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Home > Destinations > Destination: Madagascar
Antananarivo
Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Malagasy & French
UTC+03:00
Largely undiscovered, Madagascar’s lush rainforests and palm-fringed coastline appeal to the seasoned traveler looking for authentic adventure. Explore Madagascar’s biodiverse national parks, marvel at towering baobabs, soak up the sun on pristine, white sandy beaches, or enjoy a thrilling lemur trekking experience. For the ultimate luxury, head to one of Madagascar’s private islands, such as Nosy Ankao, the largest island in the Levens Archipelago. Book with Ker & Downey Africa and enjoy ultra-luxurious accommodations and tailored safari itineraries that will enable you to connect with the unique people and culture of Madagascar.
If you’re craving authentic pioneering travel and want an escape from mass tourism, look no further than Madagascar. Home to the lemur, lush rainforests, palm-fringed beaches, and arid deserts dotted with baobabs, this remote island calls out to the experienced island traveler who relishes adventure. Named the 8th continent, Madagascar evolved in splendid isolation for more than 80 million years, making 90% of the biodiversity endemic to the island. Largely undiscovered, it poses a few challenges to travelers with its tricky roadways, diverse landscapes, and remote resorts, but it ensures one of the most unique wildlife experiences left on the planet. Fly into the island’s bustling capital, Antananarivo, and journey onwards to discover Nosy Be and the tropical islands of the North, the limestone pinnacles in Tsingy de Bemaraha Reserve, humpback whales in the waters of the east coast on Ile Sainte Marie and lemurs in the rainforests of the northeast in Masoala National Park.
Antananarivo
Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
Malagasy & French
UTC+03:00
Madagascar is an island country in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of mainland Africa. It is the fourth largest island in the world. Geographically, it lies east of Mozambique, across the Mozambique Channel, and northwest of Mauritius.
Deciding when to travel to Madagascar can be tricky, as it’s heavily dependent on where you want to go and what you would like to see and do. Because of the size of the island, weather patterns can be unpredictable, and the climate can vary depending on your location. Avoid the annual cyclones between January and March and travel to Madagascar between April and December.
Peak season runs between July and August, during the Northern Hemisphere summer break. To avoid disappointment, make sure to book your tickets and holiday accommodation in advance. This also perfectly aligns with whale season on the East Coast, but unfortunately, many small mammals and reptiles are hibernating during this time.
There is a high risk of cyclones from January to March. Most hotels and tour operators close during these months, as some parts of the island become inaccessible.
The months between May and October offer the most pleasant climate for travel. There is little rainfall, which allows you to avoid the sweltering tropical heat. From October onwards, you can see baby lemurs and experience hot and relatively dry beach holidays.
Often called the eighth continent by ecologists due to its large number of endemic species, choosing a luxury safari in Madagascar offers a unique and unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts. As a biodiversity hotspot, you’ll have the chance to see a vast array of unique flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. Explore diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to arid deserts, all teeming with fascinating wildlife.
Madagascar’s remote and pristine wilderness areas are often inaccessible to mass tourism. Luxury safaris provide exclusive access to these off-the-beaten-path locations, allowing you to explore secluded rainforests, remote islands, and untouched coastlines in style and comfort.
When you book a luxury safari in Madagascar with Ker & Downey Africa, you’ll also enjoy a selection of ultra-exclusive accommodations in luxury safari lodges, eco-friendly resorts, hotels, and private villas that offer the utmost exclusivity and privacy.
Our expert guides and naturalists will accompany you throughout your Madagascar luxury safari experience, sharing their in-depth knowledge of Madagascar’s wildlife, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. They will ensure that you have meaningful encounters with wildlife while respecting conservation principles and ethical practices.
Finally, our handpicked selection of luxury safari operators in Madagascar prioritizes sustainability and conservation efforts, supporting local communities and wildlife conservation initiatives. By choosing a luxury safari, you contribute to responsible tourism practices that benefit the environment, local livelihoods, and Malagasy culture.
Madagascar is not typically considered a traditional safari destination in the same sense as countries like Kenya, Tanzania, or South Africa. When people think of safaris, they often envision the vast savannahs of East Africa, teeming with iconic wildlife such as lions, elephants, and zebras. There are no big game drives in Madagascar; instead, almost all wildlife exploration is done on foot.
However, Madagascar offers its own unique brand of safari experiences centered around its incredible biodiversity and endemic wildlife, particularly its famous lemurs. Instead of traditional game drives across savannahs, safaris in Madagascar often involve trekking through dense rainforests, exploring limestone karst formations, and discovering unique ecosystems like spiny forests and baobab groves.
While Madagascar may not fit the traditional safari mold, it is a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, offering opportunities to encounter lemurs, chameleons, rare birds, and other endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. With its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unparalleled biodiversity, Madagascar provides a one-of-a-kind safari experience that appeals to those seeking something truly extraordinary.
Madagascar is an evolutionary bubble and is considered one of the most uniquely biodiverse destinations in the world. In fact, 90% of its fauna and flora are endemic to the island. The dense forests are home to the lemur, vibrant chameleons, and cat-like fossas, while the surrounding waters are home to several species of sharks, entrancing rays, turtles, and humpback whales. Madagascar has an abundance of life, with over 100,000 different insects and spiders, 300 butterfly species, and 13,000 plant species.
Some of the best national parks in Madagascar include:
Andasibe Mantadia National Park
Known for its lush rainforests, tumbling waterfalls, picturesque crater lakes, and incredible biodiversity, this National Park is one of Madagascar’s premier wildlife destinations, providing guests the opportunity to encounter iconic species, such as the Indri Lemur, along with brightly coloured chameleons, geckos, and bugs.
Anjajavy Private Reserve
Situated on Madagascar’s northwest coast, Anjajavy Private Reserve is a striking area of wilderness boasting pristine beaches, dense forests, and diverse wildlife. The reserve can only be reached via air, enhancing its exclusivity and ensuring a wonderfully remote experience. Here, you can enjoy the ultimate combination of beach and bush amidst an oasis of wildlife and unique animals, including the elusive fossa, Madagascar’s largest carnivore.
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its dramatic limestone karst formations and unique ecosystems. Luxury safari experiences in Tsingy de Bemaraha offer guided treks through the rugged terrain, with opportunities to explore caves, hike along suspension bridges, and marvel at panoramic views from scenic viewpoints. Expect to see troops of white Decken’s sifakas, along with red-fronted brown lemurs and a host of reptiles.
Masolao National Park
Located in northeastern Madagascar, Masoala National Park is a biodiverse paradise encompassing rainforests, coastal forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and marine habitats. This unique location is the largest protected area in Madagascar, offering a wide range of habitats to explore. Enjoy private guided rainforest hikes, snorkeling excursions, and cultural visits to local villages.
A luxury safari in Madagascar opens up a world of superb activities, including:
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Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
