Pack your sense of adventure, a good dose of fascination, and a little sunblock, and you’re ready to delve into the wonders of Madagascar. Towards the end of 2023, our Head of Sales, Jonty, did just that and we’ve been bursting to share it all with you.
Magical with a capital ‘M’, Madagascar can’t be wrapped up in one neat package. You’ll swing from dining on something exotic, surrounded by centuries of history, to trekking through forests where it looks like no human has ever set foot and the wildlife belongs in a Dr Seuss book, to sunbathing on sugary beaches caressed by the Indian Ocean.
Read on to hear all about what Jonty got up to on this incredible island (spoiler: it was all of the above and more!). Those lemurs are calling…
“Our journey to Madagascar began in Antananarivo, where we spent two nights at Palissandre Hotel & Spa in the midst of the colourful old town. It’s really worth enjoying a little extra time wandering around Madagascar’s capital before your adventure gets underway. A highlight of our time in Tana was the cooking experience with Tamana Kitchen. We began the day at the local market, searching for fresh ingredients (and bartering with the stall holders!) before we were taught how to turn them into a delicious lunch.”
“Next up, we headed for the forests of Andasibe, the island’s most well-known wildlife destination and home to no less than 13 different species of lemur. The next 36 hours were filled with sightings of the most incredible wildlife — day and night! We were lucky enough to spot Parson’s chameleons, giraffe necked weevils, net throwing spiders and lemurs! We also had to chance to look for the rare Indri Indri on foot, the largest lemur on Earth. Nothing can prepare you for their haunting call, and, as you scan the trees for their distinctive silhouette and startling eyes, you’ll often hear their song long before you finally spot one.”
“Our final stop was Masoala Forest Lodge, a magical place where the rainforest meets the ocean. It’s very eco-conscious and with only 7 tented rooms raised on stilts and all set in a sheltered cove, you feel like you’re in your very own castaway movie. My time in Masoala National Park was a highlight of the trip and we were never at a loss for things to do. Snorkelling off deserted beaches, visiting the local school, sunset sails, helping with Masoala Lodge’s reforestation project, thrilling night walks and bonfires on the beach — the list is endless. If you’re really lucky, you’ll even see an Aye-Aye around camp in the evening! Suffice to say, we never wanted to leave…”
Fancy doing the same thing?
Jonty spent time in Antananarivo (the capital city and where all flights arrive and depart), Andasibe, and Masoala National Park in Madagascar, before flying down to South Africa for some R&R in the Cape Winelands! Whilst not essential, it was a relaxing end to the trip – and with plenty of wine tasting and fabulous restaurants, it’s a great contrast to a more active adventure.
Check out Jonty’s trip and if you’d like to add any stops or mix and match other destinations in Madagascar, have a play around yourself or chat to Jonty and take advantage of his first-hand advice.
