Some of Our Madagascar Holiday Ideas
Madagascar Wildlife Discovery Tours 2023 & 2024
Itinerary Highlights
- Indris, Verreaux's sifakas, Ringtails and other Lemurs galore!
- Colourful chameleons, geckos and a plethora of tree frogs
- Woolly, Dwarf and Mouse lemurs during night walks
- Mesites, Couas, Ground-rollers, Asities, Vangas and other endemic birds
Madagascar Rainforests, Wildlife, Tsingy & Beach
Itinerary Highlights
- Luxuriant rainforest at Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
- Tsingy limestone pinnacle-fields and caves at Ankarana
- Rare wildlife including lemurs, chameleons and endemic birds
- Relaxing at remote and secluded Baobab Beach
Madagascar Made Easy Deluxe
Itinerary Highlights
- Indri, Parson's chameleon, Blue coua and other flagship species of the east Malagasy rainforests at Andasibe-Mantadia
- Critically Endangered Coquerel's sifakas, Madagascar fish eagles marvellous Baobabs at Anjajavy
- Superb accommodation and exceptional hospitality at remote Anjajavy
- Rest and relaxing time at Anjajavy's sunny beaches
Madagascar Reef & Rainforest
Itinerary Highlights
- Exquisite, wildlife-rich rainforest at Andasibe-Mantadia National Park - see Lemurs, Chameleons and rare birds
- Sample Malagasy culture in Antananarivo
- Sublime, sunny Baobab Beach
- Rare Sambirano Domain wildlife - lemurs, chameleons and more
Rainbow Madagascar Specialist
Derek's review
While technically you could visit Madagascar year-round, climate is so (surprisingly) diverse across the country that the month you decide to travel in, is pivotal in terms of determining which regions – or even sub-regions – you will - or won't - be able to explore. Its also crucial to ensure before you travel, to secure the services of capable and experienced guides, so that you make the most of the time you have in each of the sites of interest. More than 90% of first-time visitors want to see some of the country’s wildlife, much of which is endangered. Scattered around the country is a large selection of protected areas – we can arrange tours to all of those allowing access to tourists, from hugely popular national parks such as Isalo and Andasibe-Mantadia, to new sites like Andrafiamena Andavakoera, Loky-Manambato and magnificent Marojejy, which our clients come back raving about.
Derek's Top Tips
- Madagascar's essence lies in its contrasting habitats, so first-time visitors should explore at least one key Eastern rainforest site. (Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is pivotal). The direct opposite can be experienced by then going to the sub-arid South. To complete your overview, add a tropical deciduous forest in the island's Western half.
- The more desirable lodges servicing popular protected areas like Andasibe-Mantadia; Ranomafana, Ankarana and Montagne d'Ambre, are subject to an international 'bunfight' for rooms up to a year or more in advance. So book early to avoid disappointment.
- The country's most enjoyable microclimate is the Sambirano Domain in the far North-west. There, we work with a reputable, responsible outfit (based on Nosy Be) which can take you Whale watching in July - September; looking for Whale sharks from October - December and observing Green turtles on coral reefs year round.
Best Time To Visit Madagascar
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Quick Country Facts
Time Zone:GMT +3 hours
Captial:Antananarivo
Currency:Malagasy Ariary
Why visit Madagascar?
Madagascar a strong contender for offering the most distinctive wildlife tours on the planet. The island separated from the African mainland some 165 million years ago. And much of its fauna and flora has evolved in a unique way - an astonishing 80% is endemic.
Five per cent of the world's known animal and plant species are found here; and only here.
For most visitors, the number one attraction is Madagascar's lemurs, of which there are over 100 species and subspecies, but beneath the forest canopy you’ll also find fossa, tenrecs and a myriad more unique animals. Innumerable highlights include:
- The world's smallest and largest chameleons
- Some 106 species of birds, including 5 unusual endemic families
- More than 400 frog species, 99% of which are unique to the island.
And these aren’t the only attraction. Madagascar tours offer deserted white sand beaches to lounge on, a coastline on the Indian Ocean ready to be snorkelled and a melting pot of Malayo-Polynesian, African and European cultures to explore.
An island apart
The island's best-known native inhabitants are the lemurs and peeling back the branches in a mist shrouded cloud forest to spot them is the highlight of any trip. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some could fit into an egg cup; others are the size of a baboon. Night-time walks are a must; witness the forest come alive as Madagascar’s many nocturnal creatures venture out to play. Look out for dwarf and mouse lemurs; chameleons, tree frogs and various Malagasy owls and nightjars as you prowl through the dark.
