MADAGASCARArtisans, Baobabs, and Lemurs

adventurewomenTHE DESTINATION IS JUST THE BEGINNING

adventurewomen 10 mount auburn street, suite 2, watertown ma 02427 t: (617) 544-9393 t: (800) 804-8606 www.adventurewomen.com

August 3 - 14, 2021

MADAGASCARArtisans, Baobabs, and Lemurs

adventurewomenTHE DESTINATION IS JUST THE BEGINNING

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS► Search for multiple different species of lemurs, native only to the island of

Madagascar

► Meet with local women’s groups to learn about silk weaving andembroidery

► Go on a night walk through the Kirindy Forest to search for nocturnalspecies

► Explore the Big Tsingy, hiking through bizarre limestone formations andcrossing suspension bridges for a birds-eye view

► Soak in the sunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs

TRIP ROUTE

adventurewomen 10 mount auburn street, suite 2, watertown ma 02427 t: (617) 544-9393 t: (800) 804-8606 www.adventurewomen.com

MADAGASCARArtisans, Baobabs, and Lemurs

adventurewomenTHE DESTINATION IS JUST THE BEGINNING

QUICK VIEW ITINERARYarrive in Antananarivo, welcome dinnerDay 1

drive to Ambositra, explore the townDay 2

silk weaving with local women, join a family for lunchDay 3

embroidery lesson with local women, drive to RanomafanaNational Park

Day 4

search for lemurs in Ranomafana National ParkDay 5

charter flight to Morondava, sunset at the Avenue of the BaobabsDay 6

look for lemurs in Kirindy Forest, nocturnal experienceDay 7

drive to Tsingy de BemaharaDay 8

explore the peculiar rock formations called TsingyDay 9

option to explore the Great Tsingy, rest at your lodgeDay 10

charter flight to Antananarivo, visit Lemurs Park, farewell dinnerDay 11

depart MadagascarDay 12

TRIP PRICEMain Trip: $5,290Optional Single Accommodations: $750Internal Air: $900

ACTIVITY LEVELActive

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DAY 1Tuesday

8/3/21

Arrival into Antananarivoarrive in Antananarivo, welcome dinnerWelcome to Madagascar, the fourth-largest island in the world!

Discover its biodiversity, meet the friendly Malagasy people, search forlemurs, and get off-the-beaten-path on this remarkable adventure!

During your adventure, you’ll get to know your expert Malagasy guidewho will be with you every step of the way on this exciting journey,helping you spot lemurs, learn about local crafts, and explore quietareas of Madagascar. You are also accompanied by anAdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make yourexperience a fun and personally rewarding adventure, and cheeringyou on as you reach beyond your comfort zone to take on newchallenges in your own unique way!

ArrivalInformation

Arrive in Antananarivo, Madagascar (TNR) onAugust 3, 2021 any time.

Pick-up andTransfer

You will be met at the airport and transferred toyour hotel.

WelcomeDinner

Enjoy a lively welcome dinner as you get to knowyour fellow travelers this evening. Share stories andlearn about why each woman in your trip is excitedto explore Madagascar!

Accommodations

Meals Included

Colbert Hotel

dinner 10 mount auburn street, suite 2, watertown ma 02427 � t: (617) 544-9393 t: (800) 804-8606 � www.adventurewomen.com

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DAY 2Wednesday

8/4/21

Antananarivo to Ambositradrive to Ambositra, explore the townAmbositra is a small town recognized for its Zafimaniry woodcarvings

and handicrafts. The Zafimaniry people are known for the typicalwooden architecture of their houses, and their woodcarving knowledgeand art was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Drive toAmbositra

Leave Antananarivo this morning and head forAmbositra. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant alongthe way.

Explore theTown

When you arrive, explore the town. Visit a localwoodworker to learn about the traditional uses ofeach type of wood.

Accommodations

Meals Included

Artisan Hotel

breakfast, lunch,dinner

10 mount auburn street, suite 2, watertown ma 02427 � t: (617) 544-9393 t: (800) 804-8606 � www.adventurewomen.com

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DAY 3Thursday

8/5/21

Ambositrasilk weaving with local women, join a family for lunchThe Zafimaniry are celebrated for their woodworking skills. Their

homes are built entirely of wood without using any nails. Houses andother wooden household items are decorated with symbolic geometricpatterns that blend Arab and Austronesian influences. Thewoodworkers use over 20 types of trees, each with their own specificproperties and uses. Their woodworking style was formerly widespreadacross Madagascar but is now largely preserved only among this ethnicgroup.

