Terra Incognita ECOTOURS promotes unique ecotours and travel experiences that make a difference to you and the places we visit. Visit unknown areas, in search of wildlife and adventure. Gorilla/chimp treks, horseback riding, white water rafting, safari camps, eco-lodges and more, supporting community-based ecotourism.

Black and White Ruffed lemur in Madagascar rainforest

Magical Madagascar: Photo Expedition to the land that time forgot.
15 days and 14 nights

Join us on a unique adventure through Madagascar, one of the most extraordinary places on Earth. Here you will find all of the world’s lemurs (some 40+ species) and over half of the world’s chameleons, in addition to more than 170 kinds of frogs. Every year scientists discover new species of plants and animals in its deserts and forests. There is no question Madagascar is a nature lover’s dream. It is also an exceptional photographic destination: many of the animals are habituated and easily approached, making for terrific photographic opportunities. Our itinerary is designed to include some of the island's highlights, with three different eco-systems and the greatest diversity of wildlife and photographic subjects.

Terra Incognita ECOTOURS was nominated as "Best Tour Operator" in the 2006 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards

Group size is restricted to 15 individuals.
Departure date: June 13 - 27, 2009
Cost per person is $7,499 (£3,749) - single supplement is $1,000 (£505)

For each participant a $250 donation will be made to Projet Angonoka, a project of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.

This is an Ecotour that will make a difference to you, and to the areas we visit.
We will employ local people.
We will use locally owned and operated lodges and outfitters.
We will use local goods and services.

Day 1: Saturday - USA to Paris
Plan to depart the USA for Paris this afternoon/evening where you will arrive early the next morning.

Day 2: Sunday - Paris to Antananarivo, Madagascar
Board the morning flight from Charles de Gaulle airport to Antananarivo, capital city of Madagascar, affectionately known as "Tana". Upon arrival, clear customs and meet our private transfer to the Hotel Colbert.
Overnight at the Hotel Colbert (D)

Day 3: Monday - Antananarivo to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
We begin our photo expedition this morning with a short walking tour of the capital Antananarivo and a delicious lunch at La Varangue restaurant. Early in the afternoon we depart in 4X4 vehicles for the Andasibe Mantadia National Park, an important area of protected rainforest, and home to the largest of the lemur species - the Indri. Our destination is the luxurious Vakona Lodge, in a lovely setting at the edge of the forest.
Overnight at Vakona Lodge (B,L,D)

Parson's chameleon in Madagascar rainforest

Day 4: Tuesday - Perinet Reserve / Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
We have a full day to visit one of Madagascar's most celebrated reserves, with an early start to see the Indri and hear their haunting calls. Each animal sings with its own unique voice, so the echoes and re-echoes tell each group where every Indri is located in the forest. We track Indri through the forest, and moderate walking provides a good opportunity to experience the abundant flora and fauna of the eastern rain forest. The world's largest chameleon can be found here, together with a wonderful array of tree frogs and geckos, plus numerous colorful tropical birds. We return to the Vakona Forest Lodge for lunch. This afternoon we visit Mantadia National Park, this area has primary rain forest and is home to many species not found at Perinet including the beautiful golden colored diadeemed sifaka, black-and-white ruffed lemurs as well as the gray bamboo and red-fronted brown lemur. This evening we may take a walk to look for nocturnal lemurs - if we're lucky we may catch the eyeshine of the diminutive brown mouse lemur, greater dwarf lemur, or even the avahi (or eastern woolly lemur).
Overnight at Vakona Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 5: Wednesday - Andasibe-Mantadia National Park to Antananarivo
This morning we spend some time photographing lemurs at a private reserve located on a small island near Vakona Lodge. Several lemur species are easily approached and photographed here. We return to Antananarivo, stopping at the incredible La Mandraka Nature Farm en route. This private zoo has an excellent collection of native reptiles and amphibians and offers wonderful opportunities for close-up photography. We plan on enjoying lunch at La Mandraka and continue to Antananarivo in the late afternoon. This evening representatives from the Durrell Wildlife Trust will join us for dinner and explain their remarkable efforts to protect a number of endangered species, including the most endangered tortoise on Earth - the ploughshare tortoise.
Overnight at Hotel Colbert (B,L,D)

Day 6: Thursday - Ankarafantsika National Park (Ampijoroa)
This morning we fly to Mahajanga on Madagascar's western coast, we will visit the colorful fruit and vegetable market, and then continue for approximately two hours on level roads to Ampijoroa. Along the way we pass through swamps and wetlands that are home to a number of endemic birds, including the extremely rare Madagascar fish eagle, as well as the Madagascar crested ibis, and Madagascar pygmy kingfisher. We stay the next two nights at a simple lodge immediately adjacent to the Park. We hope to arrive late afternoon, and perhaps have the opportunity to take a short cruise on the Lake as the sun sets.
Overnight at Gite d'Ampijoroa (B,L,D)

