madagascar e safari

THE 10 BEST Madagascar Safaris

Safaris in madagascar.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Isalo National Park
• Analamazaotra Special Reserve
• Ranomafana National Park
• Vakona Private Reserve
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full-day jungle trek on Nosy Komba (Lemur island) with the Black Lemur Sanctuary

2. Hiking Tours Madagascar

3. Madagascar Wildlife Tour 14D/13N

4. 14-Day Classic RN7 Route Tour in Madagascar

5. 10 Days South of Madagascar Classic Tour

6. Tsingy of Bemaraha and Morondava in detail

7. 6 Days Madagascar Group Tour

8. Exclusive Private Tour to Lokobe National Park (Home of the dwarf chameleons)

9. 2-Day Private Tour of Andasibe National Park

10. 5 Days Private Tour to Lemurs Island

11. Madagascar 4x4 Tamatave - Soanierana - Mananara - Maroantsetra

12. Madagascar Classic Tour 10D/9N ( Comfort)

13. Day trip to Andasibe Lemurs

What travelers are saying.

Luxury Madagascar Safaris

• Itineraries
• Where to go
• Accommodations
• Inspiration

Luxury & Private Madagascar Safaris

Sitting more than 300 miles off the coast of Mozambique , Madagascar is a premier destination for private safaris that appeals to the intrepid wildlife-lover who’s been everywhere on mainland Africa .

Spanning more than 220,000 square miles, travelers will find steep escarpments with lush tropical forests, expansive central highlands of fertile rice valleys and grassy hills, desert, shrublands, mangrove forests, and sandy beaches. At once alien and enchanting, the island’s diverse landscape is of intrigue to all visitors.

That said, the real highlight is the island’s unique wildlife. Life has been left to develop in relative isolation here, making it a biodiversity hotspot. Over 90 per cent of its flora and fauna is found nowhere else on Earth, including one of the world’s largest lemurs , the Indri. The island is home to more than 100 species and sub-species of lemur altogether.

What to expect on a luxury trip to Madagascar

Madagascar is a big country, and the fourth-largest island in the world. It’s capital, Antananarivo (a.k.a. Tana), lies in the country’s center. Though we like Tana as an introduction to Malagasy culture and history, this city has notoriously terrible traffic and is most commonly used as a jumping-off point between wildlife locations elsewhere in the country.

From Tana, you will look to the far reaches of the country’s circumference to find the most iconic points of interest. But accessing these far away areas can prove to be a challenge, in large part due to the national airline (Tsaradia) being unreliable, and the roads unmaintained. We find the best way to explore Madagascar is by incorporating charter flights (either scheduled or private), in order to eliminate long stretches of bumpy roads or uncertain flight schedules. Of course, the cost of a chartered flight is higher than driving or flying on a national carrier, so we can work with you to shape the best itinerary for your budget, interests, and time frame.

Ultra-luxury camps and lodges are not the main focus in Madagascar, but what you sacrifice in creature comforts, you more than make up for in unique experiences and adventure. If luxury is at the top of your list, Madagascar might not be the best fit. While the country has a handful of luxury lodges, accommodations tend to be fairly basic—clean and comfortable, but not five-star.

Admire the views between underwater excursions. ©Madagascar Tourism

Madagascar expert travel tips

• Madagascar is vast, and has so much to offer. Instead of tacking it on to your traditional safari as an extension, think of it as a stand-alone destination. You’ll thank us later.
• Avenue of the Baobabs can get busy around June, through to October. Beat the crowds by seeing baobabs at Mandrare or Anjajavy instead!
• This destination is for the adventurous traveler who is okay with waking up to a frog in their toilet and bumping around on potholed roads.
• Try the romazava  (a ginger-flavored meat and vegetable stew) and  ravitoto  (shredded manioc leaves with fried bread and coconut).

Best time to visit Madagascar

Madagascar’s climate is generally tropical with varying amounts of rainfall. Coastal areas tend to be hot throughout the year with much more moderate temperatures in the central, elevated regions.

In general, the best time to travel is April/May and September/October, on the shoulders of the cool and dry winter months (May to October). June to August are good for weather, but tend to get busier with tourists. During this time the central highlands, which include Antananarivo , can get cold and windy.

Madagascar can experience cyclones and extreme rain from January to March, so these summer months should be avoided. The roads can become impassable in these conditions.

Who will enjoy traveling to Madagascar?

People who want adventure and unique wildlife will love Madagascar.

It’s ideal for travelers who want to get outdoors and out of the car. The island offers diverse hiking options from rocky, arid landscapes to lush tropical forests, kayaking and canoeing through mangrove forests, and more. The island is best seen and explored through hands-on activities that get you moving.

Madagascar is also a unique destination for wildlife-enthusiasts who don’t mind skipping the big game of mainland Africa. You won’t find wildebeest and lion here, but you will find a biodiversity hotspot with animals found nowhere else on the planet.

For travelers who want to see lemurs, Madagascar is the top choice .

How much does a luxury Madagascar vacation cost?

As a safari destination, Madagascar offers exclusive accommodation in remote areas though the average lodge cost is less expensive than Tanzania or South Africa . That said, we recommend including charter flights for internal transport, which drives the cost back up to typical mainland safari costs.

You can expect prices as low as $500 or upwards of $1000 (per person per night), dependent on season, accommodation, type of internal transportation, and individual needs/preferences.

Best things to do in Madagascar

Many of the activities in Madagascar are outside the vehicle: hiking , night walks , cycling , kayaking , you name it.

• Guided hikes through rainforests , karst rock pinnacles, and towering baobabs are one of our favorite ways to explore and get to know the island.
• Canoeing and kayaking through the waterways is another great option when you’re ready to rest your legs without leaving nature.
• With a mix of driving and flying you get to see the country from both perspectives.

Note : For travelers with limited mobility, this should be considered when choosing Madagascar as a destination. Additionally, the bumpy roads will not be comfortable for anyone who suffers from back pain. That said, a select few properties can assist travelers with mobility issues, and provide a great experience (including the opportunity to see lemurs). These select properties are some of the country’s most upmarket options, only accessible by charter.

Wildlife in Madagascar

Lemurs are the most popular among visitors, with over 100 sub-species calling the island home. You’ll also find unique mammals such as the cat-like fossa, and the planet’s smallest-known chameleon (plus two-thirds of the world’s total chameleons). Birders will delight in the more than 300 species found here, while humpback whales, sea turtles, and aye-aye (type of lemur) all call the island (or its waters) home as well.

Meet the lemurs of Madagascar

Whale shark dive off the coast of Madagascar (Photo from Peter Marshal of I Am Water)

Kayak along the tranquil waters

Where to travel to in Madagascar

Madagascar packs a lot of diversity into one island, and we love exploring corner to corner. Some of our highlights include Andasibe-Mantadia National Park , the coastal rainforest reserve of Sainte Luce , Isalo and Ranomafana National Parks , and Anjajvy Forest and Ankarana Reserves . Otherwise, apart from Tana in the center, we can split Madagascar into four areas: East, South, West, and North & Islands.

Eastern Madagascar

In Eastern Madagascar you will find highland forests, which are very wet. Enjoy viewing an incredible number of unique animals while exploring parks such as Andasibe, Mantadia , and Masoala.

Southern Madagascar

Isalo National Park , in Southern Madagascar , boasts beautiful hilly and rocky landscapes, offering plenty of opportunity for hiking. Beyond this, we adore both Madagascar Classic Collection camps and areas. Mandrare River Camp is a safari-style camp through and through with proper tented camps and the fully inclusive lifestyle we safari-goes have become accustomed to. The spiny forest, salty Lake Anony , opportunity for cultural interaction, and incredible array of wildlife make this location unique. Its sister camp, Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge , offers excellent birding and rainforest species on a stunning stretch of private beach.

Western Madagascar

Western Madagascar is fairly dry compared to the rest of the country. Within this region, you will find incredibly diverse landscapes ranging from the rugged Tsingy de Bemaraha Nature Reserve , to the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs .

Northern Madagascar and Islands

Head to Northern Madagascar and Islands for more incredible biodiversity, found in such parks as Ankarana and Montagne d’Ambre . Anjajavy (Relais & Chateaux), located in the north-west, provides an array of experiences from it’s beach-side setting, including wildlife encounters, exploration of diverse nearby landscapes, and cultural interaction.

Lastly, it is off Madagascar’s northern tip that you will find the famous Nosy Be Archipelago , home to many gorgeous islands and some of the countries more luxurious lodges . This beach destination would be the perfect way to end a wildlife-focused itinerary, for those want incredible scuba diving opportunities, or simply to get some R&R.

Antananarivo

Private luxury safari itineraries in Madagascar

Madagascar: Lemurs, Rainforest, and Beach

Explore the biodiverse rainforest then relax in paradise

Madagascar for Nature Lovers

Unique Wildlife and Other-Worldly Landscapes

Our favorite luxury safari camps and lodges in Madagascar

Accommodation, manafiafy beach & rainforest lodge, mandrare river camp, constance tsarabanjina.

Let us help you plan a bespoke trip of a lifetime for you.

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12-Day Madagascar 1000 Views Tour

5.0 /5 – 218 Reviews

$3,135 pp (USD)

Your request will be sent directly to the operator

If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

Madagascar is an interesting island with a lot to offer in terms of plants, birds, reptiles and more. This island is home to countless plant species and of course the popular lemurs. In all the reserves, guests have the opportunity to see these plants and other endemic reptiles. All the touring in Madagascar is mainly explored in forest walks to see lemurs, plants, reptiles, etc.

Tour Features

Budget tour.

This budget tour uses lodges and hotels.

Private tour

This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.

Can start any day

If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

Can be customized

You can request changes to this tour.

Not for solo travelers

Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.

Minimum age of 12 years

The minimum age for this tour is 12 years.

Activities & Transportation

Accommodation & meals.

• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
• Day Accommodation Meals
• 1 Hôtel Résidence Lapasoa Mid-range hotel in Antananarivo (City) – Meals at Own Expense Meals at Own Expense
• 2-3 Grace Lodge Andasibe Budget hotel just outside Andasibe-Mantadia NP – Day 2: Breakfast Included – Day 3: Meals at Own Expense Day 2: Breakfast Included Day 3: Meals at Own Expense
• 4 Vatolahy Budget lodge, Antsirabe (City) – Breakfast Included Breakfast Included
• 5-6 Hotel Centrest Mid-range hotel bordering Ranomafana NP without fences – Breakfast Included Breakfast Included

• 11 Hôtel Résidence Lapasoa Mid-range hotel in Antananarivo (City) – Breakfast Included Breakfast Included
• 12 End of tour (No accommodation) – Breakfast Included Breakfast Included

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• This tour is offered by Safari With Us , not SafariBookings.
• This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
• If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
• Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
• The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
• If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
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Customer Reviews

A wonderful, well organized holidays.

We were delighted with both the reserve itself and the lodge where we spent a very comfortable time. When planning the trip we learned a lot about them and we had high expectations but the reality far exceeded them. I don't know how he did...

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Madagascar Wildlife Safaris

From breaching whales and egg cup sized lemurs, to curious chameleons and the strange cat-like carnivore known as the fossa, the breadth of the diversity of Madagascar animals cannot be overstated.

What to spot on a Madagascar adventure

Madagascar broke away from the supercontinent of Gondwanaland over 65 million years ago, drifting 400 kilometres into the Mozambique Channel to create an evolutionary bubble where flora and fauna could adapt and thrive; over 80% of Madagascar’s wildlife is endemic. Madagascar is home to over 13,000 plant species and 849 animal species, with 39 endemic genera of birds of its 115.

Unique to Madagascar, there are over 100 species of enchanting lemurs on the island. These prosimians, or pre-monkeys, have soft fur with bright eyes and vary in shape, colour, size, and character. The largest and most famous lemur species, the indri, has an eerie call that echoes throughout the misty forests of the Andasibe National Park, awakening travellers with a rush of excitement. The aye-aye on the other hand, is the world’s largest (and weirdest!) nocturnal primate and uses echolocation to locate food and much supernatural suspicion among the Malagasy people. The ring-tailed lemur is better known and easy to spot in the southern territories whilst the sprightly sifaka has a unique upright dancing technique. Found throughout Madagascar, the nimble nocturnal Mouse Lemur are the smallest of the primates, weighing just 30 grams and growing up to 100mm long.

Reptiles and Amphibians

The fourth largest island in the world is home to a variety of endemic and bizarre wildlife including a range of reptiles, such as chameleons. These vary in size from the enormous Parson’s chameleon to the world's tiniest, small enough to sit on your fingernail. Madagascar also plays host to some astonishing geckos such as the leaf-tailed gecko, which remains camouflaged until it opens its mouth to reveal a bright orange interior. The only amphibians found here are frogs, 99% of these are endemic, including the green-backed mantilla, similar to those found in South and Central America, a perfect example of wildlife filling the same niches as others elsewhere, whilst being totally unrelated. Amphibians and reptiles are more commonly seen during the rainier months of January to March.

Endemic to Madagascar, this intelligent, agile cat-like mammal has an extra-long tail that helps them balance and jump between branches. The rare fossa lives in remote, forested areas and is the island’s largest carnivore and an excellent hunter. With a short, dense, golden-tinged rich brown coat they are related to the Malagasy civet or mongoose and travel up to 16 miles a day.

Madagascar Safaris

Short Madagascar Safari

In this safari you can experience a vast amount of wildlife in a short amount of time. Head into Andasibe National Park and Mantadia Reserve to offer you a truly unique insight into the initial fauna and flora of Madagascar.

Madagascar Small Group Safari

A fantastic small group safari to Madagascar that gives you the opportunity to explore a number of destinations, in the company of just seven others.

Luxury Madagascar Safari

This exhilarating adventure through some of Madagascar’s most biodiverse regions showcases the best of its wildlife and natural splendour. Lacking in the big game and fierce predators of its African relatives, Madagascar offers a unique and ‘hands on’ experience for your safari. A range of weird and wonderful insects and reptiles can be discovered and closely inspected, and the instant appeal of cuddly lemurs is magnetic for many travellers.

Madagascar is chameleon paradise, with over half of the world's chameleon species found here. Species like the Panther Chameleon and Parson's Chameleon are known for their vibrant colors and unique features.

Insects and spiders are here in abundance, from massive millipedes to beetles and the remarkable yet bizarre Giraffe Weevil. Male giraffe weevils’ necks are 2-3 times the size of females’, and they live in forests, spending almost their entire lives on the “giraffe beetle tree” and feeding on the leaves of that tree. Madagascar’s list of about 100,000 creepy crawlies is growing daily, including over 300 beautiful butterfly species.

10 Facts About Lemurs

All you need to know about lemurs in madagascar.

