Expeditions 2012-2013 - Scheduled Departures & Custom Programs

For the most part the programs below are fully inclusive upon arrival in-country. Some scheduled departures require a minimum number of travelers or a small group surcharge.

Private Departures: Most of our itineraries are available at other times of the year as exclusive programs for individuals, small groups, and families.

Customize / Personalize: All our programs may be modified to suit your travel dates; how much time you have and your interests. If you have other areas or activities of interest please let us know. We're happy to work together to design just the right program and experience for you.

Guides: We have expert naturalist guides fluent in English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Italian, Portuguese and Malagasy languages.

Agencies:We work with a variety of top quality travel agencies from around world and are happy discuss your clients specific requests for programs for Madagascar and East Africa.

Please Note: Costs are shown in US dollars and are subject to availability and change. Click here for multi-lingual currency converter. For information and suggestions regarding international air fares please send a message via our contact page.

For more information please click on any of the colored and underlinded links.

Madagascar Wonders of the Western Region Available throughout the year 1/2 Day - 10 Days Visit one area or combine all! Click below for online brochures: Tsingy de Bemaraha Kirindy Forest Avenue of the Baobabs Kirindy Mitea National Park		Wonders of Western Madagascar The Menabe (Western) Region of Madagascar offers a great variety of unique activities and ecosystems. 1/2-Day to 6-Day Excursions from the Chez Maggie Hotel, Morondava. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park: 3 - 5 Days The West's most popular park and a World heritage Site for good reason! This is Madagascar's largest reserve (152 000 hectares.), classified as one of the world wonders by UNESCO. The fascinating raised limestone plateau is decorated with a frail, chaotic razor-sharp collection of pinnacles, the "Tsingy". Areas of deciduous forest also provide the chance to see brown lemurs and a variety of birdlife, we may also meet the rare all white Decken's sifaka. We offer multi day programs which include the Kirindy Forest and Avenue of the Baobabs. Kirindy Forest Reserve: 1 - 3 Days The 25,000-acre Kirindy Forest has the greatest density and diversity of primates in the world. Probably the best western Reserve for seeing Madagascar's endemic dry forest species, the Kirindy is home to the giant jumping rat, found only in this area. Dominated by majestic baobab trees, the forest is home to the world's smallest known primate as well as dozens of amphibian and reptile species (and no poisonous snakes). As well the forest boasts more than 60 species of birds and 8 lemur species. Avenue of the Baobabs & Baobabs of the Menabe Region: 1/2 Day- 2 Days The world famous Avenue of the Baobabs is an extra-ordinary stand of huge baobab trees. Located 45 minutes north of the town of Morondava on Madagascar's west coast it is one of the most visited sites in the Menabe Region. A candidate as one of the 7 Wonders of Africa; efforts are underway to protect this unique grove of more than a dozen trees. Some of the trees (Adansonia grandidieri) are over 800 years old and reach a height of 30+ meters. The Avenue of the Baobabs is a photographers paradise and especially beautiful at sunset. For those with a special interest in baobabs, along with the Baobabs in Love, we offer a more extended tours to hidden groves of trees near Morondava. Kirindy Mitea National Park: 4 - 6 Days Where the West and South ecosystems meet! Kirindy Mitea National Park is a new and seldom reserve located 50 kms south of Morondava on the west coast of Madagascar. The reserve encompassing an amazing variety of ecosystems: beaches; inland lakes; 7 offshore islands; spiny forest; vast Baobab forests; extensive mangroves. With a full variety of lemurs (including ringtails); more than 30 species of birds; and fossa. Picturesque Lake Ambondro and Lake Sirave offer a great variety of aquatic birdlife (with many rare and endangered species) Kirindy Mitea NP has something for everyone! Visits to the park include time in Belo sur Mer.
Madagascar Mangoky River, Rainforest & The West May 23 - Jun 09, 2012 18-Days Cost: $ 3,340.00 Plus Domestic Air: Approximately: $ 534.00 Single Supplement: $ 210.00 Download itinerary (18 days) 13 & 15-Day Programs also available		Mangoky River, Rainforest and the West More than a great river trip! A comprehensive look at the Great Red Island. On the tranquil Mangoky River we enjoy a relaxing and truly remote camping experience. Floating past the world's largest baobab forest we enjoy a variety of endemic Malagasy flora and fauna. Great food, great company in a seldom visited region of the island. A relaxed multi-activity journey Mangoky River: A Calm Water Float Eastern rain forest Andasibe (Perinet) Western Savannah / Southern Spiny Forest Kirindy Forest - Western dry forest Avenue of the Baobabs & the Baobabs in Love Relaxing on the Mozambique Channel Morondava & the lovely Chez Maggie Hotel Optional snorkeling and SCUBA diving in Ifaty Featured in the book: 1,000 Places to Visit Before You Die by Patricia Schultz
