Madagascar

Madagascar

Experience the unparalleled beauty and adventure of holidays in Madagascar with its breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and vibrant culture. Nestled off the eastern coast of Africa, this exotic island paradise offers a wealth of natural wonders waiting to be explored. From lush rainforests and pristine beaches to extraordinary wildlife encounters, Madagascar is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Immerse yourself in the diverse ecosystems of Madagascar as you embark on thrilling wildlife expeditions. Discover the famous lemurs, known for their playful nature and distinctive appearance, as you trek through the enchanting rainforests. Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, with its limestone formations and hidden caves. Marvel at the stunning baobab trees that dot the countryside and capture the essence of Madagascar’s natural beauty.

For beach lovers, Madagascar offers idyllic coastal escapes with crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sandy beaches. Relax and unwind in the charming beachside villages of Nosy Be, surrounded by tropical beauty and offering a variety of water sports and leisure activities. Dive into the vibrant underwater world of the Indian Ocean, teeming with colorful coral reefs and fascinating marine life. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, the beaches of Madagascar offer a perfect retreat.

Immerse yourself in the rich Malagasy culture and heritage as you visit local villages and interact with friendly locals. Experience the vibrant markets of Antananarivo, the capital city, where you can indulge in traditional crafts, spices, and delicious street food. Discover the traditional music and dance forms that reflect the island’s diverse cultural heritage. Madagascar’s warm and welcoming people will ensure your holiday is filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories.

Essential Information

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Hot and humid rainy season between November and April, with cooler ‘summer’. Best time to travel is through our summer, and the best time for whale watching.

FLIGHT TIME

Around 15 hours, including a stop.

TIME ZONE

GMT/BST +3 (Eastern Africa Time)

CURRENCY

Ariary

IDEAL FOR

Amazing for nature lovers, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting either or land or sea.

HOW TO GET THERE

There are no direct flights to Madagascar, although it’s possible to fly either through Paris, from nearby Mauritius or South Africa.

LANGUAGE

Malagasy, with some French

IDEAL TO COMBINE WITH

Great destination to combine in the Indian Ocean, more adventure and then a beach stay in Mauritius, or twin with a stay in South Africa.

Our Favourite Places in Madagascar

Suggested Itineraries

Andasibe

Madagascar Reef and Rainforest

14 day holiday

Baobab Beach, Nosy Be, Antananarivo, Andasibe, Maromizaha Rainforest

This relaxed two-week itinerary in Madagascar is ideal for nature lovers looking to explore lush rainforests and unwind on a quiet tropical beach. After a night in the capital, you’ll head east with a private guide and driver to the Andasibe-Mantadia region. Spend several days in the national parks and rainforest reserves spotting an impressive variety of wildlife including the iconic Indri, Diademed sifaka, colourful chameleons, endemic birds and an astonishing diversity of frogs. Guided night walks offer the chance to spot elusive nocturnal creatures like Goodman’s Mouse lemur and Fork-marked lemur. Accommodation throughout the wildlife portion of the trip includes comfortable eco-lodges surrounded by forest, with expert local guides leading the way.

From the rainforest, you’ll fly north to Nosy Be and continue by speedboat to Eden Lodge on Baobab Beach — a secluded coastal retreat accessible only by water. Over six nights, enjoy kayaking, snorkelling, and exploring the Sambirano woods, where lemurs, turtles and vibrant birdlife abound. Optional excursions include scuba diving, marine wildlife cruises, or a visit to the coral-rich Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve. The lodge offers a balance of adventure and relaxation, with private chalets and serene views of the Indian Ocean. The journey ends with a return flight via Addis Ababa back to the UK.

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Madagascar Wildlife Discovery (Small Group Tours)

16 day holiday

Antananarivo, Mantadia National Park, Ifaty, Isalo National Park, Anja, Ranomafana National Park, Antsirabe

These immersive, 16-day itineraries include guided walks in lush rainforests such as Andasibe-Mantadia and Ranomafana, where guests can see a stunning variety of wildlife including multiple species of lemur (such as the Indri and Diademed sifaka), rare birds like Vangas and Mesites, and curious reptiles like chameleons and geckoes. The tour also features drier habitats such as the spiny bush near Ifaty, known for its botanical oddities and locally endemic birds, and the dramatic sandstone landscapes of Isalo. All walks are guided by professional Malagasy wildlife experts, and where trails vary in difficulty, two pace groups are offered for participant comfort.

Travel is in comfortable, air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles, and accommodation ranges from charming lodges in national parks to simple but well-located hotels. Highlights include snorkelling opportunities, community-run reserves like Anja Parc, and cultural experiences such as a visit to Ambohimanga (schedule-dependent). Group sizes are limited to a maximum of eight, ensuring an intimate, well-supported experience. Tours are currently fully booked for 2025, with 2026 departures available from September through November. Extensions and bespoke add-ons, including beach stays, are available on request. A moderate level of fitness is required, as several walks include uneven and occasionally challenging terrain.

