Tonga soa eto Madagasikara! A warm welcome to Madagascar! On arrival at Antananarivo Airport you will be met by your driver who will transfer you to our lovely hotel near the airport where you will meet your tour guide.

After check-in you will be invited to attend an evening welcome dinner to get your first taste of Madagascar and meet your fellow travellers.

Please note that we depart Antananarivo the day after the tour starts so if you would like more time here you may want to arrive a few days early.

After breakfast today we will catch a flight to Morondava, a charming town on the western coast of Madagascar where we will be met by our 4x4 jeep drivers.

After a leisurely lunch we will head straight to world-famous Avenue of the Baobabs, an iconic stretch of ancient baobab trees which is one of Madagascar's most celebrated natural landmarks offering you a unique opportunity to capture incredible photographs of the towering trees silhouetted against the blue African sky.

After our walk through the baobabs we now continue to our eco-lodge near the Kirindy Forest Reserve where you have time to relax and freshen up before our evening’s adventure. 

As night falls we will embark on a guided night walk through Kirindy Forest, one of Madagascar’s most renowned wildlife reserves. The forest comes alive after dark and this nocturnal exploration offers a rare chance to observe elusive species such as mouse lemurs, a variety of nocturnals reptiles and Madagascar’s only predator, the fossa. Your expert guide will help you spot these creatures as you navigate the forest’s pathways under the cover of darkness.

After our walk through the forest we return to our eco-lodge for a restful night in preparation for tomorrow’s adventures.

We start our day with an early morning visit to the Kirindy Forest Reserve, one of Madagascar's most important dry deciduous forests. Wildlife is most active in the cool morning hours giving you the best chance to encounter some of the fascinating diurnal lemurs that inhabit the reserve such as the playful Verreaux’s sifaka lemur, the curious common brown lemur and beautiful Coquerel's sifaka lemur.

In addition to its lemur population Kirindy is also home to a rich diversity of wildlife including the fossa, various bird species, reptiles and unique insects. Your guide will lead you through the forest, helping you spot these creatures while explaining their behaviours and the delicate ecosystem they inhabit.

After leaving Kirindy we will travel northward to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, a quaint town located along the banks of the Tsiribihina River. Here, you will pause for a lunch break, giving you the opportunity to enjoy some local Malagasy dishes and experience the relaxed pace of life in this riverside community.

Following lunch we continue our journey toward Bekopaka, the gateway to the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. The drive offers stunning views of Madagascar's rugged western landscapes with stretches of open savanna, baobab forests, small villages and the occasional sightings of local wildlife. The road is adventurous and involves 2 river crossings giving you a taste of the more untamed parts of Madagascar.

By late afternoon we will arrive in Bekopaka where we will check into our hotel which will be our base for the next 3 nights to explore this stunning and remote region of Madagascar.

This morning we will visit the Manambolo Gorge and take a canoe trip along the peaceful Manambolo river which is flanked by towering limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. Along the way you will encounter rare birds and reptiles as well as sacred caves, the burial sites of the Vazimba people, the island’s earliest inhabitants.

We now continue into the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park on foot and start our walk along the Manambolobe Circuit, one of the most spectacular routes within this area of the park known locally as Small Tsingy. This circuit takes you deep into the heart of the park's stunning limestone formations along narrow rock corridors and over suspension bridges to elevated viewpoints that offer spectacular views over the jagged pinnacles that were sculpted by millennia of water erosion to create a surreal, otherworldly landscape unique to this region of Madagascar.

As we navigate our way along the Manambolobe Circuit you have the chance to encounter rare animals including the Decken's sifaka lemur, brown lemur, western woolly lemur, fossa, fish eagle, big-headed turtle and Madagascar iguana.

At the end of the day we return to our hotel where at sunset you have the option to join your guide for a walk to spot chameleons, boas and various nocturnal animals.

Today we have a full day to explore the area known locally as Big Tsingy, a stunning region of dramatic limestone formations, deep canyons and endemic wildlife.

Your local guide will accompany you on the Broadway Circuit as you walk amongst the pinnacles, squeeze your way through the narrow canyons and cross over suspension bridges that offer you amazing views of the towering Tsingy spires.

