August 25th-September 6th, 2024

We're thrilled to be taking our travel club back on this small group adventure to Madagascar! Famous for its isolation off the coast of Africa allowing evolution to showcase her masterpiece, Madagascar is home to countless endemic species found nowhere else in the world. The most well-known are the numerous species of lemurs that have enjoyed millions of years of evolution in this unique microbiome. But so many more colorful creatures can be encountered and photographed here, like the giant Panther Chameleon, one of the largest in the world, the Fossa, Madagascar's apex predator and largest carnivore on the island, & the highly endangered Blue Coua bird, renowned for their striking deep blue feathers. As you can see from the picture above, the country has absolutely stunning landscapes with unique rock formations, giant baobab trees (one of the largest species in the world), tropical rainforests, & stunning coastlines with offshore islands home to pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and coral reefs teeming with sea life.

We've crafted a unique itinerary from scratch aiming to experience all of the magical Madagascar wonders described above. Sign up and get your deposits in ASAP because this one will be sold out in a hot minute!

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"Madagascar is the world’s fourth-largest island where you will "discover an extraordinary storehouse of natural and cultural riches. Separated from Africa and Asia at the time of the dinosaurs, Madagascar's animal life has evolved in a startling myriad of forms, with endemic species found nowhere else on earth." - Rough Guides

E-mail us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Don't forget to check out the Madagascar Tropical Paradise Extension!

The East: The Green Corridor of Madagascar (5 Days)

"Eastern Madagascar is travel the way it used to be. There is a wildness here of primordial allure, from the misty mountains of Masoala, down the huge coastline with its pounding sea and overhanging palms, to the lush waterways of the Pangalanes Lakes. Travelers often feel a constant sense of coming upon undiscovered locales, including entire national parks...." -Lonely Planet

Antananarivo (3 Nights)

"Tana, as the capital is universally known, is all about eating, shopping, history, and day trips. Bypassing the city would be a mistake: Tana has been the home of Malagasy power for three centuries and there's a huge amount of history and culture to discover, as well as some unexpected wildlife options." - Lonely Planet

- Free time to explore the city:  Highlights include Lac Anosy (Antananarivo’s heart-shaped lake), the Presidential Palace, Musee de la Photo (fantastic photography museum & the capital's best overall), and the Andravoahangy, the Open-Air Market with local merchants' stalls full of arts and crafts created by skilled artisans, including wood carvings, fossils, petrified wood, and locally made clothing (Barter is the name of the game!)

- Peyrieras Private Farm "Madagascar Exotic": En route to Andasibe, this must-stop farm is home to 3000 species of butterflies, including the Comet, the largest butterfly on earth! Also here are almost all the chameleon species of Madagascar as well as lizards, snakes, bats & more.

Andasibe (2 Nights)

This heavily rainforested region is known for its National Park of the same name. Easily one of the best lemur experiences in the world, the park is the ideal place to spot the Indri, the largest living lemur. Countless beautiful flora and fauna thrive here; a feast for our eyes & cameras. 

- Parc National Analamazaotra: The most popular park within Andasibe, the highlight of this reserve is the rare indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur, whose unforgettable wail can be heard emanating from the misty forest throughout the day. 

- Manjakandriana Workshop & Beekeeping Center: Check out the small local workshop where we'll learn about the process of making zebu carts; ox-drawn carriages used to transport people and goods. Nearby we stop at a local beekeeping center and experience the hospitality of the Malagasy.

- Perinet Reserve & Guided Evening Nature Walk: Numerous species of lemurs can be encountered here, finishing off with a night walk through the forest in search of nocturnal animals including frogs, chameleons, & tenrecs, small hedgehog-like creatures known for their spikes & diversity.

The North: An Evolutionary Playground (8 Days)

"The island's northernmost tip - the "tropical north" - is one of its richest biodiversity hotspots, with lush tropical rainforests and mangroves extending to azure lagoons and white, palm-fringed beaches. Here visitors will find the perfect chance to explore some of Madagascar's whacky fauna, flora, and scenery in the national parks, before stretching out on the sand to admire the Indian Ocean, cocktail in hand." - Africa Geographic

Diego Suarez “Antsiranana” (4 Nights) 

"Once coveted by French and British military powers for its strategic importance, the northern port town of Antsiranana has grown into an eclectic Madagascar destination with a diverse mix of architecture and
cultural influences that include Creole, Indian, Colonial, and Arab. With its wide streets, old colonial-era buildings, and buzzy atmosphere, Diego Suarez is an appealing base from which to explore Madagascar’s northern region. In the middle of the harbor, a small island (nicknamed The Sugarloaf) rises out of the water for picture postcard panoramas, and the region is ringed by a lush hillscape that’s as dramatic to look at as it is to explore." - Discover Africa

- Guided walking tour in Diego Suarez: Become oriented with a leisurely walk through the historied
streets and linger & photograph the decaying colonial architecture on "Rue Colbert ". From here it’s on to the vibrant market, a wealth of crafts workshops, and the old military quarter on the peninsula overlooking the port.

