SIMPLY MADAGASCAR

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, the first stop on your Madagascan journey, is best known as the home of the indri lemur – one of the largest living lemur species on the planet. Its unique call can be heard for miles through the dense forest and is likely to be the first thing you hear in the mornings. There are a few habituated families of indri within easy walking distance of the park entrance making for some great sightings.

Whilst the indri is the park’s most famous inhabitant, other species to look out for in this 155-square kilometre wilderness include black-and-white ruffed lemurs, grey bamboo lemurs and the diademed sifaka. Your guide will also help you spot reptiles like the nose-horned chameleon as well as vivid birds.

Stay: Two nights at Mantadia Lodge – full board

Today you’ll be transferred back to the capital of Antananarivo to spend one night before continuing on to Joffreville. Take the time to explore the city’s historic old town or simply relax back at the hotel.

Stay: One night at Grand Urban Hotel – half board

Fly from Antananarivo to Diego Saurez where you’ll be transferred to Joffreville and your nature lodge overlooking Diego-Saurez Bay. During your stay you’ll have a variety of activities at your doorstep including hiking excursions, bird watching tours and lemur tracking in the neighbouring Amber Mountain National Park. Otherwise, you can enjoy exploring the picturesque village of Joffreville.

Stay: Two nights at Nature Lodge – full board

On day seven you’ll journey to the Ankarana Reserve, dominated by 150 million-year-old limestone eroded over the years into spectacular gorges, karst spires, underground rivers and caves. Hiking along the pathways that wind through the rocks offers some awe-inspiring views. As well as an incredible karst landscape the reserve also features deciduous forest where you’ll find crowned, northern sportive, grey mouse, Perrier’s black and Sanford’s brown lemurs dozing in the trees. A variety of chameleons and birds can also be found during your guided walks, whilst the caves are filled with fruit bats and stunning stalagmites. When you’re not exploring the massif you can ride a bicycle into one of the surrounding villages to meet locals and observe everyday life.

Stay: Two nights at Iharana Bush Camp – full board

On the ninth day of your holiday you’ll be transferred to the coast for five nights of total relaxation in a lush natural setting. Situated on Baobab Beach, just half an hour from Nosy Be Island, you’ll find yourself surrounded by pure white sands and virgin forest studded with ancient baobab trees. With no roads or cars in sight – and only a small village nearby – you’ll enjoy truly undisturbed relaxation.

Enjoy traditional Madagascan massages or try your hand at eco-friendly water sports like snorkelling, windsurfing and sea kayaking. Scuba diving, visits to waterfalls and trips to see lemurs and turtles can also be arranged.

Stay: Five nights at Eden Lodge – full board