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We really excel at tailor-making your trip to your needs. You may want to see certain species or visit particular parks, reserves or lodges. You may want a private plane or helicopter and high class car, or need to travel at a certain time of year. Tailor-making works whether you are an experienced traveler or trying out a wildlife holiday for the first time, wanting to enjoy a wildlife experiences as part of an occasion like a birthday, honeymoon or anniversary, or a busy executive in search of a short wildlife fix.
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Do you have a large family or group of friends that you would like to travel? Does your company want to run its own set of branded series tours? The NDAO-i-Travel tailormade services and charter team can do organize all of this for you, and more! Whether it be in an air-conditioned bus, a minivan or a 4 x 4 vehicle, we will tailor a tour for you to ensure that your dream holiday takes in everything you're expecting from it.
Our team of well-travelled and dedicated individuals will provide you with a detailed itinerary, suggested accommodation, professional, friendly service and all the support you need to make travelling in Madagascar an absolute pleasure.
Whether your party is made up of two or two hundred travelers, we'll pull something special out of the bag, just for you!
You can enjoy complete flexibility in planning and booking on all our tours for a truly customized Madagascar holiday that is in your budget and personal style. Traveling around a theme or exploring something in particular? Our tailor-made holiday experts are eager to assist in planning an experience that fits your requirements putting you in complete control of your next Madagascar holiday.
ZOMANDAO. This region of the Andringitra Massif is awe-inspiring, with challenging and thrilling hiking terrain. However, just a handful of visitors ever venture into this isolated region. 5-day hike take you in and out of the Zomandao and Sahanambo Valleys via 1800m passes and exposed crests and ledges. You’ll pass walls of black granite, wind-sculpted spires, and – ring tailed lemurs in the forests.
Zomandao hike is open to everyone but more for people comfortable with mountainous grounds. Even if the pace is peaceful, the ground is not flat. You must be ready to walk hilly tracks, few or not marked, steep slopes, and difficult passages (assistance if needed). There are no technical passages and anyone who feel at ease on this kind of ground can hike without any risks. You do not need to prepare physically, you only just need to take your time and follow a pace adapted to your physical condition.
ENJOY THIS... Zomandao hike:
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Day 1: We will start from Ambalavao by the direction to the Zomandao Gorges. After a 4×4 car transfer 40 km on road we will reach the village where the hike begins, to reach further the east, to the massive of high walls. Cliffs are dizzily-high, offering totally smooth walls looking like the sky. The Zomandao is a succession of mountains with rapids, waterfalls and few quieter passages. We will take a calm pace of walking, no need to rush, you can relax and enjoy the views. When arriving at the end of this first stage, cooking will be already started and aperitif served. It will be the time of a well-deserved rest! Overnight at camp.
Day 2: Rocks of Idondy. This entire day will be devoted to climb up Zomandao gorges dominated by high walls, in the massive foothills. The last in-between ramparts isolating the valleys. We are at the limit of Betsileo’s territories, farther we will enter to the Bara’s territories. These two ethnic groups mixed together in this land separated between rice fields and zebu herds. You will meet youngs Bara as much as Betsileo farmers. The route of the day is hilly with the crossing of rivers, several tough slopes and a track sometimes hard to follow. The evening, we will camp at the foot of an impressive waterfall and the night will be dominated by the sound of Zomandao river. We are at the foothill of Idondy, vertical wall looking like rocky fortress. Tomorrow, we must climb this obstacle! Overnight at camp.
Day 3: Sohanambo. Today, we will completely change our direction and go to the west, toward of Sohanambo Valley and Tsaranoro cliffs. A great and spectacular day in our hike. We will have to face 1000 m of ascent and descent to overcome the Idondy pass and jump into the larger and sunniest valley to Tsarasoa, at the foot of Langela Peak. The crossing of 1000 m of cliffs is probably the most exceptional part of this trek. A huge plateau gets across the cliff between rocks and sky, avoiding us a long detour. Finally in the West slope of the massive, the weather change radically. On the crests we will endure the cold from the east, but when we arriving in the valley of Sohanambo (west oriented), the weather turns to sunny and heat. We must still cross the valley and the Sohanambo river to get closer to the arranged camp, which will have sheltered us for the two coming nights. You will have a chance to relax with a shower and comfortable beds after these last days physically intense. Overnight at camping.
Day 4: Lemurs and chameleons. Today we release our efforts and you can even stay at bed for longer. The program is simple: we will just climp at the top of the hill above the camp to discover the wonderful panorama. A great and spectacular day guaranteed! After this climb, you will join the natural pool for a picnic lunch at the foothill of Tsaranoro. Several activities are available: *Forest path for looking boas, lemurs and chameleons; *Walk in the valley to visit a school, a clinic and a reforestation program. Overnight at camping.
Day 5: A hike’s end. Last breakfast at the camp, while contemplating the sunrise on the vertical walls of Tsaranoro and Karambony. We will go back the road for a last stage of 12km in the bottom of the valley, flat and easy. We will take some time to swim on the road and reach the Vohitsaoka village. It will allow us to join Ihosy village for lunch. Arrival in the afternoon at Ambalavao. Goodbye Cocktail at the end of the hike with team.
NOTE: The hike is open almost all along the year, except in case of cyclone. With very bad weather conditions, only the guide can decide what is appropriate to do. In case of driving rain, we may be forced to abandon partly or entirely the circuit.
About meals: Full Board (except breakfast at D1 and dinner on the last day) with wine and aperitif during bivouacs. 3-meals are served on a daily basis. Meal plan: generous and well-balanced meals to support your physical efforts. Biscuits, sugars, and dried fruits or fresh fruits while walking. Aperitif and snacks at the end of the afternoon. Generous dinner for a deserved rest. Beverages: bottled water, juice, tea, coffee, wine and aperitif, rums, beer. Our team take in charge the dinner preparation. However, if we are late, you could be asked to help (Fire, water…).
About accommodation: In tents, mattress and blankets provided. It is recommended to bring with you a personal flask. Our team take in charge almost everything in the camp. However, your help may be needed if lateness during the hike.
This package includes: Full Board (except breakfast at D1 and dinner on the last day) with beverages: bottled water, juice, tea, coffee, wine and aperitif, rums, beer; Accommodation in bivouacs/camps; The crew: 2 guides, cook, porters (luggage weight is limited to 10 kg); All the camping equipment; 4×4 car transportations, Goodbye Cocktail.
About safety: We always brief our customers before we go on a walk (a briefing on safety). We strongly advise hikers to subscribe to an individual insurance more efficient than our local insurance.
Not included: Personal expenses, tips, phone; Sanitary evacuation policy. In option: to be specified during your order.