MADAGASCAR
Islands of Evolution 2026 Expedition
Guided by Dr. Steven Goodman
November 2026
Discover a World Born of Isolation and Wonder
Madagascar is one of the planet’s most extraordinary biodiversity frontiers — a living laboratory of evolution where nearly 90% of species exist nowhere else. Islands of Evolution is a 13-day scientific and conservation-led journey through the island’s most remarkable ecosystems: towering baobabs, dry deciduous forests, lush eastern rainforests, the remote limestone canyons of the Namoroka Tsingy, and the vibrant marine world of the northwest.
Guests travel under the guidance of two exceptional trip leaders: Steven Goodman, one of the world’s leading authorities on Madagascar’s biodiversity, and Josefa Rasolofomandimby, an engaging Malagasy naturalist known for his warmth, intuition, and deep cultural insight.
Signature Qualities of This Journey
Expert Leadership
Travel with Dr. Steven Goodman, one of the world’s foremost specialists on Madagascar’s biodiversity, whose decades of field research illuminate every ecosystem you explore. His presence transforms the journey into a rare opportunity to learn directly from the scientist who has shaped much of what we know about the island’s natural history.
Seamless Private Flights
Private air transfers replace the often unpredictable commercial routes in Madagascar, allowing effortless travel and direct access to remote, ecologically rich regions.
Conservation at the Core
A portion of your trip’s conservation contribution is shared evenly between Madagasikara Voakajy, supporting community-based ecosystem protection, and Vahatra, Dr. Goodman’s nonprofit safeguarding the last remaining high-plateau forest of Ambohitantely. Enjoy exclusive access to conservation leader Julie Hanta Razafimanahaka.
Iconic Landscapes & Hidden Worlds
A carefully curated blend of celebrated sites — Andasibe rainforest and the Avenue of the Baobabs — and remote eco-luxury stays at Tsara Komba Lodge and Namoroka Tsingy Camp, both deeply committed to supporting surrounding communities. The journey spans Madagascar’s signature ecosystems: baobabs, western dry forest, tsingy, rainforest, and vibrant marine environments.
Meet the Team
Every journey is shaped by the people you meet, and this expedition is guided by two of Madagascar’s most fascinating and friendly experts—Steve Goodman and Josefa Rasolofomandimby—with a special evening spent with Julie Hanta Razafimanahaka, who shares their deep passion for the people and nature of Madagascar.
Scientific Trip Leader
Dr Steven M. Goodman
A MacArthur Fellow and Senior Field Biologist at the Field Museum, Steve has devoted more than three decades to studying Madagascar’s wildlife and ecosystems. His fieldwork spans the island’s rainforests, dry forests, highlands, caves, and tsingy formations, making him one of the world’s leading authorities on Madagascar’s natural history. His work has shaped global understanding of the island’s biodiversity, and his publications — including the monumental New Natural History of Madagascar — are considered essential scientific references.
Despite his scientific stature, Steve is approachable, warm, and quietly charismatic. He brings field stories, deep knowledge, and a contagious sense of curiosity to every walk. Steve brings Madagascar’s forests into vivid focus, turning scientific insight into accessible, engaging moments that deepen your connection to the natural world.
Naturalist Trip Leader
Josefa Rasolofomandimby
Josefa is one of Madagascar’s most respected naturalist guides, with more than 15 years of experience leading travelers, researchers, and film crews through the island’s most remarkable ecosystems. Originally trained as an English teacher and holding a Master’s degree in linguistics, he brings a rare combination of academic clarity, cultural insight, and extraordinary field intuition to every walk.
Known for his warmth, kindness, and keen eye, Josefa reads the forest with effortless ease — spotting lemurs, birds, and chameleons long before anyone else. His gentle humour and genuine love for Madagascar create a relaxed, engaging atmosphere that guests immediately connect with. Traveling with Josefa feels like discovering the island with someone who not only understands its wildlife but also its heart.
Special Guest Speaker
Julie Hanta Razafimanahaka
Julie Hanta Razafimanahaka is one of Madagascar’s most respected conservation leaders and a recipient of the prestigious Tusk Award, recognising her outstanding contribution to wildlife protection and community-led conservation. As the current Director of Madagasikara Voakajy, she oversees pioneering work in safeguarding threatened species, strengthening forest governance, and supporting community livelihoods across Madagascar. Julie joins the expedition in Antananarivo for an exclusive evening conversation, offering guests a rare and deeply insightful perspective on the conservation challenges and successes shaping the island’s future.
