Worldwide Holidays is pleased to announce an exciting new tour to celebrate the Madagascan Independence day taking place on June 26th. Our 10-night tour from June 19th to June 27th takes clients on an exploration down south to Isalo National Park before travelling to Antsirabe to celebrate the “Avenue de independence”.

Independence Day in Madagascar is an occasion of great celebrations and is celebrated on the 26th of June. The Malagasy people know too well how to celebrate with food, drink, and some local dance.

Madagascar has undergone significant changes during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Occupying a strategic location off the southeast coast of Africa, the island historically became the target of British and French imperial ambitions. Ultimately, the competition resulted in French colonization at the end of the nineteenth century. The country gained full independence from colonial rule on June 26, 1960.

This tour takes you on a journey south visiting national parks and learning about the local culture before returning to Antananarivo to enjoy the celebrations of Independence Day. On the 25^th June, you can enjoy a firework and laser display at Lake Anosy. On the actual day there is a military parade at Mahamasina Stadium commencing at 9am, followed by a Rossy concert at the same stadium in the mid afternoon.

Read more about our Independence Day Tour

The truly undiscovered destination in Africa is Madagascar; this evening February 9th 2011 BBC Two featured the stunning destination as part of a three part series with wildlife expert David Attenborough. The first episode titled “Island of Marvels” takes viewers through some of the most dramatic places to visit in Madagascar along with all the unique wildlife which can be spotted along the way including Bright red giraffe-necked weevils, chameleons and of course Madagascar’s most iconic wildlife – the Lemurs. The programme features some stunning recordings of the Lemurs leaping through the rainforest trees and some outstanding video as David travels across the island.

Be sure to catch the programme on BBC Two repeated on Sunday at 16:25pm. Alternatively you can watch the programme on BBC iPlayer using the link below. Be sure to watch in high definition to capture the stunning bright colours of the landscape in Madagascar!

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

Our Madagascar travel expert Moreno is on hand to answer any questions you may have about Madagascar after watching the programme. You may also like to take a look at some of our fantastic sample itineraries to Madagascar or even request our Madagascar brochure to give you even more facts and information about the country and possible holiday highlights. You may recognise some of the places featured in the itineraries from the programme! With 80% of plant species endemic and over 300 endemic species of reptile, add to those lemurs, frogs and over 100 endemic species of birds Madagascar makes a perfect luxury holiday waiting to be discovered.

An elusive spider that lives in snail shells suspended from bushes has been caught on camera by a BBC film crew.

Olios coenobituswa was first discovered in 1926 but few studies have been made of it in the wild since. New footage reveals how the spiders hoist snail shells off the ground using silk threads and shelter inside them.

The team filming for BBC Two series Madagascar believe this is the first footage to show how the spiders protect themselves from predators.

“Madagascar is one of the few places left in the world where you can still seek out and film new species and new behaviour,” said series producer Mary Summerill.

Take a look at the video of Sir David Attenborough describing the spider on the BBC website.

Dont forget to catch Madagascar begins on BBC TWO at 8pm Wednesday, February 9th!

Since my trip to Madagascar in December I have been busy thinking of some great new sample tours to give clients an insight on some of the luxury trips we can create to help craft the perfect Madagascar Holiday. Our redesigned tours feature the North, East and South of Madagascar plus the Aye Aye Lemur tour travelling on the Michelin train into Andasibe to find the most unusual looking of the Lemur species.

Here are some details about the tours. If you have any questions or would like to talk to me about these exciting tours please feel free to call 01202 606160 or drop me an email on moreno@worldwideholidays.co.uk

The Land of the Aye Aye Lemur

Enjoy this newly launched tour of Andasibe & Masoala National Park. This unique train journey from Antananarivo to Andasibe adds to the pleasure of discovering beauty from a different perspective. This trip is designed for people who adore nature. (Read more…)

A Southern Adventure

Discover Madagascar by road from Antananarivo to reach Tulear on the Mozambique Canal and then heading to the South West Coast of this beautiful Island. A great southern journey, on your way to discover Isalo National Park and the romantic sunset show! (Read more…)

Northern Discovery

This tour visits the far North of Madagascar, starting by the historic town of Diego Suarez, formerly the largest French Port in the Indian Ocean, as well as the Grey and the Red Tsingy. I have personally experienced this part of Madagascar on my recent trip there and highly recommend it. (Read more…)

East Coast & Nosy Be

A short 6 night tour for those on a tight schedule, to observe the Indri Indri lemur and time to relax on a beach. This tour takes you from the highlands of Antananarivo down through the forested Perinet region and on to the flat coastal plains of Eastern Madagascar and the Pangalanes Canal. (Read more…)

East Coast & Ile Sainte Marie

An 8 night tour discovering the East Coast of Madagascar including the infamous Indri Indri Lemurs, Andasibe National Park and take time to relax on the beautiful Island of Ile Sainte Marie.  (Read more…)

Our specialist for Madagascar, Moreno Intranova who has recently returned from a fantastic trip to Northern Madagascar has been featured in the first Madagascar Tourist Board newsletter. The newsletter included an extract from Moreno’s Worldwide Holidays team journal which said:

“I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Madagascar. They told me it was unique. It was just that! I found it most rewarding, interesting and the people were very friendly. My highlights were definitely meeting the lemurs, the beaches of Nosy Be Islands and also meeting the local people in their villages and learning more about their culture and way of life.”

