We enjoyed the variety of the trip - completely different, magnificent scenery every day,... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
This was our 5th Exodus cycling trip, and if like me you like a good balance between cycling and... Deborah, 2017 See more reviews
This trip had everything we expected and so much more! Fantastic scenery which changed day by day... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
Wonderful trip - still not perfect (since it was only the fourth one) .. but getting there Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
To summarize, my cycling trip to Madagascar proved to be an extremely enjoyable experience. Great... Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
This was an exciting trip, with varied scenery, and the lemurs don't disappoint! Madagascar... Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
An astounding country to visit. The scenery was spectacular and various. The people very... Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
What a fantastic trip. The country is just amazing with constantly changing scenery that was... Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
It was with some trepidation that I booked to go on the inaugural Madagascar cycle tour, but with... Anonymous, 2016 See more reviews
Itinerary Include flights Expand all Day 1 Depart London. Overnight flight from London to Antananarivo. Day 2 Arrive Antananarivo. Our adventure starts in Antananarivo. The group flights usually arrive mid-afternoon. There will be a group meeting and briefing in the evening followed by an optional group dinner in the hotel for those that would like to join. Accommodation: Au Bois Vert Lodge or similar Comfortable Hotel Day 3 Transfer to Lemur park; continue along wide open roads, cycling the best sections, to Ampefy. Leaving the hotel after breakfast we transfer out of the busy city to the Lemurs Park to encounter these primates which are endemic to Madagascar. Lemurs Park is a private park with a few species of lemur living freely in a forested area. After the visit to the park, we start cycling through scenic farmland with plenty of rice paddy fields. After lunch in Arivonimamo, we will transfer through a highland region to the top of a mountain pass before continuing the ride downhill to Miarinarivo, the capital of the Itasy, a region known its volcanic activity. The road levels out and the following 32km to Ampefy offer reaching views and are a real joy to ride. In Ampefy the lakeside hotel is our base for the next two nights. Cycle approx. 72km. Accommodation: Hotel Kavitaha or similarStandard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Ride to dramatic geysers of Analavory; to waterfalls of Lily river. We start today by cycling to the geysirs of Analavory. These limestone mounds are similar to geysirs found in Utah and Nevada; volcanic activity encourages bursts of warm water to cascade down the bright yellow stone and create a series of pools, often used by the locals for swimming due to the belief of the healing powers of the water. The ride starts on a decent road but the 16km route out and back to the geysirs is along a bumpy dirt track, linking up some fascinating small rural villages. Re-joining the new tar road we head back towards Ampefy, but before reaching the hotel we will take a small detour to the Liliha waterfalls, a dramatic series of cascades that provide a perfect way to refresh near the end of a full day of cycling. This stretch is also on dirt road. Cycle approx. 54km (26km on dirt road). Accommodation: Hotel Kavitaha or similarStandard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 A long day cycling through traditional towns and villages; overnight Antisirabe. Although relatively short, today’s ride is fairly challenging with varied terrain. We cycle the first 20km to Soavinandriana through scenic landscape with some hilly sections, including a steady 4km climb up to the town itself. The road levels out and we continue our undulating ride through spectacular scenery before a great descent which crosses the river at the small village of Kelivody. Here we will load up the bikes to drive across a high mountain pass to the town of Faratsiho. From here the road deteriorates dramatically and we will need 4X4 vehicles to pass the 47km stretch to Sambaina. This is an adventurous drive passing through a region that is rarely visited by tourists and provides a unique insight into the lives of those who live along the route. From Sambaina we re-join the tarmac for the final drive to Antisarabe. The entire transfer is likely to take up to 5 hours, but we will stop regularly to stretch the legs and have a look around. Antsirabe is an elegant city founded by Norwegian’s in 1856. It has a temperate climate and has a very European look and feel about it, including the local beer industry that makes it famous. Cycle approx. 38km. Accommodation: Plumeria Hotelor similarStandard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Ride to Ambositra, famous for its craft and woodwork. Departing Antsirabe we start with a very short transfer to Vinanikarena to avoid the hectic morning traffic within the city. This is a long day’s cycling with a few undulations including a 4km climb to the ‘Col de Tapia’, a type of tree resistant to bush fires that makes for some interesting scenery. The support vehicle is with us all day so a rest is available if needed. Today’s destination is Ambositra, the centre of Madagascar's wood carving industry. The highlands are characterised by its architecture; the houses are made with ornately carved wooden balconies and shutters with bright colours. Upon arrival, depending on timings, we may visit a Zafimaniry woodcarving workshop to learn all about this local art that is listed on the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (if there isn’t sufficient time today then the visit will take place the following morning). Cycle approx. 