Islands of the Indian Ocean Rain Forest Sanctuary that meets the sea Masoala National Park Madagascar Accessible only by boat or multi day trek, Masoala National Park is Madagascar’s best-kept secret, even though, at 840 square miles, it is the largest of the country’s national parks. Established in 1997, Masoala is located on an incisor shaped peninsula in the northeast corner of the island and is home to 10 of the island’s 30 species of lemurs, which range widely in color and appearance; the most beautiful, the red-ruffed lemur, is not found anywhere else. But perhaps the strangest lemur, which can also be spied here, is the nocturnal aye-aye, an enchanting little creature with bony fingers, bat like ears, and the long, bushy tail of a squirrel. The small island of Nosy Mangabe, now part of the park, was designated a reserve in the 1960s specifically to protect the aye-aye; it is also home to a large collection of leaf-tailed geckos, pygmy chameleons barely an inch long, ancient Malagasy burial sites, and rock carvings left behind by Dutch sailors who visited in the 16th century. Some of the world’s healthiest coral reefs are found in Tampolo Marine Park, off the west coast of the peninsula, while farther offshore, in Antongil Bay, thousands of humpback whales congregate to breed from June to September. Watch them breech and spray, listen for the males’ eerie song, and, in August, look for calves accompanying their mothers. Although Masoala National Park makes up only 2 percent of Madagascar’s landmass, approximately 20 percent of its plants exist here, including many little-known varieties: Four out of five of all plant and animal species that live in Madagascar are found nowhere else on the planet. Despite its protected status, Masoala Park still suffers encroachment from loggers (especially those looking to harvest ebony and rosewood) and lemur hunters. Sustainable tourism, as practiced by the lodges within the park, helps combat these illegal practices. Where: Maroantsetra, at the northeastern tip of Madagascar. How: Morondava-based Remote River Expeditions offers customized itineraries. Tel 261/20-95-52347; remoterivers. U.S.-based Wilderness Travel offers 15-day trips that include the Masoala. Tel 800-368-2794; wildernesstravel. Cost: from $4,695. Originate in Antananarivo. When: May, Sep, and Nov. Best times: Aug–Sep for drier weather and whales calving and orchids blooming; Sep–Nov for birding.Tsarabanjina Island Tsarabanjina Island is one of Madagascars best kept secrets! A private island hotel with 18 uniquely constructed bungalows looking out on turquoise ocean views. A sand floored mezzanine bar and restaurant provide a perfect evenings relaxation whilst during the day the resident diving school provides just one of the islands many activities. Tsarabanjina serves as the perfect location to end your Madagascar travels and is one of our luxury lodges of Madagascar... A private island hotel with 25 large thatched bungalows looking out on to the turquoise blue sea 25 large thatched rosewood bungalows with private terraces overlooking the sea No swimming pool Children over 4 welcome Great for water sports, beach Style Comfortable bungalows set on two beautiful beaches. Setting The bungalows are built on the north and south beaches Accommodation & Facilities 25 large thatched rosewood bungalows with private terraces overlooking the sea. Every bungalow is unique, bearing the name of a flower, a tree or a fish. Bungalows consist of a main bedroom equipped with fan, bathroom with shower and a separate W.C. The private terrace is furnished with deck chairs and a coffee table. The bungalows at Constance Lodge Tsarabanjina are built on two beaches: North and South and for each bungalow there are 2 loungers and 1 umbrella provided on the beach. The bar faces the lagoon and is a great place to relax and watch the sunset. The library is next to the bar and offers a wide variety of books and games. Other facilities include a boutique and reception ca provide the following services: a safe for valuables, telephone network GSM, satellite telephone, free internet access 24hrs a day with WIFI at the reception Dining Meals at Constance Lodge are served in the mezzanine area of the restaurant, overlooking the sea. Cuisine consists mainly of freshly caught sea foods. For an additional fee, you can be served a seafood platter on the beach. Activities There are a number of water sports available including snorkelling, kayaking, hobby cat, water-skiing, fishing (payable) and sailing. Other activities include volley ball, bocci games, island walks, tennis, table tennis and board games and there is a massage service available. Child Policy Children over 4 years welcome but no facilities Flight Time from UK 12h 45m (to Antananarivo, via Paris) Time Difference GMT+3 Best Time to Go Jun - Dec Language Malagasy / French Currency Ariary (Ar) Main Airline Carrier Air France, Kenya Airways Capital City Antananarivo With lot of wishes and Love Team Gautam And Gautam Group Adventure , Tour and Travel [email protected] 09600017031 , 08894404523 gautamandgautamgroup.org
Posted on: Sat, 22 Nov 2014 08:31:54 +0000
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