What to expect from Wildlife in Madagascar

Birds of Madagascar

Giant land birds such as the elephant bird may have been driven to extinction, but there is so much more in the way of incredible flora, fauna and birdlife to this magical island that has escaped interference from the outside world. Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot and home to a remarkable array of unique and endemic bird species. Due to its isolation as an island for millions of years, Madagascar's avian fauna has evolved in splendid isolation, resulting in a high level of endemism.

• The distinctive-looking Helmet Vanga , with its enormous arched blue bill, can be found in the lowland and lower montane rainforests of northeastern Madagascar.
• The critically endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle is one of the most iconic birds of Madagascar. It is known for its striking appearance and is found near rivers and lakes.
• The ground-dwelling Helmeted Guineafowl is a common sight in Madagascar and is often seen foraging in grasslands and savannas.
• The striking Red-capped Coua with a red crown and vibrant plumage is part of the cuckoo family and is found in Madagascar's forests.
• Known for its large size and impressive voice, the Greater Vasa Parrot is a common sight in Madagascar's forests.
• The unusual Madagascar Cuckoo-Roller bird has a unique and distinctive appearance with its long tail and striking colors. It is found in forests and woodlands.
• The secretive Madagascar Wood Rail is found in dense vegetation and wetlands and is known for its reddish-brown plumage.
• This striking Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher has long tail feathers and is known for its elaborate courtship displays. It is found in forests and gardens.
• This small Malagasy Kingfisher is known for its bright blue plumage and is often seen near freshwater habitats.
• A subspecies of the common hoopoe, the Madagascar Hoopoe is known for its distinctive crest and can be found in various habitats.

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Madagascar Travel Guide

• Destinations

• Quick Facts
• Pros & Cons
• Travel Info
• Best Time to Visit
• How to Get There
• Travel Safety Tips
• Weather and Climate
• Parks & Reserves

Lying off the southeast coast of Africa, Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, home to a unique ecological environment. The island split off from the ancient landform of Gondwana some 88 million years ago and has since remained an isolated landmass. This has resulted in the spectacular biodiversity for which Madagascar has become known, with an astonishing 90% of its wildlife unique to the island. Similarly, 80% of the island’s plant life is found nowhere else in the world. Governed by France until 1960, it has a population of 22 million and a landmass approaching 600,000 square kilometres, so it is relatively sparsely populated with a rich mix of ethnic groups.

Due to its unique flora and fauna, Madagascar safari holidays are particularly special. Around 10% of its area is designated as a protected natural reserve. It has 21 national parks of which six – Andohahela, Andringitra, Marojejy, Masoala, Zahamena and Ranomafana – have been jointly awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Among the Madagascar wildlife, there is no big game such as elephant or lion, but you will find lemurs here and nowhere else. This is a broad family of mammals, from the smallest mouse lemur to larger Indri lemurs. There is also an astonishing variety of amphibians and reptiles, with all sorts of chameleons and geckos, many of which are only found here.

Madagascar safari tours take place on a different scale to those on mainland Africa. With no large predators here, the smaller animal inhabitants have been allowed to flourish. This means that safari tour guides can allow you out of the jeep and into the forest to experience the natural world first hand. This makes it a great destination for families with lots of hands-on activities available to fascinate the children.

When your Madagascar wildlife safari is complete, you can enjoy some of the many other charms of this fascinating island. The capital, Antananarivo, is a rich tapestry of paddy fields and buildings from the country’s colonial past. With scents of jacaranda rising from Lake Anosy in the city centre, the capital also treats the senses with its cuisine, a mix of local specialities and French influences.

Madagascar Safari Travel Seasons

• Jul – Aug  – High Season. Winter means balmy weather during the day and cooler nights. It can be much colder in the highlands.
• Apr to Jun, Sep to Dec  – Shoulder Season is an ideal time for Madagascar safaris as the weather is warm and there are fewer tourists. There will be rain about and this can close some of the national parks in November (opening again in June).
• Jan – Mar – Low Season. Rainy season with the possibilty of cyclones, the east coast is more likely to bear the brunt of bad weather. If you are hardy enough there are some great discounts to be had.

General Info

• Capital city – Antananarivo
• Currency – Malagasy Ariary
• Languages – Malagasy, French and English
• Size – 587 041 sq km – about twice the size of UK
• Population – 24.89 million

Madagascar Travel Safety and Health

• The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for Madagascar: hepatitis A and typhoid. Check with your doctor which other vaccinations you might need and make sure your routine vaccinations are all up-to-date.
• Malaria is a risk so get medical advice on which prophylaxis you should take.
• It is best to stick to drinking bottled water.
• Madagascar Tourism Board  >>
• Foreign Travel Advice  >>
• Madagascar safari tours are highly popular because of its unique ecological environment.
• Madagascar wildlife holidays give you a chance to glimpse at some of the Endemic fauna and flora that can be found nowhere else on the earth.
• When it comes to Madagascar safari animals, the lemur tops the list. So on a Madagascar wildlife tour, you can catch a glimpse of around 60 species of lemurs.
• It has a low human population.
• Madagascar wildlife safaris also give you the freedom to walk on safaris as there are no large predators found here.
• Lastly, on a Madagascar safari adventure, you get to see the amazing baobabs.
• Madagascar safaris can be expensive.
• The road network is bad.
• The accommodations are rustic.
• Park encroachment.
• Madagascar safari destination can be crowded, especially during Christmas.

Arriving in Madagascar

• The only way to arrive in Madagascar by air is into Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo. There are taxis to the city centre and most major hire car brands are represented there
• There are flights from Europe and mainland Africa

Getting Around

• Madagascar is a huge country with a bad road network so travel times can be long and arduous
• Planning you route and timings is essential
• Internal charter flights can be arranged between all the major  Madagascar   safari areas
• Visas are required for all other foreign passport holders, check before travel –  Madagascar visas  >>

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Madagascar Safaris

14-Day Madagascar Wildlife Tour

This safari offers the very best chance to see the spectacular wildlife of Madagascar. Highlights include...

• Country: Madagascar ,
• Departures: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
• Length: 14 Days
• Start/end: Start/end in Antananarivo
• Explore More

14-Day Madagascar Highlight Tour

Discover Madagascar on this superb safari, see the island's fantastic wildlife, much of it endemic, stunning...

• Departures: Year Round

Deep South – Majestic Lemurs

In the extreme south of Madagascar, almost inaccessible by car, discover a region rich in stunning landscapes...

• Length: 10 Days

10-Day Madagascar Baobabs, Lemurs & Saint Marie Island

On the magical island of Madagascar discover lemurs and the famous avenue of baobabs as well as the paradise...

10-Day Tsiribihina River Trip & Tsingy of Bemaraha

On this safari discover the famous Tsiribihina River as well as many highlights which include beautiful...

• Departures: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Wild Luxury Experience

Visit canyons, discover the Antandroy culture, see Madagascar's unique wildlife including lemurs and...

6-Day Madagascar Coral & Forest Safari

Explore three beautiful islands in Madagascar's north-western tropical waters, Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely...

Mada at a Glance

Brimming with incredible wildlife, Madagascar is the place to see lemurs, chameleons, geckos and much...

• Length: 13 Days

Wildlife Heritage of Madagascar

See Madagascar's fascinating lemurs; the indri lemur (babakoto) in Andasibe National Park, golden bamboo...

• Length: 11 Days

6-Day Madagascar Masoala Wildlife Tour

Located in the northeast of Madagascar, Masoala National Park is an important bio diverse wilderness...

• Length: 6 Days

Partners offering Safaris in Madagascar

Ubon Safari

Tropical Herping

Madagascar Safari Tour Guide

Hallmark Travel Planners

Madagascar Junga Tour

Primate Safari Experiences

Secret Compass

Love Africa Travel

African Adventure Specialists

Martin Meyer Safaris

Exclusive Madagascar Tours

Go Volunteer Africa

Friendly Tour Guide Madagascar

Tours of Madagascar Safari

Dodo Travel & Tours

Mada Hexagone

Penda Photo Tours

Zania Tours

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Safari Madagascar

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Countries in the same region.

Botswana safaris are sought after for those seeking incredible untouched wilderness; the beautiful Okavango Delta, elephant paradise Chobe National Park, green savannah of Savuti and much more.

South Africa

Home to some of the richest biodiversity on earth, South Africa has a wealth of scenic gems for visitors to experience, from mountains, lakes and oceans to winelands, national parks and deserts.

With vast tracts of remote wilderness and few tourists, a visit to Zambia offers genuine adventure with high quality guides sharing their knowledge on game drives, night excursions, walking and canoe safaris.

This remarkable country is home to an array of breathtaking safari areas; the Namib Desert with its red sand dunes, Damaraland, home to unique desert-adapted species and Etosha National Park with its wildlife and salt pan scenery.

Zimbabwe still rates as one of the greatest Southern African safari destinations. Despite its recent troubles, it offers a superior safari experience and is home to some of the very best guides in the business.

Despite being the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, the Kingdom of Swaziland packs a punch with everything it has to offer, brimming with colourful rich culture, laid-back friendly locals, natural beauty and amazing wildllife.

Mozambique is a tropical paradise that has so much to offer visitors; soft, dune-covered beaches and turquoise-coloured oceans, rich coral reefs and uninhabited archipelagos. Inland the vast wilderness is recovering from years of civil war. Situated in the southern end of the Great African Rift Valley, the Gorongosa National Park lies in the wild heart of central Mozambique.

Malawi’s varied landscapes include green plains, mountainous areas, forests and river valleys. Despite its relatively small land mass for an African country, Malawi boasts a large number of national parks and open spaces making it ideal for a safari holiday.

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Madagascar Tours & Trips

Magical Madagascar - where the wildlife is unique, from chameleons and frogs to the 70 species of lemur which are only found on this bio diverse island. It is an eco tourist’s dream with abundant national parks and wildlife reserves in breathtaking rainforests and deserts.

194 Madagascar tour packages with 213 reviews

Highlights of Madagascar

Great tour, amazing wildlife! Definetely worth it!

• Hiking & Trekking

Madagascar Baobabs & Beyond

Great trip. Good variety and packed a lot in in the 10 days. Couple of long drive days, but just sit back and enjoy the scenery passing you by. Recommend going to the local restaurant in Bekopaka, for the avid ones, if you need a break from the hotel. Excellent local food. Our guide, Bruno, did an impeccable job

• Christmas & New Year

11 Days Customized Private Madagascar Vacation

We had a fantastic time in Madagascar. It’s a fascinating place to visit…. Not just for lemurs, though they are adorable both close-up (at Palmarium and Lemur Island) and on day and night ‘safari’ to find them in their truly natural habitat, where they are harder to see but you feel that you are experiencing them in the wild. We saw about 12 different species from the biggest (Indri) to the smallest (mouse lemur). The ones you see depend on the areas you choose. The east side (drive from ‘Tana) proved best for lemurs. The west side (fly from Tana) also had good lemur experiences…. on safari. The west was also an eye-opening cultural experience, seeing and meeting the friendly Madagascan people in their challenging environment. We had no problems with theft or hassle. The scenic sites made the west side trip, notably the Tsingies and also the baobabs. On the organisation, Agate Travel planned, organised and supervised the trip very well. Questions beforehand were answered overnight. The two pairs of guides/drivers were absolutely excellent. In the east, Fafa and Niner were top class despite the tricky roads and traffic. In the west, Martin and Hari ran everything equally well. Both guides (Fafa and Martin) were extremely personable, knowledgeable and strong in English, and they sorted any issues seamlessly. The 2 drivers were professional and kept us safe in demanding conditions. Things ran well to time. Ask for them!! The local guides they selected were also extremely good without exception- all speaking decent English. We met some independent travellers who were managing alone, but as experienced travellers ourselves, we felt that it was a place where the advantages of tour guides were significant and we were glad we didn’t try DIY. By booking fairly close to time, we were unable to get one internal flight arranged which necessitated a two day road trip…. But this had some benefits of seeing more of the country. Long car trips are a necessary evil for holidaying in Madagascar…. if you want to see multiple locations, which I recommend. The 4x4 was comfortable and up to the job. (We we’re just 2 plus the guide and the driver.) On the admin, the accommodation was 3* as advertised and was universally well-chosen. The actual standard varies as some is of necessity lodge-style and some is hotel. Our only gripe was that the Kiridi lodge, where there was really no other option, was a bit run-down and could improve itself… and we had most of one day there. Generally the food was decent enough. Choice isn’t massive but it was generally wholesome. They select local restaurants for lunch that are suitable for tourists. If you’re of a sensitive disposition, you might plan to carry your own lunch meals? Also, you’ll be well away from any medical cover so take your own tummy medicine. Living costs are cheap. We changed $100per day into local currency at the airport and this covered lunches, dinners, drinks, souvenirs and tips… well, nearly anyway…. Depending on your outlay on the last two. We didn’t try exchanging at hotels, or paying in dollars/euros or paying by card. Try to get some smaller notes than the wad of 20000s (approx ~$5) you’ll get at the exchange. Otherwise tipping gets expensive! It would be nice if the travel company offered a ‘small change’ pack for purchase on arrival to overcome this problem. We found that Agate were good at being flexible in tuning the trip to our timings and desires. I noted that many companies were limited in dates offered, while Agate offered considerable variability. However, I would say that they were responsive rather than proactive when it came to information about the trip and Madagascar once we had confirmed. They answered all my questions but I felt a lot of them were obvious questions and could have been covered in an info sheet at the start. Overall, it was a great experience; well-delivered by the company and their people on the ground. Madagascar is a wonderful destination for many reasons - but it’s big, so you spend a lot of time travelling. It was well worth it.

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Tsingy De Bemaraha

Incredible tour experience with an amazing sight. We kind of planned world tour, we started with Madagascar throught HT Agency Tours for 5 days adventure to the western part to see especially Tsingy Bemara, it was incredibly amazing and adventurious. We were in touch with Garcihel who customized our program, he responded promptly at any time. Angelin was our tour guide, the atmosphere was totally different from the point he picked us up, he animated the group and always found things to surprise us, he is knowledgable. The visit corresponded to what we really wanted to discover. Thank you to the team for making this trip an unforgettable experience.

Madagasacar 4x4 Overland Expedition to Mananara and Maroantsetra

Tsiribihina River Expedition and Alley of Baobab

Madagascar Adventure (8 destinations)

Looking for tours beyond just madagascar.

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Madagascar.

