava, Madagascar and we have been exploring and offering programs on the island since 1985. Along with our scheduled departures we specializes in family and small group custom programs. Let us know how much time you have, your interests and budget and we'll be happy to offer a proposal for your visit. All our programs include the best naturalist guides.

Features:

Andasibe National Park: Trekking in the Rainforest
Tsiribihina River: Calm water river rafting
Tsingy de Bemaraha: A World Heritage Site
Kirindy Forest: Western dry forest

Program Notes and Information:

Andasibe (Perinet) Reserve: East of Antananarivo Mantadia National Park, crossing the famous cliff of La Mandraka with a panoramic view of the Anjiro plain. On the way we'll visit the Peireyras Farm for an introduction to some of the unique wildlife of the island including butterflies, crocodiles, lemurs and reptiles. Day walking safari within the fauna reserve of the Analanmazaotra rainforest. This is the domain of the Indri-Indri, the tallest living lemur. Walking safari in the primary forest of the park we enjoy other lemurs numerous endemic birds, orchids, fern trees, pandanus and many palms. Smaller Fulvus, Bamboo and Rubriventer lemurs may also be seen. Night walking safari for nocturnal lemurs (bush baby) and birds (nightjars and owls).

Tsiribihina River: The Mahajilo and Mania Rivers crash and tumble out of the highlands, joining near the town of Miandrivazo to form the tranquil Tsiribihina—“where one must not dive”—western Madagascar's biggest river. On its way to the Mozambique Channel, the Tsiribihina cuts through the limestone Bemaraha Plateau in a series of forested gorges, rich in endemic flora and fauna. Although less remote the Tsiribihina offers a view of Malagasy river life as we pass villages and small settlements along the way. We enjoy the stretch from Masiakampy to, stopping for forest walks, birding, and exploring the amazing streams coming off the Bemaraha. We visit Anosin' Ampela waterfall and lovely blue-water grottos, and travertine chutes.

Lemurs found along the river include the red-fronted lemur and Verreaux's sifaka, with mouse lemurs and lepilemurs spottable by night. We pass fruit bat roosts and sandstone cliffs whose ledges and eaves attract peregrine falcons and bam owls. On the sandbars we see flocks of knob-billed and white-faced whistling ducks and many herons. Endemic couas and vangas lurk in the riverside forest, while the cuckoo-roller noisily circles the heights, sharing the skies with the very rare Madagascar fish eagle, the Mad. Harrier hawk and the Mad. kestrel. The night audio is punctuated with the distinctive and ubiquitous calls of the Mad. nightjar and Mad. scops owl, and the plinking of bats.

Tsingy de Bemaraha: This is Madagascar‘s largest reserve (152,000 hectares.) and classified as one of the world wonders by UNESCO. The fascinating raised limestone plateau is decorated with a frail, chaotic razor-sharp collection of pinnacles, the “Tsingy”. Areas of deciduous forest also provide the chance to see brown lemurs and a variety of birdlife, we may also meet the rare all white Decken's sifaka.

The great variety of flora includes: aloes, orchids, numerous pachypodium and baobabs. The deciduous forest is home to over 50 species of birds; 7 species of lemurs (including the all-white Deckens sifaka) and the rare stump-tailed chameleon (Brookesia perarmata).

Please Note: The site of Bemaraha is managed under special UNESCO regulations in order to protect the fragile site from damage. Access is restricted and the areas we are allowed to visit vary from time to time. In keeping with regulations we will visit what areas we can.

Kirindy Forest Reserve: The 25,000-acre Kirindy Forest has the greatest density and diversity of primates in the world. Probably the best western reserve for seeing Madagascar's endemic dry forest species, the Kirindy is home to the giant jumping rat, found only in this area. Dominated by majestic baobab trees, the forest is home to the world's smallest known primate as well as dozens of amphibian and reptile species (and no poisonous snakes). As well the forest boasts more than 60 species of birds and 8 lemur species.

The Kirindy boasts more than 60 species of birds. Possible sighting include: White-headed Vanga, Rufous Vanga, White-breasted Mesite, Coquerel's Coua, Crested Coua, Sickle-billed Vanga, Chabert's Vanga, Cuckoo Roller, Grey-headed Lovebird, Madagascar Nightjar, Henst Goshawk and Banded Kestrel. Along with a stunning variety of unique flora the forest is home to 8 lemur species.

Morondava: Largely an undiscovered a gem, with a long sandy beach (safe swimming at any tide) offering opportunities for good body-surfing sets. You can go sailing in an outrigger canoe or paddle in the mangroves, stroll in town, and stay late at the beachside bdite. It's an indescribable delight to be on a coast, facing west to the sunset, breathing that crisp dry air that makes you feel so good. Excellent seafood may be washed down with a cold Three Horses beer or a Lazan'l Betsileo vin gris.