Day 7: Friday - Ankarafantsika National Park (Ampijoroa)
We have the whole day to explore this tropical dry, deciduous forest. Wildlife is easy to find here, especially the stunning Coquerel's sifaka, with it's white soft fur and chestnut brown arms and thighs - one group is regularly seen right at the park entrance! This is also the only place in the world where you may find the recently discovered golden-brown mouse lemur. There are numerous trails here: some easier, some more rigorous.
Later today we will also visit the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust's Project Angonoka, set up to help protect the ploughshare tortoise, the World's rarest. A long-running captive breeding program has now seen the re-introduction of these tortoises to the Baly bay area. We plan for a unique behind-the-scenes tour here, with chances to photograph some of the captive-bred wildlife. Overnight at Gite d'Ampijoroa (B,L,D)

Day 8: Saturday - Ampijoroa to Antananarivo
This morning we depart Ampijoroa for the journey back to Mahajanga and our return flight to Tana, stopping along the way for photography, or to see wildlife. Arriving in Tana in the early afternoon, we may visit the craft market on our way back to the comfort of the delightful Hotel Colbert. Dinner is on your own this evening, a chance to explore a number of the fine dining opportunities in Tana.
Overnight at Hotel Colbert (B,L)

Day 9: Sunday - Isalo National Park
This morning we fly from Antananarivo to Tulear on the south-west coast, a town with a strong African influence. We will drive inland through some gemstone mining areas to Isalo National Park, a region of extraordinary beauty and stunning geological formations. This evening we will try to catch the sunset through "La Fenetre" a unique geological feature, a window onto the dramatic landscape. We will spend the next two nights in the delightful Relais de la Reine, built directly into the rock formations.
Overnight at Relais de la Reine (B,L,D)

Day 10: Monday - Isalo National Park
Today we will explore the dramatic scenery of Isalo National Park, we will begin with a hike to Piscine Naturelle, where you can swim in the refreshing waterfall and pool, afterwards you can choose to either hike to the Canyon des Singes, natural habitat of ringtail lemurs, sifakas and brown lemurs, or you can drive around and hike the short distance into the Canyon des Singes. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Park. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Relais de la Reine (B,L,D)

Day 11: Tuesday - Isalo to Berenty Reserve
After breakfast we drive back to Tulear for our short flight to Fort Dauphin and then we drive to Berenty Private Reserve, at the southern end of the island. Berenty Reserve is located in the unique "spiny forest" whose strange thorn-covered plants are found only in Madagascar. At Berenty, we stay at a comfortable lodge in the middle of a remarkable private reserve, where animals are quite literally all around you. This evening, we take a walk in search of nocturnal animals, including white-footed sportive lemurs and white-browed owls.
Overnight at Gite d’Etape (B,L,D)

Day 12: Wednesday - Berenty
In the early morning, ring-tailed lemurs descend from the trees, often sitting all around you as you enjoy coffee. We have a full day to explore the reserve on easy walks along the many wide, well-swept paths. The star attractions here are the large troops of wild ring-tailed lemurs, which are completely accustomed to people and seem delighted to pose for photographs. Also common are brown lemurs and Verreaux's sifaka - one of Madagascar's most appealing and photogenic animals. In the afternoon, we will be on hand as these desert lemurs "dance" across the path as they return to their roosts in the treetops. Berenty contains many birds and reptiles found only in this region, such as the giant coua and also the endangered radiated tortoise. The photographic opportunities here are exceptional, as the wildlife is diverse and easy to see.
Overnight at Gite d’Etape (B,L,D)

Day 13: Thursday - Berenty to Fort Dauphin
This morning we have a last chance to explore the spiny desert, or perhaps catch the dancing sifakas. After a leisurely lunch we drive to Fort Dauphin where we spend our last night at the comfortable Croix du Sud, so that tomorrow we will be in town for our morning flight back to Antananarivo.
Overnight at Croix du Sud (B,L,D)

Day 14: Friday - Fort Dauphin to Antananarivo
This morning we fly from Fort Dauphin at 9:25am back to Antananarivo where we have reserved day rooms at Relais des Plateaux a comfortable hotel located close to the airport. We enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at Ville Vanille with local entertainment before our transfer to the airport for return flight to Paris (departing just after midnight tonight). (B,L,D)

Day 15: Saturday - Antananarivo / Paris / home
We board our flight at 12:50am this morning and connect in Paris for our flights home.

