Let's kick off this Madagascar topic with an itinerary for review.
I plan to visit Madagascar in June 2023. I am already prepping to get the itinerary (somewhat) right, so I can book my flights (will use miles, have already booked the first leg). Hoping to find someone that has looked into a Madagascar itinerary before and can make further suggestions. Have already read the Bradt guidebook, this
overview of where to see which lemurs and some
helpful websites. I liked this quote from Bradt: "The type of person who can afford the trip is often the type least suited with the Malagasy way of life".
So, as always, my goals are:
- See all 3 WHS
- See TWHS that are up for nomination shortly (there is 1, a church on St. Marie)
- See other TWHS that sound interesting
- See some good mammals
- Add in a few more things that give a feel for the landscape and culture of the country
Will use public transport as much as possible. Maybe rent a car + driver for a few days as well.
As the roads are bad and public transport slow, I try to move around not too much and stay an extra night here and there to relax.
The journey starts with a short visit to Reunion, as it is an easy combination and provides another tick.
D1. Flight from Amsterdam via Paris.
D2. Arrival in Reunion. Overnight in St. Louis (3n).
D3. Hike to some Cirque viewpoints among the Pitons of Reunion (WHS)
D4. Heliflight over the main area (optional splurge, scenario B)
D5. Flight with Air Austral to Tamatave in Madagascar. Overnight in Tamatave.
D6. Minibus to Sainte Marie island. Overnight St. Marie (3n)
D7. Explore island, visit the TWHS church that is nominated for 2024 (seems to be of very little interest).
D8. Explore island's natural surroundings.
D9. Minibus to Andasibe. Overnight Andasibe (maybe only possible to reach Tamatave in a day, then stay there)
D10. Visit Andasibe NP for its Indri lemurs.
D11. Continue to Antannarivo by minibus. Overnight Antannarivo (3n)
D12. Visit WHS Ambohimanga and TWHS Upper Town
D13. Day to organize further transport, and possibly visit TWHS Industrial Site of Mantasoa (by car).
D14. Minibus to Morondova (10h).
D15-18. Arrange short tour from Morondova to Tsingy de Bemaraha WHS (4n including logistics buffer)
D19. Back in Morondova. Visit Avenue de Baobabs.
D20. Minibus back to Antanarrivo. Overnight (2n)
D21. Buffer day in Antanarrivo.
From here, the scenarios diverge:
Scenario A (budget one):
D22. Minibus to Fianarantsoa.
D23. Move on to Ranomafano and overnight (2n).
D24. Visit Ranomafano Park (Rainforests WHS)
D25. Back to Antanarrivo (9h minibus).
D26. Flight back Antanarrivo - Amsterdam via Paris.
Scenario B (mid-budget one):
Same as A, but with car + driver. Will then reach Ranomafano day earlier.
Scenario C (expensive one):
D22. Drive to Ranomafano.
D23. Visit Ranomafano Park (Rainforests WHS)
D24. Drive southwards to visit Anja Reserve for ring-tailed lemurs.
D25. Further south to Andringitra Park.
D26. Visit Andringitra Park (also a location of Rainforests WHS, interesting scenery but hikes may be too tough)
D27. Back northwards, stay and visit Antsirabe
D28. Back to Antanarrivo
D29. Flight back Antanarrivo - Amsterdam via Paris.
Regarding costs, I am estimating 1700 EUR for scenario A, 2600 EUR for scenario B and 3600 EUR for scenario C. All without international flights and with good mid-budget hotels for a single person / food / transport / entrance fees / visa.