Family Expedition with Biologist Ivan Kvasov: Lemurs, Whales, Pirate Island, Baobab Alley, and Tsingy de Bemaraha

MADAGASCAR

July 24 – August 7, 2025
Madagascar
tour to Madagascar

Madagascar tour, island tour, whale watching, Cingis, lemurs, St. Mary's Island, baobab alley

Ready for a true family adventure?

Join our family expedition led by Ivan Kvasov, a seasoned explorer and passionate biologist.

Meet lemurs and chameleons, indulge in local culinary delights, and explore the breathtaking Tsingy de Bemaraha! We'll trek across unique limestone formations, recognized as one of the natural Wonders of the World.

On the island of Sainte-Marie, we'll dive into the history of piracy, and as part of our research group, we’ll observe humpback whales, listen to their underwater songs, and even adopt one!

And to top it all off, we'll greet the dawn at the Avenue of the Baobabs, where time seems to stand still beneath their majestic trunks.

Madagascar – a childhood dream come true!
Pilot & director: Konstantin Zubkov
Photo by: Denis Korolev, Zubkova Aleksandra, Gromova Genrietta
SCHEDULE AND COST:
Dates: July 24 – August 7, 2025

Duration: 15 days / 14 nights

Number of Participants: 10 – 18

Price per person:
  • €3,190 with 18 participants
  • €3,450 with 16–17 participants
  • €3,650 with 14–15 participants
  • €3,790 with 12–13 participants
  • €3,990 with 10–11 participants (prices are based on double occupancy)


Early booking discount: 10% (valid until January 24, 2025)

Child Discounts:
  • 30% for children under 8 y.o. staying as a third or fourth guest in a room
  • 15% for children under 12 y.o.

The price includes everything except:
  • International flights to and from Antananarivo
  • 4 domestic flights: Antananarivo – Sainte-Marie – Antananarivo and Antananarivo – Morondava – Antananarivo
  • International travel insurance
  • Madagascar visa (issued on arrival, €10)
  • Meals not specified in the program


Estimated flight costs:

Moscow – Antananarivo – Moscow: €1,300 (self-booked, assistance provided)

Antananarivo – Sainte-Marie – Antananarivo: €280 (self-booked, assistance provided)

Antananarivo – Morondava – Antananarivo: €280 (self-booked, assistance provided)


Single Supplement: €980 (available throughout the itinerary)




TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Madagascar


Day 1. July 24, 2025. Antananarivo

Upon arrival at Antananarivo Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide. Visas can be obtained upon arrival (10 EUR per person). Afterward, we head to Le Centell Hotel 4*, where we’ll check in and have some time to rest.
For those interested, we’ll enjoy an optional dinner at one of the city’s finest restaurants. Malagasy cuisine is a delightful highlight worth exploring.

Meals: No
Accommodation: Le Centell Hotel 4*


*Recommended flights to Antananarivo:
Turkish Airlines from Moscow: Flight TK-416 departs Moscow on July 23 at 19:35, with a layover in Istanbul and arrival in Antananarivo on July 24 at 14:40.
Ethiopian Airlines from Moscow via Addis Ababa: Flight ET-613 departs Moscow on July 23 at 17:10, arriving in Antananarivo on July 24 at 13:40.
Or choose any convenient flight arriving in Antananarivo on July 24.


Day 2. July 25, 2025. Antananarivo – Nosy Soa Island Park – Peyrieras Reserve – Andasibe (5 hours by car, 30 minutes by motorboat)

After an early breakfast, no later than 7:00, we depart for the eastern part of Madagascar, passing through the capital city, known as the "Red City" of Antananarivo.
Our route takes us through scenic mountain switchbacks, verdant rice fields, and charming landscapes. Along the way, we’ll pause for picturesque views of a waterfall and traditional Malagasy "birdhouse" homes perched on rice terrace edges.

Our first major stop is Nosy Soa Island, where we’ll enjoy a 30-minute motorboat ride followed by at least two hours exploring the island. This enchanting place is home to several species of lemurs, including the ring-tailed, brown, and majestic black-and-white ruffed lemurs, as well as the tiny bamboo lemur and the lively Coquerel’s sifaka, famous for its “dancing” moves. Many of the lemurs are friendly, making this an unforgettable adventure!

Next, we’ll visit Peyrieras Madagascar Exotic Park, renowned for its diverse collection of reptiles. Here, you’ll encounter the giant Parson’s chameleon, the tiny nano-chameleon, and many other fascinating creatures. The reserve tour lasts about two hours.

