Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and lies in the Indian Ocean, separated from Mozambique on the African Continent by the 400km wide Mozambique Channel, and by 250 million years of isolated evolution. It is an utterly unique and truly spectacular destination, with diverse geographical features from rugged mountains to rolling highlands, arid deserts and canyons to wide sweeping white-sand beaches.

Madagascar has been described in turns as a ‘living museum’ or ‘lost Eden’. Over 80% of its flora and fauna is found nowhere else on earth, making it a biologist’s paradise. Culturally the island is a unique blend of South East Asian and East African, and the lively and colourful Malagasy people form as interesting a back drop as the spectacular geography and wildlife.

Largely untouched by tourists, Madagascar does not have the same infrastructure as other developing countries. This makes it all the more challenging and exciting as an expedition destination. Whether you are travelling by foot, boat, or taxi-brousse, every journey will be an adventure.

Some possible expedition objectives are given below, please note these may alter between now and your expedition. The Expedition Programme Manager for Madagascar will agree a suitable expedition itinerary for you to best match the abilities and aspirations of your team.

Although we are currently investigating trekking opportunities in Northern Madagascar, most of the trekking at the moment is in Southern and Central Madagascar.

Acclimatisation
There are a number of opportunities to do short day treks in areas such as the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, an area of primary forest and the home of Madagascar’s largest lemur, to Lakes Tritriva and Andraikiba offering a great chance to experience the local culture in villages on the way, or to Ranomafana National Park offering a huge variety of trails that take you through cloud forest and rolling hills.

Projects
The project phase will generally run for a week to ten days and offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the local environment and the wonderfully rich Malagasy culture. World Challenge has links with local NGOs and environmental agencies which have provided the opportunity for teams to get involved in really worthwhile projects in the past. As a result this phase can be the central focus of the expedition if the teams wish.

Main Trekking phase
Andringitra National Park
This beautiful park in the eastern side of southern Madagascar is set on the edge of the Andringitra massif with stunning views of huge granite peaks, the highest of which, Pic Imarivolanitra, at 2,658m, is the second highest in the country. The park has over 100km of trails to explore and much to see with over 30 species of orchids, 14 species of lemur and hosts a mass of treasures including the sacred waterfalls.

Isalo National Park
Located in central southern Madagascar, Isalo is described as ‘savagely beautiful’ and ‘otherworldly’. Plateaus, canyons, golden plains, pinnacles and waterfalls characterise this impressive landscape. There are a mass of trekking options here and treks will vary according to the strengths and demands of the team.

Zafimaniry Highlands
The Highlands around Fianarantsoa offer the chance to get truly off the beaten track, trekking from village to village through rice paddies, fields, and rainforests. On route you can haggle for fresh supplies and gain a unique insight in to rural life in Madagascar

Rest and Relaxation
With many beautiful coastal areas to chose from teams will have plenty of opportunity to relax and recuperate on the beach or soak up a little of Madagascar’s exotic past in the ancient coastal towns.