Highlights of Madagascar Adventure Tour

Lemurs, wild landscapes, village culture, beaches - Madagascar might be an island but there's nothing small about it. For those who like to get remote, this isolated island is packed with wildlife, landscapes, and people you'll find nowhere else. And everybody loves lemurs! You'll get to embrace local life and still have time to relax at the beach. Best of all, there's always a local CEO (Chief Experience Officer) there to lead the way and provide a link to the unusual and extraordinary.

Meals Included  

1 lunch

Highlights  

Search for lemurs and unique wildlife, learn about native flora and fauna in world-famous national parks, visit local artisan workshops, lounge on beautiful beaches, savour a traditional lunch in a highland village

Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Transport  

Private vehicle, plane, walking.

Accommodation  

Simple hotels (13 nts).

Meals  

When meals are not included, your hotel will have a restaurant or your will be advised of a good local establishment. Part of the excitement of a G Adventures trip is the ability to try local dishes when possible.. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is not expensive. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though, and you may choose to explore some local restaurants on your own or with you travel companion(s).

Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Joining Instructions  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

If you would like to book an airport Arrival transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.


Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

My Own Room  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

Local Flights  

The local flight on day 2 from from Antananarivo to Ifaty is included in the cost of your tour. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Please note you are allowed to check 1 bag (maximum weight 20 kg) and bring 1 piece of hand luggage (up to 5 kg) on this flight.

Packing List  

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: Please ensure you bring a breathable rain jacket if you are travelling to Madagascar between November and April where the climate is usally hot and rainy.

What to Take  

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, backpack, or sports bag, maximum 20kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, though the climate in most centres is pleasant. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.

Max Pax  

16

Finishing Point Instructions  

If you would like to book an airport Departure transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.

Health  

We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure. Travellers should also carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your tour leader of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling with the group. Your tour leader will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality). Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.
 
 
Yellow Fever Certificate Note: (Updated: May 2023)
 
It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are travelling to the following G Adventures-visited countries from a Yellow Fever endemic country:

-           Botswana
-          Ethiopia
-          Kenya
-          Madagascar
-          Malawi
-          Mozambique
-          Rwanda
-          South Africa
-          Swaziland
-          Uganda
-          Zambia
-          Zimbabwe
 
For some of these countries, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is also required for passengers who have travelled more than 12 hours through the airport of an endemic country. If other countries not endemic to Yellow Fever have been visited after visiting an endemic country, then a Yellow Fever certificate may still be required on entry. Please check country-specific regulations before your departure.
 
 
Malaria
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is present in some regions in Africa. Risk of malaria can increase during periods of heavy rain, during the rainy seasons, and in densely populated areas of Southern & East Africa. To prevent malaria, we recommend speaking to your doctor about taking preventative medication (prophylaxis), combined with regular use of insect repellent spray/cream. Please check updated travel health advisories specific to malaria before your departure.

Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Group Size Notes  

Max 16, avg 12

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Departure Tax  

USD20, usually included in most international air tickets.

Tipping  

Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program. The gesture serves as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service, and amounts given are up to your discretion.

Tipping is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal 'thank you', and the action should in no way be awkward.

The best method of tipping someone that has served the whole group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope. This often works the best and the group should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s).

You may use the following as a guideline, all given in a per person format:

CEO: US$25 per week
Driver: US$2 per day
Supply Crew: US$1 per day
Local guides: US$1-3 (per couple of hours)
Restaurant/café servers: 10% of the total bill
Hotel Porters: US$1

Please note that tipping should always be in Ariary if possible, locals find it difficult and time-consuming to have to change EUR/USD tips and therefore always prefer Ariary.

Banks do not accept $100 USD bills.

