Holidays
Natural Wonders of Madagascar

Natural Wonders of Madagascar

Name: Natural Wonders of Madagascar
Brand: HF Holidays Limited
SKU: MCR14-WHW10
Availability: InStock

■ Location: Madagascar

■ Duration: 14 nights

■ Itineraries available: 1

■ Carbon Footprint: 3504kg CO2 details

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The world’s fourth largest island, Madagascar is a largely unspoilt paradise complete with ancient and unique flora and fauna, dense rainforests, highland rice fields, stunning beaches, and rich wildlife (resident animals include more than 70 species of lemur and over half the world’s chameleons). Holiday highlights include trekking through canyons and sandstone cliffs that jut upwards across Isalo National Park, exploring the lush rainforests of Ranomafana National Park, and learning more about a culture steeped in rituals and tradition.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...

Palissandre Hotel & Spa is 4-star hotel located in the centre of Antananarivo overlooking the famous Avenue of Independence. The hotel has 49 rooms designed to highlight local materials: rosewood furniture, mohair carpet & traditional, authentic decor. The restaurant terrace offers panoramic city views and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel also includes a craft shop, outdoor pool, hammam, spa and gym.

What You’ll Love

Exploring the national parks of this enigmatic island
Discovering beautiful beaches and clear waters
Visiting Isalo, the Tsaranoro Valley and Ranomafana
Spotting a variety of flora, fauna, and wildlife
Waking through dense rainforests
Spending time in traditional villages

What's Included

Full programme of guided walks led by local HF Holidays Leaders
Comfortable accommodation
Full-board, from breakfast on day 2
All sightseeing and national park entrance fees (as per itinerary)
Air-conditioned transport
Internal flight
Return flights from the UK including hold baggage and airport transfers

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart UK to Antananarivo

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    [title] => Depart UK to Antananarivo
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => Flight to Antananarivo via Paris. Arrive late evening in the Madagascan capital and transfer to our accommodation (1 night)
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Flight to Antananarivo via Paris. Arrive late evening in the Madagascan capital and transfer to our accommodation (1 night)

Day 2 Tulear

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    [title] => Tulear
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    [description] => Transfer to the airport for our flight to Tulear, in the south of the island (1 night) for an introduction to the island’s endemic flora at the Antsokay Arboretum, before we begin our tour of the national parks.
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Transfer to the airport for our flight to Tulear, in the south of the island (1 night) for an introduction to the island’s endemic flora at the Antsokay Arboretum, before we begin our tour of the national parks.

Day 3 Ranohira - Isalo National Park

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    [title] => Ranohira - Isalo National Park
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    [description] => Journey to Ranohira and Isalo National Park (3 nights). En route we stop to walk in the Zombitse National Park (approximately 2 hours), enjoying the wildlife there before driving on to Isalo. Isalo is home to some of the most stunning scenery on the island, and affords you a fantastic chance of being able to observe the endearing ring-tailed lemurs. 
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Journey to Ranohira and Isalo National Park (3 nights). En route we stop to walk in the Zombitse National Park (approximately 2 hours), enjoying the wildlife there before driving on to Isalo. Isalo is home to some of the most stunning scenery on the island, and affords you a fantastic chance of being able to observe the endearing ring-tailed lemurs.

Day 4-5 Isalo National Park

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    [title] => Isalo National Park
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    [description] => We explore rocky plateau overlooking the canyons and the sandstone cliffs of the magnificent Isalo National Park. Its mountains are home to over 400 species of flora. There are some amazing natural pools and waterfalls on the walks including the Black and Blue Swimming Pools.
Walks are up to 10km with a maximum 350m of ascent. Some parts ascend through the canyon with steps to the pools.
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We explore rocky plateau overlooking the canyons and the sandstone cliffs of the magnificent Isalo National Park. Its mountains are home to over 400 species of flora. There are some amazing natural pools and waterfalls on the walks including the Black and Blue Swimming Pools.

Walks are up to 10km with a maximum 350m of ascent. Some parts ascend through the canyon with steps to the pools.

