Our horse riding holiday in Madagascar was developed with Christina Dodwell, prominent explorer and philanthropist, over the past few years. We ride through one of the most unknown and beautiful parts of Madagascar for 9 days, across the savannah to the remote geographical centre of Madagascar. Riding good quality local horses, descended from racehorses bred by the royal family for centuries, we are immersed into the little known culture of Madagascar. This is a pioneering trip and many inhabitants of the villages en route have never or rarely encountered non Malagasy or horses.
En route our accommodation is in small local hotels where available and includes 6 night under canvas. This riding holiday gives riders the chance to appreciate the abundance of rare and exotic lemurs only found in Madagascar and get very far off the beaten track. Riding terrain includes volcanic regions with crater lakes, hot springs, waterfalls and traditional villages. There is no better way to get to know the gentle and welcoming Malagasy people.
No supplement if willing to share. Otherwise: please enquire
SAMPLE ITINERARY - MADAGASCAR TRAIL
Day 1 Arrive Tana in the late evening (Air France), You will be met at the airport by your guide and taken to your overnight accommodation. The house, located on one of the sacred hills of Antananarivo, is owned by a descendant of the Queen Ranavalona. The place is steeped in history and charm.
Day 2 Antananarivo, 2hrs riding, B&B
After breakfast, meet the team and the horses on the farm and go on your first ride to get to know your horse in the morning. Today we will make any changes that are needed before setting off on the trail. Lunch in a farm where the Nile crocodile is king. The afternoon is dedicated to the discovery of Antananarivo, markets and the city heights. Built on one of the twelve historical hills of Imerina, Madagascar's capital sprawls on the hillside in a maze of staircases and cobbled streets dominated by the ruins of Rova, the former palace of Queen Ranavalona I, and interspersed with rice fields. Dinner in the city (not included) and night in guest house.
Day 3 Antananarivo – Ikopa River, 5 to 6hrs riding, camping
After breakfast we leave the farm and head northwest along the Ikopa River through the
Betsimitatatra Plain dotted with irrigated rice fields which form a startling contrast with the red villages of the Highlands. Picnic at the rapids of Farahantsana. In the afternoon, the open terrain allows beautiful canters. In the villages, the welcome is warm and the arrival of horses is a real event. Camping beside the river Ikopa at bridge-Morarano Maritampona.
Day 4 Ikopa River - Anosibe Ifanja, 5 to 6hrs riding, camping
Beautiful route on horseback through the landscape of the Highlands. We then turn to the southwest towards the lowland plains of Anosibe Ifanja, with its rice fields at a sometimes lively pace. Mountains and hills are gouged by erosion leaving chunks of blood red earth contrasting with the green of the rice fields and blue sky. In the villages, parents and children rarely see passing travellers, especially not on horseback, and our curiosity about each other is mutual! Dinner around the camp fire and camp overnight.
Day 5 Anosibe Ifanja - Geyser Analavory, 4 to 5 hrs riding, camping
Early departure on horseback to approach the volcanic region of Itasy. Picnic in the shade of eucalyptus trees at the edge of the Mazy River Falls, which traces its turbulent course through the bare domes of extinct volcanoes. In the afternoon, a wide sandy track through the plantations of papaya allows for lovely canters to the geysers of Analavory. Afternoon of relaxation, you can enjoy the delights of this natural thermal spa: geysers and hot mineral baths. As the sun goes down, an aperitif, before tasting a traditional dish of Madagascar.
Day 6 Analavory – Chute d’Lille – Ambodivona, 5hrs riding, camping
After a start along a wide track, you leave the village heading into the great outdoors and mountain areas where sorghum is cultivated on volcanic slopes. Descend to the village of Ampoaratakatra and picnic at the beautiful Chute de la Lily waterfall (Antafofo). Ford the River Lily and continue riding along large tracks of land between red rice, where the scenery is dominated by the perfect cone of the volcano Kasigie. Many Malagasy plough the fields with zebu. You will arrive into the camp at sunset via a gentle river route, stopping near the village of Ambodivona. Dinner around the campfire under the stars in the southern hemisphere.
