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An adventure rich in culture and discovery through unforgettable Madagascar
Our adventure starts in Antananarivo. The group flights usually arrive mid-afternoon. There will be a group meeting and briefing in the evening followed by an optional group dinner in the hotel for those that would like to join. Accommodation: Au Bois Vert Lodge or similar *Comfortable Hotel*
Leaving the hotel after breakfast we transfer out of the busy city to the Lemurs Park to encounter these primates which are endemic to Madagascar. Lemurs Park is a private park with a few species of lemur living freely in a forested area. After the visit to the park, we start cycling through scenic farmland with plenty of rice paddy fields. After lunch in Arivonimamo, we will transfer through a highland region to the top of a mountain pass before continuing the ride downhill to Miarinarivo, the capital of the Itasy, a region known its volcanic activity. The road levels out and the following 32km to Ampefy offer reaching views and are a real joy to ride. In Ampefy the lakeside hotel is our base for the next two nights. Cycle approx. 72km. Accommodation: Hotel Kavitaha or similar *Standard Hotel*
Distance in Km: 72
Distance in Miles: 44
We start today by cycling to the geysirs of Analavory. These limestone mounds are similar to geysirs found in Utah and Nevada; volcanic activity encourages bursts of warm water to cascade down the bright yellow stone and create a series of pools, often used by the locals for swimming due to the belief of the healing powers of the water. The ride starts on a decent road but the 16km route out and back to the geysirs is along a bumpy dirt track, linking up some fascinating small rural villages. Re-joining the new tar road we head back towards Ampefy, but before reaching the hotel we will take a small detour to the Liliha waterfalls, a dramatic series of cascades that provide a perfect way to refresh near the end of a full day of cycling. This stretch is also on dirt road. Cycle approx. 54km (26km on dirt road). Accommodation: Hotel Kavitaha or similar *Standard Hotel*
Distance in Km: 54
Distance in Miles: 33
Although relatively short, today’s ride is fairly challenging with varied terrain. We cycle the first 20km to Soavinandriana through scenic landscape with some hilly sections, including a steady 4km climb up to the town itself. The road levels out and we continue our undulating ride through spectacular scenery before a great descent which crosses the river at the small village of Kelivody. Here we will load up the bikes to drive across a high mountain pass to the town of Faratsiho. From here the road deteriorates dramatically and we will need 4X4 vehicles to pass the 47km stretch to Sambaina. This is an adventurous drive passing through a region that is rarely visited by tourists and provides a unique insight into the lives of those who live along the route. From Sambaina we re-join the tarmac for the final drive to Antisarabe. The entire transfer is likely to take up to 5 hours, but we will stop regularly to stretch the legs and have a look around. Antsirabe is an elegant city founded by Norwegian’s in 1856. It has a temperate climate and has a very European look and feel about it, including the local beer industry that makes it famous. Cycle approx. 38km. Accommodation: Plumeria Hotelor similar *Standard Hotel*
Distance in Km: 38
Distance in Miles: 23
Departing Antsirabe we start with a very short transfer to Vinanikarena to avoid the hectic morning traffic within the city. This is a long day’s cycling with a few undulations including a 4km climb to the ‘Col de Tapia’, a type of tree resistant to bush fires that makes for some interesting scenery. The support vehicle is with us all day so a rest is available if needed. Today’s destination is Ambositra, the centre of Madagascar's wood carving industry. The highlands are characterised by its architecture; the houses are made with ornately carved wooden balconies and shutters with bright colours. Upon arrival, depending on timings, we may visit a Zafimaniry woodcarving workshop to learn all about this local art that is listed on the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (if there isn’t sufficient time today then the visit will take place the following morning). Cycle approx. 84km. Accommodation: Artisan Hotel or similar *Standard Hotel*
Distance in Km: 84
Distance in Miles: 52
