Baobabs and Tsingy Explorer
5 Days
from
$1,665
to
$1,780
per person*
Highlights:
Madagascar
(Antananarivo, Bekopaka, Morondava)
Trip Start/End:
Antananarivo
/
Antananarivo
Enter a world like no other, where the natural landscapes, wildlife and indigenous flora are so unique, you will feel as if you have entered an environment straight out of video-game. This itinerary explores an area of Madagascar that is in itself is a rich, bio-diverse environment boasting unbelievable birds and wildlife species, picturesque rocky terrain, dry yet fertile riverbeds and forests, and so much more. Travel from the Malagasy capital Antananarivo to the boundaries of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park where along with an expert local guide you will have the opportunity to trek the rugged terrain and the preserved mangrove forests. Unique only to this the 4th largest islands in the world are the Grandidier’s Baobab trees, a species of tree that have large, cylindrical trunks and blossomed fruit filled canopies, which inhabit and thrive in the dry deciduous forest area along the agriculturally degraded scrubland known as the “Alley of Baobabs.” Keep a keen eye on the various wildlife and bird species as your privately driven vehicle takes you between locations. Quality accommodations throughout provide comfortable evening and a “home away from home” during this trip.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Antananarivo
| - Welcome Package - Baobabs Welcome Pack
- Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Lokanga Boutique Hotel
Rose's Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Antananarivo - Morondava - Bekopaka
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Antananarivo - Morondava [1 Hour] - Economy
- Transfer - Private - Morondava - Bekopaka [Spiny Forest & Tsiribihina River] - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (included)
| Olympe Du Behmaraha
Guest Room (B,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Bekopaka
| - Private - Great Tsingy Exploration - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (included)
| Olympe Du Behmaraha
Guest Room (B,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Bekopaka - Morondava
| - Transfer - Private - Bekopaka - Morondava [Alley of Baobabs] - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (included)
| Renala Hotel
Guest Room (B,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Morondava
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Morondava - Antananarivo [1 Hour] - Economy
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Antananarivo
The Purple Colonial Room
Day 1: Antananarivo
Meet your in-country representative at the airport before setting out on this unique Malagasy adventure!
Enjoy a private vehicle transfer to/from the Antananarivo International Airport.
Accommodation: Lokanga Boutique Hotel Lokanga Boutique Hotel is an original Malagasy townhouse which has been furnished throughout with antiques and family souvenirs, inviting guests to journey back to the early twentieth century. Lokanga Boutique Hotel offers only 6 comfortable and exclusive rooms, each with breathtaking views over the capital, a desk, a private bathroom, individually styled and decorated with family antiques and full comforts: WIFI, mini-bar, heating during winter. After a day in the bustle of Antananarivo, guests can relax on the tea terrace and enjoy the breathtaking view out over the old city centre.
Tsiribihina River 
Olympe Du Behmaraha
Day 2: Antananarivo - Morondava - Bekopaka
Enjoy a private vehicle transfer to/from the Antananarivo International Airport.
Relax during this short flight between Antananarivo and Morondava. The approximate flight time is 1 hour.
After your flight to Morondava, a private vehicle will pick you up and provide a transfer to Bekopaka, the gateway to the Tsingy. During this scenic drive, you will pass through the dry and spiny forest of Kirindy, cross the Tsiribihina River and make your way through some quaint little villages. Keep your keen eye's on a swivel as this area is also known for its vast bird and wildlife population.
Accommodation: Olympe Du Behmaraha Located in the immediate vicinity of the Tsingy du Bemaraha, the Olympe Du Behmaraha hotel is situated on a tree covered hill, overlooking the Manambolo river and the village of Bekopaka. The property boasts 20 comfortable bungalows and a spacious restaurant that offers a covered terrace enabling guests to appreciate the panoramic view. The swimming pool is situated near the restaurant, providing guests with an unforgettable view and splendid cuisine options.
Great Tsingy Terrain
Day 3: Bekopaka
A privately driven vehicle will depart the hotel and take you to the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, where you will meet your experienced park ranger guide for this memorable Great Tsingy hike. During this hike your guide will take you on an exploratory tour through the deep caves and high peaks of the Tsingy’s labyrinth. This Mecca of wildlife boasts over eleven lemur species, numerous families of bats, and hundreds of diverse bird species. Upon completion of this hike a return transfer to your hotel is provided.
