Wild Madagascar

Begin your adventure in Antananarivo (Tana to most), the characterful capital of Madagascar. Around 5pm, say salama (that’s hello in Malagasy) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Madagascan welcome by arranging a group dinner. Want more time in Tana? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Bid farewell to Tana this morning and transfer (approximately five hours) to Andasibe National Park, also known as Perinet. In the afternoon, we have a forest walk (1hr 30min-2hr) in the community-run Vondron’olona Miaro Mitia Ala Reserve, where we can see several species of lemurs and birds. The reserve is an untouched paradise for endemic animals and plants. There are groups of indris, which we hope to see in their natural habitat, and their white-headed relatives, the diademed sifakas, which jump between the treetops. For reptiles and amphibian lovers, the reserve is home to countless frogs along the crystal-clear river and several amazing chameleons live in the forest. Around 5pm to 6pm, we embark on a night walk (around 1hr 30min) with an expert park guide. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of lemurs, nose-horned chameleons and green bright-eyed frogs.

Dive deeper into the wild wonders of Andasibe today, visiting the Analamazoatra section of the park on a four to five-hour walk. This area is well known for being home to indri, the largest of the lemur family, which we hope to spot with the help of our tour leader and national park guide. We may also spot diademed sifkas, black-and-white-ruffed lemurs, plenty of birdlife and a variety of reptiles and amphibians.

Begin with a drive (about five hours) to the quaint fishing village of Manambato, where we catch a boat to the reserve of Ankanin’ny Nofy (better known as Le Palmarium Reserve). Our 1hr 30min transfer takes us through the Canal des Pangalanes, a serene network of natural and human-made waterways stretching along Madagascar’s east coast, lined with lush vegetation, traditional villages and vibrant birdlife. Take the afternoon to explore the reserve at your leisure; before sunset, hop on the boat and make your way to Aye-Aye Island to catch a glimpse of this fascinating lemur. Visitors can observe these animals in semi-free conditions, offering close encounters while maintaining ethical standards. The reserve also shelters vibrant chameleons and rare tropical plants.

A day excursion on the canal offers a peaceful, immersive experience: glide through calm waters by motorised canoe, observing daily life along the riverbanks, spotting endemic flora and fauna, and visiting a village where we can enjoy small interactions with the residents. A tour leader and lodge guide illuminate the experience, and we enjoy a packed lunch on the beach (no swimming).

After an early breakfast, take the boat back to Manambato, then transfer (nine hours) back to Tana. Though it’s a long journey today, there’s lots of magnificent scenery to enjoy through the window, and stops are made to stretch legs and visit markets en route. We arrive in the late afternoon, with the rest of the day free to relax before our flight tomorrow.

We fly to Antsiranana (also known as Diego-Suarez), where we meet our next tour leader and start an exploration of Diego-Suarez Bay. Upon arrival, meet with your local guide, and start exploring part of Diego-Suarez Bay, the second-largest bay in the world after the Bay of Bengal. It starts outside the city with a visit to the summit of the French Mountain, where we can enjoy spectacular 360-degree views. We then visit three bays – Baie des Sakalava, Baie des Pigeons, and Baie des Dunes – to enjoy the coastal beauty of the area. We also enjoy a cooked picnic lunch on one of the beaches with the opportunity to take a dip in turquoise waters. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Note: A special baggage transfer will be arranged with the hotel, so you can start your day trip upon arrival at the airport.