Guide to how Madagascar works

Madagascar is one of the most unique and diverse destinations in the Indian Ocean with amazing wildlife encounters on offer, scenery like no other and some of the most exceptional beaches to be found in this part of the world. It is incredibly important to travel to Madagascar with an open mind and realistic expectations, so that you make the most of your time here and don’t come home feeling disappointed. Here we give our rundown on how to prepare and what to expect.

Guide to Madagascar's top 10 wildlife species

Madagascar is fast-becoming the place to go for Africa old-hands looking for something new and for those wanting an assault of their senses. Regarded as the Eighth Continent because of its diversity of flora and fauna and unique melting pot of cultures, here we give the rundown on our top 10 species from this kaleidoscope of nature.

Our guide to Masoala National Park

A trip to Madagascar is high on the list for many wildlife enthusiasts, with over 80% of the flora and fauna found there being endemic to the island. Described as a kaleidoscope of nature, there is plenty of amazing species to go in search of. With aye-ayes, lemurs and whales, we believe Masoala National Park has it all! Here we tell you why we love this protected park in the far north of the country.

Discover Madagascar

Taking in the highlights of Madagascar, this is the perfect adventure for those in search of lemurs with the chance to explore incredible rainforests, rugged canyons and the beautiful coast at Ifaty - there could be few better ways to explore Madagascar.

Madagascar

The oldest island on earth, Madagascar broke free from the super-continent of Gondwana over 165 million years ago. Now lying 425 kilometres off the south-eastern coast of Africa, it supports one of the most diverse ranges of flora and fauna on earth. It is of course lemurs that Madagascar is most famed for – there are an astonishing 80 or so varieties in all. The wildlife extends much more beside this though with over 200,000 species on the island and between 80 and 90 percent being endemic. The white sandy beaches tempt many at the end of their wildlife exploration, with whale watching and world-class diving on offer.

Described as the Eighth Continent and a kaleidoscope of nature thanks to the diversity of species on offer, Madagascar is a wildlife-lover’s paradise offering a safari holiday with a difference. There’s a whole host of flora and fauna waiting to be explored with lush rainforests and rich national parks teeming with lemurs, frogs, chameleons, tenrecs and endemic aye-ayes – the world’s largest nocturnal primate. The white sandy beaches to the north of the island and surrounding halo of satellite islands beckon with welcoming warm waters and fantastic snorkelling and diving. For those keen to continue the wildlife viewing, there is whale-watching on offer at Ile Sainte Marie between July and September.

For nature-lovers, Ranomafana National Reserve holds great appeal with the golden bamboo lemur – only discovered in 1986 – being the star attraction, as well as there being 11 other species including the Milne-Edwards’ sifaka. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is another major wildlife area and the best place on Madagascar for spotting the Indri indri, the largest of the lemur species.

In terms of spectacular scenery, Isalo National Park never fails to impress with sandstone canyons carved into weird and wonderful shapes, whilst the Avenue of Baobabs offers an incredible spectacle of towering Grandidier’s baobabs which offer wonderful photo opportunities, particularly at sunset. Ankarana Reserve is home to a variety of lemurs, as well as an island of tsingy formations – sharp pinnacles of Jurassic limestone which give way to deep gorges. In the northern-most reaches of the island is Amber Mountain National Park, a volcanic massif wrapped in rainforest with habituated Sanford’s brown and crowned lemurs, impressive birdlife as well as a number of waterfalls and crater lakes.

Whilst the primary reason to visit Madagascar is for the diversity of wildlife experiences on offer, it also offers pristine, white sandy beaches which are the perfect spot to spend a few days relaxing after exploring the rest of the island. Nosy Be off the north west coast is perhaps the best known of Madagascar’s beach destinations offering a picture-perfect beach stay, whilst the islands of Ile Sainte Marie, Tsarabanjina and Nosy Komba offer an unspoilt and pristine beach stay, where you can discover your very own slice of beach heaven.

