6-Day Madagascar Safari from Taolagnaro with Mandrare River Camp

You will depart from Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, arriving at Ivato National Airport at least two hours before your flight. You will then board your flight to Fort Dauphin, also known as Taolagnaro, which typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, with aerial views of lush landscapes and coastlines along the way.

Upon arrival at Fort Dauphin Airport, your driver and personal guide will meet you. If time allows, they will take you to Nahampoana Reserve, where you will receive an introduction to the unique wildlife and plants of the southern region.

Accommodation: Talinjoo Hotel

After breakfast, you will drive for approximately 4 hours to Mandrare River Camp, traveling along both paved roads and off-road tracks. Along the way, you will enjoy a game drive through the surrounding landscapes, with opportunities to observe wildlife and discover the unique scenery of southern Madagascar. You will also pass through traditional Antandroy villages.

Upon arrival at the camp, you will settle into your tent and enjoy magnificent views over the Mandrare River. A three-course lunch will be served on the river terrace.

Around 5 PM, you will depart for a night walk in the Forest of Zenavo, where you may observe lemurs, chameleons, owls, sleeping birds, and other nocturnal wildlife. With some luck, you may spot mouse lemurs and active sportive lemurs in the Spiny Forest.

Accommodation: Mandrare River Camp

After enjoying a delightful breakfast at the restaurant, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide and an experienced local tracker as you set off toward the breathtaking Sacred Gallery Forest, located south of the camp. During this excursion, you will have the chance to encounter curious groups of ring-tailed lemurs and the always entertaining Verreaux's sifaka, both highlights of this remarkable experience.

As the afternoon approaches, prepare for an enchanting walk through the Sacred Spiny Forest, where you will discover the ancestral tombs of the local Antandroy tribe, as well as a remarkable diversity of unique flora and fauna. After your visit, you will return to the camp and enjoy the sunset from your balcony.

Accommodation: Mandrare River Camp

You will start your day with a cozy cup of tea or coffee before heading out for a refreshing morning stroll through the Spiny Forest. As the sun rises, you will enjoy the beautiful rays filtering through the unique octopus trees while keeping an eye out for endemic birds like the Crested Coua and various Vangas. Afterward, you will return to the camp for a tasty breakfast.

If it is Thursday or Saturday, dive into local culture with a trip to the market or visit a nearby village to meet the fascinating Antandroy tribe.

You will savor a hearty lunch at the camp. Then, you will spend a relaxing afternoon watching river life from your tent's terrace.

As dusk approaches, get ready for a memorable sundowner among the iconic baobab trees. You will witness the stunning sunset as the moon rises, creating a magical backdrop against the mountains. Later, you will enjoy traditional dances from the local village, filled with vibrant singing and music - an authentic glimpse into Antandroy culture.

Accommodation: Mandrare River Camp

After breakfast, be ready for a day trip to the stunning Lac Anony. This saltwater lake is separated from the Indian Ocean by a series of large sand dunes and is home to greater flamingos and a variety of saltwater birds. The lake is a two-hour drive from the camp.

On arrival, you will walk along the lake shore to a beautiful picnic spot. Then, you will scale the 70-foot-high sand dunes for an incredible view of the surrounding area, and you can also swim in the lake.

You will return to Taolagnaro after the visit, following the same road for 4 hours. Your overnight stay will be at the same hotel.

Accommodation: Mandrare River Camp

After an early breakfast, you will be driven back to Fort Dauphin in approximately 2.5 hours and transferred to the airport for your flight back to Tana. There, you will have a car at your disposal for a city tour if you want to.

Afterward, you will be transferred to the Hotel Bois Vert for the day before your intercontinental flight.

Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)