Madagascar - Itinerary 3
ITINERARY 3
8 Days
Madagascar beach and wildlife - Perinet and St. Marie
Explore the lush tropical rainforests of eastern Madagascar and relax on St. Marie Island. Suitable all year round except from late January - mid-March when cyclones can occur. Discover the wonders of Madagascar with its great variety of wildlife.
Madagascar's rainforests are among the densest in the world and the floral diversity is particularly rich. The island is home to 20 % of Africa's vascular plant species of which 90 % are endemic. You will take part in a guided night stroll through the forest and be able to see the nocturnal creatures such as the aye-aye and tenrecs (spiny hedgehogs). You can also visit the rainforest at dawn, the best time to view the largest of all lemurs, the ape-like indris. Endemic birds include the tylas, nuthatch, the extraordinary velvet asity and more. You might also be fortunate enough to see species such as the giraffe -necked weevil, golden mantilla frog and Parson's chameleon.
Walking through the rainforest at daybreak, as the siren-like calls emanate from the mist-enshrouded canopy, is one of the most memorable experiences one can have in Madagascar. Visit the wonderful "Robinson Crusoe" island of St. Marie where you can explore the lush tropical rainforest of Perinet. It is surrounded by abundant coral reefs and boasts what many rate as Madagascar's loveliest beaches. Most of these white, palm-fringed beaches are secluded coves. St. Marie also boasts the world's only pirate graveyard, as this was once a major pirate base. Along the reefs there are excellent snorkelling possibilities. In August and September humpback whales and their calves can be seen.
