An Ecological Hotspot with Thrilling Endemic Species
Madagascar: Off the Beaten Path
Overview
Madagascar has been isolated from mainland Africa since the time of the dinosaurs and possesses rare life forms found nowhere else, including over 100 species of lemur to wildly colorful chameleons ranging from thumbnail-sized to two feet long! In this unique world, we bring you into seven environments, from sandstone canyons to mountain rainforests, with your choice of guided walks each day, whether a photo-paced stroll or an invigorating hike. You’ll hear the haunting calls of the “singing indri” deep in the forest, meet wildlife researchers, visit reforestation projects—and even plant a seedling on the famed Avenue of the Baobabs!
Arrive: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Depart: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Highlights
- Choose among daily hiking options and morning birding outings
- Enjoy outstanding Trip Leaders, extra local naturalist guides at each park
- Watch sunrise and sunset at Avenue of the Baobabs
- Fly on three private charters to maximize time in parks
- Sample traditional Malagasy cuisine
Itinerary
From “Tana,” the capital, we head to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, a rainforest reserve created to protect the indri, the largest living lemur species, whose treetop calls carry for miles. Common brown, grey bamboo, and woolly lemurs are also found here. We’ll also visit Lemur Island, a sanctuary for orphaned lemurs—the lemurs here are habituated to people, allowing great photo opportunities.
Flying by private charter to seaside Morondava, we visit the Avenue of the Baobabs to plant a seedling and sip Malagasy sundowners as the sun sets over these majestic natural monuments. In Kirindy Reserve, we look for the elusive cat-like fossa, a host of endemic chameleons, and primates including Verreaux’s sifaka.
A charter flight and road journey bring us to Ranomafana National Park. Twelve lemur species have been recorded here, including the rare golden bamboo lemur. One evening, we enjoy a private talk with a wildlife researcher. At community-run Anja Reserve, we’ll get eye to eye with the friendly ring-tailed lemurs.
After our hikes in the sandstone gorges of Isalo, we fly by private charter to Antananarivo and depart on Day 15.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is Level 2+, Easy to Moderate. It features day hikes in national parks, with accommodations that range from city hotels to basic wildlife lodges. You should be fit, healthy, and ready for adventure because the walking trails in Madagascar's parks can be quite slippery and muddy and temperatures can be extreme. Several of the travel days involve long drives and road conditions can be rough.
Review Trip Level Details
Madagascar has a tropical climate with many microclimates, so the weather can vary greatly depending on the time of year and region of the country. The north and south tend to be warm and dry, while the highlands, including the capital, Antananarivo, are cooler. Daily temperatures typically range from the low 60s to the high 80s. Our departures are set for the dry season (April-November), where you can expect warm weather (don't forget your sun protection), but also some rain and muddy road conditions.
Traveling in Madagascar is always an adventure! Changes and delays are all part of the experience. We will make every effort to follow the Detailed Itinerary as described, but please note it may be rearranged due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, including internal flights that are often subject to delay, cancellation, and last-minute schedule changes. In addition, travelers should be aware that there is a scarcity of medical facilities outside of Antananarivo and they may not be up to international standards. A spirit of adventure and a flexible, cooperative attitude are musts. Your reward is an unparalleled experience of one of the world's most intriguing countries and its fascinating wildlife.
Client Testimonials
"This was an excellent experience. We learned a lot and were able to observe the distinctive animals and plants that we had only read about."
Doug M.
Providence, RI
"Both pre-trip preparation and on the ground trip management were excellent, which translated out to make an overall delightful fulfilling experience"
Elsie M.
Providence, RI
"A very interesting trip, with a great variety of sights and experiences and a very knowledgeable guide."
Joe C.
Escondido, CA
"The trip was excellent, I'd highly recommend it. Really fun—the local guides and Trip Leader were all wonderful. I am so glad Wilderness took care of everything."
Kathy W.
Minneapolis, MN
"Our trip leader was amazing. We couldn't figure out how he timed everything so perfectly! He's a treasure and a fabulous representative of WT and Madagascar."
Laurie B.
Washington, NJ
"The trip was interesting and a lot of fun. A great adventure!"
Linda H.
Olympia, WA
"I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. There was a great mix of experiences in Madagascar. Obviously a lot of planning went into making it a memorable trip. Thank you!"
Marilyn G.
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
"From the quality of the hotels and food to the professionalism of the main and subsequent guides, I can't think of anything I would have changed. We saw so many different lemurs and other critters from frogs and butterflies to snakes and tortoises. My two personal favorite experiences were photographing the fossa and seeing a mom and baby mouse lemur in Kirindy Forest—two species on my bucket list checked off. The indri were just mind blowing with their size and amazing calls, the cheeky ring tailed lemurs, and the expressive sportive lemurs! Just can't say enough about how much I enjoyed this trip."
Rita S.
Knoxville, TN
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.