Most Inspirational Moment
Madagascar's USP is its unique wildlife. In particular, the lemurs and baobabs. So there are two highlights: the first was seeing diademed sifaka, in the first park we visited, leaping gracefully from tree to tree, and the second is the Allee des Baobabs, a wonderful natural monument. Then the third wonderful moment was standing atop the lookout point on the Grands Tsingy. The landscape is unbelievable and the via ferrata to get there was exhilerating.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sol is a top man. You're in safe hands with him: knowledgeable, polished, anticipating the group's needs and wishes, and with a smile like sunshine.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The trip notes over-exaggerate the ardours of the travel. Whilst there are long driving days, the roads are generally good. Obvioulsy, heading out to the Tsingy, the roads are bumpy, but you're in 4x4s so it's fine. They make sure you get appropriate breaks. Don't let the travelling put you off! The accommodation is also way better than I expected. At Morondava we were offered the chance to do a pirogue trip out to the fishing village. We'd thoroughly recommend doing this. It was so peaceful and relaxing and the guys made sure we saw loads of wildlife, including the funniest little jumping fish. They also offered a chance to meet the lcoal people, which I felt was otherwise missing from this trip.
Suggestions
This is not a trip for spotting loads of animals. Those you see are exceptional and they have a lovely tendency to pose for the camera! If you want to see animals every two seconds, you should go to Tanzania or Botswana. Madagascar also seems to be hell-bent on destroying its beauty with slash-and-burn agriculture. Go now before it's too late. The trip notes say there's a night in Kirindy - unfortunately, this is not the case. The unexpected aspect of the trip was the chance to relax on fantastic white beaches! We went in Aug-September and the weather was not too hot, not too cold. There was a touch of rain but, hey, it was a rain forest so what do you expect?! Food is excellent generally. Don't forget the mosquito repellent.