wildlife tours madagascar

Discovery Tours

Adventure tours, active holidays, featured tours.

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Madagascar private tours & Tailor-made holidays

Experience Madagascar at your own pace & with the rythm of the seasons!

Welcome … tonga soa.

If you are planning to visit Madagascar, we are here to help. We are an award-winning Malagasy incoming tour operator, based in Antananarivo with over 24 years experience as a Destination Management Company – DMC. We are providing wildlife and cultural tours as well as beach holidays. With Cactus Tours, you will be able to choose among a wide range of flexible guided tours and vacation programs, either alone or in a group. Off-the-beaten track or on classical tours, we can propose the best combinations matching your interests, budget and trip length anytime.

Hand-crafted tours by natives

Every trip is personalized and handled by local native experts. Through our guided tours and custom trips, you will take advantage of the most beautiful spots and corners of the island.

An island of Marvels

“Here is your dream destination”

A lifetime experience

The wildlife of Madagascar is one of the most amazing on the planet as 80% of them are unique to the Island and found nowhere else. With Cactus Tours, you will be able to choose among a wide range of flexible guided tours and vacation programs, either alone or in a group. Off-the-beaten track or on classical tours, we have the best combinations matching your interests, budget and trip length anytime.

Social responsibilities

We are acting decisively to benefit the local community and to preserve the natural environment of Madagascar, providing our Guests with innovative hand-crafted trips and tours, and ever more personalized services and creating social values.

We are specialising in:

• Custom journeys
• Ecotourism vacations
• Community based tours
• Wildlife tours
• Cultural Tours
• Incentive & seminars
• Educational tours
• Cycling tours & holidays
• Trekking expeditions
• Honeymoon trips

Tours by categories

• Custom tours

• Discovery tours

• Adventure tours

• Active holidays

• Featured tours

• Beach holidays

What are lemurs ?

Why use Cactus Tours ?

A multiple award-winning company and ranked amongst the best tour operators on the island, Cactus Tours Madagascar is a reliable partner and holiday maker. The company is composed of a Malagasy expert team, committed to offer quality services and the best experience possible to the Guests.

As a local tour company, we are here to provide you the necessary guarantee and safety for your trip. We also have the best logistics, expertise and reactivity to make your lifetime trip the most successful.

Madagascar tours & beach destinations by areas

• Diego Suarez – Mountain d’Ambre
• Tsingy of Ankarana – Nosy Be
• Andringitra National Parks
• Kinkony Lake
• Ankarafantsika – Ampijoroa
• Fort Dauphin – Berenty
• Nosy Be archipelago
• Nosy Iranja
• Sainte Marie Island
• Morondava – Belo sur Mer – Ifaty
• Nosy Mangabe – Masoala Reserve
• Marojejy National Park
• Perinet – Mpangalanes
• Ranomafana – Isalo – Tulear – Ifaty
• Anakao – Tsimanapetsotsa
• Tsiribihina – Tsingy de Bemaraha
• Baobab Avenue – Kirindy
• Fort Dauphin – Lavanono – Anakao

Madagascar vacation ideas & inspirations

Which airlines fly to Madagascar?

From Europe and America

• Turkish Airlines
• Kenya Airways via Nairobi
• Ethiopian Airlines

From Asia and Australia

• Air Mauritius via Mauritius
• Emirates via Dubai
• Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa

From the Middle-East

• Emirates (starting from September 2024)

From Africa & Indian Ocean

• South African Airlink
• Kenya Airways
• Air Mauritius
• Emirates from the Seychelles

Contact us: +261-341-505-757 /+261 -202-201-825 – E-mail: [email protected]

Cactus Tours Madagascar Head office: 146 B – Antanetibe Ivato P.o. Box 206 Ivato Airport – 101 Antananarivo – Madagascar

AFFILIATIONS:

• [email protected]

Travel information

Embark on a Madagascar wildlife tour with Naturalist Journeys to discover an island so isolated from the rest of the world, that every land mammal is endemic and nearly half the birds are, too — wow! Search for endearing lemurs, bizarre chameleons, otherworldly flora, and so much more. Madagascar is one of the world’s greatest destinations for birdwatchers and naturalists, alike; a Madagascar birding and wildlife tour is truly an experience of a lifetime. Our Madagascar nature tours focus on birding, general wildlife, and natural history. We also offer other exciting African wildlife tours and African wildlife safaris.

Guided Group Tours

Group travel is rewarding and fun! With more eyes you see more species. Travel Planners of Naturalist Journeys have been creating memorable journeys for 40+ years. We offer you small-group birding and nature tours, limited to just 8-13 persons led by expert guides. Learn and explore with like-minded people, enjoy local food and culture, and immerse yourself in birding and nature.

Conservation Corner

We value conservation – it is at the heart of our work. All Naturalist Journeys’ tours support local conservation projects. Browse the links below to learn more about positive local work to save and conserve the wildlife and landscapes we visit.

Asity Madagascar Asity Madagascar works with local communities to preserve, manage, and protect key ecosystems as habitat for threatened and endangered species of birds and wildlife. Deforestation Deforestation is one of the biggest threats birds and mammals of Madagascar face. Rosewood and ebony are two key tree species targeted by illegal logging operations, which are driven by international demand, extreme poverty in country, and government corruption. The country is currently under an international embargo by the Standing Committee of Convention on International Trade and Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Illegal Wildlife Trade The illicit wildlife trade particularly impacts lemurs, chameleons, snakes, lizards, tortoises, and other charismatic species in Madagascar. TRAFFIC works to stem the trade.

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Wildlife Holidays in Madagascar

The island of Madagascar has been isolated from mainland Africa for 165 million years, allowing evolution here to follow its own unique course. About 80% of its plants, 40% of its birds and virtually all of the mammals, reptiles and amphibians occur nowhere else in the world. There are six endemic, or near-endemic, bird families, a wonderful variety of endemic chameleons and a plethora of cryptically-camouflaged geckos. For many, however, it is the mammals that are the crowning glory of this island’s unique menagerie. This eclectic set of lemurs, insectivores, carnivores, rodents and bats is thought to have descended from a band of hardy pioneers that arrived by sea and air from mainland Africa over the last 100 million years.

Madagascar enjoys an extensive network of protected areas, most of which are open to visitors. Even now, new species continue to be discovered, and its exceptional biodiversity make Madagascar a world conservation priority. The park fees incurred on a tour in Madagascar go towards maintaining the island’s important reserves, and some of these fees provide added economic benefits to local communities (above and beyond the wages of those employed directly in tourist activities), ensuring that Madagascar’s tourist industry provides a real incentive to conserve its valuable ecology.

Speak with our Madagascar specialist

Featured Tours to Madagascar

Madagascar's Lemurs

The Best of Madagascar

Madagascar's Mammals

Madagascar: A Wildlife Photography Tour

Tailormade Holidays in Madagascar

The Reptiles & Amphibians of Madagascar

Our Specialist Recommends

Our ‘ Madagascar’s Lemurs ’ holiday is our most popular tour, and goes in search of the vast array of lemurs, birds and the other unique wildlife inhabiting the rainforests, dry forests, and spiny desert of this incredible island"

Naturetrek Tours to Madagascar

Naturetrek offers a range of wildlife holidays to Madagascar. These include a two week ‘Madagascar’s Lemurs’ tour and a comprehensive 24-day ‘Best of Madagascar’ tour, plus specialist mammal, birding and botany departures.

What’s special about its wildlife?

• Around 40% of Madagascar’s birds are endemic, including 6 endemic or ‘near-endemic’ families – the mesites, ground-rollers, cuckoo-rollers, asities, vangas and Madagascan warblers
• Over 100 species of endearing lemurs, including iconic Ring-tailed Lemurs, 9 species of sifaka, tiny mouse lemurs, nocturnal sportive lemurs and the enigmatic Indri
• 34 species of chameleon, plus brightly-coloured day geckos, cryptically-camouflaged leaf-tailed geckos and untold numbers of insects
• Fascinating botany and spectacular landscapes including the famous Malagasy Spiny Desert

Our tours to Madagascar visit:

• Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, where we will listen for the spine-tingling calls of the Indri and enjoy the park’s superb wildlife
• The lush highland rainforests of Ranomafana National Park, where we may glimpse the rare Golden Bamboo Lemur plus Greater Bamboo Lemur and Milne-Edward’s Sifaka
• The friendly Ring-tailed Lemurs and ‘dancing’ Verreaux’s Sifakas of Berenty Private Reserve
• Our Madagascar’s Mammals tour visits Kirindy Reserve where there is a high chance of seeing Fosa, and the Palmarium for the chance to see the elusive and much-maligned Aye-aye
• The fascinating spiny desert at Ifaty, where Long-tailed Ground-roller, Sub-desert Mesite, Sickle-billed Vanga and many more birds are all possible

Related articles

Having lived and worked in Madagascar before joining Naturetrek, it made perfect sense for Operations Manager Kerrie Porteous to take over our portfolio of holidays to this unique island when she joined the company in 2012.

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Madagascar Gallery

Bizarre & beautiful: lemurs, chameleons & endemics 18-day ecotour, $13,598 group departures.

6 person minimum

$13,798 Go On Your Own

2 person minimum

Domestic flights required ~$3,798/person, subject to change until issued.

A Little More Info

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Single travelers staying in a room by themselves will be charged this additional single supplement fee, as all of our regular prices are otherwise based on double occupancy.

SINGLE SHARE OPTIONS (if available) If you are traveling alone and wish to share a room, we will make every effort to find you a roommate of the same gender, in which case you will not have to pay the single supplement fee. The single supplement will be charged until we are able to confirm a roommate for you. If we are able to match you with a roommate, the single supplement will be refunded. In the event that we cannot find a share for you, you will be required to pay the single supplement fee.

New: Click the Singles Find a Share' icon below or check our " Community " page to connect with other single travelers looking to share.

Destinations

• Masoala National Park
• Nosy Mangabe Island
• Mandrare River
• Spiney forest
• Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
• Analamazoatra (P é rinet) Special Reserve
• Amber Mountain National Park
• Ankarana Special Reserve
• Tsingy Stone Forests
• Tsingy Rouge
• Masoala National Park (UNESCO)  - Madagascar's largest & least visited park, one of the most biodiverse parks on earth, home to 50% of Madagascar species
• Amber Mountain - The Best place in Madagascar to see rare animals
• Ankarana National Park - the highest density of primates in the world
• Tsingy Stone Forests - home to adapted lemurs & other wildlife
• 30+ possible lemur species , plus fossa, chameleons, whales and more.
• Authentic cultural interation with indigenous Antadory

Itinerary at a Glance

• DAY 2-4 Masoala National Park - Nocturnal hike in search of the elusive Aye-Aye
• DAY 5 Nosy Mangabe Island - Visit traditional Malagasy tombs
• DAY 6-9 Mandrare River & Sacred Forests of the Antadroy Tribe - Nocturnal Transitional Lemur Hike
• DAY 10-11 Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
• DAY 12 Andasibe-Mantadia / Tana
• DAY 13 Tana / Diego Suarez
• DAY 14 Amber Mountain National Park - Rare Animal Excursions
• DAY 15 Anjahakely
• DAY 16 Ankarana Special Reserve
• DAY 17 Ankarana / Tsingy rouge - Diego
• DAY 18 Return to Tana

Detailed Itinerary **

Day 1 Arrival Antananarivo

Meet at airport and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight at Colbert Hotel.

