If the changes in the following conditions have been clearly communicated in writing to the client before the conclusion of the contract and they are properly provided for in the program;
Any changes subsequent to the conclusion of the contract are subject to prior agreement of both the agency and the client, except as provided in the "impossibility of comply" clause.
These general conditions comply with the provisions of Decree-Law 61/2011 of May 6th, as amended by Decree-Law 199/2012 of August 24th.
The general conditions, which refer to an organized trip described in this program, along with the specific conditions provided to the client in the travel documentation at the time of booking, constitute the travel contract that binds the agency and the client.
The technical organization and sale of the activities included on this website are the responsibility of Papa-Léguas, a travel and tourism agency, with home office at Rua Manuel Assunção Mestre, nº22, 7780-199 Castro Verde, registered in the Commercial Registry Office of Lisbon with Taxpayer Identification Number 504163590. It has a share capital of €99,759.60 (ninety-nine thousand, seven hundred and fifty-nine euros and sixty cents). Papa-Léguas is also registered with the National Registry of Travel Agents and Tourism Operators (RNAVT) nº2275 and the National Registry of Tourist Animation Agents (RNAT) nº67/2014.
At the time of registration the client must deposit 30% of the service price, paying the remaining 70% up to 21 days before the service begins. If the registration takes place 21 days or less before the service begins, the total price of the service must be paid at the time of registration. Papa-Léguas, Agência de Viagens e Turismo Lda. reserves the right to cancel any booking that has not been paid for under the conditions mentioned above. Reservations are subject to the obtaining of a confirmation from suppliers for all services.
The prices of tours are presented per person and based on the occupation in a room shared by two people. The organizing agency will group clients who sign up individually for the same tour in pairs, by gender, and in chronological order of registration. Clients who are singled out must pay the respective individual supplement, when required by the service provider.
INFORMATION UNDER LAW N.º 144/2015 OF SEPTEMBER 8:
According to Law No. 144/2015 of September 8th, we inform that the customer may resort to the following Alternative Consumer Dispute Resolution Entities:
i) Customer Authority of Travel and Tourism Agencies at provedorapavt.com;
ii) Arbitration Commission of Tourism in Portugal at turismodeportugal.pt;
iii) Or any of the entities indicated in the list provided by the Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs at http://www.consumidor.pt, which we recommend consulting.
Complaints will only be considered if submitted in writing to the agency within a maximum period of 30 days after the completion of the services.
In the event of a complaint regarding non-compliance with contracted services, the customer may activate the Travel and Tourism Guarantee Fund provided for in DL 61/2011 of May 6, in its current wording, by submitting the respective complaint:
i) To the Customer Authority, as Papa-Léguas, Travel and Tourism Agency Ltd., is a member of the Customer Ombudsman for Travel and Tourism Agencies at www.provedorapavt.com. To benefit from this service, you must submit your written complaint within 20 business days after the end of the trip. Agencies are bound to comply promptly with any decisions issued by this entity.
ii) To Tourism of Portugal I.P. at www.turismodeportugal.pt within 30 days after: (i) the end of the trip; (ii) the cancellation of the trip attributable to the agency; (iii) the date of knowledge of the impossibility of its realization due to the agency; (iv) the closure of the establishment.
iii) To any of the entities listed on the website of the General Directorate for Consumer Affairs at http://www.consumidor.pt.
1) The agency is responsible for the luggage in the legal terms;
2) The Client has the obligation to complain to the service provider at the moment of subtraction, deterioration or destruction of luggage.
3) In international transport, if the luggage is damaged, the complaint must be made in writing to the carrier immediately after the damage is verified, and no later than 7 days after delivery. If the luggage is merely late in delivery, the claim must be made within 21 days from the date of delivery.
4) The presentation of such a claim will be an essential basis for Papa-Léguas, Agência de Viagens e Turismo Lda. to hold responsible the entity providing the service.
The responsibility of the agency will be limited to the maximum amount that can be demanded from the service providers, in accordance with the Montreal Convention of May 28, 1999, on International Air Transport, and the Bern Convention of 1961, on Rail Transport.
