Treasures of Madagascar 2026

August 03 – 15, 2026

 
We invite you to join fellow alumni on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to explore the unique wildlife and vibrant cultures of Madagascar, one of the world’s most extraordinary and biologically diverse destinations. Isolated for millions of years, Madagascar is home to species found nowhere else on Earth—from playful lemurs and towering baobab trees to bizarre reptiles and ancient rainforests.

We are thrilled to offer this destination for the first time through the University of Denver, led by Dr. Dhaval Vyas of the Department of Biological Sciences. His expertise in animal behavior will enrich your journey as you explore some of Madagascar’s most spectacular natural environments. Dr. Vyas has previously led DU trips to Kenya (2024) and Uganda (2025).

Your adventure begins in Antananarivo (or “Tana”), Madagascar’s highland capital, where royal palaces and bustling markets set the tone for the cultural immersion to come. From there, travel to the country’s southeast coast and the renowned Berenty Reserve, a haven for lemurs and other endemic wildlife. Walk through spiny forests, observe sifakas leaping dramatically on their hind legs, and spot nocturnal species during guided evening walks.

Continue west to Kirindy Forest and Baobab Alley, where you’ll witness the island’s iconic “upside-down” trees and encounter unique species such as the endangered Giant Jumping Rat. Explore the majestic Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cathedral-like limestone formations and sacred river caves accessible only by canoe.

This is not just a wildlife tour—it’s an immersion into the heart of Madagascar’s ecosystems, people, and traditions. Along the way, you’ll meet conservationists, visit small villages, and explore remote natural reserves that few travelers ever get to see.

We encourage you to secure your spot soon—space is limited and demand for this unique itinerary is high. To reserve your place, please complete and return the enclosed reservation form or register online.

We look forward to exploring this magical island with you.

Tour Highlights:

• Travel with Dhaval Vyas, who will share insights from his research in animal behavior.
• Observe ring-tailed lemurs, sifakas, and other endemic species up close in Berenty and Kirindy Reserves.
• Witness the magical sunset at Baobab Alley, one of Madagascar’s most iconic landscapes.
• Explore the spectacular Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a labyrinth of towering limestone formations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Enjoy guided canoe rides, walks, and cultural encounters with Madagascar’s local communities.

B- Breakfast,  L- Lunch,  D- Dinner.
Lunches include 2 soft drinks, dinners include 2 glasses of house wine, beer or soft drinks.

August 1/2, 2026

Depart U.S. for Madagascar

Begin your adventure!

*Note that flights to Antanarivo (TNR) are typically via Europe, the U.A.E or South Africa. Please plan your air travel accordingly to ensure a timely arrival.
Early arrival accommodations are available for $250 per room, per night (includes breakfast and taxes).

August 3, 2026

Arrive in Antananarivo(Airport code: TNR)

Welcome to the capital city perched in the highlands, surrounded by the sacred Twelve Hills. Enjoy your first dinner with fellow travelers

Accomodations: Relais des Planeaux (B, D)

August 4, 2026

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing on a guided walking tour of Tana. Explore this vibrant cultural hub and bustling markets with your guide and discover the pulse of the city.

Accomodations: Relais des Planeaux (B, D)

August 5, 2026

After breakfast, transfer to Ivato Airport for your flight to Fort Dauphin (also known as Taolagnaro), a city scenically located along a curved sandy bay on Madagascar’s southeastern tip. Nestled at the base of Pic Saint Louis, Fort Dauphin offers an exceptional change of scenery, featuring a blend of rugged coastline and natural beauty. During your stay, you’ll explore the nearby Berenty Reserve, known for its carnivorous plants, spiny forests, and abundant lemurs. These curious creatures are often bold enough to approach visitors, making for memorable interactions.

In the evening, enjoy a guided nature walk with flashlights to discover the forest’s nocturnal life.

Accommodations: Berenty Lodge (B, L, D)*
*Includes 2 soft drinks during lunch and 2 glasses house wine, beer or soft drink during dinner.

August 6 – 7, 2026

Spend two full days immersed in the natural wonders of the 260-hectare Berenty Reserve. In addition to its famous lemur population, the property includes a sisal factory and a small anthropological museum. The main attraction, however, remains the remarkable opportunity to photograph lemurs up close—many of which are habituated to humans. A special highlight is witnessing the elegant Verreaux’s sifakas bounding across open clearings in dramatic, almost comical, leaps on their hind legs.

Accommodations: Berenty Lodge (B, L, D)* **
*Includes 2 soft drinks during lunch and 2 glasses house wine, beer or soft drink during dinner.

August 8, 2026

Following breakfast, enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive back to Fort Dauphin. Upon arrival, embark on a brief city tour, including a stop at the Saiadi Botanical Garden—home to a diverse array of native flora.

Accommodations: Hotel Croix du Sud (B, L, D)* **
*Includes 2 soft drinks during lunch and 2 glasses house wine, beer or soft drink during dinner.

August 9, 2026

Return flight to Antananarivo. On arrival, visit the historic ruins of the Ambohimanga King’s Palace, perched on one of the city’s surrounding hills. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers insight into the reign of the monarch who unified Madagascar’s once-fragmented tribes.

Accommodations: Relais des Planeaux (B, L, D)* **
*Includes 2 soft drinks during lunch and 2 glasses house wine, beer or soft drink during dinner.

