MADAGASCAR
The Malagasy people are thought to be descendants of Africans and Indonesians who settled on the island more than 2000 years ago. Although there is evidence of Arab settlements the first Europeans to set sight of the island were the Portuguese in 1500. During the next two centuries the French and English attempted to establish settlements unsuccessfully. The rise of the powerful Merina Kingdom was overturned by the French and Madagascar became a French colony in 1896. Britain played an important role in the island’s military history during the two world wars with the aim of overthrowing the French, but eventually Madagascar was liberated by the Free French in 1942. The true spirit and pride of the Malagasy people lived on and finally in 1960 they gained independence.
ANDASIBE
On arrival in the capital city of Antananarivo (Tana) you will travel eastwards to Andasibe. This is a wonderful journey which takes you through the rural highlands of the Merina tribe settlements before descending to the flat plains. Clusters of red-brick houses, green and brown paddy rice fields, traditional villages and roadside stalls selling seasonal fruit are just some of the sights you will experience. Andasibe National Park(Perinet) covers an area of Montane rainforest highly noted for the largest of the lemurs, the Indri and you may also get to see the Common Brown Lemur and the Eastern Grey Bamboo Lemur.
MANDRARE RIVER CAMP
Situated on the banks of the Mandrare River this area is home to the Antandroy people and their herds. With the permission of the local village chief you will be escorted through this area of wonderful natural beauty where you will see the magnificent baobab trees, an area of amazing spiny forest where lizards, frogs, spiders and snakes live amongst the prickly tangled mass of vegetation. During your walks you will see various species of Lemure including, Sportive, Grey Mouse, Brown-Grey Mouse, Ring-tailed and the ever-amusing dancing Sifakas.
MANAFIAFY BEACH
This is where the French colonists first landed in 1638. It is in south eastern region of Madagascar on the most beautiful stretch of coastline, fringed with palms and surrounded by rainforests which are inhabited with many species of animals, birds and amazing orchids growing freely on the forest trees. Here you can see local fishermen landing their catch and take an amazing boat trip into the mangroves where the exotic vegetation is reflected in crystal clear water.