Madagascar Tours and Safaris
Madagascar, the world’s fourth largest island, is a strange and exotic land ringed by golden beaches and palm trees.
Having separated from Africa almost 160 million years ago, this sparsely-populated island is a nature lover’s paradise – home to an immense diversity of unique flora and fauna, including endemic plant species, chameleons, reptiles, and over 50 different kinds of lemur. Its spectacular landscapes are resplendent in their variety, from grassy plateaus to volcanoes, limestone karsts, dense rainforests, spiny forests, tropical islands and coral reefs. The country is a treasure trove of natural wonders and this is what travellers come to see.
Before you visit, it is important to be aware that Madagascar is unlike any safari destination on mainland Africa. The country is still very much off the beaten track so accommodation can be basic to moderate, roads poor and the food, simple. English is only reasonably understood by workers in the travel and hospitality industry, while French is used predominantly in urban, commercial and official situations. Malagasy is the lingua franca – and a little knowledge goes a long way!
To find out more about our range of programs in Madagascar, please download specific pages below or click here to download the entire Madagascar safari section of our Africa brochure.
Highlights
Madagascar
Leaping lemurs and other unique flora and fauna
Separated from Africa many millions of years ago, Madagascar is home to an incredible number of endemic species, including many different species of lemur.
Andasibe National Park (Perinet)
Walk beneath trees draped in mosses, lianas and thousands of species of orchids. Hear the unusual wailing cry of the Indri, the largest of the lemurs.
Antananarivo
This fascinating historic city lies on three hills in the mountains in the centre of Madagascar at an altitude of over 1,400m offering a pleasant temperate climate.
Anjajavy Private Reserve
This romantic, isolated private island on the north east coast is a majestic combination of pristine wilderness, rare wildlife, secluded beaches and coral reefs.
Berenty Reserve near Fort Dauphin
The centre of scientific research on lemurs for the past 40 years, the Berenty Reserve is a private wildlife sanctuary in southern Madagascar.
Masoala Peninsula
A secret world of richly diverse plants and animals, the Masoala Peninsula is the largest and most remote expanse of rainforest in Madagascar.
In 1997 it was declared a national park, to help protect the integrity of its precious pristine ecosystems of lush coastal rainforest, marshes, mangroves, golden beaches and coral reefs teeming with over 3,000 species of fish. Humpback whales shelter here in their breeding season (July/August) along with dolphins and green turtles. The park abounds in strange endemic plants, butterflies, moths, geckos, lizards, chameleons and rare species like the red-ruffed lemur, aye-aye, the Red Owl and the Serpent Eagle. Explore the sea and forests from exclusive Masoala Forest Lodge, reached only by boat or on foot, for the perfect combination of wilderness adventure and barefoot luxury.
Featured
Accommodation
Below are some of our preferred accommodation options in Madagascar, carefully selected for their superior locations, service and level of comfort.
Anjajavy Hotel
The Anjajavy Hotel is a Relais & Chateaux property set on an untouched peninsula in Madagascar's north offering simple yet decidedly luxurious accommodation and access to unbridled nature.
Hotel Palissandre Cote West
Just half an hour from Madagascar’s iconic Baobab Alley, the Hotel Palissandre Cote Ouest is located on a beach in Morondava, on the island’s remote west coast.
Hotel Pavillon de L’Emyrne
The charming Hotel Pavillon de l'Emyrne is situated in a traditional 1930s building in the heart of Antananarivo, with beautiful views of the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga and its surrounding plains.
Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge
Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge is located on Madagascar's idyllic southeastern coast offering wonderful snorkelling and lemur-viewing opportunities.
Mandrare River Camp
On Madagascar’s secluded southeastern coast, Mandrare River Camp offers guests easy access to unique spiny forest, an abundance of fascinating wildlife and opportunities to encounter the
Masoala Forest Lodge
Masoala Forest Lodge is a luxurious outpost located on the stunning rainforest-clad Masoala Peninsula on Madagascar’s remote northeast coast.
Relais des Plateaux Hotel
The welcoming Relais des Plateaux Hotel provides travellers with everything they need for a comfortable stopover in Antananarivo, Madagascar's lively capital.
Vakona Forest Lodge
Nestled on a private estate set amid dense rainforest, Vakona Forest Lodge offers visitors outstanding wildlife experiences as well as a peaceful setting to relax.
Sample
Itineraries & Accommodation
Our selection of Madagascar tours and safaris include fly-in lodges, tours & beach resorts. All of our safaris and tours are completely tailor made to suit our clients interests, budget, and timeframe. To find out more about the type of Madagascar safari program we can put together for you, please download pages below.
Madagascar Overview
Why should I travel to Madagascar?
Filled with remarkable plants, birds and animals the island of Madagascar is often called the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean”. With an African and Indonesian heritage, overlaid with French colonial influences, it also has a fascinating history and culture.
What animals will I see in Madagascar?
You can explore Madagascar’s many national parks and reserves by car, on foot or by boat in search of strange and rare species, such as the many types of lemur, chameleon, birds, insects and plants.
What is the climate of Madagascar?
The climate is generally hot and subtropical. The north and east are wetter and the west and south drier. May to October is cooler, with plenty of sunshine, and the best time to visit.
What can I combine Madagascar with?
A safari in South Africa or Botswana for big game viewing. None of Africa’s famous large mammals like lion, elephant or zebra can be seen in Madagascar.
How to get to Madagascar?
There are flights from Johannesburg (South Africa) or Nairobi (Kenya) to Ivato Airport, 12km from Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.
Do I need a Visa for Madagascar? Please call us on 1300 363 302
Do I need vaccinations for Madagascar? Please call us on 1300 363 302
