An in-depth discovery of Western MADAGASCAR’s natural beauty and genuine lifestyle. Just a soul capturing-river along the TSIRIBIHINA, to wonderful hiking days in TSINGY DE BEMARAHA National Park and a magical sunset on the Avenue of Baobabs for an intense communion with Sakalava tribe. And, few days on the beach of lagoon-bordered BELO-SUR-TSIRIBIHINA.
Available on request
WEST of MADAGASCAR, from TANA to TANA
14 days & 13 nights.
Limited to 10 travelers
Mid-range accommodations.
ABT_ADV-01
Trip prices are per person based on Double occupancy
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Accommodation: MAHAVELO , or its equivalent. .
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Accommodation: NARC EN CIEL, or its equivalent.
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Accommodation: Camping.
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Accommodation: NAMOROKA TSINGY CAMP.
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Accommodation: Camping.
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Accommodation: ORCHIDEE DU BEMARAHA, or its equivalent.
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Accommodation: HOTEL TRECIGOGNE, or its equivalent.
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Accommodation: ECOLODGE DU MENABE, or its equivalent.
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Accommodation: ECOLODGE DU MENABE, or its equivalent.
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Accommodation: ECOLODGE DU MENABE, or its equivalent.
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Accommodation: HOTEL TRECIGOGNE, or its equivalent.
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Accommodation: HOTEL SOUIMANGA, or its equivalent.
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Accommodation: MAHAVELO, or its equivalent.
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The SAKALAVA tribe is 1 of the 18 ethnic groups of MADAGASCAR. They are found on the Western and North-Western region, in a band along the coast. Their name means “people of the long valleys”. They occupy the western edge of the island from TOLIARY in the South to SAMBIRANO in the North. They are organized into clans, each with separate duties that they perform periodically for royalty. Sakalava social organization is hierarchical, consisting of royalty (Ampanjaka), the “people” (vahoaka), those who serve royalty at ceremonial occasions (most notably the Sambarivo). Sambarivo status is low with respect to the state hierarchy, they are considered to be the closest to royalty because of the nature of their work. SAKALAVA tribe celebrate every 5 years the “Dady”, relics of dead members of the royal family during a 7 day-ceremony called FITAMPOHA. The 9 relics – kept in the sacred house or “Zomba” in the village of BELO-SUR-TSIRIBIHINA – are washed in the TSIRIBIHINA river. Huge feast is prepared during this ancestor cult to show supernatural powers of members of royal family. It’s the occasion for the ancestors’ spirits to contact the people through “bilo” or possessed people.
The TSIRIBIHINA is a river of western MADAGASCAR.
The headwaters are on MADAGASCAR’s Central Highlands. The tributary streams flow generally westwards and converge to form the TSIRIBIHINA. There are extensive seasonal wetlands and shallow lakes where the rivers converge on the plain. It then flows westward, cutting a steep and winding gorge through the BEMARAHA Plateau, a limestone formation.
82 species of birds have been recorded from the TSIRIBIHINA River and its delta, 22 of which are endemic to MADAGASCAR like the Bernier’s teal… The MENABE ANTIMENA protected area covers the South bank of the lower TSIRIBIHINA along with the delta and mangroves. The TSIRIBIHINA Delta is designated a wetland of international importance under the RAMSAR Convention, and the TSIRIBIHINA River and its delta are designated an Important Bird Area by BIRDILIFE INTERNATIONAL.
The TSINGY DE BEMARAHA National Park – one of the most unique landscapes of the island – is located in North-West MADAGASCAR. The national park centers on two geological formations: the Great Tsingy and the Little Tsingy. Together with the adjacent Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The TSINGY DE BEMARAHA is a wonderful haven for flora and fauna. Of lemurs, a total of 11 species have been recorded here, of which we have the greatest chance of showing you the very attractive Von der Decken’s Sifaka. The karstic massif of BEMARAHA is home to 94 species of bird, which is not a high diversity, but many of these are found only in MADAGASCAR like one of the rarest birds on Earth, the Madagascan Fish Eagle. There is a great abundance of endemic plants at BEMARAHA, some of the most fascinating of which provide a splash of leaves and bloated stems, clinging to bare and inhospitable rocks.
The AVENUE OF BAOBABS, or ALLEY OF THE BAOBABS is a prominent group of Grandidier’s baobabs lining the unpaved Road No.8 in the MENABE Region of Western MADAGASCAR. Its striking landscape draws travelers from around the world, making it one of the most visited locations in the region. It has been a center of local conservation efforts, and was granted temporary protected status in July 2007 by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forestry – a step toward making it MADAGASCAR’s first natural monument.
