Tour Description

Take to the wilds of Madagascar on a mission to spot rare and unique wildlife on this 14-day adventure to the island’s hotspots. You’ll be lazing on white-sand beaches, exploring tropical rainforests and spending time with a huge variety of local wildlife, including the lemur – the island's most popular animal inhabitants! Dig a little deeper into the local culture and interact with communities, getting an insight into the day-to-day life of the Malagasy peoples. Discover the French influences in Antananarivo and Antsirabe as you wander the twisting alleys and chill out in your free time, where you can go whale watching, walking or wildlife-spotting.

Priced From:

$ 5125.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2025

Valid To: 31DEC2025

Start Location: Antananarivo

End Location: Antananarivo

Countries: Madagascar,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Chris McKinnel

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Count how many species of lemur you can spot as you explore the Isalo National Park, Ranomafana National Park and Andasibe National Park.

Join a local guide on a night walk and catch sight of the exciting nocturnal species that come out when the sun goes down, like endemic butterflies, chameleons and mouse lemurs.

Learn more about the important Malagasy process of silk production by visiting an association outside the village where silk weavers use their craft to preserve local tradition and support local women in the community.

Support a noble cause while exploring Anja Community Reserve and the Mitsinjo Forest – these reserves are not just sanctuaries for wildlife but also beacons of community empowerment and conservation.

Take a hands-on chocolate-making class and learn the secrets that make Malagasy chocolate unique and delicious. Then, sample your creations with pastries, tea, coffee and rum!

Itinerary

Tonga Soa! Welcome to Madagascar. You'll start your journey in the country's capital – the bustling Antananarivo, surrounded by rolling hills. If you arrive early, maybe head to Analakey to visit the street markets or seek out a cafe to soak up the local atmosphere. You might also like to check out the Musee de la Photographie – a small museum showcasing the history of Madagascar between 1850 and 1870 through a series of old photographs assembled into short videos. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight. After, why not keep the introductions going with an optional dinner with your group at a local restaurant.

Start your day with an early morning flight to Tulear, where you'll head straight to Reniala Private Park for a memorable breakfast beneath the majestic baobab trees. Afterward, a local guide will lead you on a walk through the Spiny Forest, one of the last remaining areas of primary forest in southern Madagascar. Along the botanical trail, you'll encounter fascinating trees, including the towering baobabs with varieties like the 'dwarf,' 'teapot,' and 'rhinoceros,' some reaching over 13 meters in circumference. Birdwatchers can look forward to spotting rare species such as the Long-tailed Roller and Red-headed Coua among the 65 bird species in the reserve. During your walk, you'll also learn about Madagascar's unique flora, their traditional uses, and the vital importance of preserving this fragile ecosystem. The reserve further contributes to the local community by creating employment opportunities, particularly for women.

Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You might choose to relax by the pool or beach or take a stroll through the hotel’s stunning gardens. Looking for something more active? Why not visit the Recycling Museum in Tulear, an institution dedicated to environmental protection and raising awareness among locals and visitors alike.

Depart from Ifaty in the morning and make your way to Tulear. Here, your leader will show you the sites and sounds of Tulear with its charming buildings, wide lanes, and vibrant rickshaws (pousse-pousse) zipping through the streets. Locals prefer rickshaws over cars, keeping the air refreshingly clean for a city of its size. Explore tree-lined avenues with tamarind and flamboyant trees, and enjoy the lively atmosphere created by its diverse community. Afterward, pick up some food for lunch and continue to Isalo National Park.

After breakfast today, you’ll make tracks to Isalo National Park for a full day of exploration with your leader. Isalo is known for its variety of landscapes, from rainforests and rolling plains teeming with life to strange geological formations and deep-cut canyons. The park is home to over 80 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles and 14 species of mammals, including three lemur species – ring-tailed, red-fronted and the dancing sifakas lemur!

Today, you’ll say goodbye to Isalo National Park and hit the road for Fianarantsoa – a colourful town known for its heritage site. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Anja Community Reserve. The forest in Anja was designated a protected area by the Government of Madagascar in 1999. The reserve extends over 30 hectares and is enriched with all kinds of flora and fauna, most notable for its dense population of semi-tame ring-tailed lemurs. Anja has become a vital example of how community management of natural resources can effectively protect the area and benefit the community. Based on their individual skill sets, some locals work as guides and spotters or they perform administrative tasks for the reserve. The villagers will be your guides as you explore the reserve this afternoon. Tonight, you’ll stay at Ecole Hoteliere La Riziere at the foot of Fianarantsoa’s Old Town. This hotel sits above the town on a hill, providing views of the community and the rice fields below. It also doubles as a school, providing basic hospitality training to young people in the community, 65% of whom are female. Their education includes learning the challenges of sustainable development and the income from the establishment finances this training, making it possible to reduce the tuition fees for disadvantaged students.

