Photography with Todd Gustafson
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Early May 2023 dates tbc
Prices tbc
Optional post-trip extension to Avenue of the Baobabs price tbc
International airfare not included
Join Todd Gustafson to create exceptional images that capture the unique species and ecosystems which make Madagascar such a fascinating destination. Madagascar’s unique habitats support plants, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals that are found nowhere else. While photographing lemurs, we hope to see at least 20 species, each one with its own unique, riveting eye color. We will also photograph a wide variety of endemic chameleons of all sizes and colors, and try to capture the moment when the chameleon’s tongue shoots out to snare its dinner! Hiking the trails through national parks is the best way to see and photograph the natural beauty of Madagascar. We will encounter a wide variety of amazing subjects on our custom itinerary that includes some of our favorite locations as well as two new spots that will offer even more species. Each site has been chosen for dramatic indigenous species and easy accessibility. Madagascar is truly a destination at the ends of the Earth!
Itinerary
DAY 1 – DEPARTURE
Depart the United States for Madagascar.
DAY 2 – ANTANANARIVO
Upon arrival at Antananarivo International Airport, clear customs and immigration, meet your local guide, and transfer to your hotel. Dinner will be on your own to explore the local fare. Air France arrives at about 10:00 p.m. If you need additional time to adjust to time change or get rested before your program starts, we can make additional arrangements. Overnight at Palissandre Hotel.
DAY 3 – ANDASIBE
After a short briefing, drive to Andasibe through the green and luxuriant vegetation of the east. This first stop is in the humid part of the country with many primary forests and lakes. Along the way are Merina villages in the rocky mountains. Stop at the Pereyras Reserve to see the Nile Crocodile, the tiniest chameleon, and some lemurs. Arrive at Andasibe in the late afternoon and check into Vakona Lodge. Situated in an eucalyptus plantation, 7 km (4.3 miles) away from the Périnet National Park Entrance, Vakona Forest Lodge is considered one of the most comfortable hotels in this area. The individual bungalows are thoughtfully scattered throughout the grounds and boast generous space, a good bathroom, electric heaters, a mini bar, and a safe. Later this evening is a night safari in the reserve of Andasibe to observe night active lemurs and other nocturnal animals. Overnight at Vakona Lodge. (BLD)
DAY 4 – ANDASIBE
Breakfast at the hotel followed by a drive to the Mantadia National Park, approximately 14 km (8.6 miles) from the hotel. Walk within the Mantadia National Park and spot lemurs and birds. Lemur species such as the Indri, Sifaka Lemur, Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur, Grey Bamboo Lemur, Common Brown Lemur, and Red-bellied Lemur might be spotted during the visit. Also observe bird species such as couas, vangas, sunbirds, and ground rollers. Lunch will be at either the restaurant or a picnic. In the afternoon, continue the visit at the park before heading back to the hotel. Overnight at Vakona Lodge. (BLD)
DAY 5 – AKANIN’NY NOFY
Early this morning visit Analamazaotra Reserve for the last photography opportunities in the Andasibe region. Later drive to Manambato Village and take the ferry for the transfer to Akanin’ny Nofy, which means “Nest of Dreams.” Overnight at Palmarium Lodge. (BLD)
DAY 6 – AKANIN’NY NOFY
Today visit the private Palmarium Park, also known as Akanin’ny Nofy. The park is situated on 50 ha (123.5 acres) on the east coast of Madagascar, along the Ampitabe Lake and the Indian Ocean, in the Pangalanes Channel. Discover the endemic flora and fauna of Madagascar, such as rare palm trees and plants like orchids and mahoganies, as well as reptiles. See if you can spot all ten species of lemur living in the park: Black-and-white Ruffed
Lemur, Black Lemur, Crowned Lemurs, hybrid of Brown and Crowned Lemurs, and Coquerel’s Sifaka, to name a few. Overnight at Palmarium Lodge. (BLD)
DAY 7 – AKANIN’NY NOFY
Continue exploring the trails of Palmarium to practice photographing dancing Coquerel’s Sifaka, and hybrid lemurs jumping from branch to branch. Overnight at Palmarium Lodge. (BLD)
DAY 8- ANTANANARIVO
After breakfast, transfer by boat to Manambato and drive back to Antananarivo. En route visit the Marozevo reptile farm to photgraph chameleons, geckos, and frogs. Overnight at Palissandre Hotel. (BLD)
DAY 9 – BERENTY
