Madagascar

Madagascar is a continent unto itself, unlike anything we’ve experienced in mainland Africa. Over 80% of the flora and fauna on this thousand-mile-long island are found nowhere else on Earth and must be experienced to be believed. Chameleons and geckos abound.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be wowed in eastern Madagascar by the charismatic and curious brown lemurs of Lemur Island, the howls of the indri indri in Andasibe National Park, and the other-worldly insects like the giraffe-necked weevil of the Perinet Reserve. Farther south, you’ll encounter the cactus-leaping sifakas of Mandrare’s spiny forest and the social ring-tailed lemurs of the gallery forest. Exploring by night is as rewarding as by day. Nocturnal species abound and your professional naturalist guides are skilled at finding their hiding places.

The most popular way to experience Madagascar is to base out of Antananarivo (Tana to locals) and first explore Andasibe and Perinet to the east. From there, head south to Fort Dauphin and Mandrare before culminating at the idyllic and relaxing beach at Anjajavy Private Reserve.

More intrepid travelers might consider exploring the northern reaches of the island such as Amber Mountain and Ankarana, where you can encounter even more lemur species as well as limestone tsingy landforms and caves. Remote western Madagascar is also home to the Avenue de Baobabs and Kirindy National Park, one of the best places to see the intriguing fossa.

For those looking for over-the-top luxury that is really a world away, consider Miavana, an ultra-exclusive island resort only accessible by helicopter off the northern tip of Madagascar.

Pro tip: Come prepared for walking and hiking since all of your wildlife encounters will be on foot. You can’t search from a vehicle for the world’s smallest chameleon – which can wholly fit on your fingernail!