This itinerary takes one to three very different habitats offering one the chance to see a spectrum of Madagascar's endemic mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates and flora. These biomes are the damp eastern rainforests, the tropical dry western woodlands and then the bizarre 'spiny desert' in the sub-arid south. These habitats are widely dispersed and getting to these sites involves domestic flights and transfers by road. Good accommodation exists on this routing too.

Andasibe (Perinet)/Mantadia National Park: Montane rainforest with Indri, Diadems Sifaka, Grey Bamboo Lemur, Brown Lemur and at least 4 species of commonly seen nocturnal lemur; birds include Brown Mesite, Pitta-like Ground-roller, Short-legged Ground-roller, Velvet and Sunbird Asitys, various species of Vanga, Brown Emutail and a plethora of reptiles (numerous Chameleons included) and frogs. Perinet claims a World record for numbers of frog species among rainforests of comparable size (810 ha).

Berenty Private Reserve (near Fort Dauphin, south coast) : This small private reserve lies in the strange semi-desert south. These woodlands are known locally as Androy. They are home to the southern Lemurs (Ring-tailed, Brown Lemur and Verreaux's Sifaka as well as the nocturnal mouse lemurs and White-footed Sportive Lemur. Good birds here include Giant Coua, White-browed and Torotoroka Scops-owl, Madagascar Cuckoo-falcon together with reptiles (boas, geckoes, chameleons) and the region's flora - Euphorbia-Didieraceae bush and baobabs and various bloated Pachypodium species and the baobab-like Moringas & Delonix species.

Kirindy ('Swiss') Forest :60 km north of Morondava on the sunny west coast. This is a good example of tropical dry deciduous forest, the world's most threatened habitat type and this is one of the island's best places for mammals. Nocturnal species like Fosa (biggest predator), various spiny Tenrecs and six species of nocturnal lemur can be seen here. Kirindy claims a World Record for primate density in forests of comparable size (10 000 ha). There is good birding here too - many 'specials' local to western Madagascar include White-breasted Mesite, Madagascar Jacana, Coquerel's and Red-capped couas, White-headed and Sickle-billed vanga and more. Kirindy is important botanically and here one can see three of Madagascar's six endemic species of Baobab.

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Itinerary: 9 nights

• DAY 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. At the airport our English-speaking Malagasy agents will meet and assist you with formalities. Transfer to the Hotel Palissandre & Spa (B&B).
• Day 2: Transfer to the Ivato airport and fly to Fort Dauphin (Taolagnaro), on thesouth-east coast. From here you will be taken directly to the Berenty Reserve, a three hour drive inland, from Fort Dauphin. Along the way you may stop to look at the Antanosy graveyard, the unusual endemic Triangular Palm in the transitional zone, and the spiny desert. You'll see endemic Baobabs and remote Antandroy villages. Lemurs are abundant and quite confiding. Overnight in the bungalows at the Gite de Berenty Lodge (Dinner, bed and breakfast).
• DAY 3: Whole day to enjoy the Reserve. Berenty also offers great birding, as well as interesting reptiles and invertebrates. The spiny desert flora is remarkable. There is also dry gallery woodland. A torch is useful for observing nocturnal fauna. Overnight in the bungalows at the Gite de Berenty Lodge (Dinner, bed and breakfast).
• DAY 4: Transfer to the airport and flight to Antananarivo. Transfer to Andasibe-Mantadia NP (3½ hours by good, winding road). Picturesque scenery en route. If going in spring or summer (late August - March), pack a torch as you may take a short night stroll to see nocturnal animal life. Explore the rainforest of Perinet. Overnight at Vakona Lodge (upmarket) or Hotel Feon'ny Ala, Eulophiella or Grace Hotel (midrange) (B&B).
• DAY 5: Whole day to explore Perinet's rainforest. To see the most wildlife (especially Indris and birds) be in the rainforest as close to daybreak as possible as then animals are most active. The trails are not difficult to manage and most forest guides speak good English. You should also encounter the likes of Grey Bamboo Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur; birds like the lovely Blue Coua; Sunbird-Asity and Nuthatch Vanga, as well as impressive reptiles like Malagasy Tree Boa and Parson's Chameleon. Orchids and other epiphytes festoon the trees. Overnight at Vakona Lodge (upmarket) or Hotel Feon'ny Ala, Eulophiella or Grace Hotel (midrange) (B&B).
• DAY 6: Today you can visit the wilder, nearby rainforest of Mantadia National Park, where the Perinet guides are used to taking visitors. Fairly challenging terrain, but you can do as much as you feel comfortable with. The primary rainforest here is spectacular and wildlife includes Diadem Sifaka, Ruffed lemurs and birds like Brown mesite, Pitta-like Ground-roller, Brown Emutail and Velvet Asity. Overnight at Vakona Lodge (upmarket) or Hotel Feon'ny Ala, Eulophiella or Grace Hotel (midrange) (B&B).
• Day 7: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Morondava on the west coast. Transfer to the Baobab Cafe or Chez Maggie (dinner, bed and breakfast) for overnight.
• DAY 8: Day excursion to the fabulous Kirindy (Swiss) Forest. After dinner in the camp site and a night walk, you return by road to Morondava. Overnight at Baobab Cafe or Chez Maggie (Full Board).
• DAY 9: Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Antananarivo. Transfer to the Hotel Palissandre& Spa (B&B).
• DAY 10: Transfer to the airport for return flight to Johannesburg.

Prices include

International (departure from Johannesburg) and internal Malagasy flights, all accommodation and meals as indicated, all excursions with car and driver, guides in the reserves, entry permits and all airport-hotel transfers.

Prices Do Not include

Meals not indicated, drinks, tips to guides, porters etc., any personal expenses, travel insurance, internet access, airport taxes and visa fees.

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Approximate price per person sharing (October 2008)

• upmarket option: USD3700; EUR2400; ZAR28 200
• midrange option: USD3500; EUR2250; ZAR27 000
  

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