Madagascar
The eighth continent — lemurs, baobabs & landscapes found nowhere else on Earth
Get to Know Madagascar
The "8th continent" — 90% of wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, including over 100 species of lemur
Key Numbers
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Big Five Score
Getting There
Ivato Intl
TNR
3h 30min from Johannesburg
-18.7700°, 46.8700°
Best Time to Visit
Climate & Terrain
18.77° S, 46.87° E
Signature Wildlife
Location on Africa
Why Visit Madagascar?
Madagascar is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Isolated from mainland Africa for 88 million years, this island continent evolved its own extraordinary wildlife — 90% of its species exist nowhere else. From the haunting Avenue of Baobabs to the razor-sharp limestone Tsingy, from playful ring-tailed lemurs to the lush rainforests of Andasibe, Madagascar is the ultimate destination for nature lovers seeking something truly extraordinary.
Lemurs — Found Only Here
Over 100 species of lemurs call Madagascar home — from the tiny mouse lemur to the iconic ring-tailed and indri. Watching them leap through the canopy is one of wildlife's greatest spectacles.
Alien Landscapes
The Tsingy de Bemaraha UNESCO site features thousands of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles. The Avenue of Baobabs is one of Africa's most iconic photo opportunities. Nothing here looks like anywhere else.
Beach & Wildlife Combo
Nosy Be offers tropical island paradise with whale sharks, while the interior delivers world-class wildlife. Combine both in one trip for the ultimate Madagascar experience.
Humpback Whale Season
From July to September, humpback whales migrate to Madagascar's warm waters. Île Sainte-Marie is one of the world's best whale-watching spots — breaching whales just metres from shore.
Chameleon Capital of the World
Half of all chameleon species on Earth live in Madagascar. Night walks reveal extraordinary tiny leaf chameleons and colourful panther chameleons — a reptile-lover's paradise.
Quick Reference
Madagascar at a Glance
Big Five Score
Safari Rating
Unique Endemic WildlifeModerate to Challenging
Year-round — take prophylaxis
Visa on arrival (30 or 60 days)
Ivato International Airport (TNR)
Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
EAT (UTC+3)
Bottled water only
220V, Type C/E plug (European)
Madagascar Safari Highlights
Signature experiences that make this destination unforgettable
Avenue of Baobabs
Ancient 800-year-old giants lining the road at sunset — Africa's most iconic photograph
Read MoreLemur Trekking
Trek through Andasibe-Mantadia to meet the indri — the world's largest living lemur
Read MoreTsingy de Bemaraha
UNESCO razor-sharp limestone pinnacles — one of Earth's most alien landscapes
Read MoreNosy Be Island
Tropical beach paradise with whale sharks, diving, and Creole cuisine
Read MoreWhale Watching at Île Sainte-Marie
Humpback whales breaching just metres from shore — July to September spectacle
Read MoreChameleon Night Walks
Half the world's chameleon species live here — extraordinary guided night walks
Read MoreWildlife & Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
April to November is the dry season — best for wildlife, comfortable temperatures, and accessible roads. Whale sharks at Nosy Be peak September–November.
April – October
Wildlife You'll See
A Typical Day in Madagascar
Hour by hour — from the first coffee to stargazing
4:00 AM
night
Wake-Up Call
A gentle knock and hot coffee delivered to your tent. The African bush is still dark — listen for the last calls of the nightjars.
Dry Season vs Green Season
Drag the slider to see how Madagascar transforms between seasons
Plan Your Trip
Madagascar Weather & Safari Calendar
Click any month to see temperature, rainfall, crowds, and what makes that month special
January — Wet Season
Temperature
19°C – 28°C
Rainfall
280mm
Crowds
LowPrice Level
$ (Low)
What to Expect
Peak rains; cyclone season — lowest prices, lush forests
Top Accommodation in Madagascar
Hand-picked luxury lodges and camps recommended by our safari experts
Can't decide? Let our experts help you choose the perfect lodge.
Get Expert RecommendationsEssential Tips for Madagascar
Fly to Antananarivo (Tana) via Johannesburg, Nairobi, Paris, or Istanbul. Internal flights on Tsaradia connect to Nosy Be and regional airports.
Roads can be challenging — a 4x4 with experienced driver-guide is essential for most routes.
The Malagasy Ariary (MGA) is the local currency. Carry cash outside major cities.
Malaria prophylaxis recommended. Vaccinations for Yellow Fever may be required depending on your routing.
Pack layers — the central highlands can be surprisingly cool while the coast is hot and humid.
Book internal flights well in advance — schedules are limited and flights fill up during peak season.
Be Prepared
Packing & Travel Essentials for Madagascar
Travel Quick Reference
Visa
Visa on arrival ($37 for 30 days)
Getting There
TNR — via Paris, Nairobi, JNB
Internal Travel
Domestic flights + 4WD essential
Budget
Budget $30–80/night, Mid $100–250
Health
Malaria prophylaxis essential everywhere
Best For
Lemurs, baobabs, Tsingy, endemic species
Watch & Learn
Madagascar Travel Videos
Madagascar — Lemurs, Baobab Trees & Broken Bridges
Madagascar Tour — Dream Destination for Nature Lovers
Madagascar Safari — FAQ
Tourist areas are generally safe, especially with a reputable guide. Petty theft can occur in cities — use common sense. The national parks and resort areas have excellent security. We always arrange trusted local guides for all our Madagascar tours.
Internal flights connect major destinations (Tana to Nosy Be, etc.). Overland travel requires a 4x4 with driver-guide — roads can be rough but the scenery is spectacular. We arrange all logistics so you can focus on the experience.
Humpback whales visit Madagascar from July to September, with peak season in August. Île Sainte-Marie on the east coast is the best spot — whales breach and play just metres from the shore.
10–14 days is ideal to see the highlights: 2–3 days Andasibe (lemurs), 3 days Tsingy de Bemaraha, 2 days Avenue of Baobabs, and 3–4 days Nosy Be (beaches and marine life). Shorter trips focusing on one region work too.
Madagascar Safari Packages
Hand-crafted itineraries for every travel style — from luxury honeymoons to budget adventures
Traveler Stories
What Our Guests Say About Madagascar
“Tsingy de Bemaraha was the most extraordinary landscape I've ever seen. The harness walk over the limestone pinnacles is genuinely thrilling. And seeing ring-tailed lemurs in the wild at Isalo — incredible.”
Dr. Antoine Mercier
Brussels, Belgium
August 2025
“Madagascar exceeded every expectation. The Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset was breathtaking. Night walks revealed incredible chameleons. This is truly the most unique place on Earth.”
Akiko & Kenji Yamamoto
Osaka, Japan
September 2025
“Ingwe arranged a 12-day circuit from Antananarivo through Andasibe, down to Isalo and across to Morondava. Every day brought completely new landscapes and wildlife. The guide was phenomenal.”
Linda van der Berg
Cape Town, South Africa
July 2025
Ready to Experience Madagascar?
Let our expert safari consultants craft a tailor-made Madagascar itinerary just for you. No obligation, no cookie-cutter packages — every trip is as unique as a leopard's spots.
Extend Your Adventure
Combine Madagascar With…
Create the ultimate multi-destination safari by adding these incredible stops to your itinerary
Where to Stay in Madagascar
Our experts have selected these outstanding lodges for your Madagascar safari experience