Day 7 Ambodivona – Soavinandriana, 5H riding, B&B
Today we ride towards the town of Soavinandriana, passing by a smaller crater lake and down to beautiful lake of Mananasy. Colorful clothes are drying everywhere alongside the lake shores. The path is steep and sometimes rocky up towards Soavinandriana and then through a eucalyptus forest. On arrival we ride into the small town, and as we ride through the market on horseback people stop and stare at us. A last exhilarating canter along a wide track to the coffee plantation of Christos, a charismatic Greek/Malagasy farmer. A warm welcome awaits us from this charismatic planter. Christos has created the first coffee plantation in Madagascar. On a beautiful 150 ha hillside setting, seedlings of arabica coffee produce outstanding beans already ranked among the best coffee available in Madagascar. Walk in the planting and dinner at the table d'hote Christos. Day 8 Soavinandriana – Manazary, 6hrs riding, camping
Another beautiful stage on horseback. After leaving the village, we cross the rice fields and climb on horseback through a narrow path among the plantations. On reaching the peaks we enjoy a superb 360 ° C view of the mountain and the Ankaratra onLake Itasy. In the afternoon,we have some fun with the horses cantering amongst the dikes. After climbing the steps of the bustling market Manazary, we arrive at our campsite on the edge of Amparihikely. We’ll stay here for the next 2 nights beside the lake. Aperitif at sunset, watching the traditional canoes and fishing nets on the lake.
Day 9 Manazary – Sacred Island – Manazary, 4hrs riding, camping
A short ride on horseback today to reach the sacred island which is a former sovereign of the seventeenth century. We follow the meandering edge of Lake Itasy. The whole lake spans more than 45 km2 in the heart of a volcanic complex. Everywhere in life comes alive with countless villages that surround the lake. They fish for eels, carp and tilapia – all delicious and fresh. The banks are covered in green rice fields where families are busy during harvest. The village chief will tell you the legend of King Andriambahoaka whose tomb provides one of the most beautiful views of Lake Itasy. Picnic lunch and return to camp on the shores of Lake Amparihikely.
Day 10 Manazary - Ampefy 5 to 6 hrs riding, hotel
Last days of our horseback expedition through the Highlands of Madagascar. We follow a trail which is sometimes steep overlooking Lake Itasy and pass through beautiful villages of houses with carved wooden balconies. In between banana plantations a sandy track offers the ideal place for some last exhilarating canters. After a bucolic crater lake, we reach civilization and the village green of Ampefy. Settle into Kavitaha (or smimilar), a charming hotel beside the crater lake for the night. Last dinner out with the team.
Day 11 Ampefy - Antananarivo
Farewell to the team and the horses. Drive back to Antananarivo (approx. 4H). Today we visit a private reserve with rescued Lemurs. Here you can observe and usually interact with nine lemur species who live in total freedom.
Back in Tana we walk to the great local craft market of La Digue. Shower and dinner at the horse farm before transfer to the airport to catch a late flight out.
Day 12
Arrive in London.
Optional extensions Extensions are available on Isle Ste Marie (an idyllic coral island in the Indian Ocean off the mainland, great for snorkelling coral reefs or relaxing) or to visit the Tsingy. Please enquire for Tsingy option.
For Ste Marie Island extension (cost about £500 in 2010):
Day 12 In the morning fly to Ste Marie, transfer to accommodation. Options include basic beach bungalows at Atafana or a nice lodge La Crique.
Day 13 Overnight in Ste Marie
Day 14
Overnight in Ste Marie
Day 15 Ste Marie, fly back to Tana in the morning/afternoon, shopping and flight back to Europe at midnight/1am. If you are flying to Europe the same day as leaving Isle Ste marie it is wise to do so only on a day with 2 flights in case one is cancelled - this happens from time to time with bad weather. For more certainty take the afternoon flight back to Tana the day before leaving to Europe.
Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team. From 5 guests onwards a Unicorn Trails guide will accompany the trip.
NOTES - MADAGASCAR TRAIL
ABOUT THE TRIP
Madagascar is famous for the diversity of plant and animal species found there, 70% of which are found nowhere else. Gerald Durrell was one of the first to bring the world's attention to Madagascar. The diversity of its habitats are due to its total isolation as an island a fair way off the mainland of the already poor continent of Africa. No-one simply passes through Madagascar and precious few come specially to visit.
