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

Isalo National Park Isalo is unlike any other place in Madagascar. Its appeal is the remarkable landscape of eroded sandstone outcrops, canyons and rare plants. There are spectacular vistas at every turn - this is a wonderful place for photographers. In the valleys there are ribbons of green where delicate feather palms and Pandanus grow, while on the cliffs and rocks endemic succulents such as the bizarre elephant's foot plant fl ourish. In the gorges where patches of forest thrive, there are also troops of Verreaux's sifakas, red- fronted brown lemurs and ring- tailed lemurs. Hotel Jardin du Roy & Hotel Relais de la Reine HIGH Nestling sympathetically amongst the outcrops, these adjacent hotels are amongst Madagascar's fi nest. Local stone has been used to construct buildings that appear almost as extensions of the natural rocks. The excellent rooms each offer a window into the magnifi cent landscape that surrounds. There are also swimming pools to take a cooling dip, and spacious terraces on which to relax in the evening. Ifotaka Community Forest The Ifotaka Community Forest is an admirable illustration of a government initiative that encourages local communities to sustainably manage their natural resources. The engaging Tandroy people harvest forest products from some areas, whilst elsewhere the forest is left intact preserving it for ecotourism. These areas of gallery and spiny forest are home to all the species that are synonymous with the south of Madagascar - ring- tailed lemurs, endearing Verreaux's sifakas and a wide variety of birds. Mandrare River Camp MID African safari- style camping is a new innovation in Madagascar and this camp exemplifi es all that is good about the experience. Six spacious and beautifully appointed tents, with private facilities and hot water, are at the heart of this intimate camp situated on the banks of the Mandrare River. There is a large mess tent where extraordinary meals are served in the heart of the bush. The camp employs expert local guides who take pride in showing visitors the local wildlife, customs and way of life. The local Tandroy people are proud and engaging. A visit to the area would be incomplete without a visit to the village of Ifotaka to learn about the beliefs and customs of the Tandroy people. Berenty Reserve Featured in numerous television documentaries, Berenty is perhaps the best known reserve in Madagascar. Adjacent to the Mandrare River, this small island of forest surrounded by sisal plantations is privately owned and run. On early morning walks large troops of ring- tailed lemurs are often encountered while Verreaux's sifakas leap effortlessly through the canopy. Giant couas peck through the leaf- litter and there are numerous chameleons, if you are good enough to spot them! After dark, nocturnal mouse and sportive lemurs scurry along the branches and are readily seen, as are very approachable white- browed and Madagascar scops owls. Berenty Lodge MID A complex of simple bungalows and rooms with basic facilities forms the basis of the lodge adjacent to the reserve. There is a cafeteria close by and the restaurant is a short walk. Both ring- tailed lemurs and Verreaux's sifakas are daily visitors. AFRICA | MADAGASCAR Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com55 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Antananarivo Day 2 Montagne d'Ambre National Park, 2- nights, Nature Lodge. Explore the forest, craters and lakes of Ambre Mountain ( BD) Day 4 Daraina, 2- nights, camping. The quest here is the golden- crowned sifaka ( BLD) Day 6 Sambava, 1- night, Hotel Las Palmas ( BD) Day 7 Marojejy, 3- nights, camping. Look for lemurs, reptiles, amphibians and birds ( BLD) Day 10 Sambava, 1- night, Hotel Las Palmas ( BD) Day 11 Andasibe- Mantadia, 2- nights, Feon'ny Ala. One of the highlights here will be the call of the indri - an eerie cry that you will remember forever! ( BD) Day 13 Antananarivo, 1- night, Residence Lapasoa. Arrive late afternoon to the comfort of this wonderful hotel ( B) Day 14 Berenty, 2- nights, Berenty Lodge. Madagascar harrier hawks and sooty falcon are possibilities here as well as lemurs ( BD) Day 16 Depart Antananarivo for the UK ( B) Day 17 Arrive UK ENDANGERED SIFAKAS & SPINY FORESTS This is a unique safari taking in the very best but least visited parts of Madagascar, peppered with a couple of our favourite destinations - namely Andasibe- Mantadia and Berenty. TAILOR- MADE Departure dates Daily, throughout the year Cost per person From £ 3955 ( Jan - Mar), £ 4145 ( Apr - Jun), £ 4595 ( Jul - Aug), £ 4295 ( Sept - Dec) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, fourteen nights hotel accommodation, guided activities ( there may be a supplement for an English- speaking guide)