A rainforest and island exploration in Madagascar

There’s only one thing to do when you enter the rainforests of Ranomafana: hike, hike and hike some more. Amongst the tangled trees, you can spot 12 species of lemur, including the extremely rare golden lemur and greater bamboo lemur. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for sifaka, tenrec, Malagasy striped civet and other unique critters like the red-bodied giraffe weevil, prehistoric-looking geckos, giant chameleons and the comet moth - one of the largest in the world. Not to mention over 110 species of birdlife…

One of the most other-worldly regions in Madagascar, Isalo is made for adventurers. You can hike or ride horseback across its golden grasslands surrounded by the Canyon des Singes’ famous sandstone formations, or choose to scale these impressive sentinels. Another day could be spent in the coolness of the forest, where you can spy dancing sifakas, iridescent birdlife and six species of lemur, and take a dip in secluded natural pools like ‘La Piscine Naturelle’.

Sprawled across the hills, Madagascar’s capital city is packed with history, which is best discovered on foot. Highlights include the Cathedrale Catholique d’Andohalo, the ruins of the Rova palace complex (once home to the rulers of the Kingdom of Madagascar) or its recovered artifacts in the Musee Andafiavaratra, and learn about Madagascar’s many tribes at the Musée de l’Art et de Archéologie. Head a little out of the city to marvel at the World Heritage Site of Ambohimanga, sacred grounds with incredibly-preserved royal residences and graves. Get a sense of modern-day Madagascar at the lively Analakely Market and pick up hand-made souvenirs at La Digue Market, learn to make chocolate the Madagascan way and satisfy your taste buds at one of Antanarivo’s fabulous restaurants.

On an island where curious, endemic wildlife and surreal scenery is the norm, Andasibe is one of the most spectacular destinations in Madagascar. Alongside its namesake national park, there are a number of other reserves, which you can explore on hikes, horseback rides and pirogue trips along quiet waterways. The really adventurous can even discover the unique nocturnal wildlife! Andasibe is home to 13 lemur species and there’s no better place to see these characterful creatures in the wild, especiall the largest lemur on Earth - the indri. The region is saturated with kaleidascopic flora, butterflies and chameleons, from the Jurassic Parson’s chameleon to ones the size of your thumbnail.