Travel advice for Madagascar
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Madagascar
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written by Kirsten Henton
updated 3.12.2019
Madagascar, the world's fourth-largest island, is a giant wonderland of natural sights and experiences. It's a place of diverse landscapes, climates and tribal systems. Traditional beliefs in taboo (fady) and animism remain strong alongside imported Christianity from 19th-century missionaries and European influences from colonial days gone by. Madagascar both delights and challenges travellers. If you can get to grips with its distinct character, the rewards are endless – including what is arguably the best camembert outside of France. Now is the time to plan a trip to Madagascar – and here's why.
Wild Madagascar
This trip is a tour of Wild Madagascar: discover dusty desert canyons, lush rainforests teeming with wildlife and trek through national parks. Explore the bustling capital Tana, then stop by the beach at Ifaty where you'll encounter forests of baobab trees and wandering tribesmen.
customize ⤍Dreaming of Madagascar
Tropical island beaches, lush rainforest, stunning wildlife, and the bright red clay houses of Antananarivo await you as you arrive on the beautiful island of Madagascar. Get your fill of culture in the capital Tana, snap beguiling wildlife, and revive and reboot on stunning white-sand beaches.
customize ⤍A Taste of Madagascar
An unforgettable journey through Madagascar's enchanting landscapes and cultural treasures. From the lush rainforests of Andasibe to the vibrant streets of Antananarivo, this adventure combines wildlife encounters with rich history, creating a diverse and immersive experience.
customize ⤍Lemurs are the big celebs. With more than 100 species dotted across the island, these delightfully endearing primates are inquisitive, playful and easy to spot. To spot the greatest variety, hire an expert guide adept in the art of lemur calls.
Of course, lemurs aren't the only mammals on the block. From tiny tenrecs and bats to the main predator of the pack, the elusive fossa, there's plenty to look out for, not to mention the varied collection of birds and reptiles.
Sadly, Madagascar's wildlife is at great risk. Deforestation (with forest giving way to destructive rice paddies) and poaching are the two main culprits.
While in the region, you might want to take the additional trip to nearby Mauritius. Don't miss our guide to the best things to do in Mauritius.
The elusive fossa, Madagascar's largest predator © Vladislav T. Jirousek/Shutterstock
Make a beeline for Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park (also the country's first UNESCO site), the Tsingy de Namoroka National Park, or the iron-rich red ridges of the Tsingy Rouge Park in the north.
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar © Dennis van de Water/Shutterstock
If you're thinking of planning a trip to Madagascar, get in touch! We can connect you with a local expert to plan and book your dream holiday
Head to Nosy Sakatia to swim with grazing sea turtles, or plan a day trips from Nosy Be to see placid whale sharks from October to December. Meanwhile, glorious Ile Sainte Marie is ideal for whale watching between June and September. This is when humpback whales head to the warm waters to breed. If you dive, the ocean is your oyster.
Ile Sainte Marie, Madagascar © Charles-Henry Thoquenne/Shutterstock
With the look of being planted roots up, baobab trees are the camels of the forest, able to retain thousands of litres of water, making them well suited to arid environments.
The Avenue of the Baobabs in western Madagascar is rightly considered the place to see them. The best photo opportunities are at sunrise and sunset. If you can't make it to the Avenue, other species of baobabs can be found island-wide.
Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar © Dennis van de Water/Shutterstock
Yes, it's busy, a little gritty, and pollution is a problem but it also stands in stark contrast to the rural landscapes and vast national parks Madagascar is known for. The city has a cooler climate thanks to its elevation. A night or two here is time well spent – and remember, all the thigh-burning steep climbs are rewarded with exceptional views!
Madagascar's hilltop capital city, Antananarivo © Dudarev Mikhail/Shutterstock
Large quantities of cacao, cloves, pepper and cinnamon, among other spices, are also cultivated, while bananas, pineapples and mangoes grow freely. Don't miss mango season throughout October, when the trees that thrive in the tropical climate to the north drip with juicy ripe fruit, and lychee season, which kicks off in November.
Madagascan vanilla pods drying in the sun © Aaabbbccc/Shutterstock
Verreaux's Sifaka dancing in Madagascar © Hugh Lansdown/Shutterstock
Traditional Vezo fishing boat in southwestern Madagascar © Pierre-Yves Babelon/Shutterstock
Top image: Ring-tailed lemur carrying twin babies © Hajakely/Shutterstock
written by Kirsten Henton
updated 3.12.2019
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Madagascar
Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert
Book securely with money-back guarantee
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