Day 2–4 Masoala National Park

50% of Madagascar’s wildlife can be seen in Masoala, the country’s largest national park. Accessible only by a combination of charter plane and boat, Masoala also remains the country’s most pristine and least visited park, making it the perfect centerpiece for our itinerary. The park hosts 50 species of mammals including 11 species of lemurs such as white-fronted brown, red-ruffed and aye-aye, as well as chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos, tomato frogs, Madagascar red owls and serpent eagles, many of which are more easily spotted here than anywhere else in Madagascar. We’ll hike Masoala’s breathtaking trails in search of wildlife, explore its crystaline rivers and secluded beaches and snorkel or kayak its azure coastline.

Transfer to Antananarivo airport in time for our private charter flight to Maroantsetra ( Flight only operates on Sun and Wed, which requires all trips to start Sat or Tues ).

Upon arrival at Maroantsetra airport, transfer to the boat for the voyage across Antongil Bay to our lodge. The journey takes around two hours, and dolphins and whales are typically sighted enroute. Masoala is one of the only national parks where the rainforest comes right down to the beach, so its majestic mountains carpeted in rainforest form a dramatic backdrop to your boat journey.

Enjoy the delightful warm waters, brilliant beaches and coastal rainforest by the lodge, and a variety of naturalist guided hikes to search for white-fronted brown lemurs, Red-ruffed lemurs, Dwarf chameleons and other wildlife endemic to this forest and other wildlife in the forest. After spending the morning in the dense forest with the giant hardwoods and majestic tree ferns, we will return to camp by boat. Another day after our morning wildlife hike we will enjoy a swim in the crystal clear cascading water of the Tampolo River at the foot of the forested mountains, followed by wildlife viewing by traditional dugout canoe paddled down the shady river.

Afternoon activities include snorkeling on the nearby coral reefs, rich in diversity, or a guided sea kayak to the look-out rock at the “Secret Cove” for the sun set, with the chance of a close encounter with Bottlenose Dolphin or Green Turtle.

In the evening enjoy a fire on the beach with sundowners followed by dinner at the lodge.

Wild Planet Exclusive: Nocturnal Hike

Night hike for nocturnal animals such as Leaf-tailed Gecko, Dwarf and Mouse lemurs and the elusive Aye-Aye.

Overnight at Masoala Forest Lodge.

Day 5 Nosy Mangabe

Nosy Mangabe is a densely forested island within Masoala National Park, home to black and white-ruffed lemurs, white-fronted brown lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, brookesia (the smallest chameleon in the world) and Madagascar tree boa. Humpback whales are frequently sighted between June and September, as they migrate from the Antarctic.

After breakfast, we’ll boat to Nosy Mangabe island, where we’ll hike through the dense forest with our guide in search of lemurs and other wildlife. Explore a cave with traditional Malagasy tombs and engraved rocks on the “Plaige des Hollandaise”. After lunch, boat to Maroantsetra and transfer to the airport in time for your charter flight to Antananarivo. ( Flight only operates Sun and Wed) Transfer to your hotel.

Day 6-9 Mandrare River and Sacred Forests of the Antadroy Tribe

After breakfast of freshly baked croissant and pain au chocolat, fresh fruits, cereals and breads, we will explore the extraordinary array of flora and fauna unique to the sacred spiny forest and gallery forests of the Mandrare river, home to the indigenous Antadroy tribe. Your English-speaking naturalist guide will be joined by an Antadroy tracker to spot inquisitive groups of ring tailed lemurs, dancing Verreaux sifaka and more. Endemic birds include Crested Coua, Running Coua and Vangas. Swoon at the spectacular sunset and moonrise views over the Baobabs to the mountains beyond. This evening enjoy authentic Antandroy song, music and beautiful traditional dance that is the heart of Antandroy culture.

Wild Planet Exclusive: Nocturnal Transitional Lemur Hike

See diurnal lemurs prepare to sleep and nocturnal lemurs begin to awaken in the eerie and prehistoric Spiny Forest of Zenavo. First spot Sifakas and sleeping White-foot Sportive lemurs, then once the sun has set, two mouse lemur species, sleeping birds, chameleons, owls and now active Sportive lemurs.

Overnight at Mandrare River Camp.

Day 10-11 Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Analamazoatra (Périnet) Special Reserve

Andasibe National Park, also known as Parc National d'Andasibe-Mantadia, boasts 12,810 ha of lush forests and encompasses two distinct areas: the small Réserve Spéciale Analamazaotra (often referred to as Périnet), and the much larger Parc National de Mantadia. This park is known for rare orchids, beautiful waterfalls, and is famous for the cultural rituals of the inhabitants of the surrounding area.

Nine species of lemur inhabit Andasibe, including indri-indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur. The Indri-indri cannot survive in captivity, yet have become habituated to humans at Andasibe and so are easy to spot. Other lemurs include brown lemur, lesser bamboo lemur, and three nocturnal lemur species; rufous mouse lemur, greater dwarf lemur, and eastern woolly lemur. Nearby Mantadia is also home to the black-and-white ruffed lemur and the beautiful diademed sifaka.

Amdasibe also holds the world record for most frog species, which include the brightly coloured golden mantella. Most reptiles and frogs are seen during night walks, particularly during the spring, summer and autumn months, September to May, when nocturnal lemurs are at their most active. There is also a good chance of seeing chameleons, including the impressively long Parson’s chameleon and the tiny nose-horned chameleon, best sighted at the end of the rainy season in October/November.

Wild Planet Exclusive:

Night hike for nocturnal lemurs, frogs and reptiles.

Overnight at Hotel Vakona.

Day 12 Andasibe-Mantadia/Antananarivo

This morning depart Andasibe for a 3 hour drive back to Antananarivo. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and have the remainder of the day free at leisure to explore Antananarivo or rest up in preparation of the days to come.

Day 13 & 14 Amber Mountain National Park– are Animal Excursions

Amber Mountain is a paradise for rare animals and plants, which occur only here and nowhere else on Earth. Its terrain includes six volcano lakes, three waterfalls and some of the most biodiverse tropical forest in Madagascar. Nowhere in Madagascar it is easier to see rare animals! Unique new wildlife species and rare orchid species are still found here nearly every year. The park hosts 25 species of mammals including 7 lemurs, and 60 reptile and 25 amphibian species. Amber Mountain is also famous for its rare, endemic chameleons, which are easily visible on nocturnal hikes. They include the world’s smallest pygmy chameleon, Brookesia tuberculata, which is so tiny it can sit on a thumb, the giant  Calumma ambreense, the Furcifer petteri with bright yellow females and males with strange nose appendages, the blue-nosed Calumma linotum , and Brookesia antakarana which sports odd spines on its bright body.

We’ll fly from Antananarivo to Diego Suarez, at the extreme north of the island. Upon arrival, short ground transfer south of Diego, crossing Joffreville (an historical town characterized by its European architecture) to visit Amber Mountain National Park.

Overnight at Litchi Tree Lodge.

Day 15 Amber Mountain/Ankarana Special Reserve & Tsingy

Ankarana has the highest density of primates of any forest in the world, which includes 11 species of lemur such as crowned lemur, Sanford's brown lemur, Perrier's black lemur, the northern sportive lemur, nocturnal bamboo lemurs and dwarf lemurs. The park is home to 60 species of reptiles including colorful panther chameleons, upside-down sleeping leaf-tailed geckos and day gekos.

Ankarana also hosts a geological wonder unique to Madagascar; the “Tsingy” stone forests. These razor-sharp limestone spires soar skywards just like stone trees, giving rise to the Malagasy word “mitsingytsingyna” which means “to tiptoe”. The Tsingy are home to a variety of adapted wildlife. The park also has tropical jungle, raging rivers, a sacred lake, canyons and the biggest network of underground rivers and caves in Africa, with stalactites and stalagmites, bats and even one which contains Nile crocodiles. Ankarana’s highest view point affords a spectacular view of the national park all the way to the gulf of Mosambique.

4h drive to reach Ankarana Special Reserve, located about 100 km from Diego Suarez. Remainder of day exploring the park.

Overnight at Iharana Bush Camp.

Day 16 Ankarana Special Reserve

Full day dedicated to discover the wildlife of Ankarana: walk through the ‘Tsingy’; visit caves surrounded by Baobabs trees and Elephant foot plant, and search for wildlife including crowned lemurs, northern sportive lemurs, and predators including the beautiful red ring-tailed mongoose.

Day 17 Ankarana/Tsingy rouge–Diego

Drive back to Diego (4h), with a detour to visit the “Tsingy rouges” or “red Tsingy” (about 50Km before reaching Diego.) The Tsingy Rouge is a geological oddity made of red laterite (similar to clay) and not of limestone rock like the tsingy at l’Ankarana. Once we arrive in Diego we will end the day at our accommodations for the evening to rest.

Overnight at Allamanda Hotel.

Day 18 Diego/Antananarivo

Transfer to Diego airport, fly back to Antananarivo with Air Madagascar regular flight.

Connecting flight back to your country.

** Exact itinerary rotation may change by departure date

Madagascar Lodging

Tana (antananarivo).

Colbert Hotel

Rooms of the Hotel Colbert welcome you in a comfortable and bright atmosphere, offer the perfect combination of simplicity and cordiality. With stunning views stretching from the prominent Queen’s Palace to the Sports Center of the city, all ensures you a pleasant and restful stay.

• Queen size bed or twin (according to your requests)
• Reversible air conditioning
• Flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Free access to the relaxation area (swimming pool, sauna, hammam, gym) during your stay.

MASOALA NATIONAL PARK

Masoala Forest Lodge

Accessible only be foot or by boat, the lodge is a haven of tranquility. Nestled in a sheltered cove, surrounded by the Masoala National Park, the lodge opens onto warm, coral-rich waters of the Tampolo Marine Reserve.

The seven-palm thatched tree-houses are elevated on stilted wooden platforms, to provide uninterrupted views of forest canopy and sea. Natural lighting and ventilation has been elegantly provided by the exclusion of exterior walls and the inclusion of a canvas and mesh inner tent, creating a bug free and private sanctuary that is extremely energy efficient. The private en-suite bathroom facilities are complete with hot water allowing for all creature comforts are provided without excess.

