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Tour Date: 07 May 2012 - 27 May 2012
Tour Cost ($AUD): $9,847.00
Pearls of the Indian Ocean is a unique adventure that visits three incredible islands that form Australia's far neighbours. Our adventure starts with an Air Mauritius flight to Madagascar. This unique island is 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 explore the central highlands and southern part of the island in depth before making the short flight to Reunion. Far from a beach destination, Reunion is a tantalising 'pin prick' which is often called 'the South of France' in the Indian Ocean. Here waterfalls, mountains and canyons mix with lively Creole villages - all lying in the shadow of Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. From here we fly to the incredibly beautiful island of Mauritius ,where we have a unique chance to walk with the lions in the amazing Casela National Park. We invite you to join us for an adventure on the 'Pearls of the Indian Ocean'!
07/05/2012 Australia - Perth - Mauritius - Antananarivo
Depart from your chosen capital Australian airport to connect with the flight from Perth.
Depart Perth Air Mauritius MK 941, 00.20
Arrive Mauritius 04.55
Depart Mauritius MK 288, 12.45
Arrive Antananarivo 13.25
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
08/05/2012 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.
In the afternoon we explore the city of Tana, as it is affectionately called 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 buildings 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 ‘Little Paris’.
09/05/2012 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 which become excited and greet visitors warmly.
Andasibe Hotel
Perinet Reserve
Andasibe
Madagascar
Ph: 0011-261-34-14-32627
10/05/2012 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. Found exclusively in this park, only about thirty families are in existence.
11/05/2012 Andasibe - Antsirabe (BLD)
Tana
This morning we drive south, passing through typically beautiful highland country before reaching an area known for its sisal and raffia baskets. We then continue 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
12/05/2012 Antsirabe (BLD)
Rickshaws in Antsirabe
After breakfast we start our 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.
13/05/2012 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 traditionally in 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
14/05/2012 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 in 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.
15/05/2012 Ranomafana National Park - Ambalavao (BLD)
Ambalavao Zebu Market
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.
Hotel Bouganvillia
Ambalavao
Madagascar
Ph: 0011-261-
16/05/2012 Ambalavao - Isalo (BLD)
Isalo National Park
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 a 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 change dramatically. Finally we descend to the fringes of Isalo National Park. Hoteliere Jardin du RoyBP 01 313 Ranohira Madagascar Ph: 0011-261-22-0712307
17/05/2012 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 resembling the Grand Canyon. Soon we descend further to 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.
18/05/2012 Isalo - Ifaty (BLD)
The Amazing Baobabs of Madagascar
After breakfast we start our journey to Tulear in the southwest of the island. Soon after leaving Isalo we start to pass through 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 Baobab 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
19/05/2012 Ifaty (BLD)
Village women in 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.
20/05/2012 Ifaty - Tulear - Antananarivo (BLD)
Vezo fishermen, Ifaty
Depart Tulear 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
21/05/2012 Antananarivo - Reunion Island (BD)
Reunion Island
Depart Antananarivo Austral Air UU 612, 13.25
Arrive Reunion Island 15.45
On arrival in Reunion we transfer to our hotel.
Le Saint Alexis
44 Route de Boucan Canot
Saint Gilles-Les Bains
Reunion Island
Ph: 0011-262-262244204
Fx: 262240013
22/05/2012 Reunion Island (BLD)
Piton de la Fournaise volcano
After an early breakfast we depart for Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Leaving the west coast of the island we take the forest road and then climb 2600 meters to the crater for an awe-inspiring view of 'Furnace Peak'. The volcano first erupted some 50,000 years ago while the last big eruption occured in 2004. After a typical Creole lunch, we follow the lava flows down to the Church of Notre Dame of Lava.
23/05/2012 Reunion Island (BLD)
The Cirque of Cilaos
Today we set out for Reunion's incredible natural wonder, the Cirque of Cilaos. Driving on a dramatic road that twists and turns through tunnels and across bridges we reach a scene of immense natural beauty. Fields of flowers, forests of indigenous trees, soaring rock walls and magnificent waterfalls. In the afternoon we explore a typical Reunion island village with its local handicraft market and hot springs.
24/05/2012 Reunion - Mauritius (BD)
La Pirogue Resort
Depart Mauritius Air Mauritius MK 219, 09.50
Arrive Mauritius 10.35
On arrival in Mauritius we transfer to La Pirogue Resort located at Flic en Flac on the west coast of the island. The resort is located along one of the country’s finest beaches and nestles in a magnificent tropical garden, a remarkable palm grove of 14 hectares dotted with colourful hibiscus and fragrant frangipani.
La Pirogue Resort
Wolmar
Flic en Flac
Mauritius
Ph: 0011- 230-403-3900
Fx: 403-3800
25/05/2012 Mauritius (BD)
Walking with the lions at Casela
After breakfast we depart for Casela National Park. Here in the natural bush setting of Domaine we have the chance to walk with the lions. It is one of only three places in the world where this experience is possible. The 14 hectares of park are also home to zebras, giant tortoises, monkeys and a tiger.
26/05/2012 Mauritius (BLD)
Sunset at Le Touessrok, Mauritius
This morning we visit the capital Port Louis, the Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousse and the Sugar Museum. We then explore the Colonial House of Eureka with lunch on the verandah at L'escale. There will be free time to stroll around the Le Caudan Waterfront area.
27/05/2012 Mauritius - Perth (B)
Air Mauritius
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our journey back to Australia.
Depart Mauritius Air Mauritius MK 940, 10.00
Arrive Perth 21.35
On arrival in Perth we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian city.
Tour Fitness Level: Energetic
MAY 2012 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: AUD $9,847.00
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1780.00
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST: * All flights between Perth 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 * Travel Directors tour escort * 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 escorted tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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