Unlike many African capitals, Antananarivo holds much of interest, which is just as well as often multiple stops are needed to fit in with flight schedules and navigating from one part of the island to another. A real cultural melting point, Tana as it is often called, highlights what a completely different place Madagascar is. Built into twelve sacred hills, this vibrant and colourful city is a frenetic buzz which captivates many visitors.

Read here about the trip our Africa specialist, Jennifer took to Madagascar.


To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8870

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Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Madagascar

Vakona Forest Lodge is a fantastic wildlife lodge close to Madagascar’s famed Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. Nestled in lush tropical rainforest, Vakona Forest Lodge is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those wanting to see Indri lemurs.

Vakona Forest Lodge

North West Coast, Madagascar

Anjajavy Le Lodge offers an idyllic and remote wildlife and beach stay on Madagascar's north-west coast. Offering a luxurious yet authentic experience, Anjajavy is reachable only by light aircraft making for an exclusive and romantic spot.

Anjajavy

Southern Coast, Madagascar

Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge is a superb small eco-lodge set on a pristine beach near Madagascar’s southern tip. Manafiafy Lodge is a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts, drawn by forest lemurs, whales and birds, and the food is truly superb.

Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge

Tsarabanjina, Madagascar

Constance Tsarabanjina is arguably Madagascar’s finest beach lodge. Set on a pristine tropical island near Nosy Be, Constance Tsarabanjina is an idyllic castaway escape where you can laze beneath the palms, enjoy exceptional diving and plenty of pampering

Constance Tsarabanjina

Isalo National Park, Madagascar

Jardin du Roy is a comfortable lodge superbly located for exploring the hiking trails of Madagascar’s incredible Isalo National Park. If you’re not keen on walking, the Jardin du Roy has plenty of other things to do and is extremely relaxing.

Jardin du Roy

Ile St Marie, Eastern Madagascar

Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa is a luxurious beach retreat on Madagascar's beautiful Ile Sainte Marie. Set on a beautiful beach and offering wonderful whale-watching between July and October, this is the perfect romantic retreat, away from the crowds.

Princesse Bora Lodge

Isalo National Park, Madagascar

Relais de la Reine is an excellent hotel perfectly located for exploring the amazing sandstone scenery of Madagascar’s Isalo National Park. Stylish and comfortable, Relais de la Reine makes a relaxing base after hiking the trails of Isalo.

Relais de la Reine

Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar

Setam Lodge is a charming and comfortable lodge located near the entrance of Madagascar’s Ranomafana National Park. With some of Madagascar’s most bio-diverse rainforest at hand, Setam Lodge is a fabulous place for wildlife enthusiasts and birders.

Setam Lodge

Ankarana Reserve, Madagascar

Ideally located for exploring Madagascar’s extraordinary tsingy landscapes, Ankarana Lodge is a comfortable rustic lodge perfect for wildlife lovers and photographers. Ankarana Lodge also has a swimming pool great for cooling off after a hot day hike.

Ankarana Lodge

Antananarivo, Madagascar

Au Bois Vert is a charming small hotel located in a peaceful forest setting just outside Madagascar's capital Antananarivo. Comfortable accommodation and a lovely swimming pool make Au Bois Vert a great escape from the bustle of Antananarivo.

Au Bois Vert

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Ankarana Reserve, Madagascar

Ankarana's landscape never fails to impress with spectacular limestone pinnacles rising up from the plateau and a series of canyon and caves. Keep your camera handy to capture some of the most impressive scenery in Madagascar.

Tsingy in Ankarana

Masoala Peninsula, Madagascar

A unique combination of rainforest and coral reef awaits at Masoala in the north-east of Madagascar - trek through the rainforest in search of lemurs and chameleons, enjoy exceptional snorkelling and whale watching - a trip to Masoala is a must!

Reef and Rainforest at Masoala

Mainland Beaches, Madagascar

Manafiafy Lodge offers a camping experience like no other, spend the night on your own private island in a tent suspended in the air between some palm trees! Go to sleep with the stars shining bright above you and the sounds of the wildlife around you.

Tree Camp Sleep-out

Kirindy Forest, Madagascar

Guided walks in Kirindy Forest are some of the most rewarding in Madagascar. Although difficult to reach, in the remote and lesser visited west of Madagascar, it is well-worth the journey. There are a variety of lemurs found here as well as the fossa.

