TRIPS IN THE PLANNING STAGE
24 DAY MADAGASCAR WILDLIFE SAFARI
This bespoke trip is aimed at photographers interested in visiting and photographing some amazing locations and exotic wildlife in one of the worlds most fascinating places - MADAGASCAR.
The entire trip has been put together by Steve, with photography very much the main item on the agenda. Plenty of time will be given in each location.. The trip is fairly 'full on' so don't expect a relaxing time lazing by the pool, this is a trip for people who want to see and photograph great wildlife and some great locations within a fairly short time frame of only 24 days.
Madagascar is 'THE' place for the true wildlife enthusiast. It doesn’t offer Botswana’s luxury or South Africa’s slick service. However, if you’re willing to polish up your French or learn a few phrases of Malagasy, brave occasional rain showers and dig out your walking boots, you’ll have the time of your life. From dawn to dusk you’ll be fascinated by everything from the leaf-tailed geckos to the striped tenrecs, the enormous indris to the tiny pygmy mouse lemurs. Isolated from the rest of the world, evolution has produced no large predators or animals deadly to humans and no venomous snakes, but a range of wildlife that is unique to just Madagascar. Here wildlife evolved on its own distinct path. Of Madagascar’s 200,000+ species, more than 82% are endemic.
Difficulty Rating: mostly 3, but 4 at times - because it's a fairly intense trip with a good deal of travelling and some long walks in remote desert and rainforest locations. (1= very easy 5=very hard)
ALL FLIGHTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THIS TRIP
PROPOSED ITINERARY:
Day 1 16th October 2012
We fly with Air France from Heathrow to ANTANANARIVO (TANA), the capital city of Madagascar (via Paris).
Day 2 17/10/12 - Tana
On arrival in Tana we will meet up with our guide and transfer to our hotel - The Relais des Plateaux, (overnight - Breakfast included)
In the afternoon we will take a 'city tour' to all the best viewpoints and sights of Tana.
Day 3 18/10/12 - Tana to Isalo National Park
After breakfast we will take the 10min drive to the airport in time for our one hour flight to Tulear on Madagascar's southwest coast. On arrival in Tulear we will be met by our guide and driven to Isalo National Park - a drive of about 4 hours. On arrival we will check into our hotel for the next 3 nights - the Relais de la Reine. Isalo is one of Madagascar's most beautiful and diverse national parks. Towering sandstone outcrops rise from parched grassy plains, which themselves fall into damp, fern covered canyons. Isalo is in a very arid area with some stunning semi-desert scenery. We will see amazing rock formations, canyons & deep gorges with streams, pools and waterfalls and some very strange plants & trees. Brown Lemurs, Verreaux's Sifaka, Ring-Tailed Lemurs and Black & White Ring-tailed Lemurs are all found here and are very easy to see. Also here are the Angogo (Knob-billed Duck), plus frogs, snakes and other reptiles.
Day 4 19/10/12 - Isalo National Park
A full day of guided walking in the park will allow you to explore one of Madagascar`s most diverse national parks. Very different to the lush tropical vegetation in the east, Isalo`s attraction is its vast rolling plains, broken up with mountains. The savannah of the Horombe Plateau is home to Bara tribe, and as well as the butterflies and dragonflies that flit amongst the grasses, we may also spot grazing zebu. Higher on the massif, aloes and elephant's-foot plants cling to the rock face, and tapia trees are amongst the few that can survive the frequent bush fires. September through till December are the warmest months in the park, and are the best for seeing the wildlife at it's most active. Snakes bask in the warm sun, migrant birds arrive from North Africa and Europe, and the lemurs give birth in September. It can be extremely hot in the middle of the day, so some of the longer walks in the park can be particularly challenging.
Day 5 20/10/12 - Isalo National Park
Another full day to explore Isalo with our guides. Isalo is sacred to the Bara tribe, and amongst the rock formations, piles of stones in crevices high in the cliff face mark traditional burial sites. The arid rocky landscape is broken by deep canyons, where waterfalls tumble into clear tropical pools and ferns cling to the moist rocks. In the deciduous woodland around the canyons ring-tailed and red-fronted brown lemurs can be seen, as well as Verreaux's Sifaka. Birding is also rewarding, and we have a good chance of spotting the endemic Benson's rock thrush.
