9-Nights Madagascar: Island of Lemurs & Baobabs - Luxury Small Group Journeys from $13,295

Abercrombie & Kent: Madagascar: Island of Lemurs & Baobabs

DAY 1 Antananarivo, Madagascar

Arrive in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, affectionatelyknown by locals as Tana, where you are met and transferredto your hotel.

This morning, journey overland to your local lodgelocated in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, a bastion ofbiodiversity. After enjoying lunch at the lodge, set out on aguided walk through lush rainforest habitat, keeping watchfor any of the island’s many endemic species of lemurs,especially the Indri lemur with its teddy bear-like face,twitchy tail and black and white markings. This largest oflemurs is known for its haunting calls that echo through the forest. Other flora and fauna you may observe include a hostof distinctive birds, reptiles and insects. Tonight, back atyour lodge, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcomedinner.

Devote your morning to hiking the trails of Analamazaotrawith a local guide, taking in the verdant forest scapes andlooking for lemurs such as the Indri, diademed sifaka,grey bamboo, red-bellied and white-ruffed varieties. Thisafternoon, travel by boat to Lemur Island, a unique sanctuarywhere visitors can experience close encounters with lemursin their natural habitat, for a private up-close visit. Listenas local guides offer insight into the behavior, biology, andconservation status of the lemurs, their importance toMadagascar’s ecosystems and the threats they face fromhabitat loss, deforestation and illegal wildlife trade. Returnto your lodge for dinner before embarking on a nighttimewalk through the reserve in search of nocturnal wildlife. Youmay encounter the Goodman’s mouse lemur, eastern woollylemur and greater dwarf lemur, along with chameleons,frogs, geckos and myriad insect species that become activewhen the sun goes down.

Return to Antananarivo, driving through the countrysidewith scenic stops along the way. Gaze out at misty mountainsand small rural villages, and pass by farmland where localscultivate crops like rice, cassava, and coffee. Turn to yourguide for cultural insights along the way, enjoying thismemorable experience of Madagascar’s diverse landscapes and way of life. Tonight in Antananarivo, savor a Chef’sTable experience with dinner at the top restaurant inMadagascar, which offers a unique blend of Malagasy andEuropean cuisine. Choose from a diverse menu featuringclassic French dishes infused with local ingredients andflavors, providing a unique dining experience.

This morning, board a private charter flight to Isalo NationalPark, where you are met and transferred to your hotel, situated amid deep canyons eroded into spectacular shapes that serve asdwelling places for rare endemic plants, such as aloe and spine-bearingpalm trees. In addition to being home to sifaka, brownand ring-tail lemurs, Isalo is sacred to the Indigenous Baratribe who, for hundreds of years, have used caves in the canyonwalls as burial sites. This afternoon, visit Giorgio’s Window fora fantastic sunset photo opportunity.

Set out today on a guided walk to explore this diverse park,observing the lush, diverse tropical vegetation to the east as well as vast rolling plains interspersed with stunningrock formations. Choose from two trails, depending on yourinterests and physical abilities. Wind through spectacularlandscapes, ranging from lush palm-lined canyons to rockyplateaus dotted with endemic plants. View the natural rockpool known as the Piscine Naturelle and keep your cameraat the ready for encounters with resident wildlife. You mayencounter the ring-tailed lemur and Verreaux’s sifaka, whichcan often be spotted foraging among the trees and rockyoutcrops. Birdwatchers will delight in the chance to observethe Benson’s rock thrush and the Madagascar kestrel soaringoverhead. Stop for an al fresco hot barbecue lunch experienceset amid the stunning natural scenery. Afterward, enjoy time atleisure to explore the park before returning to the lodge. Thisevening, tip back a refreshing Scenic Sundower while listeningto local musicians perform traditional Malagasy music andabsorbing breathtaking views of the setting sun as it paints themagical Madagascar sky.

Board a flight to Ifotaka, in the remote south of Madagascar.Upon arrival at your permanent tented camp, settle in andenjoy the majestic views over the Mandrare River. Later, takea guided night walk in the prehistoric spiny forest, keepingwatch for diurnal lemur bedding down and nocturnal lemuras they begin to awake. Back in camp, sleep under Africanskies on your first of three nights in this unique ecosystem,with its captivating blend of arid scrubland, lush oases, andotherworldly baobab forests.

This morning, cross the Mandrare River to reach the largelydeciduous gallery forest that provides critical habitat for wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for inquisitive ring-tailedlemur and the always-entertaining Verreaux’s sifaka. Returnto camp for lunch and a relaxing afternoon by the pool.Later, head out for a walk through the sacred spiny forestfilled with the ancestral tombs of the local Antandroy tribe,as well as an extraordinary array of flora and fauna uniqueto spiny forest. Listen as your guide and a tracker from thelocal community introduce you to Antandroy culture andcustoms.

Rise early to walk in the spiny forest as dawn’s sunlightbreaks through the octopus trees to observe the manyendemic birds such as crested coua, a variety of vanga andthe running coua. Return to camp for a sumptuous breakfastfollowed by a visit to the local market or the local villageto meet the fascinating Antandroy tribe. Afterward, enjoylunch at your camp followed by an afternoon at leisurewatching life along the river from your tent’s terrace. Laterthis afternoon, drive out to an imposing forest of more than100 of Madagascar’s iconic baobab trees. Gaze out over thebaobabs as the sun sets over their distinctively roundedtrunks and crowns of branches. Tonight, celebrate yourlast evening in Madagascar with a special farewell dinner,sharing unforgettable moments with your fellow guests.

After breakfast, fly by charter air back to the capital, whereyou enjoy the use of a dayroom until transferring to theairport for your departing flight.