Top Madagascar Tours – Unique Wildlife, Scenery & Cultural Adventures

Ultimate Travel Guide for Safaris & Tours in Madagascar

Approximately 25% of the world’s primates now reside on the island, and they come in a wide variety of sizes, gregarious and solitary, adorable and downright strange. The narrative of the primates is repeated in many animal groups: about half of the world’s chameleons are found there, hundreds of different species of frog, numerous bat species, and over a hundred small, harmless snakes. In terms of flora, the tale is also comparable.

However, Madagascar is more than just a paradise for environmentalists; the island also has amazing beaches, diving, surfing, and scuba diving; treacherous rock climbing and caving; leisurely river tours; breathtaking landscape; and friendly, hospitable locals with fascinating cultural customs and beliefs.

A large plateau divides the island in half along its middle. A strip of lush rainforest stretches along the eastern side, whilst the western side is home to drier deciduous woodlands. The island’s most bizarre flora can be found in the distinct dry and prickly woodland located in the extreme south. Massive baobab trees can be found throughout the west.

A interesting cultural melting pot has resulted from a mix of influences that provide telltale evidence of the existence of Arabic people, Bantu tribespeople, Polynesian settlers, and European immigration in the past. Madagascar is really hard to beat for sheer diversity.

Best time to visit

Because of the extremely varied subtropical climate of Madagascar, planning ahead is wise when making travel plans. March to December is considered the rainy season. At this time of year, temperatures often hover around 30oC (86oF), with tropical storms causing havoc in the country’s rainforest-covered eastern and northern regions. Even though it’s rainy season up north, the central regions will experience much cooler, drier weather at this time, with highs of about 25°C (77°F). The driest regions of the nation are along the western and southern shores.

The dry season lasts from April to October, however the peak travel period doesn’t begin until early May. Because of the dates of the school holidays in the USA and Europe, July and August are the busiest months. If you’re looking to see wildlife, September through December is an excellent time to go because a lot of the island’s many lizards and snakes emerge from hibernation during this period. This time of year, the mountains, especially Antananarivo, are windy, dry, and chilly; from November to April, they become warm and thunderous. It is not advisable to travel to Madagascar between January and March due to the severe storms and sporadic cyclones.

Required clothing

Lightweight clothing should be worn all year round in the north and south and during the summer on high central plateaux to adapt to the climate of Madagascar. In this hot weather, natural fibers like cotton work well. In mountainous places, wearing warmer clothing is recommended in the evenings and during the winter. It is a precautionary measure to wear rainwear.

Geography

Located in the Indian Ocean, 500 kilometers (300 miles) off the coast of Mozambique, Madagascar is the fourth biggest island in the world. Along with a number of considerably smaller sister isles, the Hauts Plateaux, a central series of high mountains, define it. The main island’s dominant feature is this prickly ridge, which also serves as a demarcation line between the east and west of Madagascar, indicating the disparities in climate, scenery, and ethnicity.

Dense jungles cover most of the narrow strip of lowlands on the east coast that Polynesian seamen began to colonize in the sixth century. Grasslands currently predominate in the wider west-coast environment, which was formerly covered with dry deciduous forests. Although the east coast experiences the monsoon, the climate on both sides is wetter toward the north. The southernmost point of the island is semi-desert with forests of scrub that resemble cacti, and a large portion of Madagascar’s flora and wildlife are completely unique. Situated high up in the Hauts Plateaux, Antananarivo, the bustling capital city, virtually symbolises the geographical center of the island.

Top Things to See and Do in Madagascar

1. See the Avenue of the Baobab

Massive, indigenous to Madagascar, baobab trees can reach heights of 30 meters (98 feet) and widths of 11 meters (36 feet). They can also live up to 1,000 years. Although the trees are present all across the nation, one of the most recognizable pictures of Madagascar is this road that is flanked by them.

2. Visit Tsingy

Essentially two parks, Great Tsingy and Little Tsingy, this park is located close to the western shore. Although getting there requires a full day of 4WD travel over extremely difficult terrain, the sights make the difficult location worthwhile. These extraordinary, unearthly rock formations are breathtaking. It costs 55,000 MGA to enter.

3. Explore Isalo National Park

This park, which reminded me of Westworld, amazed me with its many difficult hiking paths, cliffs, ravines, gorges, canyons, and an abundance of wildlife. However, you must first hire a guide in order to explore (they are available at the entry). Guides cost between 80,000 and 100,000 MGA, while admission is 65,000 MGA.

4. Relax at Nosy Be

If you want to visit Madagascar’s renowned beaches, head to Nosy Be. This little island, which is 8 kilometers (5 miles) offshore, has white sand beaches, pricey dining establishments, and luxurious resorts. Every Sunday, there are wild beach parties and fantastic whale watching, fishing, snorkeling, and diving.

