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Wild Madagascar

In-Depth Exploration of the Planet's Most Unique Biodiversity Hot Spot

Biologically speaking, Madagascar is a continent unto itself. Just east of the African mainland, it’s home to hundreds of plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. The country's fifty-plus lemur species are among a primate classification called "prosimians." Having evolved sixty-five million years ago, prosimians are the oldest living primates in the world. Protecting lemurs is a conservation priority for Madagascar.

Fossil evidence indicates that lemurs made their way across the ocean after Madagascar broke away from the continent of Africa. While their ancestors were displaced in the rest of the world by monkeys, apes, and other primates, lemurs were safe from competition on Madagascar and differentiated into a number of species. Typically, the smaller lemurs are nocturnal while the larger ones are diurnal.

The term "lemur" is derived from the Latin word "lemures," meaning "spirits of the night" and likely refers to the large, reflective eyes which many of the nocturnal lemur species have. Lemurs are thought to have limited color vision, depending heavily on their sense of smell.

From the hillside, capital city of Antananarivo, you’ll journey by scenic, highlands roadways to Pèrinet/Andasibe Mantadia National Park. This reserve is a rain forest home for numerous bird species, such as the Madagascar coucal and soumanga sunbird, as well as the world’s largest lemur, the indri indri.

Andasibe's montane rainforest is home to 9 lemur species, 4 (woolly lemur, sportive lemur, greater dwarf lemur and rufous mouse lemur) of which are nocturnal so get your flashlight out! Among the most photogenic is the Black and white ruffed lemur. And perhaps the most unbelievable is the largest of the lemurs, the indri, with its black and white markings and eerie, wailing cry emanating from the deep forest.

Up close and personal with the Red-fronted brown lemur on Lemur Island, Andasibe.

Two-thirds of the world's chameleon species call Madagascar home. In layman's terms, there are two types, the tree-dwelling (Chamaeleoninae) species and the ground-dwelling species. Try your luck at finding the world's smallest chameleons here in Andasibe. Pictured here is the magnificent Parson's chameleon.

An impromptu visit to the village of Andasibe affords an opportunity to test your Malagasy. This traditional Betsimisaraka village represents the rural subsistence lifestyle seen on much of the island: rice & banana cultivation.

It's a welcome return to Antananarivo and its abundance of all delicacies French. Lunch is enjoyed at this quaint Malagasy-French bistro, in the heart of the city.

Tana, as the capital is affectionately known, is an incredible scene as its sprawls between hills & valleys. The mix of influences is captivating, as traditional wood homes mix with the more European brick & stone structures. This magnificent city, with its narrow winding roads and steep slopes is a surprise to most travelers and a testament to the island's rich history.

The contrasts of Tana are observed amongst the rice cultivation. Not a square inch of space goes unused. In this instance, the valley floors are used to cultivate this culturally and nutritionally significant crop. Food security is a major issue for Malagasys.

As we head south to Ifaty, landscapes of lush forests give way to baobab trees and spiny, spindly, otherworldly-looking didiera trees.

The highly social Ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) spies on us from the high canopy as we hike through Isalo National Park. Despite its perch here, it is actually the lemur which spends the most time on the ground, affording wonderful photographic opportunities.

Our accommodation at Relais de la Reine provides a commanding vista of the rocky sandstone landscape of Isalo National Park.

Our approach to travel - small groups, remote locales & superior guiding - give you time to interact, learn and even share cultures.

A visit to Madagascar affords many impromptu interactions with the local communities. This is due in part to the nature of travel here where one gets back to the basics. Some local school boys chat along the roadside near Ifaty.

Situated on a hillside in the heart of Antananarivo, the Palissandre Hotel & Spa provides endless opportunities for exploring the vibrant capital. On the final evening of our trip, relax on the terrace as the sun goes down and enjoy all that the Malagasy hospitality has to offer.

Capturing the moment, our September 2008 group on the adventure trail.

Natural Habitat Adventures
Box 3065
Boulder, CO, USA 80307
(303) 449-3711
(800) 543-8917

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