The Living Eden: Madagascar’s Unique Flora and Fauna 2026

Day 1: Monday 7 September, Arrive Antananarivo

• Airport transfer for participants travelling on the ASA ‘designated’ flight (from Mauritius MK288 arriving at 1515hrs)
• Short Orientation tour of Antananarivo
• Welcome Dinner

Meeting Point: The tour commences at 3.15pm in the Arrivals Hall of Antananarivo.

Upon arrival we commence with a short orientation tour of Antananarivo visiting the exteriors of the Queen’s Palace and the Prime Minister’s Palace.

The city of Tana was built in three stages; the high city was the first area occupied during the royal period, and it is here that the old Manjakamiadana Rova (Queen’s Palace) is located. This royal palace complex (rova in Malagasy) served as a residence for the kings and queens of the Merina Kingdom during the 17th and 18th centuries and the rulers of the Kingdom of Madagascar in the 19th century. Its religious counterpart is the nearby fortified village of Ambohimanga, which served as the spiritual seat of the kingdom. Originally made of wood, in 1869 the palace was rebuilt in stone by order of Queen Ranavalona II. In 1995 a fire almost completely destroyed the palace sparing only the stone walls. From its high position the palace offers great panoramic views of the city and the Twelve Sacred Hills.

The Andafiavaratra Palace, also known as the Prime Minister’s Palace, is located north of the Queen’s Palace. The original wooden palace was built under the supervision of Queen Ranavalona I. In 1872, it was rebuilt according to the plans of British architect William Pool. The 3-storey palace centres on a large reception hall lit up by a glass dome. Each of the four corner towers includes a bell tower. From 1864 to 1895 the palace was the residence of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony, who married three queens and exercised ultimate power from here. After Madagascar became independent, the palace was used as army barracks, a court, school of fine arts, presidential palace and finally again as the prime minister’s office. In 1976 the palace burnt down. Following extensive restoration it now houses a museum displaying precious items which were saved from the fire of the Rova in 1995 including the red jacket of Radama I, the royal coral jewels, various royal portraits and the diadem of the last queen.

In the late afternoon we transfer to our hotel located in the heart of the government district. This evening we gather for a welcome meal at a local restaurant. (Overnight Antananarivo) D

Day 2: Tuesday 8 September, Antananarivo – Morondava – Kirindy

• Fly Antananarivo to Morondava
• Journey by 4WD to Kirindy
• Nocturnal guided visit of Kirindy Forest Reserve
• Fitness Criteria: Trails are broad and mostly flat, making walking easy. Duration: 2hrs

We take an early morning flight to Morondava, and then travel by 4WD to the Kirindy Forest Reserve. This 10,000-hectare reserve is a rare remnant of Madagascar’s threatened dry tropical deciduous forest. The reserve contains such oddities as the endangered Giant Jumping Rat collected by Gerald Durrell and now resident at the Durrell Wildlife Foundation, the Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) – Madagascar’s largest predator and a member of the mongoose family, and seven species of nocturnal lemur including the Fork-Marked Lemur, Coquerel’s Dwarf Lemur and the smallest of all primates, the Pygmy Mouse Lemur. Also present is the hissing cockroach. Kirindy boasts the highest density of primates of virtually any forest in the world. Diurnal lemurs include the acrobatic Verreaux’s Sifaka and Red-Fronted Brown Lemur.

Kirindy is part of the Menabe forests, also noted for their diverse botany which includes three of the island’s seven endemic baobabs, including the Giant Baobab and the smallest, the Bottle Baobab. Birdwatching is excellent, and we should see the Coquerels and Crested Couas and Sicklebill Vangas to name but a few. You may also see iguanids and the Flat-Tailed Tortoise – known as Kapidolo (ghost turtle), currently one of the most threatened of all the world’s tortoises.