More information on the office of Madagascar tourism can be found at www.madagascar-tourisme.com

Moreno thoroughly enjoyed his trip to Madagascar. Whether you are after beautiful beaches, national parks or a combination of Madagascar’s highlights our Madagascar specialist can help put together the perfect itinerary for you. Our latest Madagascar brochure can be requested anytime from our website.

Days 1 – 2

So here I finally was, standing at the Air Madagascar check in desk in Paris, for my overnight flight to Nosy Be. Thankfully I had just escaped the snow at Heathrow, which was briskly making its way to Southern England! This turned out to be a comfortable 10 hour flight into Nosy Be, an Island just off mainland Madagascar. The service and food were most impressive, but lacked entertainment, but I was far too tired and ended up sleeping for most of my flight.

Flying over Comoros Islands, Madagascar was getting ever so close. After landing, it felt like I had arrived into someone’s back yard, a couple of wooden shacks in the evergreen. It just added to the excitement of exploring a new land. The cabin doors were opened and I was suddenly hit by the 35 degree heat – bliss! Later having enjoyed a quick stop at Nosy Be Hotel for lunch, I was whisked off back to the airport for my flight to Antananarivo, my base for the next two nights, where I stayed at the lovely and comfortable Palissandre Hotel, about a 35 minute drive to the city.

The highlight was definitely the cuisine here. I have never tasted food so exquisite at a hotel. The rooms were comfortable and there was also a lovely Spa, which I just could not resist to try out!

Next day, it was straight to work. Yes I needed to remind myself that I was here for work, so was picked up and driven to the ‘Enjoy Madagascar Trade Exhibition’, where I had the opportunity to meet various hoteliers and local suppliers. Later back to the hotel, to freshen up and have some more time in the Spa before dinner.

Days 3 – 5

After an early breakfast, my driver was waiting in the lobby for my transfer to the airport where I was booked on a flight to Diego Suarez in north Madagascar, discovered by two Portuguese sailors in the 16^th Century. On arrival after my 1 hour flight, I was transferred to Grand Hotel, where I checked into my suite. I had no time to waste and had a city tour of Diego, a visit to Sakalava Bay, Amber Mountain and the 3 bays, where there are stunning beautiful white sandy beaches. They are virtually deserted and have great views of Emerald Sea. Later, I had a visit to Ramena, a small traditional fishing village.

Next day, I leave Diego Suarez in a 4×4 and make my way to Red Tsingy, about a 2 hour journey south east of Diego. The roads are tough on the approach to the canyon and ideal for the intrepid traveller! As a result of eroded canyons, the Red Tsingy is unique to Madagascar and definitely must be included in any visit to this part of the country.

My next stop was the National Park of Ankarana, in the hope that I would catch a glimpse of a Lemur or two! Surprising formations of sharp limestone Tsingy, Ankarana was created under the sea 150 million years ago, before changing due to sandstone climate change. Many unique species have evolved here, such as bats, lemurs and crocodiles. The ‘Lost River’ which resembles a gigantic Roman amphitheatre due to the loss of water, will amaze with its natural beauty.

Later I had dinner at the Tsingy Lodge, created by a German hotel proprietor, not far from the Ankarana National Park. It offers bungalows and tents with a real jungle experience. My stay was at the Relais de L’Ankarana, a very basic eco-lodge, where the electricity is provided between the hours of 6-10pm. All rooms are en-suite, but don’t expect your home comforts! This is a good base for the National Park. Alcohol is on sale here, so no need to stock up before arriving!!

After breakfast, I set off for Ambanja, a small village en-route to Ankify. There was the opportunity to visit plantations, discovering cocoa, spices, coffee and perfume plants. The smells were fantastic and overwhelming. I stopped for lunch in the company of the Woman’s Association where a lovely lunch was prepared using local recipes. They even performed a traditional dance show which was most entertaining.

 I was then driven to Ankify for an overnight stay. Ankify is a coastal port, where boats frequently depart for the Nosy Be Archipelago Islands. Le Baobab Hotel was a delightful setting to rest, on a quiet beach. The hotel consists of beach bungalows and bungalows with balconies with lovely views across to the sea. This was the first opportunity I had for a swim in the sea (and a nice cold beer!) and was well worth it!

Days 6 – 7

I was very much looking forward to today…..finally getting onto a boat and the water. Destination Nosy Be. On arrival, I visited a few of the hotels on the Island, followed by lunch at L’Heure Bleue, a delightful hotel with beautiful views and comfortable accommodation. Later I visited the Ylang Ylang distillery and the botanical park of Nosy Be. The gates of Hell-town are an attraction in itself. Later I had dinner back at Nosy Be Hotel, where I decided to feast on……spaghetti Bolognese; I really did miss my mum’s pasta!!!