15 Days Details Madagascar ( Comfort)

Great way to get around and see a lot of Madagascar, excellent organization and guides

Baobab Safari

We were in Madagascar for a full week and Mada Safari was our guide the entire time. I highly recommend using a guide service (especially this one) while travelling in Madagascar because Madagascar does not have the infrastructure to support tourism. They were able to bring us to very remote locations and ensure our safety and comfortable accommodations. They will modify each trip to accommodate your interests. Aristide is the owner of the operation. He was very organized and easy to communicate with before and after our arrival into the country. Our guide, Toky, exceeded all of our expectations. He is incredibly kind and worked extremely hard to provide us with a life-changing experience. He answered any question we had and introduced us to his culture without judgement. Every morning Toky would be waiting outside of our hotel to take us on the next adventure. Throughout each day, he was flexible and wanted to accommodate our interests, while still keeping us on a regulated schedule to ensure that our trip would go according to plan. We left Madagascar considering Toky to be a new friend. Highlights: -Lemur Island (protected forest with close interaction with wild Lemurs) -Avenue of the Boababs (where I proposed to my wife and Toky took the picture) -Tsingy (jaw-dropping rock formations that you can hike through)

• Sightseeing

Madagascar 9 Days Baobabs and Lemurs Tour

The perfect trip with a really professional tour operator

Southern to the Highland

We are a German couple, our experience with HT has been amazing. We had a 10 days trip recommended by our friend who has been working in Madagascar for a few years. 3 months before our departure, we contacted him to find out about Madagascar because he knows the country more or less. And off the circuit, he highly recommended HT Agency Tours for the organization as he is familiar with car hire with the company. The only annoying thing was the 2 nights quarantine, but we have been warned by the agency. Toky, our driver/guide picked us up from the hotel and we started our journey. He is knowledgeable and drives safely despite the road conditions. He really paid attention to every detail of the itinerary and to our expectations. Including in our package they provided 2 SIM cards. Of course, the network was bad on some parts of our route, but we felt safe throughout the trip. Our friend was right with their services so we highly recommend them too. Thank you Toky for this beautiful trip! (Tobi and Marlene)

Madagascar Wildlife Tour 14D/13N

We saw more wildlife than we imagined was possible. Our guide Roberto took wonderful care of us, and our driver Telly was great as well. The local park guides were really knowledgeable and helpful. It was a bucket list trip for us and we came away amazed.

The Highlands Till Big South

Family Trip - East Coast and Pangalanes

Madagascar: The Lost Continent

Great tour with a fantastic guide highly recommended

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about Madagascar Tours

Overall was a good tour ! Just read well ! You will not see the baobab avenue! There only 3 meals inc'ude in all the tour so its add on the budget !!! The restaureant we went were kind of expansive ! ( still ok for sure but if you were tight on a budget it male a big difference) Otherwise i really enjoy my tour and the time spend in the home stay this is the real higtlight of the tour for me ! The ceo was nice and the driver amazingly good we all feel really safe ! Most of the activity are walking tour ! So if you dont like to walk this is not for you ! But you will see a lot of lemurs! most hotels only have one power outlet so provide a double usb port. I loved my tour and can recommand it for sure !

The tour guide Patrick was outstanding. He went above and beyond his job. Always extremely helpful. He was not afraid to get his hands dirty when I needed him.. He took good care of his group and had a friendly and helpful attitude.

It was absolutely lovely to take a recent amazing private tour! The vacation was amazing because to the group of amiable native guides and our fantastic private driver.

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• Madagascar Holiday

The ultimate guide to your next Madagascar Holiday

Get to know madagascar.

By Andre Van Kets

Co-founder, Discover Africa

The world’s fourth largest island, Madagascar, is situated just off the east coast of Africa and is home to a wealth of unique flora and fauna. Madagascar’s tropical climate, sun-kissed beaches, friendly locals, and diversity of wildlife and flora make it a must-see beach destination for travelers and wildlife enthusiasts alike .

Few countries on the planet can match Madagascar’s biodiversity – over 70% of the 250,000 wildlife species on the island are found nowhere else in the world. At the same time, it’s estimated that 90% of the plant life on the island is also native to the country.

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Why Madagascar?

• Spectacular whale watching on a Madagascar holiday
• Madagascar Island is home to one of the biggest baobabs ever
• Stunning world heritage site – Bemaraha Tsingy National Park
• Madagascar has a fascinating culture and history

Where to go in Madagascar

• Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)
• Fianarantsoa
• Nosy Boraha (Îl Sainte-Marie)
• Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin)
• Toamasina (Tamatave)
• Toliara (Tulear)

Once coveted by French and British military powers for its strategic importance, the northern port town of Antsiranana has grown into an eclectic Madagascar holiday destination with a diverse mix of architecture and cultural influences that include Creole, Indian, Colonial, and Arab.

In the middle of the harbor, a small island (nicknamed ‘the sugarcube’) rises out of the water, and the region is ringed by a lush hillscape that’s as dramatic to look at as it is to explore.

There’s a wide variety of accommodation available, from budget backpackers to upmarket beach lodges. With its secluded beaches, bustling nightlife, and extensive adventure activities such as surfing, kitesurfing, and trail running, Antsiranana offers something for everyone.

Hike French Mountain (Montagne des Francias)

For some of the best views of the turquoise bay and colourful town, it’s worth taking the four-hour hike up to the top of French Mountain on your Madagascar holiday.

The trail is well-maintained and set inside a protected area home to lemurs and baobabs. On clear days you can see the island of Nosy Lonjo from the summit.

Go Surfing or Kitesurfing

There are several fantastic bays around the east coast of Antsiranana, and the conditions in Madagascar’s north are perfect for surfing and kitesurfing.

Sakalava Bay and Andovokonko Bay are two notable examples that have increased in popularity over the past few years. New lodges and surfer-friendly facilities have started to garner attention from the international surfing community.

Visit Amber Mountain National Park (Montagne D’Ambre)

This park is home to some of the most pristine montane rainforests in the world. When dry, its beautiful peaks (massifs) can be reached by road, and in general, it’s one of Madagascar’s most accessible parks.

It’s a great place to get close to the enormous ferns, ancient cycads, chameleons, and lemurs that are endemic to the island.

Spend the Night in Ankarana National Park

This unusual park is also home to more than 100km (62mi) of underground caves that wind their way beneath the limestone tsingy (rock pinnacles shaped by the wind).

Many have their own small ecosystems, and some feature underground lakes containing cave-dwelling crocodiles.

The best way to experience this park is to book a few nights at one of the upmarket lodges on its outskirts, as most include transfers via 4×4 from Antsiranana.

Practical information

• Antsiranana is well connected by air, with weekly flights from Nosy Be and daily flights from Antananarivo. There are also a few direct flights from a handful of international destinations.
• While the weather here is similar to Madagascar’s eastern zone, the region has its own microclimate, and conditions tend to change quickly.
• Taxis are a good way to get around town, but get an estimate of the price before you set out, as unscrupulous drivers sometimes overcharge.

About 400km (249mi) south of Antananarivo is Fianarantsoa, considered the cultural capital of Madagascar. Split into an upper and lower town, Fianarantsoa has a captivating historical charm.

The upper, referred to as the ‘old town’, is perched on a hill with the Antranobiriky Church at its center, and there’s a good mix of midrange and budget accommodation to be found.

However, the surrounding areas are the biggest drawcard for visitors. A blend of undulating valleys and exotic plantations offers holidaymakers something quite different from the rest of the country.

Fianar, as it’s affectionately known, is also the gateway to the eastern rainforests and is best suited to adventurous travelers who don’t mind long travel times or those happy to hire a vehicle and driver.

Explore Ranomafana National Park

Madagascar’s rainforests are a naturalist’s nirvana. Ranomafana is the best park in Madagascar to experience its wild mix of ancient forests and curious wildlife (new species are being discovered yearly).

There are a variety of well-marked trails inside the park, and guides are particularly adept at finding lemurs.

Ride the Fianarantsoa-Cote Est Railway

This 163km (101mi) long railway line is built from rails taken from Germany after WW1.

It runs between Fianaro and Manakara on the east coast, a full-day trip that departs on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with the return journey from Manakara on Wednesdays and Sundays.

You’ll cross a total of 67 bridges and go through 48 tunnels – one tunnel is over a kilometer long.

About 56km southwest of Fianar is the remarkable highland town of Ambalavao with its distinct architecture of carved balconies and steep red-tiled roofs.

It’s also home to the world-famous Antiamoro Paper Factory, which manufactures a papyrus-type paper infused with dried flowers.

Practical Information

• There’s an airport in Fianarantsoa, but no regularly scheduled flights. Getting there takes about seven or eight hours by road from Antananarivo and you’ll need to hire a vehicle with driver or use a taxi-brousse (local bus). As such, Fianar is generally a destination for the hardier traveller and usually done as part of a longer trip from Antananarivo down to the south coast.
• You’ll need cash to pay for national park entry permits and the various other conservation fees along the way. Although not particularly expensive, it can get complicated with all the different permits involved, so be sure to get the latest details and prices before you set out.

Mahajanga is the largest commercial port town on Madagascar’s west coast and the hub of the country’s trade with East Africa. As one of the first points of contact between mainland Africa and Madagascar, it has a rich history and a wonderful mix of cultures colored by merchants and traders.

Set along the Bomboteka River delta, there’s lots to see outside of town. Most holidaymakers head north to explore the area’s natural highlights from one of several exclusive resorts along the coast.

The region is best known for its African baobabs (an introduced species), one of which plays a major role as a traffic island!

Visit Cirque Rouge

About 12km (7.5mi) north of Mahajanga is a dramatic natural rock formation – a canyon of eroded sandstone with rock pinnacles rising like church spires.

Visitors to Madagascar can walk down to the bottom of the valley, where a river runs out towards the sea. It’s best visited in the late afternoon when the formations seem to glow in the soft, warm light.

Take the ferry to Katsepy and the Antrema Reserve

Across the bay from Mahajanga is the small fishing village of Katsepy, and just beyond it, the Antrema Reserve, a magnificent mix of mangrove forests and lakes.

The ferry crossing from Mahajanga takes 45 minutes each way, and exploring the small fishing village and hiking one of the short park trails is a great way to spend a day.

Visit Ankarafantsika National Park

A delight for hikers, this national park is about three hours away from Mahajanga. It’s tourist friendly with well-marked and well-maintained trails and there are also boat tours of Lake Ravelobe available. It’s home to the rare Madagascan radiated tortoise, sifakas, mongoose lemurs and western woolly lemurs, and is the only place in the world where you might spot the golden-brown mongoose lemur.

It’s home to the rare Madagascan radiated tortoise, sifakas, mongoose lemurs and western woolly lemurs, and is the only place in the world where you might spot the golden-brown mongoose lemur.

Explore the Town

Mahajanga is well known for its nightlife, and the town is abuzz once the sun goes down.

During the day, travelers who want to get familiar with Mahajanga’s history can take a self-guided walk (about 2.5 hours), following the 18 numbered plaques that link the major points of interest around town.

As a relatively busy port town, Mahajanga has good facilities, including clinics, ATMs, and shopping. There’s also good road access from Antananarivo, although it will still take you 10 hours in a private vehicle and significantly more on public transport.

Many lodges along the coast north of Mahajanga also offer direct fly-in packages from Antananarivo.

On Madagascar’s west coast, this ultra-relaxed seaside town was once a popular stopover for sailors trading with chiefs of the Sakalava Kingdom.

Today it’s the center of a large rice-growing region, and aside from its sandy streets and seaside bungalows, there’s not much to see or do. It’s beyond the town where the treasures lie.

More or less mirroring the distant Mozambique coastline, the landscape north and south of Morondava boasts remote beaches, deciduous forests, sprawling deltas, and waterways teeming with life.

Exploring the region’s excellent nature reserves is definitely for the more adventurous traveler. At the same time, those looking for a laid-back beach break will find a range of hotels and resorts along the beautiful boulevard that runs along the Nosy Kely Peninsula.

Walk along Baobab Avenue

With trees up to 30 meters high, the baobabs along this famous ‘avenue’ in Madagascar are unique not only because of their size but also because this is one of the few places where they’re almost entirely unobstructed by surrounding forests.

This makes for spectacular photography holidays , with dawn and dusk the best times to capture their isolated silhouettes against a purpling sky.

Take a 4×4 trip to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

Only accessible from May to November (and even then, only via a 10-hour 4×4 drive or chartered flight), this UNESCO World Heritage Site is fantastic for nature lovers.

With gigantic grey rock pinnacles (called tsingy) that appear to be balanced precariously on top of one another and careful walkways and suspension bridges that somehow link them together, it’s an otherworldly landscape.

Alien-like succulents, sifakas, crocodiles, and chameleons, complete the stunning picture, and there are six hiking trails of varying lengths that allow visitors to explore on foot.

You’ll find a wide range of accommodation, from basic camping to luxury lodges, at Bekopata, just a few kilometers from the park entrance.

Visit Kirindy Reserve

Not to be confused with Kirindy-Mitia National Park, which lies directly to the south of Morondava, Kirindy Reserve is 65km (40mi) to the north and is one of Madagascar’s most recently established protected areas.

Despite its history as a logging zone, it’s home to significant concentrations of wildlife and plenty of reptiles, including collared iguanas and hognose snakes.

It’s also one of the best places in the country to spot fossa, a rather curious cat-mongoose that eats lemurs and lizards and is endemic to Madagascar.

This region of Madagascar is hot and dry, especially in summer. If you’re planning to hike, rock climb, or spend the day outdoors doing anything physical, start early and avoid the afternoon heat.

Traveling to the national parks and reserves in this area can be challenging, especially if you’re traveling alone or not staying at a lodge that offers transfers.

Tour operators generally charge per vehicle, with the onus on single travelers to negotiate between themselves to split the costs.

Nosy Be is a small island a few kilometers off the northwestern coast of Madagascar. It’s Madagascar’s quintessential beach-holiday destination , with a delightful climate almost year-round and white-sand beaches so pure they squeak.

Its coral reefs are colorful and prolific, and the tropical waters, warmed by the Agulhas Current, beckon you in. Inland, forested reserves and lush ridges are home to island birds, peculiar reptiles, and lemurs, making Nosy Be an unmissable destination for sun-seekers and nature lovers alike.

On its south coast, the small port town of Andoany (more commonly known by its former French name, Hell-Ville) connects Nosy Be to mainland Madagascar by ferry.

It’s awash with bright colors, tuk-tuks, old colonial buildings, and busy markets selling fresh seafood and spices, and everywhere, the hypnotizing scent of ylang-ylang blossoms drifts through the air.

Go snorkeling or scuba diving: Nosy Be’s inshore waters are shallow and protected by colourful coral reefs, making this one of the safest swimming spots in Madagascar and the perfect destination for families on holiday.

Most hotels and seaside resorts provide gear and offer snorkeling excursions for all ages, while many also organize scuba-diving trips for more adventurous guests.

Marine highlights include hawksbill-, loggerhead- and green turtles, which swim through the underwater meadows and use beaches on the nearby archipelagos for nesting.

Reef visitors include clownfish, pufferfish, batfish, and butterflyfish, and lucky divers might spot dolphins, humpback whales, or even a whale shark at the right time of year.

