Located around 250 miles off the southeast coast of Africa, the ‘Great Red Island’ renowned for its bright red soil boasts remarkably diverse landscapes and environments unlike anywhere else on earth.
Think dense rainforests, prehistoric rock formations, heavenly beaches lapped by the glistening Indian Ocean, deserts and utterly unique flora and fauna within the country’s ecosystem that exists as a result of long geographic isolation.
For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Madagascar offers an extraordinary range of natural wonders to explore from the Masoala tropical forest to the Isalo and Andringitra deserts and Central Highlands plateau. With over 3,000 miles of coastline, Madagascar boasts some of the most extensive mangrove areas in the Indian Ocean and one of the largest coral reef systems on the planet. The island’s diverse culture reflects its fascinating history, with influences from Asia, Africa, and Europe. Today the fourth largest island in the world is home to over 18 tribes, traditions and cultures where you can expect a warm, generous welcome from the Malagasy people. Spending time with the island’s people during traditional ceremonies offers a wonderful glimpse into their customs, rituals and religious beliefs.
"The more time you spend in Madagascar, the more you’ll discover just how unique this island is."
Given its rich biodiversity, there are a wide range of activities to take pleasure in across the island: go scuba diving around the pristine islands of Nosy Be and the Mitsio archipelago where you can also find water sports. Swim across the emerald waters of Madagascar’s surrounding archipelago to glimpse turtles and tropical fish from yellowfin tuna to bonito, barracuda and black marlin. On land witness the impressive variety of resident wildlife and endangered species, including over 100 species of lemur, chameleon, carnivorous fossa and unique species of frogs, insects, geckoes and snakes. An impressive array of bird species is present in the island’s parks and forests, including the helmet vanga and the yellow-bellied sunbird-asity amongst over 100 other endemic species.
Trek across the verdant green national parks with expert walking guides – Isalo National Park on the southwest of the island is a magnificent setting for a hike with its dramatic sandstone formations rising from the grasslands. At Andringitra National Park you will find ring-tailed lemurs leaping across the rocks and open grass plains blanketed with thirty different orchid species, flowers and succulents alive with insects and reptiles. Hike to the Massif’s highest peak, Pic Boby, where you will be rewarded with spectacular island views.
Whether you wish to stroll along some of the most picturesque beaches in the world or witness islanders dancing at a traditional ceremony, allow Explorations to elevate your experience of the island. For wildlife lovers, take a safari to spot lemurs in the desert or the island’s rainforests of Andisbe or Masoala. Alternatively, you can fly to the paradisiacal island of Nosy Ankao to learn about lemur conservation during a private helicopter ride. Join a geological expert to discover the distinctive limestone and sandstone rock formations of the iconic Tsingys, or perhaps take a botanical tour to see the island’s awe-inspiring collection of Baobab trees and gigantic suicide palm that cannot be found anywhere else in the world during a private safari.
For world-class diving, take a trip to the stunning private island of Tsarabanjina to explore the underwater world adorned with rainbows of colour across the coral reef and learn about marine conservation. Or explore the island on a private skippered catamaran and indulge in delicious seafood on secret beaches, swim with turtles and spot humpback whales on their migration route. The more time you spend in Madagascar, the more you’ll discover just how unique this island is.
