Madagascar

Madagascar Safaris ... for an undiscovered paradise for naturalists and adventurers

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A Madagascar safari offers a completely unique experience: an undiscovered paradise for naturalists and adventurers. The pint-sized ‘continent’ of Madagascar is neither Africa nor Asia. Madagascar split from Gondwanaland some 165 million years ago - a Noah’s ark of sorts sailing away to the east. This isolation led to a separate evolution of flora and fauna creating a paradise for safari visitors with over 20,000 species of flora and fauna, 80-90% of which are endemic to Madagascar.

This strangest of islands is an incredibly exciting holiday destination, known for its lemurs, orchids (1000 species), chameleons (over 70% of the world’s population) and frogs (a mere 150 species!) Lemurs are the lure for many visitors, with nine-tenths of the world's endangered lemurs only found on Madagascar.

Tours in Madagascar
We mostly arrange private safaris and tours to Madagascar. Our visitors usually tour one or two of the prime lemur safari areas such as the eastern rainforests of Perinet or the southern Berenty before ending their Madagascar holiday with some relaxing time on the gorgeous tropical beaches of Nosy Be or Ile Sainte Marie.

However a Madagascar holiday is not for everyone… flight delays and late itinerary changes are all part of travelling in this remote country. If you need 5 star accommodation and expect a holiday to unfold exactly as the brochure says, then perhaps a Madagascar safari is not for you. This is also the case if you’re not in good physical health. However, if you have a spirit of adventure, welcome the unexpected, and are willing to accept some irritations and rustic conditions, then Madagascar, with its pristine flora and extra-ordinary wildlife, could be the perfect holiday destination. We have first-hand knowledge of Madagascar tours having travelling around the country so we offer in depth knowledge.

The Malagasy people are highly superstitious and have woven a tapestry of cultural and religious customs with a complex array of legends and taboos (‘fady’). Malagasy and French are the two main languages; however hotel staff and local guides all speak English. One of the happier colonial remnants is the delicious Malagasy-French cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh seafood.

When and How to Visit Madagascar
You can fly to Madagascar direct from Johannesburg, Paris or Milan. Accommodation is mostly in simple hotels and country lodges. We recommend that you visit at least two, and preferably three or four, of its distinct climatic and floral zones. You experience the flora and fauna mainly by walking the forest trails, sometimes for several hours, sometimes in hilly terrain. You will typically need to spend at least one night in Antananarivo or 'Tana as it is more commonly known, the lively capital of Madagascar, given the way flight connections work.

The west and northwest are year-round destinations but mid January to March is cyclone season on the east coast. The eastern rainforests have a high rainfall so the best times to visit are the drier months of May or September to November.

Read our article (on the right) about Planning your Madasgascar Safari for further insights, and then contact us...