AKANIN' NY NOFY & ANJOZOROBE FOREST

3/17 Antananarivo / Antsirabe Meet 8 Persons in the airport at arrival from Nairobi on KQ 756 at 11.40. Then about 3 hours drive to Antsirabe (in total 7 Persons).Lunch at leisure.Halfboard basis in a cottage within one of the local villages as a “rural tourism initiative”. You will be hosted and see the Malagasy way of life – medical facilities, farming and every day life.

3/18 Antsirabe / Antananarivo Morning visit and drive back to Tanà after lunch.Upon arrival in Tanà, visit of Tsarasaotra Bird Sanctuary, a haven in the city bustle : Tsarasaotra, one of the scarce protected areas of the highlands, is watched over by the Malagasy Government, Ramsar (International Convention on Wetlands) and Birdlife International. It is home to about 70 different species of birds. Only 66 acres, the smallest natural park in the world.Halfboardbasis in LOKANGA BOUTIQUE HOTEL.

3/19 Antananarivo / Manambato / Ankanin’ ny Nofy Early morning drive to Manambato (about 7 hours) on the Pangalanes Canal. 1 hour scenic boat cruise on Manambato / Ankanin’ ny Nofy. The Pangalanes is a chain of sweet water lakes and lagoons parallel to the coast of the Indian Ocean, separated by a narrow stretch of land. The lakes are connected by a man-made channel system (constructed by Governor Gallieni in colonial times) that forms an inland waterway from Tamatave through to Farafangana (over 600km). Cruising by boat on the calm waters of Pangalanes is a fascinating journey through time and history. Many traditional Betsimisaraka villages can be seen along the banks, as well as pirogues, local fishermen, over-crowded ferries and rafts with straw huts carrying timber to Tamatave, as it has been done for over a hundred years.

Lunch at leisure. Dinner and night at BUSH HOUSE. The 11 bungalows and (2 rooms) are spread out in the green and thick eastern vegetation, overlooking the Ampitabe lake along the Canal des Pangalanes and the Indian Ocean. Accessible only by boat, this BOOGIE PILGRIM small ecolodge proposes large and comfortable bungalows, all with a double bed with mosquito net, private bathroom with shower (hot water starting from 5.30pm) balcony. A generator operates from 6pm to 10pm. Nice dining / bar area. Full info and downloadable high resolution pictures on www.bushhouse-madagascar.com

3/20 Ankanin’ ny Nofy Second day in the “nest of dreams” (so Ankanin’Ny Nofy means!) In the morning boat transfer to the village of Andranokoditra : greenhouse with orchids, rustic shop, unit of distillery, health center, school … Then transfer in traditional dugout towards the forest itself of Vohibola by way of the tree nursery of reafforestation. Then session of reafforestation by the visitors during which each will plant the tree, then discovering of diverse aromatic and medicinal plants, visit of the wet zone with the fauna and the flora which characterizes it.

The experimental reserve of Vohibola, last remainder of littoral forest of Madagascar, covers more than 2200 ha. The NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION the Man and the Environment works since 2004 in the conservation of the biodiversity by accompanying programs of valuation of natural resources by the local populations.
http://www.madagascar-environnement.com(only available in French)

SEASONALITY
Vohibola is a wet region, marked by strong rains between December and March, as well as between June and September.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY
The site does not present particular difficulties. Only the walking of 4 hours to join the road requires some physical efforts. The boat or the train can be good alternatives !

LUGGAGE
For your comfort, think of taking light and ample clothes, raincoat, flashlight (torch), walking shoes.

Lunch in the local village. Afternoon, boat transfer to the Palmarium reserve, where you will see lemurs (and Indri Indris!) very closely; Of all places in Madagascar, the Palmarium is the place you are most likely to see them the closest. Apart from the lemurs, in this 60ha little Eden Parc, we can also see orchids, palm trees, ravinalas (the emblem of Madagascar), endemic frogs and reptiles…Lunch at leisure.Afternoon at leisure.Different easy walking excursions are possible from the hotel : walks till the Nephentes lake (the nephentes is an endemic carnivorous plant), the nearby Betsimisaraka villages, cruises on the lake till the deserted beaches on the Indian Ocean… Organised by Bush House, at guest’s charge. And of course, you can just relax, sunbathe and swim in the clear waters of the lake. Dinner and night at BUSH HOUSE.

