UDIT04-B-Madagascar Beach & Nature: Anjajavy & Perinet Reserve (Andasibe)

IT04-B-Madagascar Beach & Nature: Anjajavy & Perinet Reserve (Andasibe)

Combine the rainforest reserve of Perinet with the Anjajavy Resort (Relais & Chateaux).

Visit Perinet also known as Analamazaotra or Andasibe, one of Madagascar's most visited reserves. A scenic 3½ hour drive east of Tana finds you in this spectacular rainforest reserve. It is home to a large variety of rare rainforest animals, notably the baboon-sized Indri, largest of the lemurs. Many species of rainforest-dwelling birds, reptiles and other wildlife abounds here too. The trails are well mapped and the local forest guides will introduce you to many animal and plant specialities.

Situated 120 km north of Mahajanga, the flower city facing the Mozambique Channel, is the luxury Anjajavy Hotel. Regarded as four star, it is built on a peninsula in a large bay and surrounded by a private reserve of 450 acres of dry deciduous woodland - perfect for nature lovers! All 25 bungalows are built of Palissandre wood. Each villa boasts a spacious sea facing terrace, a lounge, a breakfast area and a bedroom. A narrow set of stairs takes one to a loft room with twin beds (ideal as a family room). The bathroom has a large bathtub, overhead shower and a separate toilet. Individual air conditioning systems ensure your room always remains and cool. A large swimming pool faces the ocean.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2008):

US$ 4990; Euro 3700; ZAR 32 044

CURRENCY CONVERTER

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. At the airport our English-speaking Malagasy agents will meet and assist you with formalities. Transfer to the Palissandre Hotel & Spa (B&B).

DAY 2: Transfer to the airport and check in for your charter flight to Anjajavy where you will be staying for 7 nights on a full board basis.

DAY 9: Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Antananarivo and transfer to Perinet Reserve (3 ½ hours by good, winding road). Picturesque scenery en route. Overnight stay at the Vakona Lodge (B&B).

DAY 10: Whole day to explore Perinets rainforest. To see the most wildlife (especially Indris and birds) we recommend you be in the rainforest as close to daybreak as possible as the animals are most active. The trails are not difficult to walk and most forest guides speak good English. You should also encounter the likes of Grey Bamboo Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur; birds like the lovely Blue Coua; Sunbird-Asity and Nuthatch Vanga, as well as impressive reptiles like Malagasy Tree Boa and Parsons Chameleon. Orchids and other epiphytes festoon the trees. Overnight stay at the Vakona Lodge (B&B).

DAY 11: Today you can visit the more remote, nearby rainforest of Mantadia National Park, where the Perinet guides are used to taking visitors. This is more challenging terrain than Perinet, but you can do as much as you feel comfortable with. The primary rainforest here is spectacular and wildlife includes Diadem’s Sifaka, Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs, Indri and birds like Brown Mesite, Pitta-like Ground-roller, Brown Emutail and Velvet Asity. Transfer to the airport and assistance with check-in. Flight back to Johannesburg.

Prices include:

International (ex Johannesburg) and internal Malagasy flights, all accommodation and meals as indicated, all excursions with car and driver, guides in the reserves, entry permits and all airport-hotel transfers.

Not included:

Meals not indicated drinks, tips and personal expenses, travel insurance, internet access, airport taxes and any visa fees