Today you’ll explore the long, paved roads, twisting alleys and old houses of Fianarantsoa. Wander past tiled roofs and flower-studded balconies, then visit a typical Malagasy village for an insight into how most of the island's population live. Explore the surrounding countryside, dotted with rice paddies and vineyards that produce Fianarantsoa's famous wine. You'll get a chance to sample the local cuisine with a lunch stop in the village. In the afternoon, travel to Ranomafana National Park. This area is a haven for small mammals, birds, reptiles and insects, as well as palms, bamboo, orchids and carnivorous plants. This park is also home to 13 species of lemur, including the famous golden bamboo lemur, which was first reported in the area in 1985. Its presence is one of the main reasons why the government decided to protect this forest. With your free time later this afternoon, maybe visit the thermal springs the town is named after – located across the Namorona River. The outdoor swimming pool fed by the springs is a popular spot to take a dip.

Today, you’ll explore Ranomafana National Park on a four-hour guided walk. Keep your eyes peeled for lemurs, striped civets, mongooses, goshawks, geckos, frogs, and butterflies. You may even spot an incredible net-casting spider or the world's smallest chameleon. Today, you’ll explore Ranomafana National Park on a 4-hour guided walk. Keep your eyes peeled for lemurs, striped civets, mongooses, goshawks, geckos, frogs and butterflies. You may even spot the incredible net-casting spider or the world's smallest chameleon! Then, transfer to ValBio Research Centre, which sits just outside the beautifully lush national park – under the direction of renowned primatologist Patricia C. Wright, the centre works to protect Madagascar’s unique and biologically diverse ecosystems through conservation projects that directly benefit local communities. You’ll get a chance to tour the centre with a researcher and sit down for an informal session to learn about the work they do. Have some lunch here, then if you have the energy, maybe head out on another included walk through the national park to spot more wildlife.

Today, you’ll make the journey to Ambositra – home to the third-largest ethnic group in Madagascar, the Betsileo people. Ambositra is known as the arts, crafts and wood carving capital of Madagascar. You’ll stop by the Id’om Art workshop and learn more about marquetry – the practise of cutting and assembling small pieces of coloured wood, using a hand-operated jigsaw. The jigsaw is created from old car tyres’ wire and it can take up to 2 months to make a 1-m-wide artwork. You’ll see how these craftsmen create their amazingly detailed marquetry with sheets of naturally coloured wood and you’ll have the opportunity to browse the impressive artworks on display.

This morning, you'll visit the nearby Sandrandahy association to learn about the process of silk production, which is an important part of Malagasy culture. When a Malagasy is buried, their body is wrapped in a large silk sheet known as a 'lambamena' and after a few years, the family traditionally returns to the tomb to exchange the sheet for a new one. The association supports over 40 women from neighbouring villages – a holistic approach to community development, with traditional silk weaving as its hub. After learning more about this initiative, you’ll drive to Antsirabe, located in the Malagasy highlands. This evening, sit down for a group dinner in the gazebo within the grounds of the guest house.

Today is a long travel day as you make your way to Andasibe. The most visited park in Madagascar, Andasibe National Park is famous for the 11 species of lemur that call this place home. This afternoon, relax at your accommodation and get ready for tomorrow’s adventures.

This morning, you’ll set out to discover all the unique wildlife in Andasibe National Park on a guided walk. Look out for lemurs, endemic birds, frogs and insects. Later, you'll take a night walk through the forest of Analamazaotra Special Reserve. This forest was formed in 1999 by residents of the village of Andasibe in east-central Madagascar. Today, the organisation is composed of more than 50 members from the local community who focus on conservation, research and sustainable development initiatives. In total, the reserve positively impacts more than 400 households in the Andasibe area. Experience the rainforest after dark, where nocturnal mouse lemurs, chameleons, geckos, frogs and fireflies come alive.

