March 1st - Madagascar — 24901 miles around

After breakfast, choose from the following morning options:

Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park

Drive approximately 75 minutes to Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 85 species. Acting as a transition zone between the dry and humid forests of Madagascar, the park is also home to more than 40 different varieties of orchid, many of which will be in bloom. Take an easy 90 minute walk through the park, keeping a lookout for the eight species of lemur that thrive here.

Morning at Leisure

Spend your morning at leisure at our lodge. Explore the grounds at your own pace, laze by the pool or indulge in a spa treatment. Return to the lodge for lunch, and this afternoon choose one of the following options:

Isalo National Park

Take a moderate, 90-minute hike through the canyons and oases of the Jurassic-era landscape of Isalo National Park, known as the “Grand Canyon” of Madagascar. Look for several species of lemur, over 80 types of birds, and a variety of mammals and reptiles that call this park home.

Bara Village

Drive approximately 30 minutes to visit a village of the semi-nomadic Bara people, the largest of the island’s zebu (cattle) herding clans. Meet the village elders and learn about the importance of the herd in village culture, and enjoy a rice hulling demonstration.

Ilakaka Sapphire Mine

Visit the world’s largest-producing sapphire mine, discovered in 1997 which led to a Gold Rush-style boomtown here. All mining is done by hand and we see women panning for stones in the Ilakaka River. You may choose to visit a retail shop before returning to the lodge.

Afternoon at Leisure

Spend your afternoon at leisure at our lodge. Explore the grounds at your own pace, laze by the pool or indulge in a spa treatment. Gather this evening for cocktails at the stunning Georgio’s Window viewpoint, followed by dinner and a festive dance performance on the pool terrace.