Day 6 21/10/12 - Isalo to Anakao
Today we travel south to Anakao. Our day starts after breakfast with a guided drive from Isalo to Tulear and on to Anakao. The canyons and cliff faces of the park give way to grassy open plains, broken only by the occasional sapphire mining town. Hopeful prospectors have built these towns, and the gems are for sale in the rustic shops. Moving on from the 'sapphire area' we pass through the forest of Zombitse National park and we may be able to see white sifaka just walking along the road. The landscape becomes greener, and we see the first baobabs. Along the drive we will pass from Bara to Saklava country, and we will notice their large square tombs just beside the road. The journey should take around fours hours in total, all of it on a good tarmac road with frequent stops. Anakao is a Vezo fishing village around fifty kilometres south of Tulear. The terrible roads heading south make boat the best way to reach Anakao. So, on arrival in Tulear we will board a speedboat for the transfer from Tulear down the coast to Anakao. The inaccessibility of the village means that the modern world has largely passed Anakao by. Our hotel for the next 2 nights is the Anakao Ocean Lodge (Sea view villas / Breakfast & Dinner included)
Day 7 22/10/12 - Anakao & Tsimanampetsotse National Park
There are a number of activities we can do during our time at Anakao. The main focus is the nearby Tsimanampetsotse National Park. This is an arid 'Spiny' Forest with many strange Baobab Trees, some of which are reputed to be 3000 years old. Nearby there are some beautiful caves, one of which harbours an endemic species of fish that is totally blind. From the top of the ridge there are spectacular views over a saline lake that for much of the year contains a very large number of flamingos and many other birds, including many coastal species. Please be aware that this is one of the hottest parts of Madagascar, so take a sun hat as well as high factor sun cream.
Day 8 23/10/12 - Anakao to Tulear
Today we will have the morning at leisure to relax on the beach or maybe take an optional (cost not included) boat trip to the tiny island of Nosy Ve. This tiny island has a white sand shoreline, and is home to hundreds of tropic birds. After lunch we will transfer by boat back to Tulear where we will overnight at the Hotel Victory (Breakfast & Dinner included).
Day 9 24/10/12 - Tulear to Morondava to Kirindy National Park
Today we will fly from Tulear to the coastal town of Morondava arriving mid morning. We will be met on arrival and driven up to Kirindy, stopping on route at the 'Avenue of Baobabs' where we will have time to explore. This is where the iconic views of Madagascar's famous Grandidier's Baobabs are taken. The Avenue of Baobabs is about 45mins from town. We also pass through Les Baobabs Amorureux (a further 30 mins) and pass the Sacred Baobab, before arriving at Kirindy in the mid afternoon. We may have time to enjoy a walk in the national park before dinner.
Our accommodation for the next two nights is the very basic Kirindy Lodge (Breakfast & Dinner included). NOTE: This is the only accommodation in this remote area. It is also known as Gite de Kirindy. It is usually a hot place to stay. Kirindy is primarily a place for researchers, however there are twenty rustic bungalows and each has a double or twin beds, mosquito net, candle, table and a chair. The beds are not very comfortable as they consist of a thin mattress and frame. Blankets are provided. The bungalows have simple 'bucket' showers inside and a squat toilet. Electricity is from a generator and is only available between 6pm and 10pm at night. Torches are therefore essential.
Kirindy National Park is one of the most outstanding wildlife habitats in Madagascar, so a couple of nights 'roughing it' will be worth it. Kirindy hold the world record for primate density among forests of comparable size.
Day 10 25/10/12 - Kirindy National Park
A full day to enjoy guided excursions in Kirindy N.P. Kirindy is the best place in Madagascar to see the elusive fossa and at this time of year we may be lucky enough to see one. Several species, such as the giant jumping rat, are only found here. Other notable species include the narrow-stripped mongoose. There are 8 species of lemur: pygmy mouse lemur, grey mouse lemur, red-tailed sportive lemur, pale forkmarked lemur, Coquerel's dwarf lemu, fat-tailed dwarf lemur, Verreaux's sifaka and red-fronted brown lemur. Several tenrec species, including common tenrec, lesser hedgehog tenrec and large-eared tenrec are all present.
Birders will find Kirindy very rewarding with Coquerel's Coua, Crested Coua, Sicle-billed Vanga, Cuckoo Roller, Vasa Parrot, Grey-headed Lovebird and Madagascar Nightjar just a few of the birds present. There are varied reptiles with numerous plated lizards, Oustalet's chameleon, one-horned chameleon, leaf-tailed geckos and more. The reserve is easy to explore on foot with good to moderate walking trails.
Day 11 26/10/12 - Kirindy to Andasibe
Today we will be met by our driver and transferred back to Morondava (approx. 2 hours) for our one hour flight to Tana. We will be met at the airport by our new guide and driven through the countryside from Tana to Andasibe (Perinet), a dive of about 4 hours. The road is pretty good, although the last half hour is on dirt track and will be much slower, but the scenery and cool mountain air are wonderful. On arrival we will check into our hotel for the next 3 nights, the Vakona Forest Lodge (Breakfast & Dinner included). We will have the rest of our day at leisure. During our stay we will spend an evening enjoying a night walk on the edge of the Perinet reserve. Here you are likely to find tiny mouse lemurs, dwarf lemurs and lots of frogs as well as more weird and wonderful nocturnal wildlife.
This area can cause confusion as it has so many names. The park is made up of two protected areas - the Analamazaotra (pronounced An-al-a-mazoo-tra) Reserve which is also known as Perinet and/or Andasibe which are the French and Malagasy names of the nearest town. The second protected area is the Mantadia National Park and this is located about 40 minutes away from Perinet and, fortunately, only has the one name. Analamazaotra is the place to see and hear the indri, while down the road in Mantadia you find the diademed sifaka and black & white ruffed lemur. From September to December the rainfall is low and lemur viewing is very good. The area receives 1750mm of rain a year, so we can expect the odd rain shower.