We have a lot of ground to cover today to get to the famed Ranomafana National Park. We’ll start the day with a transfer to Camp Robin before riding towards Ambohimahasoa. The landscape is still dominated by rice fields, pine forests, eucalyptus trees and jagged mountains. The last section, from Vohiparara, cruises downhill through a ravine canyon, with a tremendous view of the Namorona River and the rainforest, to our final destination of Ranomafana, our base for the next 2 nights. Cycle approx. 74km. Accommodation: Hotel le Grenat or similar *Standard Hotel*
Distance in Km: 74
Distance in Miles: 45
We have a day off the saddle today to explore Ranomafana National Park (approximately 40,000ha). With its rain-forested hills and abundant wildlife this has long been considered one of Madagascar’s highlights, and is one of the most heavily visited of the country’s national parks. Its entrance lies about 7km from Ranomafana village. Altitudes in the park range from 800m to 1200m. In addition to its densely forested hills, Ranomafana’s terrain is characterised by numerous small streams, which plummet down to the beautiful Namorona River. Although much of the region has been logged, the easternmost part of the park retains relatively large areas of primary forest. The morning will be spent walking through the park, learning about the abundant flora and fauna and in the early evening there will be the chance to go on a night-walk in the hope of spotting some the nocturnal lemurs and chameleons. Accommodation:Hotel le Grenat or similar *Standard Hotel*
We’ll start today with a 2 hour transfer to Fianarantsoa, which literally translates into ‘good education’ and is known locally as ‘the City where one learns good things’. It is regarded as the cultural and intellectual centre of Madagascar and is home to some of the oldest Protestant and Lutheran cathedrals on the island. We’ll start cycling here following a windy road to Ambalavao. Ambalavao is the centre of the Madagascan wine industry - the climate is said not to be ideal for grape vines but it is a tradition left by the priests and monks who lived in the area of Fianarantsoa. We climb a steady pass then enjoy a fabulous descent with great views before arriving in Ambalavao. Cycle approx. 56km. Accommodation:Tsienimparihy Lodge or similar *Standard Hotel*
Distance in Km: 56
Distance in Miles: 34
We’ll start cycling from the hotel today and pause to visit the small Anja nature reserve where we hope to see Ring-tailed Lemurs in their natural surroundings. Continuing on a straight road flanked by mountains we’ll head towards Ihosy, the capital of the Bara tribes. This nomadic tribe are shepherds to the prized Zebu cattle recognisable by their large horns. We’ll pass through the mountain chain of Andringitra, which serves as a transition between the dry south and the green highlands, with its famous ‘3 hillocks’ and its huge ‘archbishop's cape’. Along the way we’ll pass the ‘Bishop’s Hat’, a sacred place for local people as it is a place where their ancestors chose a collective suicide rather than to give in to the Merina tribes. On reaching the town of Zazafotsy we’ll jump on the bus for a transfer over the mountain-pass and then through the huge dessert-like ‘Plateau de Horombe’ famed for its deep red soil and sprawling savannah. Beyond the plateau we arrive in Isalo, our base for the next 2 nights. Cycle approx. 95km. Accommodation: Isalo Ranch or similar *Standard Hotel*
Distance in Km: 90
Distance in Miles: 55
Today we take a break again from our bikes for a hike in the stunning Isalo National Park. We spend the day exploring this vast region of wind-polished and water-scoured rock towers, deep canyons, gorges and oases often described as Eden. During our time we will go walking in the magnificent Canyon des Makis in search of cheeky Ring-tailed lemurs and the Verreaux's Sifaka. The eroded mountains also served as a place where the Bara kept their dead before they could bury them in their actual tombs. We start our walking and reach the massif after about 20 minutes, where we will have a spectacular view of the huge sandstone mountains with its beautiful colours and its strange and battered formations creating many different images like ‘the tortoise’, ‘the masks’ and ‘the crocodiles’. We also visit the 'Piscine Naturelle' (natural swimming pool), a beautifully lush spot in such an arid landscape, where we mayswim and relax. Perhaps the magic is just to soak up the sheer beauty of the park, the combination of coloured eroded rock forms, strange plants and enveloping silence make this one of the most captivating places in Madagascar. Accommodation: Isalo Ranch or similar *Standard Hotel*
