Destinations
Madagascar
Discover Madagascar—where wildlife and landscapes exist like nowhere else on Earth.
Madagascar is a land of extraordinary biodiversity, with 90% of its wildlife found nowhere else. The island’s diverse ecosystems range from rainforests teeming with lemurs to otherworldly limestone formations. The Avenue of the Baobabs offers one of the world’s most photogenic landscapes, while Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is home to the haunting calls of the indri, the largest living lemur.
In Tsingy de Bemaraha, razor-sharp limestone pinnacles create a surreal adventure playground. Along the coastline, Nosy Be and Ifaty offer pristine beaches, coral reefs, and whale-watching opportunities. Whether trekking through rainforests, encountering endemic wildlife, or relaxing by the sea, Madagascar is a destination like no other.
Best Times to Visit
April to November: The dry season offers the best wildlife sightings and comfortable travel conditions.
December to March: The rainy season brings lush landscapes but can make some roads impassable.
September to December: Ideal for baby lemurs.
July to September: Best for whale watching.
iconic wildlife
Indri
Red Ruffed Lemurs
Ring Tailed Lemurs
Aye-Aye
Whales
How do you like your wild?
Let us create your dream Madagascar adventures
Reflecting On Flamingos
Laguna Chaxa, Chile
23° 19′ 41″ S / 68° 10′ 02″ W
— Martin Buber
“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.”
Lemurs leap, baobabs tower, and nature reigns supreme.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Walk misty forest trails echoing with haunting calls.
The montane forests of Andasibe-Mantadia hold one of Madagascar’s greatest natural treasures—the indri. With its striking black-and-white coat and eerily human cry, this lemur feels almost mythical. You’ll rise early to walk under moss-draped canopies as the forest stirs to life, listening for that unmistakable wail that carries for miles.
Masoala Rainforest
Encounter one of Madagascar's most charismatic residents.
Red ruffed lemurs are found only in this corner of the world. Their fiery coats contrast sharply with the emerald leaves, and their raucous calls echo through the forest like drums. Encountering them takes effort—but that effort rewards you with pure magic.
Spiny Forest
Madagascar’s alien desert landscape
The spiny forest is like nowhere else on Earth—a surreal landscape of thorny octopus trees, baobabs, and sunbaked sand. But among these spines and shadows, life abounds. Ring-tailed lemurs troop across the forest floor in sun-worshipping poses, while Verreaux’s sifakas bound sideways in ballet-like leaps that earned them the nickname “dancing lemurs.”
Nosy Be or Nosy Komba
Make the company of turtles.
Madagascar’s northwestern coast is home to the idyllic islands of Nosy Be and Nosy Komba—where turquoise waters meet lush hillsides and time slows to a gentler rhythm. Wake to the sound of waves and the rustle of palm leaves, then set off for a snorkeling adventure among vibrant coral gardens and sea turtles gliding through the blue.
Namoroka or Tsingy de Bemaraha
“Where one cannot walk barefoot.”
The Tsingy are nature’s most extraordinary sculptures. These razor-sharp limestone formations rise like a petrified forest, creating a labyrinth of peaks, caves, and canyons. Namoroka and Tsingy de Bemaraha are Madagascar’s most striking geological wonders, carved over millennia by water and wind.
A journey isn’t complete without its defining moment.
Walk With Meerkats in the Makgadikgadi Pans
Witness Big Game in the Linyanti or Selinda Reserves
Glide Through the Okavango Delta in a Mokoro
Frequently Asked Questions About Madagascar
When is the best time to visit Madagascar?
April to November is the dry season, ideal for wildlife sightings and easy travel. From December to March, rains bring lush greenery but can make some roads difficult; visit between September and December for baby lemurs, or July to September for prime whale watching.
Do I need a visa to enter Madagascar?
Yes, travelers to Madagascar need a tourist visa, which can be obtained on arrival or online at evisamada.gov.mg. Options include stays up to 60 days (for a fee), with a valid passport and return ticket required.
Is Madagascar a good safari destination?
Madagascar is not a traditional “big five” safari destination but is unmatched for endemic wildlife, including over 100 lemur species, chameleons, and exotic birds.
When is the best time to see baby lemurs?
The best time to see baby lemurs clinging to their mothers is September to December.
How difficult is it to explore Tsingy de Bemaraha?
Tsingy requires some climbing and balance, with harnessed walkways and suspension bridges. It’s an adventurous trek but well worth it for the scenery and wildlife.
Is Madagascar safe for travelers?
Madagascar is generally safe, but roads can be rough, and infrastructure is limited. Guided tours and organized transport are recommended for a smooth experience.
What should I pack for my safari?
For a safari, pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors and dark blues), a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy walking shoes, and a light jacket for cool mornings or evenings. Don’t forget binoculars, a good camera, personal medications, and travel documents; layers are key, and a soft-sided duffel is preferred over hard luggage.
Are vaccinations required?
No vaccines are required to enter Madagascar, but travelers are strongly advised to be up to date on routine vaccinations, including hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Depending on your itinerary, the CDC also recommends hepatitis B, rabies, and malaria prevention; yellow fever vaccination is only required if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
How far in advance should I book my safari?
It’s advisable to book your safari 6 to 12 months in advance, especially if traveling during peak season, to secure preferred accommodations and dates.
