click to enlarge
Tour Date: 01 Aug 2013 - 29 Aug 2013
Tour Cost ($AUD): $13,997.00
Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique - three of Africa's least visited, yet most extraordinary countries. Our adventure starts in Malawi, affectionately known as 'the Warm Heart of Africa'. It is home to the magnificent shard of crystal water – Lake Malawi – which stretches almost the entire length of the country. After a brief stop in the capital, Lilongwe, we head to the lake's southernmost tip and the beautiful Liwonde National Park. We then drive across the border into Mozambique. Intriguing and mysterious, the country was closed to the outside world for decades. Well away from the tourist circuit, Mozambique still moves to centuries-old rhythms and the soul of the country is found in a rich fusion of African, Arabic, Indian and Portuguese influences. We start our visit at the amazing Ilha de Mozambique (Mozambique Island) in the north before flying to the extreme south and the country's booming capital, Maputo. From here we fly across the Mozambique Channel to the unique island of Madagascar. Like somewhere out of a Jules Verne novel, there is simply no place like it on the planet! Millions of years of evolution have bestowed on Madagascar astonishing flora and fauna, of which 80% can be found nowhere else on earth. Travel Directors have had Madagascar on the radar for more than a decade but it is only now that we consider the country's infrastructure to be suitable for our travellers. We invite you to join us for the adventure of a lifetime!
01/08/2013 Perth - Johannesburg
Depart from your chosen Australian airport on the flight to Perth and Johannesburg.
Depart Perth South African Airways SA 281, 23.50
02/08/2013 Johannesburg (LD)
Nelson Mandela's House in Soweto
Arrive Johannesburg 05.20
On arrival, we transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon we visit Johannesburg's most famous district with a highlight of entering Mandela's former house in Soweto.
Garden Court Sandton City
Cnr West & Maude St,
Johannesburg 2196
Ph: 0011 27 11 269 7000
03/08/2013 Johannesburg - Blantyre (LD)
Blantyre
Arrive Johannesburg 05.20
Depart Johannesburg South African Airways SA 172, 10.00
Arrive Blantyre 12.10
On arrival in Blantyre we transfer to our hotel.
Ryalls Hotel
2 Hannover Avenue
Blantyre
Malawi
Ph: 0011-265-1-750333
04/08/2013 Blantyre - Liwonde National Park (BLD)
Liwonde National Park
This morning we begin our drive to Liwonde National Park. We head north along the dramatic western edge of the Great Rift Valley, before slowly descending to the valley floor. We then we drive through several small villages before arriving at a jetty ,where we board a launch that takes us to Mvuu Camp on the Shire River. Many species of fauna are drawn to the river - large pods of hippo and crocodiles make this their home, as well as elephant, sable, antelope and waterbuck.
Mvuu CampLiwonde National Park Shire River Malawi Ph: 265-1-771153
05/08/2013 Liwonde National Park (BLD)
Mvuu Lodge, Shire River, South Malawi
This morning we take a game drive and after lunch we explore the picturesque villages on the banks of the river.
06/08/2013 Liwonde National Park (BLD)
Liwonde National Park
After breakfast we visit the Black Rhino Sanctuary, which is also home to sable, buffalo and Liechtenstein's hartebeest. This area is also a bird lover's paradise with a fantastic range of species.
07/08/2013 Liwonde National Park - Monkey Bay (BLD)
The Dedza Pottery Works
After breakfast we depart Liwonde and head north once more. Now we skirt a remarkable section of the Malawi/Mozambique border. The two countries are separated by a road which is unpatrolled and citizens of both Malawi and Mozambique wander freely across the frontier. Soon we reach the famous pottery town of Dedza. After lunch we start to head east along the magnificent southern shore of Lake Malwai before reaching our hotel which is perched on the waterfront itself.