84km. Accommodation: Artisan Hotel or similar Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 To Ranomafana; thrilling descent through ravine canyon and rainforest. We have a lot of ground to cover today to get to the famed Ranomafana National Park. We’ll start the day with a transfer to Camp Robin before riding towards Ambohimahasoa. The landscape is still dominated by rice fields, pine forests, eucalyptus trees and jagged mountains. The last section, from Vohiparara, cruises downhill through a ravine canyon, with a tremendous view of the Namorona River and the rainforest, to our final destination of Ranomafana, our base for the next 2 nights. Cycle approx. 74km. Accommodation: Hotel le Grenat or similarStandard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Full day to explore the national park by foot; natural thermal baths and nocturnal walk. We have a day off the saddle today to explore Ranomafana National Park (approximately 40,000ha). With its rain-forested hills and abundant wildlife this has long been considered one of Madagascar’s highlights, and is one of the most heavily visited of the country’s national parks. Its entrance lies about 7km from Ranomafana village. Altitudes in the park range from 800m to 1200m. In addition to its densely forested hills, Ranomafana’s terrain is characterised by numerous small streams, which plummet down to the beautiful Namorona River. Although much of the region has been logged, the easternmost part of the park retains relatively large areas of primary forest. The morning will be spent walking through the park, learning about the abundant flora and fauna and in the early evening there will be the chance to go on a night-walk in the hope of spotting some the nocturnal lemurs and chameleons. Accommodation:Hotel le Grenat or similar Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 Cycle to cottage industries en route to the red-dust roads of Ambalavaro. We’ll start today with a 2 hour transfer to Fianarantsoa, which literally translates into ‘good education’ and is known locally as ‘the City where one learns good things’. It is regarded as the cultural and intellectual centre of Madagascar and is home to some of the oldest Protestant and Lutheran cathedrals on the island. We’ll start cycling here following a windy road to Ambalavao. Ambalavao is the centre of the Madagascan wine industry - the climate is said not to be ideal for grape vines but it is a tradition left by the priests and monks who lived in the area of Fianarantsoa. We climb a steady pass then enjoy a fabulous descent with great views before arriving in Ambalavao. Cycle approx. 56km. Accommodation:Tsienimparihy Lodge or similarStandard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 10 Continue through the hills and rock formations towards Horombe plateau. We’ll start cycling from the hotel today and pause to visit the small Anja nature reserve where we hope to see Ring-tailed Lemurs in their natural surroundings. Continuing on a straight road flanked by mountains we’ll head towards Ihosy, the capital of the Bara tribes. This nomadic tribe are shepherds to the prized Zebu cattle recognisable by their large horns. We’ll pass through the mountain chain of Andringitra, which serves as a transition between the dry south and the green highlands, with its famous ‘3 hillocks’ and its huge ‘archbishop's cape’. Along the way we’ll pass the ‘Bishop’s Hat’, a sacred place for local people as it is a place where their ancestors chose a collective suicide rather than to give in to the Merina tribes. On reaching the town of Zazafotsy we’ll jump on the bus for a transfer over the mountain-pass and then through the huge dessert-like ‘Plateau de Horombe’ famed for its deep red soil and sprawling savannah. Beyond the plateau we arrive in Isalo, our base for the next 2 nights. Cycle approx. 95km. Accommodation: Isalo Ranch or similarStandard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 11 Full day trekking in Isalo N.P.; explore canyons and cool off in natural waterfalls. Today we take a break again from our bikes for a hike in the stunning Isalo National Park. We spend the day exploring this vast region of wind-polished and water-scoured rock towers, deep canyons, gorges and oases often described as Eden. During our time we will go walking in the magnificent Canyon des Makis in search of cheeky Ring-tailed lemurs and the Verreaux's Sifaka. The eroded mountains also served as a place where the Bara kept their dead before they could bury them in their actual tombs. We start our walking and reach the massif after about 20 minutes, where we will have a spectacular view of the huge sandstone mountains with its beautiful colours and its strange and battered formations creating many different images like ‘the tortoise’, ‘the masks’ and ‘the crocodiles’. We also visit the 'Piscine Naturelle' (natural swimming pool), a beautifully lush spot in such an arid landscape, where we mayswim and relax. Perhaps the magic is just to soak up the sheer beauty of the park, the combination of coloured eroded rock forms, strange plants and enveloping silence make this one of the most captivating places in Madagascar. Accommodation: Isalo Ranch or similarStandard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 12 Cycle through bushland and thick forests; transfer to Tulear on coast. Today is our last day cycling and we ride from the hotel through the dramatic rock formations heading out of the national park. Leaving the canyon, the ride continues to the sapphire mining town of Ilakaka and through isolated forests that constitute the most important remnant of dry deciduous forest of Madagascar. After finishing the ride we transfer through Zombitse National Park and through areas known for flamboyantly painted ‘Mahafaly tombs’ and ‘Antandroy tombs’. From Tulear we’ll continue north of Ifaty to Ifaty beach, a seaside beach resort protected by coral reefs. The landscape is dominated by cactus-like plants and mangrove trees line the coast which is used by local Vezo communities that earn their livelihoods through fishing. Cycle approx. 