Along the way your guide will explain all about the unique lemurs, birds, reptiles and plants that have adapted to live in this harsh environment.

Today is an exhilarating combination of adventure, natural beauty and wildlife that you will not forget!

In the late afternoon we will return to our hotel to enjoy a well-earned rest.

After breakfast we climb aboard our 4x4 jeeps and start our return drive to Morondava, a scenic route through the western countryside that involves 2 river crossings by barge.

We stop for lunch in the town of Belo where you can experience the local cuisine and get a flavour of this remote part of the country.

We arrive back at the Avenue of the Baobabs in time for sunset where warm, golden hues cast a magical glow over the majestic baobabs making this a perfect moment for photography and quiet reflection.

After sunset we check into our charming hotel in Morondava where you have the evening to enjoy a night in town.

This morning we will take a scenic coastal drive along sandy tracks to Belo Sur Mer. With sweeping vistas of Madagascar’s western shores we pass by rugged cliffs, serene fishing villages, beautiful mangroves and huge baobabs making this drive an adventurous journey.

Around lunchtime we arrive at the remote coastal village of Belo Sur Mer. After checking into our beachfront hotel you have the rest of the day to spend relaxing on the beach, go snorkelling or explore the nearby fishing village.

With the endless horizon of the azure Indian Ocean this is an idyllic place to enjoy some time off enjoying the sun and sampling the delicious local seafood dishes.

Today we have a full day's drive to Morombe along a route that offers us a captivating experience along Madagascar’s southwestern coast. 

As we leave the peaceful shores of Belo sur Mer the landscape transitions into a vibrant display of golden beaches, sparkling turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. Passing through remote villages and untouched coastal areas the route showcases the untamed beauty and rich marine biodiversity of this region.

We reach Morombe in the late afternoon and get to enjoy the laid-back vibe of this small coastal town with stunning views of the Mozambique Channel.

We will spend the evening at a beautiful lodge with lovely owners who also offer great food options.

This morning after breakfast we will take a short drive along a picturesque coastal road towards Andavadoaka. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Mozambique Channel, sandy beaches, coastal mangroves and spiny forests. We will also pass through small villages where the Vezo fishing community live. Renowned for their traditional seafaring lifestyle, we will have the opportunity to stop and explore one of the villages to witness their daily life and get a sense of the close connection between the people and the sea.

By lunchtime we will arrive in the charming coastal village of Andavadoaka, a paradise of crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and vibrant marine life. This beautiful beach town is characterised by small protected coves, dream lagoons and rocky islets, including one with an arch. 

We will spend two nights here in Andavadoaka at the lovely 4 star hotel located on a gorgeous beach where breakfast and the evening meal are provided.

Today is a free day in Andavadoaka to enjoy this coastal paradise which offers a blissful escape into the heart of Madagascar's untouched beauty. With pristine beaches that stretch on for miles you will be forgiven for sitting beneath a palm tree today and cooling off in the idyllic turquoise waters.

For those seeking more action the area also offers great snorkelling and diving opportunities where you get to explore vibrant coral reefs and underwater caves that turtles and many colourful fish species call home.

Other excursions in the area include exploring the nearby islands by pirogue, learning all about the ecological importance of the mangroves on a guided tour, fishing with the Vezo fishermen and hiking the coastal trails.

If you are here from July to September you will also have the opportunity to spot humpback whales on their annual migration through the Mozambique Channel.

Andavadoaka is a welcome break for adventure seekers as well as those who choose just to relax and our base at a 4 star hotel on the beach makes it all the more enjoyable.

Today is a full day's drive to Ifaty where we continue on our coastal journey through beautiful landscapes adorned with baobab trees, mangrove forests and sweeping views of the Mozambique Channel.

Once we arrive at Ifaty you will notice the atmosphere of laid-back beach vibes where we get to enjoy an evening at a welcoming beachfront hotel and enjoy the local seafood delicacies.

This morning we swap our 4x4 jeeps for comfortable minibuses as we set off for Isalo National Park and along the way we get to see how the scenery transitions from lush coastal greenery to arid, rocky, desert-like terrain. We will pass through small villages, wide savannas and rolling hills, each showcasing a different aspect of the island’s rich natural beauty. During our journey we will also stop to sample the locally produced liquor called Toaka Gasy, the Madagascar Rum made from sugar cane, try it at your own peril!