Chez Maggie Hotel: For more information on Morondava and the Menabe Region please visit Chez Maggie

+261 20 95 52347 / + 261 324 732 670

Itinerary / Highlights

Highlights:
• Andasibe (Perinet) - Eastern rainforest
• Tsiribihina River - Calm water canoeing
• Tsingy de Bemaraha - World Heritage Site
• Kirindy Forest & Western dry forest
• Avenue of the Baobabs
• Relaxing on the Mozambique Channel
• Morondava and the Chez Maggie Hotel
And of course, lemurs, lemurs, lemurs...

Day 1 - Arrive Antananarivo. You will be met upon arrival to Ivato Airport and transfer together to the ITC Hotel (or similar) for overnight. Dinner on own.

Day 2 - Morning drive to Andasibe (Perinet) National Park, crossing the famous cliff of La Mandraka with a panoramic view of the Anjiro plain. Optional visit to Peireyras Farm (chameleons, butterflies, crocodiles, snakes) at Marozevo. Adasibe National Park is the domain of the Indri Indri, the tallest living lemur - smaller Fulvus, and Rubriventer lemurs can also be seen. After dinner we take a night walk for nocturnal lemurs and birds (nightjars & owls). Accommodation at the Hotel Feon'ny Ala. (B,L,D) (See notes below)

Day 3 - Following an early morning walk in Andasibe National Park we return overland to Antananarivo and continue south through the highlands to Antsirabe. A volcanic region of rocky hills and grassland of zebu herds, and kasana and rice plantations. Overnight Hotel des Thermas (or similar). (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Leaving the highlands we travel west and descend into the Menabe (western) Region to the town of Miandrivazo. After a short visit in the village and final shopping we board our pirogues (local canoes) and begin our trip on the Tsiribihina River. No previous experience is needed as there are no rapids and the river remains calm throughout the journey. Local Malagasy paddlers propel pirogues as we travel downstream and we enjoy sandy camps along the river at night. (B,L,D) (See notes below)

Day 5 - 6 - Tsiribihina River. Camping on the river. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Our final day on the river we complete our journey at Antsiraraka. Overnight in simple bungalows
Or camping. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Following an early breakfast we travel by 4X4 west and then north crossing the Tsiribihina River by ferryboat and passing through the town of Belo Tsiribihina. We continue north to the town of Bekopaka at the entrance of the Tsingy de Bemaraha. Depending on road conditions and travel time to Bekopaka we may make an afternoon visit to the ‘Petite' Tsingy. Overnight Hotel Olympe de Bemaraha (or similar). (B,D)

Tsingy de Bemaraha

This is Madagascar's largest reserve, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO; fascinating raised limestone plateaus decorated with chaotic razor sharp pinnacles with the underground cave systems and many succulents growing in the crevices. (See notes below)

Day 9 - Early morning paddle on the Manambolo River to visit the Gorges of the Manambolo. Then we travel to the entrance of the Grande Tsingy and spend time exploring the wonders of the Tsingy. Overnight Hotel Olympe de Bemaraha (or similar). (B,D)

Day 10 - Following an early breakfast we return south the deciduous forestland to the Kirindy Forest. A rich reserve for endemic Malagasy floral and fauna. We explore the forest in the late afternoon and after dinner enjoy take an evening walk for nocturnal species. Along with a stunning variety of unique flora the Kirindy Forest is home to 8 lemur species; a variety of tenrecs species; the narrow-striped mongoose; giant jumping rat and fossa. Overnight in the rustic bungalows (or camping) in the forest. (B,L,D) (See notes below)

Day 11 - Early morning walking in the Kirindy Forest (especially good for birding). After breakfast in the forest we head south to Morondava. Along the way we make stops at the Sacred Baobabs, Baobabs in Love and the world famous Ave of the Baobabs. Overnight at the Chez Maggie Hotel on the coast at Morondava. (B,L,D)

Day 12 - Largely an undiscovered gem we enjoy a relaxing day in the tranquil coastal town of Morondava. Our home base is the Chez Maggie Hotel, a romantic hide-away in a comfortable garden setting. The hotel features: air-conditioned 2-story chalets and bungalows; superb cuisine; swimming pool and a full service bar. Lunch is on your own but included optional activities are available: paddling in the mangrove swamps or dowha sailing on the Mozambique Channel.

The choice is yours: stroll along the beach, swim in the warm water of the Mozambique Channel, lounge by the pool, or take a walk through town for local flavor and shopping. After enjoying the setting sun over the channel we sample the excellent cuisine of Le Masoandro Restaurant at the Chez Maggie. Chez Maggie Hotel. (B,D)

Day 13 - Following breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight from Morondava to Antananarivo. Transfer downtown with time for sightseeing and shopping before our sunset farewell dinner at the Grill du Rova overlooking the capital. Early evening transfer to Ivato Airport for outbound
flights. (B,D)

End of services.

Please Note: Exact program will vary according to international flight arrival and departure times and domestic flight schedule.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Antananarivo: ICT Hotel (or similar)

Miandrivazo: Hotel Chez La Reine Rasalimo

Morondava: Chez Maggie Hotel