Kirindy Forest Guided Walks

Ifaty,Madagascar

Snorkelling over the protected reefs off the coast of Ifaty is a superb experience. A local pirogue, which is a traditional fishing boat, takes you out to the reef, where you can spend as long as you like spotting different species!

Snorkelling

Throughout Madagascar

Lemurs are what Madagascar is most well-known for and attracts many to this unique island. There are a huge variety of lemurs that are both diurnal and nocturnal found throughout the country. A wide range can be seen on a comprehensive Madagascan trip!

Search for lemurs

Antananarivo,Madagascar

Lemur Park is the ideal location for those visiting Madagascar who may not have time to see lemurs in the wild. A 5 ha reserve planted with various endemic plant species from across Madagascar is home to 9 lemur species, many of which are rehabilitated.

Lemur park

Anja Reserve, Madagascar

Anja Reserve is located between Ranomafana National Park and Isalo National Park. It is a small community-run park that is home to some 300 ring-tailed lemurs. You're pretty much guaranteed to see ring-tails here!

Anja Reserve

Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar

Ranomafana is one of Madagascar's finest tracts of primary rainforest. The park was established in 1991 to protect the golden bamboo lemur which is endemic to this area, following its "discovery" by Dr. Patricia Wright after it was thought to be extinct.

Guided walks; Ranomafana National Park

Isalo National Park, Madagascar

Isalo National Park is a remarkable area to explore on foot with a local guide. Eroded sandstone outcrops, canyons, pockets of dry deciduous forest, and rare plants make this a fascinating area to photograph and experience.

Guided walks, Isalo National Park

Masoala Peninsula, Madagascar

The bizarre aye-aye is top of many visitors' list when it comes to Madagascar's lemurs. Despite being widespread and found in most national parks in Madagascar, it is extremely elusive - keep your eyes peeled for the best chance of spotting one!

Hunt for Aye-Ayes

Madagascar Islands, Madagascar

Madagascar lies on the migrating route for whale sharks with Nosy Be off the west coast of Madagascar being prime territory for them. The best time for spotting them is from mid-July to late November with the chance to swim with them on offer.

Swim with whale sharks

Avenue des Baobabs, Madagascar

The Avenue des Baobabs is an iconic destination in Madagascar and is just a short drive from Morondava on the west coast of Madagascar. Visit at sunset for the most spectacular views as the sun sinks behind the baobabs creating wonderful silhouettes.

Avenue des Baobabs

Ifaty, Madagascar

This 45 hectare spiny forest reserve near Ifaty is a superb area for birding and endemic flora such as baobab trees and octopus trees. Key species include the long-tailed ground-roller, subdesert mesite and there are different chameleon and gecko species.

Reniala Reserve, Ifaty

Amber Mountain National Park, Madagascar

Your guide will take you for a guided walk in Amber Mountain National Park. This is one of the country's most bio-diverse regions and is reputedly the best place in the country for spotting chameleons. Keep your eyes peeled for lemurs & mongoose too!

Guided walks in Amber Mountain National Park

Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar

Spend time exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in Western Madagascar. The Petite and Grand Tsingy are well-worth a visit, not only are they spectacular to look at but are home to a variety of wildlife.

Tsingy de Bemaraha

Madagascar Islands, Madagascar

Madagascar is home to some truly exceptional diving with unspoilt corals, particularly off the halo of islands that form around the northern coast. With fantastic reefs and plenty of sealife this is a highlight of any trip to Madagascar!

Diving

Ile Sainte Marie, Madagascar

Migrating humpback whales make the Madagascan coast their playground from July to September each year. Although the whales can be seen all around the coast, traditionally the island of Ile Sainte Marie off the east coast offers the best sightings.

Whale Watching

Antananarivo,Madagascar

Ambohimanga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 21kms from the capital. Still revered by many Malagasy, this sacred hill and traditional fort settlement and palace gives a fantastic insight in to Malagasy culture and history.

Ambohimanga

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