Day 12 27/10/12 - Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
A full day to explore Perinet, visiting the indri in the early morning as well as the other lemur species found in this area. In the afternoon we explore the park further, looking out for the numerous reptiles found here and wandering through the wonderful vegetation that this park is home to. Andasibe is a Tropical Rainforest and is the best place on Madagascar to see the Indre - the largest of the lemurs. There are also 8 other species of Lemur here, plus lots of Chameleons including the 2ft long Parsons Chameleon. There are also lots of frogs - 84 species. !!
The Giant Malagasy Tree Boa that's up to 7ft long is common here. The bird life is fantastic, with 108 types of birds including Red-Fronted Coucals, Sunbirds, Madagascar Flufftail, and the Madagascar Long-Eared Owl. Big colourful Butterflies are also common.
Day 13 28/10/12 - Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Another full day exploring the Perinet or maybe Mantadia National Park. Located further away (about 40mins) from the town of Andasibe means that the national park of Mantadia receives relatively few visitors. The trails are more rugged compared to the Perinet reserve. The park covers an area of 10,000 hectares and there are a handful of well constructed trails, but visitors will need to be prepared for an active search for the wildlife.
The park is a home to the red bellied lemur and black & white ruffed lemur, neither of which are found in the Perinet reserve. The Park also has some great bird watching opportunities including the Scaly Ground-rollers and Red Breasted Coua.
Day 14 29/10/12 - Andasibe to Tana
Today we will head out early in the morning to explore the Perinet further for a few hours before we head back to the capital, Tana. We overnight at the Relais des Plateaux (Breakfast only)
Day 15 30/10/12 - Tana to Amber Mountain National Park
This morning we take the short transfer to the Airport and take the 90min flight to Diego in the far north of Madagascar.
On arrival we meet our guide and take a 40min drive to the small town of Joffreville. On our drive through the countryside, keep a look out for chameleons - there are often quite a number in the vegetation on the side of the road.
Just out of town, we check into the Litchi Tree Hotel for 3 nights (Breakfast & Dinner included) - This small boutique hotel has some great views and is just 4km from the entrance to Amber Mountain National Park . Afternoon walk around local area.
Day 16 1/11/12 - Amber Mountain National Park
Full day guided walks in Amber Mountain National Park. Amber Mountain NP is an area of Cloud Forest on the side of an extinct volcano. The park is as exciting for its plants as for its animals, with huge strangler figs, quinine trees, pallisander trees, enormous tree-ferns and birds-nest ferns. It is a great place to explore if you are a keen botanist. The birds are wonderful too, even for non-birders, look out for the Madagascar Crested Ibis, the Paradise Flycatcher with its long trailing tail feathers and the Madagascar Ground Roller. Wildlife enthusiasts will not be disappointed. There are seven lemur species in the park, including the crowned lemur and Sanford's brown lemur. If you look carefully in the forest floor you might see the leaf-mimic chameleon (only about 2cm long) whilst on the low branches you often see a variety of other chameleons. Frogs, lizards, butterflies, and pill millipedes, which roll into perfect balls, are here in abundance. Fossa are also present but much harder to see. (Lunch included)
Day 17 2/11/12 - Amber Mountain National Park
Full day exploring Amber Mountain National Park. The temperature in the park is cooler than in Diego as it is at altitude. One of the most rewarding times to visit is from September to the end of November. There will be some rain, but most animals are active and visible and the lemurs will have babies. (Lunch Included)
Day 18 3/11/12 - To Ankarana National Park
Today we will leave Amber Mountain and head towards Ankarana special reserve, driving through some stunning scenery along the way (3-4 hours).We will pass through an area renowned for its rice farming. Paddy fields line the road and you often see zebu ploughing the fields. Upon arrival at Ankarana we will check into our hotel for the next two nights, the Relais de l' Ankarana (Breakfast & Dinner included), after some relaxation we will take an afternoon stroll with our guide to start to explore this very unusual, but fantastic park. The months of October, November, and December are excellent for seeing wildlife. Snakes comes out to bask in the sunshine, migratory birds arrive from the North Africa, and the lemurs are at their most energetic and easily spotted.
Day 19 4/11/12 - Ankarana National Park
A full day to explore Ankarana Special Resreve including the famous 'Stingy Limestone Kerst Rock
Pinnacles' Here 11 types of Lemurs including Crowned Lemurs, Standford's
Lemur and Black Sifaka, are all very easy to see. We will cross the 'Hanging
Bridge', a robe bridge over a deep canyon and visit 'Green Lake'. There
are many caves and overhangs that are home to bats, gecko, 22 species of frogs and
the worlds only cave dwelling crocodile. The area also has many birds species
including the Crested Ibis, Spectacled Greenbul and White-throated Oxylabes.
