Madagascar
Contact us to discuss your next safari
Madagascar – Lemurs, Baobabs & Other-Worldly Landscapes
Madagascar feels like nowhere else on earth. Off the east coast of Africa, this vast island is home to forests of towering baobabs, razor-sharp tsingy limestone pinnacles, lush rainforests and palm-fringed beaches. Around 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else – including more than 100 species of lemur, chameleons in every shade of green, and a dazzling variety of birdlife.
Why travel to Madagascar with Journeys Worldwide?
We craft Madagascar wildlife holidays that blend genuine wilderness, creature comforts and meaningful encounters with Malagasy culture, supported by trusted on-the-ground partners.
Tailored journeys, not templates – We design your trip around your interests, pace and comfort level, from softly-softly wildlife encounters to more intrepid explorations.
Trusted in-country partners – We collaborate with leading destination experts, known for their characterful camps, superb guiding and conservation focus.
Small groups and private safaris – Ideal for couples, families and small groups of friends who value space, flexibility and attentive hosting.
Seamless arrangements – Internal flights, transfers, park permits and logistics are carefully co-ordinated so you can relax and focus on the experience.
Highlights of a Madagascar Journey
Iconic wildlife
Search for ring-tailed lemurs, sifakas, indri and other species found only in Madagascar’s forests and reserves
Night walks to look for chameleons, geckos and other nocturnal creatures
Avenue of the Baobabs
Stroll between centuries-old baobab trees glowing gold at sunset along the famous Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava – one of Madagascar’s most photographed landscapes.
Rainforests & national parks
Explore cool, misty rainforests and wildlife-rich reserves where waterfalls, orchids and birdsong frame your walks. Parks like Andasibe-Mantadia and others offer superb lemur and bird viewing.
Coastlines & islands
Finish with time on the coast – perhaps snorkelling and swimming off Nosy Be or Île Sainte-Marie, where coral reefs and turquoise waters invite you to slow down.
When is the best time to visit Madagascar?
Madagascar is largely a year-round destination, but most travellers prefer the drier, cooler months from April to November. During this period walking conditions are better and wildlife viewing is generally excellent.
June – September: Cooler, dry conditions across much of the island – ideal for walking and spotting lemurs.
September – November: Wonderful for baby lemurs and birdlife as the breeding season gets underway.
January – March: Cyclone season in parts of the country, with heavy rain; we generally recommend other months unless you have very specific interests.
We’ll help you choose the right time and regions based on what you most want to see.
Sample Journeys in Madagascar
Coming soon – handcrafted itineraries in partnership with Madagascar Classic Collection.
In the meantime, here’s a taste of what we can create:
Southern Forests & Baobabs
Combine time in the south’s spiny forests and river valleys with stays at intimate tented camps, guided walks to see lemurs and birdlife, and sunrise and sunset visits to the Avenue of the Baobabs.
Lemurs, Tsingy & the Coast
Start with rainforests and indri calls at dawn, continue to dramatic tsingy formations and hanging bridges, then end with a relaxed few days on the beach – perfect for those who like a mix of exploration and downtime.
Ready to start planning?
Madagascar rewards those who take the time to do it properly. Talk to us about crafting a journey that matches your interests, pace and comfort level.
Madagascar Travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Madagascar?
For most travellers, the best time is April to November, when conditions are generally drier and cooler. Wildlife viewing is excellent through the middle of the year, and from September to November you’ll often see baby lemurs and plenty of bird activity. The cyclone season runs roughly from January to March, so we usually avoid those months unless there’s a specific reason to travel then.
How long should I spend in Madagascar?
We recommend 10–14 nights as a good starting point. Distances can be long and the roads are often slow, so it’s better to focus on a couple of key regions and do them properly rather than trying to see everything. If you have more time, two to three weeks allows you to combine rainforests, baobabs and some time on the coast.
Is Madagascar suitable for first-time visitors to Africa?
Yes – as long as you’re comfortable with a sense of adventure and understand that infrastructure can be a little rustic at times. You’ll have private transfers or small-group arrangements, experienced guides and pre-booked accommodation, so the logistics are taken care of. It’s not as polished as, say, South Africa, but that “off the beaten track” feel is a big part of the charm.
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
Most of the places we use are small, characterful lodges or camps, often with beautiful natural settings. You can expect comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, good meals and warm hospitality, rather than big chain hotels. In some spots the style is more rustic and in others it’s quite refined – we’ll match the properties to your comfort level and budget.
How physically demanding is a Madagascar trip?
It depends on the itinerary, but you should expect some walking on uneven ground, steps, and occasionally bumpy road journeys. Forest walks can be tailored to your fitness level – anything from gentle strolls to longer hikes. If mobility or fitness is a concern, we can design a softer-paced itinerary with shorter walks and fewer travel days.
Can I combine Madagascar with another African destination?
Absolutely. Many travellers add time in South Africa, Kenya or Tanzania before or after Madagascar, especially if they’d like a classic big-game safari as well. We can advise on the most convenient flight routes and help you decide which combination suits your interests and timing.