This evening we take a walk through the reserve to spot some of these nocturnal species. (Overnight Kirindy Forest Reserve) BLD

Day 3: Wednesday 9 September, Kirindy – Belo Tsiribihina – Tsingy de Bemaraha

• Early morning Diurnal visit of Kirindy Forest Reserve (2hrs)
• Journey by 4WD to Bekopaka via the Tsirbihina River and Belo Tsiribihina

We will start our diurnal visit of Kirindy forest at around 0730am. We will walk from the camp straight through the forest to spot the two diurnal lemurs and luckily the Narrow-stripped Mongoose (Mungotictis decemlineata). During the couple of hours walk through the forest, we shall come across most of its resident birds not to mention the reptiles.

By 11.00am we drive northwards to the shores of the Tsiribihina River, where a barge will transport us across the river to the town of Belo Tsiribihina. The river crossing takes about 45 minutes.

Following lunch in Belo Tsiribihina we make the four to five-hour drive to Bekopaka. Our journey takes us across savanna, a grassland home to the Madagascar Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides radiatus). One of the commonest raptors of Madagascar, this is a very large bird of prey. Aside from its size, it is unmistakable with its black and white stripes (called barring) on its underside, grey back, long bare yellow legs and bare pink or yellow skin patch around the eye.

A second barge will take our party across the river Manambolo to the village of Bekopaka; we shall spend the next three nights based at the Soleil des Tsingy. Located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tsingy de Bemaraha, the lodge is perched on the highest point in this region, offering spectacular views of the surrounding scenery. (Overnight Bekopaka) BLD

Day 4: Thursday 10 September, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

• The Gorge of the Manambolo River by pirogue
• Fitness Criteria: The excursion by pirogue on the Manambolo River is not suitable for anyone with bad knees. Further details are provided below. Duration: 2hrs
• The Petite (Small) Tsingy
• Fitness Criteria: The walk includes a short ascent following a series of iron ladders and wooden walkways. Group may be divided into smaller groups based on ability levels. Duration: 2-3hrs.

The spectacular mineral forest of Tsingy de Bemaraha stands on the west coast of Madagascar. The area, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990, comprises 1575 square kilometres of canyons, gorges, undisturbed forests, lakes and mangrove swamps. The northern section is designated an Integral Reserve, and therefore off-limits to visitors, but we shall visit the southern section, declared a national park in 1998. This vast forest of rugged and eroded karst pinnacles supports about 90 species of birds, 8 species of reptiles and 11 species of lemurs. Scientists estimate that 86.7% of the flora and flora are endemic to Madagascar, and 47% are endemic to this region.

This morning we make an excursion by pirogue (wooden dug-out canoe) to the spectacular Manambolo Gorge, where the river has carved a deep channel through the limestone plateau. As we canoe past dry forest and sheer, vertical cliffs, craggy caves and overhangs, we shall view unusual vegetation, endemic water birds, and hear the shrill cries of black parrots resounding against the rock walls. Madagascar Fish Eagles can sometimes be seen perching in large trees edging the river. The park is generally divided into two parts – the Petit (Small) and the Grand (Big) Tsingy – a distinction based upon on area and also on the height of the pinnacles.

This afternoon we visit the Petit Tsingy. An easy walk through a dry deciduous forest (where you’ll get to see plenty of lemurs) takes us to the base of the karst formations. Here a short ascent – following a series of iron ladders and wooden walkways (designed by a French mountaineer) – takes us to the viewpoint that opens up to a vista of the surrounding Tsingy forest. (Overnight Bekopaka) BLD

Day 5: Friday 11 September, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

• The Grand Tsingy: Adjacent Forest Walk (Option 1)
• Fitness Criteria: Option 1: A leisurely forest walk. Duration: 2hrs
• Climbing The Grand Tsingy (Option 2: strenuous)
• Fitness Criteria: Option 2: Climbing the Grand Tsingy is long and strenuous and can be very hot during the middle of the day. It includes many steps, cables, walkways, caves, and a fair bit of rock scrambling. You need to be okay with heights. A climbing harness is provided for those undertaking the cables and rock scrambling section. Duration: 4hrs.
• Afternoon at leisure

We depart very early this morning for a one-hour drive to the Grand Tsingy. We may see lemurs and dozens of birds, orchids, aloes, pachypodium and baobabs. The endemic and medicinal plants make the flora of this park unique. On arrival we take a leisurely walk exploring the adjacent forest for birds: Decken’s Sifaka (Propithecus deckeni), Randrianasolo’s Sportive Lemur (Lepilemur randrianasoli). At the entrance of the Tsingy we may also search for the Western Ring-Tailed Mongoose (Galidia elegans occidentalis). Note: The Grand Tsingy, the outskirts of which are characterised by xerophyte vegetation, may be viewed from below, from quite short distance without needing to climb.