65km. Accommodation: Hotel de la Plage or similarStandard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 13 Day of leisure on tranquil Ifaty beach overlooking a vast turquoise lagoon. Our hotel lies on the beach and today is a full free day to relax on the beach or take part in some optional activities. From July to mid-September there is the option to go whale watching as the migration of Humpback whales passes through to give birth in shallow warm waters. Situated in the largest lagoon of the country, the area is also protected by a large coral reef, which makes it an ideal place for diving and snorkelling. Accommodation:Hotel de la Plage or similar Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 14 Transfer to Tulear for flight back to Antananarivo. Today we transfer to Tulear airport for our flight to Antananarivo. Depending on the flight schedule, you may have some free time to explore Antananarivo on your own.Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport in the evening for the very early flight the next morning. Please note that flight delays on the internal flight are not uncommon - we suggest you do not book your international flights to depart before midnight. Meals included: Breakfast Day 15 Fly to London. Most flights depart for the airport in the early hours of the morning for a daytime flight to London. Flight schedules are subject to change so please check with your agent when booking. Meals included: Breakfast
Madagascar Visas are required for entry to Madagascar. 30-day tourist visas may be obtained at the airport on arrival. If obtaining a visa at the airport, you should ensure that an entry stamp is recorded in your passport. The visa fee is payable in US dollars or Euros (US$31/€28).
Madagascar There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Malaria prophylaxis is essential and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Hotels & Lodges We use tourist class hotels throughout the trip. The hotels are simple but comfortable. Most of the hotels have mosquito nets in the rooms. Please note that although all of the hotels are said to have a reliable electricity and water supply there may be instances in which you experience some gaps in supply - this is more a reflection of life in Madagascar than the standard of the hotel. Please be aware that some hotels do not have 24 hr electricity, and in some, hot water is not always available. There is WiFi in most of the hotels but often this is only in the communal areas and not in the rooms. Single accommodation is available on this trip for a supplement.
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Reviewed November 2017 LIz Bissett Trip: Cycle Madagascar A fabulous trip! We enjoyed the variety of the trip - completely different, magnificent scenery every day, comfortable hotels, good food (we're veggies and it can be a bit of a struggle in some countries), a really lovely group of fellow cyclists, a great leader, some challenging hills and lots of amazing descents. The bikes were excellent, safety was always stressed and the back-up team were great. There are always interesting situations in a developing country and these were solved efficiently - the most serious one on our trip was crossing a bridge that had collapsed five days before..... it all came well in the end. We've already booked our next Exodus trip! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Cycling 100 kms in one day - the furthest we'd ever cycled. Seeing lemurs on several occasions. Some of the long descents were absolutely wonderful. The warm welcome we received in every small village, with children keen to wave and greet us. A surprise visit to a village house for coffee. What did you think of your group leader? Mel was extremely good natured and efficient. Getting checked into each hotel was smooth and organised very quickly. He was at ease with everyone in the group (we ranged in age from early twenties to late sixties). He was encouraging and friendly and was happyfor us to cycle at our own pace. Everything on the trip ran very efficiently - a lot of thought and previous experience went into things such as ordering our meals a couple of hours early so that the small kitchens could cope. Suggesting and organising a group kitty for snacks en route and to pay tips in the hotels was really helpful. He emphasised safety regularly, particularly in damp weather and when the roads were steep with sharp bends. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you're cycling, a gel saddle cover or your own saddle is useful. Don't expect to see lemurs in the wild - we saw plenty, but only in National Parks. Don't expect great wi-fi! Do expect to see a lot of cloud/rain in the rainforest. Is there anything else you would like to add? A suggestion regarding Ifaty beach. A few of us walked to the nearby village with one of the hotel staff as our guide. We paid the hotel a small amount for this service. We agreed that travellers would be happy to pay twice as much and for some of the money to go to the village (whose water pump had failed).
