Rhinos, Big Cats & Lemurs - Kenya & Madagascar
This 11 day itinerary offers a great opportunity to observe Africa’s iconic & rare animals in very different locations and habitats.
Arriving in Kenya, you head first on a wildlife safari, seeking out rhinos, lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants – in private wildlife conservancies where they are free and protected in their natural habitat, away from the tourist crowds. Your journey then continues to the island of Madagascar, where you travel to the wild rainforest, offering the experience for seeing a wide variety of Lemur species, birds, chameleons and endemic flora including orchids & medicinal plants.
This itinerary offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with different landscapes, wildlife and plant life, away from the tourist trail.
LENGTH
10 NIGHTS / 11 DAYS
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT
ALL YEAR
FROM
US$5,176
Rhinos, Big Cats & Lemurs - Kenya & Madagascar
This 11 day itinerary offers a great opportunity to observe Africa’s iconic & rare animals in very different locations and habitats.
Arriving in Kenya, you head first on a wildlife safari, seeking out rhinos, lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants – in private wildlife conservancies where they are free and protected in their natural habitat, away from the tourist crowds. Your journey then continues to the island of Madagascar, where you travel to the wild rainforest, offering the experience for seeing a wide variety of Lemur species, birds, chameleons and endemic flora including orchids & medicinal plants.
This itinerary offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with different landscapes, wildlife and plant life, away from the tourist trail.
LENGTH
10 NIGHTS / 11 DAYS
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT
ALL YEAR
FROM
US$5,176
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
Tour Experiences
Day 1: Nairobi - Meru
Approximate flight time 1hr
Fly from Nairobi Wilson Airport on the morning flight to Meru. You will be met on arrival by your Driver & Guide from Rhino River Camp who will transfer you to camp, with a game drive en route. After lunch enjoy your new home, take a swim or relax on your deck before you depart for a late afternoon game drive. The open plains are dotted with acacias and mighty baobabs, which provide much needed reprieve to the elephants, from the harsh African sun. Meru National Park is home to a wide variety of animals and more than 400 recorded species of birds. . The park is well known for its fauna and natural beauty and as the home of Elsa, the beloved Lioness made famous in the award winning movie BORN FREE and the best selling book written by Joy Adamson with the same title.
Overnight at at Rhino River Camp (Full Board, Drinks & Activities)
Day 2: Meru
Wake up early and see the sleeping hyraxes huddled together as you make your way for an early morning game drive. Watch as the sun rises and the savanna takes on a rosy hue, the nocturnal game looking for shelter and the plains game celebrate another night of survival. Explore through the various habitats, along the many rivers, forests and open plains. Other range of activities in the camp includes bush walks, or visiting the nearby rhino sanctuary.
Overnight at at Rhino River Camp (Full Board, Drinks & Activities)
Day 3: Meru - Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Approximate flight time 2hrs
Early morning game drive and breakfast, then transfer to the airstrip for the flight to the Maasai Mara (via Nairobi). You will be met at the airstrip by your Driver Guide and transfer to Porini Mara Camp, with a game drive en route. In the afternoon head out on a game drive with a sundowner at a scenic spot followed by a night game drive with spotlights to search for nocturnal animals, including the elusive leopards which are resident in Ol Kinyei Conservancy, before heading back to camp for dinner.
Overnight at at Porini Mara Camp (Full Board, Drinks & Activities)
Day 4: Ol Kinyei Conservancy
A full day to explore the Ol Kinyei Conservancy on the lookout for elephants, buffalo, giraffe, plains game and the big cats. Wake up at dawn and enjoy an early game drive in the conservancy, returning to camp for a late breakfast followed by an escorted nature walk and then lunch. In the afternoon enjoy another game drive in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy with a night drive as you head back to camp driving in the dark with a spotlight for the chance to see the nocturnal animals.
Overnight at at Porini Mara Camp (Full Board, Drinks & Activities)
Day 5: Ol Kinyei Conservancy
A full day spent on a game drive in the famous Maasai Mara Reserve with a picnic lunch in the park and then return to Porini Mara Camp in the late afternoon. Sundowner and night game drive as you return to Camp for dinner.