5. Explore Lemur Island

Four kinds of lemurs that were saved from pet status reside on Lemur Island, a nature preserve. When the time is right, they are also returned to their native environment. They remain in the park if they are unable to survive on their own in the wild for any reason. It costs 12,000 MGA to enter.

Other Things to See and Do in Madagascar

1. Relax at Île Sainte Marie

Though most people visit Nosy Be for its luxurious resorts, Île Sainte Marie is a slightly more affordable, more laid-back option if you’re looking for something a little more local. Off the east coast, this old capital of pirates (the ship of 17th-century pirate Captain Kidd sank nearby) is a laid-back, quirky island with lots of small coves, a pirate cemetery, and mouthwatering seafood. Although the beaches aren’t as good as Nosy Be, the island does have a lovely white sand beach in the south that not many people travel to. Additionally, whale watching is best enjoyed in this region of the nation. Here, round-trip airfare is approximately 810,000 MGA. The boat is slow and extremely inconvenient, so don’t take it.

2. See Ranomafana National Park

With twelve different kinds of lemurs calling this place home, it’s one of the best places in the nation to watch them. In addition to lemurs, one may witness several birds, chameleons, over 130 kinds of frogs, and other fauna, including the well-known giraffe beetles. I would walk the morning hike, followed by the afternoon and night hikes (which require a guide) at the secondary entrance, out of all the accessible paths. You’ll have more of the park to yourself if you climb the later trails because most trips skip them. Due to the park’s popularity, there’s a daily limit on the number of people who can visit so it’s best to go in the low season. Admission is 22,000 MGA per day and guides cost between 80,000-120,000 MGA.

3. Visit Toliara

This little town on the west coast is well-known for its foreign residents, pizza, which is a national favorite, and for serving as the starting point for dive trips to the Great Reef offshore. There’s nothing better to do than unwind by the beach. Ranomafana National Park, Isalo National Park, and other breathtaking views may be seen when driving along the N7, the region’s main north-south highway! The cost of one dive is 180,000 MGA.

4. Explore Antananarivo

The capital of Madagascar, sometimes referred to as Tana for short, is a dirty city with awful traffic, yet a quick trip is worthwhile because of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Take in the international scene in the city, see the lemur park and the Rova (the old palace), and use it as a springboard for trips further afield.

5. Try zebu

One kind of cow with a noticeable hump on its back is the zebu. They are utilized as dowries in marriages and are more of a labor animal, similar to oxen, and are found all across the nation. This is the only type of beef served here, and it’s always available on the menu along with substantial servings of rice. Because of the intense labor the animals endure in the fields, the flesh is quite tough and is best served in a stew. Try it while you’re here, please!

6. Drive the N5

This road, and I use the word “road” loosely, winds north along the east coast of Madagascar from Toamasina to Maroantsetra. It passes through some of the most untainted and undeveloped regions of the island. Additionally, it’s your greatest chance to see the renowned aye-aye lemur, which resembles a possum. In one of the least developed regions of the nation, the route winds through dense jungle, over rivers, and through small communities. Route Nationale 5 (N5), which stretches 400 kilometers (250 miles) in length, is possibly the worst road in the nation. It is said that it takes more than a day to drive the full “road,” so provide plenty of time for your trip because several sections are sometimes unreachable.

7. Go whale watching

With about 7,000 humpback whales migrating from Antarctica to Madagascar between June and November for breeding, whale watching in Madagascar is among the best in the world. It was really breathtaking to witness a couple break the water as we were traveling by boat to Île Sainte Marie. You also won’t be sucked into a throng of boats competing for photos because there aren’t many tourists here. Hummingback whales reach an adult height of 16 meters (52 feet) and a weight of more than 30 metric tons (66,000 pounds). In and around Madagascar, you can also spot the less common Omura whale, sometimes known as the dwarf fin whale. It costs 135,000 MGA for tours.

8. Enjoy Mantadia National Park

Mantadia National Park is a protected region covering 155 square kilometers (60 square miles) and is situated 160 kilometers (100 miles) east of the capital. There are 14 species of lemurs living there, along with over 115 different kinds of birds and 84 different kinds of amphibians, many of which are endangered. There are lemurs practically everywhere you look, and the scenery is a breathtaking blend of old-growth forest and rainforest! The required local guide costs between 60,000 and 80,000 MGA, and admission is 45,000 MGA. In the park, there are also lodges where you may spend the night for 57,000 MGA.

9. Visit Lokobe National Park

One of the few surviving forests in the Sambirano region is Lokobe National Park, which is located on the southeast tip of Nosy Be. Here live various endemic bird species, black lemurs, and panther chameleons. You’ll need to take a pirogue (rowboat) from Nosy Be to Lokobe National Park; this will take 20 to 40 minutes. It costs 55,000 MGA to enter. One of the few national parks in Madagascar where visitors do not require a local guide is Lokobe.