Reviewed October 2017 Deborah Gibson-Smith Trip: Cycle Madagascar Cycling Madagascar This was our 5th Exodus cycling trip, and if like me you like a good balance between cycling and sightseeing, this is the trip for you! There was some non-cycling activity almost everyday, whether it be a short visit to some local handicraft workshop, swimming in natural pools or a half day hiking in the rain-forest. This trip combines all the best aspects of a cycling holiday: varied terrains, waving children, wildlife, interesting local culture, a large variety of non cycling activities, great guide. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Difficult to pick one thing, so I have chosen 3 things. -Seeing so many different types of Lemur, we saw Lemurs on 4 separate occasions. -The 10k downhill cycle through Ranomafana national park -Swimming in the natural pool at Liliha waterfall. There's nothing like a refreshing swim when you are hot from cycling. What did you think of your group leader? Armel (Mel) was great. He really loves his country and is personally involved in supporting the rural communities. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Credit cards are only accepted in Antananarivo, and ATM/Cash machines are few and far between, so planning money is a bit tricky. Taking extra Euros or dollars as a back up is an option. There were lots of picnics, some smart people in our group bought a foam garden kneeler to sit on. A sarong makes a good improvised changing room for the 2 natural swimming days. Is there anything else you would like to add? Make this your next Exodus cycling trip!
Reviewed September 2017 Katy Smith Trip: Cycle Madagascar Cycling in Madagascar This trip had everything we expected and so much more! Fantastic scenery which changed day by day, varied terrain from good roads to off road dirt tracks, geysers, waterfalls, natural swimming pools, beautiful coloured mountains, rain forest, savannah, lemurs, chameleons, great company, lovely friendly locals and a wonderful guide! The bikes were of excellent quality and were well maintained both before we started and during the trip. The accommodation was simple, clean and comfortable and the food was good with plenty of choice. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There are far too many to single out one but it was lovely to see so many different types of lemurs in their natural habitat, especially the tiny mouse lemur seen at night in the rain forest. The scenery was spectacular and there were many rewarding long descents following hot, slow climbs! Swimming in the natural pools was a fantastic experience and It was also lovely to be greeted in the villages by children running to the road, jumping up and down, waving and cheering! What did you think of your group leader? Mel was a wonderful guide. He was enthusiastic, great fun and very motivational. He was very knowledgeable about his country, its people and culture as well as the wild life. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he looked after us all extremely well. One day our progress was halted due to a collapsed bridge and he worked tirelessly through the night trying to find a way to continue the next day. Thankfully the bridge was repaired in record time and we were able to continue with only a slight reduction in kilometres! He has a great sense of humour and he is truly inspiring. His love of Madagascar and its people shines through! He is definitely one of the best Exodus guides we've had. He makes everyone feel special - including organising 2 birthday parties! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? All of the issues mentioned in previous reviews from last year have been addressed and the trip is now running like a well oiled machine. The bikes were of excellent quality and very well maintained both on arrival and during the trip. We had very few mechanical issues en route but those we had were sorted efficiently and effectively. Alain the bike mechanic was great. Is there anything else you would like to add? This trip now in its second year is one not to be missed. If you love cycling, a new country with varying scenery and lots of unusual wildlife then this is the trip for you. The local people in the villages are delighted to see you and you will be sad to leave!
Reviewed November 2016 Andre Mueller Trip: Cycle Madagascar Madagaskar cycling Altogether a good trip, would do it again! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing the people happy, although they are very poor (in western standard). What did you think of your group leader? Friendly and helpful, knows a lot about the nature and animals. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Bring your own moskito -net, because most hotels don't provide it. Avoid milk and cheese and yoghurt ..... Is there anything else you would like to add? You shortened the yourney for one day without telling ... meaning for nearly all of us one more (useless?) day in Antananarivo. - Quite angry about that, I must tell you!