Club Mak - The Makokola Retreat
Lake Malawi
Malawi
Ph: 0011-265-01-580244
Fx: 01-580417
08/08/2013 Monkey Bay (BLD)
Fishermen at Monkey Bay, Lake Malawi
The Retreat is on a lake that is beautiful almost beyond belief. Its waters are the habitat of more species of fish than that of any other body of fresh water on the earth. Lake Malawi has always been known as "Livingstone's Lake". The areas of Mangochi and Fort Johnston have an important historical heritage. Livingstone saw for the first time his lake at Mphonda that is only 10 Km south of The Makokola Retreat. Here Livingstone realized that the lake was a route used by the slave traders, a practice that he fought long against. Livingstone acumen allowed him to eradicate the slavery by using these routes to trade commodities for the British Crown. A tropical haven with a relaxed pace, Malawi is famous for its artistic traditions, including dances, wood sculpture, painting, embroidery and music amongst others. Our guests can absorb the Malawian culture that surrounds them by visiting the nearby attractions and admiring the local artwork and crafts around the Retreat.
09/08/2013 Monkey Bay - Lichinga (Mozambique) (BLD)
Remote village near Lichinga
After breakfast we drive for one hour to the Malawi border town of Chiponde. After immigration procedures we enter the Mozambique frontier town of Mandimba and after completing customs inspections we head to the northern town of Lichinga. The road takes us through beautiful, remote villages where few tourists are found.
Hotel Girassol
Avenida Filipe Samuel Magaia
Lichinga
Mozambique
Ph: 0011-258-27-121280
Fx: 121279
10/08/2013 Lichinga - Nampula - Mozambique Island (BLD)
UNESCO World Heritage- listed Mozambique Island
Depart Lichinga Aero Mozambique TM 191 11.05
Arrive Nampula 12.00
This morning we transfer to the airport to board our flight to Nampula. On arrival we make the two hour transfer to the Indian Ocean and then cross a tiny 2 kilometre causeway into the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mozambique Island (Ilha de Mozambique).
Hotel Omuhipiti
North Stonetown
Ilha de Mozambique
Mozambique
Ph: 0011-358-26-610101
11/08/2013 Mozambique Island (BLD)
Festival, Mozambique Island
Mozambique Island is only three kilometres wide and one-and-a-half kilometres long, and is the oldest settlement in East Africa. The first European explorer to reach the island was Vasco de Gama in 1498. Once the Portuguese had gained control of the island from the Arabs, it became the capital of Mozambique. It was a meeting point of various civilisations - Arabs, Dutch, English, Persians and Portuguese - as it was one of the main trading ports in the Indian Ocean. The beautiful colonial architecture is a legacy of the Portuguese who colonised the country for nearly 500 years.
12/08/2013 Mozambique Island - Nampula - Maputo (BD)
Waterfront, Maputo
After breakfast we make the two-hour drive to Nampula, where we board our flight to the country's capital, Maputo.
Depart Nampula Lam Airlines TM 191, 12.40
Arrive Maputo 14.45
On arrival in Maputo we transfer to our hotel.
Hotel Cardoso
Avenido Matires de Mueda
Maputo
Mozambique
Ph: 0011-258-21-491071
Fx: 491804
13/08/2013 Maputo (BLD)
Maputo railway station, one of the most beautiful in the world
After breakfast we explore Maputo. It is a city of Mediterranean-style architecture with wide avenues, lined with jacaranda and flame trees. Considered one of Africa's most attractive capitals, it is a thriving metropolis with a fascinating old town, known as Baixa. Striking Portugese colonial buildings provide a striking background as Indian and Arab traders do brisk business in the narrow side streets. Along Maputo's waterfront, fishermen line the roadside, selling their day's catch to passing vehicles.
14/08/2013 Maputo (BLD)
Maputo Market
Early this morning we cross the bay to the village of Catembe. Here we have the chance to see lives that are unaffected by the rapid, modern growth of Maputo just across the water. As we return by ferry in the evening, the views to the Maputo skyline are breathtaking.
15/08/2013 Maputo - Johannesburg - Antananarivo (BD)
An early morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Johannesburg and on to Madagascar.
Maputo Skyline from Catembe
Depart Maputo South African Airways SA 7032, 07.00
Arrive Johannesburg 08.00
Depart Johannesburg South African Airways SA 8252, 10.00
Arrive Antananarivo 14.10
On arrival in Antananarivo we clear customs and transfer to our hotel.
