Escape to Western Madagascar 2008
Custom Program ~ Available May through October ~ A wonderful family vacation
Remote River Expeditions is based in Morondava, Madagascar and we have been exploring and offering programs on the island since 1985. Along with our scheduled departures we specializes in family and small group custom programs. Let us know how much time you have, your interests and budget and we'll be happy to offer a proposal for your visit. All our programs include the best naturalist guides.
Features:
Andasibe National Park: Rainforest
Tsiribihina River: Calm water float
Tsingy de Bemaraha: A World Heritage Site
Kirindy Forest: Western dry forest
Program Notes and Information:
Andasibe (Perinet) Reserve: East of Antananarivo Mantadia National Park, crossing the famous cliff of La Mandraka with a panoramic view of the Anjiro plain. On the way we’ll visit the Peireyras Farm for an introduction to some of the unique wildlife of the island including butterflies, crocodiles, lemurs and reptiles. Day walking safari within the fauna reserve of the Analanmazaotra rainforest. This is the domain of the Indri-Indri, the tallest living lemur. Walking safari in the primary forest of the park we enjoy other lemurs numerous endemic birds, orchids, fern trees, pandanus and many palms. Smaller Fulvus, Bamboo and Rubriventer lemurs may also be seen. Night walking safari for nocturnal lemurs (bush baby) and birds (nightjars and owls).
Tsiribihina River: The Mahajilo and Mania Rivers crash and tumble out of the highlands, joining near the town of Miandrivazo to form the tranquil Tsiribihina—“where one must not dive”—western Madagascar’s biggest river. On its way to the Mozambique Channel, the Tsiribihina cuts through the limestone Bemaraha Plateau in a series of forested gorges, rich in endemic flora and fauna. Although less remote the Tsiribihina offers a view of Malagasy river life as we pass villages and small settlements along the way. We enjoy the stretch from Masiakampy to, stopping for forest walks, birding, and exploring the amazing streams coming off the Bemaraha. We visit Anosin’ Ampela waterfall and lovely blue-water grottos, and travertine chutes.
Lemurs found along the river include the red-fronted lemur and Verreaux’s sifaka, with mouse lemurs and lepilemurs spottable by night. We pass fruit bat roosts and sandstone cliffs whose ledges and eaves attract peregrine falcons and bam owls. On the sandbars we see flocks of knob-billed and white-faced whistling ducks and many herons. Endemic couas and vangas lurk in the riverside forest, while the cuckoo-roller noisily circles the heights, sharing the skies with the very rare Madagascar fish eagle, the Mad. Harrier hawk and the Mad. kestrel. The night audio is punctuated with the distinctive and ubiquitous calls of the Mad. nightjar and Mad. scops owl, and the plinking of bats.
Tsingy de Bemaraha: This is Madagascar‘s largest reserve (152,000 hectares.) and 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.
The great variety of flora includes: aloes, orchids, numerous pachypodium and baobabs. The deciduous forest is home to over 50 species of birds; 7 species of lemurs (including the all-white Deckens sifaka) and the rare stump-tailed chameleon (Brookesia perarmata).
Please Note: The site of Bemaraha is managed under special UNESCO regulations in order to protect the fragile site from damage. Access is restricted and the areas we are allowed to visit vary from time to time. In keeping with regulations we will visit what areas we can.
Kirindy Forest Reserve: 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.
The Kirindy boasts more than 60 species of birds. Possible sighting include: White-headed Vanga, Rufous Vanga, White-breasted Mesite, Coquerel's Coua, Crested Coua, Sickle-billed Vanga, Chabert's Vanga, Cuckoo Roller, Grey-headed Lovebird, Madagascar Nightjar, Henst Goshawk and Banded Kestrel. Along with a stunning variety of unique flora the forest is home to 8 lemur species.
Morondava: Largely an undiscovered a gem, with a long sandy beach (safe swimming at any tide) offering opportunities for good body-surfing sets. You can go sailing in an outrigger canoe or paddle in the mangroves, stroll in town, and stay late at the beachside bdite. It’s an indescribable delight to be on a coast, facing west to the sunset, breathing that crisp dry air that makes you feel so good. Excellent seafood may be washed down with a cold Three Horses beer or a Lazan’l Betsileo vin gris.
Chez Maggie Hotel: For more information on Morondava and the Menabe Region please visit Chez Maggie
