If intrepid experiences to discover wildlife you can’t find anywhere else in the world appeal to you, then a trip to Madagascar awaits. This off-the-beaten-track adventure to the fourth largest island in the world offers exciting wildlife safaris and a spectacular array of different habitats from deserts to rainforests. Madagascar is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts – trek through trees to spot different species of lemur in the spiny forest and the secondary rainforests of Andisbe and Masoala during this thrilling experience.
Located in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of Africa, Madagascar is an ideal destination for active adventure seekers. Initially, you’ll be struck by how large this fledgling island is, and given the basic infrastructure, visitors tend to stay in the capital from which excursions across the island can be easily accessed. Patience is required when you’re on Malagasy time, yet your efforts will be rewarded with sightings of endemic species and unusual reptiles. Our knowledge of the island’s highlights, locations to stay and ways to get around will provide you with a spectacular wildlife safari experience in relative solitude.
"Madagascar is an exhilarating island full of natural wonders and incredibly rare wildlife safari adventures for intrepid explorers."
Madagascar completed its split from the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana around 90 million years ago and has maintained isolation since, creating a unique biodiverse location for the resident wildlife. Of the total 200,000 species on the island, about 75% are endemic, including tenrecs, chameleons and the feisty fossa which appears to be a cross between a dog and a cat but are actually related to the mongoose family. Perhaps the star attraction is the island’s extraordinary lemur population that varies from the delightfully named furry-eared dwarf lemurs to Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur and the smallest of lemurs – the pygmy dwarf lemur.
We will arrange for a knowledgeable guide to help locate the wildlife that you are keen to see. Discover the Idri, the biggest living lemur, in the Andasibe forest where their cries pierce the morning forest symphony of animal sounds. Or perhaps you’re keen to find the comical ringtailed lemurs that swagger through the drier forests of the south. The sifaka are also fascinating to watch as they leap and dance across the ground when not jumping through the trees. Whilst exploring this magnificent isle, your guide will also point out unique species of frogs, insects, geckoes and non-venomous snakes. It’s worth noting that all wildlife safaris are on foot, so a decent level of fitness is required given the terrain can be steep and uneven in places.
On the west coast, you can find the pristine Masoala forest and camp out in simple, comfortable tented accommodation in magnificent surroundings followed by a trip to the diverse peninsula for snorkelling and canoeing set against the wild rainforest. Perhaps travel to the paradisical Île Sainte-Marie (also known as Nosy Boraha) off the east coast for a spot of diving or a relaxing beach escape. We can also arrange a trip during specific seasons to record whales with researchers – a fascinating experience.
During your trip, we can provide accommodation to suit your needs and requirements. For a luxurious option, the secluded private island of Miavana offers the ultimate escape to paradise. Travel in style during an exhilarating helicopter ride surveying the turquoise waters, baobabs and shipwrecks to this exclusive island for a decadent tropical retreat.
Ultimately, Madagascar is an exhilarating island full of natural wonders and incredibly rare wildlife safari adventures for intrepid explorers who are happy with limited accommodation options for some locations. The astonishing wildlife encounters and unforgettable moments spent in the mystical forests and untouched beaches offer a remarkable experience in this beguiling isle.
