Madagascar

Floating in the Indian Ocean 250 miles east of Africa, Madagascar is a large island nation known for its native plants and unique fauna. Create an exhilarating trip of a lifetime incorporating desert drives, rainforest hikes, mountain biking, caving, climbing, kite-surfing, snorkeling and diving in this unspoiled Eden.  Madagascar is home to 5% of all known plant and animal species and many are endemic to this tropical island. Days will be filled with unexpected sightings of lemurs, giant baobabs, orchids, sharks, turtles and more. Explorers can look forward to sandstone canyons, limestone karst, caves, mountains and fertile hills terraced and planted with waving green rice paddies. Off-road driving is a given, although the most fun to get around is by bush taxi. Many national parks are only accessible by motor boat or private plane. Tours will typically embrace local culture with village stays, festivals and African music. At the end of the day, head to the beach where cool fruity drinks, dazzling white sand and lazy hammocks await.