Coast to Coast- Madagascar
A world first, trekking for three weeks from east to west across this magificent and unique island taking in some of the world's most unusual wildlife, spectacular scenery and the island's highest peak
The team is currently in Madagascar, to express interest in next years expedition, please contact us!
A world first, trekking for three weeks across this magificent and unique island taking in some of the world’s most unusual wildlife, spectacular scenery and the island’s highest peak.
The expedition will have two specific aims:
1. To summit Maromokotro – the highest peak on Madagascar and an extremely isolated and little gained summit.
2. To cross the world’s fourth largest island from east to west entirely by foot with minimal support.
Maromokotro (2,876m) is situated in the Tsaratanana Massif in the north of Madagascar. Although the massif is not at a hugely impressive altitude, it is an extremely isolated region where very few people have established settlements. We will travel through a variety of challenging terrain – from thick rainforest to dusty rockface – which combined with Madagascar’s powerful climate and susceptibility to tropical typhoons make this a region that is very difficult to visit and therefore all the more reason to attempt this epic crossing!
The varied terrain of this isolated region make this expedition truly remarkable. There are few expeditions that cross through such a wealth of ecosystems in such a short space of time giving us the chance to see the famed flora and fauna of Madagascar. The island harbours some 13,000 species of flowering plants of which a staggering 89% are endemic. On top of that, Madagascar is home to a huge array of birds, reptiles and mammals – most famously over 100 varieties of lemur.
Highlights:
• Climb Madagascar’s highest peak, Maromokotro (2,876m)
• The first unsupported foot crossing from Sambava to Nosy Be
• Spend almost half of the trip hiking without passing through a single village
• See any of the 200,000 species – including 105+ varieties of lemur – on the world’s oldest island
Expedition Details
- Duration:
- Group Size:
- Dates:
- Cost:
- 22 Days
- 10
- 12 May- 2 June 2012
- £2,870
ACCOMMODATION
We will be in basic guesthouses or village huts where they are available. However, the majority of the time will be spent wild camping. The accommodation will be by no means luxurious but the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of the region will make you wonder what appeal a posh hotel really has. Sleeping is unlikely to be an issue as our long, hard days hiking will wear out the hardiest of us.
FOOD
The food will consist mainly of local fare – rice and whatever fresh vegetables and meat we can get hold of. Trail food can mostly be bought locally but any particular favourites should be brought with.
TRANSPORT
Transport will be a combination of plane, minibus, vehicle and foot!
SUITABLE TEAM MEMBERS
Team members should be willing to be part of a team working together to achieve the goal of the expedition. They should have an adventurous and robust spirit. They should be very fit and healthy as this trip involves several continuous days of trekking in remote areas at altitudes of up to almost 3,000 metres. In a single day, we could be hiking up to 30km. Team members should be happy to live in tough conditions and not be phased by encounters with the local wildlife.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Full services of a Secret Compass expedition leader with local guides, experts and porters
- All meals
- All specialist and safety equipment
- All accommodation (including tents)
- All permits
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Local airport taxes
- Tips to local guides
- Alcoholic beverages & any costs of a personal nature
- International flights
- Personal equipment. (Upon booking you will receive a comprehensive kit list.)