As we approach Isalo National Park the landscape shifts dramatically to rugged sandstone formations, deep canyons and natural rock pools, a true highlight of Madagascar’s diverse geography. This is a photographer's dream and a perfect prelude to our exploration of the park the following day.

In the afternoon we check into charming bungalows which offer us a beautiful view of the sunset over Isalo National Park. We will stay here for the next 2 nights and get enjoy the delicious food that is prepared by the on-site restaurant that offers a different menu every day.

Today your guide will take you on a hike through the stunning Isalo National Park where you will get to spend an adventurous day exploring the Grand Canyon of Madagascar.

The hike will take you past towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, natural swimming pools and cascading waterfalls. At midday you can take a dip in the refreshing waters of the famous Piscine Naturelle, an oasis surrounded by lush vegetation and dramatic rock formations where you can enjoy your included lunch.

As we venture deeper into the park you have the opportunity to discover several species of lemurs including the striking ring-tailed lemur, the leaping brown lemur and the graceful Sifaka lemur.

Bird enthusiasts have an exciting opportunity to observe rare and endemic species such as the Madagascar wagtail, an energetic bird often seen flitting near the park’s streams, as well as Benson’s rock thrush, a beautifully coloured bird that is commonly found perched on rocky outcrops blending perfectly into the rugged landscape. 

Photographers and nature lovers seeking an unforgettable experience should consider visiting Isalo’s famous natural rock windows during the late afternoon. These naturally formed arches and openings in the rock provide the perfect frame for watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting the landscape in golden hues, a stunning conclusion to a day spent exploring the park’s natural wonders.

At the end of an active day we return to our bungalows to eat, relax and get a good night's sleep.

After a hearty breakfast we now have a full day’s drive towards Ranomafana National Park, a spectacular journey through the highlands notable for their lush cloud forests and granite cliffs.

Along the way we will stop off at the Anja Community Reserve, a small reserve run by the local community and famous for its healthy population of ring-tailed lemurs, chameleons and lizards.

Towards the end of the day we reach our comfortable lodge in the cloud forest near Ranomafana National Park where we will stay for 2 nights to enjoy the rich biodiversity of this region that includes many species of frogs, geckos, insects and lemurs.

We start the day by taking a guided walk along the forest tracks of the Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar's most biodiverse regions. Along the way you have the opportunity to see the eastern ring-tailed mongoose, Malagasy striped civet, the elusive fossa, the rare greater bamboo lemur and the critically endangered golden bamboo lemur.

Bird lovers have the opportunity to observe numerous endemic species including the pitta-like ground roller and rufous vanga, both which add a splash of colour to the forest canopy.

As we explore further, the park’s reptilian residents come into focus. Watch for the stealthy movements of chameleons which blend into their surroundings with striking efficiency. The rainforest’s microclimates also support a rich variety of frogs and other amphibians that can often be heard croaking in the distance.

Our day in Ranomafana is not just a wildlife experience, it’s also an opportunity to appreciate the park's breathtaking landscapes. From flowing rivers and waterfalls to the towering trees that create a natural canopy above, the beauty of this diverse ecosystem is sure to captivate and inspire.

In the afternoon we have the chance to visit hot springs and at sunset you have the option to take a night walk looking for the nocturnal animals which are hard to see during the day. 

Back at the lodge this evening you will find yourself with a new appreciation for Madagascar's unique wildlife and the fragile ecosystems that support it, knowing that each step you take helps in the continued conservation of this extraordinary environment.

Today we will drive across the central highlands towards Antsirabe and along the way you will get to see the rural side of Madagascar with rice paddies set amidst rolling hills and picturesque villages.

Halfway through our journey we will stop for lunch in the town of Ambositra, the centre of Madagascar's wood carving industry. Ambositra is renowned for its skilled artisans who create intricate Zafimaniry wood carvings, a UNESCO-recognized craft. Here we take some time to explore the local markets and workshops where you can observe the artisans at work and perhaps purchase a unique souvenir.