In the evening, after 18:00, we’ll embark on a nighttime jungle walk to seek nocturnal lemurs, butterflies, frogs, and chameleons. This guided walk will last approximately 1–1.5 hours.
Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel for dinner and rest.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Andasibe Cyperus Hotel


Day 3. July 26, 2025. Andasibe – Analamazaotra Reserve – Palmarium Reserve (4 hours by car, 1 hour 10 minutes by motorboat)

After an early breakfast, we continue eastward. The journey, approximately 4 hours, takes us through traditional villages, rare endemic palm forests, mountain ranges, and the famed "yellow rivers." The road offers a wealth of authentic experiences—children waving as we pass, colorful local buses, and scenic lake views, which we will later traverse by motorboat.

Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and enjoy lunch. At 2:00 PM, our adventure begins with a quest to find lemurs, starting with Indri indri, the park’s iconic residents. We'll have the chance to hand-feed them bananas, take close-up photos, and even gently interact with these majestic creatures. Beyond the Indri indri, we'll meet other lemur species, including crowned, brown, red-bellied, and black lemurs from the north. Feeding them bananas is a delight for both children and photographers alike.

For botany enthusiasts, the reserve is home to rare plants like the Nepenthes, a carnivorous plant that thrives on mosquitoes, flies, butterflies, and other insects.

In the evening, at 5:30 PM, we’ll visit a special island inhabited by the incredible aye-aye, an endangered nocturnal lemur species. This fascinating visit lasts approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Dinner will be served back at the lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Palmarium Reserve Lodge


Day 4. July 27, 2025. Palmarium Reserve – Andasibe – Antananarivo (8 hours by car)

After breakfast at the lodge, enjoy coffee with a curious lemur, who might join you at the table!
Today, we head back to Antananarivo. Along the way, we’ll make several stops to interact with local villagers and capture stunning photographs. Lunch will be in Andasibe, featuring local folklore performances, where you’re welcome to join in the dancing.

As we approach Antananarivo, we’ll visit a local laundry site, where clothes are traditionally washed and dried along the riverbanks—a fascinating insight into daily life.

Dinner will be in the heart of Tana at a renowned restaurant offering Madagascar’s finest foie gras, available in various forms (pâté, terrine, steak). It also makes a perfect gourmet souvenir to take home.

Overnight at the charming Le Centell Hotel 4*.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Le Centell Hotel 4*


Day 5. July 28, 2025. Antananarivo – Morondava – Kimony Resort – Avenue of the Baobabs

Depending on the flight schedule to Morondava, we’ll depart early from the hotel (likely at 6:30 AM). A short flight takes us to the island’s west coast. Upon arrival in Morondava, we’ll be transferred to our hotel.
After lunch, we head to Kimony Resort to meet the friendly lemurs of the western coast, encountering several more unique species.

Next, we travel to the world-famous Avenue of the Baobabs to witness the breathtaking sunset.
The Avenue of the Baobabs is one of Madagascar’s most iconic natural landmarks. Towering up to 30 meters with trunks as wide as 11 meters in diameter, these ancient trees create a surreal landscape. Believed to be hundreds—or even thousands—of years old, the baobabs are considered sacred and symbolize longevity and resilience. The dramatic silhouettes of these giants during sunset or sunrise evoke a timeless, almost prehistoric beauty.
Dinner will be a feast of fresh seafood at a local restaurant, offering spectacular platters straight from the ocean. Overnight at the lovely Hotel Palissandre Côte Ouest 4*.

*Recommended flight from Antananarivo to Morondava:
— Tsaradia Airlines, Flight TZ702, departing Antananarivo at 9:35 AM and arriving in Morondava at 10:50 AM.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Palissandre Côte Ouest 4*


Day 6. July 29, 2025. Morondava – Belo-sur-Tsiribihina – Bekopaka (200 km, 9 hours on the road)

Before sunrise, we’ll head out to enjoy the deserted Baobab Alley. We’ll need to wake up at 4:30 AM, or we’ll miss the main show. We’ll take a few photos, soak in the beauty, and by 6:30 AM, breakfast awaits us—coffee, croissants, all under the rays of the morning sun. Afterward, we’ll head to the sacred Baobab, believed by scientists to be around 3,000 years old—it's the oldest Baobab in this region and all of Madagascar.