After breakfast this morning you’ll head off for your final stop in Antananarivo. When you arrive back in Antananarivo, you’ll take part in a hands-on Madagascan chocolate workshop led by a local chocolate maker. Learn about the ingredients used in chocolate-making, the refinement process and some of the secrets as to why Malagasy chocolate is so unique and delicious. After preparing your own take-home chocolate creations, Malagasy pastries will be served with a selection of local teas, coffees and for the courageous, rhum arranges (flavoured rum). Tonight, why not keep the celebrations going with a final dinner with your group and toast your Madagascar adventure with a local beer or two.

With no activities planned for today, your adventure ends after breakfast and you’re free to leave at any time after check-out. Departure transfers are available, just speak to your booking agent or local leader. If you’d like to extend your time in Antananarivo, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

22MAR2025

Return Date :

04APR2025

6030NZD

available

Departure Date :

29MAR2025

Return Date :

11APR2025

6030NZD

available

Departure Date :

05APR2025

Return Date :

18APR2025

6030NZD

available

Departure Date :

19APR2025

Return Date :

02MAY2025

6030NZD

available

Departure Date :

26APR2025

Return Date :

09MAY2025

6030NZD

available

Departure Date :

10MAY2025

Return Date :

23MAY2025

6030NZD

available

Departure Date :

24MAY2025

Return Date :

06JUN2025

6030NZD

available

Departure Date :

07JUN2025

Return Date :

20JUN2025

6030NZD

available

Departure Date :

14JUN2025

Return Date :

27JUN2025

6030NZD

available

Departure Date :

21JUN2025

Return Date :

04JUL2025

6270NZD

available

Trip Notes

Trip title

Madagascar Adventure

Trip code

YBSN

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Introduction

Style

Original

Themes

Wildlife

Transport

Private Vehicles,Plane

Physical Rating

Joining point

Hotel Belvedere

Lot IF 27 bis Isoraka

Antananarivo

101

MADAGASCAR

Phone: +261 347986638

Joining point description

Belvedere Hotel is centrally located in Antananarivo, perched on a hill with views of the city, and within walking distance to shops, restaurants and banks. Rooms are equipped with private ensuite, TV & mini-fridge. Hotel facilities include restaurant, bar, and WiFi access.

Joining point instructions

If you have pre-booked a transfer, your driver will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall. Please look for our driver who will be holding a card with your name on it. They will be waiting outside the arrival building. The driver will wait for an hour after your scheduled arrival time. If you are unable to find your driver you can call our local operator on +261 34 14 660 05 or +261 34 14 660 06. If you are delayed beyond one hour after your scheduled arrival time, please make your own way to the hotel. Taxis are also available. The cost to the hotel will be approximately AR 90,000, which is payable to the driver. The taxi rank is located just outside the arrivals area.

Finish point

Hotel Belvedere

Lot IF 27 bis Isoraka

Antananarivo

101

MADAGASCAR

Phone: +261 347986638

Finish point description

Important information

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. An internal flight is included on this trip. Baggage allowance is as follows: - Checked: 1 Bag, max 20kg - Carry-on: 1 bag, max 5kg. 3. Internal flights in Madagascar are often delayed and or cancelled at short notice. 4. A copy of your passport is required at least one month before departure to book flights. 5. To protect against cholera, travellers who have spent time in Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa before arriving in Madagascar are required to take 100 mg of Doxycycline upon arrival. Tablets will be provided by Malagasy health authorities, after clearing passport control. Currently, short layovers are exempt from this requirement. People with diabetes and pregnant women are also exempt. This measure remains in effect until further notice.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip. On this trip for small groups of 1-3 travellers your leader will also be your driver. For sustainability and a lower carbon footprint, we will also use a 4x4 SUV or similar, rather than a van or coach.

Safety

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

FIRE PRECAUTIONS Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. BALCONIES Some hotel balconies don't meet western standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! SEAT BELTS Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PICK POCKETING & PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking at night and encourage you to walk in groups and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. WATER SAFETY Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water. TRAVEL ADVICE & TRAVEL INSURANCE We recommend that you check your government's advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.

Visas

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Why we love it

Count how many species of lemur you can spot as you explore the Isalo National Park, Ranomafana National Park and Andasibe National Park.

Join a local guide on a night walk and catch sight of the exciting nocturnal species that come out when the sun goes down, like endemic butterflies, chameleons and mouse lemurs.

Take a hands-on chocolate-making class and learn the secrets that make Malagasy chocolate unique and delicious. Then, sample your creations with pastries, tea, coffee and rum!

