Madagascar is one of our favourite destinations at Natural World Safaris. With the MD having guided in Madagascar “back in the day” we know the “Red Island” better than most! Often in the shadow of mainland Africa as it lacks the big game such as lion, cheetah, elephants, rhinos and more, Madagascar is actually a hidden gem.

The fourth largest island in the world Madagascar offers a uniqueness that is rarely found in the world today; with over 90% of its fauna and flora being endemic, biomes varying from savannah grassland plains to tropical rainforests and wildlife from the tiny mouse lemur that fits in an egg cup, to whales breaching off the coastline and scarily colourful chameleons!

No visit to Madagascar is complete without paying a visit to the lovely Andasibe/Mantadia National Park located only 3-4hrs east of Antananarivo. A tropical rainforest full of chamelons, leaf-tailed geckos and most famously, the largest living lemur, the Indri. Waking up to the call of the Indri through the mist shrouded forest is a highlight of any wildlife enthusiasts stay. 

Located on the east coast and accessed by boat, Palmarium is a unique little reserve. Stay here for a few nights and you will get truly up close and personal encounters with the resident lemur population! Yes, some of the lemurs here have cross-bred, however this is still a treat for anyone that wants to see these cheeky things up close – great for photographers! 

A slender island located off the east coast of Madagascar and accessed via regular scheduled flights. Aside from relaxing on the white sand beaches, a highlight of your visit to Ile Sainte Marie during the months of July to September is the humpback whale migration. Set out with the whale research teams to monitor the whales and even take part in some of the tagging! A great experience for honeymooners and those on a family safari. 

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In south west Madagascar, Isalo offers the contrast to the rainforests of Andasibe and Ranomafana National Parks. Flat grassy plains with the backdrop being provided by a huge rock massif. Isalo offers is warmer than the rainforests and offers the traveller the opportunity to stretch their legs on some of the numerous walks and explore the canyons where you can find ring-tailed lemurs bouncing around. Following your walk, take a cooling dip in La Piscine Naturelle – a natural rock pool in the wind-eroded rock formations. 

A private reserve located in the northwest of Madagascar. A great place for a honeymoon couple or a family to relax and unwind for a few days. There is only the one lodge here (Anjajavy) and it is Relais and Chateaux so you will not be disappointed. Relax by the pool or swim in the turquoise waters of the sea…whilst fun snorkelling is possible, this is not a great diving location.

Located 60km north of Morondava, Kirindy is not the most easily accessed place in Madagascar and the accommodation is not the most luxurious! Kirindy does however play host to the largest mammalian carnivore in Madagascar, the fossa – growing up to 1.5 metres long and preying mainly on lemurs. Alongside the fossa Kirindy is also home to the giant jumping rat, red fronted brown lemurs, fat tailed dwarf lemurs and a variety of chameleons. Another highlight in the local vicinity is the stunning Avenue of the Baobabs; for keen photographers this is a must as you capture the sunset sink behind these gracious giants.