10. Relax on Nosy Mangabe

This little island on Madagascar’s northeastern border is tucked away between the coastal hills of Helodrano Antongila Bay and is well-known for its abundant populations of bug-eyed aye-aye lemurs. Enormous fig trees tangle among palm groves, Mantella frogs coexist with ruffed lemurs in the underbrush, and verdant slopes descend into isolated coves with vivid golden sand. To put it mildly, the landscape is breathtaking. Maroantsetra has boats to the island and all the required licenses. It costs 45,000 MGA to enter.

11. Visit Ambohimanga

The nation’s rulers once called the holy royal hill of Ambohimanga, which is 24 kilometers (15 miles) from the capital, home. This was also the location of the nation’s first capital. The walled complex, which was expanded throughout the 1700s, is home to a mound of mansions and burial grounds, dilapidated defenses, and regal tombs. From this location, King Andrianampoinimerina began his now-famous endeavors to bring the country back together after more than 70 years of civil conflict in the 18th century. You can get a guide to tour you around for free (just remember to tip them) and admission is 10,000 MGA.

12. Go to Antsirabe

The third-biggest city in Madagascar, Antsirabe was the first choice for French visitors during the height of colonialism. It is situated high up in the Central Highlands. They constructed grand houses in the Parisian style, tall Gothic cathedrals, and broad boulevards lined with plane trees that provided shade. One of the most aesthetically beautiful places in the nation, the dusty city nevertheless has some of its beauty. Antsirabe, which translates to “place of much salt” in Madagascar, is a well-liked therapeutic resort since it has several natural thermal springs. It’s also among the top places in the nation for food.

Religion in Madagascar

Roughly 41% of people identify as Christians, while roughly 52% are animists. The rest of them are Muslims.

Social Conventions in Madagascar

The people of Madagascar are incredibly warm and inviting, with a refreshingly candid communication style that occasionally verges on directness. The customary greeting between strangers who are meeting for the first time is a handshake. It’s OK to give a buddy three cheek kisses when you meet them.

Relaxing about clock-watching can cause arrangements and meetings to go poorly. Except for fancy hotels and restaurants, where light suits are recommended, dress casually. Keep in mind that wearing apparel with a military theme is never appropriate since it can get you arrested. Invites to a family home require a certain level of intimate familiarity, whereas restaurants and bars are used for entertainment. It is a great honor to be invited to a particular event.

Generosity ought to be acknowledged with a gift, never cash. The many local taboos (fady) of the Madagascar people are behaviors that are not acceptable and should be respected. Some fady are imposed nationally, however they can vary from tribe to tribe and person to person (attempt to find out what they will be before visiting a new place on the island). Examples include not harming a propithecus lemur and not pointing at tombs.

Photography: It is not appropriate to take pictures of police, military, or airport facilities.

Language in Madagascar

Not many people speak English. French and Malagasy, a language related to Indonesian, are the official languages. Regional accents are also prevalent.

Hotels

Madagascar has a wide variety of hotel alternatives, especially in the cities of Nossi Bé, Toamasina, Majunga, Ifaty, and Tamatave, as well as the country’s capital, Antananarivo. An rising number of international-standard accommodations at reasonable prices are being added to major cities through ongoing tourism initiatives. But it is possible to stay in inexpensive motels in the cities (around $10 per night). Hotels outside of major towns tend to be significantly more basic, with budget accommodations being the norm. There is also group and youth lodging available.

Hotels are rated on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars being roughly equal to an international standard of 3 stars. For basic, low-cost lodging, a secondary system known as travelers’ palms is employed.

Camping

Madagascar has a wide variety of hotel alternatives, especially in the cities of Nossi Bé, Toamasina, Majunga, Ifaty, and Tamatave, as well as the country’s capital, Antananarivo. Continuous travel toNumerous tour companies provide packages that incorporate outdoor camping during their excursions to Madagascar. All national parks feature campsites where you can set up a tent if you want to stay alone. Some additionally have bungalows and dorms outside the park, but close to it. Most have communal restrooms and bathrooms. But be prepared; obtaining any sophisticated equipment can be difficult.

Shopping in Madagascar

Textiles like lamba—traditional sarong-like garments with a variety of designs worn by women in a variety of ways, such as as a sling for carrying their babies—and silk scarves, which are typically made from the rough silk of an endemic silkworm rather than the smooth silk more commonly found overseas, are examples of handicrafts.

Tablecloths that are embroidered and crocheted, particularly those from Nosy Be and Tamatave, are another well-liked item from the northern and central regions. You may get high-quality cotton T-shirts printed with Malagasy phrases and patterns everywhere.

Popular wooden products are chessboards and boxes, either carved or decorated with marquetry. Ambositra, located south of the capital on the RN7, is the primary hub for woodworkers. The valiha (a Malagasy tube zither) and djembe drums are examples of wooden musical instruments.

