Practical information

The season is set module by module. Some tracks become difficult in the rainy season, including access to Loky-Manambato, and the western part of Ankarana is highly seasonal. We confirm access to every site before setting dates.

The signature journey lasts 18 days and can be adjusted from 14 to 24 days. University formats range from 7 to 30 days depending on the program.

6 to 12 travellers, to keep the fieldwork meaningful. Field schools take 8 to 20 students.

French or English. Bilingual scientific interpretation can be arranged for Canadian groups.

The fitness level is stated for each sequence and repeated at the daily briefing. The montane forest day, at Marojejy or Anjanaharibe-Sud, is adapted to the group’s level, access and schedule.

By domestic flights, 4x4 and boat transfers depending on the modules. The RN6 links Antsiranana, Ankarana and Ambilobe; the RN5A links Ambilobe, Daraina, Vohémar and the North-East. Cross-country flights are reconfirmed before each departure, and a buffer day is planned for programs that depend on them.

Three categories depending on the territory: scientific comfort, premium, or camp and field base. Each place is chosen for logistical reliability, safety, group capacity and proximity to the study site. For university missions, a briefing room, reliable power and equipment storage come before hotel ratings.

Daily briefing, stated fitness level, field first-aid kit, communications and an evacuation plan suited to remote areas. Weather, track conditions and the specific risks of karst, mining and marine environments are part of the program design.

No sampling without the appropriate formal permit. MDCBridge handles access, research, sampling and sample-export applications; procedures, including for drone use, depend on the discipline and are set project by project.

Pricing is modular: logistics base, scientific supervision, permits, equipment, field days and deliverables. We prepare the quote, in Canadian dollars or euros, once the program and scientific level are confirmed.

Welcome and transfers, 4x4s with fuel and drivers, selected accommodation, local guides, planned site fees, coordination, briefings, field notebook and a final presentation.

International flights and, unless stated, domestic flights, visas, insurance, specialist scientific equipment, laboratory analyses, paid permits, sample shipping and extra days due to weather. We outline the steps to plan for when we send the quote.