Later in the afternoon you will notice the cooler climate as we approach Antsirabe, a charming colonial town situated at an altitude of 1500 metres. After we check in to our hotel you have time to wander the streets of this colonial gem flanked with historic architecture, explore the vibrant markets and indulge in the Malgasy food that includes the national dish called romazava, a meat and greens stew that is simply delicious!

Enjoy the evening in the comfort of our beautifully located quiet hotel.

After breakfast we now continue our journey towards Andasibe National Park which takes us from the highlands of Madagascar to the lush, green rainforests of the east. Along the way you will see rice paddies and rural villages giving you a glimpse into daily life in this part of the country.

On our journey today we will first stop at Ambatolampy, a town known for its aluminium foundries where you can take a short tour to see how traditional Malagasy cooking pots are made.

As we approach Andasibe National Park you will see the landscape change dramatically to dense rainforest which is home to some of Madagascar’s most famous wildlife, including the Indri indri, the largest living lemur species which is known for its loud, haunting calls.

After we check in to our eco-lodge you then have the option to go on a guided night walk along the outskirts of the park to spot nocturnal creatures such as chameleons, frogs and tiny mouse lemurs.

After the walk we return to our lodge, enjoy a well earned dinner and retire to our comfortable accommodation surrounded by the sounds of the forest creatures.

We start today with a guided tour of Andasibe National Park where we focus on spotting some of the incredible diurnal lemurs that occupy the rainforest such as the Diademed Sifaka, black and white Ruffed lemur, large Indri indri lemur and eastern grey bamboo lemur. A walk through this National Park will leave you with a huge appreciation for the conservation efforts being made to protect this unique ecosystem and its rare inhabitants.

This afternoon we return to Antananarivo, our final destination on this tour. This evening you will be invited to attend a group farewell dinner to say goodbye to your guides and fellow travellers.

Our final evening is spent in a centrally located hotel with comfortable amenities to ensure you get a good night's rest before your departure the following day.

This tour ends after breakfast on the last day of the trip so you can make your onward travel arrangements accordingly.

HOW TO BOOK

To make a booking please fill in our online booking form and then pay a £300 deposit by Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Revolut, Wise or Paypal.

Once we receive your online booking form and deposit we will confirm your booking by email and send you all relevant information necessary for your tour preparations.

TOUR PAYMENT

The Tour Payment of £2969 is the complete payment for your tour and is payable in the UK in GBP (£ Sterling). In order to reserve a place on this tour you must pay £300 as a deposit. Eight months prior to departure a further payment of £1200 must be paid to secure your booking. The final balance of your Tour Payment £1469 must then be paid in full at least four months prior to the tour start date. If you book between 4 to 8 months prior to the departure date a deposit of £1500 should be paid upon booking. If you book within 4 months of the departure date the full Tour Payment of £2969 should be paid upon booking.

The Tour Payment can be paid by Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Revolut, Wise or Paypal.

Credit and Debit Card Payments (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

You can use the following link to pay by credit or debit card:

Dragoman Tour Payment

Or feel free to call us on +44 7858 468 953 in order to make a credit or debit card payment over the phone.

Bank Details for Direct Transfers (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Bank: HSBC

Account name: Madventure Ltd.

Sort code: 400810

Account number: 91618415

IBAN : GB14HBUK40081091618415

Swift/Bank BIC: HBUKGB4B

Branch BIC: HBUKGB4116A

Bank address: HSBC Bank, 6 High Street, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 5AZ, United Kingdom

Revolut (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Revolut offers a cheap and fast international money transfer service where you can choose to make a payment using either your bank account or credit/debit card.

Don’t have a Revolut account? Create one now - www.revolut.com 

Wise (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Wise offers a cheap and fast international money transfer service where you can choose to make a payment using either your bank account or credit/debit card.