Day 20 5/11/12 - Ankarana to Ankify and on to Nosy Komba
This morning we will be able to enjoy another walk in the Ankarana before driving to the small fishing village of Ankify. This takes around 2½ hours. The views on this journey are particularly worthwhile, one minute rolling open plains and the next lush tropical rainforest. You'll pass villages, brightly coloured schools and cross rivers where children jump in and out of the water and the day's laundry is done. Most of the journey is on a good tarmac roads, though the last 20 minutes or so are a little more bumpy. From here we will catch a boat across to Nosy Komba, As you leave the port you have beautiful views across the bay. Looking back you can see the sandy beaches of Madagascar's mainland coast. The trip over to Nosy Komba takes about 20 minutes. When we arrive at Nosy Komba the boat will pull up on the beach and we wade to the shore. We can check-in and settle into our rooms before enjoying dinner on the beautiful terrace of our hotel for the next three nights - the Jardin Vanille (Breakfast & Dinner included).
Nosy Komba is a beautiful island a few kilometres away from the larger island of Nosy Be. Tall green hills rise from the water dramatically, there are small sandy coves surrounded by granite boulders, small fishing villages under mango trees and out on the water fishermen in pirogues.
Day 21 6/11/12 - Nosy Komba
Nosy Komba is a beautiful tropical island with great beaches, secluded coves, lagoons and reefs - great for snorkelling.
Today we can enjoy a short boat trip to Nosy Tanikely and the marine reserve - Snorkelling on the reef or just relaxing on the beach. This is an idyllic little uninhabited island, just south of Nosy Be which has no buildings on it except a solitary lighthouse. The island is a marine reserve and in the crystal clear water you can see great coral in shallow water with a wide variety of fish, turtles, rays, starfish, anemones, lobsters and much more. At low tide you can walk right around the island, keeping a lookout for Madagascar Flying Foxes that roost in the trees.
Day 22 7/11/12 - Nosy Komba
Another day to relax on the beach, go snorkelling or pehaps enjoy a guided walk into the interior of the island where we may see some Black Lemurs, Chameleons and some good bird life. As the day trip boats from Nosy Bee land on the beach and the tourists spill out, they come across dusty roads lined with embroidered tablecloths, brightly coloured woven baskets and wooden carvings. All the tourists head straight for the Ampangorinana Lemur Park where they can view a rather lonely boa, some chameleons and the group of habituated black lemurs.
Fortunately, almost all the tourists that come across to Nosy Komba just go to Ampangorinana, which means the rest of the island is untouched and idyllic. There are numerous small coves to explore as well as a myriad of paths that lead you up into the hills where you can view lemurs, whilst not as close, totally on your own.
Day 23 8/11/12 - Nosy Komba to Tana
Today we can spend most of the day relaxing at the lodge. We will be transferred by boat back to Nosy Be mid afternoon in time to connect with our flight back to Tana, a flight of around 45 minutes (it isusually scheduled for 45 mins to a hour, but if we are in one of the larger aircraft the pilots can do it in 35 minutes!). We arrive in time for dinner at the Relais des Plateaux.
Day 24 9/1/12
Fly back to the UK via Paris with Air France.
WEATHER
Madagascar runs over several latitudes and has a varied climate.
August to the end of November is the best time to visit Madagascar. October/November is a very good time to be in Madagascar as the weather is at it's best, the jacarandas are in flower and many of the lemurs have young.
The east side of the country is in it's driest period with only a fraction of the rain seen in the wet season, however the eastern rainforests can see sporadic rain at any time of year. It will be fairly hot at about 30C during the day with high humidity.
The north and north western side of the island is perfect with warm sunny days with virtually no chance of rain and much lower humidity. The cloud forest at Amber Mountain will be slightly cooler with lower humidity due the it's higher elevation.
The central, western and south of the island are very hot and dry with virtually no chance of rain, low humidity and daytime temperatures of around 32-40C. However at night the temperatures can drop to 12-15C, so a warm fleece may be required.
Time Difference
GMT + 3 hours
Flight time from UK - 12 Hours
Group size - Max. 6 plus your tour leader - Steve Allen.
Estimated price of this Bespoke Safari:
£6750 per person - Each person will have a single or double room to themselves throughout the trip
ALL FLIGHT ARE INCLUDED: All 4 International Flights with Air France & all 5 Domestic flights within Madagascar
ALSO INCLUDED: All the accommodation costs, private transfers, guides, drivers, park fees, permits, excursions and most meals.
NOT INCLUDED: Visa costs, Your Travel & Equipment Insurance, Airport Departure Taxes, Hotel Extras (phone calls, bar bills, restaurant bills for meals not included in the itinerary, Spa, laundry etc), Tips, Any travel to and from Heathrow Airport, Any other incidental costs, Gifts & items of a personal nature.
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24 DAY FAR EAST ADVENTURE - January 2013 THIS TRIP IS ON HOLD FOR NOW
Prices quoted are Estimated as exact 2013 costs are not yet available for some parts of the trip.
This bespoke trip is aimed at photographers interested in visiting and photographing exotic, historic, & cultural locations in one of the worlds most fascinating regions. This bespoke trip has been put together by Steve, with photography very much the main item on the agenda. Plenty of time will be given in each location and in most, instead of tramping round in a group, there will be the option to explore individualy and meet up at a specified place and time. The trip is fairly 'full on' so don't expect a relaxing time lazing by the pool, this is a trip for people who want to see and photograph a large number of world class sights within a fairly short time frame of only 24 days.