August 10, 2026

Transfer to Tana airport and fly to Morondava. Morondava is located in western Madagascar. This region is a flagship destination known for its cultural richness and incredible biodiversity. Often referred to as the “Land of the Baobabs,” Morondava serves as a gateway to several iconic sites, including the famous Baobab Alley, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Kirindy Biosphere Reserve.

Upon arrival, drive approximately 3 hours to Kirindy Forest. The road to Kirindy will be bumpy, but this remarkable reserve is a treasure of western Madagascar, home not only to a wide variety of wildlife but also to lush, unique flora. This evening, enjoy a guided nocturnal walk through the forest in search of Madagascar’s fascinating night creatures.

Accomodations: Relais Du Kirindy (B,L,D)* **
*Includes 2 soft drinks during lunch and 2 glasses house wine, beer or soft drink during dinner.

August 11, 2026

This morning, explore the Kirindy Forest Reserve. Dominated by majestic baobab trees, this protected area is the only known habitat of the Giant Jumping Rat—an endangered species that hops like a small kangaroo, yet also walks on all fours. Kirindy is also home to seven species of lemurs, over forty bird species, fifty varieties of reptiles, and fifteen types of amphibians.

In the late afternoon, begin the drive back to Morondava. En route, stop at Baobab Alley to take in the magnificent sunset before continuing to your hotel.

Accommodations: Palissandre Morondava (B, L, D)* 
*Includes 2 soft drinks during lunch and 2 glasses house wine, beer or soft drink during dinner.

August 12, 2026

Take a scenic private flight (~60 minutes) to Amborodia. Upon landing, continue by 4×4 vehicle to Bekopaka (approx. 1.5 hours). This charming village, bordered by the Manambolo River and surrounded by rice paddies and small farms, offers a peaceful gateway to one of Madagascar’s most dramatic natural landscapes. The region is best accessed between May and November, during the dry season, to ensure smooth travel.

Accommodations: Le Soleil Des Tsingy (B, L, D)* 
*Includes 2 soft drinks during lunch and 2 glasses house wine, beer or soft drink during dinner.             

August 13 & 14, 2026

Spend two full days exploring this remarkable region. Take a peaceful canoe expedition along the Manambolo River to view ancient caves and traditional Vazimba tombs. You’ll also have time to explore the breathtaking Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. These dramatic limestone formations—towering stone “cathedrals” sculpted over millions of years—exist only in Madagascar. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most otherworldly natural wonders.

*Note that the visit to these unique rock formations may be steep and rocky at times.

Accommodations: Le Soleil Des Tsingy (B, L, D)** *
*Includes 2 soft drinks during lunch and 2 glasses house wine, beer or soft drink during dinner.

August 15, 2026

Fly back to Antananarivo (Tana). A day room has been arranged at La Varangue for your comfort until 6:00 PM. If you would like to extend your stay beyond that time, a full-day rate of $250 will apply. Later in the evening, transfer to the airport for your international flight home.

Day Room: Relais des Planeaux (B)

Ground Costs:

$10,999 per person (double occupancy)

$1,400  single room supplement (extremely limited and on first come basis)

LAND ARRANGEMENT COST INCLUDES:

Includes:

• Accommodations and meals as indicated.
• Lunches include 2 soft drinks, dinners include 2 glasses of house wine, beer or soft drinks.
• Full time local tour guide/ trip manager accompanying the guests throughout the trip.
• Entrance fees.
• All airport transfers.
• Gratuities to hotel and lodge staff, on-site naturalist guides, drivers, porters.*
  *Note: guests will tip the full-time guide/ trip manager directly at the conclusion of the trip.
• Local flights. All in-country surface transport.

Exclusions:

• International flights to Antananarivo (TNR). Please contact Immersion Journeys for airline booking assistance.
• Gratuities to the full-time guide/ trip manager at the conclusion of the trip.
• Beverages and meals not mentioned above.
• Travel insurance.
• Laundry, gift shop purchases, telephone, fax.
• Any other services not indicated above.

Activity Level: Moderate to Hard

While Madagascar is rich in natural wonders, its tourism infrastructure is still developing. Roads can be bumpy and travel times may be longer than you’re used to. We have endeavored to pick the best accommodations available on the tour which have all the necessary amenities (hot water, good food and service). However guests should be aware that they may not be of the same standard they are used to in the U.S. or in other more developed destinations. These are small trade-offs for the chance to explore a destination so wonderfully untouched and authentic. Wifi is generally available in Madagascar at all the hotels, but please be aware that it may be spotty or slow at times. Guests should not plan on scheduling work-related video calls or send/ receive high volumes of files via email.

Daily excursions are active and may include walking on muddy, rocky or uneven paths, especially when tracking wildlife. At certain destinations the terrain will occasionally be steep, slippery and/ or rocky.  A pair of sturdy trail or hiking shoes will be helpful. While park rangers are available to assist, travelers should feel confident walking unassisted for extended periods with limited support.

We recommend evaluating your level of stamina and checking with your physician before the trip to ensure you’re ready for these activities. Being well-prepared will help you fully enjoy the beauty, wildlife, and magic that Madagascar has to offer.

TOUR RESERVATION FORM

To reserve a space, please complete and return this form. We will not process your deposit until you are assigned a place on the tour. Please contact 917–686–2620 (info@immersionjourneys.com) if you have any questions about the registration process.