Often referred to as the ‘eighth continent’, Madagascar is home to a staggering 5% of the entire planet's flora and fauna.
Intro
Situated east of Mozambique in the Indian Ocean, it is believed that a staggering 5% of the entire planet's flora and fauna can only be found in Madagascar. Although the island’s charismatic lemurs understandably grab most of the headlines, it is a treasure trove of flora and fauna, including the very recent discovery of rare whale sharks in its waters.
Having split off from the African continent almost 160 million years ago, Madagascar's unique biodiversity has evolved free from hunters and mass human development which has endangered so much of the rest of the world's wildlife and environment. Culturally, Madagascar is also very different to mainland Africa, with the island's first settlers arriving from as far away as Borneo with a gradual influx of people from other Southeast Asian countries. Surprisingly the first wave of Africans arrived relatively late considering its proximity to Africa's east coast. French influence can also be felt all over the island due to seventy years of colonial rule.
Why travel with us ?
Our extensive research travelling around the island has resulted in some truly authentic off-the-beaten-track tours. Whether you travel in a small group or on a private tailormade trip, you will come face-to-face with many species of lemurs, kaleidoscopic chameleons, and other endemic mammals as well as enchanting forests filled with birdsong and stunning coastal towns.
Experience Madagascar's breathtaking landscapes - from rainforests, primeval jungles and crater lakes to the canyons of Isalo National Park; from jaw-dropping massifs and peculiar tsingy (unique limestone pinnacles) to the ‘Avenue of Baobabs’ in lesser-visited western Madagascar. Our knowledgeable local guides will also enable you to get a feel for rural life. You will take village walks, visit silk weaving workshops, learn about tribal customs and discover sacred tombs hidden in forests.
Madagascar is an enthralling destination, and although a very poor country, the Malagasy are hardy people who have endured much; their captivating smiles and willingness to help travellers at any opportunity make this an off the beaten track destination well worth visiting.
Whether you would like to join one of our small group tours or have us put together a tailormade experience for you in Madagascar do get in touch and one of our travel specialists will be happy to help.
View all Madagascar tours
Quick Facts
Capital: Antananarivo
Population: Around 24.9 million
Languages: Malagasy & French
Ask us for pricingThis is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
4 days
Places Visited
Andasibe National Park | Antananarivo | Analamazaotra
Rock-hewn churches, dramatic landscapes and endemic wildlife.
Ask us for pricingThis is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
21 days
Places Visited
Addis Ababa | Addis Ababa - Merkato | Bahir Dar | Debre Libanos | Blue Nile Falls | Gondar | Simien Mountains | Axum | Axum City Tour -The Obelisks of Axum | Lalibela | Lalibela - Western group of churches | Antananarivo | Antsirabe | Ambositra | Ranomafana National Park | Fianarantsoa | Isalo National Park | Ambalavao | Anja Community Reserve | Ranohira | Ilakaka | Tuléar | Antsokay Arboretum
Ask us for pricingThis is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
14 days
Places Visited
Antananarivo | Ambohimanga | Antsirabe | Ambositra | Ranomafana National Park | Fianarantsoa | Isalo National Park | Ambalavao | Ranohira | Anja Community Reserve | Ilakaka | Ifaty | Tuléar | Reniala Nature Reserve
Discover bizarre and unique animals of the world's '8th continent'
Ask us for pricingThis is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
13 days
Places Visited
Antananarivo | Andasibe National Park | Mantadia | Analamazaotra | Maromizaha | Akanin’ny Nofy | Aye Aye Island | Tamatave | Foulpointe | Ile Sainte Marie | Ile aux Nattes
Ask us for pricingThis is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
11 days
Places Visited
Antananarivo | Ambohimanga | Marojejy National Park | Sambava | Ankarana Special Reserve | Ankify | Nosy Be
Soak up the sun on one of Madagascar's idyllic beaches
Ask us for pricingThis is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
Discover Madagascar's native animals and exotic birds
Ask us for pricingThis is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
Ask us for pricingThis is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
Trek through Madagascar's forests and roam its coastline
Ask us for pricingThis is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
Madagascar is home to a bewildering array of endemic flora and fauna and is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. With over 100 species of lemur, rainbow-coloured chameleons, otherworldly insects, rich bird life and humpback whales, Madagascar offers a wildlife experience unlike anywhere else on Earth.
We have put together some of our favourite wildlife parks and reserves in Madgascar to help you decide where to visit. For more information, click here.
Trekking
Madagascar allows for any trekker, intermediate or advanced, to experience both its cultural and natural diversity. Whether it's walking through wildlife reserves and tropical lowland forests, or hiking along the idyllic Indian ocean coastline, Madagascar’s offerings are boundless. Observe the whales migrating during the summer months, roam the forests to spot endemic lemurs, or take a dip in a natural swimming pool. Marvel at this incredible ecosystem, take in the rich ecology and experience something outside the realm of everyday life.