Today is our last day cycling and we ride from the hotel through the dramatic rock formations heading out of the national park. Leaving the canyon, the ride continues to the sapphire mining town of Ilakaka and through isolated forests that constitute the most important remnant of dry deciduous forest of Madagascar. After finishing the ride we transfer through Zombitse National Park and through areas known for flamboyantly painted ‘Mahafaly tombs’ and ‘Antandroy tombs’. From Tulear we’ll continue north of Ifaty to Ifaty beach, a seaside beach resort protected by coral reefs. The landscape is dominated by cactus-like plants and mangrove trees line the coast which is used by local Vezo communities that earn their livelihoods through fishing. Cycle approx. 65km. Accommodation: Hotel de la Plage or similar *Standard Hotel*
Distance in Km: 65
Distance in Miles: 40
Our hotel lies on the beach and today is a full free day to relax on the beach or take part in some optional activities. From July to mid-September there is the option to go whale watching as the migration of Humpback whales passes through to give birth in shallow warm waters. Situated in the largest lagoon of the country, the area is also protected by a large coral reef, which makes it an ideal place for diving and snorkelling. Accommodation:Hotel de la Plage or similar *Standard Hotel*
Today we transfer to Tulear airport for our flight to Antananarivo which will arrive in the afternoon. Depending on the flight schedule, you may have free time to explore Antananarivo on your own. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport in the late evening for the very early flight the next morning. Please note that flight delays on the internal flight are not uncommon – we strongly advise not to book your international flights to depart before midnight.
* 11 nights standard and 1 night comfortable hotels
* 8 days cycling with 100% vehicle support
* Mostly surfaced roads, a few rough sections
Food standards in Madagascar can vary and are probably not of the same
standard you are used to at home. A one-course lunch/dinner should cost
£4-6 while a three-course lunch/dinner should cost £9-12 . Please allow
approximately £220 for meals not included, plus a little more if you enjoy a
drink with dinner! Malagasy lager is reasonably priced and easily available.
Malagasy wine is also reasonably priced but is not to everyone's taste. It is
sometimes possible to get hold of French or South African wine. A delicacy in
Madagascar is the various flavoured rum’s which are widely sold and very
reasonably priced.
Please note that if you eat neither fish nor meat, your food options will be
rather limited (i.e. omelette, cheese, pasta, vegetables and rice) on this
trip. Breakfasts are usually simple, eggs, a baguette, jam and coffee or tea,
and sometimes fruit. You may wish to bring something to supplement your
morning meal (e.g spread, peanut butter etc).
* 11 nights standard and 1 night comfortable hotels
* 8 days cycling with 100% vehicle support
* Mostly surfaced roads, a few rough sections
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4:
Average daily distance: 67km (47 miles)
No. of days cycling: 8
Vehicle support: 100%
Terrain and route:
Routes follow a mixture of back roads and a few main roads, but Madagascar
lacks heavy traffic in most areas. Some of Madagascar is mountainous and
there are a few tough climbs and long downhills in the first week, but
vehicle support is always available. Road condition are varied; some are
excellent with smooth new tarmac, however some can be bumpy and pot-holed and
in some places not suitable for cycling, which is when we'll transfer using
the bus. There are a few bumpy and dusty dirt road sections.
Mountain bikes are ideal for this trip and flat bars are preferable, but a
good strong tourer will suffice.
Madagascar is a rewarding destination with its wealth of flora and fauna,
however, before you decide to travel, we would highlight the following issues
for you to consider:
Travelling by vehicle in Madagascar can be uncomfortable as some of the road
quality varies. Please read our travelling conditions for more information.
