Barefoot in Madagascar

Sounds like something out of a movie? This is actually the perfect way of describing a brand new tour! Our Barefoot Luxury Southern Explorer holiday packages... yes, you guessed right - the flawless combination of tropical lifestyle living with a touch of luxury allowing you to explore Madagascar and all its treasures enjoying the comforts that this island holds!

The great thing about this is that this tour is available immediately!

The package offers 4 nights in an exclusive tented camp on the Mandrare River, where you can experience the Spiny forest of the south, visit sacred areas, tombs, giant sand dunes, view the sunset over baobabs and search for lemurs and endemic wildlife. A further 5 nights are then spent at an exclusive Lodge on the south east coast, where you will enjoy the remote beach, along with a multitude of activities ranging from canoeing, snorkelling, birding, boat trips, day and night walks in the rainforest for wildlife viewing, whale watching (in season) and cultural visits. A night in Antananarivo is also included.

Priced from EUR 2615 experience this tour at exclusive luxury camps on an all-inclusive basis.

Please note that International and domestic flights are not included in the package.

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Wanting to spend a little more time in Madagascar?

We have yet another great new tour release.Our Southern Flamingo Package which is a 5-day tour to the South-West of Madagascar! This 5-day package can also be added as an extension to our 11-day 1000 views of Madagascar safari. Or, of course, you can explore Madagascar at your own leisure and do this Flamingo tour as an add on to your own adventure!

The Southern Flamingo Package takes you to the little visited Lake Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, the stunning and sacred island of Nosy Ve, the pristine beaches of Anakao, and the small fishing village of Ambola.

Within its boundaries, Lake Tsimanampetsotsa National Park contains a spectacular saline lake which is home to hundreds of Greater Flamingos amongst its extensive bird species count, 430 km of Spiny forest and also wetlands, both containing endemic wildlife and birds.

You can visit this untouched area from EUR 495 per person based on a 4 person rate. You can also book this package as a couple or for a bigger group! Remember the larger the group, the less you all have to pay per person! (International and domestic flights are not included in the package).

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10 essentials for travelling to Madagascar

When planning a getaway, 101 things can go wrong! From choosing the perfect destination, the perfect gadget, the blue or pink shirt, it happens. Or even worse spiralling departure dates! Seriously, who has ever planned a trip and had things all smooth sailing? Probably one of the intriguing and exciting elements of travel and adventure is having things go the other direction! But if you're one of those individuals who like to play it safe and rather plan your trip ahead, which is perfectly fine. Then our 10 essentials for Travelling to Madagascar feature will do much justice in guaranteeing you a safe, pleasant and memorable trip ......

Here, in no order of importance, are essentials for your Madagascar adventure.

1) Learn essential Malagasy words: Malagasy is a very difficult language to speak, having to learn simple words such as hello, goodbye and thank you will make it easy for you to communicate with locals.

2) Bring a jacket along: Depending generally on the time of the year in which you'll be heading to Madagascar. Warm and thundery between November - April and from May to October the weather is more cool and windy. Mountainous areas such as Antananarivo are colder during the night. Just to be on the safe side, include a light jacket or sweater to your luggage.

3) Carry loose change: Sound crazy, not. With so many different places to visit and activities to do, the coins will come in handy! Whether be for a ride on a dhow, a tour exploring the serenity and beauty of the beaches or a simple shopping spree to the market. Be prepared for every little 'unpredicted' activity.

4) Curiosity for cultural exploration: The Malagasy have an interesting, rich history and culture. Their customs are different from the norm and that of the western society. This robust feature makes Madagascar an ideal destination for cultural refinement and spiritual enlightenment.

5) Digital camera or Binoculars: Well it comes as no surprise that a camera or binoculars are A MUST HAVE item when surrounded by scenery such as the famous Nosy Be , Sainte Marie Island, Bohara village. And National Parks such as Andasibe National Park, Isalo National Park and Lake Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. Oh! And don't forget to share your adventure with the rest of the world on Twitter and Facebook (and the Jenman Safaris Team of cause!).

6) Anti-mosquito body spray: Seems odd or cool? You choose, but carrying one of these around can help protect you against mosquito bites which I'm sure is a NO NO when you're appreciating such gracefully beautiful scenery. Or when you're taking your beauty nap after a long day filled with activities at one of Nosy Be's gorgeous lodges.

7) A quick drying towel: A quick drying towel would be useful, especially when there's transition from one destination to another.

8) Solar charger: Not only are they cost effective and environmentally friendly but a solar charger can come in handy for your camera and batteries when travelling. Another option would be to have a spare memory card and batteries.

9) Carry a lot of water: Travelling in locations supported by sea water and the wind can dehydrate the body. Therefore always carry water with you when moving around. Bottled water being at the top of the list but just as good is rehydrate powder.

10) A Smile: And last but not least, a warm beautiful smile. The Malagasy are reputable for their friendliness and welcoming spirit. It's only polite and courteous to show respect to the inhabitants of the place of visitation or interest, and what better way to do it than with a simple happy smile!

Now that you're well equipped and informed, Enjoy your Madagascar experience with loved ones and Jenman Safaris!
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The Malagasy Legend

We all have our mythologies or urban legends we grew up believing in. For instance it's bad luck to walk under a ladder, or breaking a mirror can cost you seven miserable years of misfortune!. The famous or infamous (depending how you look at it) St Valentines Day myth with Cupid carelessly aiming at his targets and making people fall in love, or Friday the thirteen being an unlucky day. And the list goes on....

Interestingly, similarities lie within the people of Madagascar who believe in a legendary group of people who were known as the Vazimba. They're believed to be the first inhabitants of the Island. Till this day the Malagasy believe they live amongst the spirits of the Vazimba, who nowadays can be found in the deep, dark forests of Madagascar. The kings of some Malagasy tribes claim a blood resemblance to that of the Vazimba.In the Yoruba as well as Madagascar mythologies of creation, the world was once concluded to be without any form, with no sea nor land. It's believed that a prohet known as Orisha Nla was a prophet who proceeded from the sky and was created by Oloum 'The Great God'. He was assigned to create solid land using only a snail shell, a pigeon and a five-toed hen!

Orisha planted the trees while Olorum made rain fall from the sky, which resulted in seeds growing into beautiful forests. In total everything took four days to create and on the fifth day Orisha Nla rested from his hard labour.

Orisha Nla took care of the people on earth for Olorum. But it was only Olorum who was able to give them life. One day deep in Orisha Nla's sleep, Olorum made the first man and woman, as well as their daughter and husband in an attempt to expand the humanrace. As time preceeded, Olorum noticed that human beings were giving praise to the earth and 'Mother Nature' and felt deeply betrayed by his own creation. And put a curse under his people, vowing that they will never be fulfilled. And for their sins, they would forever be tormented in their souls. The tale has been shared amongst generations of the Malagsy.
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Head Office and Central Reservations

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