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, from 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. We maximize your experience with your choice of guided walks each day, whether a photo-paced ramble 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
- Choice of hiking options and early morning birding outings
- Outstanding Trip Leaders, extra local naturalist guides at each park
- Sunset at Avenue of the Baobabs
- Fly on three private charters to maximize time in parks
- Visit a local school, 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. Here we plant a seedling and sip Malagasy sundowners as the sun sets over these majestic natural monuments, some more than 800 years old. 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 stunning Ranomafana National Park, one of the most biodiverse rainforests on the planet. Twelve lemur species have been recorded here, including the rare golden bamboo lemur. One evening, we enjoy a private talk with a wildlife researcher.
We'll get eye to eye with the friendly ring-tailed lemurs at community-run Anja Reserve, and hike in the sandstone gorges of Isalo. 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
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
Submit the form below to download itinerary
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—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.