Wild Madagascar:
Carnivores and Endemic Mammals

DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN ANTANANARIVO (TANA)

Upon arrival in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo (locally known as Tana), transfer to the nearby Relais des Plateaux, our hotel for the night. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest after international travel. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner and trip briefing.


DAY 2
TANA / TOLIARA / MANGILY (IFATY)

Fly south to Toliara and transfer to the coastal village of Mangily. In the afternoon, explore the Spiny and Baobab Forest in search of Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec, Petter’s Sportive Lemur, Grey Mouse Lemur, Long-tailed Ground Roller, and Antimena Chameleon. Overnight at a beachside lodge.


DAY 3
MANGILY / TSIMANAMPETSOTSA NATIONAL PARK

Travel by boat and 4WD to Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, known for its limestone formations, dry forest, and salt lakes. Look for Ring-tailed Lemurs, Verreaux’s Sifakas, Radiated Tortoises, and rare waterbirds. A night walk offers chances to see Grandidier’s Vontsira, several tenrecs, mouse lemurs, and bats.


DAY 4
TSIMANAMPETSOTSA NATIONAL PARK / TOLIARA

Spend the morning exploring the park with more wildlife viewing. Return to Toliara in the afternoon and check into Bakuba Lodge. Enjoy time to relax with ocean views and reflect on the day.


DAY 5
TOLIARA / TANA

Fly back to Antananarivo and return to Relais des Plateaux. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Rest, organize photos, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.


DAY 6
TANA / MORONDAVA / KIRINDY

Fly to Morondava and drive to Kirindy Forest, one of Madagascar’s best areas for rare carnivores. On a night walk, search for Fossa, Western Big-footed Mouse, dwarf lemurs, Pale Fork-marked Lemur, Red-tailed Sportive Lemur, and mouse lemurs. Also keep an eye out for reptiles and amphibians.


DAY 7
KIRINDY

Explore Kirindy on daytime walks for Verreaux’s Sifaka, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, and potentially Fossa and Narrow-striped Boky. Towering Baobab trees create a striking backdrop. At night, look for Malagasy Giant Jumping Rat and Western Tufted-tail Rat.


DAY 8
KIRINDY / MORONDAVA

Take a final morning walk in Kirindy before returning to Morondava. Stop at Baobab Avenue to witness a dramatic sunset among Madagascar’s most iconic trees. Overnight at Palissandre Côte Ouest.


DAY 9
MORONDAVA / TANA

Fly back to Antananarivo and return to Relais des Plateaux. Enjoy a quiet evening or connect with fellow travelers. Prepare for the next phase of the journey in the country’s northeast.


DAY 10
TANA / MAROANTSETRA

Fly to the remote town of Maroantsetra, gateway to Madagascar’s northeastern rainforests. After checking into our hotel, we may take a walk through town to look for the Tomato Frog. Enjoy a glimpse of local life before heading into the wild.


DAY 11
MAROANTSETRA / FARANKARAINA

Travel overland to Farankaraina and set up camp in the lowland rainforest. By day, look for Ring-tailed Vontsira, White-fronted Brown Lemur, and Red-bellied Lemur. At night, search for the elusive Aye-aye, Greater Dwarf Lemur, Masoala Fork-marked Lemur, and Anjiahely Mouse Lemur.


DAY 12
FARANKARAINA / MASOALA

Travel by boat to Masoala National Park and explore the Ambodiforaha Community Reserve. Key species include Red-ruffed Lemur, Northern Bamboo Lemur, and the rare Falanouc. Night walks may reveal Masoala Woolly Lemur, Seal’s Sportive Lemur, Spotted Fanaloka, and several endemic rodents.


DAYS 13–15
MASOALA

Spend three days in Madagascar’s most biodiverse rainforest, exploring by day and night. Search for lemurs including White-fronted Brown, Greater Dwarf, Masoala Fork-marked, and Red-ruffed, as well as Ring-tailed and Brown-tailed Vontsira, Falanouc, and tenrecs. Enjoy time to swim, relax, and immerse yourself in the surrounding forest and coastline.


DAY 16
MASOALA TO MAROANTSETRA

Return to Maroantsetra by boat, with a stop to observe Madagascar Flying Foxes. Check in to Manga Beach Hotel. Celebrate with a final group dinner and share highlights from the trip.


DAY 17
MAROANTSETRA / TANA

After breakfast, fly back to Antananarivo (Tana) to connect with your international departures—or continue with Jon Hall on an optional post-trip extension to Andasibe.



ANDASIBE WILDLIFE: FROM MOUSE LEMURS TO INDRI EXTENSION


Extend your adventure with a journey to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park—one of Madagascar’s most accessible and wildlife-rich rainforests. This post-trip extension offers excellent chances to see the Indri, Diademed Sifaka, rare nocturnal lemurs, vibrant frogs, and more in a lush, biodiverse setting.


DAY 1
MAROANTSETRA / TANA / ANDASIBE

Fly to Tana and continue by road to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. That evening, explore VOIMMA Reserve in search of lemurs including Goodman’s Mouse Lemur, Weasel Sportive Lemur, Eastern Woolly Lemur, and Crossley’s Dwarf Lemur—as well as colorful frogs like the Fiery Bright-eyed Frog.


DAY 2
ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK

Spend the day in Analamazaotra Reserve, home to the haunting calls of the Indri. Other highlights may include Diademed Sifaka, Eastern Gray Bamboo Lemur, Tailless Tenrec, and Mossy Leaf-tailed Gecko.


DAY 3
ANDASIBE TO TANA

Enjoy a final morning of wildlife viewing before returning to Tana. Gather for a farewell dinner and reflect on your incredible journey through Madagascar.


DAY 4
DEPART

Transfer to the airport for homeward flights.