• African lion safari

Itinerary Summary

Duration
16 Days
Price
£5435
When
Jun - Dec
Destination
Kenya & Madagascar
Type
Tailor-Made
Duration Price When Destination Type
16 Days £5435 Jun - Dec Kenya & Madagascar Tailor-Made
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Masai Mara Lions & Lemurs of Madagascar

A honeymoon safari discovering the big game of the Mara North Conservancy in Kenya followed by incredible landscapes and wildlife in Madagascar.

A stunning safari combining some of the true African highlights. Enjoy walking safaris, game drives to see the big five and night safaris to see the big cats of Africa in Kenya’s Mara North Conservancy. Then move on to the bizarre and wonderful island of Madagascar. Listen to the calls of the indri through the mist-shrouded forests of Andasibe and explore the idyllic tropical island of Ile Sainte Marie where you can enjoy diving, snorkelling and looking out for humpback whales from July to September.

 

What makes this trip extraordinary?

  • See the big cats and big five in the Masai Mara in Kenya.
  • High likelihood of spotting leopards in Leopard Gorge.
  • Explore Andasibe National Park in search of indri, red-bellied lemur, greater dwarf lemur and more.
  • Beach relaxation, diving and whale watching from Princesse Bora Lodge.

Embedded Video Overview

A 16 day trip exploring the safari capital of Kenya before heading to the unique & magical island of Madagascar 
from £5,435 per person sharing, excluding international flights

Day by day

Day by day

Day 1

Nairobi - Masai Mara

Upon arrival into Nairobi International Airport you will be met by our local representatives and transferred to Wilson Airport for your flight to the Masai Mara. On arrival into the Mara you will be met and transferred to Kicheche Mara Camp in the Mara North Conservancy.

Overnight: Ol Seki Mara Camp (D)

Days 2-4

Mara North Conservancy

You have three full days to enjoy all that this fantastic area of the Mara has to offer. Explore the conservancy on shared game drives in search of resident game including the big cats. You will also have the opportunity to go on walking safaris and late evening drives, neither of which are possible in the main Mara Reserve. Walking safaris are a fantastic way to explore the bush as you will be able to experience the smaller aspects of the bush which you would usually miss in a vehicle (payable extra and can be arranged direct). Late evening drives are also a must on any safari as this is when the big cats start to hunt. The bush is a completely different place at night and the sights and sounds make for a very interesting drive! The Mara North Conservancy is one of the most densely populated wildlife areas within the Masai Mara Ecosystem. Throughout the year great numbers of herbivores such as elephants, giraffes, zebra and antelope search the area for water; predators are never far away! Huge hippos and large crocodiles can be found lazing around in the waters of the Mara River. The Mara North Conservancy is also home to the famous Leopard Gorge! Five prides of lions, seven cheetah and at least six leopards have made the conservancy their homeland making your chances of spotting them very likely.

Overnight: Ol Seki Mara Camp (B, L, D)

Day 5

Mara North Conservancy - Nairobi

After a leisurely morning you will be transferred to the Mara Airstrip for you flight back to Wilson. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the House of Waine where you will spend the night.

Overnight: House of Waine (B, L)

Day 6

Nairobi - Andasibe

You will be met early this morning to be taken to the International Airport in time for your flight to Madagascar (not included in itinerary cost). On arrival into Madagascar you will then be met and driven to Andasibe National Park (approximately 3 and a half hours drive). Arrive at your new lodge and spend the evening getting to know the lodge, which is set in its own small reserve close to the national park.

Overnight: Vakona Forest Lodge (B, D)

Day 7

Andasibe National Park

You will have two days in Andasibe, a montane forest park, which offers the chance to spot a variety of lemurs, reptiles and birds on foot. One of its most famous inhabitants is the indri, the largest of lemurs, with a black and white teddybear-like appearance. You hear the indri before you see them and waking up to their songs of communication in the early hours of the morning with the mist still hugging the rainforest canopy will be a highlight of your trip to Madagascar. The best time to see the indri is early morning when they make their distinctive morning group communication calls. Other lemurs which you may spot here during the day are the red-bellied lemur, brown lemur and lesser bamboo lemur. Whilst the brown mouse lemur, greater dwarf lemur, eastern woolly lemur, sportive lemur and the aye aye (very rare) are mainly spotted at night.

Overnight: Vakona Forest Lodge (B, D)

Day 8

Andasibe National Park

Spend the day exploring this fascinating part of Madagascar where you will see some of the amazing wildlife it has to offer. Your private guide will take you on walks in and around the Andasibe Reserve. As you have a private guide, you can discuss with your guide what time is best to set off in the morning and how long you spend exploring. Aside from the nine species of lemur in the park, there is also a wide variety of other fauna such as tenrecs, boas and chameleons. One of the highlights is spotting the bright green Parson's chameleon and seeing some of the beautiful birds here in the reserve.

Overnight: Vakona Forest Lodge (B, D)

Day 9

Andasibe - Ile Sainte Marie

You will have an early start this morning as you will be driven back to Antananarivo for your flight to Ile Sainte Marie. On arrival you will met and transferred to Masoandro Lodge. Located along a white sandy beach and only a few minutes’ walk from Ikalalao Forest, this is the perfect place to relax and explore this fantastic island. Ile Sainte Marie is a beautiful tropical paradise with deserted beaches and palm trees. The bays are protected by coral reefs which are perfect for snorkelling.

Overnight: Princesse Bora Lodge (B, D)

Days 10-14

Ile Saint Marie

Spend five full days relaxing in this idyllic setting. A variety of activities are possible including diving, snorkelling, relaxing on the beach or simply walking along the beautiful beaches and exploring the forest. There is plenty to see whilst in Ile Sainte Marie; head in to Ambodifotatra and the Naie des Forbans. You can easily walk around here and see the sights. There are a couple of things to look out for including the Catholic Church and the war monument. There is the Pirate Cemetery too which is only reachable at low tide, but do have a look if you can. There are gravestones here which date back to the 1830s, one of which has the classic skull and crossbones engraved on it! The best way to explore this island is on foot, and you can walk across the island from west to east within two to three hours. There is a lovely waterfall and pool La Crique which is well worth a visit too. During your stay you will also have the opportunity to enjoy two boat-based whale watching excursions from the lodge (July to September).

Overnight: Princesse Bora Lodge (B, D)

Day 15

Ile Sainte Marie - Antananarivo

Today you depart this idyllic paradise. You will be met and transferred to the airstrip for your flight back to Antananarivo. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Palissandre Hotel where you will have the rest of the day to relax before your flight home the following day.

Overnight: Palissandre Hotel (B)

Day 16

Depart Antananarivo

After a leisurely morning you will be transferred back to the international airport for your flight home.

Trip Details

ABOUT TAILOR-MADE SAFARIS

A tailor-made safari is one designed according to your specific requirements, including budget, dates, personal interests, the number of people travelling, and more. This itinerary is just an example and can be refined and altered to make it perfect for you.

Contact a Destination Specialist

Contact a Kenya Destination Specialist who can talk you through the options available and help you plan your trip

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