Highlights: Beijing - The Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven.
Harbin Ice Festival, Siberian Tigers in the Snow
Hong Kong
Bangkok - The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and all the major sights.
Myanmar (Burma) - Yangon, Pagan, Hot Air Balloon flight, Pegu, Mt Popa, Mandalay. (*see travel note at foot of page)
Cambodia - Angkor Wat, Ta Phrom, Bayron Temple etc.
Difficulty Rating: 3 - because it's a fairly intense trip with a good deal of travelling in both hot & very cold climates. (1=easy 5=hard)
ALL FLIGHTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THIS TRIP
FULL ITINERARY:
DAY 1 - 10th January 2013
Our group will all meet up in T5 at Heathrow airport prior to our departure at 13.30 to fly with British Airways direct to Beijing (9hrs 35min).
DAY 2 - 11th January
We arrive in Beijing at 10.25 local time. From the airport we are taken by private transfer to our hotel, the Hotel Peninsula Beijing. This deluxe 5 star hotel will be our base for the next 3 nights. This sumptuous hotel is located right in the centre of Beijing close to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square and also the main shopping & entertainment district. The Hotel has a large indoor swimming pool, gym, spa and sauna, plus restaurants offering western, Imperial Chinese and Cantonese cuisines. After checking in we will have some free time to settle in and then have lunch before a late afternoon visit to Tiananman Square in time to photograph the illuminated buildings around the square, including the Great Hall of the People, Mao's Mausoleum and the Gate of Heavenly Peace with it's huge portrait of Chairman Mao.
DAY 3 - 12th January
Full day private tour of all of Beijing's top sights. First we return to Tiananmen Square to go to the entrance of the Forbidden City, passing through the Gate of Heavenly Peace under Mao's portrait. The Forbidden City is the largest and most complete group of ancient buildings in China. Built in the 15th century, the Imperial Palace was a forbidden area for over 500 years until the revolution of 1911. We will wonder through the sprawling grounds from south to north , visiting and photographing the ancient pavilions and squares that were laid out between 1406 & 1420 by up to 2 million labourers. After lunch (included) we visit the Temple of Heaven in Tiantan Gongyuan Park. This spectacular Ming Dynasty temple is one of the most iconic sights of Beijing. The temple dates from 1420, it's wooden pillars supporting a curved roof to a hight of 38 meters. The temple, surrounding altars, buildings, gates and the rest of the park are a popular meeting place for local people to enjoy Tai-Chi, meditate or play chess. Next it's a short visit to an area were a few traditional streets and houses (Hutong's) have been preserved. Before we head back to our hotel in the late afternoon, we will visit one or two of the more spectacular illuminated Olympic buildings to photograph them just as it's going dark. Dinner in the hotel restaurant.
DAY 4 - 13th January
This morning we set off on a full day private excursion to a very special section of The Great Wall of China at Jinshanling. There are two much closer areas of the wall it is possible to visit from Beijing, but both can be very busy and are somewhat over-commercialized. The section we will visit is a 3 hour drive from Beijing, but we will be rewarded by a beautiful section of the wall that snakes off as far as the eye can see in both directions over great mountain scenery. Better still, we could well be the only people there ! At this time of year and this high in the mountains we should get the chance to do something a little different, photograph the wall in the snow. We will have lunch in a local restaurant (included) before heading back to Beijing, stopping on the way should any of the passing countryside take our interest.
DAY 5 - 14th January
An early breakfast this morning before we are taken by private transfer to the airport for our 1hr 40min China Airways flight to Harbin in the far north east of China. Harbin is close to the Russian border (Siberia) and at this time of the year is VERY cold. This makes it the ideal venue for something really spectacular - The Habin Ice Festival. On arrival in Harbin we will have a private transfer to our hotel for the next two nights, the Hotel Shangri La (5 star). After checking in we have a little free time to have lunch and settle in before a 4pm visit to the Ice Festival. I could write a long discription of the festival here, but a visit to this link will show you far more. (Yes, the buildings are made of ice and yes, they do light up!). We will stay in the area until well after dark to photograph the illuminated ice structures. Wrap up warm!!
DAY 6 - 15th January
After a leisurely breakfast our private vehicle will take us to Zhaolin Park, which during the festival also has hundreds of ice sculptures. then we will visit Sun Island and The Siberian Tigers. Plenty of time to photograph the tigers in fairly natural looking surroundings. Before returning to the hotel for lunch we will visit the Russian style Basilica of St. Sophia. This church is built in the same style as the one in Red Square in Moscow, with large colourful 'onion domes'. After lunch we have a little free time to explore the area near the hotel or just stay in the hotel and keep warm. In the late afternoon we will again visit the main part of the Ice Festival. It really will need two visits to have time to take all the photographs you will want to take in the huge area covered by the festival.