Don’t have a Wise account? Create one now - www.wise.com

Paypal (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Paypal account name: info@madventure.co.uk

Don’t have a Paypal account? Create one now - www.paypal.com

INCLUDED

Services of your Dragoman tour leader

Local guides where required

Airport transfers

All transport costs including 4x4 jeeps, minibuses and 1 domestic flight

18 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 evening meals

All accommodation costs in 3 & 4 star hotels, local guest houses and traditional lodges

Avenue of the Baobabs guided tour

Kirindy Forest Reserve guided tour

Manambolo Gorge guided tour

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park guided tour

Isalo National Park guided tour

Ranomafana National Park guided tour

Andasibe National Park guided tour

NOT INCLUDED

International flights

Personal travel insurance

Personal spending money (€1000 recommended)

Visas (€40 for most nationalities)

17 lunches and 15 evening meals

Snacks

Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages

Accommodation upgrades

Entrance fees and local guides at optional sites

Any optional activities and excursions

Tips for tour leader (€50 per person recommended)

Below is a list of the most popular optional excursions along with the most recent prices. Prices can of course change and are not controlled in any way by Dragoman so please use the list below as an approximate guide only. Prices are shown in Euros.

Diving in Andavadoaka €50

Snorkelling in Andavadoaka €20

Whale watching (seasonal) €90

Fishing with Vezo fishermen €20

Pirogue trip to island around Andavadoaka €20

Mangrove guided tour Andavadoaka €15

Rova of Antananarivo (Queen's Palace) €2

We stay at 3 & 4 star hotels, local guest houses and traditional lodges during this tour to ensure you are comfortable at all times. 

Accommodation is provided on a twin share basis so if you are travelling alone be prepared to share your room with another member of the tour, of any gender. Your tour leader will always strive to put you in a room with a suitable partner. Couples can request a room with a double bed.

There is a single supplement fee of £1000 if you are a solo traveller and prefer to have a private room just for yourself.

On the west coast of Madagascar we travel by 4x4 jeeps with a maximum of 4 people per jeep, thereby ensuring you are comfortable and have a window seat. Some of the west coast roads in Madagascar are just muddy jungle tracks or sandy coastal tracks so a 4x4 is necessary. 

On the better roads in eastern Madagascar we travel by minibus to ensure your comfort and safety while driving on tarmac.

1 domestic flight from Antananarivo to Morondava is included during this tour.

In Madagascar we always try to travel during daylight only and keep the driving distances reasonable with plenty of breaks during the journeys to make sure you are comfortable.

We provide 18 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 evening meals during this tour.

Breakfast is usually provided at the accommodation we stay at.

For lunch we usually stop at a local restaurant giving you the chance to taste the local fare.  Local food is generally very cheap so if you are on a budget eat what the locals eat and you will be sure to get a real flavour of the country at a cheap price.

In the evening after we have checked in to our accommodation you are free to choose where you want to eat. Restaurants in Madagascar are generally quite cheap so you can expect to eat delicious local food for a reasonable price.

You will have a crew of 1 Dragoman tour leader on this small group tour. Our well trained tour leaders are passionate about travel and will ensure your journey is both safe and enjoyable.

Your tour leader will be in charge of routes, itineraries and accommodation and will ensure the smooth running of the tour. 

Your tour leader will arrange local guides to give you information about the important sites that we visit along the way. Please bear in mind that your tour tour leader is not a guide and will not be giving you the history of the sites we visit. Specific sites require the specialist knowledge of a local guide.

Each vehicle will also have a local driver to ensure you are driven safely and comfortably during this tour.

On some tours we may also have a cameraman who is there to help market our tours and update our social media.

Tipping the crew at the end of your tour is always appreciated if you feel they have done a good job. People often ask us what amount they should leave as a tip so we recommend you tip your crew a minimum of €50 each at the end of the tour if you feel they have given you good service, thank you.

PERSONAL BUDGET

As breakfast, accommodation, transport, entrance fees and guided tours are included during this tour you won’t need much spending money. We therefore recommend a budget of Euro €1000 per person to live comfortably during this tour. This budget should cover day to day things like the lunches and dinners that are not included, snacks, soft drinks, the odd few beers, etc. 

Souvenirs are something that can be very cheap or very expensive so if you are going to be buying souvenirs you should budget for it.

Please also have a look at our Optional Excursions list as you may want to budget for a few of those activities too.

TRAVEL MONEY

We recommend you bring Euro €1000 in cash as spending money. Euros and US Dollars are generally accepted everywhere for exchange but Euros will give you a better exchange rate.

ATM’s are only available in the bigger towns for you to draw local currency using your credit/debit card so  please do not rely on ATM’s during this tour as those that we do find often don’t work.