3/21 Ankanin' ny Nofy/Anjozorobe Early morning boat back to Manambato (1 hr drive). Then drive back to Anjozorobe (9hrs drive). Lunch at leisure. Arrival in Anjozorobe, one of the last vestiges of dense rainforest on the high plateaux, is a source of life for the population and harbours an enormous biodiversity: With its 11 species of lemurs (Indri, Propitecus Diadema, Microcebus…), 82 bird species (amongst which 43 are endemic), 423 plants (amongst 65% endemic), this forest is a dreamland for nature lovers and birdwatchers. BOOGIE PILGRIM has built an upmarket lodge, MANANARA LODGE, which is ready to greet guests since may 2007. Dinner & night at MANANARA LODGE. MANANARA LODGE's 5 semi tented / concrete bungalows are nestled in the vegetation, hiding lovers from their neighbours, and facing the forest : all have double bed, en suite bathroom with bathtub, a chimney for cosy winter evenings, and a little veranda. There are also 4 tents with private shower but common toilet. Our glass walled restaurant with terrace boasts splendid views on the forest. But what is mostly going to amaze you is the great tranquillity : we are far from civilization, from roads and villages… And all the sounds of the forests, the screams of the lemurs, song of birds are enhanced; And at night, the Milky Way shines bright in the sky.You can choose from a large variety of short walks in the forest (we also bring you along for night walks to spot the nocturnal species). Discover traditional crayfish trapping or visit the local essential oil distillery... MANANARA LODGE works hand in hand with NGO Fanamby to protect environment and involve inhabitants in ecotourism. We inaugurated a school in 2005, and guests are welcome to visit school and make donations. All this efforts for sustainable tourism have been rewarded in 2005, when BOOGIE PILGRIM won worldwide contest DRV for ecotourism achievement.

3/22 Anjozorobe All about Fanamby conservation project. You will have the opportunity to participate in the development of the village community, owner of the facilities and direct beneficiary of the project ...

FANAMBY APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

· The community, grouped in a Village Community association is the main and direct beneficiary of the project. It is the owner of the hotel facilities (land and built premises included), it benefits from direct employment ( they are employed in the hotel), from indirect benefits ( increase of agricultural produce, purchase of inputs for crops, they are not isolated etc…). An annual rent and a percentage of the revenues as well as the gross annual operating surplus of the business are deposited in a Special fund. This fund will help them to finance community interest activities (health, education etc…) and will enable the community to possess a joint capital which will subsequently be used to finance activities meant to develop the business, ensure the conservation of the protected area or promote micro-finance. · The project developer (Association FANAMBY), will hand on the going concern to a private limited liability company (SARL) working in the management and promotion of sustainable tourism in Madagascar. The latter will sign a long lease agreement with the community association and a management contract with a private operator. The latter shall be in charge of the management of the whole business and for the sake of sustainable tourism, shall commit himself to recruit local people, to pay fair salaries, to buy local produce, and to pay all community charges, tourist dues, thus fulfilling his role of economic developer while exercising his profit-making business. · The developer then enables the community to own a business, to possess a capital while allowing the private operator to exercise his job. The Association FANAMBY will then become the interface between the community and the private operator and will see to the protection of the interests of all.

Lunch, dinner and night at MANANARA LODGE.

3/23 AnjozorobeVisit the Anjozorobe forest Lunch, dinner and night at MANANARA LODGE. Walk at nightfall in the forest to spot nocturnal species.

3/24 Anjozorobe/Antananarivo/NairobiDrive back to Antananarivo, then transfer to the airport and flight back to Nairobi at 12.40.

Traveling with Wild Spots Foundation to Madagascar

Wild Spots Foundation saves habitats of endangered species and is uniquely dedicated to saving valuable habitats around the world through a variety of programs that promote, defend, and protect biodiversity through education, visual arts, ecotourism, science and technology. Specifically, the doctrine of the Foundation is to serve conservation beyond utilitarian reasons by incorporating a sense of stewardship and ownership, which protect the world’s valuable wild spots (ecosystems and associated biodiversity) in return for the physical, aesthetic and spiritual sustenance it offers for generations to come.The Foundation believes in the critical value of biodiversity and that the interaction between living things and their environment sustains life on earth. From a human perspective, knowing that plants and animals are located in a variety of places on earth captures the imagination, encourages the interaction, and evokes emotions of mankind. Consequently, the Foundation through education teaches the ecology of habitats, the biology of threatened and endangered species, and the ethnology of the indigenous peoples who populate these areas. The Foundation believes that photography and its related art forms promote and protect species in remote places on earth, technology connects these areas to the Internet, and ecotourism provides necessary income to perpetuate the Foundation’s programs.The Wild Spots Foundation, Inc. is committed to carry out activities oriented towards the conservation of natural resources, wildlife preservation, and environmental education throughout the world including, but not limited to, the Amazonia Cloud Forest are of Ecuador, Africa, Malaysia, Australia, United Arab Emirates and in the State of Florida.Madagascar Travel TipsAlthough Madagascar has over 1,800 miles of beautiful beaches, exceptionally good food, and offers great value for the tourist dollar, its greatest attractions are its unique flora and fauna. Here are some of the discoveries that await the adventurous visitor:The Lemurs: These endangered primates are found wild only in Madagascar. Some of the best known are:

the nocturnal mouse and dwarf lemurs, some no bigger than a mouse, found all over the island
the "maki" Ring-tailed lemur, with its distinctive gray body and long black-and-white striped tail
the agile Sifaka lemurs, able to leap 30 feet or more from branch to branch
the "babakoto" Indri lemur, the largest living lemur, and the only tail-less lemur -- all eforts to keep them captive have failed (captured specimens immediately go on hunger strike, and refrain from eating until released), they can therefore only be seen (and heard) in some of the Eastern rainforests of Madagascar
the enigmatic aye-aye, literally one of a kind (the only species of the only genus of the Daubentonidae family)

The Birds: Five families of birds are native to Madagascar. Notable are:

the lovely Vangas, found all over the island
the Couas, including the crested coua, one of the most beautiful birds of Madagascar, and the Peewit, easily identified by its unique call
the ground-rollers, non-migratory insect feeders who nest in holes that they dig themselves in the ground
an abundance of aquatic birds in rice paddies and marshes, including herons, egrets, cormorants, ibises, ducks, water hens and flamingos
birds of prey, including eagles, falcons, and owls
more than 70 difference species of singing birds, including the two species of Vasa parrots

Rare Plants: Madagascar boasts one of the richest floras in the world and shelters more than 10,000 varieties of plants, over 80% of which are endemic to the island, including:

1,000 different species of orchids, including the Comet Orchid (Angraecum sesquipedale), the hawkmoth-pollinated species with an extraordinarily long nectar spur, and the exotic Black Orchid (Cymbidiella falcigera), both found in the Eastern rain forests
the Ravinala, or "Traveler Tree", a striking "tree" with a water-storing trunk, in the bird-of-paradise family
6 different species of baobabs, all of which are found only in Madagascar
two species of the carnivorous genus Nepenthes, or "pitcher plant"
the spiny thicket of the south, with its many species of Aloe, Euphorbia, Kalanchoe, and Pachypodium

Other attractions: reptiles (including chameleons, geckos, turtles and tortoises), amphibians (including brightly colored frogs), beautiful butterflies, moths and stick insects, unique mammals such as the fossa, fantastic coral reefs, whales during the breeding season, "and so much more". Where can one see this bounty? The best places are the National Parks, Special Reserves and other protected areas, where local guides diligently keep track of the different creatures' whereabouts, including Anjozorobe Conservation Area.

Shots & vaccines. Check with the CDC and your doctor to see if there are any booster shots you need.
Visas: Visas are obtained upon arrival in Tana at the airport. There are no visa fees.