Alternatively, you may wish to take an adventurous (and indeed strenuous) walk traversing the pinnacles either along a harnessed track or following the iron ladder way. A harness clipped to a steel cable is used for safety on the vertiginous and exposed scrambling sections amongst the rock. (Note: no technical climbing experience is necessary).

After visiting the park we shall return to our hotel for lunch and an afternoon at leisure to relax. (Overnight Bekopaka) BLD

Day 6: Saturday 12 September, Tsingy de Bemaraha – Morondava

• Return journey to Morondava by 4WD
• Avenue des Baobabs

We return to Morondava by road, viewing the sunset in the Avenue des Baobabs. This cluster of towering Grandidier’s Baobabs (Adansonia grandidieri) is one of Madagascar’s most famous views. In 2007 the avenue (together with about 300 baobabs of three species in the surrounding one kilometre) became an officially protected natural monument. Andansonia grandidieri is the most majestic and famous of the baobab species and may reach 30m in height. The best-known specimens form the Boabab Avenue. These trees would once have been surrounded by dense forest, but today their isolated silhouettes can be seen for miles across the flat, featureless rice fields. There is now an active program to plant saplings amongst the existing trees. The project suffered a setback late in 2012 when a fire engulfed 11ha of the 320ha reserve, destroying 99 of the 2220 newly planted trees, but no mature baobabs were affected. We overnight in Morondava, a relaxed coastal town located on the Mozambique Channel. (Overnight Morondava) BLD

Day 7: Sunday 13 September, Morondava – Antananarivo

• Time at leisure Morondava
• Flight Morondava – Antananarivo
• Craft Market of Antananarivo

Following some time at leisure we take a flight back to Antananarivo. We spend the remainder of the day exploring the craft market which has beautiful fossil specimens for sale and stalls selling baskets, woodcrafts and of course, vanilla pods. (Overnight Antananarivo) BLD

Day 8: Monday 14 September, Antananarivo – Ambatolampy – Antsirabe

• Aluminium Pot Workshops, Ambatolampy
• Rickshaw ride: visit to the semi-precious stone workshops and handicraft sector of Antsirabe

We spend the day travelling from Antananarivo to Antsirabe. South of Tana we make a brief visit to the typical plateau town of Ambatolampy, famous for its aluminium pots. A visit to a local foundry will enable us to view the workers who, out of the blazing hot metal, create small artworks, cutlery and cooking pots. Their skilful technique is interesting to watch. The metal is smelted by one worker in a crucible until it is molten. In the meantime, another member of the team creates the inverted shape of the inside of the pot on the floor of the workshop using a very fine-grained mixture of sand, laterite and powdered charcoal. Once this shape has been completed, a wooden mould is lowered carefully over the foundry sand, and more sand is packed around it. Finally, the molten metal is poured into the cavity between the two to create the pot. The pot is then left to cool – which is a surprisingly quick process – before the mould is removed and the foundry sand is gently swept away to expose the new pot. It is then sanded and burnished to remove the rough edges and reveal the characteristic silvery white colour of the metal.