Is this trip right for you

Although anyone with a good level of fitness should be able to partake in this trip, there are several challenging guided day walks through the many national parks, which can be hot and humid. Please ensure you bring sturdy hiking or trail shoes and comfortable clothes. Road conditions in Madagascar are notoriously very poor and unmaintained. Due to government inaction and yearly monsoons, conditions can be terrible and a level of patience is required. Most of the driving days on this trip will be long and bumpy. Sometimes, you’ve got to rough it to get among it! Some accommodation is basic and may not have the creature comforts of hotels in bigger towns and cities. Be prepared for no wi-fi or air conditioning.

Health

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. YELLOW FEVER: A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever (eg. Kenya). You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home. It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting. MALARIA & DENGUE Malaria and Dengue are mosquito-borne diseases commonly found in many parts of Africa. Before you travel, discuss your itinerary with a doctor and monitor your government foreign travel advice for up-to-date information on risk levels in particular areas. To reduce your risk of mosquito bites, protect yourself by using insect repellent and wearing long, loose, light-coloured clothing. Malaria symptoms typically appear 7–30 days after infection and may include fever, chills, headache, and fatigue. Doctors can prescribe medication to help prevent Malaria, so it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before travelling. Dengue symptoms generally emerge 4–10 days after being bitten. These may include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, nausea, and rash. As there is no specific medication for Dengue prevention, avoiding mosquito bites is key. If you develop symptoms of Malaria or Dengue while travelling or after returning home, seek medical attention straight away. DRINKING WATER As a rule, we recommend you don't drink tap water, even in hotels, as it may contain much higher levels of different minerals than the water you are used to at home. For local people, this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for visitors drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally, this isn't serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it's enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Many hotels and lodges provide safe drinking water, while bottled water is another alternative. Water consumption should be about two litres a day. Rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhea blockers are available from many pharmacies - please source from home and bring them with you on your travels.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. Your group leader will endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements where possible, and vegetarianism and gluten intolerance will be catered for in most instances. Please notify your group leader of any dietary requirements in your group meeting at the start of the trip. For those suffering from particular food allergies, your group leader will endeavour to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic. Alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages are not part of included meals.

Money matters

CREDIT CARDS, ATMS AND MONEY EXCHANGE: Visa and Mastercard can be used to withdraw local cash from some banks, but we do not advise relying solely on credit and debit cards while travelling in Madagascar. It's best to bring Euros / US dollars in cash, which can be exchanged into local currency, with card access as a backup. Diners cards and American Express are rarely accepted, and traveller's cheques are not recommended in Madagascar. Local banks and money changers will only accept US dollars and Euros. It is highly advisable to exchange money at the airport upon arrival or in Antananarivo, using larger bills (50 or 100 notes) to get the best exchange rate. US dollars and Euros cannot be used for payment in Madagascar. The official currency of Madagascar is the Ariary (MGA). When it comes to money matters on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals that are not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities, tipping and laundry. It’s always better to bring a little more than you think you’ll need. Make sure you’ve read your trip details thoroughly, so you know what’s included in the trip price and what isn’t. This should make budgeting a little easier. You’ll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that’s this document). Please note: all recommendations for additional costs, tipping etc. are in USD. You will need to convert these into the relevant local currency. MEALS NOT INCLUDED For lunches not included, a budget of USD10 to USD15 per meal is sufficient. For dinners not included, your leader will normally recommend options and restaurants where you can safely try the local specialties of the region. Expect meals to cost between USD15 to USD25 for a main. These are indicative prices only. If you are on a tight budget or are happy to try local food, you can eat cheaper than this. In fine dining restaurants, expect meals to cost as much as in Western countries. TIPPING Gratuities aren’t compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. A budget of around USD11 to USD18 per traveler, per day is typically sufficient to cover all tipping expenses. TIPPING GUIDE To give you a bit of guidance, we’ve put together the following tipping notes. These are just suggestions, based on feedback from past travellers and our staff on the ground. GROUP LEADER - The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, USD4 to USD7 per person per day can be used as a guide. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service. TOUR DRIVER – USD2 to USD3 per person per day. LOCAL GUIDE - Throughout your trip, you may have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest around USD2 to USD3 per person, per day for local guides. RESTAURANTS - When checking the bill, if there’s a 10% service charge already included, there’s no requirement for tipping. Otherwise, 10% of the total bill amount is appropriate. ROOM SERVICE – USD1 per room per day. PORTERS – USD1 per bag. TRANSFER DRIVER – USD3 to USD4 per vehicle. TIPPING KITTY Over the years we have found that many of our travellers find the need for tipping local guides and operators to be both tiresome and embarrassing, especially if they don't have the correct small change. To overcome this, your leader might raise the idea of a group tipping kitty. At your group meeting, your tour leader may discuss the idea of running this kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount, and then your tour leader pays the tips as you go. The leader will keep a running record of all monies spent (except restaurant tips). The record can be checked at any time, and any money remaining at the end of the tour will be returned to group members. This kitty does not include tips for your leader and crew. EMERGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you bring an extra USD500 for emergencies (e.g. natural disasters or civil unrest). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to our itineraries, and we can’t guarantee there won’t be some extra costs involved. COMMISSIONS Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective.

