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FAMILY WILDLIFE ADVENTURES |
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Island and CoastalANJAJAVYAn exceptional location for wildlife viewing and coastal relaxation, the Anjajavy peninsula in the north-west of Madagascar has1000 acres of tropical dry deciduous forest with two species of baobab and lemurs such as Coquerel’s sifaka, common brown lemur, Milne Edwards sportive lemur, pale fork-marked lemur, and tenrecs, chameleons and spear nosed snake. Limestone caves harbour various bat species, and the abundant bird life includes Madagascar harrier hawk, white headed vanga, crested drongo, and breeding pairs of the critically endangered Madagascar fish eagle. A charter flight to a private landing strip followed by a short drive through dry forest leads to perhaps the most desirable hotel in the country, Anjajavy L’Hotel. With attractive, air-conditioned, hardwood bungalows, sandy beach, large swimming pool, private wildlife reserve, excellent restaurant and superb service, the hotel (a favourite of the President of Madagascar) will appeal to those seeking unpretentious style and understated luxury. Mornings may be spent participating in water sports or taking a boat ride to the bay of the sacred baobabs; afternoons perhaps swimming in the sea then enjoying tea at the Oasis, a small landscaped garden where wild lemurs appear as if by magic to feed on tamarind trees and stare at the humans.
MANAFIAFY / BAY ST LUCE
Located in the beautiful, sheltered and historic bay of St Luce, 2.5hrs north-east of Fort Dauphin, this 6-bungalow lodge offers barefoot luxury, privacy, excellent service and a chance to truly unwind. Built with ecological principles and social responsibility in mind, it is entirely solar-powered and food is sourced locally as far as possible, including delicious fresh fruits and lobster from the local fishermen of Manafiafy village. All bungalows have en-suite facilities with hot water, 270 degree sea-views and private terrace with sun loungers, hammock and table and chairs for private dining if guests wish. NOSY KOMBA (also known as Nosy Ambariovato)Nosy Komba (Lemur Island) is a small rainforest-covered volcanic island located between mainland Madagascar at Ankify and the ‘big island’ of Nosy Be. It offers far more peace and solitude than Nosy Be, with no roads and quiet and beautiful white-sand beaches. There are various hiking trails on the island where wild lemurs and other wildlife may be encountered, including a hike to the island’s peak at 622m for some lovely views. Dolphins and whales in season (Jul-Sep) may be seen offshore, and various sites for snorkelling/diving can be accessed from Nosy Komba. There are traditional fishing villages on the island which may be visited by boat. A very popular day trip which brings tourists en masse from Nosy Be is the village of Ampangorina with it’s Lemur Reserve and handicraft market with woodcarvings, embroidered tablecloths, colourful bags, lambas etc. The black lemurs at the reserve are very habituated and the experience is not the best from a welfare point of view, but the revenue generated helps support the local people and thereby protect the forest and the lemurs of the island in general.
On a hillside setting above a semi-private beach in the sheltered south of Nosy Komba (an island with no roads 20 minutes by boat from Nosy Be), the owner-operated boutique hotel offers spacious, stylish accommodation in only four detached double bungalows and two family bungalows set within colourful gardens, each with ensuite bathroom and large terrace overlooking the beach and sea. The main building contains an open-sided sitting room and restaurant with panoramic views serving a variety of well cooked local and international dishes.
