Madagascar is magical. The fourth largest island in the world, it is home to five percent of the world’s plant and animal species, 80 percent of which are unique to Madagascar. The most famous among these species are the towering Baobab trees and the variety of primates known as lemurs.
One of the world’s last undiscovered places with so many contrasts in one place: weird and wonderful creatures, desert and rainforest, reef and mountain. This ‘8th continent’ off the East coast of Africa has epic terrain and some truly mind-blowing wildlife. If you love to get off the beaten track – this is a dream destination for anyone with an adventurous spirit.
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What to Expect
There is so much to discover on the island besides lemurs. Madagascar has 5% of all known plant & animal species, with many unique and strange creatures calling this island home – the abundance of wildlife is a revelation.
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Here you will find the fossa (the only predator on the island), bright frogs, bobble-eyed chameleons and graceful sea life such as turtles, sharks and rays. Your eyes will be spoilt with flora such as the baobab trees, the spiny forest deserts and hundreds of brightly colored orchids decorating the rainforests.
Don't Miss Out
The Essence of Madagascar — Madagascar’s iconic wildlife encounter is being with lemurs. There are about 105 different species on the island and they are only found on Madagascar. The largest species is the indry and you may hear its eerie cry in the deciduous forests where it dwells.
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The smallest lemur species is the Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur, standing at just 3-4 inches (9-11 cm) tall. Along your journey you will find lemurs of every size in between! The unique aye-aye and the leaping sifaka are stand outs among outstanding animals. No matter where you go, these gregarious creatures are curious and bold and will be a memorable part of your Malagasy experience.
Incredible Cultures – These are people who have been isolated from the mainland for 165 million years. Malagasy culture is a unique blend of South East Asian and African cultures that is very far removed from our own cultures. The heavy emphasis on tradition and ritual is fascinating and an intrinsic part of Malagasy everyday life.
The beautiful, fierce nomadic tribes of the Antadroy still follow ancient traditions of ancestor worship. Experience sacred forests, tombs and cults, bizarre and fascinating traditions and long-established ceremonies. Take part in traditional dancing and music. Explore local markets which delight the senses with color, smells, sounds, fantastic ‘people watching’ and the odd bargain!
Fascinating Landscapes – Few places on earth offer such diversity as Madagascar. A variety of forests from rainy, to dry to spiny are home to Baobab trees, rice paddies, arid deserts, sandstone canyons and limestone karsts. Add to this, 3,000 miles (4,828 km) of beautiful beaches and pristine tropical reef and the scenery of the island is a photographer’s dream.
Hidden Gem – If you are anything like us (and we suspect you are!), then at some point you have dreamed of running off to a private island to hide from the world. Tucked into the azure waters off the Northern Malagasy coast, lies your dream-come-true on the island of Nosy Ankao. Miavana is an exclusive private resort accessible by helicopter, sensitive to the needs of the local people and rebuilding the precious environment it inhabits. A visit here is a win for everyone—Madagascar gets conservation support and you get to live out your dreams on a private island with world-class experiences.
Need to know
Flights are arranged into Antananarivo usually via gateways like Paris, Istanbul and Dubai; or African gateways like Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa.
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- We recommend 10-21 days in Madagascar for an in-depth safari. Madagascar is a destination in its own right and not usually added on to a mainland safari—but it is possible!
- Madagascar is for nature lovers and intrepid travelers. Families are welcome to explore the island together.
- Visas are required for most visitors and it’s best to be organized in advance. Inoculations may be recommended. We suggest you see a travel medicine specialist for advice.
- Infrastructure is limited due to the size of the country and remote destinations. Flying is typically recommended throughout the North and limited flights are available. In the South, most safaris are overland but not all roads are in fair conditions.
- Malagasy and French are the main languages, with limited English spoken in the hospitality industry. Basic French is helpful!
- Guides will have qualifications to operate the activities and excursions you choose.
- Malagasy food ambushes your senses—in a good way! As with most islands, the food is reflective of a crossroads of cultures and is flavorful and exciting.
When to go
Madagascar enjoys a tropical climate year-round and can be a year-round destination. Winter generally occurs between May through October and means drier conditions and cooler temperatures, only a light jacket is recommended.
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Between the months of November through April expect high humidity and intense tropical thunderstorms including cyclones.
May – October: This is the long dry season with typical clear skies and mild temperatures in the high 80s F (low 30s C). This is peak season for tourism, particularly August when it is dry and cool.
November – April: This is typically the rainy or ‘green’ season, when landscapes are lush but high temperatures, humidity, and chance of thunderstorms or cyclones.
Accommodation
There is a wide range of accommodation available on Madagascar. While service standards might not be the same as on the mainland, you will be looked after with care and a smile.
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The quirky and varied accommodations are part of Madagascar’s charm. Small guesthouses, beach resorts, and rainforest camps are full of character and comfort. There are new properties developing which will raise the standards throughout the island.
