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MADAGASCAR
Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa, the 4th largest island in the world. A unique beach and island safari destination, it is the home of five percent of the world's plant and animal species, 80 per cent of them unique to Madagascar. Most famous among those are the lemurs. Its teeming fertile forests and geographical isolation have served to preserve and propagate 'nature's design laboratory' in a mix found nowhere else on earth.
Madagascar has much to offer its visitors from a cultural tour to a beach holiday and the many special interests like scuba diving, birding, kite surfing, surfing, fishing and more.
A sample of our Malagasy Experiences:
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Madagascar:
• Area: 594,180 sq km
• Capital: Antananarivo (Tana) (pop 588,000)
• Currency: Malagasy Franc
• Climate: hot with sub tropical weather. From November to March it's summer which is also known as hurricane season. From April to October it's winter, its dry and the temperature is mild.
• People: Eighteen major ethnic groups, including Malayo-Indonesian, African, Arab, French, Indian, Creole and Comoran
• Official Language: Malagasy, French
• Time: GMT plus three hours
Best Time to travel: With Monsoon time from December through to March the best time to travel to Madagascar is in general February to December. Madagascar has two seasons: a hot, rainy season from November to April; and dry season with a cooler temperature from May to October. There is, however, great variation in climate owing to elevation and position relative to dominant winds.
LOST CONTINENT (EX02-MD)
15 Days Lemur Tracking and Cultural Sights of Madagascar
Explore the habitat of the Indri - largest of the surviving lemurs - as well as brightly coloured chameleons and many bird species. Drive through sparkling green highlands and typical Malagasy villages to Lake Tritriva, dramatically trapped inside a perfect volcanic cone. Search the rainforest for the Golden Bamboo lemurs, only discovered in 1987.
Descend from the high plateau to Ranohira and walk deep into Isalo National Park - Madagascar's 'Grand Canyon' - to explore the sandstone massif, strangely eroded rocks and rare endemic plants. See the carved and painted tombs of local tribes around Toliara, and enjoy time on the beach at Anakao, one of the finest snorkelling and diving spots in Madagascar.
Comfort 
Active
Tour Highlights:
Andasibe Reserve – rainforest walks and home of the Indri
Antsirabe – excursion to Lake Tritriva
Highland Scenery – rice paddies and villages
Ranomafana N. Park – rainforest walks and lemurs
Isalo National Park – the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Madagascar
Detailed trip notes (pdf)
Tour Dates: Thursdays from April to September 2012
Tour Cost: from $2600 per person sharing twin accommodation
Single Supplement: N/A
Group Size: 12 – 16 passengers
Type of Accommodation: basic & standard hotels, lodge, local community dormitory
Vehicles: charter bus, various walks, flights
Meals: 14 breakfasts, 6 dinners, 4 lunches
Comment
Lemur tracking is on foot on well-maintained trails. Each walks usually lasts 2 to 3 hours.
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8 Day Island-Hopping around Nosy Be (JS05)
Highlights:
Sakatia Island (including island walk and pirogue trip), Nosy Be, day excursion to Nosy Tanikely Marine reserve and Nosy Komba, day excursion to Lokobe Reserve.
Sea kayaking, Scuba diving, Quad biking available at extra cost.
Nosy Sakatia (Orchid Island) - a small tropical island situated off the northwest coast of Madagascar, is an unspoilt paradise only 1km west of Nosy Be. Sakatia Lodge offers a private beach, restaurant and bar.
Enjoy good snorkelling on the reef, pleasant walks and the use of pirogues and sea kayaks. Scuba diving and deep-sea fishing (sailfish) can also be booked from Sakatia Lodge.
Tour Dates: every Saturday throughout the year
Tour Cost: from US$1485 per person sharing
Single Supplement: from US$465
Includes all meals and transportation from Nosy Be.
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15 Day Madagascar Railroad Adventure (JS06)
Tour price: from US$3295 per person ex Antananarivo
Since Madagascar - fourth largest island in the world - is famous for its spectacular nature and abundant wildlife, it is not surprising that a railroad trip is one of the best ways to experience and admire its beauty and variety of landscapes.
The journey will take you through cities, towns, villages including Antananarivo, Moramanga, Tamatave, Ambatondrazaka, Ambositra, Fianarantsoa, Ambalavao, Manakara, Ranomafana.
Highlights include night walks Andasibe National Park, reptile farms in Marozevo
and Ranomafana National Park - well known for its vast wildlife and natural beauty.
En-route you will meet the local population and enjoy time with the train crew and tour guides, who are only too eager to share their knowledge of this gem of an Island with you.
The trains hold a special place in Madagascar’s history and offer a unique holiday experience. The adventure is undertaken by these three trains:-
La Micheline 'Viko Viko'
The only operational one of 2 left in the world, this refurbished train is the revolutionary invention of the 30's. With an average speed of 50 km/h it actually runs on rubber wheels along the track, is fitted with wicker chairs, bamboo flooring and a corner bar.
Dia Sora ('Journey Good') Train
The Dia Sora has 26 scheduled stops, each with the opportunity to meet and interact with the locals, who sell local products, souvenirs and foodstuffs at the stations.
The Jungle Express
This train runs on one of the steepest tracks in the world, crossing 67 bridges and travelling through 48 tunnels.
Get your camera ready... it's a journey you’ll be talking about for a long time.
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TravelBoecker Tailor-Made
- combing your personal preference with our expertise.
We create unique & authentic experiences
designed to suit your budget and desired style of travel.