Accommodation: Olympe Du Behmaraha 
Baobab Tree
Renala Hotel
Day 4: Bekopaka - Morondava
Depart this morning from Bekopaka back to Morondava where your privately driven vehicle will make a stop at the famous Alley of Baobabs for the sunset. Along the Alley in some 260 meter long segment is roughly some 20 - 25 trees about 30 meters in height, and of the species “Adansonia Grandidieri”, endemic to Madagascar. Some of these Baobab trees are up to 800 years old, and are locally referred to as “Renala” which translates from Malagasy as “Mother of the Forest". This area was once a dense tropical forest, and these trees did not originally tower in isolation over the landscape, but over time, as the country's population grew, the forests were cleared for agricultural purposes, leaving only the Baobab trees.
Accommodation: Renala Hotel Situated in Morondava on the West coast of Madagascar is the Renala Hotel. This property has been here for over two decades and has privileged guests ever since. The property is fitted with a variety of air-conditioned rooms, a quality restaurant and bar. Its positioning near the “Alley of Baobabs” makes it the ideal accommodation for those seeking to explore the area.
Day 5: Morondava
A privately driven vehicle will provide a transfer to/from the airport today.
Relax during this short flight between Morondava and Antananarivo. The approximate flight time is 1 hour.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- The Purple Colonial Room
Lokanga Boutique Hotel - Antananarivo
Lokanga Boutique Hotel is an original Malagasy townhouse which has been furnished throughout with antiques and family souvenirs, inviting guests to journey back to the early twentieth century. Lokanga Boutique Hotel offers only 6 comfortable and exclusive rooms, each with breathtaking views over the capital, a desk, a private bathroom, individually styled and decorated with family antiques and full comforts: WIFI, mini-bar, heating during winter. After a day in the bustle of Antananarivo, guests can relax on the tea terrace and enjoy the breathtaking view out over the old city centre.
- Olympe Du Behmaraha
Olympe Du Behmaraha - Bekopaka
Located in the immediate vicinity of the Tsingy du Bemaraha, the Olympe Du Behmaraha hotel is situated on a tree covered hill, overlooking the Manambolo river and the village of Bekopaka. The property boasts 20 comfortable bungalows and a spacious restaurant that offers a covered terrace enabling guests to appreciate the panoramic view. The swimming pool is situated near the restaurant, providing guests with an unforgettable view and splendid cuisine options.
- Renala Hotel
Renala Hotel - Morondava
Situated in Morondava on the West coast of Madagascar is the Renala Hotel. This property has been here for over two decades and has privileged guests ever since. The property is fitted with a variety of air-conditioned rooms, a quality restaurant and bar. Its positioning near the “Alley of Baobabs” makes it the ideal accommodation for those seeking to explore the area.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Madagascar
VISA/PASSPORT
Evidence of yellow fever immunization is required for all travelers who have been in an infected zone within 6 months of their arrival in Madagascar. A passport and visa are required for both US and Canadian ciitizens. Visas are available at all airports servicing international flights, but travelers who opt to obtain a visa at an airport should expect delays upon arrival. Visas obtained at the airport cannot be extended. Processing generally takes 5 working days. A Single Entry Visa with a validity of 30 days is for free and a Multiple Entry Visa costs approximately $166. Visa fees can be paid in US dollars, Euros or Madagascar Ariary. Credit cards are not accepted. All Americans and Canadians must have at least one blank page and 6 months validity in their passport to gain admittance to Madagascar.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the embassy of Madagaskar for the most up to date visa information
Most international flights arrive in Antananarivo, but there are some limited international flights to/from the nearby islands of Comoros, Mayotte and Reunion from airports in Mahajanga, Toamasina (Tamatave), Nosy Be, Tolagnaro (Ft. Dauphin) and Antsiranana (Diego Suarez). There are also direct flights between Italy and Nosy Be. .
HEALTH
Health insurance is essential. Medical facilities are poor quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/madagascar.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Antananarivo (formerly Tananarive).
Government: Republic since 1992. Gained independence from France in 1960.
Language: The official languages are Malagasy (which is related to Indonesian) and French. Local dialects are also spoken. English is not widely spoken.
Religion: 52% follow animist beliefs; about 41% Christian; remainder Muslim.
Time: GMT + 3.
Electricity: Mostly 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are generally two-pin.
Telephone: Country code +261
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Coverage reaches major cities and main roads.
Internet: Public Internet access exists in large cities; there are a few Internet cafes in Antananarivo.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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