MANDRARE RIVER

Mandrare River Camp

Overlooking the river, Mandrare River Camp’s fully equipped, bespoke tents allow you to relax, sleep well, and invigorate your soul. Within each tent your will find a private terrace with chairs and table - 4 poster mosquito netted bed - Wardrobe and dressing table - Bedside lights and tables - 24hr solar lighting and hot water - Fully plumbed bathroom - Hand carved wooden furniture - Baggage trunk. The ornate wooden furniture in each tent is individually hand carved to depict a different local wildlife theme

ANDASIBE-MANTADIA NATIONAL PARK

Vakona Lodge

Surrounded by lush vegetation and filled with fresh mountain air, only the sounds of frogs and other wildlife can disturb you here. The 28 bungalows and 14 double rooms scattered throughout the hillside gardens are decorated with care offering a en-suite bathroom and toilets, a safe, a mini-fridge, mosquito nets, and verandas looking out into the forest of Andasibe National Park, while the main building has an octagonal reception area and large dining room with huge windows overlooking the lake. The large outdoor dining terrace and small lounge area offer peaceful spaces in which to relax as you sip a pre- or post-dinner drink from the bar.

AMBER MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Litchi Tree

The Litchi Tree, guesthouse of charm, is located on the heights of Joffreville at the foot of the Amber Mountain National Park. At 45mn by car from Diego Suarez, come and enjoy a fine moment of calm and serenity, in this old colonial house from 1902 that was once the residence of Marshal Joffre and the French admiralty. Let yourself be surprised by the gentle melody of nature and contemplate the view over the Diego Suarez bay and the Mozamique Channel.

ANKARANA SPECIAL RESERVE

Iharana Bush Camp

You will be amazed to discover Iharana Bush Camp, where you are warmly hosted on the edge of a lake, in front of the Tsingy massif, within a few miles distance from Mahavavy river.

Iharana Bush Camp is the most unusual among bush camps in Madagascar, with magnificent natural cottages. The camp’s natural site is endowed with exceptional beauty nestled in the middle of nature, far away from televisions, air-conditioning and telephones; favoring charm and authenticity while reducing the impact on the environment.

DIEGO SUAREZ (ANTSIRANANA)

Allamanda Hotel

Nestled on the beach, this Antsiranana hotel is located within 1 mile of Antsiranana Cathedral and Independence Plaza and 2.2 mile from the University of North Madagascar.

Along with a private beach, Allamanda sports a restaurant and an outdoor pool with free WiFi in public areas. Other amenities include a bar/lounge, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour front desk.

All 24 rooms offer free WiFi, balconies, and minibars. Room service, coffee makers, and safes are among the other amenities available to guests.

Madagascar Wildlife

Bizarre & beautiful sightings.

Wild Planet's wildlife Eco-tours are designed for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. We take care to seek out wildlife that is rare, off the beaten path, and in greater numbers than you will see on conventional tours.

Our expert naturalist guides will educate you in the field so your experience is intimate and unparalleled. Unlike many wildlife destinations, Madagascar is a veritable treasure trove of rare, unique species - many of which are endemic even to specific National Parks. Each destination you visit will possess it's own collection of endemic species not found anywhere else on Earth! Still, wildlife viewing can unpredictable and requires patience and sensory awareness. A partial list of some of the animals you rarest animals you may encounter is below:

Rare and Endemic Sighting

• Lemurs: Masoala Fork-Marked Dwarf Lemur, Masoala Woolly Lemur, Roufus/Brown Mouse Lemur, Greater Dwarf Lemur, Small Toothed Sportive Lemur, Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur, White-foot Sportive Lemur, Grey Mousev, Grey Brown Mouse Lemur, Crowned Lemur, Northern Sportive Lemur, Aye-Aye, Crowned Lemur, Hairy-eared Dwarf Lemur, and Northern Sportive Lemur
• Other Mammals: Fossa, Tenrec, Ring-tailed Mongoose, Striped Civet, and Small Indian Civet, Commerson's leaf-nosed Bat, and Flying Foxes
• Reptiles: Nile Crocodile, Panther Chameleon, Parson's Chameleon, Peyrieras' Brookesia, Nocturnal Gecko, Diumal Gecko, Nocturnal Leaf-tailed Gecko, Madagascar Tree Boa, Spider Tortoise, Radiated Tortoise, Amber Mountain, and Cave-living Crocodiles
• Birds: 120+ species including Madagascan ibis, Madagascar Serpent-Eagle, Madagascar Squacco Heron, and Amber Mountainrock-thrush

Madagascar Guides

Razafimahefa lahiniriko tojosoa "lytah".

Meet Lyta, an expert on Madagascar’s flora and fauna, with over a decade of travel experience. His expertise extends beyond just nature to the history and culture of Madagascar, with a particular emphasis on local populations. Lytah’s previous work includes operating tours for organizations such as World Wildlife Fund while also working as a nature instructor for local schools.

His unique combination of flora, fauna, historical, and cultural knowledge makes Lytah the perfect guide to unlock Madagascar’s secrets..

Madagascar Departures

Madagascar-bizarre & beautiful: lemurs, chameleons & endemics 18-day ecotour.

Madagascar FAQ

Madagascar facts for visitors.

The island lies mostly between latitudes 12°S and 26°S, and longitudes 43°E and 51°E, with neighboring islands including the French territory of Réunion and the island nation of Mauritius to the east, as well as the state of Comoros and the French territory of Mayotte to the north west. The nearest mainland state is Mozambique, located to the west on the African mainland.

At 592,800 square kilometers (228,900 sq mi), Madagascar is the world's 47th largest country and the fourth-largest island.

Today, Madagascar has two official languages: Malagasy and French. French is spoken more or less across the island. Few people speak English or German, however, we have guides who speak English, German, Italian, Japanese, and Russian.

85% of the population practices Christianity, while just 4.5% of Madagascans practiced folk religions; among Christians, practitioners of Protestantism outnumbered adherents of Roman Catholicism.

The currency is the ARIARY. For travel expenses, we recommend you bring cash (Euros or dollars) as credit cards are accepted in very few hotels and only in the major cities’ banks. We recommend you change money at the airport upon arrival.

Entry Requirements

To enter Madagascar, your passport must be valid for at least six months. A touristic visa is necessary for any foreigner of any nationality to enter and stay in Madagascar. You can obtain a visa either at the Malagasy Embassy / consulate in your country, or directly at the airport when you arrive.

This Trip's Exclusive Wildlife Features:

• Explore 5 of Madagascar’s most pristine, biodiverse and distinctly different national parks including Masoala – only accessible by private flight & boat.
• Avoid the small, commonly-visited touristy parks with overly habituated animals
• Maximum wildlife – up to 30 Lemur species possible!
• Designed by wildlife experts - Combines rainforest, dry spiny forest, Tsingy, rivers, islands and marine ecosystems for max wildlife.
• Charter and scheduled flights and carefully arranged logistics to minimize long, rugged drives.

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• Expeditions
• Conservation
• October 4–15, 2024

The Coquerel's Sifaka is a sight to behold, either dancing on land or flying mid air. © Jonathan Rossouw

The Common Brown Lemur spends 95% of its time in the upper layers of the forest and a mere 2% on the ground. © Jonathan Rossouw

Male Panther Chameleons, in a form of sexual dimorphism, are more brightly colored than the females. © Jonathan Rossouw

Ring-tailed Lemurs inhabit the gallery forests of southern Madagascar and are often seen sitting upright facing their thin white belly fur towards the sun. © Jonathan Rossouw

Restricted to the northern tip of Madagascar, the Northern Sportive Lemur is arboreal and nocturnal, clinging to trees with pads on their hands and feet. © Jonathan Rossouw

Uroplatus phantasticus . The Latin name says it all: Fantastic Leaf-tailed Gecko. Sometimes called the Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko, it is one of many remarkable endemic reptile species in Madagascar. © Giovanna Fasanelli

Berenty Reserve's deciduous gallery woodland is justly famous for the ease with which its lemur species, like these Ring-tailed Lemurs, can be seen and appreciated. © Giovanna Fasanelli

Madagascar Safari

Destinations

• Travel by Air
• Travel by Road
• Travel by Boat
• Travel by Bullet Train
• Travel by Rail
• Travel by Dog Sled
• Days 10 & 11

Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa. Gather this evening for a welcome dinner and briefing. Overnight at Intercontinental OR Tambo Hotel .

Antananarivo

This morning, fly from Johannesburg to Antananarivo (Tana), Madagascar. Crossing the Mozambique Channel, a journey of little more than 250 miles, you’ll approach the western edge of the “Big Red Island” en route to the capital. Driving into Tana one is struck by the stark differences from the African continent: rice paddies, worked by men and their Zebu ox-drawn ploughs, flank the city, with the architecture a combination of French colonial and traditional Merina, all of which imparts a strangely Asian feel to an island so close to the African mainland. Dinner and overnight at the Relais de Plateaux  on the outskirts of Antananarivo.

Berenty Reserve

After breakfast, board your charter flight to Ifotaka, then transfer to Berenty Private Lemur Reserve. On the transfer to Berenty, you’ll notice that the native vegetation has been replaced by extensive sisal plantations, stretching as far as the eye can see. Berenty Private Lemur Reserve is an island of natural habitat in this sea of cultivation, and one of Madagascar’s most legendary wildlife sanctuaries. Berenty is justly famous for its lemurs, not only because its deciduous gallery woodland is home to six species but particularly for the ease with which they can be seen and appreciated in the wild. Undoubted favorites are the Ring-tailed Lemurs and Verreaux’s Sifakas. The bands of cat-like, quizzical Ringtails are often the first to steal any visitors’ hearts but their appeal is easily matched by the strikingly-patterned Sifakas, with their soulful expressions and bipedal locomotion. In addition to these two diurnal lemur “super-stars”, Red-fronted Brown Lemurs also occur in large numbers in the woodland. Overnight at Berenty Lodge .

Although Madagascar is most famous for the spectacular lemurs that have adapted to a daytime existence, a number of species of these primitive primates remain denizens of the night. On spotlighting walks in the “spiny forest” adjacent to your lodgings, search for White-footed Sportive Lemurs and two species of Mouse Lemurs. A further highlight at Berenty is a roost of Madagascar Flying Foxes, where over 300 of these impressive fruit bats, sporting four-foot wingspans, spend their day jostling for position in the treetops. Amongst the birds, the pheasant-like Giant Coua is often encountered stalking along the paths, whilst both the camouflaged Madagascar Scops-Owl and the handsome White-browed Hawk-Owl are commonly found asleep at their day roosts in the gallery woodland. Reptiles are well represented by the bizarre Three-eyed Lizard and huge Warty Chameleon. Overnight at Berenty Lodge .

Antananarivo / Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

After a final morning at Berenty, return to Ifotaka and board your charter flight back to Tana. On arrival, turn eastwards for the drive across the open landscape of the Horombe Plateau, which offers insight into the traditional lifestyle of the highland Merina people. Terraced rice paddies, tall earthen houses with thatched roofs, and roadside markets displaying a wide variety of farm produce, are all set against a backdrop of golden-yellow grasslands and bare granite inselbergs.  By the afternoon, you’ll arrive in the small town of Andasibe, or Perinet as it’s still commonly known, gateway to the magical Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. Your accommodation for the next two nights is a delightful lodge, located overlooking a lake at the edge of the forest. Wildlife is often right on your doorstep: fluorescent green day geckos scuttle on the walls of the chalets, Madagascar Wagtails flit along the paved walkways and if you are very lucky, you may hear the eerie calls of Indri right from your cabin. Overnight at Vakona Forest Lodge.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

You’ll have two full days in the superb Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, which protects a large expanse of some of Madagascar’s most pristine primary forest, a sanctuary for the richest assemblage of birds and other wildlife on the island. Though it has only relatively recently been opened to the public, the slightly higher-altitude Mantadia sector is now an essential destination on any trip to Madagascar, having gained a reputation as an excellent site for a handful of scarce forest-dwelling lemurs. Not least amongst these is the exquisite, gentle, and highly localized Diademed Sifaka, although you will also be searching for the more widespread Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur, Gray Bamboo Lemur, Red-bellied Lemur, and Common Brown Lemur. The Andasibe-Mantadia area is also a rewarding site for nocturnal exploration, with such charismatic nocturnal lemur species as Eastern Woolly Lemur, Furry-eared Dwarf Lemur, and the diminutive Goodman’s Mouse Lemur all possible, along with a plethora of chameleons, geckos and frogs. Overnight at Vakona Forest Lodge .

