You will be met by our guide at Fort Dauphin Airport and head West towards the town of Ambosary in our 4x4 vehicles. Shortly after the town of Ambosary we turn south through the Sisal plantations to Lac Anony (2 ½hrs).
After a shaded picnic lunch by the lake shore we continue to the southern end of the lake to marvel at the enormous dunes, some 70ft high. A large variety of aquatic birdlife can be seen in and around the lake, with Flamingos in September/October. Then a final 1¾ hour drive to camp. Normally arriving at around 5pm.
After settling into your tent we gather for canapés and sparkling wine. A traditional group from the nearby village perform Antandroy music and dance around the campfire before dinner.
Day 2:
After a breakfast of eggs, bacon, freshly baked Croissants and Pain au Chocolate, we head for the sacred forests and ancient tombs across the river. Here our guides will explain the culture of ancestor worship and may show you how to use a Piletse, the traditional Antandroy slingshot.
Return to camp and relax before a sumptuous BBQ lunch.
Mid afternoon we drive to a local village to experience a traditional ‘Ringa’ competition. This Antandroy form of wrestling is a deeply proud and historical tradition. Some participants walk for up to 2 days from outlying villages to compete.
N.B. This is an activity which the contestants take seriously, and although injuries are rare, they may occur from time to time so it is not advised for children. After the Ringa we take a night walk looking for Mouse and Sportive lemurs then drive back to the camp for dinner.
Day 3:
An early start takes us to nearby Gallery forests with excellent Sifaka and Ring Tailed Lemur populations, as well as great birding. Then back to camp for a late breakfast. The remainder of the morning is at leisure to go bird watching along the river, sit in the hammock reading a book. The more energetic may like visit a local market or school.
After a barbeque lunch is served in camp, the afternoon is spent exploring nearby spiny forests for more lemur sightings and bird watching.
After dinner a step down to the beach with a pair of binoculars or with our astronomy telescope. Being hundreds of km’s from the nearest big city there is zero light pollution.
Day 4:
After breakfast we return East towards Fort Dauphin. A picnic lunch is served at Domain de Cascades, a beautiful garden at the foot of a waterfall about 15km’s before Fort Dauphin. There is time for a walk in the forests and perhaps a swim in the waterfall, before continuing to the airport for your flight home.
EXTRA NIGHTS