3. Madagascar is primarily a cash-driven economy. Some high-end establishments catering to tourists accept credit cards, but most shops and restaurants are cash only. Although the government changed the currency from the Malagasy Franc (FMG) to the Ariary several years ago, many Malagasy still think in terms of FMG. When talking about prices, it is important to clarify whether the amounts specified are in Ariary or FMG (1 Ariary = 5 FMG). ATMs are available in large cities, including inside the international terminal at Antananarivo airport, to your left as you exit customs. Dollars are not widely accepted. 4. Health Information and Medical Facilitiesa. Malaria is prevalent in Madagascar, particularly in the coastal regions. Using preventive measures and malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. There has been a rise in cases of Chikungunya and Dengue fever, both transmitted by mosquitoes. Visitors should try to avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long pants, diligently using insect repellents on exposed skin during the day and in the evening, and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net (typically already installed in the rooms in all high-end hotels in areas where it is recommended). Also note that all visitors whose passport indicates that they have been in a yellow-fever-infected zone within 6 months of their arrival in Madagascar, will need to show evidence of yellow fever immunization when entering the country. b. In Antananarivo, one can find physicians representing a broad range of specialties, and there are several hospitals and clinics, though the standards of care vary greatly. Medical care outside of Antananarivo is difficult to come by, and generally well below international standards. Pharmacies mostly have medications of French origin -- if you need to refill a prescription from a US physician, it is therefore important to have it list the generic name of the medicine. Because of the limits on the availability of prescription and over-the-counter medications in Madagascar, travelers should carry a supply of any needed medication that is sufficient for the entire length of the visit before arriving in the country. 5. Tap water in Madagascar is not potable. Bottled water is readily available in Antananarivo and in most large towns, but it is generally not easy to find away from urban areas. PRACTICAL INFORMATION from Boogie PilgrimVISAA tourist visa (valid for three months maximum) is necessary for any foreigner of anynationality to enter and stay in Madagascar.You can obtain it either at the Malagasy Embassy / consulate in your country, but we recommend you buy it directly at the airpor t when you arrive (it is cheaper andthe procedure is less complicated).In both cases, you will need to present:- Your return or continuing plane ticket- A valid passport for six months at least, after the departure date from Madagascar .In general, the visa costs approx 65€ euros (This price is given as an indication as it can bechanged by a government decision and according to currency exchange rate).It is payable in foreign currencies cash such as Euros, US Dollars or Pounds.The VISA is free on charge on 2011 for stay less than 30 days, if you take it in the airportupon arrival.MONEYSince January 1st 2005, we have changed of national money : we have switched fromthe Malagasy francs to the Ariary. 01 Ariary is the equivalent of 05 Malagasy Francs.The current exchange rate between Ariary and Euro is about 2500 ariary for 01 euro.Banknotes mention both Ariary and Malagasy francs.For your travel expenses, we recommend you bring cash (Euros or dollars).Credit cards are accepted in very few hotels (only Visa cards) and only in the majorcities’ banks. ATM machines only in Tananarive.It is recommended NOT TO BRING MASTERCARD.Traveller cheques are practically impossible to cash.We recommend you change money at the airport upon arrival, all banks use the samerate more or less.THE LANGUAGEThe population speaks more or less French all over the island. Few people speakEnglish or German yet. However, the tourism’s sector professionals speak more andmore these three languages.BOOGIE guides speak fluently French, English and German.HEALTHVaccinations :No vaccinations are required by law to enter the country. However, we highlyrecommend people to come in with the following up to date :· B hepatitis· Typhoid fever· Diphtheria / Tetanus / PolioAnti-malaria treatment : RecommendedBOOGIE ADDS : MADAGASCAR HELICOPTER, BOOGIE PILGRIM owner’s otheractivity, has a heliport and helicopters, which can assure sanitary evacuation from anyplace of the island to the capital if needed. Of course, every guide has an emergencybox during all our hiking tours and expeditions.WEATHERWe usually consider that there are 2 seasons in Madagascar:- The “dry season” : April to mid/end October – Mid June to mid Sepember iswinter in the highlands (temperatures at night can drop to 5°C at night –during the day temperatures can rise to 20°C)- The “rainy” season : November to March with cyclonic risks from January to March.But, Madagascar is a big country, and it is not that simple: weather, rain, temperaturesvary from a region to another:- The South West and North West are amongst the driest in the country andis always nice and warm., so you can beach holiday all year round (refer toTsingy & Beaches and Salary).- On the highlands, during”rainy season”, it downpours usually at the end ofthe day only, except in January and December where it can rain all day. Soyou can make a South tour practically all year round (if you skip TsaraCamp and Ranomafana Park).