Andasibe / Antananarivo

This morning, make a special effort to see the park’s most famous resident: the huge, singing Indri, largest of all extant lemurs. Standing beneath a family group of these magnificent creatures as they issue their peculiar, Humpback Whale-like songs is one of Madagascar’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences. While the rainforest lemurs are the undoubtedly highlights of your time in the Perinet area, you will also be on the lookout for a profusion of smaller evolutionary oddities, like the peculiar Giraffe-necked Weevil, the impossibly cute Lowland Streaked Tenrec, the seriously weird Sikora Leaf-tailed Gecko, Madagascar Tree Boa, and the giant Parson’s Chameleon, heaviest chameleon species on Earth. Andasibe-Mantadia also offers the best rainforest birding in Madagascar, and you can expect to see such avian jewels as Blue Coua, Blue Vanga, and Madagascar Cuckoo-Roller. In the afternoon, retrace your route to Tana, overnighting at the Relais de Plateaux .

Antananarivo / Anjajavy

Fly northwestwards to your final destination in Madagascar, the magnificent wilderness of Anjajavy, for a three night stay at Anjajavy Lodge .

Situated on the island’s northwest coast, in the so-called Sambirano Domain, this 1,000-acre private reserve covers a ruggedly beautiful area of secluded bays flanked by baobab-studded semi-deciduous forest. Wildlife is abundant, with the ethereal Coquerel’s Sifaka, boisterous troops of Common Brown Lemur and flocks of brilliant-green Grey-headed Lovebirds resident right in the grounds of your comfortable lodge. Nearby caves in the limestone karst boast the fossilized remnants of a long-extinct lemur, as well as an impressive collection of stalagmites and stalactites. Spend time along the forest trails, where Collared Iguanas loaf in sunny spots and Madagascar Plated Lizards scuttle through the leaf litter. With luck, you may locate the goblin-like Milne-Edwards’s Sportive Lemur at its day roost in a tree cavity. Explorations after dark are equally productive and may reveal the eye-shine of a darting Golden-brown Mouse Lemur, Madagascar Nightjar hawking for insects or perhaps a sleeping Warty Chameleon. Overnights at Anjajavy Lodge .

After a final early morning at Anjajavy, fly back to Antananarivo in time to connect with international flights homeward.

• Leaders Marco Tonoli
• $17,980 Per Person Rate
• $19,970 Solo Rate
• 12 days Trip Length
• Johannesburg Start
• Antananarivo End
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Have a question call us at 206.669.9272 / 800.861.6425 . prefer online.

Marco Tonoli

Madagascar’s Green Beauty Phelsuma quadriocellata

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Check out this great article on the joy of traveling from Expedition Leader, Peter Harrison

Madagascar Baobabs & Beyond

11 days | discover the diverse landscapes of africa’s remote eco-paradise..

Venture into the far reaches of Madagascar on this 11-day journey that reveals the diverse landscapes of one of the most spellbinding countries on the African continent. From the emerald-green crater lakes of the Antsirabe district, to the golden hues of sunset in the Avenue of the Baobabs, experience Madagascar’s rainbow terrain as you leave behind the bustle of Antananarivo and traverse remote paths and waterways into the wild. Experience life along the Tsiribihina Delta on a two-day cruise, see the legendary tombs of the Vazimba people while exploring caves, float down the Manambolo River in a dugout canoe and feel the suspense as you peer down into the vast canyon of the Great Tsingy.

Trip overview

• Witness a spectacular pink and yellow sunset behind towering, 800-year-old trees along the Avenue of the Baobabs in the laid-back seaside town of Morondava.
• Travel along the Tsiribihina River in a traditional barge, stopping to hike to hidden waterfalls, explore remote villages and camp among nature on the banks.
• Trek through a forest of limestone karsts and cross a sheer drop on a suspended bridge at the Great Tsingy, keeping an eye out for native wildlife including 11 species of lemur.
• Float down the meandering Manambolo River in a traditional dugout canoe, wind through a deep gorge and past rocky cliffs, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.
• Discover the emerald-green waters of Tritiva, an extinct crater surrounded by verdant forest, on a hike through the stunning Antsirabe district.
• The visible vertical drop at the Great Tsingy is an incredible sight, however it can be quite intimidating especially for those with vertigo. If you have concerns, please discuss these with your leader once the trip commences.
• Some of the best scenery in Madagascar is found on hikes. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities.
• This trip includes river cruising on the Tsiribihina River. Camping conditions are basic along the way and there will be no access to bathroom facilities, however this means you have access to more remote parts of the region and the joy of experiencing the elements.
• As this is a remote part of Madagascar there will be some very long travel days, but we think the unique and rewarding experiences are worth the distances travelled. Due to the conditions of the roads and the impact of little maintenance during the pandemic travel can be slow so a little patience can go a long way.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Tonga soa! Bienvenue! Welcome to Antananarivo, Madagascar's crowded but charming capital. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. If you decide to arrive early, take some time to get acquainted with the city. With cobbled streets, wooden houses and impressive churches, ‘Tana’ has a distinctly romantic air. Perhaps wander the streets of Haute-Ville or visit the permanent Analakely street market. After your welcome meeting this evening, you might like to head out with your new friends for dinner in one of Antananarivo high-quality restaurants.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

There will be no access to banks or cash points from Miandrivazo to Morondava. Meals on your river excursion are included, however drinks and gratuities for your river crew are not. Meals in Bekopaka are at your own expense. We would suggest 160 -180 Euro for meals and services not included in your tour price for this section of the trip. Please ask your Tour Leader for further advice.

Be prepared for a long drive as you begin the journey west this morning. Maybe kick back with a book or get to know your fellow travellers during the to Miandrivazo, a small city that will act as the starting point for your adventure down the Tsiribihina River. On arrival, check in to the hotel and listen to a briefing on essential information for your two-day cruise. Head out to pick any extra supplies you may need or desire for the next few days, then get some rest in preparation for tomorrow.

Your travel today will be approximately 11 hours, not including stops.

Restroom facilities may not always be accessible. In such instances, you may need to resort to nature's restroom, locally referred to as a 'bushy-bushy.' We suggest carrying a sleeping bag (a basic blanket is provided) or a sleep sheet for your river camping experience, a towel and a waterproof jacket. Sunscreen, insect repellent and hat are highly recommended. For more details, please refer to our recommended packing list in the ‘Essential trip information’.

Rise and shine for the 35-kilometre drive (approx 2hrs) to Masiakampy, where you will find a traditional barge waiting to escort you along the Tsiribihina River. These flat bottom boats were once used to transport tobacco, but without that precious cargo they make a comfortable way to cruise along the water and access the remote reaches of western Madagascar. For the next few days, you’ll have the chance to spot wildlife on the banks and in the water, enjoy easy walks to hidden waterfalls and stop off in rural villages. Climb aboard and meet the crew, then settle in and enjoy some lunch as you travel through flat farming plains and enter the dramatic gorges of the Tsiribihina, stopping in the afternoon to trek to a waterfall before returning to a large sandbank to set up camp.

• Camping (1 night)
• Miandrivazo - Tsiribihina River Trip

Your travel today will be approximately 2 hours.

River camping is a simple wild camping experience. Sleeping mats and a single blanket will be provided. As recommended in our packing list in the Essential Trip Information, you may wish to carry a sleeping bag or sleeping sheet. These items are not available for hire. There are no bathroom facilities and there will be limited fresh water on the boat for washing. A bush toilet is the only option for the next three days.

Due to some zebu robberies in local villages in 2018, local authorities have decided to deploy military personal in some remote areas. Because of this, you may be accompanied by a military escort for part of or the entire trip. Your safety is of upmost importance, and we are confident that should your trip have these escorts that they will not affect your journey or enjoyment. We are privileged to visit this is fragile ecosystem. Please act responsibly in relation to personal hygiene waste disposal. Depending on the water level, our departure point may vary.

Enjoy a full day gliding along the water today, travelling into the heart of the river and waving to the locals on the banks and barges as you pass. In the absence of roads, nature flourishes along the river in this part of Madagascar – watch out for herds of zebus crossing the river, and flashes of colour as you look for bee-eaters, herons, and egrets in this bird lovers’ paradise. Stop occasionally for a village walk or a short trek for animal spotting before setting up camp at a village along the shore. This evening, light a campfire and enjoy some traditional Malagasy music and dancing with the locals.

Enjoy one last morning along the Tsiribihina river before disembarking the boat and bidding farewell to the crew. Make a quick stop at Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, a small village nestled in the marshes and mangroves of the Delta, to check out the market and grab some lunch before beginning the 5-hour 4x4 off-road drive to Bekopaka. Once we arrive, take the rest of the day to enjoy a swim or a refreshing shower and rest your weary limbs. Tomorrow, you’ll be taking on the Small Tsingy.

Your travel today will be approximately 5 hours.

During your road journey in the region you may be accompanied by a military escort for part of or the entire trip as part of a convoy. The convoy will depart from Belo-sur-Tsiribihina at 2 pm and make limited stops. Your safety is of upmost importance and we are confident that should your trip have these escorts that they will not affect the journey or the enjoyment.

Rise early, pick a comfortable outfit and pack some snacks, as today you’ll spend up to five hours trekking through the Small Tsingy, located in Bemaraha National Park. Scramble and navigate through a labyrinth of limestone formations that resemble a forest made of rock. Stop at two lookout points along the way for photo opportunities and a chance to take in the impressive surrounds. In the afternoon, unwind with a float down the Manambolo River on a pirogue (wooden dugout canoe) under the shadow of these towering rock cliffs. Enjoy an easy afternoon cave stroll, taking the sight of stalactites, stalagmites and the eerie tombs of the Vazimba – said to be the earliest inhabitants of Madagascar.

• Bemaraha National Park - Small Tsingy walking circuit
• Bemaraha National Park - Manombolo River Canoe Ride

Embrace another early start this morning and prepare for another action-packed trip to the Great Tsingy. Getting up early again might be a struggle, but it’s the best way to beat the heat and more intense crowds. Largely unexplored until the 1990s (the name Tsingy is very roughly translated as ‘place where one cannot walk barefoot’ in Malagasy), the area is now easier to navigate due to a series of bridges, semi-permanent climbing plugs and other equipment. Feel your heart stop as you pass over a sheer drop via a suspended bridge, a truly breathtaking experience that those with vertigo may wish to skip. Animal lovers should keep an eye out for 11 species of lemurs, 100 species of birds and 45 endemic reptiles and amphibians, including the Madagascar iguana and Antsingy leaf chameleon.