To keep your money/credit cards/passport/tablet/camera/laptop safe we recommend you purchase a ‘Pacsafe Travelsafe’ product. They offer various size portable anti-theft bags that can be attached to the vehicles when travelling and also attached to the sink/bed/closet in your hotel room when off the vehicles.

Below is general information and recommendations regarding visas and passports. Visas are ultimately your own responsibility to obtain and visa requirements may vary according to your nationality and place of application, so use the information below as a guide only and if you are unsure please check with your local consulate. Dragoman is in no way responsible for obtaining your visas or passports.

Madagascar visa - for nearly all nationalities including citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and EU countries the Madagascar tourist visa can either be obtained online via their E-Visa program prior to departure or upon arrival at Antananarivo airport.

You should budget €40 for the Madagascar visa.

Please ensure you have 1 free page in your passport in order to accommodate the visa and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the tour end date.

VACCINATIONS

Vaccination requirements are constantly changing so we recommend you seek the latest professional medical advice at least 8 weeks before departure to ensure you allow yourself enough time to obtain all necessary vaccinations. Nomad Travel’s website has up-to-date information on vaccinations, malaria and other general medical advice for all the countries we will be visiting and they also administer vaccinations at their Travel Clinics in various locations within the UK.

www.nomadtravel.co.uk 

Alternatively speak with your local Health Professionals for current accurate information. You will need to make an appointment with your GP or Travel Clinic and take a list of the countries you are visiting and the approximate dates when you will be there.

It is not necessary to be vaccinated against covid to join this tour.

A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is not required to enter Madagascar unless you have arrived from a Yellow Fever risk area.

MEDICALLY FIT & ABLE

You need to be in good general health for this tour and be reasonably fit and able. You need to be able to carry your bags from the vehicles to the hotels, do the short walks to the sites we visit, etc. The longer hikes are optional so you do not need to be super-fit by any means and all ages are welcome. We always attract a very broad age range on this tour, from people in their 20’s through to people in their 70’s.

Please inform us of any medical conditions that you have before departure so that your tour leader knows how to deal with a medical situation if it should arise. All information will be kept confidential unless you request us to inform your fellow travellers. For example, it may be wise to inform fellow travellers if you are allergic to something like bee-stings so they know what to do if you get stung.

FIRST AID KIT

The tour leader carries a basic first aid kit during the tour but it is recommended that you bring your own first aid kit for general use.

It is compulsory that every person who travels with Dragoman obtain travel insurance for the complete duration of the tour. Proof of travel insurance must be shown before joining a tour.

You may be covered under your credit card’s travel insurance so it might be worth checking with your credit card provider first.

There are various travel insurance companies to choose from and a Google search will bring up a vast selection but for people based in the UK seeking a comprehensive and reliable policy that includes Medical Repatriation we recommend a London based company named Campbell Irvine, +44 20 7938 1734, http://www.campbellirvine.com/Madventure

Campbell Irvine are familiar with what we do so if you mention Dragoman and the tour you are travelling on they should be able to provide excellent cover for you.

For people based in North America a company named Allianz offers good cover, +1 866 884 3556, www.allianztravelinsurance.com

If you choose to obtain your travel insurance through another company please ensure you read the small-print and make sure your policy includes Medical Repatriation.

Backpack/sports bag/suitcase: We recommend you carry your luggage in a backpack but irrespective if you prefer a sports bag or a suitcase you are restricted to a maximum 100 litre volume. 

Day bag: You are also permitted to bring a day bag with a maximum 40 litre volume that you can carry in in the vehicle with you.

Pacsafe: In order to keep your valuables safe we recommend a Pacsafe product. They make a range of anti-theft bags which vary in sizes and can accommodate your money, credit cards, passport, camera, laptop, etc. They can be attached to a fixed part of the vehicle when travelling and/or to a fixed item in your hotel room. 

Kindle: Optional but great to keep all your travel guides and books in one place.

Ipad/Tablet: not a necessity but most places have WiFi available these days so having your own Ipad or Tablet will enable you to stay connected.

Smartphone:  It is highly recommended that you bring a smartphone with you as the majority of the tour communications are sent via WhatsApp. It is also very convenient for storing all your digital documents, emailing, taking and sharing photos, mapping and calling home. 

