Natural Wonders of Madagascar

Day 1

Arrive Antananarivo, 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 g

Day 2

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park – Kinetic Life of the Rainforest

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 kn

Day 3

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park – Lemur Encounter

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. Then, travel by boat to Lemur Island, a unique sanctuary where visitors can experience close encounters with lemurs in their natural habitat, for an up-close visit. Listen as

Day 4

Antananarivo – Rainforest Drive & Malagasy Cuisine

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

Day 5

Isalo National Park – Into the Dramatic Canyonlands

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

Day 6

Isalo National Park – Rousing Guided Nature Hike

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

Day 7

Ifotaka – Nighttime Walking Safari

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 thr

Day 8

Ifotaka – Ancestry of the Antandroy

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

Day 9

Ifotaka – Sunset Over the Magnificent Baobabs

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

Day 10

Depart Antananarivo

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.