• Bemaraha National Park - Big Tsingy Trek

There is another long day of travel ahead - including an 8-hour 4x4 adventure on bumpy roads. Grab that book or download a podcast and prepare to keep yourself occupied as you cross the Manambolo River and the Tsiribihina River by ferry, arriving in the laid-back seaside town of Morondava in time for a spectacular sunset in the Avenue of the Baobabs. These cartoonish, towering trees are native to Madagascar, and the variety you’ll see lit from behind this evening are adansonia grandidieri, the tallest of them all. Watch the sky turn pink and yellow and finally cast these trees – many of which are up to 800 years old – in shadow. Spend the night in Morondava and take a well-deserved rest.

• Morondava - Sunset at Baobab Alley

Your travel today will be approximately 10 hours.

Take some time this morning to enjoy free time in Morondava. You may choose to relax on the beach or visit the local markets. This afternoon we will make our way to Miandrivazo.

Your travel today will be approximately 6.5 hours.

Depart this morning for Antsirabe, the capital of the Vakinankaratra region. Along the way, enjoy an easy trek in the countryside and discover the beauty of the local lakes, including the emerald-green waters of Tritiva, an extinct crater surrounded by verdant forest. Hike through the lakes district and sit down for a picnic-style lunch. Antsirabe maintains a Malagasy touch, thanks to the contrast of its bustling street markets and French-inspired facades. Located in the highlands, it's a popular spa town thanks to the hot springs and thermal baths, and the colourful rickshaws known as 'pousse-pousse' are a popular form of transport.

Your travel today will be approximately 8.5 hours.

Make your return to the capital city of Antananarivo this morning where our trip comes to an end around 2 pm.

9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Minibus, 4WD, Ferry, Boat

Hotel (8 nights), Camping (2 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 3,4 (Camping) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 

2. To protect against cholera, travellers who have spent time in Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa before arriving in Madagascar are required to take 100 mg of Doxycycline upon arrival. Tablets will be provided by Malagasy health authorities, after clearing passport control. Currently, short layovers are exempt from this requirement. People with diabetes and pregnant women are also exempt. This measure remains in effect until further notice.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Wildlife Locations

Andasibe-mantadia national park.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is arguably Madagascar’s premier rainforest reserve, combining Analamazoatra Reserve with the forests of Mantadia. The extensive network of trails throughout the reserve offers frequent sightings of spectacular wildlife and virtually assured views of the fabulous indri. Find Out More

• Where : Alaotra-Mangoro Region
• Ideal for viewing : diademed sifaka , indri , Parson’s chameleon , red-fronted coua , leaf-tailed gecko
• Excellent for : Wildlife photography

Andringitra National Park

Centred around Madagascar’s second highest peak, Pic d’Imarivolanitra, Andringitra is a unique region of granite formations, high altitude vegetation, forest and waterfalls, and offers some of the most scenic trekking in Madagascar. It has some impressive wild flower meadows and succulent rare plants. Find Out More

• Where : Fianarantsoa Province
• Ideal for viewing : brown mouse lemur , golden bamboo lemur , ring-tailed lemur , small-toothed sportive lemur , red-fronted lemur

Anjajavy Private Reserve

Located on a peninsula on the remote north-west coast, this private reserve is an oasis for wildlife and visitors. Many species of lemurs, birds and reptiles can be seen in its deciduous forest while, along the coast, white sandy beaches are punctuated by dramatic limestone outcrops and mangrove fringed estuaries. Find Out More

• Where : Sofia Region
• Ideal for viewing : Commerson’s leaf-nosed bat , common brown lemur , Coquerel’s sifaka , Madagascar fish eagle , Milne-Edwards’ sportive lemur

Home to 11 species of lemur, Anjozorobe is part of a natural corridor amongst the last vestiges of forest on the high plateau. It is only three hours drive from Antananarivo and provides a quieter and easily accessible alternative to Andasibe for those wishing to look for indris and diademed sifakas on various hiking trails. Find Out More

• Where : Anjozorobe District
• Ideal for viewing : diademed sifaka , indri , lesser bamboo lemur , Parson’s chameleon , rufous brown mouse lemur

Ankarafantsika National Park

The reserve is centred on Lac Ravelobe and a clear network of level paths makes wildlife-viewing easy. Many groups of lemurs, including beautiful Coquerel’s sifakas and elusive mongoose lemurs have become habituated and can be observed at close quarters. Night walks are also very rewarding. Find Out More

• Where : Mahajanga Province
• Ideal for viewing : Coquerel’s sifaka , mongoose lemur , mouse lemur , rufous vanga , Schlegel’s asity
• Excellent for : Self-drive

Berenty Private Reserve

Featured in numerous documentaries, Berenty is perhaps Madagascar’s best known wildlife reserve. Adjacent to the Mandrare River, this small island of forest is set in sisal plantations and full of superb wildlife, including six species of lemur, and provides intimate and in some cases approachable wildlife experiences. Find Out More

• Where : Atsimo-Andrefana Region
• Ideal for viewing : brown lemur , Madagascar flying fox , ring-tailed lemur , Verreaux’s sifaka , grey mouse lemur

Daraina is one of the most important sites in Madagascar. Home to the golden-crowned sifaka - one of the world’s rarest primates - the area is a mosaic of rolling hills covered with patches of deciduous and semi-evergreen forest and is one of richest and most ecologically sensitive areas in the north. Find Out More

• Where : Sava Region
• Ideal for viewing : aye-aye , daraina sportive lemur , golden-crowned sifaka , Sanford’s brown lemur , greater hedgehog tenrec
• Excellent for : Wildlife photography , Photography tours With Nick Garbutt

Ifaty Spiny Forest

The spiny forests near Ifaty are of great interest to birdwatchers and botanists alike. The area includes two of the island’s most threatened birds; the long-tailed ground roller and sub desert mesite. You will also find bizarre flora such as spined octopus trees, a sharp contrast to the ancient baobab trees. Find Out More

• Ideal for viewing : banded kestrel , horned chameleon , long-tailed ground roller , sickle-billed vanga , sub-desert mesite
• Excellent for : Birdwatching , Wildlife photography

Ifotaka Community Forest

This remote tract of community-owned forest is an admirable illustration of an initiative that encourages local communities to manage their natural resources sustainably. The native Tandroy people harvest certain areas of the forest, but preserve the spiny forest which is home to wildlife synonymous with the south. Find Out More

• Where : Anosy Region
• Ideal for viewing : ring-tailed lemur , Verreaux’s sifaka , mouse lemur , white-foot sportive lemur , scops owl

Isalo National Park

Quite unlike anywhere else in Madgascar, Isalo is a remarkable landscape of eroded sandstone outcrops and canyons dotted with rare plants. There are spectacular vistas at every turn, and wildlife includes several species of lemur, a variety of birds and a couple of locally endemic frogs. Find Out More

• Where : Ihorombe Region
• Ideal for viewing : Benson’s rock thrush , Madagascar cuckoo roller , ring-tailed lemur , Verreaux’s sifaka , red-fronted lemur

Kirindy Forest

Kirindy Forest is on the west coast of Madagascar, accessed via the famed Avenue of Baobabs. It is a dry forest rich in wildlife and the best place to see a variety of endemics including the fosa, Madagascar’s largest carnivore, and lemurs such as Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur, the world’s smallest primate. Find Out More

• Where : Menabe Region
• Ideal for viewing : fosa , giant jumping rat , Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur , narrow-striped mongoose , red-fronted brown lemur

Marojejy National Park

Marojejy National Park is the best place to look for the rare silky sifaka, famed for its long, silky, white fur. The park also has nine other lemur species and is the only place left in the country where you can walk through rugged unbroken forest from sea level to mountain summit, where the views are spectacular. Find Out More

• Ideal for viewing : Madagascar serpent eagle , ring-tailed mongoose , silky sifaka , stump-tailed chameleon , leaf-tailed gecko

Masoala National Park

The Masoala Peninsula supports the largest area of lowland rainforest in Madagascar, and the greatest number of species. The mountain and valley cloaked primary forest borders the Bay of Antongil and is home to several rare birds and the last refuge of the red-ruffed lemur, one of the country's largest primates. Find Out More

• Ideal for viewing : Bernier’s vanga , eastern woolly lemur , helmet vanga , panther chameleon , red-ruffed lemur

Montagne d’Ambre National Park

Created in 1958, Montagne d’Ambre was Madagascar’s first national park, a cool mountain oasis in an otherwise parched landscape. Crowned lemurs and Sanford’s brown lemurs are frequently seen here, and reptiles are abundant. Well-maintained trails make this beautiful park particularly rewarding. Find Out More

• Where : Antsiranana Province
• Ideal for viewing : crowned lemur , leaf-tailed gecko , Sanford’s brown lemur , Madagascar fish eagle , Madagascar crested ibis

The island of Nosy Be offers quiet and secluded palm-fringed white sandy beaches, lively night life, good wildlife, comfortable accommodation and wonderful cuisine. It’s also a major centre for scuba diving, and there is fabulous snorkelling in the nearby marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely. Find Out More

• Ideal for viewing : black lemur , boa constrictor , panther chameleon , Madagascar paradise flycatcher , Madagascar fish eagle

Nosy Boraha (Ile Sainte-Marie)

Nosy Boraha is a centre for whale-watching when, between July and September, humpbacks congregate in the sheltered waters to give birth. It also epitomizes all that is good about a tropical island; its miles of beaches are lined with palm trees and fringed by turquoise lagoons and distant reefs protect the shore. Find Out More

• Where : Analanjirofo Region
• Ideal for viewing : black and white ruffed lemur , humpback whale , white-fronted brown lemur , mouse lemur , fat-tailed dwarf lemur
• Excellent for : Whale watching ,

Nosy Iranja

Off the Ampasindava Peninsula, Nosy Iranja becomes two islands at high tide – Iranja Komba and Iranga Kely. At low tide the two are linked by a long white sandbank. These islands provide important breeding beaches for nesting hawksbill turtles and work is in progress to safeguard their populations. Find Out More

• Ideal for viewing : hawksbill turtle , humpback whale , green turtle , brown mantella

Nosy Mangabe

This idyllic island in the Bay of Antongil has excellent wildlife. Its steep forested slopes have proved a safe refuge for aye-ayes that were released there in the 1960s, and have subsequently thrived. The island is an uninhabited paradise and makes for a fantastic day excursion from Maroantsetra or Masoala. Find Out More

• Where : Antogil Bay
• Ideal for viewing : large leaf-tailed gecko , mouse lemur , eastern woolly lemur , aye-aye , humpback whale

Nosy Mitsio

Nosy Mitsio is part of the Mitsio archipelago and can only be reached by boat. The main island is surrounded by nine smaller ones – Tsara Banjina, with a fringe of white sand lapped by crystal blue waters, is particularly beautiful. The offshore reefs harbour much marine and bird life. Find Out More