Reviewed November 2016 Sarah Hoelting Trip: Cycle Madagascar Sarah Wonderful trip - still not perfect (since it was only the fourth one) .. but getting there What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Ranomafana - the rain forest What did you think of your group leader? Armel is a great tour leader and had everything under control at all times - he did a brilliant job. Excellent knowledge about the flora and fauna - knew every path and supplied us with lots of snacks (from the kitty). Do you have any advice for potential travellers? 1) Pack lots of disinfection spray 2) Sun factor 50 3) Pack antivomiting pills - 3/4 of the group got sick during the course of the trip 4) take something to give flavor to your drinking water Is there anything else you would like to add? The trip was originally 14 days long - than Exodus shortened it and we were left hanging there, not knowing if the last night would be included or not .... We tried to get in contact with Exodus and they told us that it's not their problem - we should talk to the company we booked it with. Several travelers had the same problem and I for my part did not think that with was handled very well. Our tour guide was brilliant and he successfully sorted it out - cheers Armel!
Reviewed November 2016 Brian Caplan Trip: Cycle Madagascar CYCLING HIGHLIGHTS IN MADAGASCAR To summarize, my cycling trip to Madagascar proved to be an extremely enjoyable experience. Great wildlife,exhilarating cycling,competent and enthusiastic tour leader and excellent Hotels.Even the weather in November was brilliant. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Downhill cycling through mountain terrain What did you think of your group leader? Extremely competent and enthusiastic.
Reviewed November 2016 Michael Hudson Trip: Cycle Madagascar Seeing rural Madagascar by bike This was an exciting trip, with varied scenery, and the lemurs don't disappoint! Madagascar is an intriguing country with rural life lived without much western influence. The population were universally friendly. This trip is fairly new and as such not as slickly run as other established trips elsewhere, but it's great nonetheless and Armel is very committed to sorting the fine detail. Good hotels, good food, good beer - A great choice - book it! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Roads were quite safe, with many Zebu and people power carts plus chickens, geese and a few extremely docile dogs. The scenery and village locations are often quite stunning, and the children endlessly enthusiastic for cyclists passing through. In the Parks it comes as quite a surprise when you first realise how close to the Lemurs you can get in the wild and how many different varieties you see; not to mention the snakes and reptiles. What did you think of your group leader? Armel was an excellent guide. He was always good humoured and enthusiastic. Quite rightly, he got us up fairly early every morning so that at least some of the cycling was before the hotter part of the day. His management of the snacks kitty was really good -he always managed to produce some surprises at the right moment to keep us going. He was also very supportive when anyone was unwell, giving good practical advice. Perhaps however, Armel needs more thought and presentational planning prior to the daily itinerary briefings. People do expect well explained details and background info, at the right moment. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? By early November the weather was getting hotter. It didn't spoil the cycling, but made it tougher. We used mosquito repellent liberally in the evenings, but in fact saw few mossies. Some of the cycling is fairly arduous but the bikes were comfortable and the low gears came in useful given the number of hills! Some hotels have pools and the natural pool (and BBQ) at Isalo is excellent. Don't miss the optional walk to the fishing village at the beach and the snorkelling trip via wind powered pirogue. Is there anything else you would like to add? Credit cards not really usable after Tana. Limited ATMs but probably adequate. Exodus recommended spending money about right but dodgy to manage if you stay on at the beach at the end (we extended a few days). Weak WiFi available every evening. Take hand gel and wipes. It will rain in the rain forrest but you will love it !
Reviewed November 2016 Francis King Trip: Cycle Madagascar Cycle Madagascar An astounding country to visit. The scenery was spectacular and various. The people very friendly and of course the wildlife unique. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The trek into the National Park. What did you think of your group leader? Fi (Finaritra) was very willing and helpful. He was however inexperienced which led to a few minor problems but he did cope very well over some confusion about return flights and accommodation. I would have liked to have heard and therefore learnt more about the country as we travelled from our guide. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Leave your smartphones in you luggage. Is there anything else you would like to add? My only real concern was the bikes. Ours was only the third trip for the bikes. They were more than adequate for the terrain but they were already showing signs of excessive wear. Not unurprising but the staff were very inexperienced with few tools (a plastic bag with a 14mm spanner, a couple of allen keys, a flat head and crosshead screwdriver, puncture repair kit and a pump) and virtually no spares. My multi-tool was used frequently. If a chain had broken or a derailleur had failed they would not have been able to cope. Cleaning the bikes in a river is a surefire way of decreasing the life of bottom brackets, hubs and derailleurs. Fortunately we escaped serious breakdown but future tours may not.
