This exhilarating adventure through some of Madagascar’s most biodiverse regions showcases the best of its wildlife and natural splendour. Lacking in the big game and fierce predators of its African relatives, Madagascar offers a unique and ‘hands on’ experience for your safari. A range of weird and wonderful insects and reptiles can be discovered and closely inspected, and the instant appeal of cuddly lemurs is magnetic for many travellers.
why book this trip
Enjoy travel through Madagascar by private light aircraft and helicopter flights throughout your journey, staying in the ultimate luxury and exclusive properties.
Day 1: Arrive Antananarivo (Tana)
On arrival you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel Maison Gallieni where you can spend the rest of your day at leisure. Enjoy your first dinner at La Varangue, a luxury boutique hotel.
Wildlife in Madagascar
From breaching whales and egg cup sized lemurs, to curious chameleons and the strange cat-like carnivore known as the fossa, the breadth of the diversity of Madagascar animals cannot be overstated.
In the morning you will head to the airport to catch your flight in the direction of Andasibe Reserve passing over highland scenery and rice paddies. Enjoy an afternoon walk through the reserve in search of the lemurs and a night walk to observe the nocturnal species.
Mantadia Lodge
Mantadia Lodge, located in the stunning surroundings of Andasibe and Mantadia National Parks, is a gateway to Madagascar's natural nature. With its modern facilities and 25 well-appointed rooms, including WiFi and cosy wood fires, visitors may relax while immersed in the surrounding rainforest. The lodge's elevated position allows for panoramic vistas, adding to the charm of the experience.
A montane forest park offering the chance to spot a variety of lemurs, reptiles and birds. One of its most famous inhabitants is the indri, the largest of lemur with a black and white teddy bear-like appearance.
Andasibe National Park
Probably one of the best lemur experiences in the world, Andasibe National Park is the best place to spot the Indri, the largest living lemur! The park is separated into two distinct areas, Speciale d’Analamazaotra (usually known as Perinet - the old name of a French nearby town and rail station) to the south, and Park National de Mantidia to the north. Created in 1989, it encompasses the same humid lush forest throughout, covered with moss and trees, peppered with over 100 extraordinary orchid species and dotted with lakes.
Today you will fly back to Antananarivo and then down to Mandrare River Camp which is situated in the Ifotaka Reserve, with exclusive access to some of the worlds most unique eco systems. Take the time to relax and settle in or head out on an afternoon activity exploring this area.
Mandrare River Camp
The camp’s off the beaten path location, in the remote south of Madagascar, provides exclusive access to one of world’s most unique ecosystems. Experience this rare and important environment up close and immerse yourself in the biological and cultural diversity of Madagascar.
You will be guided through your days by our outstanding and professionally trained guides in English or French. When not in search of rare plants and wildlife, take time to learn about the the life and traditions of the Tandroy people who live in this incredible place.
During your stay here you’ll explore the gallery forests with your guide, to the south of the camp, home to ring tailed lemurs and verreaux sifakas. In the afternoon, enjoy sundowners at their version of ‘Avenue des Baobabs’. With 99 baobabs and a mountain as a backdrop and no one else in sight, this really is a magical place and a great way to end your day! In the afternoon, enjoy sundowners at their version of ‘Avenue des Baobabs’. Enjoy a night walk to spot the nocturnal mouse lemurs, the sleeping birds, chameleons, owls and sportive lemurs and really experience this rare and important environment up close and immerse yourself in the biological and cultural diversity of Madagascar.
Day 7: Mandrare - Miavana
Today your journey continues onwards and northwards, first taking a flight back to Antananarivo and then onward to Diego Suarez right in the north of the island. From here, head over to the private island of Miavana where you will be transferred to your Miavana villa to relax.
Miavana
Miavana, located on an isolated private island off Madagascar's northeastern coast, represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxurious beach resortliving. With 14 ocean-front homes precisely created by the architects of the legendary North Island in the Seychelles, this getaway provides a haven of castaway luxury
Choose from the variety of activities available including the ‘Blue Safari’ guided water activities that will provide fascinating insights as you explore the aquamarine bays, beaches, lagoons and channels of the archipelago.
Complementary activities include: guided lemur trekking (and boat transfers to the mainland adjacent), forest walks, scuba diving around Miavana and scuba diving lessons, snorkelling, cultural visit on Miavana, boat cruises, shore based fishing and half day fishing trips, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, kite surfing, bicycling.
Day 10: Miavana - Antananarivo - Depart
Today you will depart the island haven of Miavana and make your way back to the mainland and to the capital of Antananarivo, via Diego Suarez. Upon arrival you will be driven to your day hotel, Relais Des Plateaux and will spend the rest of the day at leisure and enjoy your final dinner.
Madagascar Honeymoons
Madagascar is situated in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of Africa and is a fantastic destination for a honeymoon for adventurous couples looking for something a little different. From the weird and wonderful endemic wildlife to a stunning coastline and tiny islands, there is plenty to see and explore.
Wildlife remains our primary focus and we ensure accommodation is carefully selected as the very best places to stay for front-row wildlife spectacles for the time of the year you are travelling. Hear the Indri before you see them and wake up to their songs of communication in the early hours of the morning with the mist still hugging the rainforest canopy.
Wealth of Experience
NWS started as World Primate Safaris more than a decade ago. There is no better team to take you to discover the unique primates of Madagascar. We maintain close relationships with our partners on the ground; our dedicated naturalist guide has hosted research groups, film crews and dignitaries; his knowledge is encyclopedic.
Tailored Safaris
Share your interests with our Destination Specialists and we will match you to the in-country experts, providing you with nothing but the best access and highly experienced wildlife trackers and guides. Safari are meticulously planned to be seamless in terms of quality and service, with private transfers available throughout.
Client Reviews
Rated 5/5 based on 2 customer reviews
madagascar-kristin-adams
Harriet was wonderful. She quickly and efficiently listened to what I wanted to do in the countries I was planning to visit, put together a plan in a matter of days, and it was without a doubt the best international trip I've taken in my life (of approximately 30 countries). Service was excellent. Itinerary was excellent. All around a great experience in a less commonly-traveled destination.
—Kristin Adams who travelled on Madagascar: Wildlife & Mauritius Adventure in May 2023
5 out of 5
madagascar-dillon-hagius
Harriet was AMAZING. Recognizing that we wanted to start and end the honeymoon at a beach, she deftly tailored the Madagascar Honeymoon trip in a timely manner and sent us several different options for how we could get in the extra beach time (without losing any of the amazing time in the rainforest). I normally plan my own vacations, so I was worried it would feel weird taking the leap of faith and letting someone else do it. However, after one chat with Harriet, I knew that our honeymoon was in very capable hands. This was the smoothest travel experience I have ever had (which truly is saying something when you go somewhere as remote as Madagascar). Every destination and accommodation felt like we were in a postcard, and the timing of the trip was just absolutely perfect for our Honeymoon. We got just the right amount of adventure and relaxation that we wanted in our honeymoon. The itinerary ensured we got to see a large swath of Madagascar and we were also exposed to the wonderful, hospitable Malagasy peoples/culture. We particularly liked our guide Nono. He was a consummate professional in every sense of the word. He ensured our trip was comfortable, educational, and meaningful.
—Dillon Hagius who travelled on Madagascar: Ultimate Honeymoon Safari in May 2023
