Trip Overview

Madagascar has been isolated from mainland Africa since the time of the dinosaurs and possesses rare life forms found nowhere else, including over 100 species of lemur to wildly colorful chameleons ranging from thumbnail-sized to two feet long! In this unique world, we bring you into seven environments, from sandstone canyons to mountain rainforests, with your choice of guided walks each day, whether a photo-paced stroll or an invigorating hike. You’ll hear the haunting calls of the “singing indri” deep in the forest, meet wildlife researchers, visit reforestation projects—and even plant a seedling on the famed Avenue of the Baobabs!

Trip Highlights

• Choose among daily hiking options and morning birding outings
• Enjoy outstanding Trip Leaders, extra local naturalist guides at each park
• Watch sunrise and sunset at Avenue of the Baobabs
• Fly on three private charters to maximize time in parks
• Sample traditional Malagasy cuisine

Itinerary

Days 1-5: Antananarivo / Andasibe / Lemur Island

From “Tana,” the capital, we head to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, a rainforest reserve created to protect the indri, the largest living lemur species, whose treetop calls carry for miles. Common brown, grey bamboo, and woolly lemurs are also found here. We’ll also visit Lemur Island, a sanctuary for orphaned lemurs—the lemurs here are habituated to people, allowing great photo opportunities.

Days 6-7: Avenue of the Baobabs / Menabe

Flying by private charter to seaside Morondava, we visit the Avenue of the Baobabs to plant a seedling and sip Malagasy sundowners as the sun sets over these majestic natural monuments. In the Menabe Antimena protected area, we look for the elusive cat-like fossa, a host of endemic chameleons, and primates including Verreaux’s sifaka.

Days 8-10: Ranomafana Rainforest / Anja Reserve

A charter flight and road journey bring us to Ranomafana National Park. Twelve lemur species have been recorded here, including the rare golden bamboo lemur. One evening, we enjoy a private talk with a wildlife researcher. At community-run Anja Reserve, we’ll get eye to eye with the friendly ring-tailed lemurs.

Days 11-15: Isalo National Park

After our hikes in the sandstone gorges of Isalo, we fly by private charter to Antananarivo and depart on Day 15.