On the Western coast of MADAGASCAR, the BELO-SUR-MER – KIRINDY-MITEA Biosphere Reserve comprises a watershed and a mosaic of rich but fragile ecosystems, such as dry forests, thickets, thorn forests, savannahs, salty swampy depressions known as ‘tannes’, mangroves and coral reefs. The reef is also a feeding area for spectacular marine megafauna including humpback whales, dolphins, dugongs and marine turtles. The site’s marine biodiversity, islands and two sacred salted lakes are home to the Lesser Flamingo.
KIRINDY MITEA National Park is on the coast of the Mozambique Channel, in South-West MADAGASCAR, and includes a marine area with seven small islands. The 72,200 hectares park contains many endemic animals and plants and claims to have the greatest density of primates in the world. There are a wide range of ecosystems due to reserve being in an area where southern and western biotypes meet. Within the park is the largest remaining area of dry deciduous forest, tropical dry forest, spiny forest, beaches and sand-dunes, mangroves and coral reefs. 185 species of plants have, so far, been recorded, among them 3 species of baobab. In this park are found 11 species of mammals of which 10 are endemic. Among them are the Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur, the smallest primate in the world. Also, the fossa, MADAGASCAR’s largest living predator, and the lemur species only predator. Other mammals endemic to the MEMABE Region include the giant jumping rat and the narrow-striped mongoose. There are also 47 species of birds (33 endemic) and 23 species of reptiles.
Want this trip to be personalized, or need it to be redesigned? Let us just know, and our highly creative travel designers will work with you to shape an itinerary based on your requirements. AL BOURAQ TRAVEL creates exclusively for you tailor made exclusive experiences with the best MADAGASCAR guides & experts, high-quality vehicles, private charter planes & helicopters.
Anyway, feel free to tell us about your wish-list or give us “carte blanche”. We guarantee you the trip of your lifetime in any spot in MADAGASCAR for a self-reconnection, a connection with our Culture and Nature, and with yourself. Whether intended for solo travelers, couples, groups of friends, intergenerational families on its yearly trips: AL BORAQ TRAVEL can help you to put together your perfect MADAGASCAR experience.
Please read the following notice as it is your contract with AL BOURAQ TRAVEL and clearly lays out what you have agreed with us.
PLEASE, READ CAREFULLY!
AL BOURAQ TRAVEL accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:
1. YOUR CONTRACT
The contract is between AL BOURAQ TRAVEL and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by AL BOURAQ TRAVEL. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to the law of MADAGASCAR and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Malagasy courts. No employee of AL BOURAQ TRAVEL other than an administrator has authority to vary or omit any of these terms or promise any discount or refund.
2. TO SECURE YOUR BOOKING
To secure a booking AL BOURAQ TRAVEL or their agent requires a written confirmation and the necessary deposit or fuII payment for travel as outlined in Paragraph 3.
Clients booking by telephone, by WhatsApp, on the website, by e-mail or facsimile will be deemed to have signed the Declaration on the booking form and agreed to the following four conditions:
a) they have read and accepted our BOOKING CONDITIONS and GENERAL INFORMATION PAGES, contained in our brochure and on our website.
b) they appreciate, on behalf of all the people included in their booking, the risks involved in adventure travel.
c) they or anyone else on their booking does not suffer (or has ever suffered) from any pre-existing medical condition which may prevent them from actively participating in the tour.
d) the person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear there on, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when AL BOURAQ TRAVEL sends a confirmation invoice. It is at this point that a contract between AL BOURAQ TRAVEL and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and a contract comes into force, AL BOURAQ TRAVEL reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. AL BOURAQ TRAVEL or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
3. PAYMENT
a) If the booking is made more than 45 days before the departure of the tour, we require a deposit 25% of the total travel costs, or the cost of flights as shown on the itemized quote, whichever is the greater.
b) If the booking is made less than 45 days before the departure of the tour, we require a 50% deposit of the total travel costs, or the cost of flights as shown on the itemized quote, whichever is the greater. Payment terms still apply on the remaining balance.
At this time, AL BOURAQ TRAVEL offers various means of payment:
Wire transfer to our bank account. Banking information will be provided at time of booking. You will be responsible to pay any fee related to the transaction charged by your bank.
4. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR BOOKING
An administration fee of EURO 150 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred prior to 45 days before departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the charges below. Changes are subject to availability.
