MADAGASCAR

NATURAL WONDERS

Oct - Nov 2022  •  17 DAYS • 14 GUESTS

Madagascar is unlike any other place on Earth. After millions of years of isolation, its biodiversity and endemism are truly staggering, making it one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations on the planet. Best known for its lemurs (over 100 species), colourful chameleons, stunning orchids, a vast array of endemic birds, and towering Baobab trees, it is home to some of the most unique and extraordinary animal- and plant life. Exotic and remote, Madagascar is a vibrant and diverse island with breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches and reefs, dense rainforests, spiny deserts, and a culture that is rich with customs and ceremonies.

Join Wild Earth Expeditions on this extraordinary 17-day wildlife adventure to magical Madagascar. Visit five distinctly different habitats that will highlight the uniquely bizarre animals and incomparable natural beauty of this fascinating island, often called the “Eight Continent”. The island of Madagascar has been described as an “alternate world” because of the uniqueness and rarity of many of its plant and animal species, with over 90% of the island’s wildlife found nowhere else.

Start your expedition with a 5-day Pre-Extension to the tropical island paradise of Nosy Komba where you’ll have the opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks and green turtles, while luxuriating at a heavenly exclusive beach resort.

Join Wild Earth Expeditions on an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime journey to one of the most unique and biodiverse wildlife hotspots on the planet.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Awake to the haunting call of the Indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur

• Snorkel alongside whale sharks, green turtles, and manta rays

• Visit the iconic Avenue of Baobabs

• Explore dry deciduous forests, montane- and lowland rainforests and tropical islands where the jungle meets the sea

• Trek through lush rainforests and get close to many of Madagascar’s iconic animals

• Go in search of leaf-tailed geckos, marvel at giant chameleons and colourful frogs

• See fantastically varied endemic birds on early morning birding and nature walks

• Catch a glimpse of the elusive Fossa, Madagascar’s largest carnivore

• Venture into the forest at night in search of nocturnal creatures like the Aye-Aye and tiny mouse lemur, the smallest primate on Earth

• Enjoy the stunning coastline and beaches of Masoala, Nosy Be and Anjajavy

• Walk along pristine white-sand beaches, snorkel coral reefs and kayak remote coves

• Stay in gorgeous beach-front bungalows, tree houses and remote jungle lodges

• Incredible photographic opportunities

• Expert Malagasy guides who delight in sharing their in-depth knowledge of wildlife and people

• Private Charter flights to avoid long drives on rough roads

PRE-EXTENSION NOSY BE - Whale Sharks and Island Paradise

OCT 2022 ● 5 DAYS ● 10 GUESTS

Be whisked by boat to Nosy Komba, Lemur Island, a stunning island located in the Nosy Be archipelago. This ancient volcano is now covered in lush tropical forest and surrounded by fine, white sandy beaches descending gently down to the ocean. The luxurious hillside thatched bungalows separate dense rainforest from the palm-fringed beach, affording glorious views of the azure blue ocean. Be spoilt with delicious Malagasy and French cuisine served with local ingredients.

Snorkel with the largest fish in the world, the Whale shark during peak season. Explore the clear, warm waters and fringing reefs and swim alongside colourful reef fish, green turtles, and reef sharks with the possibility of watching a graceful manta glide past or playful dolphins ride the bow wake. Meet the mischievous Macaco lemurs, brightly coloured chameleons, frogs, and beautiful butterflies on nature hikes and paddle through the crystal-clear waters on a traditional pirogue canoe. 

Spend a night camping on a beach, under the stars at Nosy Iranja, Turtle Island, where 2 beautiful islets are connected at low tide by a 2km pristine sandbar, and green sea turtles’ nest. At sunset hike to the top of the island for sweeping panoramic views from an abandoned lighthouse.

Five Distinct Area Description

Nosy Komba, Lemur Island, is a stunning island located in the Nosy Be archipelago between the north-west coast of Madagascar and the Mozambique Channel. This ancient volcano is now covered in lush tropical forest and surrounded by fine, white sandy beaches descending gently down to the ocean. Limited to only 8 bungalows Tsara Komba Luxury Beach & Forest lodge blends in seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The luxurious hillside bungalows separate dense rainforest from the palm fringed beach, affording glorious views of the azure blue ocean. Get spoilt with delicious Malagasy and French cuisine served with local ingredients. Spend your days snorkelling with the largest fish in the world, the Whale shark and swim alongside green turtles and mantas. Wander through the adjacent private nature reserve and meet the mischievous Macaco lemurs, brightly coloured chameleons, frogs, and beautiful butterflies; stroll through the tropical garden where vanilla, cocoa and wild pepper are grown; explore the crystal-clear waters on a traditional pirogue canoe; or simply enjoy a cocktail while relaxing at the beach. Spend your last night “glamping” on the beach, under the stars at Nosy Iranja, Turtle Island, where 2 beautiful islets are connected at low tide by a 2km pristine sandbar, and green sea turtles’ nest. Visit the local fishing village and hike to the top of the island for sweeping panoramic views from an abandoned lighthouse.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is a spectacular primary forest and the best place to spot the largest living lemur, the Indri. You will hear their eerie, haunting calls echo through the forest. Seeing these acrobatic lemurs in the wild is an exhilarating experience; their strong legs carrying them from branch to branch, feet rarely touching the ground. The Indri will bark when confronted with danger and make kissing sounds when being affectionate, matching its endearing teddy-bear-like appearance. The humid, lush forest of Andasibe is covered with mosses, exotic trees, peppered with over 100 extraordinary orchid species and dotted with lakes. It is a refuge for many animals and plants including 14 lemur species, exotic birds, chameleons, and insects of all kinds. Located at 1000m the climate of the park is pleasantly cool, with an average temperature of 20°C. Andasibe is home to 50 species of reptiles, including the largest chameleon in the world (Parson’s chameleon) and the tiny nose-horned chameleon, as well as the majestic Malagasy tree Boa and a myriad of frogs. The colourful wildlife is topped off with more than 100 bird species and countless insects, among them some large, brightly coloured butterflies, as well as the unusual Giraffe weevil, a tiny insect named for its unusually long neck. 