Cost per person is $7,499 (U.K.£3,749)
Group size is limited to 15 persons.
(single supplement is $1,000 (£505) / International airfare to Madagascar is NOT included)
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)

International Air Travel - International air is not included in the price of your trip, but we would be happy to have you work with AirTreks, our preferred preferred provider of international air arrangements. We recommend our customers work directly with AirTreks as they coordinate your international flights directly with Ecotours and enable you to arrive at your destination at the times specified for your tour. Please contact AirTreks at ecotours@airtreks.com for more information on international air travel, a no obligation cost estimate of your international flights and complete international air itinerary planning.
�Make sure to mention Terra Incognita Ecotours when you contact AirTreks to receive preferred pricing, and recommended travel itineraries specifically developed for your tour.�

Thanks for choosing Madagascar with Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc. It is our pleasure to help you plan for your upcoming ecotour. To ensure that your travel arrangements are made to your satisfaction, please take a few minutes to read through this information.

What you need to have with you on your trip:
Passport: If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you will need a passport, valid for six months from the date of completion of your trip.

It is always a good idea to make a photocopy of your airline tickets and of the pages of your passport that have the number, your photograph and other pertinent information. Keep the copies separate from the originals.

Visas: Please consult the Madagascar consulate or embassy nearest you for visa requirements to enter Madagascar. If a visa is required, you are responsible for obtaining it.

Documents for children under the age of 18, not traveling with both parents: The U.S. government is increasingly requiring that minors under 18 years of age traveling alone, with grandparents, or with one parent/legal guardian only, carry a notarized document signed by both parents or by the parent/legal guardian not traveling with the child. We suggest you obtain such a document (noting the age of the child, relationship to traveling adult(s), dates of travel, and destination) to avoid potential problems. For example, in the case of divorce, the parent with legal custody must sign the permit, and the accompanying adult must carry proof of this fact. In addition, if the child’s surname differs from that of either parent, you may want to carry the child’s birth certificate.

Currency: The currency of Madagascar is the Ariary (MA). The exchange rate as of April 2006 was 1 US$ = 2,200.55 MA. Major credit cards are generally accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger stores. U.S. dollars are accepted in Madagascar, so we suggest you carry U.S. currency in small denominations for smaller purchases such as taxis, refreshments or other miscellaneous expenses.

Health: All information we obtain regarding health precautions is received from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta at 404.332.4559 or www.cdc.gov.

Please note that Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc., as a travel company, is in no way authorized to prescribe any inoculations or medications. We recommend that you consult your personal physician for medical advice, showing him or her the brochure that indicates the places you will be visiting. Your physician is most familiar with your personal medical history and is best qualified to determine your particular needs. It is always advisable to have physical and dental check-ups before you leave.

At the present time, no specific immunizations are required for this ecotour, although the CDC recommends the following:

Swimming & Snorkeling: There are not really any good opportunities to swim during the ecotour, although you could choose to snorkel in the Indian Ocean before/after the tour. You should bring a couple of swimsuits, and if you plan to snorkel we advise you to bring your own snorkeling gear (mask, fins, and snorkel) to ensure a comfortable fit, especially if you require prescription eyewear as prescription lenses will not be available locally.

We advocate the buddy system for everyone, at all times, and children less than 14 years of age should always be accompanied by an adult while snorkeling.

Time Difference: Madagascar is eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. During U.S. Daylight Savings Time (March through October), Madagascar is seven hours ahead of Eastern Time.

Weather: The eastern part of Madagascar receives much rain, brought onshore by southeastern trade winds, which are forced to rise and drop moisture as they meet the eastern escarpment; annual precipitation in some places exceeds 120 inches. The central plateau gets considerably less moisture, and arid areas in the south and southwest receive less than 15 inches of precipitation per year. Most of the rain falls from November to April. The coastal regions generally are hot throughout the year. The central plateau has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The average temperature range in Antananarivo on the plateau is 16?C to 26?C (61?F to 79?F) in January and 9?C to 20?C (48?F to 68?F) in July.

Please remember that the sun’s rays are more vertical than you may be used to, so you can sunburn more easily. Be careful of the midday sun.

Your travel wardrobe should be informal, comfortable and carefree. Clothing which can be layered is the most suitable, for example, a T-shirt, sweater or sweatshirt, and windbreaker or jacket. The emphasis is on casual attire.

Good binoculars and their proper use can add immeasurably to enjoying wildlife. Each traveler with Terra Incognita Ecotours should decide well before a trip begins whether the binoculars you own are adequate and, if not, what kind of binoculars should be acquired.

Recommendation
Binoculars are rated with two numbers, e.g. 7 x 35. The first number is the magnification and the second is the diameter of the objective (the larger ones) lenses in millimeters. The first tells how much an object is enlarged and the second number is a measure of how much light-gathering power a lens has. As the second number increases so usually does the weight of a pair of binoculars. If one divides the first number into the second, the closer the result is to 5 the better the balance between weight, magnification and resolution.

