Madagascar: Off the Beaten Path

Isolated from mainland Africa since the time of the dinosaurs, Madagascar shelters exotic life forms found nowhere else, including more than 100 species of lemurs and wildly colorful chameleons ranging from thumbnail-sized to two feet long. In this treasure trove of nature, we bring you into seven national parks and reserves, from spiny deserts to rich rainforests. Each day we maximize your experience with your choice of guided hikes, whether a photo-paced ramble, a moderate hike, or an early morning bird walk. You'll meet wildlife researchers, visit reforestation projects—and even plant a seedling on the famed Avenue of the Baobabs!

Itinerary

Days 1-4
Antananarivo / Avenue of the Baobabs / Kirindy Reserve 
Explore "Tana," the capital, then head to the photogenic Avenue of the Baobabs to sip Malagasy sundowners and watch the sunset amid these majestic natural monuments, some over 800 years old. We enjoy walks in Kirindy Reserve, home to primates including Verreaux's sifaka, a host of colorful endemic chameleons, and the elusive fossa. 

Days 5-8
Antsirabe / Ranomafana 
In Antsirabe, we visit artisan-weaver workshops, then take nature walks in pristine Ranomafana National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Twelve lemur species have been recorded in this rainforest, including the rare golden bamboo lemur. One evening, we enjoy a private talk with a wildlife researcher.

Days 9-12
Anja / Isalo / Zombitse-Vohibasia 
Get eye to eye with the friendly ring-tailed lemurs at community-run Anja Reserve, hike in the sandstone gorges of Isalo National Park, and enjoy the baobabs, exotic birds, and lemurs of Zombitse-Vohibasia, a rare example of Madagascar's dry deciduous forest. 

Days 13-16
Andasibe / Lemur Island 
Our grand finale is Andasibe National Park, a rainforest teeming with colorful reptiles such as the two-foot-long Parson's chameleon, and home to the Indri indri, the famed black-and-white lemurs whose haunting treetop calls carry for miles. We also visit Lemur Island, with its orphaned lemurs. Depart on Day 16 via Antananarivo.