Overnight at at Porini Mara Camp (Full Board, Drinks & Activities)
Day 6: Ol Kinyei Conservancy - Nairobi National Park
Approximate flight time 1hr
Early morning game drive in the conservancy returning for breakfast. Mid- morning transfer to the airstrip for the 11 am flight back to Nairobi Wilson airport (arriving 12.20 pm). You will be met on arrival and transfer to Nairobi Tented Camp to settle into your Tent and enjoy a tasty lunch. After lunch, depart on a late afternoon game drives in Nairobi National Park, where you have a good chance of spotting Rhino. Return to Camp for dinner and drinks.
Overnight at Nairobi Tented Camp (Full Board, Drinks & Activities)
Day 7: Nairobi - Antananarivo
Approximate flight time 3hrs 20 mins
After breakfast you will transfer to Nairobi international airport for your flight to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. You will be met and welcomed on arrival off your flight at the international arrival hall. Please look out for a sign with your name after you exit the restricted area with your luggages. You will then be led to your vehicle for your private transfer to Maison Gallieni. Settle into your room and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Maison Galliéni (Breakfast)
Day 8: Antananarivo - Andasibe
Distance +/-150km – Approximate journey time 4 hours
Today you will visit the Old city and upper town of Antananarivo. The majestic Rova ( The Queen’s palace ) overlooks the capital from the highest point of the city. The Rova of Antananarivo is a royal palace complex that served as the home of the sovereigns of the Kingdom of Imerina in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as of the rulers of the Kingdom of Madagascar in the 19th century. The historic boroughs around the Rova ( The Queen’s palace) offer panoramic views of downtown Antananarivo. You will drive or walk the neighbourhood with your guide to enjoy the picturesque ambience of the noblemen residence area, with both well-kept traditional houses, the colonial houses, palaces, cathedrals, the charm of the narrow, curved, upslope cobblestoned streets and ensemble of cute traditional Malagasy houses built entirely of wood.
You will then begin your journey towards the Eastern part of the island. After leaving the busy and colourful city of Antananarivo, you reach the Route Nationale 2, the main commercial road of the country which leads to the East coast of Madagascar and its main harbour. During the journey, you will observe various landscapes from small traditional villages perched on hill sides to rice fields. A twisty, steep and lush portion of the road will announce that we are entering another region of Madagascar and you will arrive in Andasibe, known for its National Park, home of the primary and secondary forest.
The Peyrieras Butterfly Farm: On your way you will make a stop at Madagascar Exotic. This private reserve is also known as the Peyrieras Butterfly Farm, Peyrieras Nature Farm and Mandraka Reptile Farm. It is a small privately run reserve (or zoo) and was founded and owned by the French entomologist and naturalist André Peyriéras. The collection includes many reptiles (chameleons, iguanas, geckos, frogs), Batraciens (Bats), crocodiles, papillons (Butterflies). The adjacent forest area supports families of relocated and habituated Verreaux’s Sifaka and Common brown lemur which provide opportunities to photograph them close up at feeding times.
The Mitsinjo reserve: is a community initiative started by a Malagasy NGO which works in conservation, nature-based tourism and development which includes the agriculture and health. Being one of the biodiversity hotspots of the eastern Madagascar rainforest corridor, it integrates the protection of prime habitat and the generation of sustainable income for the local population living in and around Andasibe. According to that, you will definitely contribute to the development of all the area by visiting the reserve and understanding the project. During the night walk you will have the opportunity to discover the nocturnal wildlife of the Andasibe Rainforest.
Overnight at Mantadia Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 9: Andasibe - Mantadia National Park
Today offers a full day to explore the Mantadia Park and the Andasibe Village.
The Mantadia Park: Located about 1 hour drive from your lodge, the primary forest of the Mantadia Park spreads over 15 000 hectares and is a fascinating area for nature lovers. 108 species of birds are known in the park, of which some play a role in the survival of plants like Terpsiphone mutata. There are also 14 species of lemurs, a number of species of reptiles, among them includes the Boa Manditra snake and 84 species of amphibian. Mantadia is also a kingdom of the orchids. Cymbidiellas falcigera and Bulbophyllum ameleni are the most enigmatic species, because in addition to be rare and magnificent plants, they maintain the balance of the forest’s ecosystem. This hike requires medium to good physical conditions as there are some steep slopes and dense vegetation.