DAY 7 - 16th January
Today we have to do a fair bit of travelling as we start to head south to warmer climes. We will be collected from our hotel at about 6.45am and taken by private transfer to the airport for our 2 hour China Airlines flight to Hangzhou, arriving at 11.30am. From here we fly at 13.40 direct to Hong Kong. This is another 2 hour China Airways flight arriving at 15.40 local time. We will have a private transfer from the airport to our hotel in Kowloon. Our hotel for the next 3 nights is one of the worlds top hotels, the 5 star Intercontinental Hotel. Located right on the edge of HK Harbour on the very tip of the Kowloon peninsula, it has world class views of the HK skyline from many of it's rooms and from the roof terrace. (small supplement for harbour view rooms). The hotel has all the things you would expect from a top hotel, including a seafood restaurant that is said to be among the best in the world, along with other western and oriental restaurants that all offer outstanding harbour views. After checking in we can set off as a group or individually to explore the area near the hotel on foot. A two minute walk will take us to the Nathan Road in Tsim-Sha-Tsui, an area of shops, restaurants and bars with thousands of neon signs reaching out above the road to try and catch your eye.
DAY 8 - 17th January
After a fabulous breakfast overlooking the harbour we head out on foot to explore the city. First we head across the street from the hotel to the Star Ferry terminal were we catch the ferry across to Hong Kong Island (ticket fee approx 30p) This is an adventure in itself, with great views of both HK & Kowloon skylines during the short harbour crossing. We can visit the wet market (very photogenic), the Hollywood Road area, the Man-Mo Taoist Temple, and maybe catch one of HK's famous trams down to the Wanchi District. In the afternoon we can travel across HK Island to Aberdeen Harbour by taxi (very cheap in HK) to photograph the famous 'Floating Restaurants' (we can also have dinner here too)
DAY 9 - 18th January
Today we head out of the city to a more tranquil area of Hong Kong. We take a taxi to Lantau island, crossing the causeway bridge onto the island. At Tung Chung we take a cable car (tickets extra) for the 4 mile ride over the island to the Po-Lin Monastery. Apart from the temple itself the other big attraction is the 'Big Buddha'. This massive 85ft high bronze statue sits atop a hill with a flight of 268 stairs to reach it's base. The area around it's base has many smaller statues of deities and commands a great view of the surrounding area. We will head back to Kowloon to our hotel in the early afternoon. After lunch we have some free time to explore as you wish, but we need to re-group in time to head back across to HK Island in time to take the Peak Funicular Railway (tickets extra) up to the summit of Victoria Peak for the sunset. The view from the peak is one of the most famous, looking out over the skyscrapers of HK Island and across the harbour to Kowloon. As the sun sets the city lights up to give an amazing spectacle. There are some restaurants at the peak complex were we can have dinner or we can head back down into the city.
DAY 10 - 19th January
Very early start this morning before our private transfer to the airport for the short flight to Bangkok in Thailand. Our Cathay Pacific flight departs at 9.10am arriving at Bangkok at 11am local time. We will be met and taken by private transfer to our hotel for the next two nights, the Royal Orchid Sheraton were we have deluxe river view rooms. This award winning 5 star hotel is in a great location right on the banks of the mighty Chao Phaya River, just 10 min by long tail boat or water taxi from the Grand Palace and many of Bangkok's historic attractions. There is a large pool and a riverside terrace, a spa, gym, and a private dock. After we check in we have a little free time to explore the grounds before lunch. After lunch we can take a water taxi or a long tailed boat for the short trip over the river to visit Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn (taxi cost extra). This magnificent temple is at the waters edge and is very photogenic.
DAY 11 - 20th January
Today we have a driver and vehicle at our disposal for a full day of sightseeing. After breakfast we leave the hotel and head to Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple) an outstanding example of Thai architecture that houses an exquisite backlit Buddha statue. Next we visit the Grand Palace Complex (entrance fee & some camera restrictions), visiting Wat Phra Keo which houses the sacred Emerald Buddha, the Dusit Throne Hall, the Aphonphimok Pavillion and a host of smaller temples, statues and pavillions that make up this incredible complex. Close by is the huge Wat Pho complex. This is a very large complex of temples, statues and stupas in beautiful gardens. It's main attraction is the colossal 150ft bronze reclining Buddha housed in the Wihan. Another smaller golden Buddha is to be found in the main Bot. Our next stop is Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha) which houses the worlds largest Solid Gold Buddha, it is 13ft high, made of 18 carat gold and weighs 5 tons. A more relaxing visit next, Dusit Park. This magnificent Royal park has beautiful manicured gardens and many interesting old buildings and pavillions (entrance fee). Sometime during all this sightseeing we will also find time for some lunch. In the late afternoon we will return to the hotel. There will be free time in the evening to recover from a hard days sightseeing before we have dinner in one of the hotel restaurants or out in the city.
DAY 12 - 21 January
After a leisurely breakfast and some free time, we will be collected by our private transfer to go to the airport for the 15.10 Bangkok Airways (1hr.20) flight to Yangon in Myanmar (Burma). We arrive in Yangon at 4pm were our private transfer will take us to our hotel for the next two nights, the Savoy Hotel. This five star colonial boutique hotel has only 30 deluxe rooms and is located very close to the Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar's "twinkling wonder",. All the rooms express the charm of "the old days" with traditional Myanmar antiques, teak furniture and spacious bathrooms. The pool with it's lounge area makes the Savoy Hotel a silent oasis in the middle of the city. As we arrive quite late we will just relax around the hotel before having dinner in the evening in the hotel restaurant or on the terrace above the landscaped gardens.