Day 6-7 Ambalavao

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    [title] => Ambalavao
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    [description] => Drive to Ambalavao with an afternoon at leisure to take advantage of the hotels facilities. The following morning we drive to Tsaranoro for a full day walk at Iharavaratra, where our path will cross paddy fields before reaching the forest to search for more ring tailed lemurs. Our walk includes a picnic lunch.
Iharavaratra – full day of walking - maximum ascent of 300m
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Drive to Ambalavao with an afternoon at leisure to take advantage of the hotels facilities. The following morning we drive to Tsaranoro for a full day walk at Iharavaratra, where our path will cross paddy fields before reaching the forest to search for more ring tailed lemurs. Our walk includes a picnic lunch.

Iharavaratra – full day of walking - maximum ascent of 300m

Day 8-9 Fianarantsoa

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    [title] => Fianarantsoa
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    [description] => En route to Fianarantsoa (2 nights), we stop to explore the community reserve of Anja and look for chameleon. We’ll also visit the Antemoro paper factory, which still shows the production of the handmade paper made from the bark of wild mulberry trees. Village walks on the following day introduce us to the Betsileo culture and their traditions as masters in rice cultivation. We share a typical Malagasy lunch at the home of one of the families.
Anja reserve has some narrow rocky paths with 150m of ascent.
Betsileo countryside approximately 3 hours with some 350m of descent
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En route to Fianarantsoa (2 nights), we stop to explore the community reserve of Anja and look for chameleon. We’ll also visit the Antemoro paper factory, which still shows the production of the handmade paper made from the bark of wild mulberry trees. Village walks on the following day introduce us to the Betsileo culture and their traditions as masters in rice cultivation. We share a typical Malagasy lunch at the home of one of the families.

Anja reserve has some narrow rocky paths with 150m of ascent.

Betsileo countryside approximately 3 hours with some 350m of descent

Day 10-11 Ranomafana National Park

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    [title] => Ranomafana National Park
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    [description] => The lush rainforests of Ranomafana National Park (2 nights) afford us excellent opportunities to discover a vast diversity of flora and fauna. We shall visit the Valbio Research center and the school funded by the center. The next day’s full day exploration of the National Park gives us the best chance of spotting wildlife. If we’re lucky we may see the park’s famous resident, the golden bamboo lemur.
Undulating trails through the park 3 – 4 hours of walking. Ascent varies between 150m – 550m.
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The lush rainforests of Ranomafana National Park (2 nights) afford us excellent opportunities to discover a vast diversity of flora and fauna. We shall visit the Valbio Research center and the school funded by the center. The next day’s full day exploration of the National Park gives us the best chance of spotting wildlife. If we’re lucky we may see the park’s famous resident, the golden bamboo lemur.

Undulating trails through the park 3 – 4 hours of walking. Ascent varies between 150m – 550m.

Day 12-13 Around Antsirabe

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    [title] => Around Antsirabe
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    [description] => Today we make our way to Antsirabe (2 nights). Our stay here is at a guesthouse run by the charity Residence Madalief, which supports projects in the local community and gives us a fantastic opportunity to support this worthwhile charity. Walks in the area discover the surrounding villages and the beautiful Lake Tritriva.
Morning village walk approximately 3 hours with between 150m – 200m of ascent
Lake Tritriva – gentle, mostly flat walking.
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Today we make our way to Antsirabe (2 nights). Our stay here is at a guesthouse run by the charity Residence Madalief, which supports projects in the local community and gives us a fantastic opportunity to support this worthwhile charity. Walks in the area discover the surrounding villages and the beautiful Lake Tritriva.

Morning village walk approximately 3 hours with between 150m – 200m of ascent

Lake Tritriva – gentle, mostly flat walking.

Day 14 Antananarivo

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    [description] => We take a morning city tour of Antsirabe before heading back to the capital in the afternoon.
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We take a morning city tour of Antsirabe before heading back to the capital in the afternoon.

Day 15 Antananarivo

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    [title] => Antananarivo
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => We explore the capital city and its surroundings with our historian guide for a heritage walk in the old city of Tana. We'll enjoy a farewell dinner at our hotel before our late evening transfer to the airport for our return flight.
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We explore the capital city and its surroundings with our historian guide for a heritage walk in the old city of Tana. We'll enjoy a farewell dinner at our hotel before our late evening transfer to the airport for our return flight.

View all

Accommodation

Royal Palissandre Hotel & Spa, Antananarivo - Madagascar

Le Paradisier, Tulear - Madagascar

Le Paradisier provides the perfect place for relaxation, located on the lagoon of Ifaty. The rooms take full advantage of the surroundings with each freestanding bungalow overlooking the ocean. Facilities also include an infinity pool, timber patio and on-site restaurant.

Le Relais De La Reine, Isalo National Park - Madagascar

This is a fabulous hotel. The location of Le Relais de la Reine is superb, in the Isalo National Park. The comfortable chalets are all en-suite with their own veranda and are arranged around a shaded garden next to the pool.

Ambalakely Hotel, Fianarantsoa - Madagascar

Ambalakely means ‘in the small countryside’ and this hotel certainly lives up to its name with its beautiful lush surroundings. Rooms are modern, and all have private bathrooms, but are designed with comfort and quiet in mind.

Residence Madalief, Antsirabe - Madagascar

Residence Madalief is a charitable organisation which operates community projects in and around Antsirabe. The guest house was opened to generate funds to support the charity. Our stay there is in en-suite rooms which look out onto a well-kept garden, the ideal place to relax. Watch out for the bird of prey that has made its home above the kitchen door!

Au Bois Vert, Antananarivo - Madagascar

Au Bois Vert is located a short transfer, only 5 minutes, from the airport. The lodge has been built in the heart of a 3 hectare forest and its setting, along with its pool, makes it the ideal place for you to rest after your flight. Rooms are air-conditioned and facilities include TV, safe and free internet connection.

Centrest Sejour Hotel - Madagascar

Situated just outside the town of Ranomafana in Eastern Madagascar, the Centrest Sejour is ideally positioned both for exploring the town and the nearby Ranomafana National Park.

Betsileo Country Lodge, Ambalavao – Madagascar

Enjoy the panoramic views of the granite rock formations that dominate this area with the mountain chains of the Andringitra National Park in the distance. Rooms are simply decorated but light with a swimming pool, terrace and on-site dining.

Les Dunes d’Ifaty - Madagascar

Les Dunes d’Ifaty provides the perfect place for relaxation, located on the lagoon of Ifaty. The rooms take full advantage of the surroundings with direct access to the beach from wide, wooden steps in the main building. Facilities also include a swimming pool, terrace, beach bar and on-site restaurant.

More Information

Because of its geography, Madagascar's climate is highly variable. Generally, the climate is hot and sub-tropical; it is colder in the mountains, while the south and west regions are particularly dry. Monsoons bring storms and cyclones to the east and north from December to March. The rainy season is November to March, and the dry season is April to October. The mountains, including Antananarivo, are warm and thundery from November to April and dry, cool and windy the rest of the year. Temperatures can be up to and over 30 degrees, and it is essential that you drink plenty of water, at least 2-3 litres per day.

Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.

If you prefer to book the holiday without flights and make your own travel arrangements you will still be able to make use of the return group transfers between the airport and hotel, which are included in the cost of your holiday. You must contact us on +44 (0)20 3974 8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk at least 8 weeks before your holiday start date to provide your flight details if you wish to join the transfers. If you do not contact us, we will assume you are making independent travel arrangements.

If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays’ leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group.

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.  

Essentials 

Walking boots
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Insulated jacket/top
Walking clothing
Walking socks (plus spares)
Sunhat
Gloves/mitts and warm hat
Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
Headtorch
High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
Swimcap (compulsory in Itialian resorts)
Sunglasses with a dark lens
Rucksack (15-30 litres)
Mobile phone
Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
Passport
Visa (if applicable)
Copy of your travel insurance policy
UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)

Recommended

Collapsible walking poles
Swimwear and travel towel
Snacks
Dry bags
Rubbish bags
Insect repellent

Optional extras

Camera
Sit mat
Flask for hot drinks
Durable lunch box
Gaiters
GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)

This is subject to change. We highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling, both for up to date details and for information on what is appropriate to your situation

As a rule, travellers should be up to date with their routine vaccinations and boosters are recommended in the UK – including, for example, the MMR and diptheria, tetanus, polio vaccines.

It is recommended for most travellers to have:

Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Typhoid & Tetanus vaccinations.

Malaria prevention may be recommended too. Some GPs recommend Malarone for the anti-malarial tablets, some guests in the past have experienced some side effects when taking these, so this may not be the best type for you.

Malaria prevention may be recommended too. Some GPs recommend Malarone for the anti-malarial tablets, but some guests have experienced side effects when taking these, so this may not be the best type for you. Speak to your GP for specific advice.