Binoculars that are rated at 7x35, 8x40 or 10x40, are among the best for wildlife viewing. Binoculars with a center focus are much preferable over ones in which you have to focus each eyepiece separately. For some, image stabilized binoculars are an asset. Now it is a matter to decide on price and style.

The following is a checklist of things to do to make sure that you have the best binoculars and know how to use them.

Binocular cups
Binoculars usually are constructed so that you can raise and lower the cups that surround the eyepieces. If you are going to wear eyeglasses when using binoculars, roll or push the cups down. This will bring the lenses of the eyepiece the proper distance from your eye. If you do not use glasses then leave the cups unrolled or the eyepiece frames elevated.

Distance between eyepieces
All binoculars can be adjusted so that the distance between the eyepieces varies. You should move the eyepieces apart as far as they go, look through the eyepieces and gradually move the eyepieces together until you see a single image.

Adjusting each lens to your eyes
Binoculars usually have two focus adjustments, one that is a center focus that moves both lenses at the same time and one, called the diopter, that adjusts only one lens, usually the right one. To adjust the lenses to your eyes look through the binoculars with your right eye closed. With the center focus wheel, focus on an object 20-40 feet away. Then, with the left eye closed, focus the eyepiece on the right eye while looking at the same object. Now using the center focus make sure you see a sharp image. Most diopters have a numerical scale so that after you have made the adjustment it can be easily reset if it is accidentally altered.

Practice
When viewing wildlife it is helpful if when you raise your binoculars that they are pointed at what you are looking at with your naked eyes. If you cannot do that consistently a little practice would be helpful. Try looking at a flying bird, without taking your eyes off it, raise your binoculars and look through them. If you see the bird immediately, good, if not, bring your binoculars down and put them back up again after re-spotting the bird. Do this enough so that you can immediately see in your binoculars what you were seeing without them.

Wearing binoculars
If the weight of binoculars around your neck is bothersome, there are two things you might consider. One is to buy a neck strap, made of a spongy material at least an inch or more wide. The second is to buy a harness that fits over the shoulders and distributes the weight more evenly.

For many of us, photography is a natural and fun part of travel. No matter what your level of interest, or what kind of equipment you use, the following may help you prepare.

Equipment: Regardless of what camera you use - film or digital - be sure to check that it is working properly before you leave home. If you purchase a new camera, or have an old one that has not been used for a long time, try shooting some pictures and examine the results. Also, be sure read your camera manual and bring it with you to help address any unexpected problems you might encounter.

Batteries: Modern cameras will not operate without a functioning battery. For this reason, please bring extra camera batteries with you, even if the one in your camera is new. For digital cameras, and many film cameras as well, rechargeable batteries are a great option. Digital cameras can use up batteries fairly quickly, depending on the camera make and model and how often you review images in-camera. Bring at least one extra rechargeable battery - or battery set. Look for chargers with a fast recharge time.

Film: How much film should you bring? Consider bringing at least twice as much film as you expect to need, as stores are few and far between. And be forewarned - enthusiastic photographers sometimes shoot up to 5 rolls per day! Film speed (ASA or ISO) is also an important consideration - the higher the ISO the faster the film, meaning the more sensitive it is to light. For most situations, 200 ISO film is a good all-around choice. You may also want to bring along a supply of 400 ISO for overcast days and low-light situations. Professional photographers generally use 100 ISO because of its fine grain (good for making big enlargements and publishing), but the slow speed requires extra care and use of a tripod.

Digital Memory Cards: Memory cards are the digital equivalent of film and, like film, they come in different types (e.g., compact flash, smart media, memory stick) and sizes (e.g., 128MB, 256MB, 512MB). Be sure you know what kind of memory card your camera requires and bring as many memory cards as needed to hold all your images from your expedition. If you are new to digital, consult your camera manual to learn the different image resolution and JPEG compression settings on your camera. This will determine how many photos will fit on your memory cards and what quality of image is required for your end use (e.g., the higher the resolution the larger the print you can make). You might consider bringing a digital storage device for downloading images from your memory cards (see below).

Digital Storage Devices: Many digital photographers travel with a laptop computer or a specific type of portable digital storage device designed for downloading images from digital cameras. A laptop has the advantage of letting you view, edit, store, and share your images while you travel and many even have a built-in CD burner for backing up your image files. Options for smaller devices that do not require a laptop include portable digital storage hard drives, some available with viewing screens, and portable CD burners that work directly from the memory card. Whatever hardware you choose be sure to learn the workflow for downloading and storing your images before leaving home.

Digital Camera Cables: One of the greatest advantages of shooting digital is the ability to review and share your daily images with others. It is important to remember to bring along the cables that will allow your camera to connect with a computer (USB), or storage device.

Tripods: Many photographers use a tripod because they help keep the camera steady in low-light situations and when using long telephoto lenses.