Regarding maritime transport, the liability of travel agencies, concerning their clients, for the provision of transport services or accommodation, when applicable, by maritime transport companies, in the event of damages resulting from their willful misconduct or negligence, will be limited to the following amounts:
a) € 441,436, in case of death or physical injury;
b) € 7,881, in case of total or partial loss of baggage or its damage;
c) € 31,424, in case of loss of a motor vehicle, including the baggage contained therein;
d) € 10,375, in case of loss of baggage, whether accompanied or not, contained in a motor vehicle;
e) € 1,097, for damages to baggage resulting from the damage to the motor vehicle.
Where applicable, the liability of travel agencies and tourism for the deterioration, destruction, and theft of baggage or other items in tourist accommodation establishments, while the client is staying there, is limited as follows:
a) € 1,397, in total;
b) € 449 per item;
c) The value declared by the client regarding the items deposited under the custody of the tourist accommodation establishment.
The agency's liability for non-bodily damages may be contractually limited to an amount corresponding to five times the price of the service sold.
For each reservation the following will be charged:
Reservation Expenses:
Alteration Expenses:
For each alteration (names, dates, type of apartment or room, travel, etc) : 50€ (fifty euros). Please note that the acceptance of such changes depends on the acceptance by the respective suppliers.
The client must have their personal or family documentation in good order (identity card, military documentation, authorization for minors, visas, vaccination certificates, and any other documents that may be required). The agency disclaims any responsibility for visa refusal or the client's denial of entry into a foreign country. The client is solely responsible for any costs incurred as a result of such a situation.
Travel in European Union:
Travel outside the European Union:
If the travel suppliers involved allow it, whenever a customer who is registered for a particular trip wishes to change their registration to another trip or the same trip with a different departure date, or any other changes, they must pay a fee as alteration expenses. However, if the change takes place 21 days or less before the departure date of the trip for which the customer is registered, or if the service providers do not accept the change, the customer will be subject to the expenses and charges specified under the “cancellation (termination)” section.
Once the trip has started, if a request is made to change the contracted services for reasons not related to the agency (e.g., extending the number of nights of stay, changing the flight), the prices of the touristic services may not correspond to those published on the website that prompted the contract.
The customer may transfer their registration by being replaced by another person who meets all the required conditions for the trip, provided that they inform the selling agency at least seven days in advance and such transfer is possible under the applicable air transport regulations. In the case of cruises and air travel, the prescribed period will be fifteen days in advance.
The transfer of the registration makes both the transferor and the transferee jointly responsible for the payment of the trip price and any additional charges incurred.
Whenever there are external reasons that justify it, the organizing agency may change the order of the itineraries, modify the departure times, or substitute any of the planned hotels with others of similar category and location. The agency must inform the client of such changes as soon as they become aware of them.
When the tour is dependent on a minimum number of participants the Agency reserves the right to cancel the organized tour if the number of participants reached is less than the minimum. In such cases, the Client will be informed in writing of the cancellation within 15 (fifteen) days.
The prices in the program are based on the costs of services and exchange rates in effect on the date of printing of the program, and are therefore subject to change resulting from variations in the cost of transportation or fuel, duties, taxes, fees, and exchange rate fluctuations up to 20 days prior to the date of departure.
Once the tour has begun, no refund is due for services not used by the client due to unforeseeable circumstances or for reasons attributable to the client, except for refunds by the respective suppliers. Failure to provide services foreseen in the travel program for reasons attributable to the organizing agency and if it is not possible to replace them with equivalent ones, entitles the client receive a refund for the price difference between the originally anticipated services and the services actually provided.
If, prior to the start of the journey and due to circumstances beyond the control of the organizing agency, it becomes unable to fulfill any essential service included in the travel program, the client has the right to cancel the trip and immediately receive a refund of all amounts paid, or alternatively, accept a modification and possible price variation.
If the aforementioned circumstances beyond the control of the organizing agency result in the cancellation of the trip, the client may choose to participate in another organized trip of equivalent price. If the proposed replacement organized trip is of a lower price, the client will be refunded the price difference accordingly.
