Madagascar

Visit the world’s fourth largest island, 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!

Lemurs and unique flora and fauna

Andasibe National Park (Perinet)

Antananarivo

Anjajavy Private Reserve

Berenty Reserve near Fort Dauphin

Masoala Peninsula

Best safaris in Madagascar

Accommodation in Madagascar

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.

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.

Find out more about our tailor made African safaris.
Get in touch with one of our Destination Specialists.

Find out more about our tailor made African safaris

Madagascar FAQ

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.

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.

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.

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.

There are flights from Johannesburg (South Africa) or Nairobi (Kenya) to Ivato Airport, 12km from Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.

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