- Same in the North and Nosy Be, showers usually occur at the end of theday.- Sainte Marie island has a microclimate, August can be rainy. But it is stillworth the trip as the humpback whales are there!- Avoid the East during rainy season, November to March, as it is usuallyshowering- Avoid all tours involving bad roads during rainy season November to March(Wild Wild West tour , the Tulear / Fort Dauphin road, the Tulear / Morombe/ Morondava road) as the slightest day of rain can make the roadimpracticable.TELECOMMUNICATIONØ How to call Madagascar from abroad?00 261 20 + province code + 5 numbersØ How to call abroad from Madagascar?If direct dial 00 + international code of your country + your number.Telephone, cellular and internet connection only in major cities.DRINKING WATER & ELECTRICITYDrinking waterYou should not drink tap water anywhere in Madagascar. Bottled mineral water is soldall over the country.Electricity220 volts is provided in all main towns. But in smaller villages or isolatedaccommodations, electricity is often produced by generator. We suggest traveling witha torch anywhere you go. Same plugs as in France.TIME DIFFERENCEGMT + 4 hoursTRANSPORTBy air:International flightsAir Madagascar has flights to Tananarive from Paris, Bangkok, Milan, Reunion island,Mauritius (coach air with Air Mauritius), Comoros Johannesburg and Nairobi. Alsoflights Reunion / Toamasina, Reunion / Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), Comoros /Mahajanga. www.airmadagascar.comCorsair and Air France have flights to Tananarive from Paris. www.corsair.comwww.airfrance.comAir Austral has flights to Tananarive from Reunion, Mauritius, Seychelles andComoros.South African Airlines flies Johannesburg / Tananarive.If you book international flight on Air Madagascar, you beneficiate a 40 to 50% discount onthe domestic flightsDomestic flightsThe National Airline, Air Madagascar, has a very good domestic flight network, whichcovers the whole island. Regarding Madagascar’s size (as big as France +Benelux), any tour in Madagascar involves at least one domestic flight. Baggageallowance: 20kg.By road:Madagascar’s road network has considerably improved over the last 5 years.The following roads are good and tarred:NR7 : Tananarive / Tulear (South west) : 935km (refer to the Great South tour)NR2 : Tananarive / Tamatave (East) : 369km (refer to the Tropical East tour)The routeTamatave / Soanierana Ivongo where the ferry leaves for SainteMarie island is also a good road.N4: Tananarive / Mahajanga (South West) : 572kmIn 2007, the road Tananarive / Nosy Be / Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) will be completed.The other roads are dirt tracks and 4WD are required. Some of them are not practicableduring rainy season (mid Nov till March).For adventurers and 4WD lovers, we recommend to drive Tulear / Salary / Morombe /Morondava or Tulear / Fort Dauphin (one week tours) : the road is bad but crossesamazing unspoilt deserted beaches, baobab and spiny forests.BOOGIE ADDS: we choose all vehicles with care and check them regularly. We rentsaloon car (2-3 passengers), 4WD Landrover, Toyota, Mercedes, Mitsubishi… (2-6passengers), mini-busses (6-8 passengers) and busses (9-12,15,20 seats).All car rentals are with drivers (mandatory).In towns, you will can hail taxis, buxis (buses) and ”pousse-pousse’ (rickshaws) in sometowns as Antsirabe, Tulear, Mahajanga, Tulear, Tamatave.By trainThe only passenger train operating in Madagascar is the Fianarantsoa / Manakaraline. It is a fantastic trip, both for scenery and the genuine and lively experience (seeour tours 100% Gasy & The Great South).By BoatThere are many local ferries operating on the Malagasy coasts but not veryrecommended for safety reasons. The Soanierana Ivongo / Sainte Marie Island is theonly reliable one.Motorboats and pirogues sail on the Pangalanes Canal (East Coast) : it is a veryscenic and lively cruise;Island lovers and divers, we recommend a catamaran cruise in the archipelagos of theNorth (refer to our Diving cruise and Sakalava cruise)Renting a catamaran is a great way to visit the archipelagos in the South ofMadagascarWHAT SHOULD I BRING IN MY BAG?For your own comfort and ease, keep luggage to a minimum and prefer soft bags orbackpacks to hard suitcases. Baggage allowance on domestic flights: 20kg.In your bag, you should have :- Casual wear clothing : comfortable cotton trousers, short & long sleevedshirts, shorts, swimming suit- A warm jacket for the winter months on the highlands (June to mid-September)- A light pullover any time of the year, as it can be cool at night on thehighlands- At least 2 pairs of tennis shoes as visits of Nature Parks are on foot. Hikingboots are highly recommended if you choose for an adventure or trekkingtour. A raincoat can also be very handy if you are touring in the tropicalforests of the East or Ranomafana (and during “rainy season” November toMarch).- Flic flocs- Mosquito repellant- Sun protection- Anti malaria medication (please avoid Lariam which can have very strongside effects).- The basic medical kit: plasters (for sore feet), medicine for stomach ache,head ache…- Money: bring cash (Euros or dollars), credit cards are not very used andtravellers cheques are exchanged absolutely nowhere in the island, souseless. We recommend to change upon arrival in Tana’s airport.- Madagascar is a developing country : if you wish to help, you are welcome