• Where : Diana Region
• Ideal for viewing : northern gannet , white-tailed tropicbird , manta ray , green turtle , bottlenose dolphin

Palmarium Reserve

This small littoral forest reserve borders the Lac Ampitabe part of the extensive Pangalanes Canal close to the east coast. The reserve offers incredibly close sightings of many native and introduced lemur species including indri, black-and-white ruffed lemur and on a small island there are eight semi wild aye-ayes. Find Out More

• Where : Eastern Madagascar
• Ideal for viewing : aye-aye , indri , black-and-white ruffed lemur , eastern woolly lemur , greater dwarf lemur

Ranomafana National Park

Established in 1991 to protect the then newly-discovered golden bamboo lemur, Ranomafana is a World Heritage Site and one of the island’s most important wildlife sites and best rainforest reserves. Its pleasant climate, misty forest slopes, picturesque river and huge species diversity make it a deserved favourite. Find Out More

• Where : Haute Matsiatra Region
• Ideal for viewing : giraffe-necked weevil , golden bamboo lemur , Malagasy striped civit , Milne-Edwards’ sifaka , red-fronted brown lemur

Tsimanampetsotse National Park

This special national park and Ramsar site includes a pachypodium and spiny forest, limestone caves and a stunning blue saline lake. It supports many plants and animals that are endemic to the region and many are only found in the park including blind cave fish, radiated tortoises and the Grandidier's vontsira. Find Out More

• Where : Southern Madagascar
• Ideal for viewing : ring-tailed lemur , Grandidier’s vonitsa , radiated tortoise , Madagascar sandgrouse , blind cave fish

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

This largely unexplored area contains huge tracts of eroded limestone that make up the island’s largest and most impressive karst landscape. The scenery is matched by the diversity and abundance of wildlife in the forest, which can be explored on specially constructed walkways, or by boat. Find Out More

• Ideal for viewing : Madagascar fish eagle , red-fronted brown lemur , ring-tailed lemur , Sambirano lesser bamboo lemur , white Decken’s sifaka

Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park

Zombitse-Vohibasia is a remnant of a transitional forest between Madagascar’ western and southern regions. Despite its isolation and small size, birdwatchers will be interested to know that 85 bird species have been recorded here, and it is home to one of Madagascar’s rarest endemics, Appert’s greenbul. Find Out More

• Ideal for viewing : Appert’s greenbul , crested ibis , giant coua , Madagascar cuckoo roller , ring-tailed lemur

Antananarivo

Madagascar’s vibrant capital city is the beginning and end point of any trip to the island. Built on a series of hills, many of the old buildings and narrow, cobbled streets retain an almost medieval quality. Walking around the city, you will find evidence of several cultures, neither exclusively African nor Asian. Find Out More

• Where : Antananarivo Province
• Excellent for : City stopover

Madagascar’s beaches and islands

Madagascar’s wildlife is its main attraction, however the island also boasts a beautiful coastline and idyllic offshore islands. Relax in seclusion and style and enjoy the friendly relaxed Madagascan way of life, while continuing to enjoy the island’s biological richness. Find Out More

• Excellent for : Beach stay

View trips to these locations

Wildlife trips

Madagascar is unlike any other country; a bizarre and intoxicating mix of extraordinary landscapes, whose diverse habitats include rainforest, deciduous forest, high mountain and desert. Wildlife enthusiasts brim with excitement at the thought of its extraordinary array of wildlife, the majority of which is found nowhere else in the world.

Madagascar Lemurs

This trip idea visits a variety of Madagascar’s habitats, all brimming with endemic fauna and flora. Enjoy guided day and night walks in the forest to search for a multitude of species, including diademed sifaka, black and white ruffed lemur and the tiny nocturnal Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur. Find out more about Madagascar Lemurs

• Price (inc. flights) : 15 days from £3,575
• Trip type : Tailor-made Holiday

Madagascar’s Rare Mammals

Taking in two of Madagascar’s most rewarding and contrasting wildlife hotspots, this small group tour focuses on a range of rare and special mammals. Led by a local wildlife expert we search for the enigmatic fosa, the mysterious aye aye and a fantastic range of rare lemurs. Find out more about Madagascar’s Rare Mammals

• Price (inc. flights) : 15 days from £6,690
• Trip type : Group Tour

Madagascar with Mike Dilger

Madagascar has been enchanting wildlife enthusiasts for decades. This mysterious island has been a hive of evolution and the result is a myriad of endemic species. So why not join Mike Dilger on this exclusive small group tour and experience the amazing endemic wildlife of this unique island? Find out more about Madagascar with Mike Dilger

• Price (inc. flights) : 16 days from £8,795

Festival of Wildlife Madagascar

Join us for a celebration of wildlife across both Madagascar’s incredible rainforests and endemic rich deciduous forests, two contrasting hotspots famed for their stunning sifakas, extraordinary chameleons and wealth of unique wildlife. This trip promises to be a wildlife experience like no other. Find out more about Festival of Wildlife Madagascar

• Price (inc. flights) : 12 days from £10,495

Southern Highlights

Journey through the highlands to the dry spiny forest of Ifaty, home to an excellent diversity of birdlife and the most bizarre flora. Staying in comfortable accommodation, this trip also visits the Andasibe-Mantadia rainforest for virtually assured sightings of indri, brown lemur and rufous mouse lemur. Find out more about Southern Highlights

• Price (inc. flights) : 15 days from £3,095

Endangered Sifakas of the North

This unique safari takes in two of the best, but least visited, areas of northern Madagascar. Marojejy National Park is home to ten lemur species, whilst in Andasibe you can enjoy day and night walking safaris to spot species such as the mouse lemur, dwarf lemur and woolly lemur, as well as chameleons and frogs. Find out more about Endangered Sifakas of the North

• Price (inc. flights) : 15 days from £3,595

Best of Both Worlds

The ideal trip if you yearn for a short, but memorable, getaway to experience the extremes of Madagascar. Combine the rainforests of the Masoala Peninsula, home to many bird species, aye aye and the endemic red ruffed lemur, with the ecologically sensitive Ifotaka Community Forest. Find out more about Best of Both Worlds

• Price (inc. flights) : 12 days from £5,495

Madagascar’s Weird & Wonderful Mammals

Focussing on the Madagascar's exceptional mammalian diversity, this photography tour seeks out not only its iconic lemurs but also its weird, wonderful, and outright bizarre mammal species. Join photographer Nick Garbutt to experience the wonders of Madagascar’s mammals and other worldly landscapes. Find out more about Madagascar’s Weird & Wonderful Mammals

• Price (inc. flights) : 20 days from £12,995
• Trip type : Group Tour Tailor-made can be arranged

An Island Apart

Enjoy taking in Madagascar’s extraordinary habitats and unique wildlife on this specialist trip. Travelling with acclaimed wildlife photographer, Nick Garbutt, spend time tracking endangered golden-crowned sifakas, gorgeous diademed sifakas and colourful chameleons in lush, verdant rainforest. Find out more about Z) An Island Apart

• Price (inc. flights) : 21 days from £11,450

Madagascar has major regional climatic variations. To avoid the worst of the rainy season, it’s best to travel between April and December, especially July and August to see whales.

Green season

Wildlife events.

• Apr to Apr : Red fody dance on the savannah for their breeding season
• Jun to Sep : Humpback whales arrive off the coast of Île Sainte Marie
• Jul to Sep : Aye aye visible on Nosy Mangabe
• Oct to Nov : Lemur birthing season, jacaranda trees in bloom
• Nov to Mar : Red fody dance on the savannah for their breeding season
• Dec to Mar : Reptiles and tenrecs at their most active in the hot season

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Custom-Tailored Adventure in the Land of Lemurs

Madagascar private journey.

From $6,995

Easy to Moderate

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Arrive: Antananarivo, Madagascar

Depart: Antananarivo, Madagascar

• Private guides with choice of hiking options, night walks, early morning and afternoon outings
• Experience Madagascar's range of ecosystems, from dry deciduous forest to lush rainforest
• Hear the “singing” of indri lemurs of Andisabe, see Coquerel's sifaka lemurs at Anjajavy
• Sunset among the baobabs, snorkeling and kayaking at Anjajavy

Dates & Pricing

Best months to go: April to November. For our Private Journeys, you choose your own group and your preferred dates. Prices are per person and not guaranteed until services are confirmed. Contact us for availability, questions, or to book your adventure!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

At time of reservation: 25% of trip cost 90 days prior to departure: Balance Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Minimum fee: 25% of trip cost 90 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

• Expert leadership of local lodge guides and camp staff
• Accommodations in hotels and wildlife lodges
• All meals included except 2 dinners as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• All ground transportation and baggage handling from arrival until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to guides or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
• Any activities and services described as an upgrade or optional

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Hotel Carlton

Antananarivo, Madagascar

Day 1 (1 night)

Mantadia Lodge

Andasibe National Park, Madagascar

Days 2-4 (3 nights)

Le Relais des Plateaux

Day 5 (1 night)

Located near the international airport, this modern hotel offers light and airy rooms, excellent food, a good gift shop, and a swimming pool for a relaxing dip.

Anjajavy Lodge

Anjajavy, Madagascar

Days 6-8 (3 nights)

What the Trip is Like

Madagascar has a tropical climate with many microclimates, so the weather can vary greatly depending on the time of year and region of the country. The north and south tend to be warm and dry, while the highlands, including the capital, Antananarivo, are cooler. The east is mostly rainforest, where wet weather is always possibility.

The ideal time to visit is between April and November. (There are heavy rains from December to March, so travel during that time is not recommended.) Each season is unique and offers its own attractions: April and May's landscapes are lush and vibrant, July provides cooler temperatures good for extensive hiking, September and October bring a new generation of baby lemurs, and warmer days in November are especially good for reptiles.

A Special Note about Travel in Madagascar

Traveling in Madagascar is always an adventure! Changes and delays are all part of the experience. We will make every effort to follow the Detailed Itinerary as described, but please note it may be rearranged due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, including internal flights that are often subject to delay, cancellation, and last-minute schedule changes. In addition, travelers should be aware that there is a scarcity of medical facilities outside of Antananarivo and they may not be up to international standards. A spirit of adventure and a flexible, cooperative attitude are musts. Your reward is an unparalleled experience of one of the world's most intriguing countries and its fascinating wildlife.

Extend Your Trip

Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans Extension

From $3,795

Shumbalala and Greater Kruger Safari Extension

From $3,095

Client Testimonials

"Love Madagascar. Great trip. Every single thing was taken care of. Enjoyed the pace of our trip. Enjoyed learning the history, politics, being in the jungle, seeing wildlife, marketplaces, people we met along the way."

Oakland, CA

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

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Wildlife Tours to Madagascar

Often referred to as the Eighth Continent, Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest and oldest island and, after millions of years of isolation, is truly unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Reef and Rainforest is the United Kingdom’s longest established and most experienced specialist tour operator for Madagascar, having first offered tours there over thirty years ago. It takes a long time truly to know the island, which is bigger than France and hides many attractions. Our unsurpassed knowledge of Madagascar results in superlative itineraries for you to enjoy.

