Madagascar – A Lost World View Basket

Madagascar is truly a Lost World!

Thanks to its long isolation from neighbouring continents, Madagascar is home to some 2,300 species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Adventurous travellers have driven its rugged 4WD tracks for years in search of dancing lemurs, eye-spinning chameleons, and that strange mix between cat and mongoose – the predatory fossa.

Packed into the planet's fourth-largest island is a landscape so diverse it astounds. Central highlands run nearly the entire 1580km length, separating the tropical, rain-forested lowlands in the east from the drier, rain-shadowed lands in the west.

Sandstone canyons and red-rock formations, forests of limestone pinnacles some 300m high, idyllic tropical islands, chains of freshwater lakes and mangrove lowlands create habitats, not just for strange reptiles and mammals, but for breathtakingly beautiful birds and a rich collection of plants, including Darwin's orchid – the world's rarest.

But perhaps the island's greatest secret is also its most obvious – the warm and friendly people. The Malagasy are proud of their heritage and are keen to share their art, handicrafts, food and music (both spicy).

Adventure Associates is excited to offer two expeditions to explore this incredible island each year. The small groups will travel by plane, minibus, 4WD, canoe, boat, on foot and maybe even pousse-pousse (rickshaws) to fully experience Madagascar's cultural and natural wonders.

While Madagascar's most intriguing jewels are often found tucked away in remote regions that are often challenging to reach, Adventure Associates has chosen the most comfortable (luxurious even) places for you to rest at day's end.

Proposed Itinerary

An in-depth exploration of the “eighth continent” takes us to the southwest to visit spectacular spiny forest reserves where lemurs dance and swing through the trees. Limestone pinnacles and caves of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, and not to mention the spectacular Avenue des Baobabs.

The highlands offer thermal pools, sandstone canyons and handicraft markets featuring traditional woodwork and papermaking. In the east we cruise freshwater lakes and lagoons to stunning Lake Ampitabe in the heart of the Panganales Canal. Before flying back to Tana. Throughout this adventure we encounter lemurs, chameleons, amazing birds and plants found nowhere else.

Our 6-day extension follows on from “A Lost World” to uncover the northern tip of Madagascar. This journey visits the magnificent Montagne d’Ambre National Park, Ankarana Special Reserve, the “red Tsingy” plus many more wonders of nature and unique wildlife of the area.

What's Included

• Adventure Associate escort & local English-speaking guide
• All accommodation at the best available hotels & lodges
• All meals from dinner day 1 to breakfast day 24–29
• Bottled water throughout the tour
• All transfers, 4WD’s (3 people per vehicle) boat trips & domestic flights
• All sightseeing, entrance and park fees
• All service charges and taxes
• Gratuities for guides & drivers, except on Northern Exposure

Not Included

• International airfares and taxes
• Visa costs, vaccinations & medical expenses
• Personal travel insurance
• Other meals & sightseeing not specified in the itinerary
• Personal gratuities/tips
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities for guides & drivers on the Northern Exposure tour