DAY 13 - 22nd January
After breakfast we set off on the mornings sightseeing. We travel by private vehicle to Bago (Pegu), the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, the Hlegu Rice fields, the Naga Buddha, the Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha and Mahazedi Pagoda. All these sights are fairly close to each other and can all be visited before we have lunch (included). In the afternoon we visit the Maha Wizaya Paya and Shwedagon Pagoda. This is one of the highlights of our time in Burma and we will spend a good few hours at this amazing location in both late afternoon light and after dark. We then return to our hotel in plenty of time for dinner.
DAY 14 - 23rd January
This morning we will have some free time and can maybe re-visit the close by Shwedagon Pagoda in morning light, before our transfer by air to Bagan (Flight time not available yet - will update when I can). On arrival in Bagan we will have a private transfer to our hotel for the next three nights, the 'Hotel at Tharabar Gate' This luxury hotel is located right in front of the legendary Tharabar Gate of the 10th century city and overlooks the Anandar Temple. Afternoon walk to nearby temples (more details of this afternoons sightseeing to follow - when I know arrival times etc). This evening we have dinner in one of the hotels restaurants.
DAY 15 - 24th January
Up and out very early today to start our day of adventure with a fantastic one hour Hot Air Balloon ride (optional - see below) over the temples of Bagan as the sun rises. (Link to U-Tube Video). Then, after breakfast, we embark on a full day private guided tour of some of the hundreds of temples, pagodas and stupas that make up the historic ancient capital of the early Burmese Kingdoms. The temples etc cover an 'archaeological zone' of over 26 sq miles. Three highlights are the Shwezigon Pagoda (largest), the Thatbyinnyu (tallest) and the Dhammayangyi Temple. We will have lunch in a local restaurant (included). In the evening we will enjoy a 'sunset cruise' on the Bago River.
Day 16 - 25th January
After breakfast we set off on a private full day excursion to Mt Popa, known as the 'Mt Olympus of Burma'. This dramatic volcanic rock escarpment is 4980ft high and is located 30 miles (1 hour) southeast of Bagan. We will climb the 777 winding steps to the very top to visit some of the 37 'Nats' or shrines around the temples. But don't worry too much about the climb, it's much cooler here than in Bagan and we will also stop half way up to have lunch at the Mt Popa Resort (included). The restaurant and terrace at this small luxury hotel have spectacular views. (anyone not wishing to climb to the very top can relax here) then we return to Bagan and our hotel in plenty of time for dinner.
DAY 17 - 26th January
Today we fly to Mandalay (details to follow when flight times are published) On arrival in Mandalay we will have a private transfer to our hotel for the next two nights, the five star 'Mandalay Hill Resort'. The hotel has panaramic views of a myriad of pagodas, the Royal Palace and it's beautiful moat. Facilities include a selection of restaurants, bars, an extensive spa, swimming pool and fitness centre. Mandalay is located on a wide bend in the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River and is Burma's second largest city. (more details of this afternoons sightseeing to follow when I know arrival times etc). This evening we have dinner in one of the hotels restaurants.
DAY 18 - 27th January
After breakfast we set off on a full day private guided tour of all the major sights around Mandalay. These include: Shwenandaw Pagoda, the Mahu Muni Buddha which is covered in gold leaf and contains the worlds largest book. We visit the very picturesque U-Bein Bridge followed by a sunset visit to the top of Mandalay Hill to take in the view over the Royal Palace and it's huge moat as the sun sets. (lunch at a local restaurant is included). Back to the hotel in plenty of time for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
DAY 19 - 28th January
This morning we fly back to Yangon (details to follow when flight times are published) On arrival in Yangon we have a private transfer to our hotel for just one night - the Savoy Hotel again. (More details of the days sightseeing activites to follow when I know arrival times etc).
DAY 20 - 29th January
Today starts with an early breakfast before a private transfer to the airport for the short flight (1hr 25) to Bangkok, arriving 12.50 local time. Then at 13.55 we fly with Bangkok Airways to Siem Reap in Cambodia arriving 14.55 We will be met at the airport and have a private transfer to our hotel for 3 nights, the 'Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa' . This luxury hotel is quiet and refined, built in the 1930's style with local Khmer touches. Located in the heart of Siem Reap, opposite the Royal Gardens, most of the rooms have a balcony facing the extensive pool and spa. After checking in we will just have time for a quick 'sunset' visit to nearby Angkor Wat. Today we will really only go to the gateway across the moat of this huge complex, in time to photograph the sunset behind the temple. We will explore the complex fully in the morning. Angkor Wat is the largest of the Angkor Temples and is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking!
