CLASSIC MADAGASCAR

Upon arrival in Antananarivo, you will be transferred by road to your hill-top lodge just a short drive from the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. The park is famed for its lemur population with the diademed sifaka, common brown lemur and eastern woolly lemur all to be found here. The indri is the park’s most famous species, distinguished by its black and white fur and no tail. Their calls are unique and can travel miles through the thick forest.

You’ll have the opportunity to spot groups of habituated lemurs within walking distance of the park entrance as well as along well-maintained walking trails. As you hike through the lush rainforest you should also keep your eyes peeled for tanrecs, chameleons and the Madagascan blue pigeon. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy night walks around the private park of Vakona.

Stay: Two nights at Mantadia Lodge – full board

Today you will be transferred by road back to Antananarivo where you’ll spend one night in the bustling financial and business district.

Stay: One night at Grand Urban Hotel – half board

Today you’ll catch a flight to Tulear, followed by a road transfer to your hotel on the edge of the photogenic Isalo National Park. You’ll find yourself amidst an extraordinary landscape of sandstone rock formations, broad canyons, gushing waterfalls and sparkling natural pools. Much of the park remains sacred to the Bara tribe and, alongside an expert guide, you’ll be able to discover old burial sites hidden in caves along the canyon walls.

Stay: Three nights at Jardin du Roy – full board

On day eight you’ll make the journey to your next location on the southern tip of Madagascar. Mandrare River Cap is an isolated property in the heart of Ifotaka whose spiny sacred forests are home to several different lemur species. Day and night walks will bring you encounters with ring-tailed, Verreaux’s sifaka, white-footed sportive and mouse lemurs. The birdlife is just as rich with scops owl, malachite kingfisher and Verreaux’s coua all to be spotted.

Whilst the wildlife is the main draw of Ifotaka, a visit here is also a chance to immerse yourself in the rich Malagasy culture. You will have the opportunity to learn about the customs of the local Antandroy tribe and experience their traditional way of life first-hand.

Stay: Three nights at Mandrare River Camp – full board

From exploring wildlife-dense parks, it’s now time to completely unwind at a secluded, luxury beach lodge. Built into a forest-fringed cove, Manafiafy offers elegant accommodation just steps from the sea. The bay itself is protected with calm waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, whilst the soft sands provide a comfortable spot from which to watch the ebb and flow of the tide.

Those yearning for a wildlife fix can take a motorboat into the mangroves in search of vibrantly-coloured birds, whilst those looking for total privacy can enjoy a picnic on one of the nearby uninhabited islands. Between mid-June and mid-December keep your eyes peeled for passing dolphins and humpback whales.

Stay: Three nights at Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge – full board