Madagascar

An adventure to Ankarana Special Reserve feels like stepping into another world. Imagine hiking through surreal limestone tsingy formations, jagged stone forests unlike anything you've ever seen, then descending into lush canyons echoing with the calls of lemurs and the flutter of rare birds. This reserve is a treasure trove of biodiversity and geological wonder, where every twist in the trail reveals something wild and unexpected. If you’re drawn to places that feel truly untouched and alive, Ankarana will leave you awestruck.

If you’re going to go all out, this is the place to do it. Set on a private island in a dazzling turquoise bay, Miavana feels like the edge of the world, in the best way. The only way in is by helicopter, and once you're here, the pace shifts completely. You can spend your mornings swimming with sea turtles or diving colorful reefs, then head into the forest in search of golden-crowned lemurs before a barefoot dinner under the stars. Somehow it all works together—relaxed but polished, adventurous but indulgent. A true reset.

This is Madagascar at its most surreal: beaches with no footprints, forests filled with lemurs, limestone formations that look like sculpture, and the occasional baobab thrown in for good measure. Anjajavy Le Lodge is remote, comfortable, and the perfect base for both adventure and downtime. Paddleboard to the otherworldly Mushroom Islands, follow trails through the Tsingy, or just sit in the lodge garden as the sifakas come tumbling by. Here, nature isn’t something you go out to find. It finds you.

This is where you go to meet the Indri, the largest (and loudest) of all lemurs. Their calls echo through the misty rainforest like whale songs through trees. The walking here is lovely: mossy trails, waterfalls, quiet lakes, and a good mix of forest and open space. Lemur Island is a fun stop, especially if you want a close-up encounter (and a photo or two). It’s a great introduction to Madagascar’s wildlife and a reminder of how playful and curious this place really is.

Nosy Be is where everything slows down. White sand beaches, gentle reef snorkeling, and laid-back coastal culture make this spot ideal for a little breathing room. You’ll find tiny islands scattered just offshore, great diving, and friendly villages where the rhythm of life follows the tides. It’s popular, sure, but still feels peaceful, especially if you know where to go.

This is rainforest and coastline colliding in spectacular fashion. Masoala is wild, dense, and packed with rare species, from red-ruffed lemurs to aye-ayes and serpent eagles. It’s also one of the best spots to explore by foot and kayak, drifting through mangroves or hiking deep into primary forest. Between July and October, humpback whales migrate through the nearby waters. It’s an unforgettable place to witness that kind of drama in such an intimate, remote setting.

The “Spiny Forest” is like something out of a science fiction film—an ecosystem so unique you’ll feel like you've landed on another planet. Walk quietly in the early morning and you’ll see ring-tailed lemurs basking in the sun or darting through the thickets. The cultural side here is equally rich: village visits bring you into the world of the Antandroy people, where music, stories, and even wrestling matches give you a glimpse of something real and enduring. At night, the stars stretch endlessly overhead, and the silence is the good kind that stays with you.

Colorful and wonderfully vibrant, Antanarivo nicknamed “Tana", is definitely worth a visit. Take a cooking class or spend time walking the crooked, cobblestone streets with your guide. The artisan’s markets here are vast and full of treasures such as hand-woven silk items, unique carvings, sisal bags and hats, and metalwork. The Hira Gasy, a musical tradition amongst the Merina people, is not to be missed. This daylong spectacle of music, dance, and oration tells the story of the island’s culture and not only captivates audiences but also helps preserve the country’s unique folklore from generation to generation (from July to October).