School Holiday Getaways

If you are still wracking your brains over what to do and where to go this school holiday, we have a few ideas for you to consider.
Loving Madagascar as we do, we have chosen our favourite family getaways for a shoe-string, mid-range and luxury budget.

Best Value Family Holiday package

Stay 7 nights in Madagascar enjoying the lagoon & beaches of the east coast, on the tiny island of Ile aux Nattes. La Petite Traversee beach lodge is our top pick for this island, offering fantastic rates, fabulous hospitality, and delicious island food.

Enjoy 5 nights at La Petite Traversee on a bed & breakfast basis, and 2 nights at IC Hotel on a bed & breakfast basis in Antananarivo from the following rates:

2 Adults & 1 Child under 12 years old:    
Total Family Rate:          From USD 1,020 / EUR 705
                                          (USD 420 / EUR 290 per adult, USD 180 / EUR 125 per child)

2 Adults & 2 Children under 12 years old:
Total Family Rate:          From USD 1,270 / EUR 880
                                          (USD 410 / EUR 285 per adult, USD 225 / EUR 155 per child)
(Rates exclude all flights and their taxes).
These rates expire on 31st October 2010.

For more information email one of our friendly consultants on info@jenmansafaris.com or click here to view our website package.

Mid-Range Family Holiday package - SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES!!

Enjoy 7 nights relaxing at the 3* Vanila Hotel on Nosy Be island.
As you will see in our featured lodge write up within this newsletter, the Vanila hotel has everything you need to spend a blissful holiday week on a tropical island.

This package includes 7 nights at the Vanila hotel on a bed & breakfast basis in a garden room with fan, and return airport transfers.

2 Adults & 1 Child under 12 years old:    
Total Family Rate:          From USD 1,200 / EUR 830
                                          (USD 515 / EUR 355 per adult, USD 170 / EUR 120 per child)

2 Adults & 2 Children under 12 years old:
Total Family Rate:          From USD 1,370 / EUR 950
                                          (USD 515 / EUR 355 per adult, USD 170 / EUR 120 per child)
(Rates exclude all flights and their taxes).

This special expires on the 11th July 2010. Please note there are limited rooms which can accommodate 2 adults & 2 children at the above rates. Price is subject to availability.

For more information email one of our friendly consultants on info@jenmansafaris.com or click here to view our website package.

Luxury Family Holiday package - Yacht Charter!!

Enjoy the ultimate of island holidays on your own private yacht charter. Six nights exclusive use of this beautiful yacht essentially means you can sleep at the most stunning locations and deserted islands, without having to pay for day excursions.
Each morning you will wake to the sounds of the ocean, and wander out on deck to see only your family and crew members, employed to look after your every need! Could you ask for anything more...?

This package includes 6 nights on our mid-range yacht on a full board basis, and all required transfers.

2 Adults & 2 Children under 12 years old:
Total Family Rate:         From USD 4,810 / EUR 3,180
                                         (USD 1410 / EUR 930 per adult, USD 995 / EUR 660 per child)
(Rates exclude all flights and their taxes).

4 Adults & 4 Children under 12 years old:
Total Family Rate:         From USD 9,120 / EUR 6,040
                                         (USD 1285 / EUR 850 per adult, USD 995 / EUR 660 per child)
(Rates exclude all flights and their taxes).

For more information email one of our friendly consultants on info@jenmansafaris.com or click here to view our website package.
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Ring-tailed Lemurs

Madagascar is famous for its gorgeous beaches, turquoise oceans, luscious rainforests and perhaps most of all for its enchanting population of lemurs. Most of you have seen the crazy lemurs in the movie Madagascar, but in real life lemurs are very different!

One of the most recognizable of all lemur species is the Ring-tailed Lemur. They are instantly recognizable because of their long, vividly striped, black-and-white tail. These highly social creatures are found only in the Southern regions of Madagascar such as the Isalo National Park and Anja Park (between Fianarantsoa and Isalo National Park), which we visit on our 1000 Views of Madagascar Tour. Ring-tailed Lemurs love to sunbathe and can often be found sitting crossed legged in a yoga position soaking up the sun. If you would like to hear what a Ring-tailed Lemur sounds like click here.

