Madagascar
FAMILY WILDLIFE ADVENTURES
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Madagascar

Antananarivo

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Antananarivo

Situated in the Hauts Plateaux central highland region, the capital, known as Tana, was built in a commanding position atop a long ridge 1400m above sea level.  Founded in 1610, it is the largest city in Madagascar with over two million inhabitants. As Tana is the hub for international and domestic flights, most visitors will pass through at some point.  It is an interesting city, with some excellent restaurants.  Sites of interest include nearby Ambohimanga Royal Palace (a World Heritage Site), Tsarasaotra Lake (exceptional for birds), the train station, Presidential palace and the main market, or zoma. NB: Although Tana is essentially safe, it is nevertheless advisable not to venture into town after dark and to keep to main roads during the day.

Relais des Plateaux
Situated about 10 minutes’ drive from the airport, this comfortable three-star hotel set in exotic gardens offers well equipped, en suite rooms including air conditioning, satellite TV and mini-bar, decorated in Malagasy design using local materials.  Other facilities include a local handicraft shop, restaurant serving French cuisine and local delicacies, bar and swimming pool (heated in the cooler months). We use this hotel for day use before departure and overnights when you are flying early the next day.

Residence Lapasoa
A simple, clean and friendly family-run guesthouse in the centre of Tana.  Rooms have en suite facilities and tasteful Malagasy décor. Well situated near to the excellent Kudeta Restaurant.  

Hotel Royal Palissandre
This four star hotel affords stunning views over the markets of Tana.  Built in traditional Malagasy style using local wood and stone, all bedrooms are well equipped with air conditioning, TV, safe, minibar etc. The excellent restaurant serves international cuisine, there is a gym and spa and an outdoor swimming pool.  

Hotel Colbert
Considered one of the best hotels in town and centrally located near the President’s palace, the Colbert has a good restaurant and bar with a lively atmosphere. The luxury rooms in the new building are first class, with all the facilities of an international hotel.

This itinerary has been carefully designed to appeal to cost-conscious families wishing to experience a good variety of habitats and wildlife, then spend time by the beach snorkelling, diving or simply relaxing. We have chosen rustic yet well-run establishments, beginning with a rainforest lodge where you will meet the largest lemur (indri), colourful chameleons and other strange creatures. Next comes the eerie spiny forest of the dry south for close lemur encounters. Finally, the tropical isle of Nosy Be beckons, with its beaches and colourful coral reefs. A natural family combination. Find out more...

If seeking luxury on your Madagascar family holiday, look no further. The Colbert in Tana is perhaps the best in town. Vakona is the highest grade lodge for Perinet and Mantadia. Fly to busy Nosy Be, then boat to Nosy Komba for a boutique resort with spacious family bungalow, private beachside setting and opportunities for snorkelling trips and island walks. Then comes the highlight: Anjajavy, where the President of Madagascar stays with his family, is probably the best resort in the entire country. 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 is explored in this exciting programme for older children (7-11 years). From the dry deciduous forests of the west you venture to the eastern, montane rainforests of Perinet and Mantadia, home to the indri. The very comfortable Princesse Bora resort on Ile Sainte Marie follows for whale-watching boat trips and much more.  A stimulating and varied itinerary providing superb natural and relaxation time for all the family.  Find out more...

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.


IMPORTANT NOTE (2): Each location generally has limited satisfactory hotels, and international and domestic flights often fill early. Because increases in hotel beds and flight seats have not kept up with visitor numbers, early booking for tailor-made tours is advisable to secure desired itineraries, particularly during high season (from late May to mid November). Some waitlisted nights are to be expected if booking less than 18 months in advance. Waitlists usually clear prior to departure.  We do our utmost to secure accommodation specified in your itinerary, but alternative accommodation will be offered and must be accepted by you in the unlikely event  waitlisted nights do not clear. Your booking is conditional on your understanding and acceptance of this situation.