Hire a Scooter

There’s something particularly exotic about exploring an island with the wind in your hair, and Nosy Be is the perfect place to do it.

A ring road circles the island, so getting lost is almost impossible. It also gives you the freedom to explore some of the lesser-visited bays, and for budget travelers, it’s much cheaper than paying for a taxi.

Visit the Markets

A visit to one of the markets in Hell-Ville is an incredibly entertaining excursion filled with just the right mix of chaos, exotic sights, smells, and sounds.

It also gives you the opportunity to buy arts and crafts directly from local artists and support the local economy.

Charter a Boat

Get even closer to Nosy Be’s incredible marine life by hiring a live-aboard catamaran and spending several days exploring the nearby islands of Radamas and Mitsios.

Catamarans are available for groups or families with exclusive service (you won’t be sharing with strangers) and generally come with their own private chef.

Whale-watching excursions can also be arranged, while deep-sea fishing is a year-round activity with kingfish, sailfish, wahoo, mackerel, and yellow-fin tuna on the bill.

Go Hiking in Lokobe National Park:

For landlubbers, Nosy Be’s Lokobe National Park offers a magical mix of island flora and fauna, which visitors can spot on one of three hiking trails.

These range from a leisurely one-hour forest meander to a more challenging three-hour route. There’s also the option to hire a pirogue (small dugout canoe) and explore the park’s shores from the water.

• Nosy Be shares a microclimate with the north of Madagascar, largely dominated by the Tsaratanana Massif.
• This gives it year-round sunshine, and daytime highs rarely dip below 20°C (68°F). It also means that rain can fall at any time of year, but the showers don’t usually last longer than a few hours. Unlike much of Madagascar, where accommodation prices are listed as ‘per room,’ the prices for accommodation on Nosy Be are generally quoted ‘per person.’ Keep this in mind when comparing quotes, and always ask before booking.
• Most travelers arrive by air, on local flights from Antananarivo or Antsiranana or long-haul flights from hubs such as Johannesburg or Paris. These direct flights allow travelers to avoid the potential hassle of flying via the mainland, but as such, they are hugely popular and get booked up very far in advance.
• Nosy Be is exceptionally safe, and the people are incredibly friendly and helpful, but it’s still best to avoid walking alone after dark or flashing valuables.

Nosy Boraha (formerly and still more commonly known as Îl Sainte-Marie) is a sliver of paradise off Madagascar’s northeast coast. A notorious pirate hideout in the late 17th century, it’s believed that this tropical islet once provided shelter for almost 1000 marauders.

They would shelter in its calm bays between escapades into the Indian Ocean, plundering vessels as they returned from the West Indies laden with riches, especially spices.

The remains of some of their pirate ships still lie just beneath the surface at Baie des Forban, a tantalizing prospect for divers and snorkelers.

Nowadays, Nosy Boraha’s long, palm-shaded beaches, tropical rainforests, and selection of rustic-chic lodges and luxury hotels provide the perfect hideaway for holidaymakers looking for an even quieter island holiday in Madagascar, which can be found on Nosy Be.

Go Whale Watching

Nosy Boraha is the best place in Madagascar during whale season, which runs from July to September. As they make their way north (many to Antongil Bay on mainland Madagascar to calve), humpback whales filter through the eight-kilometer-wide channel.

Because of this, they generally drift pretty close to the shoreline, and spotting them can be as easy as sitting outside your hotel and glancing across the water. Boat tours can also be arranged if you’d like to get up close.

Explore the Town of Ambodifotatra

Nosy Boraha’s main hub is not much more than a long sandy road, but it’s an exciting mix of old French architecture and exotic goods.

There’s a market on Tuesdays and Thursdays where you can buy fresh fruit, fish, cloves, coco rum, and handicrafts. Those willing to venture a little further can visit the pirate cemetery south of town – even one with the classic skull and crossbones on the headstone.

Go Snorkelling and Diving

The shallow waters and secluded bays around Nosy Boraha make it an excellent destination for snorkeling during your Mauritius Holiday.

The best spots are near Atafana and La Crique on the central western shores, where the mix of healthy coral reefs and shallow wrecks makes for an enchanting underwater experience.

Further out, black-coral reefs and expansive granite-bouldered seabed are the perfect environments for scuba divers to encounter grouper, grey sharks, stingrays, and barracuda.

There are also a handful of deeper wrecks for more experienced divers to explore.

Take a Pirogue (dugout canoe) to Île Aux Nattes:

• Nosy Boraha’s location is a double-edged sword. Its position off Madagascar’s more temperamental east coast has saved it from overdevelopment, but the weather can be unpleasant at certain times of the year (January to March).
• Nosy Boraha has some exceptional hotels and lodges, and regular flights are scheduled from Antananarivo and Taomasina.
• Be aware that these can get severely overbooked during the holiday season (July and August), so last-minute bookings are not advisable.
• Swimming on Nosy Boraha should be done with caution – while there are several safe, shallow bays, Madagascar’s east coast is known for its strong currents, and much of the island is not protected by coral reefs.
• When booking whale-watching tours, be sure to find a reputable operator that adheres to ethical whale-watching guidelines – some have been known to use unethical tactics to try and get visitors as close to the whales as possible.

At the southern end of Madagascar’s spectacular eastern rainforests, Taolagnaro (formerly and still commonly known as Fort Dauphin) has the charm and je ne sais quoi of a French port town turned holiday destination without any of the tourist trappings.

Situated on a thin outcrop peninsula, the little town is almost entirely circled by gorgeous beaches. Behind it, a hefty shoulder of mountains and classic Madagascan spiny forest give it a sense of complete isolation.

In fact, it’s more than just ‘a sense’ – this former French outpost has incredibly poor road access. Along its shores, pirogue boats bob in the ebbing tide, and locals move languidly between the clutches of colonial buildings and straw rondavel huts.

Surfers wait for perfect breaks, and lobster nets are only checked now and again. Time comes to an almost complete stop here, which makes it the ideal beach destination for a holiday in Madagascar that feels like it could last a lifetime.

Hit the Beaches

Blessed with a seemingly endless coastline, Taolagnaro is home to some superb swimming beaches (Libanona Beach is considered the best), tidal pools, and even a handful of shallow reefs worth exploring.

There are also a handful of world-famous surf spots that include sites for relative newbies, such as Ankoba Beach, and more advanced breaks, such as Monseigner Bay.

Visit Berenty Reserve

Probably Madagascar’s best-known reserve, Berenty, is about three hours west of Taolagnaro but undoubtedly worth a visit for the more adventurous traveler. It’s unusually verdant for this part of Madagascar, thanks to its position on the Mandrare River.

While most reserves and national parks in Madagascar require that you take a guide, Berenty is unique in that guests can walk the trails unguided and explore the riverine and baobab-scattered forest in search of lemurs.

Five species are common here, the most famous being Verraux’s sifaka, known for its comical poses, which make the lemur look like it’s dancing.

Tour the Forts

Toalagnaro is home to the oldest building in Madagascar, a fort whose origins remain somewhat of a mystery. Some claim it was built by shipwrecked Portuguese sailors in 1504 while others maintain it was a Swahili structure erected centuries prior.

Worth a visit too is the Flacourt Fort, built more than a century later. Both forts offer a fascinating glimpse in to the history of this part of the island.

• Effectively cut off from the rest of the island due to its deplorable access roads, you’ll want to make your holiday in Taolagnaro a fly-in and fly-out affair. There are local flights from Antananarivo daily; the alternative is hours of bumpy and unreliable public transport.
• Although very safe, it’s generally a good idea to keep valuables out of sight and to avoid walking alone along the beaches at night
• Swim and surf only at designated beaches – Madagascar’s southeast coast has areas with powerful currents, and swimming can be dangerous outside indicated areas.

Toamasina (formerly known as Tamatave) is Madagascar’s central port city. It’s situated on the east coast, on the northern edge of the island’s vast rainforests.

The region around it is characterized by long beaches split by rivers that empty into the sea.

High concentrations of unique flora and fauna can be found, as well as exotic plantations of coffee, vanilla, clove, banana, coconut, and lychee.

The city is an enticing mix of bric-a-brac sophistication – boulevards lined with palm trees and upmarket hotels sit alongside old, crumbling colonial buildings and creole houses built on stilts.

Take a boat trip down the Pangalanes Canal

Just south of Taomasina, at Port Fluvial, you’ll find a series of lakes linked by canals built during the French colonial occupation.

Their quiet waters are perfect for idling the day away as you glide by on a dug-out pirogue, past the private nature reserves that line the shore.

Explore the Port Town

You can do this officially, with a historical guided tour, or at your leisure with a map from the local tourist office.

Some buildings date back to the early colonial era, and three fascinating museums highlight everything from the town’s beginnings as a pirate community to local modern art and Malagasy culture.

Rent an ATV

Exploring Madagascar’s east coast on a four-wheeler is something for the adventurous, with day tours down to the Pangalanes Canal and overnight trips into the surrounding forests and nature reserves.

For added excitement, some itineraries include river crossings.

• As Madagascar’s major port city, Toamasina is one of the few coastal destinations that are relatively easy to get to by land – a good network of roads links it to Antananarivo, and the journey takes about seven hours. There are, however, also daily flights from Antananarivo for those who want to minimize travel time.
• Toamasina has good facilities – ATMs, supermarkets, and a shopping mall, all serviced by rickshaws, tuk-tuks, and taxis.
• As a holiday destination in Madagascar, Toamasina is probably Madagascar’s most weather-dependent – visiting midyear is a magical experience. In contrast, during the wetter summer months (December to April), the rainfall can feel endless, and there is always the risk of cyclones.

Toliara is Madagascar’s southern paradise. Centered mainly around St. Augustine’s Bay, this coastal town and its surrounds are blessed with an excellent mix of pristine beaches, clear tidal pools, and shallow frontal reefs, making it a wonderful place to snorkel and swim.

With less rainfall than the rest of Madagascar and consistently warm days even during winter, it’s also a year-round beach destination.

Inland, a handful of truly exotic national parks and reserves are home to unique arid landscapes which support some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna, most famously a family of large spiny plants that look like they belong on another planet.

Explore St Augustine’s Bay

You’ll never tire of this 14km (9mi) long coastline. Stretching south from Toliara’s airport to the Onilahy River mouth, you’ll find a mix of open beaches, rock pools, caves, and mangrove forests.

While offshore, dhows lean gently over on the white sand, waiting for the tide to lift them up on gently rising, turquoise waters.

Go Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

The Toliara region was once Madagascar’s most popular beach destination for underwater activities . However, overfishing and silting have left large parts of the seabed in poor condition.

That said, there is still a good reef called Massif de Roses at Ifaty, which is 24km (15mi) north of the town and is where you’ll find the best diving in the area.

Visit the Reniala Forest Reserve

There are several small reserves a little way inland. Reniala Forest Reserve is one of the best and home to some of the typical flora and avifauna of the southern region.

Expect to find spiny forests, long-tailed ground rollers, sub-desert mesites, and Madagascar’s famous lemurs. Routes are well marked, but walks are guided and should be booked in advance.

Go hiking, mountain climbing or horse riding at Isalo National Park

It’s a four-hour drive inland from Toliara, but a one- or two-night stay at Isalo National Park is incredibly rewarding for active travelers, especially hikers and mountain climbers.

Deep canyons cut into the rock are home to extraordinary arid flora and succulents. The reserve has several well-marked trails and rock pools, plus several midrange and exquisite upmarket lodges.

• Toliara offers a wide range of accommodation, from affordable backpackers to ultra-luxury lodges.
• This is Madagascar’s driest and hottest part, sometimes getting no rainfall in a year. If you’re planning any physical activities, start as early as possible, as it gets scorching in the afternoons.
• It takes two days (20 hours of driving) to get to Toliara from Antananarivo, so flying is the best option for most visitors.
• While Toliara has good facilities for holidaymakers (ATMs, shopping, clinics), the surrounding areas generally have very little, so be sure to draw cash and buy supplies before heading out.

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• Madagascar in January

January is midsummer in Madagascar. In the northern and eastern regions, this is characterised by heavy rainfall – up to 340mm have been recorded on the east coast during the month. It’s a continuation of the ‘wet season’, which starts around the end of November and lasts well into March. It’s significantly drier in the south and southwest but there is still rainfall throughout the country, including on Madagascar’s inland highlands. January is also the start of cyclone season on the north and east coast. Daytime temperatures average 25°C (77°F) with highs of 33°C (91°F) in the south.

Where to Go

Travelling by road in Madagascar in January is generally ill advised. Heavy rains render some regions completely inaccessible and several hotels and lodges along the west and the east coast close completely for the first two or three months of the year. Nosy Boraha and Taomasina can be particularly unpleasant in January as hot monsoon air currents make it exceptionally humid and the rain can set in for several days. In the extreme north, Antsiranana has its own microclimate and experiences less rainfall than the east but is still prone to cyclones. Similarly, while also less affected by the rainy season, Nosy Be still experiences its heaviest rainfall and high humidity. If you’re set on visiting Madagascar in January, the southern regions, Toliara, Taolagnaro, and to a lesser extent Morondava, provide the best chance of a pleasant holiday although you will still experience peak summer temperatures.

• Those willing to take their chances in the rainy season may be rewarded with discounted accommodation prices, cheaper airfares and far fewer other visitors.
• Several regions are inaccessible during this time of year, with some completely cut off by swollen rivers. There is a risk of cyclones on the north and east as well as heavy rain that could set in for the entire duration of your stay.
• Madagascar in February

Madagascar’s rainy season continues throughout February and there is high chance of heavy rain across most of the country. This is also the month with the highest risk of cyclones. Many lodges and hotels along the east and west coast remain closed during this period although even in these rainy months there are some sunny days. Average midday temperatures are between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F) on the coast and between 20°C (68°F) and 25°C (77°F) in the central highlands.

Much like January, travelling to regions on the east and northeast coasts is a bit of a gamble in February. With February bearing the brunt of the cyclones that make landfall (more than 12 cyclones have hit land in the last decade), it’s best to avoid destinations such as Nosy Boraha and Taomasina during this time. The risk to tourists is actually quite small – warnings come several days in advance and brick and mortar hotels are generally impervious to the storms. Nevertheless, they can completely shut down internal travel and you may not see much beyond your hotel’s doors.

• If it’s solitude and bargains you’re after, you’ll pick up the best deals in February. However, accommodation options are limited. Naturalists prepared to brave the rainforests this time of year will be rewarded with incredible sightings of flowering orchids found nowhere else on Earth.
• Humid and wet, Madagascar in February isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Many tour operators shut down completely, especially those offering excursions to national parks where dirt tracks become thick with mud. Driving and walking can be nearly impossible in places. Similarly, with many hotels and lodges closed at this time of year, your preferred accommodation may not be available.
• Madagascar in March

March is still very much within Madagascar’s wet season, with recorded rainfall up to 280mm in the northeast and around 25mm in the south. Recent years have seen some of Madagascar’s southern regions receiving almost no rainfall at all, but this is unusual and subject to change. Although rain across the island tends to abate towards the end of the month, swollen rivers and deltas along both the east and west coasts continue to make access, especially to the highlights, near impossible. As such, many lodges and operators remain closed until April. It’s still hot across Madagascar’s coastal regions and especially humid in the north and east. Central Madagascar and the highlands are prone to impressive thunderstorms during this time.

