April 25-27. Days 12, 13, and 14. An astonishing amount of biodiversity awaits in
Madagascar. Thanks to its natural isolation from the mainland, more than 80
percent of species here, including its celebrated lemurs, are endemic. National
Geographic Emerging Explorer and wildlife biologist Luke Dollar meets us here
to discuss the island’s rich and varied wildlife and the threats it faces. After an
evening in the colorful, multiethnic capital of Antananarivo, choose from the
following excursions to Madagascar’s pristine nature reserves. Carlton Hotel,
Antananarivo
Spend two days in the Andasibe−Mantadia National Park, a dense rain forest
that is home to the largest species of lemur, the endangered indri, whose
calls resonate in the canopy overhead. During morning and nighttime walks,
discover even more life among the thick undergrowth, as the forest holds
more than 50 species of reptiles, more than 100 types of birds, and a wide
variety of wild orchids. Andasibe Hotel, Andasibe
This is the option we signed up for:
Take a local flight to Montagne d’Ambre National Park, on the
northern tip of the island. In this refreshingly cool climate, the Sanford’s brown
lemur and crowned lemur thrive, as do five nocturnal lemur species. Hike easy
trails to waterfalls and volcanic lakes, examining a range of exotic forest flora
and searching for the Madagascar crested ibis and the paradise flycatcher,
endemic to the island.
Le Domaine de Fontenay, Joffreville or Litchi Tree
The hotel offers seven spacious double rooms with en suite facilities. The family room has a large en suite double room and a second en suite room with bunk beds for children. The suite comprises a large bedroom, living room and bathroom
Or take a local flight to the unspoiled Anjajavy Peninsula. More than 1,800 floral
species are found in the nature reserve that surrounds our hotel. Observe the
comical antics of the Coquerel’s sifaka lemur, which moves with a jaunty twolegged
gait. Choose from a variety of water activities, from sailing to snorkeling
the gorgeous reefs. In the evening, catch a crimson-soaked sunset from your
beach villa. Anjajavy L’Hotel, Anjajavy