A Madagascar safari is a one-of-a-kind experience — even by African standards. However, it’s not your typical safari. Over the years, we’ve noticed a few common misconceptions when planning a Madagascar safari. This guide aims to help you plan with clarity, confidence, and a spirit of adventure.
Madagascar isn’t for everyone. If you like your accommodation plush at every stop, and expect your holiday to run like clockwork, you might find it a little frustrating.
If you have a spirit of adventure, welcome the unexpected, and can handle a few bumps in the road, then Madagascar—with its rare flora, extraordinary wildlife, great beaches, and cultural quirks—might just be your perfect safari destination.
We recommend that you visit at least two to three of its distinct climatic & floral zones to get the most from a Madagascar tour.
We recommend that you visit at least two to three of its distinct climatic and floral zones. This will help you to get the most from a Madagascar tour.
Madagascar Hotels & Accommodation
In many wildlife areas of Madagascar, accommodation is simpler than you may be used to on a Southern African safari.
Except in the beach resorts of Nosy Be and Ile Sainte Marie, accommodations are reasonable but not usually of a very high standard. Malagasy hotel rooms are typically plainly decorated but offer plenty of space.
We describe each lodge candidly so you know what to expect. So do take the time to read our accommodation description and check out the photos carefully.
That said, Nosy Be and Ile Sainte Marie do offer a higher standard of hotel, as well as Antananarivo. This is where you can upgrade your accommodation to offset the more modest lodges elsewhere.
Cost of a Madagascar Tour?
This is a ‘how long is a piece of string’ question. Historically, Madagascar offered relatively moderately priced itineraries because many hotels are simple to mid-range.
The exceptions are some beautiful and luxurious Madagascar beach resorts.
However, some beautiful and luxurious Madagascar beach resorts can be exceptions.
Recently, we have seen some smarter lodges opening in the interior. You can now use some fly-in safari options or private charter flights to navigate this huge island (the 2nd largest island country in the world).
Our sample itineraries usually give a price for two people traveling or four people if there is a significant difference.
Our sample itineraries usually give a price if two people are travelling, or 4 people (if it is a significant difference.)
Madagascar isn’t the most expensive African destination, but it’s not cheap either. There are various reasons for this:
There are various reasons for this:
The international flight to Madagascar is expensive (due to lack of competition). Basically it’s almost as much as flying to London. Be warned!
Madagascar is a huge country. And so domestic flights between Tana and other towns are relatively expensive. Given that most people want to experience the diversity of Madagascar’s flora and fauna, you usually visit 3 or 4 different regions. So it all adds up.
The hotels and lodges are priced in Euros.
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Best Time to visit Madagascar?
The quick answer is to visit anytime from April to mid-December. Avoid the summer rainfall months of January and February.
But the quick answer is anytime from April to mid-December. Try to avoid the summer rainfall months of January and February.
The west and northwest (Nosy Be) are year-round destinations.
We generally recommend avoiding mid-January to March, especially for the East and Northern coastal regions, when cyclones are most likely to disrupt travel. November, December and April can still work well for selected itineraries, but summer rain and regional conditions need to be taken into account.
We generally recommend avoiding mid-January to March, especially for the East and Northern coastal regions when cyclones are most likely to disrupt travel.
Fitness Levels needed
Most of Madagascar’s wildlife is encountered on foot—often along forest trails and hilly terrain. While you don’t need to be super fit, a basic level of mobility will make your trip more enjoyable.
If this is a problem for you, let us know when planning your Madagascar safari.
Can you go to the beach on a Madagascar tour?
Some clients want to combine Mauritius with Madagascar. Though this is possible, we strongly recommend against it. Simply enjoy the Madagascar beaches instead.
Many visitors tack on some relaxation days at the end, at Nosy Be or Ile Sainte Marie, which boast gorgeous tropical beaches. Or even in the South at Ifaty.
Nosy Be
Nosy Be is the largest of several beautiful islands off the northwest coast. This ‘Perfumed Isle’ is alive with the smells of vanilla, ylang-ylang and coffee. The bustling island markets are full of embroidered white lace, colourful sarongs and wooden carvings. The more active can enjoy diving and snorkelling off the coral reefs. Or perhaps an excursion to Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely.
Alternatively the Isle of Tsarabanjina matches the Seychelles for stunning island beauty. A palm-fringed desert island with lapping azure blue waters.
