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Madagascar, Island of Gems
Madagascar is a land like no other. Its unique biota is the result of 60 million years of evolution in virtual isolation since plate tectonic forces tore it away from the African mainland. Less well known until very recently are its rich and diverse gem deposits, which share geological affinities to those in East Africa and Sri Lanka. Many of these deposits formed more than half a billion years ago when earlier plate tectonic processes caused plates to crash together, merging into the ancient mega-continent known as Gondwanaland. The culture of Madagascar too was the result of collision and amalgamation of diverse elements. In the 5th century A.D., African and Indonesian peoples reached the island, followed by Muslim traders in the 9th Century, Portuguese missionaries in the early 17th and then the French in the mid 17th. France fully controlled Madagascar from 1904 until Madagascar achieved its independence in 1958. While evidence of the French influence remains, it is but one of the diverse elements in one of the world's most unusual and eclectic cultures. Join us on an expedition to explore the cultural, biological, geological and gemological wonders of Madagascar. Your 14 days in this almost surreal world are guaranteed to be among the most memorable you have ever experienced.
TOUR COST: $5,200 per person excluding international airfare and assuming double occupancy. For single occupancy add $950. Note that the tour and single occupancy prices are estimates as of January 2008. There may be some variation in these depending on fluctuations in the exchange rate and other factors. REGISTRATION PROCESS: Please note that because of the large number of people who have expressed an interest in this tour and the limited number of spaces available, we will follow a special reservation protocol. Reservations will be accepted based upon earliest date of postmark (First Class Mail), beginning on the dates below: February 22, 2008: Gem & Mineral Council members ONLY NO RESERVATIONS POSTMARKED EARLIER THAN THESE DATES WILL BE ACCEPTED If you are not a Council member and wish to join to maximize your chance of getting on this tour, please visit our Become a Member page or contact Jean Brandt at jbrandt@nhm.org or 213-763-3326. Note that Jean will be out of the office during the week of February 10 to 16. TOUR BROCHURE |
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