Silk Weaving Drive to the Manandriana area to learn about silkwith local women. From the silkworm to a wovenscarf, discover the art of transforming a cocoon ofwire and different stages of silk weaving. You willsee the different stages of silk weaving, cooking thecocoons, spinning, dyeing, and weaving. Try yourhand on the loom!

Lunch Join a local family for lunch.

Relax at YourHotel

Take some time to relax at your hotel this evening.

Accommodations

Meals Included

Artisan Hotel

breakfast, lunch,dinner

10 mount auburn street, suite 2, watertown ma 02427 � t: (617) 544-9393 t: (800) 804-8606 � www.adventurewomen.com

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DAY 4Friday8/6/21

Ambositra to Ranomafanaembroidery lesson with local women, drive to RanomafanaRanomafana National Park is home to 12 species of lemur, including the

bamboo lemur, the greater bamboo lemur, the black and white ruffledlemur, and the very rare aye-aye.

EmbroideryLesson

This morning, you will visit an embroidery workshopled by local women. Spend some time with them tolearn how to embroider tablecloths and bedding.

Lunch Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Drive toRanomafanaNational Park

Head out of Ambositra and drive to RanomafanaNational Park, which will take about four hours.Enjoy watching the countryside during your drive.

Accommodations

Meals Included

Hotel Thermal

breakfast, lunch,dinner

10 mount auburn street, suite 2, watertown ma 02427 � t: (617) 544-9393 t: (800) 804-8606 � www.adventurewomen.com

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DAY 5Saturday

8/7/21

Ranomafana National Parksearch for lemurs in Ranomafana National ParkMadagascar is world-famous for its lemurs. Lemurs are primates that

look something like a cat crossed with a squirrel and a dog. Theseanimals are unique to the island and display a range of interestingbehaviors. Madagascar’s lemurs — isolated from evolutionary changesof the world — radiated into the large island’s many niches withoutmuch competition or predation. Today, lemurs are found in virtually allof Madagascar’s ecosystems and share some of the social andbehavioral characteristics of monkeys, including forming social groups,eating fruit and vegetation, and being active during the day.

Explore theArea

Head out to explore Ranomafana National Park.Search for lemurs - curious primates that look a bitlike a cat crossed with a squirrel and a dog.

Night Walk Go out on a special night walk to look for nocturnalspecies.

Accommodations

Meals Included

Hotel Thermal

breakfast, lunch,dinner

10 mount auburn street, suite 2, watertown ma 02427 � t: (617) 544-9393 t: (800) 804-8606 � www.adventurewomen.com

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DAY 6Sunday8/8/21

Ranomafana to Kirindy Forestcharter flight to Morondava, sunset at the Avenue of theKirindy Forest is a private reserve in Madagascar and is one of the only

locations where the endangered giant jumping rat can be seen. Theanimal hops like a miniature kangaroo but can also be seen walking onall four limbs.

Drive toFianarantsoa

Leave Ranomafana National Park and drive about anhour and a half to Fianarantsoa. Catch your charterflight to Morondava, saving you a lot of driving timetoday.

Avenue of theBaobabs

Before you arrive at your hotel, stop at the Avenueof the Baobabs to enjoy the sunset. These gianttrees are a remarkable sight in the orange glow ofthe evening light.

Accommodations

Meals Included

Le Relais du Kirindy

breakfast, lunch,dinner

10 mount auburn street, suite 2, watertown ma 02427 � t: (617) 544-9393 t: (800) 804-8606 � www.adventurewomen.com

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DAY 7Monday

8/9/21

Kirindy Forestlook for lemurs in Kirindy Forest, nocturnal experienceThere are nine species of the baobab tree found in the world, and six of

them are found in Madagascar. Baobabs are often referred to as“upside-down trees”, due to the root-like appearance of their tangledbranches.

