Workshops
26th August – 5th September 2012 Backed by ABTOT⁄ATOL bonded tour operator World Primate Safaris. £3,595.00 price per person – 11 day Photo Tour Single Supplement: £400.00 Maximum number of clients: 6
The fourth largest and one of the most diverse islands of the world, Madagascar is unique because of its diversity of species. It is known as the "8th continent". Brimming with endemic fauna and flora and with a diverse culture, geography and climate, you will never be disappointed when travelling around this amazing country. One moment you can be driving through pristine rainforest filled with lemurs and chameleons and the next you can be out on the savannah plains or white sandy beaches.
On our 11 day photo trip to Madagascar, you will see the the best this unique island has to offer, amazing wildlife, superb beaches and great accommodation. Madagascar is host to a wide variety of species of lemur – these amazing creatures are found nowhere else in the world and new species are regularly discovered. The different species of lemur are spread throughout a variety of parks and reserves on the island
The Wildlife on this trip will amaze you, over 50 types of Lemur, 100& of the Worlds wild population. Humpback whales migrate to the waters of Madagascar to give birth and nurture their young between June and September, so this is a great time for whale watching off the east coast. A major factor to the timing of our photo tour as we spend time watching and photographing this unique event in nature’s calendar. Amphibians and Reptiles on this island are fascinating and you are likely to get good quality sightings all year.
Just to give you an idea of how diverse this country really is here are some interesting facts for you. Madagascar is renowned for its high percentage of endemic fauna and flora of which 106 of the 250 bird species are endemic, 98& of the islands native reptile and amphibians are only found on this island, over half of the worlds chameleon species are found here, 32 species of lemur, and in the waters surrounding the island the traveler has the opportunity of seeing swordfish, sharks, stingrays and whales.
Madagascar is encircled by a variety of beautiful beaches and islands from the south west coastline of Ifaty to luxury islands, giving the traveler the perfect opportunity to break up their itinerary with some days of relaxation on the beach and with our trip some amazing whale watching! The perfect end to your Madagascar photo trip.
World Primate Safaris are specialists in Madagascar travel and this photo trip is fully ATOL protected for your complete peace of mind. Working with the very best local guides in Madagascar all the key ingredients for an amazing trip.
Highlights of This Amazing Trip
Visit the best places in Madagascar to see and photograph the island's exotic and endangered wildlife, including Diademed Sifaka, Coquerel's Sifaka, indri, mouse lemurs, and a colourful array of bird species, chameleons, geckos, frogs, and much more.
As a tour designed for keen photographers (of all skill levels) and serious wildlife enthusiasts, we’ve carefully selected only the very best places for wildlife photography. Many of the animals we’ll see are remarkably tame and approachable, allowing for up-close photos and an incredible wildlife experience. Travel as a small group and receive one-to-one instruction from professional wildlife photographer Craig Jones.
Accommodation
Our accommodation throughout the journey is clean, comfortable and has great access to the wildlife - they are some of the best lodges in each area. All will have electricity for charging batteries, ensuite bathrooms with hotwater,and a daily laundry services. Group size: 6 people only Leader: Professional wildlife photographer Craig Jones plus local naturalist guide
Cost
Backed by ABTOT ⁄ ATOL bonded tour operator World Primate Safaris.
Per Person Sharing: £3,595.00
Single Supplement: £400.00
Price includes: All accommodation during the 12 day photo tour, meals as stated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), park fees to Andasibe and Palmarium, private vehicle and driver from Tana to Palmarium, private local English speaking escort guide (except to Ile Sainte Marie), private wildlife guide at Andasibe, whale watching on Ile Sainte Marie, internal flights (Tamatave – Ile Sainte Marie, Ile Sainte Marie – Tana services of Craig Jones as photographic guide and his one-to-one tuition. Price does not include: flights to and from Madagascar, travel insurance (required), bottled water, alcoholic beverages, staff gratuities, laundry, and visa
Recommended Equipment
You will need to provide your own photographic equipment; lenses ranging from a wide-angle right up to a 500mm will be perfect, ideally with two camera bodies, however, this is not essential. A tripod⁄Monopod would be ideal but a lot of the wildlife here will be close at times. Also protection for your camera equipment from the dust and sand is very important. We alseo recommend good walking shoes ⁄ boots and waterproof trousers
Additional Information
Madagascar's weather s varies largely depending on altitude and geographic position. The west coast is drier than the east and the central highlands, the east coast being the wettest whilst still being hot. The South and South West is Desert, very little rainfall. Typically the summer (wet season) is from November to March and is hot and wet with February to March being cyclone season. The winter (dry season) is between April and October and is mainly dry and mild.