5. IF YOU CANCEL YOUR BOOKING
Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by AL BOURAQ TRAVEL or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges, as shown below, or the nonrefundable deposit, whichever is greater:
a) 45 and more days before departure: retention of deposit
b) 45-30 days before departure: 50 % of the total travel costs
c) 30 – 7 days before departure: 75% of the total travel costs
d) Less than 7 days: 100% of the total travel costs
6. IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT
Should the client have a complaint about any of the tour arrangements, the client must tell both the relevant supplier and AL BOURAQ TRAVEL’s representative at the time. It is only if AL BOURAQ TRAVEL and the relevant supplier know about problems that there will be the opportunity to put things right. Failure to complain on the spot will result in the client’s ability to claim compensation from AL BOURAQ TRAVEL being extinguished or at least reduced.
7. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND VACCINATIONS
Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport, a visa and vaccination certificates required for their journey in MADAGASCAR. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal gear etc.) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of AL BOURAQ TRAVEL.
8. INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT BOOKINGS
Clients are responsible for arranging their international round trip air ticket. It will be the customer’s responsibility to communicate us the itinerary and any change that may occur. In any case, AL BOURAQ TRAVEL will not be responsible for any delay or missed international flight which may cause the customer to miss or delay the departure of the tour. Terms and conditions regarding tour booking changes or cancellations are applicable.
9. TRAVEL AND CANCELLATION INSURANCE
Clients are responsible for effecting sufficient personal travel insurance. Travel insurance is highly recommended for all clients whilst on a tour organized by AL BOURAQ TRAVEL. Clients together with their personal property including baggage are at all times solely at their own risk. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance and ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel Insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate benefits. Clients making their own arrangements should ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities included in their tour.
10. IMPORTANT: LIABILITY INSURANCE
Limited insurance is held by the operator. The client acknowledges and accepts that there may be no policy covering AL BOURAQ TRAVEL’s liability to its clients for death, injury, damage or loss occurring anywhere in the world. The client also specifically acknowledges that with respect to passenger accident liability cover this cover may be very limited or may not exist at all. The client acknowledges that AL BOURAQ TRAVEL has taken reasonable steps in safeguarding its liability. Although AL BOURAQ TRAVEL does hold various insurances this booking condition states that the client must assume, he/she is not covered by any Company insurance policy, including all liability insurance, for death, injury, damage or any other loss.
11. TOUR PARTICIPATION
Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of AL BOURAQ TRAVEL’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on tour with AL BOURAQ TRAVEL. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill-health AL BOURAQ TRAVEL may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and AL BOURAQ TRAVEL shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will
12. SURCHARGES
External factors may affect exchange rates, air fares, transportation and accommodation, AL BOURAQ TRAVEL reserves the right to alter the price of any tour and forward an amended invoice. Any price increase will normally be notified more than 4 weeks before departure.
13. IF WE CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY
While AL BOURAQ TRAVEL will use its best endeavors to operate all tours as advertised, reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed necessary or advisable by AL BOURAQ TRAVEL. AL BOURAQ TRAVEL reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services or prices described in this brochure and/or the website before a booking is made. If a major change is known to us, the client will be told at the time of booking, otherwise AL BOURAQ TRAVEL will inform the client as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before departure. The definition of a major change will depend on the individual tour and circumstances. When a major change is made the client will have the choice of accepting the change of arrangements, purchasing an alternative tour or cancelling the tour and obtaining a full refund.
14. HOLIDAY CANCELLATION
AL BOURAQ TRAVEL reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 6 weeks before departure except for force majeure, consolidation or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, AL BOURAQ TRAVEL, upon cancellation, will return all monies paid not including visas, vaccinations or associated costs, or offer an alternative tour. Force majeure is war, threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, technical or maintenance problems with transport, changes imposed by rescheduling or cancellation of flights by an airline or other similar events beyond the control of AL BOURAQ TRAVEL. Consolidation refers to the fact that each tour is dependent upon a minimum number of persons participating. AL BOURAQ TRAVEL is not liable for any penalty charges associated with connecting air fares, in the event of a change to a tour departure time, date or cancellation.
15. OUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY
Clients’ bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the possible risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours, treks or expeditions featured in our programme at their own volition. Due to political and cultural differences, as well as generally tougher physical conditions, travel to MADAGASCAR involves risks other than those we take in our daily lives. AL BOURAQ TRAVEL place extreme importance on the safety of clients. It is important, however, that clients realize that they are responsible for making themselves aware (through State Department advisories, Government Tourist Offices and other sources of information) of the risks involved, and are responsible for making their decisions accordingly. No refund will be made for any unused services which are included in the price. AL BOURAQ TRAVEL shall not be liable for any delays, deviations or omissions from any tour caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, nor for any direct or indirect consequences thereto. AL BOURAQ TRAVEL shall not be liable to compensate clients for associated expenses incurred as a result of their booking.