The final day was a truly amazing day, where I finally had my close encounter with a Lemur. Today I took the boat to Nosy Komba, an isolated Island near Nosy Be, the famous perfume Island and the mainland of Madagascar. This large mountain peaks at 622 metres, covered with dense tropical forest and surrounded by volcanic rocks, which protects it from the rough waters. At the Lemur park, I had my encounter with many Lemurs (I have the photos to prove it too!), although I passed on a meeting with a local resident snake!

The Marine Park Nosy Tanikely, located near Nosy Be, is one of the more popular diving sites, approximately 30 minutes from Komba.  It offers shallow and clear waters and impressive colourful corals and fish. A wonderful lunch was provided here on the beach, before setting off to Nosy Be to prepare for our flight home via Antananarivo. I was preparing myself at the thought of getting stranded in Paris, having heard that Charles du Gaulle was closed due to snow. My flight was delayed at Marseille en route for an hour before getting the go ahead to fly into Paris, which was covered in a blanket of snow! I wasn’t looking forward to returning to below zero temperatures. I guess those flip flops and sun tanning lotion will need to be packed away for the next trip, wherever that may be!

What did I think?

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Madagascar. They told me it was unique. It was just that! I found it most rewarding, interesting and the people were very friendly. Madagascar is relatively underdeveloped and so is the infrastructure, so be sure you travel with an open mind and are totally flexible with your travel plans as sometimes schedules can change at the very last moment. You may not be staying in the most luxurious of hotels but the experience and rewards are fantastic. You never quite know what’s around the corner.

My highlights were definitely meeting the lemurs, the beaches of Nosy Be Islands and also meeting the local people in their villages and learning more about their culture and way of life. I also loved seeing the children break into smiles and laughter whenever I waved at them driving through the villages shouting out ‘hello’ in Malagasy – I guess my pronunciation did not sound quite right!!

For more details about Madagascar or to discuss a trip for yourself, please feel free to get in contact with me anytime on the Madagascar desk!

Earlier this week BBC News reported that a new carnivorous mammal species has been found in Madagascar. The recently discovered species has been called Durrell’s vontsira named after the conservationist and TV presenter Gerald Durrell. Gerald Durrell set up the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust which is a conservation organisation aiming to prevent species from extinction. The mammal pictured below was first spotted in 2004 by Durrell’s organisation where it was photographed. After some examination by experts the organisation felt this mammal could be a member of a new and undiscovered species. The team returned in 2005 where a live animal was caught and blood samples taken. In the last few weeks the animal has been officially recognised as a new species closely related to the brown-tailed mongoose.

Durrell’s vontsira – the new species found in Madagascar. (Image from the BBC)

This news reminds us of just how un-discovered Madagascar is. A truely unique destination and it is a great time to travel Madagascar with its rich flora and fauna of amazing variety and diversity that can be found nowhere else on earth. We would be more than happy to discuss itinerary options for anyone considering visiting this unspoilt Country. We have a number of sample itineraries for you to look through below but please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any more information.

Discover Madagascar for yourself

Sample holiday itineraries:

From West to East
North & Islands Tour
Madagascar Dream Cruise
Masoala Sample Tour
Southern Adventure Tour to Ifaty
East Coast & St Marie Voyage
Tsiribhina River Rafting

These ideas are just a taster of the luxury holiday experience we can put together. To create your unique, tailor-made itinerary please feel free to
contact us.

 Madagascar is such a diverse and interesting country that tourism is really starting to take off. Famous for being the only country in the world where you can see lemurs in the wild, Madagascar also has many endemic reptiles and plants that also act as a huge draw.

To make visiting this stunning landscape more affordable, we have put together our first group tour that will take in 5 of the national parks including Perinet, Berenty and Ranomafana. During this trip you will see many different species of lemur but also take in the different cultures and landscapes that make up this land.

The group tour will start in the capital and Antanarivo from there a domestic flight to Fort Dauphin and a visit to the famous Berenty National Park. You’ll fly to Tulear and travel up through the middle of the country along the Route Nationale 7 visiting towns and national parks along the way. Including Isalo National Park, Andringita national park, Ranomafana national park with its stunning rivers and waterfalls – see the bamboo lemur here. The final national park is Antsirabe where you can see the Indri Indir lemur before returning to Antananarivo or you may like to take a three night extension to the island of Ile Sainte Marie, as it is whale watching season. The tour will have a maximum of 14 and be guided throughout so you’ll see it all!

Depature date: 24th September 2010

Interested in this? Find out more and download the full itinerary

A brand new offer from Worldwide Holidays……..Discover the incredible, versatile country of Madagascar from as little as £1350pp. This great offer includes spending some time at Andasibe National Park, home of the Indri Indri lemur before relaxing on the beautiful island of St Marie. For more details on this tour or about visiting Madagascar in general, call Sam on 01202 606160.