Next, we embark on an adventure along the bumpy road to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. After crossing the river by ferry, we’ll enjoy lunch in a small town known for its delicious food. It’s a modest place, but the chef does his best, making it popular for its fish and seafood dishes. After lunch, we face a three-hour drive to the hotel, with one last crossing.

The Tsingy is not just a plateau, but a true open-air cinema. Ancient "stone forests" rise hundreds of meters from the ground like stars on a stage. This is where wildlife and plant documentaries are filmed.

Upon arrival, we check in, have dinner, and spend the night at Le Soleil des Tsingy.

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Le Soleil des Tsingy


Day 7. July 30, 2025. Bekopaka – Tsingy de Bemaraha (2-hour drive)

After breakfast, we embark on an adventure in the Big Tsingy. The reserve is 17 km away, and we’ll travel by off-road vehicles along a rugged road.

We’ve arrived! The Tsingy de Bemaraha are one of the Natural Wonders of the World!
We put on our safety harnesses. For convenience, locals have created accessible routes with pathways, suspension bridges, and stairs. Then, we’ll climb up the limestone pinnacles as if they were giant steps. After reaching the "heart" of the reserve, we’ll behold the stunning Tsingy de Bemaraha in all its glory.

How did these amazing Tsingy mazes form? They were shaped over centuries by erosion, with rain and water slowly dissolving the limestone layers, creating these magnificent karst landscapes. These magnificent spires rise over the Tsingy de Bemaraha Reserve, covering about 152 square kilometers. Some are crisscrossed with ravines and canyons, giving this unique place an unmatched character.
Lemurs, especially sifakas, and many species of exotic birds inhabit this area.

Our walk on the rocks will take about 4-5 hours. After the emotional experience, we return to the hotel for lunch and rest. In the evening, around 4:00 PM, we visit the village of Bekopaka to experience local life and the market.
Overnight at the hotel in Bekopaka.

Hotel: Le Soleil des Tsingy
Meals: Breakfast

**Visiting the Big Tsingy Park with children is only allowed if accompanied by their parents. Children over the age of 9 can enter the Big Tsingy. Children under 8 will have an alternative, simplified route through the Small Tsingy Park, accompanied by parents or relatives.


Day 8. July 31, 2025. Bekopaka – Belo-sur-Tsiribihina – Morondava (200 km, 9 hours on the road)

The drive from the Tsingy to Morondava will take 8 - 9 hours. Along the way, we’ll stop in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, a small but cozy place known for its tasty cuisine, where the town mayor runs the restaurant!
After lunch, we’ll continue our journey, enjoying scenic views and making stops at interesting spots, such as the Lovers’ Baobab and a second, rarely visited avenue of the tallest Baobabs.
We’ll also have the opportunity to stop again at the Baobab Alley to witness the sunset in this picturesque place. After the sunset, we head to the hotel for a restful evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Palissandre Cote Ouest 4*
Meals: Breakfast


Day 9. August 1, 2025. Morondava – Betania – Zazamalala Park – Morondava (70 km, 2 hours on the road)

Today, we wake up early to visit the beach at our hotel before sunrise. Soon, dozens of fishing boats will come into view, offering a truly beautiful sight. After enjoying the riot of colors in the dawn sky, we’ll have breakfast and head out to explore the fishing village of Betania. The journey takes us through mangrove forests on traditional Malagasy pirogues. We'll meet the villagers and have the chance to enter their homes.
Betania is a fishing village located near Morondava, on the western coast of Madagascar. It is famous for its traditional lifestyle, picturesque beaches, and the unique culture of the local fishermen.
After enjoying a lunch of famous Malagasy seafood, at 3:00 PM we’ll head to Zazamalala Park to see the rescued lemurs—there are currently three species thriving here. The park, located 35 km east of Morondava (about an hour’s drive), offers a 1.5-hour walk.

Accommodation: Hotel Palissandre Cote Ouest 4*
Meals: Breakfast


Day 10. August 2, 2025. Morondava – Antananarivo

After breakfast, we’ll take a flight to Antananarivo.
Upon arrival, a transfer to the hotel awaits, where you can relax after the long journey. The hotel features a pool and a spa offering various relaxation treatments.
Today, we’ll enjoy a grand folkloric evening, listening to musical instruments and watching traditional dances. Madagascar will reveal the secrets of its unique instruments, such as the valiha, ampunga, and kabosi, accompanied by vibrant costumes made of raffia in dance! A renowned family ensemble, experienced in performing worldwide, will take the stage.
Dinner will be served at the charming Cafe de la Gare restaurant, located in a colonial building that once housed a train station.