With significantly less rainfall than the rest of the country, and sea temperatures generally lower than in the north, the semi-arid south and especially the shores of Toliara and Taolagnaro are your best bet for a sunny beach holiday in March. Off-season specials on Nosy Be and a handful of islands off Madagascar’s northwest coast are also available for those on a budget. Visiting the rainforests in the eastern region around Ranomafana is an excellent option for those interested in reptiles and amphibians, which are especially active during this time.

• Off-season specials, affordable flights and fewer tourists makes visiting Madagascar during March very attractive. Wildlife lovers and naturalists interested in smaller forest and wetland fauna will also be rewarded with some wonderful sightings.
• Several of Madagascar’s parks and tour operators remain closed during this period. Swollen rivers and muddy tracks continue to make transit very tricky and there is still a risk of the final few cyclones of the season making landfall in the north and northeast.
• Madagascar in April

While there may still be significant rainfall in the east and north, the number of sunny days across the country increases dramatically in April and the countryside, from the highlands down to low-lying valleys, is at its most lush and green. It’s the hottest period of the year on the east coast, with averages temperatures of 30°C (86°F). On the west and south coasts, April marks the start of the dry season and the deciduous forests and deltas around Mahajanga and Morondava, as well as the arid regions north of Tulear, won’t see rain again until November.

April marks the start of the breeding season for Madagascar’s lemurs. Males are active throughout the country’s national parks but especially fascinating are the ring-tailed lemurs, best found in Berenty Reserve and Isalo National Park where they engage in ‘stink fights’ – wafting pungent odours and shaking their tails at one another. North-easterly winds bring fantastic ocean swells and draw experienced surfers to the Toalagnaro coastline. The beaches of Tulear, Morondava and Mahajanga are also popular, with little to no rainfall and conditions that are cooler and less humid than the rest of the country.

• April is a month of lush landscapes, bounding lemurs and quiet national parks and beaches. It’s very much still ‘shoulder season’ and the beaches and hotels are generally quieter, despite good deals on hotels, private tours and certain flights. There’s great surfing to be had on the southeast coast and the drier west coast is good for snorkelling and scuba diving.
• The rainy season isn’t over on the east and northern coasts and accessing the local parks and natural wonders can still be very tricky.
• Madagascar in May

May marks the start of a stable and dry southern winter. There’s no rain at all on the west coast from May until November and average daytime temperatures rarely stray outside 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F). Many wetlands, marshes and deltas are still swollen from the rains, but access gets much as the month progresses and conditions are generally pleasant and sunny in the highlands, despite the occasional chilly morning.

While some of Madagascar’s wetlands are still inaccessible in May, fly-in safaris to lodges around Morondava and Mahajanga are now possible, where you’ll find a great mix of quiet beaches and beautiful deciduous forest. It’s a wonderful time to spot small mammals and curious reptiles, including chameleons, giant jumping rats, tenrecs and dwarf lemurs, before they go into hiding for the winter. Madagascar’s interior is green and lush and views from the highlands are spectacular. The peach blossom valleys and lavender scented hillsides around Fianarantsoa are especially pretty.

• Cooler temperatures and clear skies make Madagascar’s northern and eastern beaches especially comfortable during May. May is still considered the ‘shoulder season’ and you can expect lower prices from hotels and operators attempting to attract pre-season visitors. On Nosy Be, the weeklong Donia Festival in Hell-Ville is usually at the end of the month, although sometimes it shifts to the first week in June. The festival features live music, a carnival, dance performers, and even a beauty pageant. In Antsiranana, look out for the weeklong Zegny’Zo Arts Festival with its parades and circus acts, street painting and puppetry.
• Some inland regions are still inaccessible in May, and you’ll be just too early for the start of the whale watching season which begins in early June.
• Madagascar in June

June is the coldest month in Madagascar, but daytime temperatures along the coast remain pleasant, only sometimes dipping below 20°C (68°F). The arid south is particularly cool in the late afternoons, while the highlands are even cooler, with days seldom topping 21°C (70°F) and dropping close to freezing in the evenings. It’s also relatively windy in the highlands, which makes for some magnificent, crystal-clear afternoons. While this is officially Madagascar’s dry season, the north-western and northern microclimates (from Mahajanga up to Antsiranana) continue with their perennial rainfall, with occasional, light showers that rarely last very long.

June brings lovely clear weather all around Madagascar’s stunning coastline and although temperatures are relatively cool there are still some great beach days. Isalo National Park is especially pleasant at this time of year, with just the right conditions for warm, comfortable afternoon trekking. June also marks the start of whale season in Madagascar and Taolagnaro, Toamasina and Nosy Boraha are also fantastic for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and boat trips.

• Madagascar celebrates its independence on 26 June and there are festivities throughout the country. It’s also the start of the whale season on the east coast (although some can be seen off the western coast too). The western archipelagos are best known for turtles; June marks the start of the hatching season when the baby turtles dash for the sea.
• The highlands can get very cold in June and many of Madagascar’s forest creatures go into hiding during the winter months. June also marks the start of the island’s busiest season and the more popular hotels and lodges can be harder to book.
• Madagascar in July

July is generally dry across Madagascar although the country’s two microclimate regions (the northeast and northwest) still receive regular, light rains. Temperatures average around 22°C (72°F) along the coast, but can often reach 28°C (82°F), especially in the east. Conditions inland are c onsiderably colder with daytime highs seldom above 21°C (70°F) and cold evenings that dip to almost freezing.

Madagascar’s east coast (particularly Nosy Boraha and Taomasina) is at its best from July to September, when humpback whales make their annual migration north. You might even spot males competing for females by breaching and slapping their tails and fins on the water. There’s still great surfing in the southeast around Taolagnaro and trekking conditions are ideal at Ankarana, Isalo and Berenty Reserve, although much of the highlands parks’ endemic wildlife will be less active and harder to see.

• July is ideal beach time all across Madagascar and you’ll find excellent surfing conditions along the southeast coast. The island of Nosy Boraha holds a nine-day whale festival (Festival des Baleines) near the beginning of July, with a carnival, concert, singing, film screenings and dancing, as well as a trail run and mountain bike race. Antsiranana also hosts a major highlight on the international trail running calendar in July – Racing Madagascar’s Ultra Trail run.
• July (and August) is high season in Madagascar and flights and hotels book up far in advance. Top destinations such as Nosy Be, Nosy Boraha and Tulear can get particularly busy at this time of year. Some of Madagascar’s smaller mammals and reptiles are also largely inactive so it’s not the best time to see the island’s incredible endemic fauna.
• Madagascar in August

August has a similar climate to July. Days are cool with temperatures on the east coast reaching their lowest for the year, occasionally dipping below 20°C (68°F). The west and north coasts have daytime averages of 22°C (72°F) with sporadic showers. The south coast is slightly warmer and bone dry, but its waters are cooler than those in the north, which makes daytime dipping all the more refreshing. Intermittent south-easterly winds buffet the east and north coasts throughout August, with wind speeds ranging from 20 to 40 knots (37 to 74 km/h).

August is a great time to explore Madagascar’s arid regions with the Reniala Forest near Tulear and Isalo National Park both at their best for daytime trekking. Nosy Boraha and Taomasina are excellent this time of year with the whale season in full swing. Favourable winds in the bays around Antsiranana (Sakalava Bay is especially good) make this the best time of year for kitesurfing, while the swells around Toalagnaro in the southeast offer up some magnificent surf.

• With the weather at its mildest across the board, it’s tough to pick a bad spot in Madagascar in August. For active holidays, August offers the best conditions for trekking, surfing, trail running and kitesurfing.
• August is the most popular time for holidaymakers across Madagascar’s coastal regions so you’ll need to book well in advance. Strong winds along the east coast can hamper scuba diving, especially with regard to reduced visibility. Some of Madagascar’s rainforest wildlife goes dormant in winter and there’s much less action in the lowland and montane rainforests.
• Madagascar in September

September is springtime in Madagascar and temperatures start to rise gradually across the country. Evenings on the west coast and the highlands remain cooler, while the northwest and northern coasts experience daytime averages of 25°C (77°F) and sporadic showers. The southwest and south are a little warmer and remain dry, with steady winds along the south coast that are not quite strong enough to ruin lazy days on the beach. In general, September’s weather is mild and pleasant across Madagascar and it’s a great time to find yourself anywhere on the island.

Spring signals the start of baby lemur season in Madagascar and it’s nothing short of adorable watching mother lemurs and their babes swinging through the trees. Berenty Reserve near Taolagnaro is an especially good place for this, but reserves and national parks across the country are all excellent at this time of year. Ranomafana and the montane rainforests offer exceptional birding in September, with optimal avifauna conditions continuing through to January. September also marks the start of the mating season for Madagascar’s curious fossas and your best bet of spotting these are on the west coast’s Kirindy Reserve, near Morondava.

• September is your best chance of spotting whale sharks as they move across the Mozambique Channel to the warm waters off Madagascar’s north-western archipelagos. Fauna and flora flourish at this time of year and the beaches across the country are at their magnificent best.
• September’s major disadvantage is its popularity with visitors and smaller boutique hotels and budget backpackers can fill up equally quickly. You’ll need to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Madagascar in October

As Madagascar ramps up to summer, average temperatures along the coastal regions nudge their way up to 26°C (79°F). Temperatures in the highlands also get markedly warmer and winds drop everywhere, bringing blue skies and clear days. Across the island it stays generally dry except for sporadic showers in northern and eastern zones. Weather-wise, October is arguably Madagascar’s best month, with warm, pleasant days and cool nights throughout the country.

It’s impossible to isolate Madagascar’s best regions in October. Throw a dart at the map and you’ve found a great place to be. Baby lemurs and excellent birdlife are still plentiful throughout the parks and the beaches just get better as the temperatures slowly rise. Along the southeast coast the flagging winds mean better visibility for scuba diving and the highlands are magnificent, with mild daytime temperatures that make exploring Fianarantsoa and the surrounding valleys bliss.

• The town of Sambava, in Madagascar’s northeast, hosts the festival of Festivanille, which celebrates the island’s vanilla industry. There’s also the Malagasy VTT Raid, a six-day, 300km, mountain bike race up the coast from Toalagaro. Scuba diving is also at its best this time of year, and with the local school holidays over, it’s also quieter across the country.
• There are no real disadvantages in September other than securing your bookings and, perhaps, struggling to leave.
• Madagascar in November

November marks the start of the rainy season in central and eastern Madagascar, while the west and south coasts remain relatively dry. Average temperatures continue to climb across the country with daytime highs reaching over 30°C (86°F) and humidity building rapidly in the east and north. The long eastern escarpment catches the southeast trade winds, slowly gathering the deluge that will soon be unleashed over the windward rainforests. November is a risky time to visit Madagascar, but warm, clear days can still be found across the country.

Madagascar’s south and west coasts are the last to receive rain and tend to remain relatively clear and fine during November. Scuba diving and snorkelling is excellent around Nosy Be and Morondava, where water temperatures can reach a balmy 32°C (90°F). Madagascar’s northern microclimate zone, around Antsiranana, is also generally pleasant, offering a mix of great beach days and a genuine rainforest feel. Visit the surrounding montane regions, such as Mount Amber, for superb sightings of lemurs, chameleons, colourful amphibians and hundreds of birds.

• Warm waters along the northwest and dry conditions in the south and southwest don’t rule out the great beach days just yet. It’s also generally quieter this time of year as visitor numbers drop off briefly before rising again for Christmas.
• The east coast can get very wet in November, with high humidity that makes the days hot and sticky.
• Madagascar in December

December is Madagascar’s hottest month with highs of 33°C (92°F) in the north, east and west, and still hotter days in the south as the sun climbs directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. Although hot, there’s often a cool sea breeze along many of the coastal regions, reducing the humidity and providing some relief. With the wet season reaching its peak, you can expect to see rain roughly two out of every three days in the east and northeast, with slightly drier conditions in the west, and the least rain falling in the south.

The northern and north-western archipelagos of Nosy Be and Antsiranana, as well as the southern beaches of Tulear, are generally the best bet for a beach holiday in December. The southern beaches may remain completely dry and showers in the north and west usually only last a few hours. There’s still good surfing at Toalagnora (and especially Monseigneur Bay) in December, but the weather is less predictable, with the chance of much heavier rain. Warm daytime temperatures and abundant fauna make the highlands attractive this time of year.

• Each December, for just a few days, Madagascar jumping frogs gather to mate in the marshlands of Ranomafana, and the males turn a bright canary yellow in order to attract a mate. There’s also the Mada Sakafo Food Festival which takes place in Antananarivo. Happily, jumping frogs are not on the menu.
• Heavy rain begins to make many of Madagascar’s parks and reserves inaccessible and except for the far south, beach days are certainly not guaranteed. The December holiday season is also a busy time in the major centres and hotels and lodges can book up far in advance.

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Faqs about madagascar.

• The Malagasy ariary is the local currency you will use on your holiday in Madagascar .
• The bulk of flights to Madagascar land at Antananarivo Ivato International Airport
• Air Madagascar flies to Ivato from Paris, Johannesburg, and Bangkok
• Air France flies to Ivato from Paris
• South African Airways and Airlink fly to Ivato from Johannesburg
• Kenya Airways flies to Ivato from Nairobi
• Madagascar is a safe island to visit for the most part. However, it is always recommended to take precautions when travelling to most African countries.
• Madagascar's local currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). The Euro is the most widely accepted foreign currency, but US dollars and British pounds are also easily exchanged. You can exchange money at banks or withdraw cash from ATMs in your area.
• Madagascar, an island country located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of southern Africa, is the world's fifth-largest island, with a landmass of 587,000 km2 and a population of 25.6 million people.
• In general, travelling in Africa during the dry season is preferable because it is cooler and there are fewer bugs.
• This means visiting Madagascar between May and October. Plan your trip between June and September to see the humpback whale migration.
• If you want to dive with whale sharks, try to go between November and March. The breeding season for lemurs lasts from October to December, when babies are born to take advantage of the new spring greenery.