Explore KirindyForest

Spend today exploring this area. The Kirindy ForestReserve protects the dry deciduous forests, whichare home to the giant jumping rat, as well as sevenspecies of lemurs, the fosa (the only predator oflemurs), and endemic reptiles.

Nocturnal Visit Spend some time viewing nocturnal species tonight- a rare opportunity!

Accommodations

Meals Included

Le Relais du Kirindy

breakfast, lunch,dinner

10 mount auburn street, suite 2, watertown ma 02427 � t: (617) 544-9393 t: (800) 804-8606 � www.adventurewomen.com

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DAY 8Tuesday8/10/21

Kirindy Forest to Tsingy de Bemaharadrive to Tsingy de BemaharaDrive through the changing countryside of Madagascar. Watch for

zebu, local oxen, used to carry goods, pull carts, and as a local food.

Drive to Tsingyde Bemahara

Today your four-wheel-drive vehicles are waiting totake you to Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park. Thisis a true adventure - you will be on rough roads forabout six hours. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurantalong the way. At the end of your drive throughremarkable, relatively untraveled countryside, you’llcross the River Manambolo and arrive at your hotel.

Accommodations

Meals Included

Soleil des Tsingy

breakfast, lunch,dinner

10 mount auburn street, suite 2, watertown ma 02427 � t: (617) 544-9393 t: (800) 804-8606 � www.adventurewomen.com

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DAY 9Wednesday

8/11/21

Tsingy de Bemaharaexplore the peculiar rock formations called TsingyThe Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a national park located in the

Melaky Region, northwest Madagascar, centered on two geologicalformations: the Great Tsingy and the Little Tsingy.

Explore thePark

The Tsingy are a very peculiar rock formation, whichonly exist in Madagascar. They are limestonepinnacles, formed by the slow sedimentation ofcoral and shell along with the effects of wind andwater. The Tsingy have been forming sinceMadagascar separated from the mainland of Africa165 million years ago. These strange “cathedral like”peaks can tower several hundred meters high. These“stone forests” contain caves, underground rivers,and canyons, where bats, lemurs, birds, and aspecific flora have adapted.

Make your way through this remarkable nationalpark and enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.

Rest at YourHotel

After a full day exploring this unique area, spendsome time relaxing at your hotel.

Accommodations

Meals Included

Soleil des Tsingy

breakfast, lunch,dinner

10 mount auburn street, suite 2, watertown ma 02427 � t: (617) 544-9393 t: (800) 804-8606 � www.adventurewomen.com

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DAY 10Thursday

8/12/21

Tsingy de Bemaharaoption to explore the Great Tsingy, rest at your lodgeThe unusual geomorphology of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

means that the site is home to an exceptionally large number ofendemic species of plants and animals that are found only withinextremely small niches within the tsingys. For example, the summit,slope, and base of a tsingy's limestone needle form differentecosystems with different species!

Option toExplore theGreat Tsingy

You have the option to hike the Great Tsingy today.As soon as you start the hike, you'll be required towear a harness. Start in the forest and hike for abouthalf an hour before entering the canyon watchingfor lemurs and birds along the way. The climb ismostly bouldering, and you'll do some scrambling.You'll be clipped in with your harness, and you needto have good balance, core strength, and upperbody strength, but you do not need climbingexperience. If you have an intense fear of heightsthis activity may not be for you.

Stop on a few platforms, crossing suspensionbridges along the way, before making your way tothe bottom of the canyon. You'll walk along thebottom of the canyon, at times having to crawl onyour hands and knees. Look for mongoose on thecanyon floor! Climb back up on ladders (you'll beclipped in for safety) and hike out. This excursionwill take most of the day.

Rest at theLodge

For those of you who choose not to do the GreatTsingy, take the day to rest and relax at yourcomfortable lodge.

Dinner Join together for dinner to talk about your activitiesfrom today!

Accommodations

Meals Included

Soleil des Tsingy

breakfast, lunch,dinner

10 mount auburn street, suite 2, watertown ma 02427 � t: (617) 544-9393 t: (800) 804-8606 � www.adventurewomen.com

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DAY 11Friday

8/13/21

Tsingy de Bemehara to Antananarivocharter flight to Antananarivo, visit Lemurs Park, farewell dinnerLeave the countryside this morning and head back to Antananarivo,

Madagascar’s capital.