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to Fort Dauphin. Upon arrival transfer to Berenty, situated at 85 km (53 miles) from Fort Dauphin. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the surroundings on your own or with your guide, who will be available. Lunch and dinner at the hotel. Spend the next two days exploring the Berenty Reserve. The reserve is home to five species of lemur, a flying fox (a large fruit bat), and 96 bird species. Berenty is famous for its lemurs, not only because it is home to five species of these primates, but also the ease with which they may be seen here in the wild. Red-fronted Brown Lemurs occur in large numbers during the day and both White-footed Sportive and Grey Mouse Lemurs are regularly encountered on night walks. The favorites are the Ring-tailed Lemurs and Verreaux’s Sifakas. Immediately behind the cabins, a system of trails provides easy access to the abundance of lemurs, birds, and a resident colony of Madagascar fruit bats or flying foxes. We will be on the lookout for the numerous Giant Couas, as well as any species that you may so far have missed. Before dinner on all three nights we will enjoy night walk within the spiny forest. Here we may spot some nocturnal species as the Grey Mouse Lemur, the White-footed Sportive Lemur, chameleons, and birds. Overnight at Berenty Lodge. (BLD)
DAY 10-11 – BERENTY
Full days at Berenty. Overnights at Berenty Lodge. (BLD)
DAY 12 – ANTANANARIVO
Continue exploring the reserve. Later in the day transfer to Ft. Dauphin for a flight to Tana. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Palissandre Hotel. (BLD)
DAY 13 – ANTANANARIVO
After breakfast visit Lemur Park with lunch on site. Afternoon free to visit the handicraft market for last minute shopping. Dinner at hotel. Tonight transfer to the airport for your flight back home via Paris. (BLD)
DAY 14 – FAREWELL!
Arrival in United States.
OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION
Avenue of the Baobabs
May 23-29 2020
DAY 14 – ANTANANARIVO
After today’s activities, those from the main group will say goodbye and transfer to the airport for their ight back home. Stay at the hotel and get ready for your extension to Avenue of the Baobabs. Overnight at Palissandre Hotel.
DAY 15 – MORONDAVA
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your ight to Morondava, where you will be met and transferred to the city. Morondava is situated in the heart of Sakalava territory and is known for the royal sculpted tombs of the Menabe ancestors. ese tombs are frequently decorated with well-executed, often erotic, funerary carvings representing life and fertility. is afternoon you will have your rst visit to Baobab Avenue. Overnight at Hotel Palissandre Cote Ouest. (BLD)
DAY 16 – MORONDAVA
After a leisurely morning and an early lunch, set out for a day excursion to the Kirindy reserve. In Kirindy you will have the chance to see seven species of lemurs, including the Fat-tailed Lemur and the tiny Pygmy Mouse Lemur, believed to be the world’s smallest primate. Kirindy is the best place to see the giant jumping rat, as well as the fossa (Madagascar’s only predator), and you can also witness various spiny tenrecs, birds,
and reptiles aplenty. e diverse ora includes three of the six endemic Malagasy baobabs. Stay at Kirindy for a nocturnal walk, returning to the hotel very late in the evening (about 11 pm) with a cold dinner served in the room. Overnight at Hotel Palissandre Cote Ouest. (BLD)
DAY 17 – MORONDAVA
After breakfast at the hotel, depart by canoe to the shing village of Betania. is afternoon return to Avenue of the Baobabs for another afternoon shoot. Overnight at Hotel Palissandre Cote Ouest. (BLD)
DAY 18 – ANTANANARIVO
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the ight back to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, have lunch and then explore the spice and handicraft market. (Please note that the order of activities is subject to change depending on ight times.) Overnight at Palissandre Hotel. (BLD)
DAY 19 – ANTANANARIVO/DEPARTURE
After an early breakfast at the hotel, have your last excursion to Tsarasaotra Alarobia private bird park and lake for the opportunity to photograph birds in ight. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel to pack and get ready for your ight home. Dinner will be at the hotel. Day room at Palissandre Hotel. (BLD)
DAY 20 – ARRIVE HOME
Arrival in United States.
The Fine Print
Price includes all transportation within Madagascar, accommodations, meals, activities and excursions mentioned in the itinerary, bottled water during the program including lunch and dinners, English speaking guide throughout the program, and all tips except for guide and driver. Price does not include international airfare, visa fees, any beverages throughout the trip (except for bottled water), tips for guide and driver, and any personal extras such as phone calls, minibar, and laundry. A $1,000 per person non-refundable deposit is necessary to confirm a booking. Final payments are due no later than 95 days prior to departure. Cancellations received less than 95 days prior to departure are not refundable. Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information call Travel Insured at 800-243-3174 or visit travelinsured.com. Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849.
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