2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Madagascar: Off the Beaten Path WHERE NATURAL HISTORY ABOUNDS WITHOUT LIMITS

Isolated from the rest of Africa since the time of the dinosaurs, Madagascar shelters exotic life forms found nowhere else, including more than 100 species of lemur and wildly colorful chameleons ranging from thumbnail-sized to two feet long! In this treasure trove of nature, we bring you into five national parks and reserves, from spiny deserts to rich rainforests. Each day we maximize your experience with your choice of guided hikes, whether a photo-paced ramble, a

challenging hike, or an early morning bird walk. You’ll meet wildlife researchers, visit reforestation projects—and even plant a seedling on the famed Avenue of the Baobabs! Days 1-4 Antananarivo / Avenue of the Baobabs / Kirindy Forest Explore Antananarivo, then head to the photogenic Avenue of the Baobabs to sip Malagasy sundowners and watch the sunset amid these majestic natural monuments, some over 800 years old. We enjoy walks in private Kirindy Forest Reserve, home to many primates, including Verreaux’s sifaka, a host of colorful endemic chameleons, and the elusive fossa. Days 5-8 Antsirabe / Ranomafana In Antsirabe, we visit artisan weaving workshops, then head out for nature walks in pristine Ranomafana National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Twelve lemur species have been recorded in this prime rainforest, including the rare golden bamboo lemur. On one evening here, we enjoy a private talk with a wildlife researcher.

BRUNO MORANDI

community-run Anja Reserve, hike in the sandstone gorges of Isalo National Park, and enjoy the baobabs, exotic birds, and lemurs of Zombitse-Vohibasia, a rare example of Madagascar’s dry deciduous forest. Days 13-16 Andisabe / Lemur Island Our grand finale is Andisabe National Park, a vibrant rainforest teeming with exotic birdlife, and colorful reptiles such as the two-foot-long Parson’s chameleon. It is also home to the famous Indri indri, the largest species of lemur. Depart Antananarivo on Day 16. ON OUR WEBSITE MAGICAL MADAGASCAR Discover renowned Andisabe, the ring-tailed and sifaka lemurs of Berenty, and the spectacular landscapes of Ankarana and Amber Mountain National Parks, with optional Seychelles extension. Nov 4-16, 2018; May 5-17, Jul 7-19, Sep 8-20, Oct 6-18, Nov 3-15, 2019. From $4995.

HIGHLIGHTS • Choice of hiking options, fascinating night walks, and early morning outings for birders • Outstanding Malagasy Trip Leaders • Extra local naturalist guides at each park so you can choose from a range of hiking options • Visit a reforestation project and sample traditional Malagasy cuisine • Air-conditioned vehicles with guaranteed window seats • Extensions include Ankarana National Park, South Africa game viewing, Rwanda gorilla tracking DETAILS • 16-day trip begins and ends in Antananarivo • 15 nights hotels and wildlife lodges • All meals included except 1 dinner DATES Apr 14-29, 2019 Apr 12-27, 2020 Sep 1-16 Sep 6-21 Sep 22-Oct 7 Sep 27-Oct 12 Oct 20-Nov 4 Oct 18-Nov 2 Internal airfare: $895 (subject to change) Ankarana and Amber Mountain National Parks Extension: from $2290 Cape Town Extension: from $1295 Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans Extension: from $2495 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 7 Easy to moderate nature walks, rugged road travel TRIP COST $5895 (9-12 members) $6295 (5-8 members) Single supplement: $895

Days 9-12 Anja / Isalo / Zombitse-Vohibasia Get eye to eye with the friendly ring-tailed lemurs at

Enjoy your choice of naturalist-led hikes (easy, moderate, or photo-paced) in Madagascar’s most fascinating wildlife reserves. PHOTO: NICK GARBUTT

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR AFRICA TRIPS, VISIT WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/AFRICA 27