Madagascar Escape to Western Madagascar: Rainforest, Manambolo River and the West Confirmed Departures: May 2 - 16, 2012 Optional extension to Belo sur Mer 15 Days / Cost: TBA (shorter program available) 14 day programs are available May through November Optional charter flight to the start of the Manambolo River. Download itinerary		Escape to the West! Confirmed Departures: May 02-16, 2012 An excellent overview of the Great Red Island. A great family vacation! Combining rainforest walks; calm water canoeing on the Manambolo River; trekking in the Tsingy de Bemaraha; relaxing on the beach and exploring dry forests of the west. Highlights: Andasibe (Perinet) - Eastern rainforest Adventurous 4X4 drive to the Manambolo River Manambolo River: A calm water float Tsingy de Bemaraha World Heritage Site Kirindy Forest Avenue of the Baobabs Relaxing on the Mozambique Channel Morondava and the Chez Maggie Hotel
Madagascar Tsiribihina River and the West 7 - 10 days: Available March through November Online-brochure Pre / Post Trip Options: Andasibe (Perinet) Tsingy de Bemaraha Isalo National Park Ranomafana National Park		A Taste of Madagascar 2012! Tsiribihina River, Kirindy Forest & Morondava Eastern rainforest; a relaxing 3-day calm water float in traditional Malagasy canoes; exploring the western dry forest and relaxing on the beach on the Mozambique Channel. Highlights: Tsiribihina River: Calm water float Kirindy Forest Avenue of the Baobabs The Mangroves of Morondava Sailing on the Mozambique Channel Chez Maggie Hotel (Morondava)
Madagascar East meets West 18-Days Available July through November Cost: $ 3,670.00 Plus Domestic Air: Approximately: $ 455.00 Single Supplement: $ 385.00 Detailed itinerary (PDF) 13-Day program also available Programs without Manambolo River also available		East meets West Contrasts of the Great Red Island! Rainforest, River & Sea Discover the best of both coasts: the exotic rainforest of the east and the unique flora and fauna of the dry western forest. This unique multi-activity program also features two superb properties: the Chez Maggie Hotel (Morondava) and the Masoala Forest Lodge (Masoala Peninsula). Hightlights of the East: Masoala Forest Lodge Masoala National Park Moderate tropical sea kayaking (optional) Rainforest Exploration Indian Ocean Whale Watching (seasonal) Highlights of the West: Chez Maggie Hotel (Morondava on the Mozambique Channel) Manambolo (or Tsiribihina River): Calm water canoeing Tsingy de Bemaraha a World Heritage Site Kirindy Forest - Western deciduous forest Avenue of the Baobabs - Baobabs in Love Mangroves of Morondava Sailing on the Mozambique Channel With: Expert Multi-lingual Naturalist Guides Varied and excellent cuisine And of course, lemurs, lemurs, lemurs…
Madagascar Sea Kayaking 1 - 21 Day Options Available April through December Online brochure (PDF)		Sea Kayaking the Vezo Coast ~ Custom Programs New for 2012 Design your own custom program. Based from the comfortable Chez Maggie Hotel in Morondava 1/2 day and multi-day options are possible. We'll be happy to explore the possibilities with you! Camping on remote beaches Kirindy Mite National Park Belo sur Mer Island, reef, estuary, & mangrove exploration Exploring vast baobab forests & coastal lakes Combine with sailing aboard the Nofy Be Morondava & the Chez Maggie Hotel Extensions in the Western Region & other areas of the island
Madagascar Fishing on the Vezo Coast 1/2 - 6 Day Options Available March through December		Fishing on the Vezo Coast New for 2012 Two unique options along the Western Coast Fly Fishing ~ Belo sur Mer & Beyond Be among the first to wet a fly along the Vezo Coast. Fishing with the Vezo of Morondava Join local fishermen on the Mozambique Channel. (Click links above for online brochures.)
Madagascar Nofy Be ~ online brochure Available for charter and scheduled departures April through January Whale Watching July - October		"Nofy Be" ~ "Big Dream" Traditional Sailing - Journeys of exploration and constrast! Exploring Madagascar's West Coast by Sail The "Big Dream" is a 58' traditional wooden'Botry' a gaff-rigged schooner. Along with scheduled departures the Nofy Be is available for custom packages for family, friends or associates according to your interests and schedule. Let us know - We'll be happy to explore the options with you! Snorkeling & SCUBA diving Whale watching (July - October) Island, reef, estuary, & mangrove exploration Exploring vast baobab forests & coastal lakes Off shore Surfing Adventures Sleep onboard & picturesque Beach & Island Camping Research & Teambuilding Morondava & the Chez Maggie Hotel Extensions in the Western Region & other areas of the island Please contact us for more details.
Ethiopia Omo River Expedition Sept / Oct 2011 14 - 21 day options		Omo River Expedition >> A Remote River Expeditions Specialty for over 20 years << Long known as one of the world's best rafting trips. Ethiopia's Omo River has it all: exciting rapids; great campsites; beautiful scenery; hot springs; good birding; abundant wildlife; and some of the most unique and unvisited people in Africa. UPDATE JANUARY 2011 It's uncertain whether we will be running an expedition in 2012 and are working to obtain the required permit. If successful we will run whatever section(s) of the river possible. If you're interested in joining us please let us know and we'll keep you updated.
Ethiopia Blue Nile & Tekeze Rivers		Blue Nile & Tekeze Rivers 7 - 15 Day Options Available on special request with groups of 6 or more traveling. Please contact us for details!
Tanzania Rufiji River Safari 13-Day Programs starting: Jun 13 & 27, 2011 Dec 26, 2011 Jan 09, 2012 Cost: $4,500.00 - 5,000.00 plus National Park Fees		Rufiji River ~ A Unique Floating Safari! Wilderness Walks & Wildlife Unlimited An exceptional calm water rafting safari combining wildlife viewing, daily game walks and wilderness camping in Africa's largest protected area, the wild and wonderful Selous Game Reserve. Excellent birds, a full variety of African big game along with a nearness to nature and wildlife impossible to find anywhere else. The Selous' more than 18,000 square miles is home to vast numbers of wildlife, including the continent's largest remaining elephant population.