Itinerary
Day 1: Antananarivo
Arrive in Madagascar’s vibrant highland capital and meet your trip leaders. Feel the city’s lively rhythm, colourful streets, and warm welcome as you settle into the start of your journey.
Day 2 - 3: Morondava & Menabe
Arrive by private flight in Morondava and explore the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs, where Madagascar’s ancient giants stand silhouetted against the sky. Visit a baobab conservation project with Madagascar Voakajy, supporting a seedling count that contributes to the protection of this remarkable landscape.
Days 4–6: Andasibe & Mantadia Rainforest
Continue east into the lush Andasibe Rainforest, home to Madagascar’s largest lemur, the indri, whose haunting calls echo through the canopy. Explore emerald forest trails alive with birds, orchids, chameleons, and November’s abundance of young lemurs — a vivid immersion into one of the island’s most enchanting and biodiverse ecosystems.
Days 7–9: Namoroka Tsingy & the Remote West
Fly north into the remote Namoroka Tsingy, where razor-sharp limestone pinnacles rise from the earth like ancient sculpture and hidden canyons shelter a surprising wealth of life. Wander through dry forest trails alive with lemurs, vibrant reptiles, and rare birds adapted to this extraordinary terrain — an unforgettable encounter with one of Madagascar’s most dramatic and least-visited wilderness areas.
Days 10 –12: Nosy Be Archipelago
Conclude your journey on the island of Nosy Komba, where forested slopes meet turquoise waters and the pace of life slows to a gentle rhythm. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs, wander through lush botanical gardens, and venture offshore in search of November’s remarkable marine visitors — the elusive Omura’s whale and the graceful whale shark — a fitting and vibrant finale to Madagascar’s land and sea wonders.
Day 13: flight to Antananarivo
Enjoy a scenic boat transfer to Nosy Be, followed by a private charter flight to Antananarivo, arriving in time to connect to your international departure.
Accommodation
Radisson Blu (Antananarivo)
A modern, reliable 4-star international hotel offering spacious rooms, excellent dining, and warm, attentive service. Its comfortable design and familiar standards make it an easy and welcoming place to begin or end your journey in Madagascar.
Palissandre Côte Ouest (Morondava)
A simple but pleasant 3-star hotel set along Morondava’s sandy coastline, offering modest comfort in an area with very limited higher-end options. Its beachside setting and practical location make it the best base for visiting the Avenue of the Baobabs and exploring the Menabe region.
Manjarano Lodge (Andasibe)
A good quality 3-star lodge set in lush forest, with inviting chalets and spacious, well-appointed bathrooms. Its serene setting and close proximity to Andasibe and Mantadia National Parks make it a comfortable and convenient base for rainforest wildlife experiences.
Namoroka Tsingy Camp
A 4-star experiential camp offering thoughtful comfort, warm hosting, and direct access to Namoroka Tsingy’s dramatic limestone formations and dry forests. Developed in partnership with Wildlife Madagascar, it provides an immersive and conservation-led stay in one of the country’s most remote national parks.
Tsara Komba Luxury Lodge (Nosy Be)
A refined 4-star eco-luxury retreat on a peaceful volcanic island just off Nosy Be. Tsara Komba blends barefoot elegance with heartfelt Malagasy hospitality, offering spacious ocean-view suites, exceptional slow-food cuisine, and immersion in pristine nature. With its strong commitment to conservation and community initiatives, it’s an ideal base for discovering marine life, forest trails, and the charm of island living.
Optional Upgrades
A limited number of suite upgrades are available at Radisson Blu Antananarivo, Palissandre Côte Ouest, and Tsara Komba Luxury Beach & Forest Lodge. These are offered on a first come, first served basis and can be secured at the time of booking.
Working with Inala
This expedition is available as a scheduled small-group departure and can be sold by travel advisors for clients seeking a deeper, conservation-led experience of Madagascar.
In addition to our specialist expeditions, Inala Expeditions partners with travel advisors to design bespoke journeys across Madagascar and Africa. Whether you are interested in this departure or would like to create a tailor-made itinerary inspired by its themes, destinations, or conservation focus, I would be delighted to discuss the possibilities.
Valerie Perrier
Founder & Expedition Curator
info@inalaexpeditions.com
+33 6 58 51 10 90