We first went to Madagascar in 1992. The country was under a rigid communist dictatorship: it had terrible hotels and few visitors. Now there is improved infrastructure and a good range of medium- to high-quality accommodation. And of course, its unique wildlife is as wonderful as ever and a visit by you will help preserve it for the future.

Natural history travel has emerged over the past 30 years as a vital source of income for Madagascar. By visiting Madagascar, you contribute directly to the conservation of its precious remaining forests with their unique wildlife, and the welfare of its people who are among the poorest (and friendliest) in the world. Your presence facilitates the hiring of park rangers who guard the precious reserves from illegal logging, slash-and-burn farmers and bush-meat hunters. Fees paid to local guides and hotel staff salaries percolate down through local communities. Isolated lodges such as Anjajavy and Eden Lodge fund local schools and clinics. It all adds up.

Wildlife-wise, Madagascar must be one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world. The three main ecosystems comprise tropical rainforest, dry tropical deciduous forest and the unique spiny forest found only in Madagascar’s far southwest. There are healthy coral reefs and stunning white sand beaches to enjoy along the coast, plus huge unique karst limestone outcrops known as tsingy and fascinating cultures to discover.

Nearly all Madagascar’s staggering biodiversity is found nowhere else on the planet, much of it threatened with extinction. Wildlife highlights undoubtedly include the mysterious nocturnal aye aye, iconic ring-tailed lemur, the beautiful sifaka lemurs, large tailless indri, tiny mouse lemurs, charismatic fossa, giant and miniature chameleons, cunningly camouflaged leaf-tailed geckos, colourful frogs and fantastically varied endemic birds, many families of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Our expert English-speaking guides are tried and trusted to deliver a marvellously memorable journey through a country that really could be the Eighth Continent. Come with us to Madagascar and you will see – in the best possible way – what makes the The Big Red Island so special.

Have a look at our short video for some further inspiration: Wild Madagascar Film

Ranomafana National Park

Montagne d’Ambre

Masoala National Park

Marojejy National Park

Nosy Mangabe

Andohahela National Park

Mandrare River

Kaleta-Amboasary-Sud

Tsimanampetsotsa National Park

Berenty Reserve

Ankarafantsika National Park

Travel & climate, when to visit madagascar.

Travel between the end of April and end of November is preferable to avoid the wet season, with September, October and November being the very best months for animal activity. Notwithstanding some geographical variations, June to September normally offers dry, cooler weather. From September to November, many bird species are displaying, nesting and in breeding plumage, and baby lemurs can be seen clinging to their mothers. Try to avoid late December to early April – wet season.

• Switzerland
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States

Madagascar: The Lost Continent

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Travel to the Lost Continent in search of endemic wildlife, contrasting cultures and unforgettable scenery. Traverse the island from the bustling streets of the capital to the volcanic planes of the Central Highlands, via the rich rainforest and on to the golden beaches of the coast. Along the way, tick off Madagascar's National Parks in search of lemurs, chameleons and more, and immerse yourself in local life visiting colourful markets and artisan workshops.

• Reserves and National Parks - Hear the Indri lemurs' morning call in the Andasible Reserve and spot the Golden Bamboo lemur in the rainforest of Ranomafana.
• Spectacular landscapes - From the rice paddies and villages of the highlands to the arid, cactus-strewn planes of the Spiny Desert and Madagascar's Grand Canyon, witness the island's unrivalled scenery.
• Paradisal beaches - Spend two days unwinding on the white-sand beaches of Iftay, a tropical paradise with prolific birdlife.

Included meals

Breakfast: 14

Explore Tour Leader

Local Guide(s)

Accommodation

11 nights comfortable hotel

1 nights simple hotel

2 nights comfortable lodge

Group Size:

Trip maximum 12

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Our tour starts today in Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo (also known as Tana). Built over 12 hills, the city is a tapestry of old and new with French colonial buildings, modern offices and apartment blocks vying for space.

For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Antananarivo at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR) which is around a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to get to know Tana at your own pace. Take a walk to soak up the capital's colourful landscape, its houses stacked one upon the other down the sloping hills of the highlands.

Accommodation:

Hotel Au Bois Vert (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available, meals provided: none.

We have an early start to kick off our trip, leaving the city at around 7am this morning. We'll drive to Andasibe village, sometimes referred to by its French colonial name; Perinet. Although only eight square kilometres, Analamazoatra Reserve in Andasibe boasts nine species of Lemur, including the Indri Indri, whose morning calls can be heard piercing through the forest. After lunch, we'll trek in search of the Indri families in the area. Although the paths are often easy to follow, sometimes pushing further into the bush is required to spot these exquisite creatures in the trees, so it'll be an adventurous walk to kick off our two weeks searching for lemurs.

This evening, after dinner, we'll head out again with a local national park guide in search of the smallest of the lemur species, the mouse lemurs. Although nocturnal, these creatures can often easily be spotted along the one-kilometre roadside route that we'll follow this evening. As well as spotting tiny lemurs, it's common to see colourful chameleons, frogs and exotic insects.

Feon'ny Ala Bungalows (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Listen out this morning, as often the Indri's calls can be heard throughout the forest and surrounding village areas, including our accommodation! We'll be up early to drive to the nearby Analamazoatra reserve. Mantadia and Analamazoatra reserve are both part of the same precious forest ecosystem but due to continuous deforestation in the area, they are now separate parks. We'll spend around four hours searching for the black and white ruffed and Diademed Sifaka lemurs, as well as taking the opportunity to spot some birdlife.

After a busy morning searching for wildlife, we'll return to Andasibe for lunch. Then, this afternoon, there will be an optional visit to the small sleepy village of Andasibe itself where we can walk amongst its quiet streets and drop in on its market.

We have a long travel day ahead of us today, so we'll set off early in the morning. We'll head south to the spa town of Antsirabe with plenty of comfort breaks and a stop for lunch.

Antsirabe's cool climate made it a favourite spot with European missionaries and French colonialists, and their influence is still present in the colonial architecture and churches. Set in the Central Highlands, the town is a clash of cultures with fading, ornate colonial architecture, colourful rickshaws pedalling up and down the streets and souk-like stalls selling goods to both local residents and visitors.

Couleur Cafe (or similar)

This morning, we'll drive to the volcanic Lake of Tritriva. Local myths and taboos surround this mysterious lake which seems to have many guises, changing colour from one day to the next. We'll take a short walk to the crater's edge, where we can relax and take in the view. There'll be a short amount of free time to walk further if you'd like to.

From here, we'll continue our journey to Ambositra, where we'll visit some of the local woodcarvers. Their woodwork pieces - depicting Malagasy life and detailed marquetry work - are well-known for their fine standard of craftsmanship. Tonight, we'll visit a local development guest house to enjoy a traditional Malagasy meal and see a folk dance. By visiting here, we directly support an important base for the development of health projects, agriculture and the empowerment of women within the local community.

We'll return to Ambositra for our overnight stay.

Artisan Hotel (or similar)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Before we depart from Ambositra this morning, we'll visit a woodcarving artisan market at the Ivato Centre.

The drive to Ranomafana will take up most of the rest of the day, however, the winding roads pass through rugged landscapes, rural villages and endless rice paddies, and along the way, there will be comfort breaks, plus a lunch stop at Vohiposa. Towards the end of the drive, we'll head down from the highlands and into the rainforest.

The Ranomafana National Park is Madagascar's third largest national park, established after a new species of lemur named the Golden Bamboo was found here in 1987. The lush forest area is also known for its hidden waterfalls and the Namorona River which flows through impressive gorges, flanked on either side by tropical rainforest. If you can't wait to explore it, this evening there is the option to join a night walk to the outskirts of the park (see the budgeting section for more details).

Centrest Sejour Hotel (or similar)

After an early wake-up call, we'll enter the park for a morning walk in the hope of spotting the Golden Bamboo Lemur, which is endemic to the forests in South-Eastern Madagascar. It's the only location in Madagascar where we can see all three species of Bamboo Lemur, namely the lesser Bamboo Lemur, the greater Bamboo Lemur and the Golden Bamboo Lemur which gets its golden colour from the cyanide compounds found in the bamboo it eats.

Depending on how lucky we are finding lemurs, we'll spend around three to four hours trekking along the forest trails in search of wildlife. As well as the Bamboo Lemurs, we might have the chance to see Red-Fronted Brown Lemurs, Red-Bellied Lemurs and Milne-Edwards Sifaka. Most lemur species are sadly now endangered, the last survivors of a once abundant family of primates, now confined to pockets of forest and bush throughout Madagascar. Deforestation has taken a heavy toll on these arboreal creatures - it's estimated only 80 species remain. With luck, we might also spot the Malagasy boa constrictor, chameleons, the black parrot, cuckoo roller and many other birds.

The afternoon will be free to relax or to go on an additional optional walk within the park for the chance to spot the species not already seen during the morning.

Returning to the main road this morning, we'll continue south via the regional capital of Fianarantsoa. Leaving the highland plateau and descending through superb mountain scenery to the plains, we'll pause at the Ambalavao paper workshop before arriving at Anja Community Reserve. Here, we'll have the chance to watch troupes of ring-tailed lemur among the granite boulders.

Continuing south the pine trees thin out and the fertile soil of the highlands gives way to drier savannah, cactus, termite mounds, and the dust of the midsouth. We'll finally reach our destination late in the afternoon; Ranohira, situated on the edge of the Isalo National Park.

Hotel Relais de la Reine (or similar)

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

One of the highlights of our trip has to be Madagascar's Grand Canyon in Isalo National Park. Dervla Murphy, in her book Muddling through Madagascar, describes the terrain as 'Landscapes that are literally incredible. You don't believe it. You think you're hallucinating. How can wind and water have done all this?'.

Natural erosion has produced fantastic canyons and bizarre outcrops of wind-blasted sandstone and we'll head out on a walk to take it all in. The walk will last around 90 minutes, along dry, dusty paths with a slight ascent to a natural oasis pool known as Piscine Naturelle where we'll stop for a picnic lunch. After eating, we'll continue exploring to see the tombs of the Bara people and the sparse, dry forest species of dwarf-like baobab.

This afternoon, there'll be the opportunity to take an optional walk with a local guide to Namaza to see the Cascade des Nymphes. We'll meet again as a group to enjoy the sunset with a sundowner in the hotel grounds overlooking the park.

This morning, we'll continue our journey south for about five hours. The temperature rises as we lose height and head for the coast, crossing the savannah plain that's dotted with herds of Zebu cattle.

The south of Madagascar is largely desert and obscure cactus-like plants, unique to the island, smother the land giving the area the name the 'Spiny Forest'. We'll stop at Zombitse National Park, where we'll stretch our legs on a two-hour walk through the remarkable dry forest which is home to many birds, including black parrots, the Madagascar buzzard and the cuckoo roller. There's also the opportunity to spot the shy ring-tailed lemur here.