- Epic coastlines & white sand beaches: Explore Les Trois Baies (The 3 Bays) of Ramena by 4X4 and on foot. Ramena beach is the most prominent and longest stretch of sand, however, the most picturesque are the isolated beaches along the Three Bays: Baie des Dunes, Baie des Pigeons, and Sakalava Bay. Stroll along the fine white sands, take a dip, and photograph the landscape as the sun begins its final march to the horizon, casting hues of orange, pink, & red throughout the sky.

- Stunning views from French Mountain: Montagne des Francais, is a protected reserve with a typical deciduous dry forest characteristic of northern Madagascar.  Discover and photograph the fascinating flora, in particular the Baobab Adansonia Suarezensis, endemic to Diego-Suarez. Pachypodiums (like miniature baobabs), thorn trees, aloes, and sublime orchids dot the trail. The ascent offers superb views over the bay, and the prospect of good birding and sightings of Sanford's brown lemurs. At the top, the caves and vestiges of the colonial era open to the magnificent panorama view of the bay in its entirety and its 100 miles of coastline. 

The Emerald Sea, an untamed paradise: With its supernatural color, the Emerald Sea (Baie D'Emeraud) lies at the northernmost tip of the country at the edge of Diego Suarez Bay.  The vast lagoon is separated from the Indian Ocean by a coral reef and string of islets.

- Sail & snorkel in a tropical wonderland: Local sailors and fishermen invite us on their traditional wooden hull sailboats for a serene cruise past the Bay of Diego Suarez into the emerald-colored waters. On a small islet fringed by white sands, snorkeling and relaxation are on the agenda, punctuated by a lunch of local flavors in the shade of coconut trees.

The Red Tsingy: A photogenic wonder south of Diego Suarez, "Tsingy" is a Malagasy word used to describe jagged limestone formations found throughout the country. It literally translates to “walking on tip toes” or “the place where one cannot walk barefoot”. An easy nature walk along an ochre-colored trail leads to the stunning pinnacles spiking the air with striking beauty and a sense of majesty. Take advantage of endless, unique photo opportunities to capture these blood-red cathedrals of nature in an otherwise empty landscape! 

Amber Mountain National Park: An Oasis Among Dry Lands (1 Night)

Named after the amber resin found in the trees here, the park is home to some extraordinary plant and animal life, in particular chameleons, with huge ferns and strangler figs adding drama to a park where beautiful walking trails wind their way past tropical waterfalls. Founded in 1958, Amber Mountain is one of Madagascar’s first and oldest official national parks, covering an area of more than 90 square miles over a volcanic mountain range. The rainforest with its six crater lakes and three waterfalls is a paradise for rare animals and plants found nowhere else in the world.

- Epic Nature Walk: Discover hidden crater lakes and stunning waterfalls with our local naturalist guide. They have remarkably trained eyes to help us spot the 11 species of lemur who call this paradise home. With their help and a little luck, we find and photograph the tuberculated Brookesia, one of the world's smallest chameleons at a mere 3cm in size, tail included! Along the Thousand Trees Trail we encounter lichens, orchids, different species of palm, and the ramy, an endemic tree whose sap gives off a strong smell of turpentine!

Ankarana National Reserve: True Tsingy of the North (2 Nights)

"This striking and undeveloped fantasy land is home to uniquely Malagasy sights: psychedelic fields of spiky tsingy (limestone pinnacle formations) next to dry forests. Running through and under the tsingy are hidden forest-filled canyons, an extensive cave system and subterranean rivers. The park is famed for its bat-filled grottoes steeped in legend and history…" - Lonely Planet

- 200 million-year-old pinnacles, giant sinkholes, & abundant wildlife:  In addition to the spectacularly eroded limestone fortress of sharp ridges known as Tsingy Rary, the reserve features patches of dense tropical jungle, deciduous forest, canyons, gorges, and rushing rivers. In terms of wildlife, eleven species of lemur live in the dry forest as well as between the Tsingy, including the crowned lemur, Sanford’s brown lemur, and the nocturnal Ankarana Sportive lemur. Ankarana is home to 100 species of birds, including the black parrot, and the caves are home to 14 bat species, half the number found in the whole of Madagascar! 

- Tsingy Rary Trail: Photograph and encounter many of the incredible highlights described above. Meander through forest and riverbed and past the Perte de Rivieres, a giant sinkhole! With a little luck and help from our local guide, we hope to encounter and photograph a variety of lemurs, birds, and bright green geckos. Arriving at Tsingy Rary, witness & photograph the massive field of limestone. *Difficulty: Moderate | 175 Ft elevation gain. More details can be found in the daily itinerary which you can request via the form at the top of this trip page. 

