Ranomafana National Park Established in 1991 to protect the then newly discovered golden bamboo lemur, Ranomafana is one of the most important wildlife sites in Madagascar and amongst the island's very best rainforest reserves. Its pleasant climate, misty forest slopes, spectacular views, picturesque rushing river and huge diversity of species, make it a deserved favourite. It is one of the best places to see Milne- Edward's sifaka, greater bamboo lemur and red- bellied lemur. Birdwatching is also very good as many rainforest endemics, such as pitta- like ground rollers are often seen. Reptiles, frogs and invertebrates are also abundant including the bizarre giraffe- necked weevil. Hotel Domaine Nature MID A quirky but quaint lodge located between the village of Ranomafana and the park. The well- appointed rooms are spread out on steep slopes ( there are many steps) above and below the main lodge and restaurant. The views from some of the rooms are wonderful. Setam Lodge MID This new lodge comprises a series of semi- detached bungalows with well- furnished rooms. The main lodge and restaurant have impressive views across the valley to the forest and early mornings with swirling mists can be particularly atmospheric. The lodge's close proximity to the park entrance make it a convenient base from which to explore the area. Ankarana Reserve Ankarana is a lost world, with isolated patches of forest protected by a natural fortress of dramatic razor- sharp limestone pinnacles sculptured by wind and rain. Only in the spaces between can trees fl ourish. But within the forests a wealth of wildlife fl ourishes, including groups of crowned lemurs, Sanford's brown lemurs and even the elusive fosa. These forests are also home to many peculiar birds like white-breasted mesite, sickle- billed vanga and cuckoo roller, plus colourful panther chameleons and exquisitely camoufl aged leaf-tailed geckos. There are no lodges near the park, but the two simple campsites provide a base from which to explore the best areas for wildlife. Daraina A mosaic of rolling hills covered with patches of deciduous and semi- evergreen forest, that is one of the richest and most ecologically sensitive areas in the north. The principal reason for its importance is the golden-crowned sifaka, one of the world's rarest primates, that is found here and nowhere else. Other lemurs are also seen with regularity including crowned lemurs, and Sanford's brown lemurs and even, occasionally, the aye- aye. There is a simple campsite here. Ankarafantsika National Park Ankarafantsika ( formerly Ampijoroa) is the best remaining area of western deciduous forest. The reserve is centred on Lac Ravelobe and a clear network of level paths makes wildlife- viewing easy. Many groups of lemurs, including beautiful Coquerel's sifakas and elusive mongoose lemurs can be observed at close quarters. Night walks are very rewarding with mouse lemurs, woolly lemurs and sportive lemurs regularly seen. The birdwatching here is also outstanding with such species as white- breasted mesite, Schlegel's asity, rufous vanga and Madagascar fi sh eagle very much to the fore. A covered fl at-bottomed boat provides an ideal way to watch water birds around the margins of the lake. Park Bungalows There are comfortable, well- appointed park bungalows located on the shores of the lake and administered by the national park. The restaurant provides simple tasty meals and drinks. AFRICA | MADAGASCAR Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com53 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Antananarivo Day 2 Antsirabe, 1- night, Hotel Arotel. Drive south, through the highlands - perhaps pick up some handicrafts ( BD) Day 3 Ranomafana, 3- nights, Hotel Domaine Nature. Head out lemur spotting in the forests. Night walks possible too ( BD) Day 6 Fianarantsoa, 1- night, Tsara Guest House. Drive through the highlands to Fianarantsoa, the capital of the Betisleo tribe ( BD) Day 7 Isalo, 2- nights, Hotel Jardin du Roy. Walk the beautiful landscapes of Isalo, looking for lemurs and birds ( BD) Day 9 Ifaty, 2- nights, Hotel Le Paradisier. Spend time in the spiny forest ( BD) Day 11 Andasibe- Mantadia, 3- nights, Feon'ny Ala. The prize here is to see indri and to hear its incredible call ( BD) Day 14 Depart for the UK ( B) Day 15 Arrive home Departure dates Daily, throughout the year Cost per person From £ 3249 ( Jan - Mar), £ 3449 ( Apr - Jun), £ 3849 ( Jul - Aug), £ 3549 ( Aug - Dec) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, twelve nights hotel accommodation, guided activities ( there may be a supplement for an English- speaking guide) CLASSIC WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS As the name suggests this is our premier Madagascar itinerary. It features all of the key locations on the island, the very best wildlife- viewing opportunities and some great accommodation. For a fi rst- time explorer or regular visitor this is an itinerary well worth considering. TAILOR- MADE