*Recommended flight from Antananarivo to Morondava:
— Tsaradia Airlines, Flight TZ702, 9:45 from Morondava, arriving in Antananarivo at 10:55.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Le Centell Hotel 4*


Day 11. August 3, 2025. Antananarivo – Sainte-Marie Island

After breakfast, we’ll visit the Manjakamiadana Palace to learn about the culture and history of the region. We’ll then have lunch near the airport. Our flight to Sainte-Marie Island departs at 13:30, so we should be at the airport by 12:00.
Upon arrival, we’ll be greeted by a tuk-tuk and taken to our lodge for check-in and rest.
In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a sea excursion around the beautiful island of Nosy Nato. This island is truly picturesque with its coconut palms, white sand, scenic sunsets, and the fresh air of the Indian Ocean. After the sunset, we’ll return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.
In the evening, a lecture about whales and other marine life will be presented by a representative of the association dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals and the monitoring of their habitats in Madagascar.

*Recommended flight from Antananarivo to Sainte-Marie:
— Tsaradia Airlines, 13:30 from Antananarivo, arriving in Sainte-Marie at 14:35

Accommodation: Les Villas de Vohilava
Meals: Breakfast


Day 12. August 4, 2025. Whales – Pirate Cemetery

After breakfast, we’ll begin an exciting day dedicated to humpback whales and the mysterious pirate cemetery.
As part of a research group, we’ll observe humpback whales, which use these waters for breeding from June to September. These magnificent creatures are critically endangered, and each member of our group will play a key role in data collection. Thanks to photographs and recordings of whale songs underwater, we’ll contribute to global research and protection efforts for this unique species. You’ll also have the chance – believe it or not – to “adopt a whale”! More details will be shared on the island.

After lunch on a terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean at one of the island’s best seafood restaurants, we’ll visit the world’s only pirate cemetery. Located on a hill surrounded by the ocean, this place is filled with an atmosphere of adventure. We’ll choose between a narrow stone path or a boat ride through the mangroves, depending on the tide.
We’ll conclude the day back at our lodge, Les Villas de Vohilava, sharing experiences and preparing for more exciting discoveries.

Accommodation: Les Villas de Vohilava
Meals: Breakfast


Day 13. August 5, 2025. Sainte-Marie Island

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a final boat excursion where we may catch whales playing, hunting, or simply basking on the surface of the water. Experts will share their knowledge, making this an unforgettable experience.
After lunch, we’ll relax on the beach. Optional activities include kayaking, quad biking, cycling, buggy rides, or snorkeling.

Accommodation: Les Villas de Vohilava
Meals: Breakfast


Day 14. August 6, 2025. Sainte-Marie Island – Antananarivo

After breakfast at 7:30, we’ll embark on a canoe adventure to “Pesca Island.” Here, far from civilization, stretches a sandy paradise dominated by seabirds. These birds nest here in the summer, and sometimes in winter, creating a unique natural balance. After swimming, we’ll return to the shore for a Malagasy-style picnic.
We’ll then transfer to the airport for our afternoon flight back to the capital.

Today we’ll explore the historic center of Antananarivo: we’ll visit the Zoma Market, whose name comes from the Arabic word for “Friday.” It used to be the market day but is now open every day. This is the most popular and colorful market in the heart of Tana. We’ll stroll down Independence Avenue, the widest and straightest street in the city, surrounded by colonial-era arcades once used as governor offices, shops, and restaurants. We’ll also see the City Hall and the Gare Soarano, a 20th-century railway station. We’ll visit the “Lower Quarter,” located in a valley surrounded by marshes and rice fields, where the lower social classes reside, and the “Upper Quarter” – the highest part of Antananarivo, home to the royal palace.
In the evening, we’ll visit a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the entire city, and, if we’re lucky, witness the best sunset.