* PhotoFly Travel Club adventures are laid back when it comes to photography. They are not workshop-style based tours and you do not need to be an avid photographer to join. All are welcome!

Price: $3495.00

Single Supplement: $998.00 *LIMITED Single Supplements Available

The adventure doesn't have to end here!

Paradise Island Extension

(Optional) 

September 6th - 10th, 2024

It would be a shame to travel all the way to Madagascar and not experience the incredible white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, & coral reefs teeming with fish. The beautiful island chains and coral atolls that surround the massive island contrast the experience of the "mainland" perfectly. We've chosen an accessible but peaceful island with a low-key atmosphere and tropical beauty; the perfect way to finish off this adventure of a lifetime!

E-mail us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Nosy Be: 3 Nights (plus 1 night Antananarivo)

The name means "Big Island" and "Madagascar’s number-one beach destination, has all the ingredients you'd expect: soft white sand, turquoise waters, and wonderful seafood. A paradise for water-based activities with its sunny climate most of the year, there is plenty of swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing. A little pricey compared to the mainland, but most visitors find the lack of major development and relaxed, mora mora (slowly, slowly) lifestyle worth the extra money." - Lonely Planet

- Free Time to Explore the Island: Discover volcanic lakes, lazy lemurs, rum distilleries, Ylang Ylang plantations, and intricate coral reefs that are practically begging to be explored. A lazy day on Madagascar's best beach may also be in order. 

- Artisanal Fishing Village on Nosy Komba: A short boat ride takes us to Ampangoriana Village on nearby Nosy Komba with its traditional pirogues (fishing boats), embroidery, and woodcraft market. Take the chance to see and photograph the local culture and their way of life. Who knows? We may even find some cool things to buy and bring home to family and friends. 

- Discovery Park: A cool opportunity to get up close and personal with the native creatures on Nosy Komba, including boa constrictors, chameleons, and land turtles. But the Macaco Lemurs and their large "sideburns" are the main attraction and not to be missed. Great nature photography here!

- Snorkel Nosy Tanikely Underwater Reserve: This protected underwater oasis is chock-full of magnificent corals, sea anemones, multicolored fish, crustaceans, & sea turtles. After our undersea exploration on the reef, we'll stroll to a nearby lighthouse where the unique dogfish like to hang out in the shallow waters with lemurs perched overhead in the trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch before wandering around in search of lizards, chameleons, and butterflies to photograph and admire.

- The Best Beach in Madagascar (Optional): An optional adventure to Nosy Iranja is a no-brainer for the beach bums in our group. The gorgeous island has been tagged the 8th most beautiful in the world and is actually formed by two small islets (Nosy Iranja Kely & Nosy Iranja Be) connected by a long white sandbar 1.5 miles across. It's this sandbar that connects the bigger islet to the deserted smaller one which makes the landscape so unique and stunning. At low tide, we can walk across the sand bar from one islet to the other where sea turtles and palm crabs are the primary residents and the ocean glistens with shades of light blue to cobalt. *Optional: This activity is not included in the main program. Price and details found in the daily itinerary. 

* PhotoFly Travel Club adventures are laid back when it comes to photography. They are not workshop-style based tours and you do not need to be an avid photographer to join. All are welcome!

Price: $1,595.00

Single Supplement: $370.00

Cancellation Policy & Refunds

*There is a $250.00 administrative fee for all cancellations. Cancellations made 140 days (April 7th, 2024) or more prior to trip departure date are fully refundable except for the $250 fee. Cancellations less than 140 days (April 8th, 2024) prior to the trip departure date will receive no refund of the full amount due. No refunds on unused portions of the tour. Credit card fees and paypal processing fees cannot be refunded. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee plus new ticket price. Travel insurance strongly encouraged (ask us about policy options). *Hotels subject to change based on availability

COVID Cancellation Policy – Local Planet Travel Services OR Guest may cancel this reservation if the USA or country(s) we are visiting mandates a country-wide closure due to COVID. If this happens, you would receive a full refund. If guest chooses, the funds can remain on file and be applied for any future tour with PhotoFly Travel Club. *Please note bank merchant service fees when using a credit card are non-refundable.

MANDATORY VACCINE REQUIREMENT: The safety of all our guests is a top priority regardless of where our adventures take us. All travelers are required to have an approved COVID-19 vaccination to participate in this tour. Travelers that meet this mandatory requirement can join our adventures after 14 days have elapsed since their final dose. Proof of vaccination must be provided by emailing a copy of the participant's COVID-19 vaccination card to joinus@photoflytravel.com upon sign-up. *Guests who are not vaccinated for medical reasons are exempt from this mandatory vaccine policy with proof from a certified medical professional.

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Local Planet Travel
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Greenville, SC 29607

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