Custom-Tailored Adventure in the Land of Lemurs
Madagascar Private Journey
Overview
The island-nation of Madagascar shelters an unmatched abundance of rare plants and animals, including more than 100 species of lemur, the engaging treetop acrobats found only here. Even Madagascar's chameleons are unique, from the huge, multi-colored Parson's chameleon to the inch-long Brookesia micra. In this natural history paradise of unique ecosystems, we bring you a Private Journey with exclusive accommodations, charter flights, top-notch naturalist guides, and flexible activities each day, from sundowners among the baobabs to early morning bird walks and exciting night excursions into the forests. Explore the trails of the lush eastern rainforests at Andasibe, one of Madagascar's premier reserves, home to the famous “singing” indri lemur as well as a host of birdlife and endemic flora. On Madagascar's northwest coast, Anjajavy, a deluxe Relais & Chateaux property in its own private wildlife reserve, is a unique tropical ecosystem that shelters a multitude of wildlife, from the common brown lemur to the Coquerel's sifaka or tiny nocturnal mouse lemur. Reptiles range from amazing native chameleons to leaf-nose bats, and the birdlife is prolific. With activities tailored to your taste, enjoy abundant lemur-viewing, night walks, sunset boat rides, snorkeling, and kayaking in the mangroves. Extend your Madagascar journey tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda's Parc National des Volcans.
Arrive: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Depart: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Highlights
- Private guides with choice of hiking options, night walks, early morning and afternoon outings
- Experience Madagascar's range of ecosystems, from dry deciduous forest to lush rainforest
- Hear the “singing” of indri lemurs of Andisabe, see Coquerel's sifaka lemurs at Anjajavy
- Sunset among the baobabs, snorkeling and kayaking at Anjajavy
Itinerary
After an overnight in Antananarivo, head to the rainforests of Andasibe, one of Madagascar's premier reserves, created to protect the Indri, the largest living lemur species, whose haunting calls echo through the forest. More than 11 species of lemurs are found here, and a fascinating night walk offers a glimpse into the world of nocturnal species including the tiny mouse lemur. Return to Antananarivo on Day 5 for overnight.
A charter flight brings you to Anjajavy Reserve, whose forest is home to chameleons, frogs, and common brown lemur, as well as nocturnal species such as sportive, and mouse lemur. More than five lemur species can be seen on walks in the Anjajavy Reserve (and even while you're on the deck of your villa). Birdlife includes flocks of grey-headed love birds, vangas, crested couas, and vanga parrots. Activities on these days can be tailored to your taste. Enjoy a walk through the towering baobab forest or through a tsingy labyrinth, or cove to cove hikes along the cliff path. Mountain bikes are offered, as are guided catamaran trips. Single and double kayaks are available for a paddle along the south coast of the reserve. More than 135 bird species have been recorded at Anjajavy, many of them rare or endangered; for birders, an early morning trip accompanied by a birding guide is a memorable experience. Overnights at Anjajavy Lodge. On Day 9, fly back to Antananarivo and depart on homeward-bound flights.
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 rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. While this trip is not expected to be physically strenuous, the long travel days, poor infrastructure, and transportation conditions can be quite demanding. You will need to be comfortable driving 5+ hours in a day over rough, bumpy roads. You should be fit, healthy, and prepared for adventure, as some walking trails in Madagascar’s parks can be slippery, muddy, and uneven, with tree roots, tall steps, and off-trail paths through brush to spot wildlife. Depending on the season and region, trips may experience very hot or cold weather conditions. We believe the most important requirements are a spirit of adventure and the understanding that you are visiting a remote and fascinating region.
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. Temperatures can be quite cold in certain regions such as the highlands, including the capital, Antananarivo, especially during July and August, while other areas such as the north and south may experience intense heat waves, requiring greater effort, particularly for departures between September and November. Daily temperatures typically range from the low 60s to the high 80s, however there may be days that are far higher or lower than those averages. The ideal time to visit is in 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.
Accommodations are chosen for their location and charm, they are the best available in the places we will be visiting. They range from city hotels to basic wildlife lodges. Most properties have a fan but do not have A/C.
Several of the travel days involve long drives and some poor road conditions on bumpy dirt roads. We have added private charters to help reduce drive times as much as possible. However, this trip is designed to take you to regions that experience very little tourism and therefore have basic infrastructure. Ground transportation is by small bus and SUV. We have taken local travel times into account in planning the itinerary, though road conditions can change from week to week. While traveling in rural areas, there are few decent public bathroom facilities. We do what the locals do and opt for a “bush bathroom” when on road journeys. Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.).
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
"Love Madagascar. Great trip. Every single thing was taken care of. Enjoyed the pace of our trip. Enjoyed learning the history, politics, being in the jungle, seeing wildlife, marketplaces, people we met along the way."
Laurie B.
Oakland, CA
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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
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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.