Isalo National Park
Home to a wide range of terrain, from savanna and canyons to waterfalls and natural pools, Isalo National Park is an incredible trekking destination. Explore rich biodiversity, from the crested ibis to endemic frogs, while aloe, elephant’s foot and palm are just some of the unique flora surrounding the park. Trek along the Canyon des Singes (meaning “Canyon of Monkeys”), renowned for its dancing sifakas and ring-tailed lemurs, and hike through the dense vegetation of the Namaza circuit before reaching a breathtaking waterfall. You will also walk past the sacred tombs of the Malagasi Bari tribe where they bury their dead. Isalo National Park is a must-see for first-time visitors to Madagascar and several days can be spent here. Nearby Relais de la Reine is a wonderful boutique property which makes a convenient base to explore the Isalo National Park area.
Andringitra National Park
Known as one of the most diverse places in Madagascar, Andringitra National Park is a spectacular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, with most of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. Covering 77,000 acres and housing 3 different ecosystems (grassland, scrub and forest), the park's residents include 13 kinds of lemur, 1,000 types of plant and 50 species of mammal. Andringitra National Park invites its visitors along four different trails of varying difficulty, ranging from 6 km for beginners to 28 km for those after a challenge. The most famous hikes include the Diavolana trek and the Imarivolenitra hike to Pic Boby, or for a shorter trek, venture through thick vegetation to a phenomenal 300 metre waterfall on the Asaramanitra trail. For something out of the ordinary, walk the 15km Isahavato trek at nightfall, journeying up 2,658 metres to a rock plateau for breathtaking panoramic views at sunset.
Rainforest Treks
Located in the eastern part of Madagascar, the rainforest houses over half of the total wildlife living on the island. Often referred to as the “lowland rainforest” due to its low elevation, it is a spectacular region to see the unique flora and fauna Madagascar has to offer. Journey to north east to Marojejy National Park, home to mongoose, fossas, civets and lemurs. The flora is just as fascinating here, ranging from beautiful orchids to specially adapted plants, including carnivorous and anti-carcinogenic species. Rainforest excursions are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover the special surprises hidden within the depths of Madagascar.
Zafimaniry Village Trek
This 3-day trek allows you to meet the Zafimaniry tribe, a clan of about 16000 people living in numerous villages in central Madagascar. They are renowned for their woodcarving skills, as well as their homes made from vegetable fibres and bamboo, which can be taken down and moved relatively easily. Walk through the eucalyptus forest, grassland and mimosa trees to Vohibe, a rocky platform with wonderful views. Take a morning walk through the rice fields and visit local Zamimaniry homes where you'll see woodcarvers at work. Visit more villages where your guide will explain the local traditions and lifestyle. We contribute a "community charge" to ensure villages benefit directly in a fair way.
Flora
Home to over 10,000 plants, including 1,000 types of orchid, 6 species of baobab, rare kinds of palm and countless medicinal plants, it’s no wonder that Madagascar is known for its unique flora. With multiple ecosystems and varying climates, the island provides perfect conditions for an innumerable amount of plants to thrive. From coastal bushland and wetlands, to mangroves and forest, Madagascar has an incredible 80,000 different plant specimens, with many endemic species making it a one-of-a-kind destination. Traveller’s palm is an endemic plant to Madagascar, with leaves growing up to an astonishing 4 metres. According to legend, its name originated from the plants ability to hold a reservoir of water in its leaf bases, acting as a life preserve for any exhausted passersby or wildlife. Contrary to its name, traveller’s palm not actually part of the palm family. It has a unique relationship with the ruffed lemur, it’s co-pollinator, with the two species believed to have evolved alongside each other. The Baobab tree is a great symbol of hope across the African savanna and in Madagascar, where six of the eight species thrive. Known as the ‘tree of life’, it has an incredible ability to thrive in the most arid of conditions and live for up to 5,000 years.
Cycling
Always a fun way to see a new place, we can arrnage a half-day cycle tour of Antsirabe, Madagascar's second largest city. Known for its impressive colonial architecture and surrounding countryside, see villagers tend to their rice paddies in seemingly endless terraces. Visit the beautiful Andrononobe and Andraikiba lakes and reward yourself with a dip in Lake And raikiba. This is ideal for those who already cycle or practice regular sport. Cycle, helmet and packed lunch are provided.
Beach Extensions
Nosy Komba
Located close to Nosy Be, its busier neighbour, this little volcanic island (which is covered by dense tropical forest and resembles a giant turtle) is mainly known for its many small, pretty and quieter beaches
Sainte Marie
Situated in the east and easily accessible by plane from Tana, Sainte Marie is a lush tropical island with pristine beaches. For divers, a midnight dive to an underwater wreck is a must. The island also plays host to migrating whales from July to October.
Ifaty
If your trip ends in Tulear, then just 27km north along the Mozambique Channel lies Ifaty. It has good (but not the island’s best) beaches yet it’s still a fine base from which to enjoy the lagoon, huge reefs and an excursion to the nearby baobab forest.