Explore the wonders of this Indian Ocean Island and meet these amazing animals with Jenman Safaris on our 1000 Views of Madagascar Tour. Take a night walk in Andasibe National Reserve, experience a Betsimisaraka village, walk within Ranomafana National Park and view lemurs, chameleons, birds and reptiles within their natural habitat, experience a wine tasting & see how paper is made at Ambalavao. Then go hiking in beautiful Isalo National Park. This 11-day adventure is priced from only EUR 1470 / USD 2175 per person. For more information email one of our friendly consultants on info@jenmansafaris.com or click here to view our website package.
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Fun facts you need to know about taxi-rides in Madagascar

Are you tired of walking around the cities of Madagascar? Maybe you're thinking about taking a taxi-ride? If so, you are in for a memorable experience! Here are some fun and interesting facts about taxis in Madagascar...

Note: This article isn't about the metered taxis that park at the airport and outside big hotels... it's about the ones that you hire by sticking your thumb out on the side of the road.

Fun Fact # One: there aren't Mercedes taxi cabs...
When you think of a taxi cab what comes to mind? If you thought of a well maintained, air-conditioned taxi cab... then be prepared for a shock as the reality is an entirely different story in Madagascar. Picture instead a 20 year old-vehicle held together with rust, some duck tape and a prayer; with the typical vehicle of choice being the 1970's 2CV. If you are looking for comfort then this might not be the car for you... but if you are looking for an unforgettable experience you've hailed the right taxi cab!

Fun Fact # Two: they probably don't know exactly where you want to go
This might sound surprising, but most taxi-drivers don't know where you are asking them to drive you to. So unless you have written down the name of the place you want to go to, be prepared for a long drive!

Fun Fact # Three: negotiation is the key
In some cities (such as Antsirabe) taxi-fares are structured on a zone basis... which means no bargaining! In most cities however, fares are established using many varying criteria: the fuel price, your destination, the traffic jam potential when taking you to your destination, and most importantly whether or not you are a tourist. So keeping in mind that taxi-drivers will often charge you twice the usual price remember to bargain, bargain, bargain! Once you've agreed on the fare, most taxi drivers will try and renegotiate the agreed price along the way, and not only will they stop by a gas station... they will ask you to pay for the fuel-refill as well!

Fun Fact # Four: comfort and security is not a priority
We've already mentioned that if you're looking for comfort then the typical 20 years old Malagasy taxi isn't for you. However, if you are looking for an adventure then read on as this is were the fun starts... you could find your taxi driver pretending to wear his seatbelt in order to fool the local policemen, or you might get into a taxi and find that you can see the road through the holes in the floor... the list is endless. Just remember not to lean on the taxi door during the ride.

So next time you're in Madagascar and you're tired of walking around the city... stick out your thumb and prepare yourself for the ride of a lifetime!

To read the full article, please click here.
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Sea-Kayak Trips - New departure for December!

Knowing how much you love the adventure of our famous Dhow trip around the Nosy Be archipelago, we thought the more active readers amongst you might also enjoy experiencing similar areas paddling through the turquoise water, supported by our Dhow.
We have specific dates scheduled for our Madagascar Sea-kayaking trips (please see below), and have now added another date especially for families in December.
With a specific departure just for families, your children will love the active style holiday, and if they get tired of paddling with you in the double kayaks, they can hop onto the Dhow for a relaxing journey to the next island.

Book fast for December to avoid disappointment!



14 August - 21 August 2010
04 September - 11 September 2010
20 November - 27 November 2010
11 December - 18 December 2010

The trip costs from EUR 740 / USD 1,070 per person. This price includes transfers to and from Nosy Be airport, simple accommodation in twin or double rooms during the tour, all sea transport and support in a fully kitted motorized Dhow, use of sea kayaks & paddles, experienced kayak and island guide, and all meals during the kayaking tour. The price excludes all flights and their taxes.

For more information email one of our friendly consultants on info@jenmansafaris.com or click here to view our website package.
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Find out more about... Vanila Hotel

If you are looking for an ideal spot to unwind during the school holidays, where your children can be entertained, you can relax in peace and yet still find some exciting and unusual family activities to keep you entertained together, look no further than the Vanila Hotel in Nosy Be, Madagascar!

We all know that Madagascar is a unique and fascinating destination which enthralls adults and children alike, but many of the hotels do not offer varied facilities to keep children entertained.