So warm, lose fitting, light coloured clothing is ideal, at night the temperature can drop a little so pack a few warm tops etc, walking trousers where you can turn them into shorts are perfect, a hat is a must have and a good mosquito spray too along with a high sun factor cream. A good all round level of fitness is ideal, as some walking is required but the going will be easy under foot, most of the other times we will have transport laid on for us all.
Day 1
You will be met at the airport when arrive into Antananarivo. From here transfer to the hotel for the night. Overnight: Orchid Hotel – is situated close to the airport, making it an ideal place to start your safari. All rooms are ensuite and there is a pool and restaurant
Day 2
In the morning you set off in the direction of Andasibe Reserve passing through highland scenery and rice paddies. This afternoon enjoy an afternoon walk through the reserve in search of the lemurs and other wildlife.
Overnight: Vakona Lodge – The lodge has 28 Malagasy style bungalows including 10 family bungalows with mezzanine, 6 double bungalows and 5 twin bungalows and 7 3 bed bungalows. Each bungalow has a terrace with a small external living room, bathroom with warm water and individual toilets, heating, a personal safe and a minibar. There is a small library. Temperatures can be very fresh in July and in August so be prepared! (B⁄L⁄D)
Days 3, 4
You have 2 days to explore Andasibe⁄Perinet National Park or Mantadia with your local wildlife guide. A montane forest park offering the chance to spot a variety of lemurs, reptiles and birds. One of its most famous inhabitants is the Indri, Indri – the largest oflemurs with a black and white teddy bear like appearance. You hear the Indri before you see them and waking up to their songs of communication in the early hours of the morning with the mist still hugging the rainforest canopy is a highlight of your trip to the Red Island. Best to leave early morning to be near the Indri when they make their distinctive morning group communication calls. Other lemurs which can be seen here are the red-bellied lemur, brown lemur, lesser bamboo lemur, with nocturnal lemurs – brown mouse lemur, greater dwarf lemur (Sep⁄Oct – May), Eastern woolly lemur, sportive lemur, aye aye (seen once each year!).
Overnight: Vakona Lodge (B⁄L⁄D)
Day 5
This morning you set off east towards the Pangalanes Canals on the east coast. This is a series of lakes that were linked together to form a safe passage up the east coast. After a 45 minute boat trip you will arrive at the private reserve of Palmarium. The rest of the day is yours at leisure to relax and enjoy the lemurs that live in the trees around the lodge.
Overnight: Palmarium Lodge – has several bungalows overlooking the lake. Each bungalow has a balcony and ensuite bathroom (B⁄L⁄D)
Day 6
Enjoy a walk through the forest with one of the lodge guides. Here it is possible to see a family of indri, Coquerel's sifakas, black lemurs, crowned lemurs, black and white ruffed lemurs and red lemurs. The rest of the day is yours at leisure.
Overnight: Palmarium Lodge (B⁄L⁄D)
Day 7
Today you take a 2 hour boat trip up the canals past villages, fishing traps, pirogues, barges and children swimming before arriving at Tamatave for the night.
Overnight: Hotel Sharon – has ensuite rooms, a restaurant and is located in the centre of town (B⁄L⁄D)
Day 8
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ile Sainte Marie. This is a fantastic location for some beach relaxation and exploration. Located in a palm grove along a white sandy beach this is the perfect place to relax and reminisce after the last few days of adventure.
Overnight: Masoandro Lodge – The bungalows of the Masoandro are basic and constructed in traditional Malagasy style, beautifully crafted from wood and with palm thatch roofs. The two room types both offer lovely views of the cove below. The 12 simple Superior Bungalows have air-conditioning and mosquito-netted double beds and colourful paintings as decoration. The 6 Luxury Bungalows are far larger and have their own separate lounge area, flat screen TV and private terrace. The lodge has a lovely wooden open restaurant, with tables both indoors and on the terrace, as well as a nice beach bar where barbeques are done. Malagasy dancers add some entertainment value once or twice a week (B⁄L⁄D)
Day 9, 10
Relax for the next few days in this idyllic setting. A variety of activities are possible including diving (PADI lessons are available), snorkelling, relaxing by the pool. A highlight of your stay here is the opportunity to go whale watching; during the months of June – September hundreds of humpback whales come to this are for breeding. Up to 15m in length this is a spectacular opportunity to experiences these mammals up close and personal as you visit them with the research team and help them to collect vital research data. Breeching whales is an experience not to be missed!
Overnight: Masoandro Lodge (B/L/D)
Day 11
Fly back to Tana where you have a day room booked at the IC Hotel
Workshop Booking
For bookings and further information,
please contact Shaun Stanley, World Primate Safaris
on Tel: 01273 691 642 or Email: shaun@naturalworldsafaris.com