The client or their companions are free to cancel the trip at any time.
i) Such cancellation implies that the client is responsible for the payment of all charges arising from the beginning of the fulfillment of the contract and their withdrawal, as well as a percentage that can go up to 15% of the price of the trip.
ii) If applicable, the client will be refunded the difference between the amount paid and the aforementioned amounts.
iii) The cancellation of travel services/organized trips whose reservation has been made using the voucher issued under Decree-Law No. 17/2020 of April 23rd is subject to a cancellation fee equal to the price of the service, in order to prevent simulated or fraudulent reservations made solely with the intention of anticipating the receipt of the voucher-entitled values.
If for reasons not attributable to the client, the agency has to cancel the organized tour before the departure date, the client can choose to:
i) Being immediately refunded all amounts paid;
ii) Optionally, choose to participate in another organized tour and be refunded for any difference in price.
The liability of the travel agency organizing the trips included in this program and arising from the assumed obligations is covered by a civil liability insurance policy with Fidelidade Insurance Company, under policy number 9257343, for an amount of 75,000€ (Seventy-five thousand euros), in accordance with the applicable legislation.
The prices mentioned in this program already include the Value Added Tax at the current rate of 23%
This program is valid from 01/01/2022 to 12/31/2022
Arrival or departure times:
Departure and arrival times are stated in the local time of the respective country of destination and according to respective airline schedules at the time of printing this program, and may therefore be subject to change.
Hotels / Apartments:
Apartments - In case the accommodation is contracted in apartments, the client is responsible for informing the number of people that will occupy the apartment. If there are more people than booked, the apartments may refuse admittance.
Hotels - The prices shown are per person and are based on double occupancy. Not all hotels have triple rooms and usually an extra bed is placed in the room, which may not be of equal quality. In rooms equipped with two beds or a double bed, the triple may consist only of those beds.
The list of hotels and apartments in the program is indicative, as is their category, which is based on local criteria and classifications that are sometimes different from those used in Portugal.
Meals:
Unless otherwise indicated, the prices shown for the Half Board and Full Board supplements do not include drinks.
On arrivals at the hotel after 7PM the first meal service will be breakfast the next day, on the last day and except for the possibility of late check-out, the last service of the hotel will be breakfast.
Check-in and check-out times:
The check-in and check-out times on the first and last day, will be defined according to the first and last service. As a rule, without binding character, the rooms can be used from 2PM on the day of arrival and should be left free by noon (12PM) on the day of departure.
In the apartments, the entry takes place generally at 5PM on the day of arrival and must be left free by 10AM on the day of departure.
Special conditions for children:
Given the conditions applied for children (destination and provider) it is recommended to always question the special conditions that may apply to the tour in question.
Insurande:
The agency offers the sale of insurance that can be purchased depending on the tour to guarantee assistance situations and cancellation expenses.
The maximum age limit, for the insurance, is 75 years-old.
See our full Data Protection and Privacy Policy here.
Documentation:
Extension Rates:
Travelers over 70 years:
Baobab Avenue Extension:
If you wish to visit the iconic Baobab Avenue, it must be organized before the start of the main program due to flight schedule limitations.
O líder desta viagem é disponibilizado pelo operador com quem trabalhamos no destino.
Estamos a preparar o seu programa de viagem.
Aguarde por favor...
Flight from origin city to the capital of Madagascar, Antananariv, with layovers. Overnight on board.
Note: the arrival/departure dates may vary, depending on your origin city. If you have any doubts, contact Papa-Léguas for further clarification.
Upon arrival, you will go through the visa procedure.
Meet the guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Check-in is available from 2:00 PM onwards. After check-in, you will have free time to explore the city.
A brief trip briefing will be held on this day, where you will receive some informational materials and a small welcome gift.
Breakfast at the hotel and at the scheduled time, meeting with the guide and departure to the Andasibe National Park, about 140 km (87 miles) away, approximately 4h30m duration. During the route to the eastern region of the island, we will pass through landscapes ranging from rice fields to tropical rainforest, inhabited by the Bezanozano and Betsimisaraka ethnic groups.
We may also observe the famous Ravinala, the tree known as the "traveler's tree" and a symbol of Madagascar.