On arrival, we begin with a short tour of Antsirabe, the third largest city in Madagascar. Located on a high plateau, at an altitude of approximately 1500m, it has a relatively cool climate. Its name, meaning ‘where there is salt’, honours the large number of hot springs whose curative qualities were appreciated by the local population when French colonists decided to locate a thermal bath here in the 19th century. It is also renowned for having hundreds of registered rickshaws (or pousse-pousses in French) and specialises in the cutting of semi-precious stones. In the town’s thriving handicrafts sector, we may view a variety of products including jewellery made from zebu horn, toys crafted from old tin cans, wood carvings, polished minerals, embroidered tablecloths and clothing. (Overnight Antsirabe) BLD

Day 9: Tuesday 15 September, Antsirabe – Ambositra – Ambatovaky – Ranomafana

• Wood carving of Ambositra
• Blacksmith village of Ambatovaky

At around 7.00am we depart Antsirabe and continue 90km south to the Betsileo town of Ambositra, whose close proximity to the forest has made it the centre of Madagascar’s wood carving industry.  Its name means ‘the place of the eunuchs’, supposedly because the Merina tribe castrated all defeated warriors of the local tribe, the Zafimaniry. The cultural influence of this tribe can be found in the traditional motifs on the local houses with their intricately carved balconies, panels and shutters. We’ll encounter many specialised workshops in printmaking, wood carving and marquetry.

The village of Ambatovaky, situated 24km from the entrance to Ranomafana National Park, consists of a small population of farmers and artisans. Here shall visit a local blacksmith before continuing to Ranomafana National Park in the mountainous highlands. (Overnight Ranomafana National Park) BLD

Day 10 & 11: Wednesday 16 September & Thursday 17 September, Ranomafana National Park

• Mornings: Birdwatching and nature walk along the Varibolamena Trails
• Fitness Criteria: One of the most difficult trails, it is taxing due to the rough terrain and humidity. Group may be divided into smaller groups based on ability levels. Duration: 4 hrs.
• Afternoon: Birdwatching and nature walk along the Vohiparara Trails
• Fitness Criteria: The Vohiparara Trail is flatter than the Varibolamena Tail. Group may be divided into smaller groups based on ability levels. Duration: dependent on bird species spotted; approx. 2hrs.

Particularly rich in wildlife, this hitherto unprotected fragment of mid-altitude rainforest and higher-altitude mountain cloud forest first came to the world’s attention with the discovery of the Golden Bamboo Lemur in 1986; formal protection followed in 1991. Today this exquisite upland cloud forest is one of Madagascar’s top wildlife hotspots. The twelve lemur species that live here include all three Bamboo Lemurs: Grey Bamboo Lemur (Hapalemur griseus), Greater Bamboo Lemur  (Prolemur simus) and the Golden Bamboo Lemur (Hapalemur aureus). The Bamboo or Gentle lemurs have grey-brown fur. Their muzzles are short and their ears are round and hairy. Lengths vary from 26 to 46 cm, with tails just as long or longer, and they weigh up to 2.5 kg. Bamboo Lemurs prefer damp forests where bamboo grows and as their name suggests they feed almost exclusively on bamboo. Completely dependent on this low-energy food source, the lemur must lead a very sedentary lifestyle and spend much of its time eating. As with many specialised species, this lemur is unable to adapt to its rapidly changing habitat. Widespread clearing of its rainforest habitat has caused populations to become isolated in the few remaining patches of forest capable of supporting the species. Other residents of the park include the striking Milne-Edward’s Sifaka and the robust Black and White-Ruffed Lemur. There are also scores of reptiles and beautiful chameleons. 

We shall spend two days in Ranomafana National Park exploring the network of paths through the forests and dense stands of giant bamboo. Expect to see various lemurs, such as Red-Fronted Brown Lemur (Eulemur rufus), Red-Bellied Lemur (Eulemur rubriventer) and the shy Grey Bamboo Lemur. For the tree lover we will see some of the species of Dombeya with their heads of pink or white flowers. Ranomafana is also superb for birdwatchers as many of the rainforest dwelling endemics occur in the park. There are Brown Mesite, Blue Coua and the Velvet Asity. Ranomafana is a herpetologist’s paradise, with a variety of chameleons, geckoes, skinks and frogs. The floral diversity is bewildering, with numerous species of palm, bamboo and orchid thriving here.