Optional Activities  

Antananarivo
- Queen's Palace Visit (15000MGA per person)
- The Prime Minister's Palace Visit (20000MGA per person)
- Tsarasaotra Bird Park (25000MGA per person)
- Antananarivo City Tour
- Mitsinjo Park (35000-50000MGA per person)

Ifaty
- Snorkelling (65000MGA per person)
- Reniala Spiny Forest Reserve Visit (65000MGA per person)
- Dugout Canoe Ride (55000MGA per person)
- Quad Biking (290000MGA per person)
- Diving

Ambalavao
- Silk Factory Visit (2EUR per person)

Ranomafana National Park
- Ranomafana National Park Visit
- Thermal Pool Swim (15000MGA per person)
- Town Visit

Andasibe
- Vondron'olona Ifotony Reserve (45000MGA per person)
- Andasibe-Perinet National Park Guided Walk (Afternoon) (75000MGA per person)

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Important Notes  

1.DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
Please note that there are limited domestic flight options for our internal flights during the trip - we are at mercy of the national flight schedule, which often is only released 5 months at a time. Though there is normally one flight a day to and from each centre, we have designed the itinerary around past and current flight departure times. However, these times may change and this may result in a slight adjustment in the itinerary in order for us to match up our trip itinerary with this local constraint. Typically, this results in shuffling days of the itinerary around and does not cause any missed activities, destinations or experiences. Please be aware that your passport must be valid at least 6 months from your day of departure from Madagascar.

2. DRONES
Drones are NOT allowed in Madagascar at all, and the use of one can result in fines, or even imprisonment. Please do not bring your drone with you.

3. VACCINATIONS
It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country visited. Please check in with your local health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.

5. MONEY EXCHANGE
Please note that there are limited ATMs or options for exchanging money in Morondava. Foreign currency is also not accepted in most places. It is best to bring sufficient local currency from Antananarivo.

6. ACCOMMODATION NOTE
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

7. This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of Madagascar's landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience.

Group Leader Description  

Throughout the entire journey around Madagascar, you will be accompanied on your trip by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). To round out the team, you will be joined by an expert driver. The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be the group manager and leader. He/she organizes the trip, and will be there to assist you when needed. He/she will be local to Madagascar, as G Adventures supports local employment, and will have a general knowledge base of the region, history, culture, and wildlife. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. Your driver is a skilled and experienced driver, and is an integral part of the team. In addition, within the national parks, we engage in expert local guides to lead the hikes and forest walks, and he/she will be able to teach your specifics about the flora and fauna, and of course help to spot lemurs!

Money Exchange  

The currency of Madagascar is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). We recommend that purchases locally be made in MGA, as import and export of MGA is prohibited. There are ATMs in every major city in Madagascar.

Credit cards are useful for cash advances in Antananarivo (Tana), but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs).

Credit cards are increasingly accepted in Madagascar, but not everywhere. A Visa card offers more options than a Mastercard or an American Express card. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 6%-10% usually applies. International debit cards may work as well, especially if they are linked to major credit card networks (Visa & Mastercard specifically).

While ATMs are available in the capital, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will work. Some travellers bring two or more cards, to improve their chances of them working at ATMs. ATMs have limits on how much money can be taken out at a time.

It is best to bring large denominations EUR or USD in 50 or 100 notes to change into local currency. You cannot pay in USD dollars. We do not recommend bringing traveller's cheques to Madagascar.

Outside of Tana you will find that it difficult to exchange foreign currency, and ATMs will not be available every day of the trip.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euro and US dollar cash is best, with accessing money via cards second. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Laundry  

Some of the hotels will have a laundry service for a fee, and hand washing of clothes can be done in several locations as well. We recommend you bring a non polluting/biodegradable soap, as well as a roll of simple string to act as a drying line for your clothes. If you arrive in the late afternoon, or if there is poor weather, it may not be possible for your clothes to completely dry.

What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Soa Zara Tree Planting Project, Ranohira
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Ifaty. Andasibe Indri Special Reserve guided walk. Paper Factory Visit. Anja Reserve walk. Isalo National Park visit. Walking Near Antsirabe. Andasibe-Perinet National Park Guided Walk. Free time in Ifaty. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Minimum Age  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer), driver throughout, local guides.