DAY 21 - 30th January
Probably the best time to visit Angkor Wat is in the early morning just after the dawn, when the light is good, it's cooler and it's relatively quiet. We will have a very quick early breakfast before heading out to the temple to spend most of the morning exploring this vast complex. Next we will travel the few miles to the temples of Ta Phrom. This complex is hugely atmospheric due to the fact that is has been left untouched and not restored. The jungle has reclaimed the temple, with huge tree trunks and vines entwined through the centuries-old stonework. About midday we will return to the hotel for lunch followed by free time to rest and relax for the rest of the afternoon.
DAY 22 - 31st January
After a leisurely breakfast we set off visit Angkor Thom & the Elephant Terrace, followed by the Bayon Temple. This is the temple with the 37 huge stone 'heads' that look in all directions. In the early afternoon we will return to the hotel in plenty for time for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free time to relax by the pool, visit the spa or go out on your own to further explore the area. In the evening we will gather in the restaurant for dinner on this our last night in South East Asia.
DAY 23 - 1st February
Relaxing morning with free time explore further if you wish. We need to vacate our rooms by 12.00 and then take a leisuely lunch prior to our private transfer (about 5.30pm) to the airport for the short flight back to Bangkok at 19.30 arriving in Bangkok at 20.55 followed by our long haul flight with Qantas (QF1) back to London Heathrow (12hr 40min)
Day 24 - 2nd February
We depart Bangkok at 00.45 and arrive in London Heathrow at 06.25 UK time.
**Anyone interested prior to my fully advertising this trip, please register there interest by e-mail : mail@steveallenphotography.com
ESTIMATED COST OF THIS AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHIC TRIP:
£6755pp
(Price is based on a group of 7 + myself)
ALL 13 FLIGHTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE COST
All the international and Domestic flights are included in the above cost.
ALSO INCLUDED:
All accommodation throughout in some of the worlds top hotels - based on 2 people sharing a twin room, meals as indicated, private transfers, private tours, excursions, drivers and guides (unless indicated), Hotel and local taxes, Air Passenger Duty, The help and knowledge of your tour leader Steve Allen plus a fully illustrated taylor-made information CD.
NOT INCLUDED:
Visa costs, Travel & Equipment Insurance, Airport Departure Taxes, Hotel Extras (phone calls, bar bills, restaurant bills, Spa, laundry etc)., Tips, Any optional excursions taken that are not in the itinerary, Taxi costs, Watertaxi costs, Cable Car Tickets, Star Ferry Tickets, Entrance Fees, Camera Fees at monuments etc, Any travel to and from Heathrow Airport. Any other incidental costs. All meals not included in the itinerary, Gifts & items of a personal nature.
The Hot Air Balloon Flight cannot be booked in far advance, so I will make this an optional extra, to be paid for locally.
NOTE: Each days sightseeing is optional - If you would rather take a day relaxing by the pool or exploring on your own, thats fine. But please be aware that any costs you incur would be at your own expense with no refund on un-used pre-paid tours etc.
** Regarding visiting Myanmar (Burma) - My approach is to allow clients to make their own informed decisions. Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's pro-democracy leader and Nobel Prize laureate, had long expressed her reservations about tourist coming into the country and injecting foreign currency straight into the hands of the governing regime. HOWEVER, in 2009 she dropped her opposition to tourism, provided it was run through private companies (eg. not government run travel organizations or hotels). This trip is arranged through UK based Cox & Kings who have chosen only to work with private companies and partners in Burma who support projects that support the local communities in Burma and promote sustainable development.
This trip is group numbers dependant.
WHAT KIND OF WEATHER CAN BE EXPECTED AT EACH LOCATION?
CHINA - In BEIJING in January we can expect it to be cold, but it's a dry cold, often with clear skies and on average only 2 days of rain or snow. The average daytime temp. is 1C. In HARBIN we are much further north, almost in Siberia. It's still a 'dry' cold but temperatures can be as low as -12C in the daytime dropping to -30C in the middle of the night !! Little precipitation, what little there is will fall as snow. Dress in layers. Bring thermal underwear, thermal fleece, lined trousers, a good quality top coat, scarfe, thermal gloves & hat.
HONG KONG - January is somewhat chilly as this is the city’s coldest month. However, while the locals may be wrapped up like Siberian snowmen, the city’s average January temperature is a relatively mild 15C. The best news is that January has the least amount of rain, with an average of just 33mm on an average of just four days. January is one of the few months Hong Kong is almost rain free and, more importantly, humidity free. Although the temperatures are a little low, it’s a very good month to explore Hong Kong.
BANGKOK - Now we enter the HOT part of the trip. Thailand has three distinct seasons: cool, hot and rainy. The cool season runs from November to February with comfortable, warm temperatures during the day, cool evenings and relatively low humidity. In January you can expect daytime temperatures of 28-32C with little chance of rain and mostly clear skies giving around 8 hours sun each day.
MYANMAR (Burma) - January is one of the best months to visit Burma, with very low rainfall and daytime temperatures of around 26-30C. January is the month with the lowest humidity and has on average 9 hours of sun each day.
CAMBODIA - December & January offer the best weather of the year across Cambodia with comfortably warm days (26-30C), the lowest humidity of the year, and on average 9 hours of sunshine per day.
MORE INFORMATION WILL BE ADDED TO THIS PAGE AS I GET IT.