See Madagascar in Your Comfort

• An Affordable Holiday in Madagascar
• Budget Holidays in Madagascar
• Luxury Holiday in Madagascar

Although flights are relatively expensive, Madagascar is much more affordable once you land. There are good-value, mid-range hotels and lodges to be found throughout the island and its archipelagos, although the widest variety is in and around the mainland beach towns of Antsiranana, Taomasina, Tulear and Morondava. Here you can choose between half-board lodges or self-catering apartments, with nearby restaurants and cafes, vibrant nightlife and easy access to a variety of tour operators. Tours can be arranged into the nearby parks and reserves, or there’s also the option of staying just outside a park’s borders where there’s almost always a good selection of reasonably-priced lodges and hotels offering transfers and guided tours. The eastern rainforests and the deciduous parks in the west have excellent nearby accommodation and tend to be more popular. The north and arid south also have good options, but on the whole, are quieter.

Madagascar offers a wonderful sense of freedom and spontaneity for travellers on a mid-range budget. Bespoke itineraries, guided tours and even vehicle hire (almost always only bookable with a driver included) can be arranged at reasonable rates, which means combining the magic of Madagascar’s beaches with its natural marvels – without having to worry about logistics. Superb combinations include Tulear and Isalo National Park; Morondava and Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park; Nosy Be, Antsiranana and Ankarana National Park; and Taolagnaro and Berenty Reserve. Prices depend largely on the region, season, scope of activities and type of accommodation, but $1700 a person is a rough benchmark for a six- night custom tour with transfers, accommodation, activities, and most meals included. Alternatively, a 4×4 with driver costs around 500,000Ar ($135) a day, while half-day excursions (whale spotting by boat from Nosy Boraha; island-hopping from Nosy Be; horse-riding in Isalo National Park) are generally around 200,000Ar ($55) a person.

Travel Tips

Organising an itinerary in Madagascar yourself can be frustrating and time consuming. If your budget allows, it’s almost always better to spend a little more on a booking a tour through an established, trusted operator that knows the country well. You’ll spend more time enjoying the islands’ splendours and less being frustrated by tricky travel arrangements and logistics. Keep this in mind when comparing prices – a few extra bucks can save a lot of headaches. You can pick up good deals by travelling in the shoulder months of April, May and October, and even better ones if you’re prepared to brave the rains in January and February, although you risk the chance of a washed-out holiday. If you’re not flying directly to any of the coastal towns, then select itineraries closer to Antananarivo – Morondava, Toamasina, Nosy Boraha and Fianarantsoa are good options. Expect to pay around 200,000Ar ($55) a couple a night for mid-range, half-board lodges and about half that for self-catering. Mid-range accommodation on the outskirts of Madagascar’s national parks is around 400,000Ar ($110) for a double room including transfers.

Travelling on a budget in Madagascar can be exciting and immersive, provided you’re willing to accept that it may not always be comfortable. Distances are significant and public transport generally old and crowded; the most affordable way get around takes time and often involves a few bumps! Antananarivo has the biggest selection of budget accommodation, offering the widest variety of low-cost guesthouses, hostels and basic rooms. Further afield, you’ll find budget hostels and hotels close to the beaches in Taolagnaro, Antsiranana and Tulear as well as in tourist hotspots such as Nosy Be. Across the rest of the island, there’s budget accommodation almost everywhere in the form of plain, simple rooms with shared ablutions and facilities.

Great surfing at great prices is one of Madagascar’s major highlights. For budget surf rentals and lessons, head to Taolagnaro where you can hire a surfboard at Ankoba Beach or Monseigneur Bay for about 20,000Ar ($5.50) a day. Surf lessons cost about the same. For a very affordable taste of Malagasy history and culture, take a self-guided walking tour in Taolagnaro, Tulear, Mahajanga or Fianarantsoa. Simply buy a cheap map from the local tourism offices in each town.

Flights to Madagascar can be pricey, and internal transfers are also often quite steep. These can be as much as $400 or more for a return from Antananarivo so it’s important to plan your route with care. Even better, fly directly to your preferred stretch of coast and explore the surrounding area from there. Local taxi-brousse (buses) will get you practically anywhere on the island, but while a short journey can be fun and interesting, longer routes may quickly become an ordeal. Fares are low, and depend on distance. A trip from Antananarivo to Tulear takes about 20 hours, for example, and will cost you around 60,000Ar ($16.50) one way.

Once arrived, you’ll find Madagascar an extremely affordable island destination, but it’s even better value if you’re travelling as couple or – first prize – in a group. Tours, activities, vehicle hire and guide fees are rarely available on a per person basis, which means you’ll pay the same whether you’re on your own or with company. This can also apply when booking rooms, which are sometimes charged at the same rate for single or double occupancy. That said, a simple double room will start at 18,000Ar ($5) a night, although expect to pay more in the harder-to-reach, exclusive areas. One option is to find the less expensive rooms a little further from the main beaches and hire a scooter for about 35,000Ar ($9.50) a day. This will not only allow you to reach the more exclusive, remote areas, but adds a degree of independence and the ability to explore a little inland.

If it’s luxury you’re looking for then Madagascar is your oyster, and where to find its pearls is entirely up to you. For chilled-out beach bliss, cocktails and massages, look no further than the upmarket lodges around Nosy Be, Mahajanga and Antsiranana. If it’s Madagascar’s unique fauna and flora that fascinates you, you’ll find almost all of the national parks have at least one exclusive resort nearby. There are private bungalows that look out onto sculpted ‘forests’ of tsingy and luxury tented camps with seemingly prehistoric mountain views. Then there’s French villas, board walked jungle gems and even a handful of modern designer hideaways secreted away in secluded bays. For opulence and privacy with a gourmet flair, there are some excellent hidden treasures around St. Augustine’s Bay and also along the beaches north of Mahajanga.

Few places in the world are as varied and exotic as Madagascar. With it’s incredible wildlife, unique flora and stunning natural landscapes it’s a dream destination which offers a luxury experience like no other. Choose somewhere remote and intimate and you’ll likely have coral reefs, squeaky white-sand beaches, private pirogue cruises and enchanting forest trails all to yourself. Or why not charter a catamaran with a private chef and let yourself be whisked off for a beach picnic with not a soul around for miles. As a growing luxury destination, Madagascar is all about tailor-made itineraries. Your greatest indulgence here is the freedom to choose.

You’ll need to book well in advance if you’re planning to travel during peak season (June to September). Although growing slowly, the number of exclusive hotels and lodges in Madagascar is still relatively small and they tend to book up fast. If you’re spending more than a week (recommended for such a large, varied island), request a few itinerary options from your hotel or tour operator. Many have fantastic ‘beach and bush’ options with partnership arrangements that mean fewer snags and, often, discounts. Several upmarket and boutique hotels offer fly-in packages, which are great for maximising your holiday time and eliminating the chance a frustrating transfer. Almost all large hotels and luxury lodges take credit cards (very few, if any, take American Express), but it’s a good idea to carry some local cash for tips and souvenirs.

Holiday Styles and Options in Madagascar

As far as genuinely fascinating destinations go, you can’t beat Madagascar. Beyond the exported images of baobabs and beaches are ancient forests and wetlands filled with peculiar creatures, secret bays once bedevilled by pirates and crumbling citadels built by feuding kings and queens. And that’s just the start…

This is because on Madagascar – the oldest island on Earth – two very contradictory influences have converged to create something quite sublime. On the one hand is a natural history that has unfolded in almost total isolation. On the other is a melting pot of humanity that’s left virtually no one out. Indonesian, African, Arabic, European – all lay claim to an inextricable mishmash of culture that colours Madagascar’s anthropology. And it’s these two seemingly opposed forces – isolation and accessibility – that together have created an island that is truly, in every sense of the word, unique.

For visitors, it’s a recipe that couldn’t be more intoxicating. There are endless shores and ancient reefs, forested trails and lazy rivers. There are tropical islets filled with the smell of ylang-ylang blossoms, valleys that radiate with the scent of lavender and markets where vanilla wafts between pots steaming the air with the aroma of boiling rice. You can hike along vast and deep terracotta canyons that glow red at dusk, ride through primordial jungles on mid-century railroads or zoom through pastel-coloured coastal towns in yellow tuk-tuks. You can explore underground caves home to troglodyte crocodiles, climb massifs once fortified by Allied soldiers or brave suspension bridges that dangle between precipitous spires of limestone carved by the wind. You can also just take your towel down to the beach, order a bottomless cocktail and a barrel of seafood and do absolutely nothing.

You cannot, however, do them all. And therein lies the challenge for anyone planning a holiday in Madagascar. At more than half a million square kilometres it is the fourth-largest island in the world. It spans more than 15 degrees of latitude and straddles the southernmost tropic. Its climate, landscape and infrastructure are as varied as they are on some entire continents. Variations in culture, language and customs are not far behind. To travel from the east to west coast by 4×4 could take as much as three full days. From north to south you can easily triple that.

And so, what makes Madagascar most unique of all is how to plan a holiday here. Whether it’s the swashbuckling shores of the south, the languid beaches of the north, rainforests of the east or semi-arid wonderlands of the southwest, each region is poised to offer different types of traveller exactly what they are looking for, all the while remaining quintessentially Madagascan.

Experiencing all that Madagascar has to offer would take even the most expedient traveller at least a year. The distances are too great and the infrastructure simply too poor to zip from one end to the other, and there’s just no way to tick all the boxes on a two- or even three-week-long holiday. The most enjoyable way to experience this unique destination is to do it one region at a time. With its mix of world-class beaches, exotic cuisine, sublime wildlife and cultural interactions, not to mention superb hospitality and variety of hotels and lodges in all the right places, you won’t feel like you’re missing out by taking it slow. This is an island to experience one magnificent region at a time, with the added bonus that by revisiting you’ll be supporting the conservation organisations and local traders and businesspeople that depend significantly on tourism to keep this wonderful destination going.

Who is Travelling to Madagascar with you?

• Family Holiday in Madagascar
• Honeymoon in Madagascar
• Solo Travel in Madagascar

Immersive wilderness experiences and an endless supply of adventure activities make Madagascar an amazing destination for enquiring minds. There’s snorkelling and kayaking and horse riding and climbing, and the absence of big game means your kids can get close to weird and wonderful creatures and return home with photos of animals that their friends won’t believe exist. Despite all this, you should consider a family holiday to Madagascar carefully. Poor infrastructure can mean long transit times so it’s best to keep focussed on a specific town or region.

Unless you’re feeling very brave, it’s highly recommended that you centre your family holiday around a child-friendly lodge or hotel. These offer activities for children, private, comfortable transfers, and have experience in providing safe and entertaining itineraries for kids. Suitable hotels are increasingly common across the country, but there are good options around Isalo National Park, which offer short walks directly from the premises, horse riding, mountain biking and on-site play areas. Hotels in Tulear, Nosy Be and Nosy Boraha also have child-friendly activities and staff who are trained to deal with young ones.

Horse riding in Isalo National Park is a magical experience that allows the whole family to explore the canyons and arid flora and fauna without having to walk large distances. A guided walk at the top of Mount Amber National Park is also perfect for kids and in the dry season (April to November) it’s possible to drive all the way up to the main picnic site which eliminates the long trek usually needed to get there. At the top, there are short walking circuits, many on easy boardwalk trails that wind their way past Madagascar’s ancient mega flora. Snorkelling in the warm waters around Nosy Be is also safe thanks to a large offshore reef, which keeps the shallows relatively calm and clear. A visit to the pirate cemetery on Nosy Boraha (where one of the gravestones has a skull and crossbones on the headstone) is certain to fire up the imagination of young minds interested in myth and adventure.

• While Malagasy culture is very child friendly, you won’t find many concessions to travelling families outside the dedicated family hotels and lodges. Many tour operators, for example, don’t accommodate children under eight years old and few restaurants anywhere have high-chairs available.
• You’ll certainly need to stock up on child-specific supplies (high SPF sunscreen, medication, formula, insect repellent, travel sickness tablets etc.) before you leave, as you won’t find any of these easily once there.
• While travelling on public transport with young kids can be stressful, it’s worth noting that children five years old and under generally go for free on local busses.

A beach holiday in Madagascar has all the qualities of a classic romance – long walks along white-sand beaches, tropical sunsets and warm evenings under a blanket of stars. That said, there is such an intoxicating mix of exotic flavours, sights and smells that it doesn’t really matter where you are in the country, there’s always the feeling that you might be swept up in a romance at any time. Madagascar has come a long way in the past few years and there’s increasing choice for romantic visitors. From luxury lodges with honeymoon specials, to fly-in safaris and private-hire catamarans, Madagascar leaves it up to you to set the scene for your next romantic escape.

For complete, luxurious, romantic isolation head to Madagascar’s west coast, just north of Mahajanga. Here you’ll find a selection of stunning fly-in resorts where you’ll feel like you have the beautiful beaches all to yourselves. The boutique hotels and upmarket lodges of Nosy Be and Nosy Boraha are also fantastic romantic islands for couples, with palm-tree-lined beaches and clear, turquoise waters. On mainland Madagascar, Antsiranana in the north and Tulear in the south both offer couples the option of mixing luxury oceanside accommodation with the spectacular natural highlights of Amber Mountain National Park and Reniala Forest Reserve. For a truly wild break, Berenty Special Reserve and Ranomafana National Park set an unforgettable scene for romance amongst some of Madagascar’s most breathtaking forest scenery.

Whether it’s a honeymoon, anniversary, or a just an impromptu getaway, a romantic holiday in Madagascar ticks all the boxes. You can take a private boat trip to the Radama and Mitsio island archipelagos near Nosy Be, or watch whales lobtail and breach from the shore on Nosy Boraha. You could learn to surf together in Taolagnaro or search for lemurs on a jungle trek. Of course, and probably most importantly, you can also find a secluded bay in Ifaty, Tulear, or Morondava, and simply while away a sparkling afternoon in each other’s company.

• Some hotels and lodges – especially the smaller more bespoke establishments – are exclusively childfree. It’s worth seeking these out for an uninterrupted romantic getaway.
• Be aware that many of the upmarket and exclusive hotels and lodges (especially on Nosy Be and Nosy Boraha) list their prices for accommodation as ‘per person’, whereas the rest of Madagascar it’s generally quoted as ‘per room’.
• Madagascar is one of the relatively few African countries where homosexuality is not a crime, although public displays of affection, regardless of sexual orientation, are unusual in Malagasy culture and are best avoided.

Travelling alone can be daunting regardless of where in the world you go. On a remote island with a beleaguered infrastructure, it can seem all the more formidable. The good news is that Madagascar is absolutely fantastic for solo travellers. But that’s only provided you take one essential item: the right (casual) attitude. With a laid-back approach and, especially, a relaxed notion of time, solo travellers will find Madagascar safe, fun and rich with cultural and natural experiences, whether travelling on foot, by bicycle, or using rented or public transport.

