Our Madagascar family holidays are well suited to families seeking light adventure in a more unusual setting, with a mix of wildlife, outdoor exploration and time on the coast.
During your holiday, children have the opportunity to learn about lemurs, chameleons and many other endemic species found only on the island. We typically recommend a combination of reserves where terrain is more accessible and wildlife is easier to observe, alongside time in family-friendly accommodation on the coast. As Madagascar is a malarial area year-round with a modest infrastructure and challenging geography, the destination is generally best suited to families travelling with children over the age of ten.
On your Madagascar family holiday, experienced and knowledgeable guides accompany you throughout, helping you search for some of the island’s most recognisable species while also sharing insight into how wildlife connects to local traditions and folklore. Each trip is planned around what you most want to experience. For example, if seeing ring-tailed lemurs is a priority, visits to Ifotaka Community Forest or Berenty Reserve can be included, alongside locations such as the Isalo Mountains or Anja Community Conservation Site. Whale watching and guided night walks can also be arranged in selected areas, offering opportunities to see both marine life and nocturnal species.
Alongside wildlife experiences, there's time for activities that work well for older children, including sea kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, horse riding and herping (searching for reptiles and frogs). These moments away from structured wildlife viewing help keep the experience varied and engaging, particularly on longer journeys.
A typical day often balances short, guided wildlife experiences with time to relax. Mornings might be spent walking through forest trails in search of lemurs and chameleons, with guides helping children spot species they would otherwise miss. Afternoons are usually slower paced, with time at the lodge, by the beach or exploring nearby surroundings, creating a more comfortable pace across the trip.
Speak with one of our Travel Specialists to begin planning a family holiday in Madagascar designed around your interests and travel plans.
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
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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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