Accommodation: Le Centell Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic)

*Recommended flight from Sainte-Marie to Antananarivo:
— Tsaradia Airlines, 14:40 from Sainte-Marie, arriving in Antananarivo at 15:50


Day 15. August 7, 2025. Antananarivo – International Flight

Antananarivo, “City of a Thousand Warriors,” stirs curiosity with its morning hustle and bustle. People walk with baskets on their heads, some run, while others bask in the morning sun.
After breakfast at the hotel restaurant, we’ll head out for a morning stroll through the capital.
Today is dedicated to souvenir shopping. Malagasy souvenirs, like everything else here, are unique. We’ll visit a souvenir market and a supermarket where we can purchase coffee, tea, chocolate, vanilla in all its forms, or even Madagascar’s famous black caviar! You can also find ancient ammonites up to a meter in diameter or fossils of various tree species.
Afterward, we’ll enjoy lunch at a restaurant near the airport, followed by check-in for our international flight back home.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: No

*Recommended flights from Antananarivo:
— To Moscow with Ethiopian Airlines, via Addis Ababa, 4 hours 20 minutes layover, Flight ET-852, departing Antananarivo on August 7 at 14:50, arriving in Moscow at 7:40 AM on August 8.
— To Moscow with Turkish Airlines, via Istanbul, 2-hour layover, departing Antananarivo on August 7 at 16:00, arriving in Moscow at 10:45 AM on August 8.
— Or any other flight departing from Antananarivo on August 7.

*Recommended flight to Mauritius:
— Air Mauritius, departing Antananarivo on August 7 at 17:00, arriving in Mauritius at 19:45.


***The tour operator is not responsible for any changes to the schedules of local airlines that may occur after booking. We will make every effort to minimize potential disruptions to the approved itinerary. Changes may occur due to force majeure circumstances, depending on current schedules, the availability of internal flights, and the possibility of charter flights. Insurance is recommended to fully cover any risks and inconveniences during the trip.
Cost includes:

  • Double/Twin accommodation in hotels and lodges throughout the Madagascar route
  • Meals as per the program: daily breakfasts and a picnic on Day 14
  • Drinking water throughout the journey
  • Comfortable transport (4WD off-road vehicles) with air conditioning throughout the trip, and services of drivers (no more than 3 participants per jeep, with a maximum of 2 people per back seat)
  • Boats and pilot services
  • All airport transfers as per the program
  • All park and reserve entry fees, tickets, access to all attractions and activities included in the program
  • Participation in whale research
  • Arrangement of permits for special zones
  • Support for traditional communities
  • English- and Russian-speaking guide accompanying the entire route
  • Russian- and English-speaking team leader, biologist Ivan Kvasov, accompanying you throughout the trip



Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):

  • International flight to and from Antananarivo
  • 4 domestic flights: Antananarivo – Sainte Marie – Antananarivo, and Antananarivo – Morondava – Antananarivo
  • International medical insurance
  • Madagascar visa
  • Lunches (except for Day 14) and dinners
  • Drinks
  • Additional activities not included in the program
  • Personal expenses



To take with:

  • Sets of clothing suitable for weather conditions, including sets of light clothing (shorts, T-shirts),
  • long-sleeved shirts and long trousers for protection from insects
  • just in case (including for the plane), one set of warm clothes (sweatshirt or light windbreaker),
  • Hats: baseball cap/hat/sun hat and hat
  • Bathing suits/swimming trunks
  • Raincoat
  • trekking closed shoes and comfortable light shoes (sneakers)
  • Mosquito net
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Personal medicines (including analgesics, antiseptics, · antibiotics, medicines necessary for you personally, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydron, plaster)
  • Sun and wind protection (cream)
  • Sunglasses
  • repellents: sprays, creams
  • Large backpack for things (or trunk, or a small suitcase),
  • Small backpack for radial exits (25 - 30 l)
  • Head Torch
  • Favorite foods (chocolate, nuts)
  • Photo and video equipment, drone, spare batteries
KEY FEATURES:
Madagascar

Best Seasons: June – October, December – March



Experience the Famadihana ceremony, practiced by the Merina and Betsileo tribes. It is believed that until the body is completely decomposed, the soul has not left this world. During this ceremony, the deceased are taken from their tombs, dressed in new clothes, and the latest news is shared.

Witness the humpback whales, marine animals facing the threat of extinction.

Immerse yourself in pirate culture and feel the true spirit of adventurers!

Trek through the breathtaking reserves of Big and Little Tsingy, from whose observation points you can enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Capture the incredibly photogenic landscapes of the Avenue of Baobabs. You'll have the opportunity to take memorable photos of this symbol of the country at sunset and sunrise.

Explore the local flora and fauna. Madagascar is home to many endemics, including lemurs, a vast array of primates, the fossa, the aye-aye, and many others.

Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
  • 1
    UNIQUENESS
    We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears.
  • 2
    ADVENTURISM
    Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again.
  • 3
    SAFETY
    In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features.
  • 4
    EXPERIENCE
    We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbings are guided by Mzungu himself, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort.
  • 5
    LOW PRICE
    All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.

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