Andasibe Village: You may also have the opportunity to visit the village of Andasibe which has a population of around 5000 people. Through this visit, you will witness the daily life of this calm and colourful village. With your guide, walk in the narrow and unpaved cobbled streets along the small stalls. You will have several chances to interact with local villagers and see how they make a living and occupy their free time. The walk starts or end at the old colonial train station with its alpine architecture which was home to the once very fashionable restaurant “Buffet de la Gare” in the 1930s . The market is centrally located and busiest on Saturdays.
Overnight at Mantadia Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 10: Andasibe
An early start this morning, leaving at around 07:30hrs to reach the entrance of the Analamazaotra special reserve, where you will have the opportunity to look for the biggest lemur of Madagascar’s famous “Indri Indri.” This lemur is endemic to the site and made his emblem. Through an easy hike lasting about 2 to 3 hours seeking out the Indri Indri, you will also find other species of lemurs, birds, chameleons as well as endemic flora including orchids and medicinal plants.
You also have the opportunity today to visit the Vakona reserve, which has an island surrounded by fresh water and is home to various species of lemurs: common brown lemurs, bamboo lemurs, ruffed lemurs, diademed sifakas. This will be a rare opportunity to get up close and interact with these primates as well as offering the chance for some wonderful photographic opportunities. The numerous crocodiles, which used to belong to a former farm, can also be found in one of the small lake of the property.
Overnight at Mantadia Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 11: Andasibe - Antananarivo
Distance +/-150km – Approximate journey time 4 hours
Depart the region of Andasibe and begin the ascent towards the highlands and the capital. This journey will give you an impressive perspective about the difference of altitude between the two regions. This elevation is exploited by the hydroelectric power station which you will drive by.
You will transfer to the international terminal, on time for your departure flight or we can arrange overnight accommodation in Antananarivo.
Tour Experiences
Day 1: Nairobi - Meru
Approximate flight time 1hr
Fly from Nairobi Wilson Airport on the morning flight to Meru. You will be met on arrival by your Driver & Guide from Rhino River Camp who will transfer you to camp, with a game drive en route. After lunch enjoy your new home, take a swim or relax on your deck before you depart for a late afternoon game drive. The open plains are dotted with acacias and mighty baobabs, which provide much needed reprieve to the elephants, from the harsh African sun. Meru National Park is home to a wide variety of animals and more than 400 recorded species of birds. . The park is well known for its fauna and natural beauty and as the home of Elsa, the beloved Lioness made famous in the award winning movie BORN FREE and the best selling book written by Joy Adamson with the same title.please contact one of our team to discuss.
Overnight at at Rhino River Camp (Full Board, Drinks & Activities)
Day 2: Meru
Wake up early and see the sleeping hyraxes huddled together as you make your way for an early morning game drive. Watch as the sun rises and the savanna takes on a rosy hue, the nocturnal game looking for shelter and the plains game celebrate another night of survival. Explore through the various habitats, along the many rivers, forests and open plains. Other range of activities in the camp includes bush walks, or visiting the nearby rhino sanctuary.
Overnight at at Rhino River Camp (Full Board, Drinks & Activities)
Day 3: Meru - Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Approximate flight time 2hrs
Early morning game drive and breakfast, then transfer to the airstrip for the flight to the Maasai Mara (via Nairobi). You will be met at the airstrip by your Driver Guide and transfer to Porini Mara Camp, with a game drive en route. In the afternoon head out on a game drive with a sundowner at a scenic spot followed by a night game drive with spotlights to search for nocturnal animals, including the elusive leopards which are resident in Ol Kinyei Conservancy, before heading back to camp for dinner.
Overnight at at Porini Mara Camp (Full Board, Drinks & Activities)
Day 4: Ol Kinyei Conservancy
A full day to explore the Ol Kinyei Conservancy on the lookout for elephants, buffalo, giraffe, plains game and the big cats. Wake up at dawn and enjoy an early game drive in the conservancy, returning to camp for a late breakfast followed by an escorted nature walk and then lunch. In the afternoon enjoy another game drive in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy with a night drive as you head back to camp driving in the dark with a spotlight for the chance to see the nocturnal animals.
