Day 1 – Arrival to Antananarivo, Madagascar 

You should plan to arrive in Antananarivo anytime today. Welcome dinner this evening at the Hotel. 
Overnight at Hotel Colbert (D)

Day 2 - Antananarivo to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (Perinet) 

This morning we depart for the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, an important area of protected rainforest, and home to the largest of the lemur species - the Indri. We will stop at the incredible La Mandraka Nature Farm en route - this private zoo has an excellent collection of native reptiles and amphibians and offers wonderful opportunities for close-up photography. Our destination is the luxurious Vakona Lodge, in a lovely setting at the edge of the forest. 
Overnight at Vakona Lodge. (B,L,D) 

Day 3 – Perinet Reserve, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park 

You will have a full day to visit one of Madagascar's most celebrated reserves, with an early start to see the Indri and hear their haunting calls. Each animal sings with its own unique voice, so the echoes and re-echoes tell each group where every Indri is located in the forest. We track Indri through the forest, and moderate walking provides a good opportunity to experience the abundant flora and fauna of the eastern rain forest. The world's largest chameleon can be found here, together with a wonderful array of tree frogs and geckos, plus numerous colorful tropical birds. We return to the Vakona Forest Lodge for a late lunch. This afternoon we will spend some more time photographing lemurs on Lemur Island. 

We return to the Vakona Forest Lodge for dinner and overnight. This evening we may take a walk to look for nocturnal lemurs – if we’re lucky we may catch the eye shine of the diminutive brown mouse lemur, greater dwarf lemur, or even the avahi (or eastern woolly lemur). 
Overnight at Vakona Lodge. (B,L,D) 

Day 4 – Andasibe-Mantadia National Park to Antananarivo

This morning we will visit Mantadia National Park, this area has primary rain forest and is home to many species not found at Perinet including the beautiful golden colored Diadeemed sifaka, Black-and-White ruffed lemurs as well as the Gray Bamboo lemur and Red-fronted Brown lemur. After lunch we return to Antananarivo. 
Overnight at Hotel Colbert (B,L,D) 

Day 5 - Antananarivo to Fort Dauphin  

This morning we leave the Hotel Colbert and fly south, our destination is Fort Dauphin. Upon arrival in Fort Dauphin at the southernmost tip of Madagascar, we plan to drive directly to the famed Berenty Reserve. This is a 3 + hour drive from coastal rainforest to the spiny desert on a decidedly bumpy road! 

We will enjoy scenic stops along the way to view the unique baobab trees, rare three-cornered palms and funerary art of the Malagasy burial grounds. For the next three days we will be visiting the unique Berenty Reserve - with walks along the wide, well swept paths we will definitely encounter dozens of the Ring-tailed lemurs, who are very friendly and seem pleased to pose for photographs. Be ready for surprise encounters with the beautiful sifaka lemur as they "dance" across the path. Other species include flying foxes, lizards, chameleons, the endangered Radiated tortoise and dozens of species of rare birds. This evening, we take a walk in search of nocturnal animals, including White-footed Sportive lemurs and White-browed owls. Overnight at Gite d’Etape (B,L,D) 

Day 6 - Berenty Reserve

In the early morning, Ring-tailed lemurs descend from the trees, often sitting all around you as you enjoy coffee. We have a full day to explore the reserve where the star attractions here are the large troops of wild Ring-tailed lemurs, which are completely accustomed to people. Also common are Brown lemurs and Verreaux's sifaka - one of Madagascar's most appealing and photogenic animals. In the afternoon, we will be on hand as these desert lemurs "dance" across the path as they return to their roosts in the treetops. The photographic opportunities here are exceptional, as the wildlife is diverse and easy to see. 
Overnight at Gite d’Etape (B,L,D) 

Day 7 – Berenty Reserve to Fort Dauphin 

Our last morning at Berenty, we can focus on trying to get good photos of the "dancing sifakas", a quest that can easily consume a whole day and many, many pictures, but is a challenge that is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face! After lunch we return to Fort Dauphin, our destination this evening is the comfortable Croix du Sud Hotel and a reunion with WiFi and other modern amenities! 
Overnight at Crois du Sud (B,L,D) 

Day 8 – Fort Dauphin to Antananarivo

This morning if flight schedules allow we will take a short excursion to Reserve du Nahampoana, located on the outskirts of town within an old French botanical garden research center. Ring-tailed lemurs, sifakas and Brown lemurs reside here in a lush garden set against a misty mountain backdrop. Otherwise we may have to fly back to Antananarivo in the morning. Regardless of morning or afternoon flights, we should have time to stop at the handicraft market and shop for souvenirs, arriving back to the Hotel Colbert in the late afternoon. Tonight we visit La Varangue for a gourmet dinner. 
Overnight at Hotel Colbert (B,L,D) 

Day 9 – Antananarivo to Anjajavy

This morning we take a private charter flight to Anjajavy, a resort only accessible by air! The luxury resort consists of 25 well-appointed bungalows set in a fairly large private reserve bordering two wide deserted beaches, some mangroves, small “tsingy” karstic limestone formations, and offering many aquatic activities as well as several hiking possibilities, most notably to the neighboring Sakalava villages of Anjajavy and Ambodro Ampasy where the owners of the resort have been very supportive in building a dispensary, a primary school, and starting several micro-lending schemes. The lodge’s private nature reserve just behind the landscaped garden has a varied fauna and flora, with some remarkable endemic species such as the delightful Coquerel’s sifaka, lovebirds, Cuvier’s spiny iguana, abundant malachite kingfishers, pygmy kingfishers, and much more. 
Overnight at Anjajavy (B,L,D) 

Day 10 – Anjajavy 

Today is at leisure to explore the grounds of Anjajavy and marvel at the incredible array of wildlife so easily viewed here. There are Coquerel’s sifaka seemingly everywhere, troops of brown lemurs, Madagascar fish eagles are regularly seen as well as a vast array of other bird-life - vangas, lovebirds, Vasa parrots, and so much more. The resort really is a haven for wildlife! Of course you can also just relax by the pool, swim in the ocean or even go snorkeling! 
Overnight at Anjajajvy (B,L,D) 

Day 11 – Anjajavy 

Our last full day before flights headed home - perhaps go deep sea fishing, hiking, biking, visit the nearby village, or just relax in the delightful lodge grounds. Certainly today is a day to reflect on the true magic of Madagascar. Be sure to enjoy afternoon tea in the “Oasis”. 
Overnight at Anjajajvy (B,L,D) 

Day 12 – Anjajavy to Antananarivo and flights home 

Relaxed breakfast this morning and a chance to pack before our flight back to Antananarivo. Upon arrival in Tana we will transfer to either directly to the International Terminal, or to our reserved day rooms at Relais des Plateaux a comfortable hotel located close to the airport. 

Please ensure your return flights are scheduled for after 3:00pm. (B) 


(B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner)