Insider tip, authentic microcosm, evolutionary wonder: even the name "Madagascar" conjures images of exotic, tropical nature. Very few people have visited the island, located off Africa's east coast. Join the HANSEATIC spirit and form your own impressions of this unspoilt biotope. Your destination is the "simple world", with little tourist infrastructure, that makes explorers' dreams come true. Toamasina reflects all of the island's facets. Red rickshaws, or pousse-pousses, dash along the lively city's vast, palm-lined alleys and vibrant promenade. On one of the world's longest artificial waterways, most people travel in dugout canoes: take a boat trip on the Canal des Pangalanes* and glide across a series of connected, kilometre-wide lagoons and lakes, past jungle, mangroves and fishing villages. An excursion to Parc Ivoloina* takes you into the realm of the lemurs - around 70 species live on Madagascar. Look out for these agile primates in the trees. You'll have to look very closely to find the brown mouse lemur, one of the world's smallest primates. In the deep-green rainforest of Nosy Mangabe, local rangers will take you hiking on undiscovered paths. What creatures will you discover between the gigantic trees? Residents include rare aye-ayes, white-headed lemurs and nano-chameleons, which include the world's smallest reptile.

The architecture of Antsiranana, which was declared a French protectorate in the 19th century, tells of colonial history. Discover the bays and beaches of Diego Suarez* on a walk or with a refreshing dip in the sea, and enjoy the same scenery that the colonists must have relished all those years ago. Breathtaking impressions also await by the waterfalls and streams of Domaine de Fontenay nature park*, with a manor house of the same name in the picturesque colonial style. When you land on Nosy Be with the Zodiacs, your senses will be beguiled by the scent of the ylang-ylang tree. The essential oil with the fruity, flowery aroma is extracted from its leaves, and is just as coveted in the perfume industry as the vanilla that grows here. The magnificent colonial villas by the harbour recall the bygone feudal lifestyle of the French sugar barons. This diversity of impressions is exactly what makes Madagascar so special. Your experts will provide a range of fascinating background knowledge both ashore and in the Zodiacs. For example at Lokobe Reserve* - with trees up to 40 m (131 ft) tall, numerous bird species and primates, this is an astonishingly exotic place. A boat trip to Nosy Komba* will provide an insight into the life of the lemurs. As with everywhere else on this expedition, there will be wonderful opportunities here for swimming and snorkelling. You might even get to see sea turtles in their natural habitat. Mahajanga is a regional trading post in north-west Madagascar. This vibrant city in Bombetoka Bay is your starting point for a journey into Ankarafantsika National Park*. The excursion will be filled with endemic bird species such as rufous vangas and Madagascar fish eagles. The park is also home to the Nile crocodile and the rare Madagascar angulated tortoise. The hike on the Cirque Rouge* will introduce you to a protected national and natural treasure. Depending on the position of the sun, the sandstone amphitheatre alternates between shades of pink, red, pastel green and yellow.

Enjoy the idyllic beaches and colourful snorkelling sites. The Zodiacs will take you between coral reefs and past bizarre basalt cliffs to the stunning sandy bays of Nosy Hara.

Will you find any treasure on the former pirate island of Nosy Boraha? The extraordinary pirate cemetery is sure to have tales to tell. Nosy Nato is a gem of unspoilt nature with mangrove forests and little waterfalls. Go snorkelling or swimming and immerse yourself in Madagascar's beauty. 

The green island of Reunion sits in the deep-blue ocean like an emerald. Its natural contrasts range from picturesque beaches to peaks up to 3,000 m (9,842 ft) high, an impressive prospect on a helicopter flight*. Green tropical forests harmonise with rugged lunar landscapes on a journey to the Piton de la Fournaise volcano*, one of the most active on the planet.