Indri lemur © Karen Coppock

Madagascar's most visited reserve, the Perinet Nature Reserve boasts a large variety of flora and fauna for visitors to view, including the endangered Indri, the largest and most vocal of the lemurs, known for their morning song. If you want to experience the eerie wailing of these animals it is best to ensure you are in the reserve at dawn. With dense vegetation and lush mountain rainforest, a trip to Perinet makes a wonderful excursion for travellers based in Antananarivo. There are some lovely walks and trails to enjoy in the reserve, with hikes typically ranging between three and six hours, and travellers can appoint a guide to show them around and educate them on the behaviour of the various animals. In fact, a local guide is required for entry into the reserve and visitors aren't allowed to explore independently; if you would prefer a private guide it is best to book in advance, as visitors will generally be arranged into groups. One of the reasons the Perinet Nature Reserve is so popular is its proximity to the capital city and the fact that it is easily accessible by paved road, unlike many other reserves in the country. A three hour drive along the Route National 2 will bring you to Perinet.