THE DIY TRAVELLER

Trip includes: Flights from Dubai International Airport booked through Go to Gate/Hotels.com. The journey is via Kenya with short layovers for Dh3,057, including taxes. Accommodation: Arranged via Booking.com for eight nights at Iarimbato Hotel, just outside Tana, after arrival at Antananarivo Airport. Prices based on average rate for a double room totalling $184. Week two tour of the island includes camping. The Trip: The accommodation booking leaves a week to relax, take in Madagascar’s capital and explore the surrounding area through day trips. For week two, Khaled has chosen to book on a seven-night trek with Englishspeaking guides, taking in Zafimaniry and Tanala and averaging six hours walking time per day. Booked through madagascaradventures.com, the trip costs from Dh3,670-5,505 per person depending on the time of year and size of the group. The trip covers six hiking routes popular for their vantage points and access to wildlife, camping each night. Each hike takes in villages and attractions and the operator has received dozens of positive reviews on multiple review sites. Highlights from include the vantage point and waterfall at Faliarivo; Maromanana Tanala country, a river-side village known for its abundant harvests; the bamboo forest of Sandratsy; Tsaratanana, which means ‘beautiful village’; and Ranomafana National Park. TOTAL PRICE: DH9,244