This geographical isolation also goes a long way to explaining the poverty and unchanged way of living of the people. The Malagasy people live life much as they have done for centuries and are guided by innumerable superstitions and beliefs which vary from one village to another. Once one steps 50 yards off a road (which is likely to be a remote dirt track), one could be back in medieval times. Oxen are commonly used for transport and ploughing fields. There are very few roads and even these are impassable for large parts of the year. The majority of this vast country is served only by tracks. There are some native horses in Madagascar mainly used for transport. This trail will allow us to see village life as we could in no other way.
FOLLOWING THE INAUGURAL RIDE
In May/June 2010 Wendy Hofstee, veterinary surgeon and founder of Unicorn Trails and Christina Dodwell, well known explorer, author, broadcaster and founder of the Dodwell Trust, both Fellows of the Royal Geographical Society and members of the Long Riders Guild, pioneered a horseback trail to the wild and remote centre of Madagascar. They were accompanied by a brave band of explorers who rode days of up to 10hrs and were reqarded by being the first westerners many villagers had ever seen. Riding through rainforests, volcanic regions with crater lakes, hot springs, waterfalls and traditional villages, the expedition pioneered (by the second round) a beautiful and sustainnable route which show cases some of the best scenery and remote villages of Madagascar.
While the trail has been set, improvements will continue to be made through 2011. Christina Dodwell will continue her guidance, which as anyone who knows Christina will realise, means an adventure! This is not yet the faultless smooth luxury that other African safaris offer and will continue to be for riders of an adventurous and flexible nature. These trails will help the develop sustainable ecotourism, create employment and improve the living standards of people and horses in the region. Tours will continue to support Dodwell trust projects.
ABOUT CHRISTINA DODWELL
Christina Dodwell
Born in Nigeria Christina became known as an explorer after her 3-year journey in Africa 1975 - 1978. This was followed by 2 years visiting remote tribes in Papua New Guinea and many other journeys spanning 20 years. She was awarded the Mungo Park Medal by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society in 1989.
Christina is listed in Debretts' People of Today and Who's Who. She has written 9 books which have been translated into 5 languages. She has made 3 television films and over 40 radio documentary programmes for BBC Radio 4 – several have received distinguished merit awards.
She has given lectures at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, the Explorers Club in New York, the Royal Geographical Society in London, and the Royal Scottish Geographical Society in Edinburgh.
For 15 years she worked as Senior Attaché for the Consulate of Madagascar in London, and 12 years ago she founded The Dodwell Trust, a charity dedicated to the country and people of Madagascar.
Unicorn Trails is a long standing advocate of responsible travel and is well known for supporting community and eco-tourism projects. Ms Hofstee uses her veterinary background to ensure tourism income benefits local communities and feeds through to improved condition of horses in tourism. We are very proud to be able to work with the Dodwell Trust to promote sustainable tourism in Madagascar. Please visit www.unicorntrails.com/More/ResponsibleTravel.html for more details.
The weight limit for this ride is 13 st/187 lb/85 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Transfers from set flights, all accommodation, full board on riding safari portion, B&B in Antananarivo, all riding, tack, services of guide and camp staff and cook and donation to the Dodwell trust.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International flights, gratuities, items of a personal nature, lunches and dinners in Antananarivo (Tana), alcoholic drinks or drinks in hotels, Madagascar entry visa.
Riders who booked this ride also considered:
Pantenal Wildlife Tour - Brazil
Ride from one fazenda to another, from the low pantanal to the high pantanal with one overight camping included en route. Wildlife, cultural and riding highlights.
Fantastic riding adventure in the driest desert in the world, the Atacama desert in Chile. Long hours, fast riding, excellent horses.
Abyssinian Explorer - Ethiopia
Highlights of Ethiopia including Lalibella and riding on the Ethiopian Highlands with the semi nomadic Oromo people. Amazing and unusual trip.
Cappadocia Trail - Turkey
A trail ride to explore and discover the natural, historical and cultural wealth of Cappadocia's unique landscape, a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Suitable for fit, confident riders.
Reading List We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information
What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
21, The Acorn Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 ORA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1767 600606 Fax: +44 (0)1767 312555
Office hours 9am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday
Email: enquiries@unicorntrails.com http://www.unicorntrails.com
This Website and all of its contents are copyright of Unicorn Trails.
Under no circumstances is any part of this site to be copied or used without written permission.
- Hilary Bradt. A comprehensive coverage of all things Mada.
- Christina Dodwell
