Ultimate Madagascar Adventure Adventure Tour

Home to mind-blowing scenery, lush rainforests, curious lemurs, and all the outdoor splendour you could possibly ask for (and then some), Madagascar was made for adventure travel. This comprehensive tour takes you deep inside Africa's amazing jungle island for close encounters with both wildlife and humans over 22 incredible days. Sit down for dinner with a ghost-talker at a homestay near Lake Andraikiba, swim in natural pools and splash about under waterfalls, encounter the unique trees of Baobab Alley, and soak up nature at its finest in some of the island's national parks. Madagascar is so incredible it feels like another planet. Get out there.

Highlights  

Experience an unforgettable sunset at Baobab Alley, discover nocturnal creatures on a night walk in Kirindy Reserve, explore the peculiar rock formations of the UNESCO-classified Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, explore the Manambolo River in a canoe, search for lemurs and unique wildlife, learn about native flora and fauna in world-famous national parks, savour a local dinner in a rural village.

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!

Transport  

Private minibus, plane, walking, 4x4, canoe.

Local Flights  

The local flights between Morondava & Antananarivo and Tulear (Toliara) & Antananarivo are 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.

Solo Travellers  

We believe solo 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 solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

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.

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 customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

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.

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)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• 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
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• 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 usually hot and rainy.

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.

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.

Accommodation  

Simple hotels (16 nts), community guesthouse (1 nt, multi-share), huts (4 nts).

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.

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!

Safety and Security  

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Soa Zara Tree Planting Project, Ranohira
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group, Antananarivo
Your Local Living Moment: Community Guesthouse and Traditional Dinner, Fiadanana
Your Discover Moment: Ifaty. Sunset at Baobab Alley. 4x4 journey between Morondava, Kirindy and Bekopaka. Guided night walk in Kirindy Reserve. Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve guided visit. Canoe excursion on the Manambolo River. Andasibe Indri Special Reserve guided walk. Artisan workshop visit. Traditional healer visit. Paper factory visits. Anja Reserve walk. Isalo National Park visit. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from activities.

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.

Group Size Notes  

Max 16, avg 12

My Own Room Exceptions  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single accommodation for all night stops, with the following exception: Day 13 in Fiadanana (Community Guesthouse - multishare).

Joining Hotel  

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

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.

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 leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. 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.

Max Pax  

16

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.

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.

Departure Tax  

USD20, usually included in most international air tickets.

Joining Instructions  

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time.

If you have pre-arranged an arrival transfer, look for the driver holding a G Adventures sign in the arrivals hall inside the airport terminal, the sign will not have your name on it, instead our driver will ask for your name as confirmation of your transfer with us. We recommend you to change your money at the airport into local currency, please ask your representative for help. Please avoid any help offered from porters in the airport as they demand compensation for their services and they can be misleading at times. Only accept help from your G Adventures representative.

If your baggage did not arrive on your flight, please call the local emergency number or ask your airport representative for assistance.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time.

A G Adventures Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.

Visas and Entry Requirements  

All countries require travellers to have a valid passport (with a minimum of 6 months validity). Please note that upon arrival by air or by land to Madagascar, all non-Malagasy nationals must pay a fee of 120,000 Ariary (about 35 EUR/ 37 USD/ 27 GBP at time of writing) for a tourist visa of 30 days or less (adults and children). Payment for this can be made directly at the border or airport and all major currencies are accepted. We advise our travellers to ensure they have close to the exact amount needed in bills (plus a little extra to account for any fluctuations). Cash is preferred. Any change will be given in Malagasy Ariary.

If you arrive into Ivato Airport (Antananarivo), you should make your way to the border control desk closest to the Direction Generale des Impots (DGI) Office where there is an electronic sign indicating the cost of the visa.

The information above is accurate as of February 22nd, 2018, however we always advise our travellers to check with their Embassy/Consulate for the most up-to-date information as fees and policies frequently change. It is the travellers responsibility to have the correct travel documentation.

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

Money Exchange  

The currency of Madagascar is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). We recommend that purchases locally be made in MGA.

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 may sometimes be used for purchases in Tana, but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-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, or find ATMs.

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.

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, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you 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.

Optional Activities  

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

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

Ranomafana National Park
- Thermal Pool Swim (15000MGA per person)
- Town Visit
- Morning Forest Walk (20-25EUR per person)

Ambalavao
- Silk Factory Visit (2EUR per person)

Ifaty
- Snorkelling (320000MGA per person)
- Reniala Spiny Forest Reserve Visit (35000MGA per person)
- Dugout Canoe Ride (30000MGA per person)
- Fishing (30000-800000MGA per person)
- Quad Biking (230000MGA 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 people in the sex trade 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 utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

Meals Included  

4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

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).