Nosy Be
Ile Sainte Marie
Ile Sainte Marie is 50km long and 7km at its widest point. The only real town is Ambodifotatra – other small villages comprise bamboo and palm huts. The island is almost universally known as Sainte Marie. And it’s almost a cliché of a tropical island with endless deserted beaches overhung by coconut palms. Its bays area protected from sharks by coral reefs, its hills covered with luxuriant vegetation. Plus there is a relative absence of unsightly tourist development. But Sainte Marie has a far less settled weather pattern than its island rival, Nosy Be. Cyclones strike regularly and you may have rain and wind at any time. But this is interspersed with calm sunny weather. The best months for a visit are from June to November.
How to get to Madagascar?
Madagascar is not one of our most accessible destinations. But access is getting better.
You can fly direct from France or South Africa into the capital, Antananarivo.
And you can fly with Ethiopian Airlines or Kenya Airways. The advantage of Ethiopian is that you can fly back from Nosy Be, so it alleviates the final flight back to Tana.
Airlink offers direct flights between Johannesburg and Nosy Be; operating days vary by season. Ideal if you just want a week of R&R.
Languages & Logistics
The main spoken languages are Malagasy and French. But many hotel staff will speak English, and we always book English-speaking guides, (unless you prefer French-speaking.)
Food is a mix of Malagasy and French dishes.
Expect to have a couple of nights in Tana if you are needing an internal flight between regions
Other FAQs about Planning a Madagascar safari?
What’s the best way to get around Madagascar?
Most clients have a private tour with an English-speaking guide (or French-speaking if you prefer). And then they add in scheduled flights to cover longer distances.
Fly-in safaris are now an option (using a specific circuit). Or even taking a private charter to some destinations, if you are a family or group of friends.
English-speaking guide or not?
Naturally we always recommend an English-speaking private guide to take you from A to B. It’s a little more than the standard French-speaking guide, but you’ll learn so much more about the wildlife and sights of Madagascar.
Note that if you fly from one area to another, you will have different guides in each region. The guide does not accompany you on the flight.
Plus it is National Park practise for the Park’s own ranger guides to take you on the various trails, not your driving guide. However they all speak English.
Do I need a visa or vaccinations?
Visas are obtainable on arrival for many nationalities. We’ll guide you through the process.
Unlike its neighbour, Mauritius, Madagascar is in a malaria-area and so anti-malaria precautions should be taken.
But you don’t need specific vaccinations for Madagascar, though vaccination certificate requirements can depend on where you’re arriving from, or transiting through. Check with a travel clinic well before departure about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention.
Why are there so many different names for Madagascar towns?
Madagascar is quite confusing in terms of place names as the guidebooks and maps swop from the colonial French name, for example, to the Madagascan name.
In our proposals we tend to use the English/French names with the Madagascan names in brackets so that if you can link up which area is which.
Is Madagascar safe to travel in?
Madagascar is a safe country to visit. However we recommend travelling with experienced local guides and pre-arranged transport and avoiding road travel after dark Naturally – as in any big city in the world – you need to be aware of pickpockets when browsing and bartering at street stalls or markets.
Can I travel with Children?
Yes, if you are an adventurous well-travelled family, Madagascar is a fascinating country to visit. But it is vastly different and remote. So if your kids are fussy eaters, don’t cope well with long road trips. or if they’re used to classic westernised hotels, it could be more of a culture shock than they, or you, bargained for.
Stick to a simpler route like our “Lemurs & Beach” trip — ideal for younger explorers.
Tempted by Madagascar?
Madagascar isn’t just a destination; it’s an adventure waiting to unfold. From towering baobabs to lemurs leaping through the rainforest, this island offers something truly different.
At Cedarberg Africa, we’ve been planning tailor-made safaris for over 30 years. Our Madagascar trips are designed for curious, open-minded travellers who want an authentic experience, not a one-size-fits-all package.
Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, laid back beach or fascinating landscapes, we’re here to make your dream Madagascar tour a reality.
Not Sure Where to Start? Try this:
Check out our sample Madagascar Trips – They’re like travel mood boards but with actual logistics.
Get in touch – Tell us a bit about your timeframe and travel style via email, phone, or our easy enquiry form.
Receive a tailor-made proposal with costs – Focused on your interests, pace, and budget.
When you're ready to turn ideas into a real trip, we're ready to help.
Our travellers value our honest advice, personalised planning, and deep knowledge of Madagascar.
Tips when planning a safari in Madagascar – was written by Kate of Cedarberg Africa
Kate Bergh co-founded Cedarberg Africa in 1995 with her sister Ginny and has lived in South Africa for over 30 years. She has explored Africa widely, from climbing Kilimanjaro to testing family safari lodges with her three children growing up. She brings practical experience to help travellers choose holidays that suit their interests, pace, and comfort levels, always with candid advice about what to expect along the way.