The Ranomafana National Park trail is considered to be one of the most difficult walks included on this tour due to the roughness of terrain and the permanent humidity. Difficulty will undoubtedly arise while tracking wildlife, in particular Golden Bamboo Lemurs and Milne’s Edward Sifaka, the former being very often met only off track – which can be a strenuous endeavour. The terrain where birds are usually encountered is more even. (Overnight Ranomafana National Park) BLD

Day 12: Friday 18 September, Ranomafana – Anja – Isalo National Park

• Ring-Tailed Lemurs of Anja Community Reserve
• Fitness Criteria: Relatively easy trail with only slight uphill slopes. The narrow trails follow open vegetation through dry-deciduous forest. Duration: 2hrs

Leaving the rainforest early after breakfast we drive across the desolate central southern interior to Ambalavao, the southernmost town in the highlands, known for its zebu market and home to the famous Malagasy Antaimoro paper attractively decorated with fresh flowers. The town also features red-ochre houses with verandas and beautiful wooden balustrades.

We also stop to visit the community-run Anja Reserve. Known for its superb scenery and intriguing plants adapted to the dry southern climate, the reserve covers eight hectares and is home to about 300 Ring-Tail Lemurs (Lemur catta), instantly recognisable by their banded tail, and some intriguing plants adapted to the dry southern climate. The region is sacred to the Betsileo; their ancestors are buried here and it has always been fady (meaning taboo in the traditional culture of Madagascar) to hunt the lemurs. The caves here have provided a useful sanctuary in times of trouble and were inhabited up to a century or so ago. We spend a couple of hours in the Anja Reserve following a relatively easy trail through dry-deciduous forest to spot groups of Ring-Tailed Lemurs and various species of reptiles.

In the afternoon we resume our drive towards Ihosy, the capital of the Bara, a local nomadic pastoralist tribe which made itself famous country wide for zebu rustling and polygamist ancestral traditions. From Ihosy and atop the imposing Horombe plateau, encounters with zebu herds on their move to grazing areas or onto weekly held livestock markets are commonplace. Finally we reach Isalo’s remarkable landscapes, with eroded ‘ruiniforme’ sandstone outcrops, giving hints of silver and green reflections of sunlight, and interspersed with endless palm savanna of the endemic Bismarkia Palms (Bismarkia nobilis). (Overnight Isalo National Park) BLD

Day 13: Saturday 19 September, Isalo National Park

• Morning nature trail, Isalo National Park
• Fitness Criteria: The path to the natural pool climbs steeply and there is little shade along the way. The hiking time for the uphill climb is approximately 1-1.5 hours at a leisurely pace with stops. Group may be divided into smaller groups based on ability levels. Duration: 2-3hrs.
• Afternoon at leisure OR optional trail to the Piscine Noire et Bleu, Isalo National Park.
• Fitness Criteria: This 4km walk begins with easy walking, but becomes more difficult towards the end of the canyon due to stream crossings on flattened boulders, cliff ascents on carved steps, followed by a descent to the pools along narrow steps and stepping stones. Group may be divided into smaller groups based on ability levels. Duration: 3hrs.

We explore Isalo National Park’s fascinating plant community, including some very localised species of palm, aloe and the squat ‘elephant’s foot’ pachypodiums, which flourish on the rock faces. With luck, we’ll see some Ring-Tail Lemurs or Verreaux’s Sifakas in dense vegetation lining the canyon streams. Isalo offers several options for hikes into rocky canyons and verdant oases, with opportunities to take a refreshing dip in naturally formed pools at the base of hidden waterfalls. We shall look for Ring-Tail Lemurs, Verreaux Sifakas and Red-Fronted Brown Lemurs that have adapted to life in this dry desert climate.

Our early morning trail provides views of xerophytic and sclerophyllous vegetation as well as stunning sandstone runiforme scenery.

This afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the lodge’s facilities. Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional walk to the ‘Piscine Noire et Bleu’ (Black and Blue Pools), both fed by narrow waterfalls, located at the end of the Namazaha Canyon. This canyon features riparian (riverbank) vegetation and shelters a variety of birds including the Benson Rock Thrush (Monticola bensoni). We begin the trail in a dry deciduous pocket forest that is home to birds, reptiles and insects. At the centre of this forest we may see Ring-Tailed Lemurs, the Red-Fronted Brown Lemurs and a Verreaux Sifaka. (Overnight Isalo National Park) BLD

Day 14: Sunday 20 September, Isalo – Zombitse National Park – Toliara

• Zombitse National Park
• Fitness Criteria: An easy walk along the Mandresy Trail; terrain includes loose sand. Duration: 2hrs

We make a very early start to drive to Zombitse National Park. The forest is a very special transition zone between the southern flora and the western deciduous forest. Similar in appearance to the latter, it contains the baobab species of the former. Here we may find our first Angraecum orchids and see Rhopalocarpus, a large tree and a member of a family unique to Madagascar. The large white Verreaux’s Sifakas bound from tree to tree and often allow close views.

In the late afternoon we drive to Toliara, the capital of the Atsimo-Andrefana region. Located on the southwest coast, the city acts as a major import/export hub for commodities including sisal, soap hemp, cotton, rice and peanuts. (Overnight Toliara) BLD

Day 15: Monday 21 September, Toliara – Antsokay – Ambondrolava – Toliara

• Arboretum d’Antsokay
• Mangrove Ambondrolava
• Fitness Criteria: An easy walk along boardwalks. Duration: 1.5hrs

At 7.30am we depart for a visit to the splendid Aboretum d’Antsokay, located 12km south-east of Toliara. Created in the early 80s on the initiative of a Swiss amateur botanist, Hermann Petignat, the arboretum is devoted to the conservation of plants from the south-western part of Madagascar. In close collaboration with many institutions including the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and WWF, it presents a fabulous collection of Madagascar succulents and spiny forest flora. Lunch will be at leisure.

In the afternoon, we will drive northwards of the town of Toliara to the village of Ambondrolava to visit the mangrove which the community protects and restore on a project initiated by Reef Doctor. The visit will be carried out walking along boardwalks, a safe way into visiting the mangrove without sinking into the mud. The one and half hour visit or so will bring awareness of the ecology of the mangroves and our obligation to protect it for future generations. The visit will also give us the chance to observe aquatic birds. In the late afternoon we return to Toliara. (Overnight Toliara) BD

Day 16:  Tuesday 22 September, Toliara – Antananarivo

• Flight Toliara – Antananarivo
• Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
• Time at leisure

Following a morning flight from Toliara to Antananarivo we spend the remainder of the day exploring the city, including the UNESCO heritage listed Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, one of the most important spiritual and historic sites for the Malagasy people. Occupied since the 15th century, it was a fortified political capital, royal palace and royal burial ground. In the nineteenth century, the French colonial authorities made several attempts to undermine the significance and national symbolism of Ambohimanga, all of which proved unsuccessful. (Overnight Antananarivo) BLD

Day 17: Wednesday 23 September, Antananarivo – Marozevo – Andasibe

• Peyrieras Reptile Reserve (Mandraka Nature Farm), Marozevo
• Fitness Criteria: Our visit to the reserve may include an optional ten-minute hike to the top of a nearby hill, where a family of Coquerel’s Sifaka (Propithecus coquereli) and a group of Common Brown Lemurs (Eulemur fulvus) reside. The hillside is quite steep. Duration: 2hrs
• Early evening walk in the VOI Community managed forest of the Reserve of Indri d’ Analamazaotra
• Fitness Criteria: The night walk starts at around 1800 from the entrance to the VOI preserve. The trail, winding in the understorey of the forest, is reasonably flat. Duration: 1.5hrs

This morning we depart Antananarivo for Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, an important area of protected rainforest and home to the largest of the lemur species, the Indri. En route we stop at the Peyrieras Reptile Reserve, founded by the French entomologist and naturalist André Peyriéras, for a close-up look at some of Madagascar’s numerous reptiles and amphibians, including several species of chameleons, snakes, geckos and frogs. We arrive at our atmospheric lodge set on the edge of the rainforest in the late afternoon.

