Explore this incredible remote region with your expert naturalist guide. Cross the Madrare River into the pristine forest south of the lodge, where inquisitive groups of ring-tailed lemurs and the always entertaining Verreaux Sifaka await you. Return to camp for lunch and a relaxed afternoon by the pool.

In late afternoon, walk through the sacred Spiny Forest, filled with the ancestral tombs of the local Antandroy tribe, as well as an extraordinary array of flora and fauna unique to the region. Your expert guide and a tracker from the local community will give you an introduction to the ancient Antandroy culture and custom as you make your way through the wilderness. Follow your visit with sundowner cocktails on the Mandrare River bank as you watch the sun set.

Witness sunrise through the octopus trees and hear the bush come alive as you set off for an early morning excursion in the forest. Head back to camp for a sumptuous breakfast, followed by a visit to the local village and market to engage with the fascinating Antandroy tribe. Lunch will be served at the camp, followed by a relaxed afternoon watching life along the river from your private terrace.

This evening, enjoy a sundowner cocktail amidst the mighty baobab trees. Watching the sun set and moon rise with a view across the baobabs to the mountains beyond is a magical experience. In the evening, local villagers may come to perform beautiful traditional dances, accompanied by singing and music. Song and dance is at the heart of Antandroy culture and is used to accompany the major rituals and events of everyday life.

Head to the coast and make your way to the Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge. Manafiafy, also known as Sainte Luce, is a beautiful sandy bay fringed with forested mountains and wildlife-rich mangroves. Settle into your bungalow, then take a night walk in the coastal rainforest. This pristine area is home to five species and three subspecies of lemur, over 80 bird species, and an abundance of geckos, chameleons and other reptiles. Look for nocturnal lemurs leaping through the trees, the Madagascar Scops Owl, the dramatically-named satanic leaf-tailed gecko, and other masters of camouflage. Return to your lodge for a lantern-lit dinner under the stars.

After a sumptuous breakfast of fresh fruit and local ingredients, you may opt for a private tour of the Stitch project and local woodworking shop, to interact with artisans from the local Antanosy community. Stitch was created by the NGO Azafady to provide local women with sustainable livelihoods by training them in embroidery, English, and business skills. Embroidery is a traditional Malagasy skill, which the women have used to make beautiful purses, belts, and more.

In the afternoon, head to the nearby mangroves, a paradise for birdwatching and photography. Ideal for botanists, landscape photographers and adventure seekers, this 25-mile mangrove network stretches from Manafiafy to Fort Dauphin, with the magnificent Anosy mountain range in the backdrop as you explore by boat with an experienced guide.

Today you have a choice of activities or pure relaxation. Enjoy a sunrise walk in the coastal rainforest or a visit to see Madagascar’s largest bat, the flying fox. Spend the day at leisure on the remote beach, in this truly private part of the world.

After another early morning activity and breakfast at the lodge, make the drive back to Fort Dauphin and catch your flight back to Antananarivo. Your private driver will be waiting to escort you to your day-use room near the airport, where you can spend the afternoon relaxing before your evening flight. If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye, you could extend your trip with some traditional beach time in Anjajavy or Nosy Be.