We will have lunch in the town of Moramanga and visit its lively market. The city of Moramanga played an important role in the history of Madagascar, as it was here that the well-known "Madagascar Uprising" began on the night of March 29, 1947, an anti-colonial revolution with more than 8,000 deaths and clashes that lasted about a year.
We continue the route to the Andasibe National Park, arrival, and check-in at the hotel.
After a brief rest, and at the agreed time, the guide will give a briefing on the itinerary for the trip.
Early breakfast and departure to the Analamazaotra National Park, located in the perimeter of the Andasibe National Park.
Upon arrival, we’ll go on a trek of around 4 hours, to observe the Indri-Indri lemur, the largest in the Madagascar island. The expression « Indri-Indri » means «Look!», which is what the native guide said to Pierre Sonnerat, the French explorer who accompanied him, when this species was discovered. During the journey, we will also be able to observe chameleons, frogs, among other animals, framed by tree ferns and a type of palm tree called pandanus.
After lunch, we’ll visit the small village of Andasibe, to then return to the hotel.
At the scheduled time, we will take a night walk in a private reserve, where we will have the opportunity to observe various endemic species of the island, such as lemurs like the Microcebus, Avahi, and Cheirogaleus. We will also try to observe chameleons, frogs, and other species. It is essential to use a headlamp during this visit.
The Andasibe National Park is divided into the National Parks of Analamazaotra and Mantadia. Analamazaotra was, upon a time, a reserve created in 1970, receiving its National Park status in 2015. It has an area of 810 hectares, while Mantadia occupies an area of 15.480 hectares. The most interesting area of Andasibe is certainly Analamazaotra , where we can observe with relative ease the largest primate in Madagascar, the previously referred «Indri-Indri». We’ll also find other species of lemurs (Eulemur Rubriventer, Eulemur fulvus, Varecia Variegata, Propithecus diadema, Cheirogaleus, the famous Aye-Aye), 109 species of birds, 51 species of reptiles (among them the famous Boa Manditra and the Calumma parsonii chameleon), due to the habitat being composed of humid woods, we’ll encounter 84 species of amphibians, 120 varieties of wild orchids that bloom between October and February, as well.
The visit to the park is considered of an easy degree.
Very early breakfast and at the set time, we’ll depart towards the Malagasy Highlands, passing through landscapes painted by rice terraces; the journey of around 310 km (193 miles), 6 hours is done on the famous RN7 road.
Lunch is free in the city of Foie-Gras, Behenjy, where we’ll be able to try the Malagasy cuisine.
We continue our route to Ambatolampy, where we’ll stop to visit a peculiar traditional workshop that produces aluminum sheets.
In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in the colonial city of Antsirabe and check-in at the hotel. Free time.
Breakfast and journey to the extensive valleys of the Vakinankaratra region, one of the most fertile areas of Madagascar, considered the "garden" of the country.
From the village of Manandona, we will take a walk of about 1 hour through rice fields to learn about the culture and agricultural habits of the Malagasy population. We will visit a traditional house to learn about daily activities and customs. If we're lucky, we may enjoy some traditional Malagasy music.
During today’s journey, which will cover about 42 km, we will also observe Mount Ibity, the third highest mountain on the island, standing at 2345 meters. We will visit a waterfall and a natural pool where we can swim if you're traveling in the southern summer.
Return to Antsirabe for lunch and a "Pousse-Pousse" tour (similar to Indian rickshaws) through the city center, including visits to the Atsena Kely market, the cathedral, the train station, and French colonial buildings with their historic facades. Return to the hotel and free time.
Antsirabe means "place where there is a lot of salt" in Malagasy. It is a charming colonial city located 170 km south of Antananarivo. A thermal city known for its waters rich in sodium chloride, it was founded by Norwegian Lutheran missionaries in the late 19th century. Our hotel is located in the heart of the city, near the Atsena Kely market, the cathedral, and the iconic Hotel des Thermes, where King Mohammed V exiled in 1953.
Breakfast and departure to the capital of Malagasy handicrafts, the town of Ambositra, home of the Betsileo ethnic group. Ambositra, situated at 1,350 meters above sea level, is known for the work of its Zafimaniry artisans, masters in wood carving.
