
The Best New African Safari Lodges in 2017
These six beautiful lodges are finally opening their doors to guests
Lemurs. Not found anywhere else in the world, these charismatic primates abound in Madagascar, and the best place to see them? Andasibe. Probably the most popular wildlife destination on the island and covered in a thick blanket of montane rainforest, a trip here will uncover 13 lemur species, including the brown, grey bamboo and woolly lemurs, as well as dazzling rainbow-coloured chameleons and a host of kaleidoscopic butterflies. But what’s really special about Andasibe is the Indri (or Perinet) Special Reserve, home to the world’s largest lemur, the Indri. Waking up early in the morning and following their haunting, whale-like calls through the trees is an experience unlike any other...
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Eastern Madagascar's misty highlands cradle some of the world's most precious rainforest, where the haunting call of the indri lemur echoes through the canopy like a whale song transmitted to land. Early morning walks reward the patient observer with sightings of these remarkable creatures – the largest surviving lemur – as they leap between trees with astonishing precision. Night walks reveal a different cast of characters altogether, as tiny mouse lemurs scurry along branches and chameleons, perfectly camouflaged by day, shine like jewels under torchlight. The community-managed Mitsinjo Reserve offers extraordinary access to conservation efforts, where dedicated local guides pinpoint camouflaged leaf-tailed geckos that seem to melt into tree bark. Venture deeper into Mantadia's more rugged corners to discover secret waterfalls and natural swimming pools, a welcome respite after a morning's exploration. In nearby Betsimisaraka villages, learn traditional medicinal plant uses from locals whose ancestral knowledge spans generations. The rich symphony of frog calls each evening provides nature's soundtrack – over 100 species thrive in these forests, each with its distinctive voice in the nightly chorus.
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