Reviewed October 2016 Sharre Fox Trip: Cycle Madagascar Madagascar Moments! What a fantastic trip. The country is just amazing with constantly changing scenery that was quite unexpected. The people took great delight in cheering us on and were only too happy to have their photos taken with the mad white people cycling in the heat of the day. The cycling was varied, undulations they call it, I call it hills! But the downhill was worth every uphill. One day was mainly off road so that was quite a challenge but very enjoyable. The hotels were brilliant, always had hot water and really nice rooms - much better than I anticipated. Also having 2 nights at several places was great. The seafood at Ifaty was fantastic as were the cocktails! The trip was graded as moderate when I booked but changed to moderate/challenging which is what I felt it was - but a great achievement finishing it in one piece. Madagascar is truly a wonderful country and still relatively undiscovered by tourists so cycling is the best way to really see it. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Not sure about inspirational but cycling the off road bits has to be my favourite. I had not really done much of this and thoroughly enjoyed it. Especially as at the geysirs we treated ourselves to a well deserved leg massage. What did you think of your group leader? Tahina was one of the best leaders I have had on an Exodus trip. He encouraged the group to ride at their own pace, stop to take lots of photos and generally just enjoy themselves. Being at the back most of the time he was very supportive and kept us amused. He was always around to help and nothing was a problem for him. Cannot rate him highly enough and his knowledge was amazing. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take lots of snacks from home - museli bars, energy tablets and sweets. The lunches were normally things you had brought from the supermarket or baguettes from the hotel and this did become a bit too much bread for most people so that would be the only thing I would change. Is there anything else you would like to add? Just do it!
Reviewed July 2016 Kelly Topliss Trip: Cycle Madagascar Finding King Julian! It was with some trepidation that I booked to go on the inaugural Madagascar cycle tour, but with only a couple of hiccups, I can quite honestly say this has been the best Exodus cycle tour I have been on. (My 4th). Madagascar is a country of such stunning natural beauty it will surely take your breath away. The trip had plenty of variety with 8 days of cycling & 2 superb days of trekking in 2 totally different National parks - the first Ranomafana - a lush jungle rainforest where everything smells damp & earthy & then Isalo Nat park which was in complete contrast with it's stunning rock formations & canyons & beautiful rich red hues of colour. Both were home to wild lemurs & having them join us for lunch at Isalo was the icing on the cake. They are cheeky & naughty & won't miss an opportunity to steal food. No two days of cycling were ever the same - the landscape constantly changes from beautiful valleys with terraced rice paddies & fields of assorted crops, colourful, noisy villages where the children fall about laughing hysterically at these white people riding bikes! Some real "off road" riding on dirt roads/tracks. Long stretches of road disappearing for miles in front of you, magestic rock formations & the hills! Madagascar is not flat & some days I'm sure we spent as much time going up as we did coming down! The gradients are not too bad though and on our lovely new bikes were easily manageable. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Our moment of reflection at Isalo National Park. Getting up close with lemurs in their natural surroundings. Breathtaking scenery & landscapes. The opportunity to see something of village life & how hard working the people are. What did you think of your group leader? Mel was an inspiration himself! He certainly had his work cut out for him from the start with 5 people off the group flight arriving minus their luggage & Exodus's brand new bikes sitting at the airport tied up in red tape. Luckily everyone was reunited with their gear by about day 2/3 & we finally got our lovely new bikes on day 4 after riding loan bikes hired virtually the day before we arrived. Mel went out of his way to ensure everyone was enjoying themselves. He always had a smile, a sense of humour & an aura of calmness even when everything could easily have gone pear shaped. He kept us well informed of any changes - like our flight from Tulear which changed from a late afternoon flight to a very early morning flight virtually within an hour! If there was something we wanted to do that wasn't necessarily in the itinerary (like an impromptu village visit) like a genie, Mel delivered! Over the course of our journey, he also became an expert at finding "lady bushes" - an essential skill when there are no "real" toilets virtually anywhere en route! Mel is so very passionate about his country & it is easy to see why. He also takes the most stunning photos! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? In June, be prepared for some cold, possibly wet days. There are few opportunities to dry wet clothes in these conditions ( no matter how quick drying your fabrics might be) so extra changes & plenty of warm layers are essential. Our snacks were plentiful & varied. Lunches were generally "picnics" so we would either stop at a supermarket or the hotel would make baguettes. Overall the food in Madagascar was good & reasonably cheap. Breakfasts were generally always eggs - fried, scrambled or omelette so if you have an aversion to them you can buy cereal at the supermarket. Is there anything else you would like to add? Put this trip at the top of your bucket list - you will not be disappointed. The variety, the wildlife, the scenery, the people (& Mel!) - this trip has it all.
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