Coastal pursuit
It's not just the interior that is teeming with wildlife. A Madagascar island holiday introduces you to magnificent coastline that is dotted with colourful reefs and remote islands that are a haven for marine species. Watch humpback whales breaching off Ile Sainte Marie or Nosy Be from July to September; spot Whale sharks (October to December) around Nosy Be archipelago or swim near sea turtles nibbling sea grass on a snorkelling excursion.
This pretty cluster of islands offers sparkling sands and stylish lodgings. If you’re not the sit on the sand type, however, you can continue your Madagascar adventure on a diving, horse-riding or kayaking excursion.
The expert on Madagascar holidays
Where to go in Madagascar
Holiday types
Whether you want to explore the natural world with the whole family or encounter rare species with just a few other travellers.
Choose the tailor-made itinerary that's right for you.
What Our Clients Say
Hi Helen,. . You and your team did a fantastic job of organization and addressing our concerns about having a personal guide and driver (what a godsend), what to see and tipping. Once we got our head around it it all worked well. Eric, our guide and Misa our driver, did a great job of preempting ...
Hi Derek. . Our holiday was fabulous! We saw many different lemurs, birds and even a tenrec. The local guides worked really hard and were all excellent but the young man who guided us in the Maromizaha Reserve was exceptional. I can’t remember his name but I’m sure you could find out. He was ...
Dear Derek. The trip was wonderful in every way and the itinerary worked very well. The trip to the [Andasibe-Mantadia] National park was very interesting and the hotel of a good standard. Our local guides were outstanding.Of course the road journey there and back is challenging and would not suit...
Dear Helen,. . The holiday was wonderful and entirely lived up to our expectations. The guides were all very friendly, welcoming and helpful, removing any stress from the holiday. They were very knowledgeable and skilled at finding the wildlife. My only suggestion is that the craters in the r...
Hi Derek,. . Madagascar was amazing - we absolutely loved it, just wish we went for longer! . . Rova and Willie (our local guide and driver) were especially great during the first half of our trip. The rainforests we went to were all really great and each of the local park guides were very kno...
Hello Helen. The organisation of the holiday was superb and nearly everything went as planned - the flights, pick ups and transfers all went smoothly. In a country such as Madagascar I’m sure this is no mean feat, so many thanks to all involved. The Mantadia Lodge was good - the staff were great, ...
We had a great trip! We saw and experienced exactly what we wanted to. Solofo is a magnificent guide. He went out of his way to give us a good experience.He loves his job and he has a great attitude! Solofo looked after each of us in the best way. When a little travelers diaree struck he was very...
Dear Derek. This was a wonderful trip that exceeded all expectations. The unique fauna and flora of Madagascar become more impressive if you look at it in a comparative way with mainland African wildlife and environment. You did a marvelous job in exposing us for 2 weeks to the wonders of this exce...
Hi Derek . The Madagascar trip was amazing! It was perfect in every way! I really have no complaints, only accolades. Moreover, Sol, our guide, couldn't have been better! I think he is probably the best guide I've ever had and I've had quite a few. He was knowledgeable, patient, went above and beyo...
Dear Derek. The effects of our wonderful Madagascar holiday (Madagascar Wildlife Discovery Small Group Tour 16 - 31 October 2022) are still with me. The whole experience was definitely worth waiting for. We saw so much wildlife (including the elusive fossa!) that was unique to the island. This is w...
Hi Derek. I know Daniel kept you well informed about our amazing luck spotting wildlife but I just wanted to thank you for your superb itinerary. (Daniel Austin October 2022 Madagascar Small Group Tour). Everything was managed so well and exceeded my expectations in every way. The food & lodges we...
Hello Derek, . We had a wonderful holiday thank you (08 October 2022 Madagascar Wildlife Discovery Small Group Tour), made all the more special by the care we received from Rija our guide and Rindra our driver, they really took care of us and Rija was an amazing guide with immense knowledge of the...
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on the Rainbow blog
Madagascar holidays: Q&A with the experts
Madagascar Holidays: why book your trip with Rainbow Tours
Madagascar Q & A with Daniel Austin
Madagascar In Conversation With Hilary Bradt
Travels to Tana (Antananarivo): Responsible Rainbow in Madagascar
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
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