The Vanila hotel contains two restaurants, four bars in varying locations, a SPA (containing 4 Jacuzzis, Hammam and 4 Massage rooms), a baby sitting service, and an excursions area where you can choose from a vast menu of activities to entertain all the family. In addition, all children are welcome at the Mini-club where they can be amused during the day with educative games and animation, table tennis and activities in the children's garden, or they can enjoy one of the two fresh water free-flow swimming pools (both with children's areas).
Each evening, musical animations and cultural exhibitions take place in the lounge area, and if this still doesn't inspire your family for the week, spend some time indulging in some old-fashioned family time, playing Boules (the French version of bowls), table tennis, Pool/Billiards or other games.



Located on the west side of Nosy Be island, the Vanila hotel is well placed for you to explore the various islands within the archipelago, such as Nosy Tanikely (a marine reserve famous for its snorkeling) and Nosy Komba (where you can meet habituated lemurs, chameleons, tortoise and a huge snake up close and personal)! Alternatively experience some highlights on or under the water, such as scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, pirogue excursions, sailing, speed boat trips or some of the highlights of the mainland - Quad biking and Mountain biking trips, visits to the local market or just a relaxing meal and a drink at one of the various hotels on the island.

With 57 rooms (made up of 21 Garden rooms, 34 Ocean rooms and 2 Prestige Suites), you are sure to be accommodated within your budget.

The Garden rooms each have a private terrace and are sized between 28 m2 and 36 m2 with a view of tropical gardens. They can take an additional one or two extra beds for children if required.

The Ocean rooms each have a private terrace and are sized between 32 m2 and 42 m2, with a view of the sparkling ocean. The Ocean rooms can accommodate one extra bed for children if required, and four of the rooms have inter-connecting doors for larger families.

The two Prestige Suites offer accommodation of 64 m2 with two lounges and a spectacular view of the ocean. Both suites include free tea and coffee in the room, a mini hi-fi, a DVD player and for those special evenings - a Jacuzzi on the large balcony.

Of course all rooms and suites are equipped with an en-suite bathroom with hot water and a separate WC, Television via satellite (Canal Satellite, 7 channels), telephone, hair drier, safe, Mini bar, overhead fans and air conditioning (optional use of air conditioning in Garden and Ocean rooms).

For an excellent school holiday getaway where your entire family can enjoy Madagascar, consider our Family holiday package Special. See our School Holiday Getaway Ideas above for details.
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'Freaky' creatures of Madagascar - Part 1

Madagascar has some of the most unique wildlife in the world. You've probably heard of lemurs, but what about the aye aye or the giraffe-necked weevil? Have you ever seen a satanic leaf-tailed gecko or a tomato frog? If not, we have compiled a guide to the "freaky" creatures of Madagascar that is sure to delight and stun you!

The aye aye is a tiny lemur found only in Madagascar. This bizarre looking creature could be considered Madagascar's version of a woodpecker, as it finds its food by tapping its long skeletal middle finger (up to three times longer than its other fingers) on trees to find grubs. When it locates one, it chews a hole through the bark and uses its finger to pull the grub out. Due to its strange appearance (elongated boney fingers, pointed teeth, bat-like ears and piercing orange eyes) the local Malagasy people believe that the aye aye has
magical powers and it is widely believed to be a symbol of death!

Perhaps one of the strangest looking insects in Madagascar (or even the world) is the giraffe-necked weevil. The most noticeable feature of this striking insect (most easily seen at Ranomafana National Park) is its long giraffe-like neck. Male giraffe-necked weevils' necks are typically 2 to 3 times longer then that of the female! This odd appendage is an adaptation that assists with nestbuilding.

Unique to the island of Madagascar is the uroplatus gecko also known as the satanic leaf-tailed gecko. Characterized by their flat leaf-like tail, these creatures are usually found dwelling amongst the leaves and leaf litter of the tropical forests in northern and central Madagascar. A master of disguise, the satanic leaf-tailed gecko can perfectly mimic a dead leaf as it coils its whole body to resemble a curled up leaf. The geckos also get their name because they look like they have horns, and some even have red eyes! If disturbed, it will raise its head; open its mouth and SCREAM!

Last but not least, the bright red tomato frog is not easy to miss! While its
vivid colour does little to help in the way of camouflage, it does serve as a warning to predators. If it feels under threat this fascinating amphibian will puff up its body and secrete a thick sticky substance which will glue together the jaws of any predator that tries to eat it. In fact the mucus of the tomato frog has stronger sticking power than that of any other frog!

If you enjoyed reading about the fascinating creatures of Madagascar, keep an eye out for the second installment of our "freaky" creatures guide in next month's newsletter!
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