Madagascar

Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, is a captivating blend of unique biodiversity.

Key Madagascar Insights

Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, is a captivating blend of unique biodiversity. Nestled 400 kilometres off Africa’s eastern coast, this “8th Continent” is renowned for its remarkable rainforests, limestone karsts and stunning beaches. Home to 5% of the planet’s species, approximately 80% of which are found nowhere else on earth, Madagascar boasts lemurs, fossa, rare chameleons and a variety of birding hotspots. The Island is a unique mix of African, Asian and Indian ocean fauna and flora, from small mammals, butterflies, marine life and diverse plants. Madagascar’s pristine natural beauty and growing eco-lodges offer travellers an unforgettable experience on one of Africa’s hidden gems. (Madagascar is a year-round destination)

Seasons

Golden Season (Dry)

May - Nov

Green Season (Wet)

Dec - Apr

15°C (59°F) – 25°C (77°F)
  • Mild & Dry
  • Lower Rainfall
25°C (77°F) – 35°C (95°F)
  • Humid & Rainy
  • Tropical Storms (Feb-April)
  • Andasibe-Mantadia
  • Ranomafana
  • Isalo
  • Palmarium
  • Sainte Marie
  • Ankarafantsika
  • Masoala
  • Ifaty
  • Anjajavy
  • Amber
  • Anakarana
  • Kirindy Forest
  • Avenue of Baobabs
  • Tsingy de Bemaraha 
  • Nosy Be Island
  • Nosy Ankao
  • Andasibe-Mantadia
  • Ranomafana
  • Isalo
  • Palmarium
  • Sainte Marie
  • Ankarafantsika
  • Masoala
  • Ifaty
  • Anjajavy
  • Amber
  • Anakarana
  • Kirindy Forest
  • Avenue of Baobabs
  • Tsingy de Bemaraha 
  • Nosy Be Island
  • Nosy Ankao
  • Lemurs
  • Fossa
  • Sifaka
  • Chameleons
  • Leaf-Tailed Geckos
  • Rare Bird Species
  • Butterflies and Moths
  • Tomato Frog
  • Giraffe Weevil
  • Madagascar Fish Eagle
  • Malagasy Giant Rodent Whale Migration
  • Whale Sharks
  • Aye-Aye 
  • Nocturnal Lemur Species
  • Leaf-Tailed Geckos
  • Rainforest Bird Species
  • Frogs and Amphibians
  • Parson’s Chameleon
  • Butterflies and Moths
  • Whale Sharks
  • Sea Turtles
  • Ideal Walking Conditions
  • Prime Wildlife Viewing
  • Clear Skies
  • Cooler Temperatures
  • Stunning Coastal Scenery
  • Excellent Photography Conditions
  • Whale Watching (July-September)
  • Lemur Breeding Season
  • Fossa Breeding Season
  • Island and Beach Paradise
  • Wild Flowers
  • Lemur Activity
  • Amphibian Activity
  • Rare Orchids and Plants
  • Active Freshwater Wetlands
  • Waterfalls and Rivers
  • Rich Green Vegetation
  • Fewer Tourists
  • Nocturnal Wildlife Peaks
  • Island and Beach Paradise
  • Forest Walks
  • Lemur Safaris
  • Night Walks
  • Bird Watching
  • Marine Excursions
  • Whale Watching
  • Whale Shark Tours
  • Photographic Safaris
  • Snorkelling & Diving
  • Conservation Visits
  • Forest Walks
  • Lemur Safaris
  • Night Walks
  • Bird Watching
  • Marine Excursions
  • Whale Watching
  • Whale Shark Tours
  • Photographic Safaris
  • Snorkelling & Diving
  • Conservation Visits
  • Book in advance for best activities
  • Book Early for popular accommodation
  • More Availability
  • Seasonal Promotions
  • Family-Friendly Packages
  • Book Early for December

Our Favourite Safaris

  1. Baobabs & Rainforests – (Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Avenue of the Baobabs)
  2. Tropical Wildlife – (Nosy Be, Lokobe Reserve)
  3. Eastern Discoveries – (Ranomafana National Park, Andringitra Mountains)
  4. Western Explorations – (Kirindy Forest, Tsingy de Bemaraha)
  5. Primate Paradise – (Masoala National Park, Andasibe)
  6. South Coast Wildlife – (Isalo National Park, Ifaty)
  7. Island Retreats – (Nosy Be, Nosy Ankao)

Guide Insights

I first visited Madagascar as a proof of concept – to distinguish the biological zones that wedged this mega-island between Asia and Africa in the times of Pangea. I was awestruck at the similarities to India on the east and Africa on the west. Madagascar is a paradise for biodiversity too – boasting approximately 15,000 plant species – 80% of which are found nowhere else on earth! It’s a birdwatching heaven with over 300 species of birds. The island is home to an astonishing 110 lemur species found nowhere else. I remember sitting in Antananarivo with a National Geographic researcher discussing the extant megafauna of madagascar like elephant birds, giant fossa and giant sloth lemurs. They had just discovered a hidden “ocean graveyard” of wildlife fossils – in a continent so well travelled it is amazing to know there are still surprises to be found if you are willing to adventure. The excitement of meeting the world’s smallest chameleon or photographing dwarf geckos will stay with me for life. My favourite insect encounter was watching a giraffe weevil walk across the jungle leaves! The island’s marine biodiversity is equally impressive with fish, sea turtles, whale sharks and migratory whales. I’d recommend this trip to nature enthusiasts looking for a unique island that merges terrestrial and marine life.

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