Charter Flight Drive to the airstrip for your charter flight toAntananarivo.

Lemurs Park Head to Lemurs Park, a private reserve that wascreated in 2001 to protect and educate the publicabout the different lemur species in Madagascar.The long-term goal is to reintroduce them into theirnatural environments. The park is home to ninespecies of diurnal and nocturnal lemurs, and hasmore than 70 plant species so the lemurs can feedon leaves or insects in addition to the fruit andvegetables they are given by the park.

Farewell Dinner Have a farewell dinner with your newAdventureWomen friends. Reminisce over all thememories you have made and celebrate the end ofan amazing journey through this truly spectacularcountry.

Accommodations

Meals Included

Colbert Hotel

breakfast, lunch,dinner

10 mount auburn street, suite 2, watertown ma 02427 � t: (617) 544-9393 t: (800) 804-8606 � www.adventurewomen.com

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DAY 12Saturday

8/14/21

Depart AntananarivoDepart AntananarivoEnjoy one last morning in Antananarivo before departing for the US.

Transfer to theAirport

Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friendsas you transfer to the airport for your flights home.

DepartureInformation

Depart Antananarivo, Madagascar (TNR) any time.

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to theitinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political,climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes inthe itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter anyitinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notifyparticipants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurredby such changes will be the responsibility of the participants.

Meals Includedbreakfast 10 mount auburn street, suite 2, watertown ma 02427 � t: (617) 544-9393 t: (800) 804-8606 � www.adventurewomen.

com

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adventurewomenTHE DESTINATION IS JUST THE BEGINNING MADAGASCAR

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Accommodation Details

Colbert Hotel The Colbert Hotel shines at the heart of Antananarivo, the capitalof Madagascar. Situated in the city center, its privileged locationwill impress you with its panoramic view of the city.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer; electricity;Wifi

Artisan Hotel This small, basic hotel is a perfect place to stay in Ambositra.You’ll enjoy the woodcarvings around the property as well as thesimple but excellent local cuisine.

Amenities: Soap; electricity

Hotel Thermal The Thermal is close to Ranomafana National Park and boastsspacious bedrooms, cuisine with vegetables grown on theproperty, and thermal baths. The hotel strives to support thelocal economy by creating jobs while limiting its impact on theenvironment.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner; electricity; limited Wifi

Le Relais duKirindy

The bungalows at Relais du Kirindy are all on raised decks andset a short walk from the main area of the lodge. En-suitebathrooms are found at the rear of each room, and a shadeddeck is at the front. The main part of the lodge is reminiscent ofan upmarket safari lodge, with a large pool and deck area as wellas an open-plan lounge, dining room, and bar area.

Amenities: Soap; electricity; limited Wifi

Soleil desTsingy

Nestled at the heart of a well-preserved natural area, the Soleildes Tsingy Hotel is the ideal base for an extraordinary stay in theTsingy of Bemaraha. Enjoy the infinity pool, a wide choice ofmenus at the restaurant, a dramatic view of the Manalambo river,and the stunning sunset, while you appreciate one of the mostimpressive and unique natural views in the world.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo; electricity; limited Wifi

10 mount auburn street, suite 2, watertown ma 02427 � t: (617) 544-9393 t: (800) 804-8606 � www.adventurewomen.com

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adventurewomenTHE DESTINATION IS JUST THE BEGINNING MADAGASCAR

Artisans, Baobabs, and Lemurs■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

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Included:► Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy

► All meals as listed in the itinerary

► All ground transportation

► Domestic airfare (priced separately from the main trip)

► Entrance fees

► Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary

► English-speaking guide throughout the trip

► Drinking water available in large jugs to refill personal bottles

► All gratuities except for head guide

Not Included:► International airfare to and from Madagascar

► Optional activities

► Meals not specified in the itinerary

► Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)

► Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance

► Cost of hospitalization or evacuation

► Items of a personal nature

► Gratuities for the main guide

10 mount auburn street, suite 2, watertown ma 02427 � t: (617) 544-9393 t: (800) 804-8606 � www.adventurewomen.com