If you are coming to Madagascar from a yellow fever infected country, you will be asked for a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is banned in some countries.

If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country’s embassy/consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution, it is recommended to:

Keep medication in its original packet
Take a copy of your prescription
If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country you’re visiting

Requirements can change, and we recommend you check in good time ahead of your holiday.

For further information on country specific advice, visit

www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk

Passport

Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months on date of entry and you must have 2 spare pages for the visa stamp. You should carry your passport with you at all times (there are sometimes random police checks, but less so when part of a group). Always keep a photocopy of your passport, visa and insurance details somewhere safe, and leave further copies with family or friends in the UK.

Visas

Visas are required for UK, Australian, Canadian & USA passport holders. Return or onward tickets are required. You can get a 30-day tourist visa at the airport on arrival, payable by cash either in Euros (€35) or US Dollars ($37). Best value currently is the Euro payment. This amount also covers a tourist tax.

You can also apply for an e-visa on the official Malagasy e-visa website before you travel.

If you are getting a visa at the airport, make sure an entry stamp is recorded in your passport. There is no Embassy of Madagascar in London. For further information about entry requirements, contact the Embassy of Madagascar in Paris, which offers a visa service (Telephone +33145 04 6211; email: info@ambassade-madagascar.fr).

Other nationals should check with their nearest embassy or consulate for details of entry requirements.

Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements; we will do our best to accommodate you.

If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel.

Travel insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore, if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so before you travel.

For more information about healthcare and its costs, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/

French is the official national language, but many also speak the native Malagasy language

220V, round 2 pin plugs

Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we 14 | Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk ask for details of next of kin and insurance details. You must complete and return this to us - we need to have this from you at least 10 weeks before travel.

Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday. This is important because our leaders must consider both group and individual safety at all times.

Whilst out with the group, we respectfully request that you:

Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader
Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor
Please stay where you are if you become separated from the group. The leader will retrace their steps to find you.

Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you in your own kit (see Suggested Kit List).

In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 124 (ambulance), 118 (fire) or 117 (police). Please then call our emergency number (sent in your final dispatch) and let us know there is a problem

Luggage Allowance

1 piece checked-in luggage (max 20kg).

Please check details of your airline’s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked.

Lost or damaged Luggage

If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline’s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport on arrival. They will assess the damage; in some cases, the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately.

You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if an immediate settlement is not possible - in many cases, baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport

GMT/UTC +3 hours; no daylight savings

Ariary (Ar). Major credit cards are accepted at top-end hotels in Tana and the provincial capitals. However, outside of the main cities cash will be required. ATMs can be found in and around the capital and in some of the larger towns. Travellers cheques are not advised. If you change your money at the airport on arrival, please count your money immediately.

Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides, driver and restaurants where your meals are included in the holiday price.

Any additional tips – including for any drinks at the bar and meals not included – are at your own discretion.

Carbon Footprint - 3504kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Code: MCR14-WHW10

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About HF Holidays

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Booking Information

Sustainable Travel

Natural Wonders of Madagascar

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...

What You’ll Love

What's Included

Itinerary

Itinerary

Accommodation

Royal Palissandre Hotel & Spa, Antananarivo - Madagascar

Le Paradisier, Tulear - Madagascar

Le Relais De La Reine, Isalo National Park - Madagascar

Ambalakely Hotel, Fianarantsoa - Madagascar

Residence Madalief, Antsirabe - Madagascar

Au Bois Vert, Antananarivo - Madagascar

Centrest Sejour Hotel - Madagascar

Betsileo Country Lodge, Ambalavao – Madagascar

Les Dunes d’Ifaty - Madagascar

More Information

Weather for Madagascar

With flights

Travel independently

Packing list

Vaccinations & Health information for Madagascar

Passports & Visas information for Madagascar

Passport

Visas

Dietary Requirements for Madagascar Guided Walking Adventure

Travel Insurance

Language Information for Madagascar

Electricity information for Madagascar

Safety information on your Madagascar Guided Walking Adventure

Luggage information for Madagascar Guided Walking Adventure

Luggage Allowance

Lost or damaged Luggage

Local Time information for Madagascar

ATM Availability for Madagascar

Tipping information

Carbon Footprint - 3504kg CO2

Include flights from the UK

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Itinerary

Trusted British co-operative

Flexible choice of guided walks

Book early with confidence

Book with confidence

Travel with confidence

HF Holidays

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