ILE SAINTE MARIESixty kilometres long and only seven wide, this pretty island off the east coast of Madagascar is best known for humpback whale-watching between July and September. The whales come to the sheltered waters between the island and the mainland to engage in courtship and give birth to their young, and can be easily seen. Ste Marie is also noted for its diversity of orchid species, including the stunning Queen of Madagascar orchid endemic to little Ile Aux Nattes just off its southern tip. Steeped in history, the island is a former hideout for pirates in the 17th century - the remains of pirate ships offshore make rewarding sites for scuba diving, and in the old pirates’ cemetery, the dreaded skull and crossbones is in evidence on tombstones. Perhaps the most luxurious hotel on the island, with well-appointed detached bungalows set in a grove of palm trees on the edge of a white-sand beach facing the setting sun. With an infinity pool and plenty of space to enjoy the tranquillity, one can truly relax here between whale-watching boat trips and island forays by hired bicycle. NOSY BEA large volcanic island eight kilometres off the north coast, Nosy Be is the country’s most popular location for visitors seeking beach relaxation and to explore smaller islands such as Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely. It is intensively cultivated with plantations of coffee, cinnamon, cocoa, ylang ylang and vanilla, leading to its being named the ‘Perfumed Isle’. Stunning viewpoints can be accessed overlooking eleven crater lakes, the jagged coast and the sea towards the Radama Islands to the south and Mitsio archipelago to the north. Areas such as Ambataloaka are lively with bars and restaurants, while at others it is possible to find privacy in secluded coves lined with palm trees. Nosy Be supports some remarkable fauna, including a miniature frog which grows to around 1cm long and the world’s smallest chameleon, roughly the length of a fingernail. Black lemurs can be found in Lokobe Reserve, a patch of protected rainforest in the southeast of the island.
A small, reasonably priced hotel set on a headland at one end of the long beach at Ambataloaka, with its restaurants, shops and bars. The hotel has a small pool, spacious, rustic family bungalows with mezzanine floors where the children sleep, and a restaurant with terrace overlooking the beach.
NOSY IRANJAIdyllic twin islands south west of Nosy Be, Nosy Iranja Be (big) and Nosy Iranja Kely (small) are connected by a sand bar only visible at low tide, and offer an exclusive getaway for those families who wish to spoil themselves with a little touch of paradise. Nature walks can reveal various bird and reptile species, huge coconut crabs and nesting turtles, and the snorkelling and diving on nearby coral reefs is superb. Other activities include water-skiing, kayaking, dolphin and whale watching, sailing, exploration of nearby islands and bays and visits to see lemurs on the mainland. The island has one exclusive boutique resort offering spacious and comfortable two-bedroom family seafront bungalows with veranda, discrete service, wonderful cuisine and a very low staff/guest ratio. With a wide range of available activities on the island, there is something to delight every member of the family.
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For cost-conscious families wishing to experience a good variety of habitats and wildlife, then spend time relaxing by the beach. Beginning with the rainforest, then the eerie spiny forest of the dry south for close lemur encounters. Finally, a tropical isle with its beaches and colourful reefs. A natural family combination. Find out more... For a very comfortable Madagascar family holiday with plenty of lemurs and time to relax in beautiful surroundings look no further. Enjoy Madagascar in the greatest of style on this family journey of a lifetime. Find out more... The extra-special wildlife found in two of Madagascar’s main habitats - rainforest and tropical dry deciduous forest - is explored in this exciting programme for older children (7-11 years), ending with the beach and whale-watching on Ile Sainte Marie. A stimulating and varied itinerary providing superb natural and relaxation time for all the family. Find out more... A fabulous three-centre family holiday covering a wide variety of habitats and wildlife, as well as a fascinating insight into the local culture and a beautiful beach with whales offshore in season. Informative and exciting, this itinerary has something for everyone! IMPORTANT NOTE (1): Despite recent improvements, Madagascar still has some accommodation of a low standard, and a poor infrastructure including unreliable domestic flights and communications, and rough roads. Although we try to choose the best areas for families, many are isolated and far from medical and other services. Trails can be strenuous, campsites and park huts basic. Bookings are only accepted if the client accepts Reef and Rainforest Tours has done everything in its power to ensure there are no difficulties, but has limited control over standards of equipment, availability of accommodation and other services, airline and hotel reservation policies, flight schedule changes or breakdowns in communications.
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We saw ten species of lemur which was clearly the highlight of the trip…I must say Madagascar is a hugely underrated destination. The wildlife, fabulous scenery, varied geography and the people make the country a very attractive active holiday destination. Mr A N, Bangkok. |