We do have a few transfers but the diverse scenery more than makes up for
time spent on the bus. We break up our road journeys with stops to take
photos and to stretch our legs.
There will be lots of early starts and long days.
Please note that in the winter months, the days are shorter with sunset
coming by 5.30pm. If cycling is not completed by this time, it will be
necessary for safety reasons to get on the bus.
Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries and a degree of
flexibility and improvisation is required at times. The tourist
infrastructure in Madagascar is still new and some services are limited. It
is not unusual for there to be changes to accommodation or internal flights
and for this reason, the order of the itinerary (but not the content) may
sometimes have to be changed. However, what tourism does exist is of a
pleasantly good standard and you may be impressed by the level of services in
some of the places we stay.
Hotels & Lodges
We use tourist class hotels throughout the trip. The hotels are simple but
comfortable. Most of the hotels have mosquito nets in the rooms. Please note
that although all of the hotels are said to have a reliable electricity and
water supply there may be instances in which you experience some gaps in
supply - this is more a reflection of life in Madagascar than the standard of
the hotel. Please be aware that some hotels do not have 24 hr electricity,
and in some, hot water is not always available. There is WiFi in most of the
hotels but often this is only in the communal areas and not in the rooms.
Single accommodation is available on this trip for a supplement.
Food standards in Madagascar can vary and are probably not of the same
standard you are used to at home. A one-course lunch/dinner should cost
£4-6 while a three-course lunch/dinner should cost £9-12 . Please allow
approximately £220 for meals not included, plus a little more if you enjoy a
drink with dinner! Malagasy lager is reasonably priced and easily available.
Malagasy wine is also reasonably priced but is not to everyone's taste. It is
sometimes possible to get hold of French or South African wine. A delicacy in
Madagascar is the various flavoured rum’s which are widely sold and very
reasonably priced.
Please note that if you eat neither fish nor meat, your food options will be
rather limited (i.e. omelette, cheese, pasta, vegetables and rice) on this
trip. Breakfasts are usually simple, eggs, a baguette, jam and coffee or tea,
and sometimes fruit. You may wish to bring something to supplement your
morning meal (e.g spread, peanut butter etc).
We use private coach/mini-bus, which will be quite comfortable, usually with
air-conditioning.
Vehicle Support: The coach will accompany the riders most of the time,
allowing you the substantial flexibility to cycle as much or as little as you
like, plus a support truck for the bikes and baggage. The coach will not be
with the group for the short sections of dirt road.
There is an internal flight, with Air Madagascar between Tana and Tulear.
*Please note* that there are strict baggage allowances on those flights
of 20kg checked luggage, and 5kg hand luggage with charges for excess.
Please see the "what to take" section for further information.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 15 days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Kenya Airways (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 13 days starting and ending in Antananarivo
*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Antananarivo in
the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start
point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately
two weeks before departure.
Please note that security conditions at the airport in Antananarivo do not
allow for the leader to be able to access the airport building. The leader
will be waiting directly outside the building to meet you on arrival.
The cost of a taxi is likely to be about £21 (approx. $US 27) should you
decide to make your way independently.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
Madagascar has a tropical climate with two seasons - rainy and dry.
The driest season extends from April to October. It can be cold on the
central plateau (including Antananarivo) in the evenings, and in the
rainforest areas, so you should bring warm clothes (fleece and waterproof).
There is considerable regional variation but coastal areas will normally be
very hot and dry. Expect daytime in the shade temperatures up to 38ºC from
October-December and up to 30ºC during the trips running from April-June and
September.
Casual clothes. As it is generally hot, light cotton clothing is recommended
for most of the trip, though it will be a little cooler in the central
plateau (including Antananarivo) in the evenings, and in the rainforest
areas, so you should bring some warm clothes (fleece and waterproof).