If time allows, we may visit a workshop of these wood carvers or stroll through the streets to observe the people and the unique atmosphere of the town.
If we travel between July and September, we may witness the famous «Famadihana» tradition, which means "the return of the dead." To participate, we must be invited, as it is a family celebration and not a tourist event. The inclusion of this celebration in the itinerary is subject to confirmation on-site. If we participate, it will be done briefly and respectfully (without photos) to maintain the family's privacy.
After lunch, we head to Ranomafana National Park. Arrival and check-in at the hotel.
Today, we will travel approximately 230 km (143 miles), with a total journey time of 7 hours.
RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK
The history of this park starts with the discovery of a hot water source in its perimeter and the posterior building of a bathhouse. Later, in 1991, the National Park was inaugurated; whose name means «warm water» and the biosphere reserve is considered the most humid enclave in Madagascar. According to Malagasy legend, here it rains 365 days a year. It is one of the most famous and spectacular reserves of the country, with most of its area being closed to the public for the study and preservation of the species, but in the area we’re allowed to visit it is possible to get an idea of the dimension and importance of this place regarding biodiversity, animal and vegetal. Its relic-forests, practically unaltered since unremembered times, are reflected in the impressive biodiversity resulting from its geological genesis, that around 60 million years ago and since the continental separation has allowed for a unique and isolated evolution of the species, which has appealed to scientists and naturalists around the globe. The National Park has around 41.600 hectares and an altitude that varies between 600 and 1400m above sea level. Its great biodiversity includes over 12 species of lemurs (Propithecus Edwardsi, Hapalemur Aureus, Hapalemur Griseus Ranomafanensis, Eulemur Rubriventer, Cheirogaleus Major, Avahi Laniger, Prolemur simus – one of the most threatened species in the planet), more than a hundred varieties of wild orchids, more than 115 species of birds, 90 species of butterflies, 98 amphibians, 74 insects, 350 arachnids, 13 rodents, 58 reptiles, 6 fish, and 7 species of carnivorous mammals and 20 insectivores.
Ranomafana is nature in a pure state. The park should be visited in the company of a licensed guide. For this visit we advise you to take walking shoes, comfortable pants and a raincoat.
Today we will have an early breakfast to allow enough time for our hike in Ranomafana.
The hike will last around 4 hours and will focus mainly on observing nature, especially several species of lemurs such as the Propithecus Edwardsi, Hapalemur Griseus Ranomafanensis, and Varecia Variegata, among others. We may encounter up to 12 species in this park. The trail will take us through beautiful tree ferns, wild orchids, and pandanus plants, among many others.
This national park is synonymous with nature in its "Pure State." It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the tropical rainforest of Antsinanana, which includes six national parks across Madagascar.
After lunch, we will visit a waterfall along the Namorona River. Then we will head to the rural village of Sahambavy, where we will explore its tea plantations, which are unique on the island. We will have the chance to learn about the tea-making process and the different varieties produced here.
We will then head to the hotel and have some free time.
Today, the distance to be covered by car will be 60 km (37 miles) - 2 hours.
Today, our route will cover approximately 310 km (194 miles), taking about 7 hours and 30 minutes in total.
After breakfast, we depart for Fianarantsoa, where we will explore the historic center, including a visit to a viewpoint offering beautiful views of the region.
Following this visit, we will continue our journey to the town of Ambalavao to visit the Antemoro paper workshop. We will then visit the beautiful Anja Natural Reserve, where we will take a 1.5-hour walk to observe the maki catta lemur species, as well as other species, including chameleons. The walk will also include a visit to the tombs of the Betsileo-Sur ethnic group.
After a free lunch, we will proceed to the Isalo National Park, marking the end of our time in the highlands of Madagascar as we now enter more desert-like and savanna terrains.
ANJA RESERVE
Located 15 km (9 miles) south of Ambalavao, the reserve sits at the base of the Ladramvaky massif. It is known for its great biodiversity, both in fauna and flora, and is home to over 300 Catta Linnaeus lemurs, as well as chameleons and various snakes, such as the Madagascar boa. The tropical forest also houses several species of orchids, ficus, and Pachypodiums.