Overnight at at Porini Mara Camp (Full Board, Drinks & Activities)
Day 5: Masoala National Park - Antananarivo
Approximate flight time 1.5 hours
Enjoy an early last breakfast on the sea deck before you board the boat for your return voyage to Maroantsetra. Enjoy the stunning view of the Masoala peninsula and, depending on the timing of the flight back, you will make a stop at Nosy Mangabe.
The Nosy Mangabe is a small island located 2km from the Maroantsetra coast. Considered as part of the Masoala National Park, it is a tropical Rainforest which shelters the endangered Aye Aye and other fauna and flora such as the Uroplatus Fimbriatus, turtles and even the Madagascar tree Boa.
After a picnic lunch on the beach, you board the boat to Maroantsetra port and transfer to the airport for the flight to Antananarivo.
You will be met on arrival at the domestic arrivals hall in Antananarivo for your transfer to the Novotel Convention & Spa.
Overnight at Novotel Convention & Spa (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 6: Ol Kinyei Conservancy - Nairobi National Park
Approximate flight time 1hr
Early morning game drive in the conservancy returning for breakfast. Mid- morning transfer to the airstrip for the 11 am flight back to Nairobi Wilson airport (arriving 12.20 pm). You will be met on arrival and transfer to Nairobi Tented Camp to settle into your Tent and enjoy a tasty lunch. After lunch, depart on a late afternoon game drives in Nairobi National Park, where you have a good chance of spotting Rhino. Return to Camp for dinner and drinks.
Overnight at Nairobi Tented Camp (Full Board, Drinks & Activities)
Day 7: Nairobi - Antananarivo
Approximate flight time 3hrs 20 mins
After breakfast you will transfer to Nairobi international airport for your flight to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. You will be met and welcomed on arrival off your flight at the international arrival hall. Please look out for a sign with your name after you exit the restricted area with your luggages. You will then be led to your vehicle for your private transfer to Maison Gallieni. Settle into your room and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Maison Galliéni (Breakfast)
Day 8: Antananarivo - Andasibe
Distance +/-150km – Approximate journey time 4 hours
Today you will visit the Old city and upper town of Antananarivo. The majestic Rova ( The Queen’s palace ) overlooks the capital from the highest point of the city. The Rova of Antananarivo is a royal palace complex that served as the home of the sovereigns of the Kingdom of Imerina in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as of the rulers of the Kingdom of Madagascar in the 19th century. The historic boroughs around the Rova ( The Queen’s palace) offer panoramic views of downtown Antananarivo. You will drive or walk the neighbourhood with your guide to enjoy the picturesque ambience of the noblemen residence area, with both well-kept traditional houses, the colonial houses, palaces, cathedrals, the charm of the narrow, curved, upslope cobblestoned streets and ensemble of cute traditional Malagasy houses built entirely of wood.
You will then begin your journey towards the Eastern part of the island. After leaving the busy and colourful city of Antananarivo, you reach the Route Nationale 2, the main commercial road of the country which leads to the East coast of Madagascar and its main harbour. During the journey, you will observe various landscapes from small traditional villages perched on hill sides to rice fields. A twisty, steep and lush portion of the road will announce that we are entering another region of Madagascar and you will arrive in Andasibe, known for its National Park, home of the primary and secondary forest.
The Peyrieras Butterfly Farm: On your way you will make a stop at Madagascar Exotic. This private reserve is also known as the Peyrieras Butterfly Farm, Peyrieras Nature Farm and Mandraka Reptile Farm. It is a small privately run reserve (or zoo) and was founded and owned by the French entomologist and naturalist André Peyriéras. The collection includes many reptiles (chameleons, iguanas, geckos, frogs), Batraciens (Bats), crocodiles, papillons (Butterflies). The adjacent forest area supports families of relocated and habituated Verreaux’s Sifaka and Common brown lemur which provide opportunities to photograph them close up at feeding times.