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Madagascar and Mauritius Made Easy

13 day holiday

Mauritius, Andasibe, Mantadia National Park, Antananarivo

This two-week journey is perfect for those seeking a laid-back beach holiday with a dose of nature and wildlife. Begin in Madagascar with a stay near the lush rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, where a private guide will lead you on daytime and night-time walks to spot lemurs, chameleons, and rare birds. Accommodation is in a comfortable lodge set amid verdant surroundings, offering a peaceful base to experience Madagascar’s unique biodiversity. After three days exploring the rainforest trails and spotting the likes of Indri, Diademed sifaka and Goodman’s mouse lemur, return to the capital for your flight to Mauritius.

The second part of the trip takes you to the tranquil beaches of Mauritius, where you’ll stay for a week at an all-inclusive, adults-only resort such as Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel & Spa. Spend your days lounging by the sea, indulging in spa treatments, or trying out water sports. For a touch of adventure, optional excursions include visits to Black River Gorges National Park — a haven for endangered birds like the pink pigeon and echo parakeet — or to the offshore islet of Ile Aux Aigrettes, a predator-free reserve home to rare reptiles and birds. The combination of Madagascar’s wilderness and Mauritius’s coastline makes this a unique and enriching twin-centre escape.

Isalo

Classic Madagascar: RN7 Route and Andasibe

17 day holiday

Andasibe, Ifaty, Isalo National Park, Ambalavao, 

This tailor-made private tour along Madagascar’s RN7 route combines the island’s diverse landscapes, habitats, and wildlife with fascinating cultural insights. The journey begins with time in the lush Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, where you’ll enjoy expertly guided walks through rainforests alive with lemurs, birds, and nocturnal creatures. Heading south, the route includes unique ecosystems such as the Spiny Forest near Ifaty and the transition forests of Zombitse, before continuing to the dramatic sandstone formations of Isalo National Park and the community-run Anja Reserve, home to charismatic ring-tailed lemurs.

The itinerary also takes in the rich rainforests of Ranomafana, known for its high biodiversity, including twelve lemur species. Along the way, you’ll travel in a private 4WD with an experienced Malagasy guide, staying in characterful lodges with all meals included. With optional activities such as conservation tree planting, kayaking, and nocturnal forest walks, the trip can be tailored to your interests. It’s ideal for nature lovers and families keen on exploring the great outdoors, and best suited to travel from April through to December.

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Madagascar Contrasts in Style

14 day holiday

Tsingy de Namaroka, Ifotaka, Mandrare River Camp, Andasibe

This carefully crafted itinerary is designed for those wishing to experience Madagascar’s extraordinary natural diversity in comfort and style. The journey begins with an exploration of the lush eastern rainforests at Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, home to the famous indri and a variety of endemic wildlife. From there, travellers head south by light aircraft to the arid landscapes of Ifotaka, staying at the exclusive Mandrare River Camp. Here, guided walks through spiny forest and sacred woodlands offer sightings of ring-tailed lemurs, sifakas and vibrant birdlife, alongside a unique insight into Antandroy culture.

To complete the adventure, guests fly to the remote Tsingy de Namoroka National Park in the northwest, accessed via Soalala and a scenic overland drive. The newly opened Namoroka Tsingy Camp provides access to this rarely visited area, where dramatic limestone formations, cave systems, and elusive wildlife including fossas and nocturnal lemurs await. Throughout the trip, high-quality accommodation and excellent hospitality ensure a seamless experience, with travel best timed between May and November. Tailoring to individual preferences is welcomed, making this sample tour a perfect foundation for a personalised Madagascan adventure.

Morondava, Madagascar

Western Madagascar Explorer: Baobabs, Tsingy and Wildlife

16 day holiday

Morondava, Belo Sur Mer, Nosy Andravoho, Kirindy Mitea National Park

Western Madagascar’s Menabe region offers a thrilling deep-dive into the island’s wild landscapes and cultural heritage. The journey kicks off with a rainforest experience in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, a must-see for first-time visitors keen on spotting Madagascar’s iconic wildlife. From here, the adventure shifts westwards, flying to Morondava and travelling north to Kirindy Forest—famed for its nocturnal wildlife like Fosa and fork-marked lemurs. Continuing on a challenging yet rewarding route, travellers reach the awe-inspiring Tsingy de Bemaraha, a limestone labyrinth with towering formations and dramatic gorges, explored over three days via hikes and a canoe trip on the Manambolo River.

After returning to Kirindy for another shot at night-time wildlife encounters, the route continues southwards to the remote coastal village of Belo Sur Mer. This Veso-Sakalava community is known for its centuries-old tradition of schooner building, a legacy of pirate influence. Visitors also explore Kirindy Mitea National Park, a rich mosaic of spiny bush, baobabs, flamingo-dotted lakes, and quiet islets ideal for snorkelling. The itinerary wraps up with a return to Morondava and a long drive east to Antsirabe and finally Antananarivo, passing through different landscapes and cultures including those of the Merina and Betsileo people. The itinerary is best done from May to mid-October due to road conditions in the wet season and currently aligns with Air Madagascar’s flight schedule.

CALL US

We would be delighted to talk about your holiday arrangements over the phone. You can contact us between 8am and 10pm every day (outside of office hours may not be immediate).

01442 879787

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If you wish to send us your requirements by email using the link below, we’ll get back to you. Outside of office hours, we’ll reply to you as soon as we can.

VISIT US

Our office is open 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday (excluding Bank Holidays). If you wish to make an appointment, please either call or send a message, although it’s not compulsory.

254 HIGH STREET, BERKHAMSTED

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