Madagascan Discoverer

Today you spend a full day in the Perinet NP. The parks are home to the teddy bear-like Indri, the largest of Madagascar’s lemur species, as well as other forms of flora and fauna and a wide array of bird life. Listening to the piercing yet melancholy cry of the Indri in the morning is an evocative experience and for those who are prepared to follow them through the thick rainforest, the reward is often a close-up view of these beautiful creatures. A group of five Diademed sifaka have recently been re-introduced to Perinet from Mantadia, and if you are lucky, you may spot one of these beautiful creatures. In the evening, take a twilight/nocturnal walk, looking out for the nocturnal species of lemur by catching their eyes in the torchlight. (B)

This morning enjoy a city tour of Antsirabe. There should be time to visit some artisanal workshops before we visit one of the local lakes. In the hills west of Antsirabe lie Lac Andraikiba and Lac Tritriva which are both volcanic in origin. The deep blue lake of Lac Tritriva is impressively surrounded by sheer cliff. You then travel to Fianarantsoa where we spend the night. Hotel - 1 night (B)

Spend the day exploring Isalo National Park. Isalo is a vast region of wind-polished and water-scoured rock towers, deep canyons, gorges and oases often described as Eden. During your time you will go walking in the magnificent Canyon des Makis in search of cheeky ring-tailed lemurs and the Verreaux Sifaka. You'll also visit the ‘Piscine Naturelle’ (natural swimming pool), a beautifully lush spot in such an arid landscape, where we can swim and relax. Perhaps the magic is just to soak up the sheer beauty of the park, the combination of coloured eroded rock forms, strange plants and enveloping silence make this one of the most captivating places in Madagascar. Please bear in mind that Isalo is a big national park and there will be a certain amount of driving involved today (driving to the Canyon des Makis takes around 1h 30-2 hours). (B)

You have a relaxing start to the day before catching a flight north to the coastal town of Morondava known for having one of the finest climates in Madagascar. The beaches here are great and stretch for miles, and a common sight is that of local pirogues (flat-bottomed fishing boats). Just prior to sunset you will arrive at the famous ‘Alley of Baobabs’ where the plan is to spend sunset. This is the best time to see these amazing trees as the colours at this time of day are spectacular, making for a perfect photo opportunity Hotel - 1 night (B)

A UNESCO world heritage site since 1990, the area has unique geography, well preserved mangrove forests and some amazing bird and lemur species. The Grands Tsingy is famed for its pinnacles, a forest of limestone pillars and limestone plateaux. Some of its needles are several hundred metres high! You will trek throughout the Grands Tsingy. The karst landscape and deciduous forest are a refuge for rare and endangered species and in the park there are over 11 species of lemur, 90 species of bird and 50 types of reptile, some of which you might be lucky to spot on your hike. (B)