Kirindy is a privately managed reserve in the south-west, protecting Madagascar’s highly threatened dry deciduous forest. Kirindy is particularly famous for 3 things: the Fossa, the giant jumping rat and the lemurs, especially the nocturnal ones. This is one of the few places on Madagascar where you can see the shy Fossa, the island’s top predator, a large cat-like carnivore. Kirindy has the highest concentration of Fossa, most likely because of the high density of nocturnal lemurs, which are their primary food. The reserve is particularly famous for exceptional night walks to spot these elusive nocturnal lemurs. The tangled woodlands house 6 nocturnal species include the rare Coquerel’s giant mouse lemur, pygmy mouse-lemur, fork-crowned lemur, grey mouse lemur, western fat-tailed dwarf lemur and the red-tailed sportive lemur, alongside the 2 diurnal lemur species (Brown lemur, Verreaux’s sifaka).

The lost world of Anjajavy is located on an enchanting peninsula, a remote and exceptionally beautiful area of coastline, with sandy coves and turquoise waters. The elegant Anjajavy Le Lodge Relais & Chateaux resort borders a superb dry forest reserve protecting a plethora of unique wildlife, majestic Baobab trees and impressive tsingys. Watch the delightful troops of dancing Coquerel’s Sifaka, enjoy night walks in search of grey mouse lemur; marvel at the limestone mushroom islands on a cruise to Moramba Bay or simply enjoy a relaxing swim on the pristine white beach in front of your bungalow.

The remote Masoala Peninsula and the offshore island reserve of Nosy Mangabe can only be accessed by charter plane and boat. The lush primary rainforest of Masoala National Park, Madagascar’s largest park, is known for its incredible array of biodiversity and is dripping with lemurs, chameleons, and a host of other wildlife. Masoala Forest Lodge, with its 7 elevated tree houses, is a barefoot luxury outpost lost in time and nature, a place to explore, relax and connect with the natural world in all its primordial splendour. Nestled in a sheltered cove, surrounded by the park, the lodge opens onto warm, coral-rich waters, where beaches stretch for miles and the sounds of a forest teeming with life will send you into a blissful reverie each night. Enjoy spectacular guided forest walks by day and night to see the abundance of wildlife. The warm waters of the Tampolo Marine Reserve, offer exciting snorkelling right off the beach. The sea kayaks are ideal to explore the islands, coves, and deserted beaches of the sheltered coastline. The tropical waters teem with weird and wonderful yet harmless creatures. After a hike take a refreshing dip in a forest stream. Spot nocturnal mouse lemurs, leaf-tail geckos, or even Aye-Aye. In the day, you are likely to see the white-fronted Brown lemur, woolly lemurs and many colourful and vocal bird species.

ENQUIRIES

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ITINERARY OVERVIEW

PRE-EXTENSION NOSY KOMBA – WHALE SHARKS & ISLAND PARADISE

OCT 2022 ● 5 DAYS ● 10 GUESTS

Day 01 | Depart home and travel to Nosy Be, Madagascar

Day 02 | Arrive in Nosy Be / Transfer to Tsara Komba Luxury Beach & Forest lodge

Day 03-04 | Whale sharks, snorkelling reefs and wildlife walks

Day 05 | Whale sharks and reefs / Nosy Iranja Island special “glamping” night on beach

Day 06 | Snorkelling with turtles and morning at beach camp / Late afternoon flight to Tana

MADAGASCAR - NATURAL WONDERS

OCT – NOV 2022 ● 17 DAYS ● 14 GUESTS

Day 01 | Depart home and travel to Antananarivo, Madagascar

Day 02 | Arrive in Antananarivo (also known as Tana)

Day 03 | Morning tour of Tana / Afternoon drive to Andasibe / Night walk Mitsinjo reserve

Day 04 | Explore Analamazoatra in Andasibe National Park / Night walk

Day 05 | Full day exploring Mantadia National Park / Night walk Voimma reserve

Day 06 | Morning walk in Andasibe NP / Travel back to Tana

Day 07 | Charter flight to Morondava / Avenue of Baobabs / Kirindy NP / Night walk

Day 08 | Explore Kirindy National Park / Night walk at Camp Amoureux

Day 09 | Charter flight to Anjajavy / Mangrove sunset cruise

Day 10-11 | Discover Anjajavy / Wildlife walks, cave exploration and cruise

Day 12 | Charter flight to Maroantsetra / Travel to Masoala National Park

Day 13-15 | Explore Masoala National Park / Wildlife walks, snorkelling, kayaking

Day 16 | Charter flight to Tana / Fly home or continue to La Réunion & Seychelles

Day 17 | Arrive home

WILD EARTH LEADERS

PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold, Masoala, Anjajavy & Adobe Stock