Camera: Completely up to you but most people bring one.

Toiletries: Available everywhere but start with some  toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, deodorant, soap and shampoo.

Sunblock: Minimum SPF 15 recommended.

Sunglasses: Polarised lenses offer great protection.

First aid kit: Only a basic one is recommended but should include plasters, antiseptic cream, bandage, pain relief tablets, scissors and safety pins.

Passport: Please ensure you have 1 free page in your passport in order to accommodate any stamps and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the tour end date.

Clothes & shoes: 

1 x flip flops

1 x walking shoes, trainers or boots

7 x socks

7 x underwear

4 x t-shirts

1 x lightweight long sleeve top

1 x waterproof jacket

2 x zip-off  trousers which can be worn long or short

1 x swimming trunks/bikini

1 x baseball cap

OVERVIEW

This Dragoman small group tour is for travellers seeking an adventurous yet comfortable vacation where your tour leader does all the planning to ensure you get to enjoy yourself as much as possible. On this trip our group size is a maximum of 16 travellers of all ages and nationalities. We use 4x4 jeeps, minibuses and 1 domestic flight to reach our destinations safely and we stay in 3 & 4 star hotels, local guest houses and traditional lodges to ensure your comfort at all times. This tour is meticulously planned to ensure you visit the highlights of Madagascar at a leisurely pace and we also visit a couple of harder to reach destinations. So if you are looking for a true adventure shared with a group of like-minded travellers then this Dragoman small group tour may be the trip for you!

At Dragoman we like to go through every aspect of the tour with you to ensure that you are as informed and prepared as possible. We believe in not only telling you about the highlights of the tour but also providing you with all the small details of what to expect as we know these are just as important. We want to explain the tour in as much detail as possible so that you are sure you are suited to one of our small group adventures. If after reading the information below you decide that this tour is not for you then, as long as it is within 14 days of your initial booking, you can cancel your booking and receive a full refund of all monies paid.

YOUR FELLOW TRAVELLERS

We have no age restrictions on our small group tours and if there is one thing we have come to realise, it’s the mental attitude that counts the most. On this trip our group size is a maximum of 16 travellers of all ages and nationalities so you can expect to share this experience with a wide variety of characters from all walks of life. 

WEATHER

The weather on this tour is generally dry and warm  so you should be comfortable.

ALTITUDE

We remain at a relatively low altitude throughout this tour so you should be comfortable.

HYGIENE

As wonderful as Madagascar is, some places do not have a western infrastructure and their acceptable level of hygiene standards may be very different to ours, so be prepared to use squat toilets and accept that things may not be as clean as they are back home.

You must also maintain your own personal hygiene and ensure that you and your clothes are washed regularly. If anyone smells bad or is noticeably unclean the tour leader will have a word with that person to ensure a decent level of personal hygiene is maintained by everyone aboard the vehicle.

SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES

In Madagascar your tour leader will arrange many short sightseeing tours and half day walking tours. For most of the organised tours your tour leader will arrange a local guide to provide you with information about the places we visit. You are however free to go sightseeing on your own at your leisure if you prefer.

On this tour you are completely free to do as you choose and you can be as active or inactive as you like.

YOUR ATTITUDE

A friendly, easy-going attitude will help you enjoy this trip and ensure you are liked by your fellow travellers as well as the locals. The one thing that is extremely detrimental to any tour are people that constantly moan. It has nothing to do with age, gender or nationality, some people just like to find fault in everything and it’s always got to be someone’s fault. This type of constant negativity can be extremely detrimental within a small group so it may sound a bit harsh but by weeding out any moaners early on we can have a chat with them to try and ensure your tour is as good as it can be. We don’t hide anything so people who travel with us usually know exactly what to expect on this tour which makes for an enjoyable group experience.

Please be aware that if any particular person is constantly causing the rest of the group (or the crew) grief due to their behaviour they will be warned and then asked to leave the tour if nothing improves and no refund will be given. This is obviously the most extreme case but we will not let one or two rude individuals spoil it for everybody else. This is a once in a lifetime experience so let’s all enjoy it!