As we continue our drive, we'll pass by several fascinating Mahafaly Tombs before reaching the town of Toliara once an important port of call for Dutch and English ships plying the trade routes during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Victory Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Simple Hotel

After breakfast this morning, we'll continue to Ifaty Beach, a small resort on the west coast, our base for the next two nights. We'll slow down here and have time to enjoy the white sand beaches. You might like to take a stroll along the beach dotted with fishing vessels, relax by the hotel pool or take a stroll in the spiney forest which is rich in birdlife.

Le Paradisier (or similar)

Today is free to relax or explore the area. Ifaty Beach is a huge sandy bay which looks out over a lagoon protected by a barrier reef up to seven kilometres (four miles) from the shore. Traditional fishing villages are scattered along the bay and fishing is still done in sail-powered outrigger canoes. There is an option to visit the reef for snorkelling. There is also an excellent forest walk in the Reniala Reserve just inland from the beach area, where strange spiny forest can be found and some of the most attractive of the endemic bird species, such as the long-tailed ground roller, sub-desert mesite and sickle-billed vanga.

Depending on the flight schedule, we'll either have a very early start or a more relaxed morning in Ifaty, our tour leader will advise what time we need to leave.

We'll fly from Toliara back to Antananarivo airport from where it's a short transfer to our hotel. As the time of the domestic flight varies, the rest of the day is free to relax.

Today we'll absorb the atmosphere of the capital city but before heading into the chaos of its bustling streets, we'll first drive out of the city to explore the oldest palace in Madagascar, situated on Ambohimanga, a forested hill, north of Antananarivo. It was from this fortress that the Merina, a highland tribe, first established an effective administration and military command under King Andrianampoinamerina. The fort boasts the original king's hut and later European buildings, and from this high vantage point you can take in magnificent views over the fertile rice fields below, the surrounding hills and the city in the distance.

We'll stop somewhere for a lunch break, before returning to the city later this afternoon, and if traffic allows, there will be time for some last-minute shopping in Tana before our final dinner of the trip.

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Lunch

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Antananarivo.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Antananarivo at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Ivato International Airport (TNR) which is around a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

Is this the tour for you?

• We've graded our tour of Madagascar as full - on. We'll be travelling at a fast pace and moving on almost daily, but it's all worth it to tick off the island's bucket-list gems.
• Madagascar's roads are notoriously poor - driving conditions can get rough but bumps in the road are rewarded with breathtaking scenes of rice paddies, mountain ranges and desert landscapes.
• You don't have to be an athlete to enjoy this trip, but a basic level of fitness is needed as all the wildlife viewing is on foot. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
• At times, we'll be leaving creature comforts behind. While some accommodation will be basic, it's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Madagascar's unreal landscapes.
• When it comes to the weather, the temperature varies between the highland region and the coast. Between June and mid September it can get cool at night in the highland region. The rainy season is between January and the end of March.
• The best way to approach the Lost Continent is with an open mind. Things don't always run like clockwork on the island, so a flexible mindset is a must - it's all part of the adventure.
• Lunch and dinners are typically a combination of chicken or fish with vegetables in season and rice or potatoes. Please note that there are no fast - food outlets, it can take some time to prepare meals, especially in more rural areas. Vegetarians can be catered for, but the variety will be very limited at times.
• Nuts are used extensively in dishes throughout, if you have a nut allergy, please discuss this with us prior to booking.

Trip information

The climate is tropical, but cooler in the highlands (dropping as low as 5°C at night in July/August in Antananarivo and Andasibe). The dry season is March to October continuing into November in most areas. The east coast is best March-May and September-November, January-March is cyclone season. The south west area is hot, dry and semi-arid. March-April is the best time for flowers and reptiles. November (spring) is generally the best time for wildlife and birds, but lemurs can be viewed all year round. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable.

Time difference to GMT

2 Pin Round

Malagasy, French

Optional activities The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.

Day 3: Andasibe - Dawn Birdwatching €8. Extra Park or village walk €4. Private Reserve €9 Day 7: Ranomafana - Bird walk approx €8 depending on numbers. Optional Forest walk €8 Day 11: Ifaty - Snorkelling €15, picnic linch in Vezo €13, Visit to Reniala Spiny Forest €9

Clothing should be lightweight, but a warm sweater or jacket is advisable as nights at altitude and under desert conditions can be very cold (>10°C), even in summer and especially in July to September. Rainwear is highly recommended on all tours for the occasional shower. Warmer layers will be required during the winter months. Don't forget your swimwear and towel.

Lightweight walking bootshoes and trainers or sandals.

Luggage: On tour

One kitbag/rucksack or old but sturdy suitcase (luggage travels on the roof rack during the day) and a daysack.

Take a strong torch for nocturnal wildlife walks, a water bottle, camera film (and spare batteries), binoculars and a beach towel and swimming costume. Rain proof pants are very handy for walks in the rainforest. Walking poles maybe useful in Ranomafana NP and Andasibe.

Food and drink The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Foreign exchange, transport information.

Flight, Minibus

Accommodation notes

We have chosen our accommodation in Madagascar based on location and comfort. At Explore, we avoid chain hotels and opt for locally-run properties to give you an authentic experience. While you're sure to get a warm welcome, the standards might not always match those at home. The majority of the hotels on this tour are graded as comfortable. You can expect simply furnished en-suite rooms and basic amenities. Most properties will have WiFi and air-conditioning and some have extras such as swimming pools and restaurants to sample Malagasy food. At times, we'll be staying within easy reach of Madagascar's stunning national parks. These properties often have balconies or terraces from where you can enjoy a sundowner with a breathtaking view. See your final documents for your departure's hotels.

Food and drink

Madagascan food has been influenced by its French colonial past. Breakfasts are typically continental style comprising of a baguette, butter and jams, eggs and sometimes fruits in season served with tea or coffee. For lunch and dinner very reasonably priced fresh fish is widely available as we travel towards the coastal zone. Malagasy lager is reasonably priced and readily available. Malagasy wine is also reasonably priced but is not to everyone's taste. It is sometimes possible to get hold of French or South African wine. A delicacy in Madagascar is the various flavoured rum, which are widely sold and very reasonably priced. For vegetarians your food options may be rather limited (i.e. omelette, cheese, pasta, vegetables and rice) on this trip. Breakfasts are usually simple: eggs, a baguette, jam and coffee or tea, and sometimes fruit. You may wish to bring something to supplement your morning meal (spread, peanut butter etc). Madagascar does not have a vegetarian culinary tradition, and vegan food can be extremely difficult to find outside of the capital city. Gluten free and lactose free dietary requests can also be challenging to accommodate, be prepared to supplement your diet with food from home.

Can you drink the water?  The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.   

Government Travel Safety Advice

Under 18 immigration guidance.

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information. Booking Conditions  

Visa and Passport Information

Madagascar: If you are visiting for less than 16 days, there is no visa requirement. However, travellers must pay a 10 Euro administrative fee on arrival. For stays of 16 days or more an entry visa is required by UK, New Zealand, Australian, US & Canadian citizens and can be obtained at the airport on arrival. The visa cost is €35 or $37 USD. Only cash is accepted so please ensure you have this with you. Please note GBP sterling is not accepted. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. For a single entry tourist visa you can now apply via the e-visa website: https://evisamada-mg.com/en/home If you needed to obtain a visa you will need to print a copy of your disembarkation authorisation and present this with your passport at the eVisa counters upon arrival in Madagascar. You will be permitted to stay within Madagascar for a maximum of up to 30 days. There is an alternative more expensive tourist visa available for stays of up to 60 days. We strongly recommend for you to read the FAQ section on the e-visa website before applying. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining from the date of your entry into Madagascar and at least 2 blank pages.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846 . It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.  

Booking conditions

Minimum age restrictions, your safety and enjoyment on tour, your tour leader, find out more about trip transfer terms and conditions before you book. booking a land only package with explore.

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.  You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.   For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Flight information.

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A plus Polio and diptheria. Please note that all travellers aged over 9 months old that have travelled from or have transit via a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, will need to present a Yellow Fever certificate at immigration/borders in Madagascar for inspection. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Following the advice given by the Government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office, we strongly recommend the wearing long sleeved shirts and the liberal application of insect repellent as a precautionary measure to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. These precautions should be taken at all times as the mosquitoes are also active during daylight hours. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Dates, prices and booking

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Highlights of Madagascar

Descent of manambolo madagascar in 11 days, baobab & tsingy family safaris, personalized & daily start, discover the south of madagascar and relaxation, ecoubeach tour in nosy be, evergreen tour of the north-east by boat, madagascar baobabs & beyond, tsingy of bemaraha expedition, madagascar wildlife tour 14d/13n, customized madagascar family trip for whale watching, daily start.

“The trip was a proper adventure. I had a great time.” Yordan Yordanov, traveled in February 2022

• Meet your group and CEO in the evening
• Visit Anja Park and a local paper factory
• Plant trees near Isalo National Park

“An opportunity to really see the countryside and the people of Madagascar who were all so friendly.” Penny Sharples, traveled in June 2019

• In-depth Cultural
• Hike through the Tsingy de Bemaraha park
• Swim in the natural Amparaky Geyser pools
• Navigate the Manambolo river by canoe

“The vacation was amazing because to the group of amiable native guides and our fantastic private driver.” Erika Becker, traveled in July 2023

• Christmas & New Year
• Admire giant baobabs through districts rich in these magical trees
• Safari through alien karst landscape at Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park
• See up-close wildlife of lemurs, fossae, chameleons, and geckos

“I saw a lot of the endemic species, beautiful landscape and nice accommodations.” MCEisele, traveled in September 2023

• Hike through Isalo Park's unique landscapes
• Explore Ifaty's vibrant coral reefs
• Watch sunset at Isalo's window

“Great very personal service. On-time performance.” Denis Davydov, traveled in January 2023

• Explore Nosy Sakatia's untouched nature
• Journey through Lokobe's primary forest
• Snorkel in Nosy Tanikely's marine reserve

• Snorkel in Masoala's vibrant coral reefs
• Explore Andasibe's lush rainforests
• Discover historical Ambohimanga hill

“He went above and beyond his job. Always extremely helpful and had a friendly and helpful attitude.” Robert Alan Holtz, traveled in November 2023

• Hiking & Trekking
• Explore Antananarivo's cobbled streets
• Cross the Great Tsingy on a suspension bridge
• Trek through the Small Tsingy formations

“Fascinating country and the tour covers a lot of ground. Tsingy worth the trip.” Claire Raphael, traveled in August 2022

• Sightseeing
• Hike through the Tsingy of Bemaraha
• Enjoy a river trip and spot lemurs
• Visit Antsirabe and ride a rickshaw

“We saw more wildlife than we imagined was possible. It was a bucket list trip for us and we came away amazed.” Lorraine Helen Spencer, traveled in March 2024

• Witness sunset at Avenue of the Baobabs
• Explore Palmarium Reserve by day and night
• Trek through Andasibe Mantadia National Park

• Enjoy a customized Madagascar trip to fit your personal needs, no group
• Once-in-a-lifetime adventure to encounter majestic whales breaching the waves
• Delve into lush Andasibe NP, where playful lemurs and endemic plants come alive

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