In the early evening we make our first visit to the special Reserve of Indri d’Analamazaotra with a stroll through the VOI community managed forest. Here we search for a number of nocturnal species including various tree frogs, chameleons, the Eastern Woolly Lemur (Avahi laniger), Furry-Eared Dwarf Lemur (Cheirogalus crossleyi) and Goodman’s Mouse Lemur (Microcebus Lehilahitsara). (Overnight Andasibe) BLD

Day 18: Thursday 24 September, Andasibe

• Bird watching and nature tour of Maromizaha Reserve
• Fitness Criteria: Hiking trails over a mix of flat and hilly terrain. As our plan is to combine birdwatching and wildlife, lemurs in particular, we cannot limit walks to the lower elevation. Group may be divided into smaller groups based on ability levels. Duration: 4-5hrs.

Early in the morning, we will visit the Maromizaha Reserve. This protected rainforest area, located just a few kilometres from Analamazaotra-Mantadia National Park, remains largely undiscovered by tourists. However, its biodiversity is truly remarkable. The breathtaking view over Andasibe’s rainforests makes every effort worthwhile, and when the haunting calls of the Indri echo through the treetops, the moment becomes absolutely unforgettable.

The Réserve de Ressources Naturelles de Maromizaha is a protected area managed by GERP (Groupe d’Étude et de Recherche sur les Primates de Madagascar). Spanning 1880 hectares, it lies in the central highlands at an altitude of 751 to 1250 meters. Hikes through the reserve lead visitors across a mix of flat and hilly terrain.

The lemur diversity in Maromizaha is just as remarkable as in Analamazaotra-Mantadia National Park, with 13 different species. These include critically endangered diurnal lemurs such as the Indri indri, Diademed Sifaka, and Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur, alongside the elusive nocturnal Aye-aye.

With 93 recorded bird species, Maromizaha is a paradise for birdwatchers. Endemic rarities include the Madagascar Rail, Schlegel’s Asity, Pitta-like Ground Roller, Rufous Vanga, Madagascar Crested Ibis, and Madagascar Sparrowhawk.

The reserve is also home to Madagascar’s apex predator, the Fossa, an endemic carnivore that primarily preys on lemurs and other mammals. As a solitary species with vast territorial ranges, it is classified as vulnerable, as is the Malagasy Civet. Additionally, Maromizaha shelters 30 reptile species and 60 amphibian species.

The flora of the park is equally extraordinary, with an astonishing 90% of its plant species found nowhere else in the world. The lush rainforest is covered in mosses, lichens, orchids, palms, pandanus, tree ferns, and dragon trees, making it a true Garden of Eden. (Overnight Andasibe) BLD

Day 19: Friday 25 September, Andasibe

• Birdwatching and nature tour of the special Reserve of Indri d’Analamazaotra
• Fitness Criteria: Hiking trails in the reserve are steep in spots and can be sandy/muddy. Group may be divided into smaller groups based on ability levels. Duration: 3-4hrs.
• Lemur Island

This morning we explore the special Reserve of Indri d’Analamazaotra (better known as Perinet), world famous for its population of Indri, whose unforgettable wail can be heard emanating from the misty forest throughout the day, most commonly in the early morning. There are about 60 resident family groups of two to five Indris each. In 2005 the Goodman’s Mouse Lemur was discovered here and identified as a distinct species. There are numerous other species to see as well, such as the Bamboo Lemur and the Brown Lemur, the Emerald-Green Parson’s Chameleon and a number of rainforest dependent birds.

In the middle of the afternoon, we visit Lemur Island, a tiny reserve owned by Vakona Lodge, home to three species of lemur including the Bamboo Lemur, the Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur and the Brown Lemur. Here we may obtain a close-up view of these endemic creatures. (Overnight Andasibe) BLD

Day 20: Saturday 26 September, Andasibe – Antananarivo

• Return journey to Antananarivo
• Farewell Dinner

Late morning we commence our return journey to Antananarivo. This evening we enjoy a farewell meal at a local restaurant. (Overnight Antananarivo) BLD

Day 21: Sunday 27 September, Antananarivo TOUR ENDS

• Airport transfer for participants departing on the ASA ‘designated’ flight

Following some time at leisure in the morning we transfer to the Antananarivo airport in order to check-in for our late afternoon flight for Australia (via Mauritius) B