The best region for solo travel in Madagascar depends on two factors: your interests and the time of year. Many solo travellers gravitate to the surfing and kitesurfing hotspots of Antsiranana and Taolagnaro, with optimal conditions between April and September. The bars and cafes of Nosy Be, Nosy Boraha, Taomasina and Tulear also attract a small community of independent travellers and are at their busiest between June and November. On the other hand, if you’re travelling solo to escape the crowds then you’ll have no problem finding a quieter spot. Even the busiest resorts are relatively quiet by world standards, but try April, May or November for the best combination of good weather and fewest people.

For the truly independent, self-guided city tours in Taomasina, Antsiranana, Taolagnaro and Mahajanga allow solo travellers to wander the streets and take in the history and culture of these key port towns in their own time; maps are available the towns’ tourist offices. Joining a group is also a great way for solo travellers to meet new people and split costs. Try one of the adventure activities around Taomasina, such as scuba diving, ATV excursions or boat trips down the Pangalanes Canal. For solo travellers on less tight budgets, most of the country’s luxury lodges provide all-inclusive, often highly customisable packages, with a wide range of activities to suit your taste.

• In general, there isn’t much of a backpacker vibe in Madagascar, so if you’re planning to wing it you should be prepared to get to know the locals or spend much of your time on your own.
• One major disadvantage is the cost of tours and guided trips into the national parks and reserves. Most operators, and certainly all national parks, charge a flat rate for guides (who are compulsory). Unless you find a group to split the costs, you’ll need to pay the full guide rate even if you’re on your own. The same applies to hiring a vehicle with driver, which is the only way to access large areas of Madagascar.
• Women travelling alone will likely encounter men making uninvited approaches. In general Madagasy men are respectful and a firm ‘no’ is usually enough.

What You Need To Know

• Fauna and Flora of Madagascar

To really appreciate the diversity of Madagascar’s flora and fauna you first need to understand its unique geological history. Separated from Africa almost 100 million years ago, the base of all its plants and animals is original marooned stock from the Gondwana supercontinent. While those on the African and South American continents continued to evolve in constantly changing environments, Madagascar’s ancient species were left to develop in relative isolation, miles from anywhere, for millions of years. Sporadic landings from floating and flying seeds (sometimes on air currents and sometimes in the stomach of seabirds) and brief land bridge across the Mozambique Channel, only further contributed to Madagascar becoming its weirdest, and most wonderful self.

Some of its more bizarre creations – 400-kilogram elephant birds, giant sloths the size of silverback gorillas and dwarf hippos a quarter the size of their continental brethren – have been driven to extinction by human colonisation. However, it’s still home to more than 200,000 species of fauna and flora, including 11,000 endemic plant species, 420 different kinds of endemic reptiles, five complete bird families and a variety of mammal species found nowhere else on earth. Per square kilometres this makes Madagascar one of the most biodiverse places on the plane, and one of the world’s officially recognised biodiversity hotspots.

For travellers trying to decide how to immerse themselves in this natural wonderland, it’s best to understand Madagascar as an island of two parts. The eastern flank is mostly made up of dense rainforest, separated from the rest of the island by a long, arched spine of mountains that runs down the length of the country, a few kilometres east of centre. West of the escarpment is drier, made up initially of stark gnarled highlands and then deciduous trees and savannah grasslands as the mountains descend into rolling hills and valleys. Nearer the western shores, the landscape is a mix of marshlands and delta and mangrove swamps, with some arid regions stretching all the way to the coast. The south is mostly arid, with spiny forests, succulents and hardy woods dominating much of the landscape before reaching the shores. The north has its own microclimate. It’s closer to the equator and hemmed in by a half moon of towering massifs making it tropical and humid, but also susceptible to cyclones.

In the moist rainforests, you’ll find ancient cycads, giant ferns, orchids and long-stemmed lianas stretching across the damp undergrowth. Red-bellied-, and rare cyanide-eating golden-bamboo lemurs hang out in the dense canopies. Still more peculiar creations, such as giraffe-necked weevils, giant millipedes, satanic leaf-tailed geckos and a very special species of chameleon no larger than your thumbnail, all hide in the undergrowth.

Though you’ll find far fewer species in the western deciduous forests, wetlands and arid regions, they are no less strange. These dynamic regions are home to species such as radiated tortoises, hog-nosed snakes, net-throwing spiders, fossas, dancing sifakas, vasa parrots, skinks, plate lizards, cave-dwelling crocodiles and large boas.

Found throughout the island are baobabs, including many endemics. Of the nine species of baobab found in the world, six grow exclusively in Madagascar.

Seabirds are also common around the island although, in comparison to its litany of insects, reptiles and small mammals, Madagascar’s population of birds is surprisingly small.

In terms of marine life, Madagascar shares much of its variety with the western shores of Africa. Perennial visitors include hawksbill and green turtles, and humpback whales frequent its eastern bays on their mid-year migration from Antarctica. Madagascar is also notorious for sharks. Its east coast is a well-documented hotspot and as such many bathers prefer the west where the shallow reefs not only offer more protection, but also give snorkelers and divers a larger variety of tropical sightings (more so even than the Red Sea) that includes a wild menagerie of curiosities, such as squirrelfish, batfish, boxfish, flutefish, lionfish, butterflyfish and damselfish.

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L O A D I N G .

Wild, Intoxicating, and Altogether Otherworldly

A Madagascar holiday is wild, intoxicating, and altogether otherworldly. Madagascar is the only Afro-Asiatic island on the planet, a compelling amalgamation of Indo-Malayan culture and ancient African landscape. Here, rice paddies are just as part of civilization as zebu cattle. Tribal ancestral adoration locks arms with modern Christian belief.

Sequestered from its African and Indian motherlands some 88 million years ago, Madagascar now subsists as its own standalone destination. It is certainly famed for its nature, most of which you can’t find anywhere else in the world. And that’s not an exaggeration. Five-percent of all the world’s known animal and plant species make their home here and here alone. Fifty percent of the birds, 80-percent of the flora, 90-percent of the reptiles, and 100-percent of the mammals—including the beloved lemurs— are endemic to the island. To call it a naturalist’s paradise is an understatement. Many of these stunning creatures can be seen during our Madagascar luxury safaris.

Madagascar is the fourth largest island on Earth, more than twice the size of Great Britain. The sheer enormity of its mass coupled with its unique location in the Indian Ocean just south of the equator create both dramatic climate changes and varied terrains of breath-taking beauty.

The Landscape

To the north, the tropical islands, white beaches, and dazzling coral reefs give way to the dry tsingy peaks, limestone forests, and towering Baobabs of the West. Around the capital of Antananarivo, lovingly referred to as “Tana”, the Highlands region is reduced to lush rice paddies in a matter of miles, only to reveal the hike-inducing woodlands and hidden streams to the East and mystical tombs and pristine tribal reserves to the South. In Madagascar, there are national parks that see at most 100 visitors per year. Indeed, some resorts are so remote they require a private plane or boat to reach them. Madagascar enjoys days of endless sunshine to the envy of most tropical islands. It is the land of secluded and sometimes mind-boggling adventure.

Culturally, Madagascar is a veritable melting pot. The first people arrived here between 350 BC and 550 AD from Borneo. Bantu migrants crossing the Mozambique Channel followed a few centuries later. Add to this group various Arab, Indian, and Chinese settlements, and you will understand the Malagasy culture as Marco Polo first “discovered” it in 1500. United under the British monarch in the 19 th  century, only to become a French colony in 1896, Madagascar eventually earned its independence in 1960. Today, the estimated 22 million Malagasy divide themselves into 18 main clans. They produce some of the most brilliant handicrafts on the continent, and speak a beautiful, flowery language all their own.

A Madagascar Holiday with Ker & Downey

Contact Ker & Downey  to customize one of our luxury Madagascar holidays and especially to extract the most luxury and nuance out of this provocative island.

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Discover your Island Sanctuary

Welcome to miavana by time + tide, escape to the extraordinary.

An exhilarating helicopter ride over mountains, baobabs and shipwrecks dotting the wild coastline ends in a gentle landing on a remote private island off the coast of Madagascar. Rediscover your sense of wonder in a place where luxury means stepping foot where no man has before, surrounded by an unspoiled horizon. Raw and refined, Miavana brings together exclusivity and adventure as well as true sense of travelling with purpose.

At around 10 square kilometres in size, Miavana is an intimate haven of time and space, a chance to escape and unwind.

“Throughout my life I have been in awe of nature’s beautiful places… nature has a way of showing you the best of what the world has to offer. My dream is to create a frame for these masterpieces and share them with others.”

THIERRY DALAIS, CHAIRMAN & FOUNDER

SPACIOUS ISLAND LUXURY

There is nowhere in the world like Miavana, there is no luxury, no beauty, no tranquility, no thrill to equal this blue haven.

Time + Tide’s family-owned properties are pioneers in luxury safaris in Zambia and an exclusive island escape in Madagascar. We have a legacy of responsible tourism and offer modern-day explorers the luxury of space and the chance to feel truly alive.

Why choose us.

Feels like Family

Inside and out, we nurture the friendships and relationships that are at the heart of our business.

Surprise and Delight

We go out of our way to make sure every guest has memories that will last a lifetime.

Touch the earth

We keep close to the ground, use natural materials and resources wisely, and celebrate the places we call home.

Generous and Genuine

We build trust, we’re true to our word, and we give as much as we can.

Conservation, Sustainability 
and Community

We are guides and guardians to sublime landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and rich cultures.

Explore Your Unknown

We expand boundaries by creating a culture that celebrate a childlike curiosity.

The Destination

Madagascar has been called the land in a forgotten sea. It’s the fourth biggest island on earth and has a number of small peripheral islands off its coastline. With an unparalleled mixture of endemic wildlife and plant species in a variety of habitats from forest to reefs, Madagascar truly is one of the greatest biodiversity regions on earth.

Under Water

Dive into the marine-protected waters of Miavana and discover untouched coral reefs, rare sea turtles and an array of marine life exclusively for your eyes.

Glide into open waters in search of dolphins, manta rays, and whales or experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing as you cast your line for Giant Trevally, Bluefin, Sailfish, or Barracuda.

Step into the shoes of a modern-day explorer and traverse the island on foot, by bicycle, buggy or quad bike. Discover inquisitive lemurs in the forest, watch endangered turtles lay their eggs on the beach, and find thousands of nesting terns nearby.

Embark on our half-day helicopter excursions transporting you to the northern reaches of Madagascar for elevated wildlife experiences and bucket-list adventures.

Explore the island’s unique attractions.

Discover our exclusive offers for every occasion.

View our selection of sea and safari tours.

Conservation & Community

Our natural responsibility.

At Miavana, we are committed to safeguarding our unique natural environment and neighbouring communities for many generations to come through the support of the Time + Tide Foundation. Simply by visiting you will become part of our story, helping us give back to the future of this rare part of the world.

We spent five days at Miavana. The place is just out of this world! I cannot find words to qualify it. Miavana is so so so great the island is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE I know! That team are very helpful and effective. And the food is just amazing!

Extraordinary staff, very relaxing with beautiful scenery.  well after a few hours a wave of peace floated in and for the next few days we were in heaven., breathtakingly beautiful and indescribably luxurious. cannot fault or complain about absolutely anything. the miavana team, the food, the beautiful accommodation creates paradise within paradise. this is a one of a kind place that will exceed your highest expectations, my week long stay at miavana was unparalleled in almost every aspect of luxury. defining luxury not only in terms of great quality and exclusivity, but in terms of craftsmanship, consciousness and a unique enriching experience. the richness of the culture set the context for such unique environment, and is the pillar of every impressive distinguishing feature of miavana., miavana will exceed your expectations. we traveled to miavana for a week and had an incredible experience. the weather was perfect, the staff was attentive and there was enough activities on offer to keep us busy (honestly we could have stayed an extra week). the island is also home to a group of crowned lemurs which were amazing to see, inspiration from the island.

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Top 10 Madagascar Lodges

• Safari Insights

It has become a popular feature for modern media to create and publish top ten lists of all sorts – especially in the tourist industry. The top 10 Madagascar Lodges by JENMAN African Safaris: All the time, we are swamped with lists of the most beautiful beaches, the best island getaways and, of course, the best lodges. As we are already convinced that Madagascar is the perfect island getaway and has the most beautiful beaches, all we had to do was to select the best Lodges and Camps of Madagascar . However, when we picked our favourite lodges it was important to us to look at uniqueness, character and exclusivity – not just price, popularity and high profile. If you’re looking for an authentic and unique Madagascan experience but still want luxury and comfort, this is your list:

Top 10 Lodges and Camps of Madagascar

Introducing the island’s first 100% solar-powered lodge, Eden Lodge has been voted one of the world’s top 10 Eco Lodges . Set within the beauty of a protected nature reserve in the Nosy Be Archipelago, this lodge convinces with a unique experience. Baobabs are set on the beach and during the day, lemurs emerge from the forest. Besides having the opportunity to snorkel with sea turtles, in the right season, you can even witness them hatching or spot dolphins and migrating whales. This is eco-luxury at its best.

Anjajavy (Relais & Chateaux)

Only accessible by charter plane, Anjajavy Le Lodge, situated in the northwest of Madagascar, is the ultimate luxury when it comes to a Madagascar vacation. Guests enjoy uninterrupted sea-views from their rose-wood villas with the fresh breeze coming from the Mozambique Channel cooling you down at night. Choose from 7 little ‘creeks’ where you can spend the day relaxing on white sandy beaches, often all by yourself, with turquoise blue water stretching as far as the eye can see. At most, there might be a few fishing boats with triangular sails crossing the horizon to interrupt your gaze. Coral Tsingy line the shores. The adjacent private nature reserve invites long walks during which you can experience the local flora and fauna including tsingy and baobabs as well as Madagascar’s endemic wildlife such as lemurs and chameleons.

Princesse Bora

Facing a palm-fringed beach, the Princesse Bora on the island of Saint Marie is a luxurious, exclusive lodge that doubles as a haven of peace and romance. Hours in the day can be filled with a wide selection of activities such as whale viewing, snorkelling and diving around glorious coral reefs. Meals are prepared with ingredients that are grown in the lodge’s surroundings and served fresh. We absolutely love this place because it’s comfortable, and you’ll spend more time enjoying the activities than sleeping in its amazingly large beds.

Tsara Komba

When it comes to catchphrases, Tsara Komba’s captures the essence of the lodge perfectly: “A caring, luxury Eco Lodge: A harmonious balance between the environment, the economy and social protection.” We made it our number 7 because here you feel one with nature, yet can indulge in pure luxury. Surrounded by tropical gardens, the lodge has a private beach for guests to enjoy, as well as a nature reserve nearby that boasts a variety of endemic plants, lemurs, chameleons, hummingbirds, parrots, and other marvels. Diving in the bay is excellent – encountering whales, dolphins and turtles is not usual. The cuisine tastefully blends Eastern and Western spices, giving your taste buds a tantalizing experience.