Hotel Colbert
29 rue Prince Ratsimamanga
Antananarivo
Madagascar
Ph: 0011-261-20-2220202
Fx: 2234012
16/08/2013 Antananarivo (BLD)
Evening sunlight, Tana
This morning we head out to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Summer Palace of Ambohimanga. This is the palace that is considered the cradle of Madagascar and from where the King Andrianampoinimerina proclaimed that “only the sea is the limit of my kingdom”. Soon after the entire island was unified.
17/08/2013 Antananarivo - Antsirabe (BLD)
Tana
This morning we explore the city of Tana as it is affectionately known by locals. Known as the city of one thousand soldiers, it is a vibrant city steeped in history. Located between two mountains it was founded in 1610 by King Andrianjaka. It is a terraced city of low rise building which form a labyrinth of arches, narrow paths, balconies and staircases. Tana’s architecture is very European and our hotel is located in a district known as ‘litte Paris’.
In the afternoon we leave Tana and head south to Antsirabe. We drive through typical highland country before reaching a sisal and raphia basket market area. We then continue onto to Antsirabe or ‘the place of salt’ as it is known by locals.
Royal Palace Hotel
512 C61 Tsarasaotra Route d'Ambositra
Antsirabe
Madagascar
Ph: 0011-261-20-4449040
Fx: 344904040
18/08/2013 Antsirabe (BLD)
Rickshaws in Antsirabe
After breakfast we commence a city tour. Antsirabe is a former spa town founded by Norwegian missionaries in 1872. The third biggest city in Madagascar, it is the rickshaw capital and of course our tour this morning is by this mode of transport. As we explore the city we visit a zebu (ox) horn workshop as well as a miniature toy factory.
19/08/2013 Antsirabe - Ranomafana National Park (BLD)
Lemurs at Ranomafana
We head further south and soon we reach the woodcarving town of Ambositra. We stop here to see perhaps some of the most unusual and skilled craftmanship to be found anywhere in the world. Some of the intricate carving and inlay work is simply stunning. Soon after Ambositra we start to see people dressed in the traditional garb of the area, the colourful pancho lamba. We soon reach the turnoff for Ranomafana National Park and following the Namorona River, we arrive at our destination.
Centrest Hotel
Sejpour
Ranomafana Village
Ph: 0011-261 34 52433
20/08/2013 Ranomafana National Park (BLD)
Ranomafana National Park
After breakfast we enter the magnificent, 41,000 hectare rainforest, that is home to the golden bamboo lemur. Discovered only in 1986 and found nowhere else in the world this lemur feeds exclusively on a native bamboo . Because this particular bamboo contains cyanide and grows up to 10cm per day, the golden bamboo lemur cannot exist captivity. This rainforest is also home to a dizzying array of reptiles and other species of lemur. This evening we take a night walk to discover frogs, chameleons and the nocturnal mouse lemur which is the smallest primate in the world.
21/08/2013 Ranomafana National Park - Isalo (BLD)
Isalo National Park
Today we leave Ranomafana and continue our drive south through the highlands. Soon we reach the lovely town of Ambalavao. Here the houses have beautifully carved balconies and shutters. This town marks the border of the highlands and the province of Fiarantsoa. Once a week on Wednesdays there is a fantastic zebu market and we time our arrival in the town for this day. After our visit to Ambalavao we take short drive to the Anja National Park. Dominated by a magnificent granite dome, this small park is home to over 300 ringtailed lemur, the national animal of Madagascar. We then continue across the Horombe Plateau where the vegetation and landscape changes dramatically. Finally we descend to the fringes of Isalo National Park.
Hoteliere Jardin du Roy
BP 01
313 Ranohira
Madagascar
Ph: 0011-261-22-0712307
22/08/2013 Isalo (BLD)
Branded Kestral, Isalo
Encompassing the entire length of the Isalo massif, this 81,000 hectare national park is characterised by vast eroded sandstone formations. Along the trail there are some Bara burial sites that line the path as it passes through scenery that resembles the Grand Canyon. Soon we descend further and come across an oasis where tumbling waterfalls form a natural swimming pool. This kingdom is home to an amazing array of flora, which is unique even in Madagascar. A surreal landscape, Isalo National Park is a silent paradise that is filled with mystery. After lunch we return to our hotel where the afternoon is at leisure.