This reserve offers a unique landscape, with a tropical forest emerging amidst a chaotic arrangement of stone blocks, some of which are gigantic in size.
The reserve is managed by a local association, with most guides and staff coming from the neighboring villages, including Ny Anja.
ANTEMORO PAPER
The origins of Antemoro paper date back to the 7th century. The paper was brought to Madagascar by Arabs from the southeast coast. They created a plant-based material (called avoha, derived from the shrub Bosqueia danguyana) to preserve liturgical writings (such as the Qur’an) in highly humid conditions.
In 1936, the process was reinvented by a Frenchman named P. Mathieu, leading to the establishment of the current workshop in Ambalavao.
Breakfast and visit to the Isalo National Park.
We will visit the "Nymphs Waterfall," the Blue Pool, the Black Pool, and the famous Namaza Gorge (picnic is not included).
Isalo is the most visited park, with several beautiful gorges sculpted by water, highlighting the cavities where the Bara tombs are located.
We will take an easy-moderate level hike lasting 5 hours (with some uphill sections and hot temperatures) but accessible to almost all travelers in minimal physical condition.
P.S.: If you prefer not to do the hike, you can always wait for the group at the hotel.
In addition to witnessing Madagascar’s history, Isalo National Park is home to various lemur species, such as the "Eulemur Fulvus," "Rufus," "Eulemur Rufifrons," "Propithecus Verreauxi," and "Verreauxi," among others. The plant kingdom also has several iconic species, including the Madagascar palm, endemic to Isalo, the "Bismarkia nobilis," and various species of aloe, among many others.
We will also visit a pastoral village of the "Antabara" ethnicity in the Ikazandreno region, where we can enjoy a magnificent sunset.
Return to the hotel and free time.
ISALO NATIONAL PARK
The desert also forms part of Madagascar’s landscape, somewhat reminiscent of the deserts of Colorado or Arizona in the USA.
Isalo National Park, established in 1962, is one of the most famous in the country, with a wide variety of landscapes. It is located in the southern region of the island, near the town of Ranohira, covering an area of 81,540 hectares.
It is considered a true sanctuary for many endemic species of fauna and flora, with numerous habitats, including gorges, streams, and small rivers, and countless sandstone rock formations.
The park is situated in the region of the Bara ethnic group, skilled cattle herders with animist religious rituals, including "pre-marriage cattle theft" and various youth initiation ceremonies.
This park is much more than its already incredibly varied natural heritage.
Several species of lemurs, especially the "Propithecus Verreauxi Verreauxi" (Sifaka-Bilany), the lemur that "walks in an upright position," 77 bird species, 70% of which are endemic to Madagascar, and more than 400 plant species.
After breakfast, we will begin today's journey through the south of Madagascar, covering approximately 225-250 km (140 - 155 miles) in about 5 hours.
We will visit the famous Mahafaly tombs, carved into the stone and containing funerary stelae, animist paintings depicting animals, daily life scenes, etc. These tombs are almost always adorned with cattle skulls and horns, and nearby we will find the first baobabs of the southern island.
The route continues to the Zombitse National Park, where we will take a 1.5hour walk to observe Sifaka lemurs (Propithecus Verreauxi), as well as chameleons and Adansonia Za baobabs.
We will continue the journey to Tulear, visiting its shell market. Lunch is free.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Reniala Reserve and its Baobab Forest, where we will take a walk lasting about 1 hour.
Return to the hotel.
Breakfast and , at set time, transfer to the Tulear airport to fly back to Antananarivo.
Arrival and airport assistance. Visit to the crafts market of Digue, one of the largest markets in Africa.
Continuing to the hotel, located in the city center.
Breakfast and collective transfer to the airport at 10.30AM. If you need a transfer at a different time, there is a supplement. Contact Papa-Léguas.
Return flight to the city of origin with intermediate stops or the beginning of the "Baobab Alley" extension.
Arrival in Origin city and end of Papa-Léguas services.
Note: the arrival/departure dates may vary, depending on your origin city. If you have any doubts, contact Papa-Léguas for further clarification.