What to take

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, and if it is, you can simply refill it with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. Below are some ideas and helpful tips on what you specifically need for this trip. ESSENTIALS: - Closed in shoes. As most of our trips include some bush walking we highly recommend that you take a pair of comfortable, closed-in walking shoes. Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings from dangerous animals in this environment. - Lightweight clothing. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing, some warm items for the evenings, and long shirts and pants for protection against the sun and mosquitoes in the malaria areas. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry. Avoid materials that are heavy, tough to dry, non-breathable, and retain heat or moisture, such as nylon, polyester, and denim. Instead, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking synthetics designed for hot weather. Ex-military or military-style clothing and equipment are NOT recommended. - Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses RECOMMENDED: - A good quality, high-beam headlamp or torch for around the lodges and permanent tented sites at night. Some of these properties have limited lighting and are powered by generators that switch off at a certain time. - Waterproof/windproof jacket is a good idea for wet days, and early morning or evening activities when it can be cool. - Warm fleece and beanie for morning and evening activities including game drives where applicable. - Personal medical kit. Large kits will be on hand at the lodges and from your group leader or local representative (on trips that have a dedicated group leader or local representative ) but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and bandaids. - Insect repellent. - Water bottle. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. - Camera with spare battery or power bank. - Binoculars OPTIONAL: - Ear plugs to guard against a snoring room-mate. - A good book, journal, music, podcasts, etc. for the long drives. LUGGAGE LIMIT: Please keep your luggage to a minimum. One small soft-sided bag plus a day pack (no more than 15-20kgs in total per person) is essential.We recommend against bringing hard/externally framed suitcases as they are difficult to store and can damage equipment and other travellers' belongings. If your trip is beginning and ending at the same location, excess luggage can usually be stored at your arrival/departure hotel and can be collected after your trip. VALUABLES: Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safe. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. BATTERIES/POWER: Our trips have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras every couple of days. We always recommend that you carry an extra battery or powerbank just in case. CONSERVATIVE DRESS FOR WOMEN: In many parts of Africa women travelers should dress modestly as there is a wide range of cultural differences. Wear skirts or shorts that reach just above the knee and tops that cover shoulders at a minimum. If visiting coastal areas wear a cover-up when you step off the beaches.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Feedback

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's local Antananarivo-based ground representative for Madagascar can be reached on the following numbers: - Laurence : +261 33 15 812 12 For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist, or visit us at www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us Intrepid's Local Operator: +261 38 20 660 09 Intrepid local operator : Available for phone call on +261 34 14 660 05

Responsible travel

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel Love wildlife? Us too. We believe nature should be protected, respected and never exploited for our entertainment. That’s why we design all of our wildlife trips and experiences to meet the standards set out in our animal welfare guidelines (https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/animal-welfare), created in collaboration with World Animal Protection. This ensures that the unforgettable animal encounters our travellers rave about are conducted responsibly, with the utmost respect for all creatures. What does that mean for you? Well, we never ride, feed or handle wild animals for a start. Take a closer look at our animal welfare policy (https://www.intrepidtravel.com/sites/intrepid/files/Intrepid_Travel_Animal_Welfare_Policy.pdf) to learn more about how we champion responsible, cruelty-free experiences on our trips, and see how you can help make a difference when you travel with our animal-friendly travel tips (https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/how-be-better-traveller-wildlife).

The Intrepid Foundation

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports Eden Reforestation Projects, who are tackling climate change by restoring forests across the world; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within local communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Madagascar, Kenya and Nepal. To find out more or make a donation, visit: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/eden-reforestation-projects 

Accommodation notes

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports. We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis. On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights) Bungalow (4 Nights) Gite (1 Night)

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