Due to the strict baggage allowances on the internal flights (with Air
Madagascar between Tana and Tulear) you are advised to pack carefully and
avoid taking excess baggage. Allowances on those flights are 20kg checked
luggage and 5kg hand luggage with charges for the excess of 35 EUR for up to
30 KG checked luggage, and 50 EUR for a second piece of checked luggage up
to 20kg,
We recommend packing the following items:
Cycling water bottle
Padded cycling shorts
Breathable cycling tops
Cycling helmet (compulsory on this trip)
Strong sun cream
Torch
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Sunglasses / cycling-specific eyewear
Sunhat
Anti-bacterial gel
Mosquito repellent
Comfortable shoes for cycling/walking in
A swimming costume will be well used
Warm sweater or fleece jacket (as nights can be chilly)
A first aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own first
aid kit with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets, plasters
and a blister treatment kit.
A buff/bandana to cover your mouth on the short dirt sections.
Long trousers and socks for walking in the national parks are advised in case
of leeches if there has been heavy rain.
Binoculars
Camera
Daysack
Earplugs if you have trouble sleeping
Please note that tampons are virtually impossible to get hold of in
Madagascar
Due to laws in Madagascar about the dispensing of medicine, the guides are
not able to carry any basic medicines should you feel unwell. These include
Paracetamol, Imodium and Aspirin. Although they are available to buy in
Madagascar, if you believe you may need these we advise you to bring them
with you from home.
*Local Bike Details:* Specialized Pitch mountain bikes with front
suspension.
*Discount for bringing your own bike:* £150.
A Visa card can be used to obtain a local currency cash advance at some
banks, and the Master card is accepted as well, but only at the BNI Bank. But
please note that we advise you to bring your spending money in Euros or US$
cash as these are easiest to change to local currency. Bills of 100 € or
USD usually get a better rate than bills of 20 or less. British pounds
Sterling can only be exchanged at banks at the airport, but even there, they
are not always accepted. *You can bring maximum 7500 € or the
corresponding amount in other currency without declaring it on arrival, above
that amount, you have to declare it. Please note that you can import and
export a maximum of 400’000 Ariary in the local currency Ariary.* You
cannot rely on credit cards for payment as they are rarely accepted and the
ATM don’t always work, and American Express or Diners cards are hardly
accepted anywhere in Madagascar.
All money should be exchanged at the airport on arrival, as in the banks in
the provincial towns, it’d take too long. Also, the exchange rate at the
airport is generally better than in the banks in Antananarivo or other
cities.
Any unused Ariary must be exchanged before checking in departures only US$
and Euros are accepted.
You will need about £220/US$285 for meals not included, which will allow you
to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover soft drinks
(more if you like a beer) and souvenirs.
Most groups also find it useful to operate a snacks kitty system to buy
snacks and drinks for the group on the cycling days. If the group would like
the leader to arrange this, the suggested amount is around £20/US$26 per
person depending on the group size.
*Optional Activities*
*Ifaty Beach*
Scuba diving: Single dive – Approx. £40 or 155,000 Ariary per person
Snorkelling - Approx. £12.50 or 50,000 Ariary per person
Whale watching (July-September) – Approx. £35 or 140,000 Ariary per person
(minimum 4 people)
Kayaking - Approx £9 or 35,000 Ariary per person.
This is entirely at your own discretion, but we suggest that you allow a few
pounds for tips for the local guides and staff.
In Madagascar, with the increase in tourism, tipping has become customary.
The local staff will probably expect some gratuity and we suggest you allow
for this. The leader will suggest to the group that they donate a sum of
£45/US$59 per person towards a kitty on arrival. This money is then used for
tipping of local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc. It is basically to
ensure that the hassle is taken out of various activities for you. If you do
not wish to contribute to a central pool for tips you are of course free to
do so.
If you feel that your leader has performed well over the course of your trip,
you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose
to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, £2-3 per person per day would
be a reasonable starting point.
The 'tipping kitty' explained above is entirely separate from any
contribution to the tour leader. Our local staff are paid well and fairly for
their work with Exodus.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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