Madagascar Wildlife Discovery Tour

Enjoy a morning walk in Andasibe, returning to the lodge for lunch. Visit Lemur Island in Vakona Private Reserve, an island sanctuary for lemurs, ahead of an afternoon walk in Andasibe. After dinner, embark on a night walk to the Analamazaotra Reserve. Overnight at Andasibe Hotel (or similar). 

Spend the day walking through the primary forest of Mantadia National Park. This lush setting is home to the black-and-white ruffed lemur, the diademed sifaka, Parson’s chameleon and a wide variety of frogs. Alternatively, for a less strenuous option, walk in Mitsinjo Reserve and plant an endemic tree as part of the area’s reforestation project. Overnight at Andasibe Hotel (or similar). 

Drive back to Antananarivo for an afternoon city tour, including the hills of the royal palaces and the botanical and zoological garden of Tsimbazaza. Enjoy a special chef’s dinner in the evening. Overnight at Le Royal Palissandre(or similar). 

Continue south to Ambositra, known as Madagascar’s handicraft and wood-carving capital. Following a typical Malagasy lunch accompanied by folklore entertainment, continue to Ranomafana. In the evening, walk in search of nocturnal species. Overnight at Hotel Thermal (or similar).

In this otherworldly habitat you’ll be able to seek some highly localised endemic birds, along with rare or range-restricted reptiles such as Madagascar radiated tortoise (now critically endangered) – many are held here at the 70,000m2 Village des Tortues, after having been confiscated from poachers, especially in two truly massive seizures in the last two years.

Other bloated, drought-resistant trees that you will see today include Delonix adansonoides, part of the same tree family as the ‘Flamboyant’ tree, which originates from remote central-western Madagascar.

During your morning walk in Ranomafana National Park, see if you can spot the three resident species of bamboo lemur: the grey, the golden and the greater. Endemic birding in the park is also excellent. This afternoon, visit Tanala village. Overnight at Hotel Thermal(or similar).

Continue travelling inland for about 3 hours along the paved RN7 route, to Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, which year-round is a rewarding wildlife hotspot: you’ll be able to look for the iconic Verreaux’s sifaka; locally endemic Hubbard’s sportive lemur; the massive Oustalet’s chameleon; locally endemic Standing’s day gecko and birds including the locally endemic Appert’s greenbul and the stately Giant coua, which can be seen strolling around on the forest floor.

After the guided nature walk in Zombitse-Vohibasia, continue driving inland for about 1 hour to the sandstone massif of Isalo, where the country’s most visited national park is located.

Stay 2 nights at the very comfortable Relais de la Reine; Jardin du Roy, OR Isalo Rock Lodge

Enjoy a morning walk in the national park, before an afternoon visit to the Ranomafana Arboretum, home to hundreds of rare tree species. This evening, search for nocturanl species during an evening walk. Overnight at Hotel Thermal (or similar).

While much of the park is comprised of dry, ‘ruiniforme’ sandstone formations, trails do take visitors to verdant streamside vegetation. Here, you can look for Ringtail lemurs, Verreaux’ sifakas and locally endemic flora. The best known plant here is the dumpy ‘Elephant’s foot’ Pachypodium, which flowers in September.

Look on the lodge buildings at night for birds such as Madagascar long-eared owl, Madagascar white-browed owl and Madagascar nightjar.

This morning, drive via Fianarantsoa, the Betsileo tribe’s capital, to the vineyard of Lazan’ny Betsileo. Continue to Ambalavao. Visit the Antemoro paper factory and the Anja Reserve, where ring-tailed lemurs are often spotted. Continue to Ranohira and stay 3 nights at Relais de la Reine (or similar).

Spend the next 2 days exploring the spectacular sandstone landscapes of Isalo National Park. Seek out flora and fauna including ring-tailed lemurs, Malagasy hoopoes, Verraux’s sifakas and the elephant’s foot plant, and enjoy a traditional music performance as the sun sets. Stay at Relais de la Reine (or similar). 

Continue towards the west coast. Stop en route at Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park. It may be possible to spot Appert’s tetrakas, one of the most endangered endemic birds on the island. The region is known for its large baobab trees and traditional family tombs, central to Malagasy culture. Transfer to Ifaty, a quiet coastal fishing village boasting a long beach, for your evening farewell dinner. Overnight at Les Dunes d’Ifaty (or similar). 

You will have another day to explore Ranomafana’s upland rainforest with your guides today.

Aside from its many lemurs and birds, you’ll have the chance to look for remarkable life forms such as the bark-mimicking Fringed gecko (Uroplatus). The area is especially good also for well known invertebrates including the lovely diurnal Urania moth.

Orchids, Palms and Bamboos abound, the island holding more species of all three these plant groups than the African mainland does.

Spend your morning at leisure. Late this afternoon, fly from Toliara to Antananarivo. Overnight at Palissandre Hotel & Spa (or similar).

After a morning at leisure, take an afternoon flight to the UK via Addis Ababa, arriving the following day.