Depart on flights to Johannesburg, South Africa.

Arrive on an overnight flight to Johannesburg, where we meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception this evening. INTERCONTINENTAL JOHANNESBURG (R)

This morning board a charter flight to Toliara on the southwest coast of Madagascar. After arriving explore the Antsokay Arboretum and learn about its fantastic collection of endemic plants. Board the Hebridean Sky this afternoon and enjoy the captain’s welcome reception this evening before dinner. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,D)

Today visit the curious spiny forest region, a unique ecosystem that exists only in the southern part of Madagascar, and view the spectacular baobab trees at Reniala Private Reserve. The reserve is a paradise for birds and home to the grey mouse lemur, radiated tortoise and warty chameleon. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,D)

After breakfast, depart to see the Avenue of Baobabs, an extraordinary stand of iconic massive trees, followed by free time at the market in Morondava. Or, visit the Kirindy Reserve, home to the greatest density and diversity of primates on Earth, as well as dozens of amphibian species. Look for the narrow-striped mongoose, the cat-like fossa, and seven lemur species, including the smallest known primate, the pygmy mouse lemur. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,D)

During a day at sea, enjoy the on-board lecture program as the Hebridean Sky cruises along the island’s west coast. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,D)

Drive to Ankarafantsika National Park, a vast reserve boasting a remarkable range of flora and fauna, for guided walks in search of wildlife. One of Madagascar’s finest parks for birdwatching, it’s home to 129 identified species, including the Van Dam’s vanga. Learn about the medicinal plants and flowers that the locals used for centuries, try to glimpse tiny mouse lemurs, and visit the breeding program established by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in 1986 to protect the critically endangered ploughshare tortoise. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,D)

After a morning of cruising and on-board lectures, arrive at Nosy Tanikely’s marine reserve for an afternoon of snorkeling. Recognized for its outstanding marine biodiversity, the reserve offers some of the best snorkeling in the area, with a spectacular coral reef teeming with colorful fish and other sea creatures. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,D)

Nosy Hara means “mountainous island” in Malagasy and it’s considered one of the last true paradises of Madagascar. The island offers a stunning bay, sandy beaches and the unique, sharply eroded limestone spikes known as Tsingy formations. Hike the low circular path on the island, or choose the steeper path to a sweeping viewpoint. Then relax on a beautiful beach in the afternoon. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,D)

Cruise around Madagascar’s northernmost point and into Antsiranana’s glorious natural harbor for a guided tour of the town. Later climb aboard a four-wheel-drive vehicle to drive to Amber Mountain National Park for tropical rainforest walks. During our walks, see lush flora and waterfalls, look for the common crowned lemur, spot volcanic lakes, and perhaps count more than 40 varieties of butterflies. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,D)

After a morning of cruising and lectures, spend the afternoon exploring Nosy Mangabe, a small island reserve of virgin rain forest and home to an unusual nocturnal lemur called the aye-aye. Take Zodiacs ashore for nature walks and look for black-and-white ruffed lemurs, colorful paradise flycatchers and many other types of wildlife. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,D)

Explore this national park’s coastal rainforest, dense marshes, and stands of mangroves. Search for a variety of colorful chameleons, geckos, and, of course, lemurs, including the red-ruffed lemur native to this area. Stop at Ambodiforaha village to meet with the locals and shop in the market there. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,D)

The educational program continues during a final full day at sea en route to Réunion, a rain foreststudded island outpost hundreds of miles into the Indian Ocean. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,D)

Visit the island of Réunion’s central highlands, a spectacular rugged landscape of active, dormant, extinct, and collapsed volcanoes. See picturesque villages that dot the verdant landscape and learn about vanilla production at a small family-run plantation. Enjoy the captain’s farewell reception this evening on board our ship before crossing to the neighboring island of Mauritius. HEBRIDEAN SKY (B,L,R,D)

After breakfast, disembark and discover the unique history of Port Louis and the island of Mauritius at the Citadel of Fort Louis and Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the immigration depot where the modern indentured labor diaspora began. Explore Chamarel, an eye-catching region of tropical flora, hidden waterfalls, and undulating sand dunes displaying an array of colors. Then visit the Bois Cheri tea plantation for a refreshing cup of tea before departing for the airport for flights home. (B,L)