Experience the diversity of wildlife and habitats that so captivated Gerald Durrell and the enchanting lemurs, unique to the Red Isle.

Host to an incredible and unique diversity of animals, plants and habitats, Madagascar today is a nature lover’s paradise. Gerald Durrell had long wished to travel to Madagascar as a young man but did not make the journey until 1978 and, not surprisingly, it immediately captured his imagination.

Discovery Initiatives has devised a fascinating itinerary, which gives you the opportunity to experience the many wonders of this enchanting isle, as well as go behind the scenes of Durrell’s pioneering conservation work.

Accompanied by Quentin Bloxam, Durrell’s Conservation Director, and local guides, your journey will transport you to primary rainforest where, to the accompaniment of a cacophony of eerie cries, you will track down the Indri, the largest of the lemurs. The rainforest is also home to a host of other species, from colourful chameleons to extraordinary reptiles. You then continue to the tranquil surrounds of Lake Aloatra, home to the highly endangered Aloatra Gentle lemur. Next fly over the limestone karsts, an impenetrable ‘forest’ of spikes and spires, then to Baly Bay on the west coast and Ankarafantsika Park, a vast deciduous oasis of western forest, with troops of Coquerel’s sifaka and a magnificent array of birdlife. Finally wind down on the island paradise of Nosy Be, an idyllic coast of azure seas where you can explore or just relax..

Such diversity of habitat comes with a range of accommodation, from the luxury of a beach resort and rainforest lodge to the simplicity of one night’s camping in a small tent on a bedroll in a beautiful area rarely seen by tourists.

This tour aims to give you a fabulous Madagascan journey, but it also aims to contribute funding to the Durrell’s conservation work in the host country.

Madagascar Wildlife Study Tour Dates & Prices

7th to 21st May 2008

Pricing
From £4,750 per person including international flights from London

Single supplements
Single supplements:- The cost for a single supplement is £645 per person.

Includes
International flights (unless booking ground only arrangements), all transfers, domestic flights, all meals during the programme, the co-ordination of the Durrell team, local leaders and local boat transport. Also includes an important contribution to Durrell.

Excludes
Visas, vaccinations, travel insurance (mandatory), drinks, laundry, telephone calls and all personal expenses.

This Trip Supports..

Durrell

Field Expertise

Quentin Bloxam

Quentin Bloxam, Director of Conservation Management at Durrell, has been at the forefront of several innovative captive breeding schemes devised to ensure the future survival of a number of critically endangered species on the island.

Quentin worked with Gerald Durrell in Madagascar and his many trips to the islands have imbued him with a comprehensive knowledge of the mammals, insects, birds and, his specialist area, herpetology. This breadth of knowledge, combined with his gentle humour, will ensure that you gain a true insight into the island’s culture and wildlife.

“It proved to be a wonderful trip, living up to and exceeding expectations, and we can’t thank you enough. The wildlife was amazing, the landscapes spectacular, and the organization was first-class.

Our guide, Désiré Rajery, deserves special mention for his tremendous knowledge, calm efficiency, hard work and friendship, while Sean and his staff should be congratulated for their overall organization of the trip. In a journey spanning east to west by land, boat and plane, combining canoe trips, pirogues, decanted luggage and the like, it’s to the credit of Sean and Dési that every form of transport was provided on time, every rendez-vous was met, and both we and our luggage arrived safe and sound (if a little wet at times!) at every destination.

We particularly appreciated the trips to Lake Alaotra and Ampijoroa for their Durrell-related activities and enjoyed the many walks in Andasibe and Baly Bay, but experiences were so rich and intense that it’s difficult to single out a “highlight” of the trip.

Needless to say, we feel very privileged to have had Quentin as our tour leader and thank him particularly for his expert guidance, his knowledge, his insights into the world of conservation and his unfailing good humour. It was a fantastic trip to a wonderful island which will live long in our memories, as well as through the 1,000 photographs and 6 hours of video we took – a record even for us! Once again, our sincere thanks to you and to all those mentioned above – we look forward to remaining in contact in the future. Very best wishes”

Carole & Phil Tayler Madagascar, May 2007