23/08/2013 Isalo - Ifaty (BLD)
The Amazing Boababs of Madagascar
After breakfast we start our journey to Tulear in the southwest of the island. Soon after leaving Isalo, we start to come across towns that resemble the gold rush in California. Here we see extraordinary scenes of people panning for sapphires along small streams. We continue along a high, grassy plateau, that is lined by Tamarind and prickly pear trees. Soon after we see our first ancient Baobab trees as we enter into the silver grey spiny forest which finally gives way to the azure waters of the Mozambique Channel.
After lunch in Ifaty we explore the incredible botanical gardens. Here we can see Octopus trees and Boab trees that are the height of skyscrapers! We also see Balsa trees which fishermen use to construct their boats. The vegetation of this park is 90% endemic to Madagascar!
Dunes Hotel
Ifaty
Madagascar
Ph: 0011-261-20-9491480
24/08/2013 Ifaty (BLD)
Whales of Ifaty
In and around Ifaty, the economy is centred on fishing. For generations the people of this area have fished employing the same traditional techniques that are used today. We visit the fascinating village of Ambolimailaka and meet fishermen and local Vezo people who inhabit this part of the island. A unique part of the country, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience the ‘Zanzibar quarter’ of Madagascar.
In the afternoon we head into the Mozambique Channel on a whale-watching cruise. From July to mid-September whales come to the cool seas of the channel to give birth. From our boat we will try to see these magnificent creatures for a wonderful, intimate experience.
25/08/2013 Ifaty - Toliara - Antananarivo (BLD)
Vezo Fisherman, Ifaty
Depart Toliara Air Madagascar 741, 07.05
Arrive Antananarivo 09.45
This morning we depart for Tana and on arrival visit the Sunday curio market before checking in to our hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Hotel Colbert
29 rue de Prince Ratsimamanga Antananarivo Ph: 0011-260-20-2220202 Fx: 2234012
26/08/2013 Antananarivo - Andasibe (BLD)
Highlands of Central Madagascar
In the morning we leave Tana for the four-hour drive to Andasibe. The drive takes us through granite outcrops and then through a mosaic of paddy fields and lovely Merina villages, that form the highlands of Madagascar. Soon we reach Andasibe and the Perinet Reserve. In the afternoon we visit lemur island. Here on this tiny piece of land we can see five species of semi-tame lemurs who become excited and greet visitors warmly.
Andasibe Hotel
Perinet Reserve
Andasibe
Madagascar
Ph: 0011-261-34-14-32627
27/08/2013 Andasibe (BLD)
Tony Evans with Ringtailed Lemur, Andasibe
Perhaps the most important National Park in Madagascar, Analamazaotra is home to the largest lemur in the world, the Indri. Entirely endemic and unable to exist in captivity, this vegetarian lemur resembles a panda. It is tailless and walks on two legs. The Indri is monogamous and even when one partner dies, it will continue mourning for its spouse for the rest of its life. Exclusively found in this park, around thirty families only, exist.
28/08/2013 Antananarivo - Johannesburg (BL)
South African Airways
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our journey back to Australia via Johannesburg.
Depart Antananarivo South African Airways SA 8253, 15.00
Arrive Johannesburg 17.40
Depart Johannesburg South African Airways SA 280, 22.30
29/08/2013 Johannesburg - Perth
Arrive Perth 13.25
On arrival in Perth we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian city.
Tour Fitness Level: Energetic
AUGUST 2013 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: AUD $13,997
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $2,347
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST: * All flights between Australia and Africa * All flights within Africa * All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change) * All national park entrance fees * All accommodation (based on twin share) * All meals as specified * All local guides * All entrance fees in specified sightseeing * All local sightseeing as per itinerary * Tour leader from Australia * Visas * All tips and gratuities NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST: * Insurance * Personal expenses Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final tour costs. A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 at the time of booking. All tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
|
