A Madagascar Safari – Something Entirely Different
A Madagascar safari trip offers a completely unique experience. For starters; there are no game drives! Instead, you explore the island’s extraordinary biodiversity on foot, following forest trails in search of lemurs, orchids, chameleons, and more.
Lemurs are the lure for most visitors, with nine-tenths of the world’s endangered lemurs only found on Madagascar. But that’s not the only drawcard.
Over 5% of the world’s biodiversity is found on this one vast island, including six species of baobab tree and the world’s smallest primate. So it’s a paradise for nature lovers and a dream for adventurous travellers seeking something truly original.
A Madagascar trip suits the more adventurous and curious traveller. Yet it also boasts some of the most unspoilt beaches in the Indian Ocean. Thus the classic combination of ‘bush and beach’ is definitely on the cards here!
Why Visit Madagascar?
Madagascar is like no other place on earth. This pint-sized ‘continent’ is neither Africa nor Asia. It broke away from Gondwanaland 165 million years ago — essentially a giant Noah’s Ark of biodiversity, sailing away to the east. The result? This isolation led to a separate evolution of flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. So this unique island is an incredibly exciting wildlife destination: a paradise for safari visitors
This pint-sized continent is home to:
- Over 20,000 species of flora and fauna
- 80–90% of which are endemic to Madagascar
- 1000 species of orchid, over half the world’s chameleons, and a mere 150 species of frog!
- And of course, lemurs — with nine-tenths of the world’s endangered lemurs found only in Madagascar
What to Expect on a Madagascar Safari?
Our Madagascar tours are usually private tailor-made holidays. We design flexible itineraries that reflect your interests, fitness level, and timeframe. (We don’t run group tours.) Check out our sub-regions below for more on each of the eight areas.
Guests often explore one or two wildlife areas such as:
- Andasibe Rainforest – lemurs & rainforest wildlife
- The lush southern highland reserves of Ranomafana and Isalo
- Northern Madagascar - lemurs, tsingy (unique limestone formations) & boats to Nosy Be
Most end with a few days unwinding on Madagascar’s tropical beaches — perhaps Nosy Be, one of the northern islands, or the idyllic Île Sainte-Marie.
If you have more time, you can add on:
- Western Madagascar – Alley of Baobabs & unique wildlife in Kirindy
- Dry South Coast – golden beaches & spiny forest lemurs
For more ideas, see our article on Madagascar's attractions: Top 10 Reasons to Visit Madagascar.
Our Madagascar Tour Inspiration
We have sample tours, which can be customised to suit many.
Easy Madagascar for 1st-timers?
Lemurs & Beach - Combines only two centres with a Tana stay-over night.
Short on Time, or want to cut down on driving?
Simpler Road trips
2-3 centre road trips which allow you to explore more of the country
Andasibe, Northern Madagascar & Nosy Be
Longer Road trips for Seasoned travellers?
Rainforests, Mountains & Beaches of Madagascar
Eastern Rainforest to Ile Sainte Marie
How Active is a Madagascar Safari?
Exploring Madagascar’s national parks means walking forest trails, sometimes for several hours and often through hilly terrain. It’s certainly not high-altitude trekking, but a reasonable level of mobility and fitness is recommended.
Where You'll Stay in Madagascar
Accommodation ranges from simple hotels and country lodges to deluxe beach resorts. Standards are improving, especially along the coast, but part of Madagascar’s appeal is its rustic charm. If you only want a beach resort, then there is plenty of choice. If you want to explore inland, then some accommodation may be simpler than you’d ideally want.
Is Madagascar Right for You?
A Madagascar holiday isn’t for everyone — and that’s part of its charm. This is a destination for:
- Couples who enjoy offbeat experiences and new cultures
- An unusual honeymoon with bush and beach
- Nature lovers and photographers who are curious and open-minded
- Second- or third-time Africa visitors
- Those willing to accept a few quirks and bumps along the way
If you need luxury at every turn or expect things to unfold exactly as described, Madagascar might not be your ideal fit. However, if you have a spirit of adventure or are amused by the unexpected. If you are willing to accept some irritations and some simple hotels along the way, then Madagascar is a fascinating destination.
Chat to us now!
Whether you’re dreaming of baobab forests, lemurs leaping through the rainforest, or barefoot luxury by the beach — we’ll design a Madagascar tour that fits your pace, passions, and preferences.
Tell us your travel style, dates, and wish-list — and we’ll do the rest.
