Madagascar Rainforest and Beach

Madagascar is huge, it would take months to see everything - with time being a scarce commodity for many, we've curated this 9 day taster itinerary for those short on time.

You start off in Antananarivo (Tana for short) with a tour around the Old Town before setting off towards Mantadia Park.  We've arranged a variety of stops at some special places to maximise the opportunity to see some of Madagascar's endemic species and also to experience a snapshot of local life.

The trip ends in a tropical ocean paradise where you can unplug and rewind. Azure blue ocean stretches out into the distance in front of you, water gently lapping on the sand beneath your balcony. All around you are gardens, full of fragrant flowers, bewitching hummingbirds and brightly coloured birds of paradise...

But you're not dreaming! This is Anjajavy, a peninsula and reserve on the north west coast of Madagascar. It's remote - you can only get here by plane - and completely un-spoilt. Not that you'll have to rough it - far from it. The lovely hotel here offers all you need without encroaching on nature. You'll be staying in a villa made from local rosewood with all creature comforts.

By day you'll be able to explore the reserve, walking through the forest looking for lemurs and chameleons, discovering creeks and deserted beaches and meeting locals in the nearby village. There are water sports enough for the most ardent water-lover, and a spa villa where you can indulge in a therapeutic massage. Add to this some of the freshest seafood you'll ever find - the crab and Madagascan prawns are especially good - and you have all the ingredients for a perfect beach getaway. It's simply too good to resist!

Photographs of Anjajavy: copyright Anjajavy le Lodge and Relais & Chateaux