East & West Madagascar

Experience both sides of ‘The Big Island,’ covering some of the most unspoiled National Parks and observing some of the world’s most interesting wildlife. The Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is home to an impressive fourteen species of lemur including the singing Indri and the dancing diademed sifaka.

On the west coast search for the rare fossa in the dry forest of the Kirindy Reserve. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting endemic species like the Madagascar kestrel, and for those interested in nocturnal creatures, night walks provide the chance to see some of Madagascar’s more elusive wildlife.

Visit the Avenue of the Baobabs enroute to Bamaraha National Park; a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site. Once buried beneath the sea the limestone has formed the Tsingy, home to almost 400 wildlife species.

Your combination of East & West Madagascar takes you to landscapes like no others, teeming with some of the most unusual creatures on the planet.

Day 1, Arrive Antananarivo

Upon Arrival in Antananarivo, you’ll be met and transferred to your boutique hotel, why not sample their seasonal menu surrounded by the vast collection of antiques before retiring for your next day’s adventure.

Accommodation: La Varangue

Day 2, Antananarivo – Andasibe National Park

After breakfast, begin the long journey to Andasibe, you should arrive in the afternoon in time to settle into your mountain lodge. In the afternoon stretch your legs on a night walk at the VOI community centre, searching for furry eared dwarf, Goodman’s mouse and eastern woolly lemurs.

Accommodation: Mantadia Lodge

Day 3, Exploring Mantadia National Park

Discover the less visited side of the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. The long access road and steeper paths make it a more challenging day trip. However, you’ll be rewarded with pristine rainforest and few tourists as you search for Indri and the ‘dancing’ diademed sifikas amongst other species.

Accommodation: Mantadia Lodge

Day 4, Exploring Andasibe National Park

Today you’ll visit the Andasibe side of the national park searching for lemurs, birds and amphibians. In the afternoon you’ll head to the Mitsinjo reserve for another exciting night walk, here you can find the common brown, red bellied and grey bamboo lemurs.

Accommodation: Mantadia Lodge

Day 5, Andasibe – Antananarivo

Today you’ll head back to the capital. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the old city and fascinating photography museum then relax in the evening at your hotel.

Accommodation: La Varangue

Day 6, Antananarivo – Belo sur Tsiribihina

Today you’ll be transferred back to the airport for your flight to Morondava. From here you’ll be transferred to Marofandilla. After your journey stretch your legs on a night walk at Kirindy Reserve, look for extremely rare fosa as well as Malagasy giant chameleon, pale fork-marked lemur and gray mouse lemur.

Accommodation: Le Relais du Kirindy

Day 7, Belo sur Tsiribihina - Bekopaka Bemaraha

An early start this morning as you drive to the Avenue of the Baobabs. You’ll aim to reach this to witness a spectacular sunrise over these iconic trees. Continue your drive to Bemaraha.

Accommodation: Le Soleil des Tsingy

Days 8-9, Exploring Bemaraha National Park

You’ll have two days to explore the spectacular mineral forest of Tsingy de Bemaraha. Tsingy are a labyrinth of limestone rock formations in the shape of needles. Within the canyons, gorges, forests lakes and mangrove swamps you’ll find an astonishing richness of flora and fauna. There are hanging bridges and rope ladders to spectacular viewpoints. Look out for Decken’s sifaka with its creamy white coat. You’ll also visit the Manambolo River with its rich orange hues.

Accommodation: Le Soleil des Tsingy

Day 10, Bekopaka Bemaraha – Morondava

Today you’ll head back to Morondava, stopping once more at the Avenue of the Baobabs for sunset. You’ll have a night here, ready to fly back to Anatanarivo the next morning.

Accommodation: Palissandre Cote Ouest Resort

Wildlife Specialists

Wildlife remains our primary focus and we ensure accommodation is carefully selected as the very best places to stay for front-row wildlife spectacles for the time of the year you are travelling. Hear the Indri before you see them and wake up to their songs of communication in the early hours of the morning with the mist still hugging the rainforest canopy.

Wealth of Experience

NWS started as World Primate Safaris more than a decade ago. There is no better team to take you to discover the unique primates of Madagascar. We maintain close relationships with our partners on the ground; our dedicated naturalist guide has hosted research groups, film crews and dignitaries; his knowledge is encyclopedic.

Tailored Safaris

Share your interests with our Destination Specialists and we will match you to the in-country experts, providing you with nothing but the best access and highly experienced wildlife trackers and guides. Safari are meticulously planned to be seamless in terms of quality and service, with private transfers available throughout.