The Mitsinjo reserve: is a community initiative started by a Malagasy NGO which works in conservation, nature-based tourism and development which includes the agriculture and health. Being one of the biodiversity hotspots of the eastern Madagascar rainforest corridor, it integrates the protection of prime habitat and the generation of sustainable income for the local population living in and around Andasibe. According to that, you will definitely contribute to the development of all the area by visiting the reserve and understanding the project. During the night walk you will have the opportunity to discover the nocturnal wildlife of the Andasibe Rainforest.
Overnight at Mantadia Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 9: Andasibe - Mantadia National Park
Today offers a full day to explore the Mantadia Park and the Andasibe Village.
The Mantadia Park: Located about 1 hour drive from your lodge, the primary forest of the Mantadia Park spreads over 15 000 hectares and is a fascinating area for nature lovers. 108 species of birds are known in the park, of which some play a role in the survival of plants like Terpsiphone mutata. There are also 14 species of lemurs, a number of species of reptiles, among them includes the Boa Manditra snake and 84 species of amphibian. Mantadia is also a kingdom of the orchids. Cymbidiellas falcigera and Bulbophyllum ameleni are the most enigmatic species, because in addition to be rare and magnificent plants, they maintain the balance of the forest’s ecosystem. This hike requires medium to good physical conditions as there are some steep slopes and dense vegetation.
Andasibe Village: You may also have the opportunity to visit the village of Andasibe which has a population of around 5000 people. Through this visit, you will witness the daily life of this calm and colourful village. With your guide, walk in the narrow and unpaved cobbled streets along the small stalls. You will have several chances to interact with local villagers and see how they make a living and occupy their free time. The walk starts or end at the old colonial train station with its alpine architecture which was home to the once very fashionable restaurant “Buffet de la Gare” in the 1930s . The market is centrally located and busiest on Saturdays.
Overnight at Mantadia Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 10: Andasibe
An early start this morning, leaving at around 07:30hrs to reach the entrance of the Analamazaotra special reserve, where you will have the opportunity to look for the biggest lemur of Madagascar’s famous “Indri Indri.” This lemur is endemic to the site and made his emblem. Through an easy hike lasting about 2 to 3 hours seeking out the Indri Indri, you will also find other species of lemurs, birds, chameleons as well as endemic flora including orchids and medicinal plants.
You also have the opportunity today to visit the Vakona reserve, which has an island surrounded by fresh water and is home to various species of lemurs: common brown lemurs, bamboo lemurs, ruffed lemurs, diademed sifakas. This will be a rare opportunity to get up close and interact with these primates as well as offering the chance for some wonderful photographic opportunities. The numerous crocodiles, which used to belong to a former farm, can also be found in one of the small lake of the property.
Overnight at Mantadia Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 11: Andasibe - Antananarivo
Distance +/-150km – Approximate journey time 4 hours
Depart the region of Andasibe and begin the ascent towards the highlands and the capital. This journey will give you an impressive perspective about the difference of altitude between the two regions. This elevation is exploited by the hydroelectric power station which you will drive by.
You will transfer to the international terminal, on time for your departure flight or we can arrange overnight accommodation in Antananarivo.
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Choose a Travel Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made trip to Madagascar.
Rick McIntyre
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we'll make your African dreams a reality.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team. More about Rachel
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or call +1-250-588-9112
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Brad Wierman
Brad Wierman
Hello there, I'm Brad, and my safari odyssey began with my first expedition to Kenya in 1984. Since then, I've had the privilege of guiding and exploring various African destinations, from Tanzania to Ethiopia, Rwanda to Zambia, and beyond. Yet, after 34 years, East Africa still captivates me like no other. My most recent adventure here was in June 2018. As an Environmental Conservation major in college, I found my perfect match in Gamewatchers and Porini Camps, whose groundbreaking conservation efforts in Kenya are unparalleled. The moment you witness an elephant in the wild for the first time, you're irrevocably hooked, just as I was. Whether you're embarking on your inaugural safari or your tenth, I'm here to curate the ideal experience tailored to your expertise level, accommodation preferences, and budget.
I'm based in Bend, Oregon, and you can reach me at brad@gamewatchers.com or by calling +1 224-558-1887. Let's make your safari dreams come true!
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Travel Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made trip to Madagascar.
