Details
11 DAYS FROM 10000 PP
Best time to go
apr - dec
Your journey starts in the mountains of southern Mauritius, famous for its many nature reserves, breathtaking scenery and wild nature. Following a zip line flight over the forest, tea and rum tastings, a short flight takes you to Madagascar and the rainforest reserve of Andasibe, home to Madagascar’s largest lemur, the indri. Hike the forests to spot lemurs and enjoy night walks seeking out the ghostly white shapes of chameleons. Then return to Mauritius where you may be able to spot dolphins, sperm whales and Blainville's beaked whale.
On this incredible journey through both Madagascar and Mauritius there is a brilliant balance between the active and relaxed, and between the natural world (lemurs, chameleons and giant tortoises) and the marine world (dolphins, whales and snorkelling).
Day 1: Arrive Mauritius
On arrival you will be met and transferred past vast plantations of sugar cane and pineapples to the picturesque valley of Chamarel and Lakaz Charmarel. Surrounded by the Black River Gorges National Park, this exclusive mountain retreat is the perfect base from which to explore.
Day 2: Southern Mauritius Private Day Tour
Today you have the use of a private vehicle and guide for the full day. Visit the ‘Seven Coloured Earths’ of Chamarel, these dunes are a very rare geological curiosity with seven distinct colours fluctuating between ochre, brown, yellow, red and purplish blue.
Day 3: Rivière Des Galets
This morning you will set off on your half day excursion to discover the beautiful lush forests and waterfalls of Rivière des Galets by zip line. The zip line excursion involves trekking, swimming in natural clear pools and spectacular glides above the trees, river and rocks along zip lines.
Day 4: Mauritius - Madagascar
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for the two hour flight to Madagascar. On arrival in Antananarivo you will be met and depart immediately with your private guide and vehicle for the 4 hour road journey to the eastern rainforest reserve of Andasibe.
Days 5 - 6: Andasibe & Mantadia National Park
The haunting cry of the indri is an eerie alarm call as you wake to find yourself on the mist-shrouded outskirts of the Andasibe and Mantadia National Parks. You have two full days to discover the variety of lemurs, reptiles and birds that make this montane forest their home.
Day 7: Madagascar - Mauritius
After a final morning walk, depart for the 4 hour drive back to Antananarivo where there is time for some shopping at the artisans market before taking the flight to Mauritius. On arrival in Mauritius you will be met and transferred to your hotel, the chic Baystone Boutique Hotel & Spa.
Days 8 - 10: Mauritius
A host of marine-based activities are available to book locally including seasonal whale watching, catamaran cruises, spotting dolphins, snorkelling in the reefs and lunching on tropical islands. Book the exclusive Baystone Lagoon Turquoise Excursion to Ambre Island for a private picnic lunch in the shade of the mangrove trees.
Day 11: Depart Mauritius
It’s time to bid farewell as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
Harriet was wonderful. She quickly and efficiently listened to what I wanted to do in the countries I was planning to visit, put together a plan in a matter of days, and it was without a doubt the best international trip I've taken in my life (of approximately 30 countries). Service was excellent. Itinerary was excellent. All around a great experience in a less commonly-traveled destination.
