Natural Wonders of Madagascar

Isolated from the African mainland for millions of years, Madagascar witnessed one of the world’s most colorful evolutionary explosions, yielding unique flora and fauna that never fail to dazzle visitors. Madagascar’s capital, founded around 1610, witnessed the reigns of many kingdoms and was once a hub for Indian Ocean trade. Today, in addition to being home to members of all 18 Malagasy ethnic groups as well as residents with Chinese, Indian and European origins, “Tana” serves as a welcoming gateway for visitors to this unique island paradise brimming with natural wonders. Settle into your waterfront hotel ahead of the exciting adventures that await you.

Journey overland to your local lodge located in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, a bastion of biodiversity. After enjoying lunch at the lodge, set out on a guided walk through lush rainforest habitat, keeping watch for any of the island's many endemic species of lemurs, especially the Indri lemur with its teddy bear-like face, twitchy tail and black and white markings. This largest of lemurs is known for its haunting calls that echo through the forest. Other flora and fauna you may observe include a host of distinctive birds, reptiles and insects. Tonight, back at your lodge, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Devote your morning to hiking the trails of Analamazaotra with a local guide, taking in the verdant forest scapes and looking for lemurs such as the Indri, diademed sifaka, grey bamboo, red-bellied and white-ruffed varieties. This afternoon, travel by boat to Lemur Island, a unique sanctuary where visitors can experience close encounters with lemurs in their natural habitat, for a private up-close visit. Listen as local guides offer insight into the behavior, biology, and conservation status of the lemurs, their importance to Madagascar's ecosystems and the threats they face from habitat loss, deforestation and illegal wildlife trade. Return to your lodge for dinner before embarking on a nighttime walk through the reserve in search of nocturnal wildlife. You may encounter the Goodman's mouse lemur, eastern woolly lemur and greater dwarf lemur, along with chameleons, frogs, geckos and myriad insect species that become active when the sun goes down.

Return to Antananarivo, driving through the countryside with scenic stops along the way. Gaze out at misty mountains and small rural villages, and pass by farmland where locals cultivate crops like rice, cassava, and coffee. Turn to your guide for cultural insights along the way, enjoying this memorable experience of Madagascar's diverse landscapes and way of life. Tonight in Antananarivo, gather for dinner at the top restaurant in Madagascar, which offers a unique blend of Malagasy and European cuisine. Choose from a diverse menu featuring classic French dishes infused with local ingredients and flavors, providing a unique dining experience.

Fly by private charter to Isalo National Park, where you are met and transferred to your hotel, situated amid deep canyons eroded into spectacular shapes that serve as dwelling places for rare endemic plants, such as aloe and spine-bearing palm trees. In addition to being home to sifaka, brown and ring-tail lemurs, Isalo is sacred to the Indigenous Bara tribe who, for hundreds of years, have used caves in the canyon walls as burial sites. This afternoon, visit Giorgio's Window for a fantastic sunset photo opportunity.

Set out today on a guided walk to explore this diverse park, observing the lush, diverse tropical vegetation to the east as well as vast rolling plains interspersed with stunning rock formations. Choose from two trails, depending on your interests and physical abilities. Wind through spectacular landscapes, ranging from lush palm-lined canyons to rocky plateaus dotted with endemic plants. View the natural rock pool known as the Piscine Naturelle and keep your camera at the ready for encounters with resident wildlife. You may encounter the ring-tailed lemur and Verreaux's sifaka, which can often be spotted foraging among the trees and rocky outcrops. Birdwatchers will delight in the chance to observe the Benson's rock thrush and the Madagascar kestrel soaring overhead. Stop for a barbecue lunch set amid the stunning natural scenery. Afterward, spend time at leisure to explore the park before returning to the lodge. This evening, tip back a refreshing drink while listening to local musicians perform traditional Malagasy music and absorbing breathtaking views of the setting sun as it paints the magical Madagascar sky.

Board a private charter flight to Ifotaka, in the remote south of Madagascar. Upon arrival at your permanent tented camp, settle in and enjoy the majestic views over the Mandrare River. Later, take a guided night walk in the prehistoric spiny forest, keeping watch for diurnal lemur bedding down and nocturnal lemur as they begin to awake. Back in camp, sleep under African skies on your first of three nights in this unique ecosystem, with its captivating blend of arid scrubland, lush oases, and otherworldly baobab forests.

This morning, cross the Mandrare River to reach the largely deciduous gallery forest that provides critical habitat for wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for inquisitive ring-tailed lemur and the always-entertaining Verreaux's sifaka. Return to camp for lunch and a relaxing afternoon by the pool. Later, head out for a walk through the sacred spiny forest filled with the ancestral tombs of the local Antandroy tribe, as well as an extraordinary array of flora and fauna unique to spiny forest. Listen as your guide and a tracker from the local community introduce you to Antandroy culture and customs.

Rise early to walk in the spiny forest as dawn's sunlight breaks through the octopus trees to observe the many endemic birds such as crested coua, a variety of vanga and the running coua. Return to camp for a sumptuous breakfast followed by a visit to a nearby market or village to meet the fascinating Antandroy tribe. Afterward, enjoy lunch at your camp followed by an afternoon at leisure watching life along the river from your tent's terrace. Later this afternoon, drive out to an imposing forest of more than 100 of Madagascar's iconic baobab trees. Gaze out over the baobabs as the sun sets over their distinctively rounded trunks and crowns of branches. Tonight, celebrate your last evening in Madagascar with a special farewell dinner, sharing unforgettable moments with your fellow guests.

After breakfast, fly by charter air back to the capital, where you have the use of a dayroom until your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.