Nature Lodge

Number 6 on our list is occupied by Nature Lodge situated just outside the magnificent rainforest of Montagne d’Ambre National Park. The large balcony of your spacious wooden chalet offers superb panoramic views that stretch from the bay of Diego to the Mozambique Channel and the Indian Ocean. Meals will ensure you sample local fresh cuisine, while an exceptional selection of local cocktails will turn any sunset into a memorable occasion. The restaurant at the lodge has a menu rich with local dishes that feature coconut, seafood and other fresh produce from the garden and mountain nearby.

Pallisandre Hotel & Spa

Give Tana its due! Your stop-over in this busy city can be adventurous, fun and enlightening. Set in the heart of Tana, Pallisandre Hotel & Spa offers an unrivalled view of the city. Relaxation is guaranteed with a full spa on-site that features a hammam, gym, massages, facials and other beauty treatments. The signature red brick simulates the rich artistry of the Malagasy people. The hotel overlooks the busy local market – ask your guide to take you for a stroll there! The hotel is centrally located and just a short taxi ride away from many of the excellent restaurants, or of course, you can choose to eat in the hotel’s own restaurant and enjoy a local rum tasting thereafter.

Ravintsara Wellness Hotel

Designed with relaxation in mind, the Ravintsara Wellness Hotel is set in a rainforest with its own private beach. Days can be spent exploring the island at large or choosing one of the hotel’s many ways to relax. Why not spend some time at the spa, have a cocktail at the bar, lie with a book on the beach, go gambling, go to the salon or try a delicious meal from the restaurant? A gastronomic chef serves a selection of delectable local dishes as highlights before and after all the exciting adventures in Nosy Be and the surrounding archipelago.

Constance Tsarabanjina

If you’re looking for pristine beaches and unsurpassed relaxation then Constance Tsarabanjina is the place for you. Guests feel like they have the island to their own – the lodge is radiating the very essence of romance. This luxury beach lodge offers fantastic diving experiences with majestic creatures such as whale sharks and manta rays. In the evening you can enjoy culinary highlights beneath an awe-inspiring star-filled sky. With a choice of sea-facing bungalows, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more perfect destination to share with the one you love.

Mandrare River Camp

With the goal of having very little impact on the environment and surrounding villages, the Mandrare River Camp aims to empower the local community by creating jobs and supporting the local school. But that’s not the only reason why we selected it as our number 9. This luxury tented camp – one of a very few in Madagascar – has the most beautiful untouched surroundings with a variety of activities and a rather special way of encouraging guests to experience the local cultures. You are invited to see the tombs of the great ancestors, experience the flora and fauna of the spiny forest and are greeted by the elders before entering their ‘sacred forests’. You can also enjoy some specialist animal sightings that are unique to the island. It holds great relaxation, adventurous activities and the joy of knowing that you are giving back.

Manafiafy Rainforest Lodge

Nestled in the midst of untouched natural beauty, Manafiafy Rainforest Lodge invites you to escape the hustle and bustle of Madagascar’s more touristy areas. This eco-lodge is in complete tune with nature and offers luxury at its best. You are allocated a personal guide who makes sure you get an up-close look at Madagascar’s extraordinary flora and fauna. The romantic feel makes it perfect for honeymooners, couples or families that just want to have some quality or bonding time together. We picked this lodge as our number ten as it is simply unique. Manafiafy Rainforest Lodge is well-known for its beautiful rooms, for its delicious food and a variety of exciting activities but after all, it is the remote and stunning locations that makes this lodge extra special.

HIDDEN GEM: Le Soleil des Tsingy

We called this our Top 10 Lodges & Camps of Madagascar but like the bonus track on a good music album, we’ve added a sweet bonus lodge. If you’re desperate to visit the Tsingy of Bemaraha, then Le Soleil des Tsingy is the perfect accommodation option for you. Not only will you be able to enjoy a dramatic view of the Manalambo River from the hotel, but you’ll also encounter breath-taking sunsets that are more than picture-perfect. As an environmentally responsible hotel, it’s been actively involved in the conservation of the nature around it by regularly planting trees, preserving natural surroundings and investing in the craft and artwork from local artisans.

The area of Bekopaka nearby provides a kaleidoscope of tropical vegetation, while the 20-hectare private park of Soleil des Tsingy is home to a wide variety of local animal species. If you have kids, then this is the perfect vacation destination for you, with a large playground on which your kids can frolic, as well as a toboggan for kids of all ages to enjoy!

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20 Days Madagascar, Kenya and Tanzania Migration Safari

Home » African Safari Packages » 20 Days Madagascar, Kenya and Tanzania Migration Safari

Madagascar is a diversity hot spot, offering a unique kind of safari. You won’t see the ‘normal’ safari animals here – there are no elephants or lions. Instead, the island is home to over 100 species of lemurs, as well as a wealth of reptiles, amphibians and birds. Most of these animals are endemic to Madagascar. Of particular interest are the chameleons, which vary greatly in color, shape and size.

In reality, there is no spectacle on earth as the one of the wildebeest migration which seems to neither start nor finish in their endless search for food and water, as they migrate across the Serengeti- Masai Mara ecosystem in a relentless sequence of life and death which occurs annually.

The only beginning is the calving season which sees new members join the struggle in what is termed action-packed in February at the Ndutu plains as 75000 calves are born before the journey starts again in May-June with the rutting season as the wildebeest prepare to cross the dangerous Mara River which is filled with big Nile crocodiles and the end is the death this was evidenced by the  East African  author and photographer Jonathan Scott, who has spent the better part of the last 30 years witnessing the events of the great migration in the  Serengeti and Masai-Mara ecosystem.

Safari highlights

• Lemur trekking experience
• Wildebeest Migration

Detailed safari itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo and transfer to Your Lodge for relaxation and overnight

On arrival in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the city. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the 3 levels of the city with the colourful market in the centre and the palace high up, overlooking the hustle.

Day 2: Drive from Antananarivo to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

In the morning you will start our journey with a drive to Andasibe through the green and luxuriant vegetation of eastern Madagascar. Along the way you will see Merina villages spread in the Rocky Mountains. You arrive at Andasibe in the afternoon and check-in to the hotel. In the evening you will set off from the hotel on a night walk to observe night active lemurs and other nocturnal animals. After the hike you will return to the lodge for overnight.

Day 3: Full day exploration of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

You start our morning with a visit to the Special Reserve of Andasibe to see the Indri, the largest lemurs on the island. This 810 ha reserve is unique with its endemic fauna and flora and contains a wide variety of orchids, canopy, and endemic animals like chameleons, tenrecs, and many birds. In the afternoon, you visit the Andasibe village, which is typical of the Betsimisaraka (“The-Many-Inseparables”) community, the second largest tribe on the island who are known to cultivate rice and live mainly off the forest. This short visit gives us an insight into the life of the local people.

Day 4: Drive from Andasibe Mantadia national park to Antsirabe city

You will drive back to Tana and head south to Antsirabe across the highland landscape with beautiful rice fields on display and stop enroute in Ampefy and visit the Lili Waterfalls. You arrive in Antsirabe late afternoon. Named ‘The place of salt’ this elegant city is known for being the center of the beer industry – we can smell the Star Brewery as we enter the town! Founded by Norwegians in 1856, it is the only place which really feels and looks like a European city.

Day 5: Drive from Antsirabe to Ranomafana National Park

After breakfast you will drive to Ambositra, the center of Madagascar’s wood carving industry. The highlands are characterised by its architecture. The houses are made with ornately carved wooden balconies and shutters with bright colours. Further on you pass the ‘le col de tapia”, a type of tree resistant to bush fires. The landscape is still dominated by rice fields, pine forests, eucalyptus trees and Rocky Mountains. You turn off from the main road to reach our destination for the day, the Ranomafana National Park.

Day 6 -Full day hiking in Ranomafana National Park

The approximately 40,000 ha of Parc National de Ranomafana, with its rain forest covered hills and abundant wildlife, has long been considered one of Madagascar’s highlights and is one of the country’s most heavily visited national parks. Its entrance lies about 7 km from Ranomafana village. In addition to its densely forested hills, Ranomafana’s terrain is characterised by numerous small streams which plummet down to the beautiful Namorona River. Although much of the region has been logged, the easternmost part of the park retains relatively large areas of primary forest. Here you will enjoy long walks in the National Park spotting lemurs, chameleons and other animals.

Day 7: Flight from Ranomafana National Park to Antananarivo for your connecting flight to Nairobi

After morning breakfast you will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight from Ranomafana national park to Antananarivo, upon arrival you will be transferred to your connecting flight to Nairobi upon arrival you will be received and transferred to your lodge for relaxation.

Day 8: Full day city tour of Nairobi

After breakfast, you will be picked up by our representative to explore the city of Nairobi. You will visit the former home of Karen Blixen which is now a museum. You also tour the Giraffe Centre; you will also visit the Elephant orphanage at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Lunch is served at Karen Blixen Restaurant. Afternoon visit the animal orphanage at the entrance of Nairobi National park and the National Museum of Kenya Return to the hotel for a free afternoon and overnight  at your hotel of choice.

Day 9: Flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara

After breakfast, transfer to Wilson airport for your scheduled flight to the world renowned Masai Mara.

On arrival Masai Mara, you transfer to your safari lodge,  Nestled in a river glade in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, the area is a favourite for elephants coming to drink from the Talek River. Later in the day you will head out to the park in search of the African big game like Lions, Leopards, cheetah, elephants, Buffalos, Wildebeest and abundant birdlife.

Day 10: Safaris in Masai Mara

Our morning and afternoon game drives take us in search of Africa’s Big Five and the plethora of other wildlife inhabiting this vast Kenyan game reserve. On clear days, the Masai Mara offers fantastic orange tinged sunset’s well-worth capturing on camera. The Masai Mara Game Reserve is 1510km² of incredible wide-open landscapes and fertile riverine woodland following the looping meanders of the Mara and Talek rivers in Kenya. One glimpse is enough to explain its appeal; it is typical open savannah, with a mass of amazing wildlife.

Wherever you go in the vast Masai Mara you will see an abundance of wildlife such as Masai giraffe, baboons, warthogs, bat eared foxes, grey jackals, spotted hyena, Topis, impala, hartebeests, wildebeest. Elephants, buffaloes, zebras and hippos are also found in great numbers. It is also common to see lions either basking after a heavy meal, or surveying the plains for their next meal. Cheetahs and leopards are harder to spot, but reasonably common.

Day 11: Full day game drives in Masai Mara national reserve

After morning breakfast you will head to track the wildebeest Migration, usually the mara river areas are the best places to camp as the wildebeest are struggling to cross the Mara River from Tanzania’s Serengeti in search of green grass and will also have a good chance to see predators and later in the day you will return to the lodge for dinner and Overnight.

Day 12: Flight Masai Mara to Nairobi

After an eventful safari experience in Masai mara our guide will transfer you to the airstrip for your return flight to Nairobi upon arrival you will be received by our guide and transfer to the airport for your connecting flight to Kilimanjaro, upon arrival you will received and transferred to your hotel in Arusha for relaxation and overnight.

Day 13: Full day relaxation in Arusha

After lazily morning breakfast you will spend the day exploring Arusha city where you will visit the city centre, markets and shopping places, after you will return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Day 14: Drive to Lake Manyara national park

Depart after breakfast for your light aircraft flight to Lake Manyara, where a guide waits to meet you. He will drive you to Lake Manyara National Park and the grove of mahogany trees that shelters Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. This is the only lodge in the park, which makes for an exclusive and intimate atmosphere. Ten thatched, tree house suites radiate from the central lounge, bar and dining area, each offering beautiful views. Serengeti 3 Nights.

Day 15: Full day game drives in Lake Manyara national park

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, and exciting night drives. Expect a rich variety of natural habitats set around the lake, which is a sanctuary for flamingos and other water birds. The woodlands and open savannah plains support a large elephant population along with giraffe, buffalo and a multitude of graceful antelope. Lake Manyara’s lions are the primary predators here and famous for their unusual habit of climbing trees.

Day 16: Drive from Lake Manyara to Serengeti national park

After breakfast, enjoy a delightful game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Keep your eyes open for the fascinating wildlife that populates this lake region and marvel at its staggering natural beauty before heading back to the camp for lunch. After Lunch depart Lake Manyara as your journey continues across the stunning hilly countryside of the highlands. Admire the wheat and coffee plantations as you head towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From here lie the vast plains of the Serengeti, where you’ll hopefully start spotting game well before you get into the park.

Day 17: Full day game drives in Serengeti national park

The Serengeti is famed for being home to millions of animals and the annual Great Migration of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. And yet, the dramatic landscapes in which this wildlife prowls are themselves worthy of admiration. Riverine forests and woodlands, rocky outcrops called kopjes, and an imposing volcano are just some of the backdrops in which the animals can be spotted during the morning and afternoon game drives. With some luck, here you will see the Big Five and, with greater luck, the harder-to-spot species grouped as the Little Five: the antlion, the rhino beetle, the elephant shrew, the buffalo weaver, and the leopard tortoise. Birds and reptiles are also plentiful in the Serengeti National Park. An optional balloon safari is also available, departing the lodge before sunrise, with hour-long flights at different levels to give you both an overview of Serengeti National Park and a close look at the wildlife.

Day 18: Drive from Serengeti national park to Ngorongoro conservation area

After an early morning breakfast you will depart for the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater while still viewing game as you drive across the vast Serengeti plains. Stop for a picnic lunch along the way and continue the journey to your lodge, set at the base of the conservation area in or near the village of Karatu.

Day 19: Full day game drives in Ngorongoro conservation area

A highlight awaits you this morning as you depart to explore what is commonly referred to as the ‘world’s largest wildlife zoo.’ After breakfast, descend with a picnic lunch through the early morning mists 600 metres into the crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Due to its size and diversity, the crater floor is comprised of several distinct areas, ranging from forest, swamps, lakes and springs, to open grassland and some beautiful sand dunes. It’s an unforgettable wildlife experience. A picnic lunch is served overlooking a small lake populated with hippos. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.

Day 20: Depart Ngorongoro Crater for Arusha

After lazily morning breakfast you will depart for Arusha, upon arrival in Arusha you will be transferred to your lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Trip includes

• Lemur trekking permits
• Accommodation
• Domestic flights
• Park entrance fees for Kenya and Tanzania
• All game drives
• All airport transfers
• Enroute meals and drinking water
• Vehicle, guide and Fuel

Trip excludes

• International flights
• Madagascar, Kenya and Tanzania tourist Visa
• Travel insurance
• Tips for guides and hotels
• Alcoholic drinks

When to book this safari package

We recommend booking this safari package 1 year in advance.

Best time to witness wildebeest Migration and trek Lemurs in Madagascar

We recommend travelling in August for this safari as this is the peak season for wildebeest Migration in Kenya and Tanzania and Madagascar is also great for trekking.

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