In the deep south of Madagascar

• Fort Dauphin with the Nahampoina reserve,
• Beach walk in Lokaro
• Jeep safari in the deep south
• Dry forest of Berenty
• Hiking & swimming in the NP Cap Ste Marie
• Dream beach of Itampolo
• Wild living tortoises
• Baobabs
• Tsimanapetsotsa salt lake and its flamingos
• Anakao Beach

In the deep south of Madagascar

Day 1: Arrival, Journey in Madagascar

Day 2 & 3: Fort Dauphin, the hidden paradise.

Our exploration of the south already starts on the flight to Fort Dauphin (2 hrs) along the central mountain range of Madagascar. Upon arrival, we go on a city tour, gather first impressions of the port city and fortify ourselves with a leisurely breakfast.
Afterwards we will start our 1-hour drive to the Nahampoina reserve(https://nahampoanareserve.com), where we will spend 2 nights.
The reserve is located in the middle of a large garden, surrounded by extensive forests in which countless plants and lemurs are native. On a guided night walk, under the fascinating southern starry sky, we will look for the nocturnal animals of the forest.

On day 3 we go where the pepper grows. Today's easy hike takes us through the bright green rice fields and tranquil nature. We cross a forest where red pepper grows and finally reach a natural pool for a refreshing swim. Strengthened by a hearty picnic, we hike back. The afternoon is free (4 hours).

Day 4: Hiking in Lokaro, along the dream beach.
Today, nature has something very special in store for us. After a 40 min. drive, we arrive at a lake. By motorboat we set sail to our destination Evatra (approx. 1 hr.). The crossing on calm sea is breathtakingly beautiful. Our passage is lined with small mangroves and other water plants, past small villages, along the dunes that separate us from the sea. Arrived in Evatra, a typical Malagasy village, we start our 4 hour coastal walk (easy). Here man and nature become one. The beauty of the lush green landscape and the wild ocean with its meter-high waves speak for themselves. In a small protected bay we can refresh ourselves in the cool water. From Lokaro we walk back to the village where we spend the night in Evatra. (GZ approx. 5 hrs./400 meters altitude difference). Overnight stay at Hotel Nepentes or Hotel Talinjoo.

Day 5 & 6: Berenty, thorn forest, stars and mouse maki
It can hardly be more contrasting, from the green humid Madagascar we continue our journey to the dusty dry part of the big island. We leave Evatra by boat and drive back to Fort Dauphin. A real road adventure lies ahead of us on the way to the reserve of Berenty (about 4 hrs drive). The landscape changes significantly. The land gets drier and drier and we discover natural specialists perfectly adapted to life in aridity and heat. Our overnight stay in the middle of a sisal plantation in Berenty Lodge, invites us to a night walk in the dry forest. The next morning, we walk through the reserve, say goodbye to the Kattas and make our way to the southern tip of the island.
1 night at Berenty Lodge: https://www-personal.umd.umich.edu/~fdolins/berenty/

Day 6: We continue on red sandy tracks.
With a little luck we will see wild tortoises on our safari today and discover endemic plants of the driest area of Madagascar. At sunset, we will reach the white beach of Lavanono (approx. 6 hrs drive).

Day 7: Cap Ste Marie NP
Hiking at the southernmost point of Madagascar! In the national park of Cap Ste Marie (http://www.parcs-madagascar.com/parcs/ste-marie.php ) there is a lot to discover. We start our discovery tour at the foot of the southernmost lighthouse of Madagascar. Besides mysterious caves and fantastic isolated bays (where we can swim), there are numerous turtles living here, which we will get to see today. 2 nights at Hotel Chez Gigi Lavanono

Day 8 & 9: Itampolo
Today's stop is Itampolo, one of the most beautiful beaches of Madagascar. Here we have time to review the impressions or just relax (approx. 5 hrs driving time). 1 night at the Hotel Chez Nani.
The morning of day 9 is at leisure. In the afternoon we continue our short drive to Ambola, the village near the world famous Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. Our way will take us past ancient baobabs that impress with their size and shape.


Day 10: Tsimanampetsotse Salt Lake
Tsimanampetsotsa is home to the pink flamingos, we can observe them here at the salt lake in peace. A hike between ancient baobabs and breathtaking banian trees leads us to a cave, where we can see the blind fish, with a little luck. In the afternoon, we drive to Anakao, (2 hrs drive).

Day 11 & 12: Anakao
2 full days to relax! Those who would like to visit the fishing village can do so and immerse themselves in the daily life of the Vezo people or take a trip to the island of Nosy ve, the habitat of an endemic tropical bird. 3 nights at Hotel Safary Vezo or Hotel Lalandaka. __Tag 13.: Flug nach Antananarivo 1 Nacht im Hotel Les Trois Metisses

Day 13: Flight to Antananarivo - 1 night at Hotel Les Trois Metisses
Day 14: Return flight to Europe