Madagascar is a land shrouded in legend. Isolated and geologically ancient, it boasts a fauna and flora that is entirely unique. Nowhere else in the world are there so many species of chameleons. Lemurs are found naturally only here—nowhere else on Earth. Between 80–90% of all animals and plants are endemic. Madagascar is home to the strange baobab trees, insects with giraffe-like necks, frogs that resemble South America’s poison dart frogs, the world’s smallest chameleons—no bigger than a pinky fingernail, no venomous snakes but ones with false twigs, branches and leaves on their heads, entire families of birds that exist nowhere else, and insects camouflaged as red flowers—YES—the list could go on forever! The fantastic rainforests, among the oldest in the world, harbor the greatest diversity of the island’s unique wildlife, and we visit several of the finest rainforests. We also photograph in the “spiny forest”—a dry forest dominated by baobabs and octopus trees.

Madagascar is the world’s fourth-largest island and a fantastic country to visit. Nature here is extraordinary, different, and incredibly exciting. The people are curious and welcoming to strangers, and the social climate is gentle and pleasant. Crime is low, and traffic is sometimes non-existent—especially in the countryside.

We always travel with local guides and animal trackers. During the trip, we hold photo workshops where Jan reviews techniques and ideas for the coming days’ photography. As always, we also focus on image composition and review each other’s photos.

Among the areas we visit are:

ANDASIBE-MANTADIA NATIONAL PARK
Around the town of Andasibe lies a cluster of rainforest areas that is one of Madagascar’s most exciting regions due to its rich wildlife. The indri is found only in this part of Madagascar. We visit the Analamazaotra section, which comprises 1,500 hectares of the park, where the indri is the star attraction. In the areas we travel, there are several family groups of indris. A persistent, melancholic call—almost a howl—resounds from the forest when the indri sings. The song can last up to three minutes, and when one begins to sing, others may join in to form a duet or chorus. The song is strongest in the morning and late afternoon. The indri is the largest of the lemurs. In the same area, you can also find the diademed sifaka, the most beautiful of the sifakas and also one of the largest lemurs. The brown lemur (brown maki) is also present. We hope to spot one or more frog species or the leaf-tailed gecko. This gecko is so well camouflaged that it’s nearly impossible to see it against a mossy trunk—even when you’re standing right in front of it. Another species looks like a withered leaf. Several chameleon species can also be found in the park, including the largest, the panther chameleon. The birdlife is diverse, with the beautiful Madagascar paradise flycatcher as the crown jewel. Blue couas and other couas are other endemic birds, roughly jay-sized, that follow our journey through the forest. In the evenings, we go out to photograph nocturnal mouse lemurs, geckos, and chameleons.

RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK
This exciting mountainous rainforest, covering 41,600 hectares, is characterized by dense vegetation and many rushing streams, including the large Namorona River. Here, we search for several different lemur species, including the golden bamboo lemur, discovered here as recently as 1991. It is found only in this area, and the national park was created to protect this lemur. The forest is also home to 11 other lemur species, such as the equally rare and threatened greater bamboo lemur, the brown lemur, and the large Milne-Edwards’s sifaka. The forest is teeming with insects—we hope to find the distinctive giraffe-necked weevil, a beetle-like weevil with an extremely long “giraffe neck.” We also search for the colorful mantella frogs—brightly colored like South America’s poison dart frogs. Many endemic bird species inhabit the rainforest, including asities, ground rollers, owls, and nightjars. After dusk, we photograph nocturnal frogs, mouse lemurs, and chameleons.

ANJA RESERVE
This is a small but popular nature reserve located in southern Madagascar near the town of Ambalavao. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, especially the iconic ring-tailed lemur, one of the most famous and recognizable lemurs of Madagascar. The reserve, owned and managed by local villagers, also features impressive granite cliffs, lush forests, and a wide range of plant and animal species. We are guided by locals who know exactly where to find the lemurs on any given day, and we follow them closely during their activities in the forest. There is also a profusion of chameleons here, including the giant Oustalet’s chameleon and the tiny Brookesia chameleons. Exciting birds and frogs do not escape our guides’ sharp eyes either. Anja is an example of a successful community-driven conservation initiative, where tourism revenues are used to support the local community and protect the environment.

MANY UNIQUE NATURAL AREAS
This is a journey not only for the most dedicated nature photographers but also for anyone who wants to experience some of the world’s most remarkable natural environments and wildlife up close.