Purchasing carved souvenirs raises ethical concerns because the majority of wooden handicrafts are produced from palisander, rosewood, or ebony—all valuable, slow-growing hardwoods that are being removed from the forests at an alarming rate.

Silver bracelets and jewelry crafted from precious stones and zebu horn are examples of jewelry. The rich and diverse geology of the country is revealed via the unlimited array of polished examples of semi-precious minerals.

Handmade toy vehicles and taxi-busses made from recycled tins are a unique and vibrant gift. They are available in the capital’s markets.

Additional mementos consist of woven goods made from straw, sisal, and reeds, such as purses, hats, and decorative animals. Antaimoro paper, which has dried flowers embedded in it, is used to make picture frames, purses, lampshades, and notebooks in addition to being marketed as sheets and bookmarks.

If you would rather take home food as mementos, there are cloves, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, vanilla pods, and other spices available. You may even purchase chocolate made locally (search for the Robert brand). Although it is available, most Madagascar wine is of inferior quality.

Keep in mind that products containing diamonds, minerals, or flora or fauna may need export permissions. Examine the appropriate ministry kiosk located at the airport.

Nightlife in Madagascar

The main draws are solo artists, discos, and live bands. Even the tiniest remote settlements, particularly in the south, have nightclubs. Larger discos frequently host themed nights, which they publicize on Facebook pages in advance. Major tourist destinations, like Nosy Be, may pose a risk to international visitors due to the abundance of local prostitutes. Live music is also a feature of many taverns and restaurants, usually one night a week.

Although there are casinos in Antananarivo, Tamatave, and on Nosy Be, the term “casino” typically refers to a room with a few basic arcade games rather than games like roulette, craps, and other games that are run by croupiers throughout the rest of the nation.

Local traveling theater groups perform all around Madagascar, and most major towns have a theater or a cinema. There are also traditional dancing groups visible. For information on upcoming events, it’s worth contacting the local Alliance Française (most towns have a branch).

The Centre Culturel Albert Camus, located on Analakely’s main boulevard in Antananarivo, is the location for a variety of artistic activities, such as plays, dance performances, cinema screenings, and art exhibitions.

Pick up the most recent issue of No Comment, Tana Planète, or Sortir à Tana, which are all often distributed free pamphlets available in lodging facilities and eateries, to learn about events taking place in the city.

Madagascar Food and Drink

The food of Madagascar can seem uninteresting at first. The typical Malagasy meal consists of an enormous pile of rice that dwarfs the comparatively little serving of meat, veggies, and sauce.

Restaurants catering to tourists often serve dishes with an odd ratio of rice to accompanying. Fries are frequently served in place of rice in these mostly French-inspired recipes.

Excellent zebu (beef) steaks are typically served with a delectable creamy green peppercorn sauce. Seafood of all kinds, especially lobster and shellfish, naturally predominates on the coast. Pizza is a worldwide favorite. Cheap Chinese restaurants may be found in most places, and independent travelers tend to frequent these dependable establishments.

Take note that hotels in more remote locations typically provide their visitors with a set menu or extremely few options. Outside of the busiest travel times, even eateries that seem to have a large menu might only provide a small selection of items.

Vegetarians are usually easily accommodated, even in situations where vegetarian dishes aren’t explicitly listed on the menu. Travelers with more unusual dietary requirements, like as a peanut allergy, should learn the French and Malagasy names for the things they must avoid and write them down on a card so that wait staff and chefs are aware of their specific needs.

Peanuts with a coating of sweet toffee or coconut and coconut slices are common street treats. A man selling koba (banana, peanuts, and rice mashed into a paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and served in slices), sambos (samosas), or nems (spring rolls) is most likely the person you see holding a glass case on his head.

Health Care

Madagascar has a wide range of healthcare services, with numerous hospitals and clinics dispersed across the nation. While basic healthcare is provided free of charge, there are instances where services are deficient, and hospitals are frequently gravely understaffed. It is highly advised to get health insurance, which should include emergency repatriation coverage. There is also access to private healthcare. There aren’t many pharmacies in the country, so travelers should stock up and bring enough of medication in case they have stomach issues. There won’t be many effective remedies available. While a private air ambulance service is offered, there is no emergency ambulance service on the island. The police emergency number is 17.

Other Risks

Although bilharzia is frequent, travelers can prevent illness by only swimming in clean, well-chlorinated pools and avoiding paddling in fresh water. Immunizations against hepatitis B and TB are occasionally recommended. Northwest Madagascar has experienced outbreaks of the human plague, as have other locations; travelers should refrain from handling sick or dead animals and take precautions against insects, such as wearing repellent. Given the possibility of malaria in Madagascar, it is advisable to protect yourself by starting an anti-malarial treatment.