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG

When we are in Madagascar things generally go to plan but if something unexpected does delay us or force us to change our itinerary please understand that sometimes things happen that are simply out of our control and we may have to make alternative arrangements. Please be prepared to expect the unexpected and accept that things might go wrong from time to time. An easy-going approach will help the situation immensely. Moaning about every little thing that doesn’t go our way will not! When situations arise where we can’t please everybody we always aim to please the majority of the group, not the individual. 

TRAVEL TIMES & ITINERARIES

We have designed this tour so that we travel by day and arrive at our destinations before nightfall. On this tour there are a few full day drives but it’s usually only a few hours between destinations and you have plenty of time to look around the sites. 

We always strive to arrive at our destinations on time but our itinerary can change if an area of our route becomes off-limits for any reason, so in the unlikely event that we do experience any delays we will adjust our itinerary accordingly.

DRUGS & ALCOHOL

Please be aware that drugs such as marijuana and cocaine are illegal in Madagascar and they could enforce severe punishment for being caught in possession. NEVER carry illegal drugs on your person or on the vehicle during this tour as you would not only jeopardise your own freedom but also the well-being of the entire group if you are caught in possession.

If you are caught in possession of illegal drugs on this tour you will be asked to leave the tour immediately and no refund will be given. Any such inconsideration can lead to the tour being cancelled and innocent people arrested. We will not hesitate to remove someone if we have to.

Aggressive or abusive drunk behaviour will not be tolerated during this tour and if anyone is constantly abusing alcohol and causing trouble we will not hesitate to remove them from the tour and no refund will be given.

MEDICALLY FIT & ABLE

You must be fairly fit and able to ensure you can participate in certain aspects of the tour such as carrying your bags to and from the transport services we utilise, carrying your bags to your room when arriving at hotels, walking around the sites we visit, etc. You do not need to be super fit by any means but if you want to do the longer walks you do need to be reasonably fit.

ACCOMMODATION

We stay at 3 & 4 star hotels, local guest houses and traditional lodges during this tour to ensure you are comfortable at all times. 

Accommodation is provided on a twin share basis so if you are travelling alone be prepared to share your room with another member of the tour, of any gender. Your tour leader will always strive to put you in a room with a suitable partner. Couples can request a room with a double bed.

There is a single supplement fee of £1000 if you are a solo traveller and prefer to have a private room just for yourself.

TRANSPORT

On the west coast of Madagascar we travel by 4x4 jeeps with a maximum of 4 people per jeep, thereby ensuring you are comfortable and have a window seat. Some of the west coast roads in Madagascar are just muddy jungle tracks or sandy coastal tracks so a 4x4 is necessary. 

On the better roads in eastern Madagascar we travel by minibus to ensure your comfort and safety while driving.

1 domestic flight from Antananarivo to Morondava is included during this tour.

In Madagascar we always try to travel during daylight only and keep the driving distances reasonable with plenty of breaks during the journeys to make sure you are comfortable.

MEALS

We provide 18 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 evening meals during this tour.

Breakfast is usually provided at the accommodation we stay at.

For lunch we usually stop at a local restaurant giving you the chance to taste the local fare.  Local food is generally very cheap so if you are on a budget eat what the locals eat and you will be sure to get a real flavour of the country at a cheap price.

In the evening after we have checked in to our accommodation you are free to choose where you want to eat. Restaurants in Madagascar are generally quite cheap so you can expect to eat delicious local food for a reasonable price.

CREW

You will have a crew of 1 Dragoman tour leader on this small group tour. Our well trained tour leaders are passionate about travel and will ensure your journey is both safe and enjoyable.

Your tour leader will be in charge of routes, itineraries and accommodation and will ensure the smooth running of the tour. 

Your tour leader will arrange local guides to give you information about the important sites that we visit along the way. Please bear in mind that your tour tour leader is not a guide and will not be giving you the history of the sites we visit. Specific sites require the specialist knowledge of a local guide.

Each vehicle will also have a local driver to ensure you are driven safely and comfortably during this tour.

On some tours we may also have a cameraman who is there to help market our tours and update our social media.

Tipping the crew at the end of your tour is always appreciated if you feel they have done a good job. People often ask us what amount they should leave as a tip so we recommend you tip your crew a minimum of €50 each at the end of the tour if you feel they have given you good service, thank you.