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park This largely unexplored area is one of Madagascar's natural wonders but it is a long and diffi cult journey to get here. Huge areas of limestone have been eroded into the island's largest and most impressive pinnacle karst formations. The awe- inspiring scenery is matched by the diversity and abundance of wildlife in the forests with troops of white Decken's sifakas clearly visible as are red- fronted brown lemurs and many reptiles. At the park's southern boundary the Manambolo River cuts an impressive gorge - boat trips offer an ideal way to see wildlife in the forest along the banks. L'Olympe du Bemaraha MID Situated overlooking the Manambolo River, this lodge consists of a series of comfortable bungalows each with verandas. Kirindy Forest Kirindy is a couple of hours drive from Morondava via the famous Allé de Baobabs. The dry forest of Kirindy is extremely rich in wildlife and is the best place to see a number of peculiar endemics such as giant jumping rat, narrow- striped mongoose and fosa. Lemur watching is also excellent. By day Verreaux's sifakas and red- fronted brown lemurs are frequently seen and at night you may see Madame Berthe's mouse lemur - the smallest primate in the world. In the summer months in particular, reptiles are extremely numerous - often seen is Labord's chameleon which has spectacular rainbow colours. Kirindy Camping The tourist facilities in Kirindy are at best rudimentary. There is a basic camp and a small restaurant. Zombitse National Park Zombitse, which lies between Isalo and Toliara, is a remnant of transitional forest between the western and southern regions. Despite its isolation and small size, it offers excellent opportunities to see interesting species. This forest is of particular interest to birdwatchers, being home to one of the country's rarest endemics, Appert's greenbul, but also many other species like giant coua, crested ibis and cuckoo roller. Verreaux's sifakas and red- fronted brown lemurs are also seen, as are sportive lemurs. There is nowhere to stay here, so it is generally best to visit early in the morning, while en- route elsewhere. Andringitra National Park Centred around Madagascar's second highest peak, Pic d'Imarivolanitra ( which means ' close to the sky'), Andringitra is a unique region of granite and gneiss formations, high- altitude vegetation, forest and waterfalls, and offers some of the most scenic and spectacular trekking opportunities in Madagascar. There are impressive wild fl ower meadows, rare succulent plants and a good chance of seeing ring- tailed lemurs as well. Tsara Camp MID The camp is situated just outside the park's north- west boundary. Spacious tents are pitched on thatched wooden platforms amid spectacular scenery. The adjacent private reserve in the Tsaranoro Valley is a good place to see ring- tailed lemurs. Camp Catta A simple camp of brick- built huts in an area that is excellent for ring- tailed lemurs. 54Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Antananarivo Day 2 Maronantsetra, 1- night, Relais du Masoala. A relaxing afternoon including a visit to the vanilla plantation ( BD) Day 3 Masoala, 3- nights, Masoala Forest Lodge. Guided walks in the forest and kayaking along the coast ( BLD) Day 6 Maroantsetra, 1- night, Relais du Masoala. Leisurely boat transfer keeping an eye out for dolphins and whales ( BD) Day 7 Fort Dauphin, 1- night, Le Croix du Sud. ( BD) Day 8 Ifotaka Forest, 3- nights, Mandrare River Camp. Explore the wildlife of the forests and learn about the night sky from the river beach ( BLD) Day 11 Andasibe- Mantadia, 2- nights, Vakona Lodge. Lemurs, indris, buzzards and vangas are all on the list here ( BD) Day 13 Antananarivo, 1- night, Pavillion de L'Emeryne. A stay in the capital wouldn't be perfect unless it was here! ( B) Day 14 Anjajavy, 4- nights, Hotel Anjajavy. Great wildlife, wonderful food, friendly people, and all in the most tranquil and relaxing surroundings Madagascar has to offer ( BLD) Day 18 Depart Antananarivo for the UK ( B) Day 19 Arrive UK Departure dates Daily, throughout the year Cost per person From £ 5599 ( Jan - Mar), £ 6149 ( Apr), £ 5799 ( May - June), £ 6399 ( Jul - Dec) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, sixteen nights hotel accommodation, guided activities ( there may be a supplement for an English- speaking guide) WILDLIFE IN COMFORT & STYLE To really enjoy Madagascar at its very best, you need to see not only great wildlife and be with great guides, but stay in the very best accommodation Madagascar has to offer. Our ' Wildlife in Comfort & Style' itinerary offers you all of this and more besides. TAILOR- MADE Thank you - holiday worked like clockwork. Fantastic country - superb experience - wonderful people and sights! 10 days felt like 3 superb weeks!!!" MS, July 2008