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.
Madagascar is a treasure trove of unique flora and fauna. With over 80% of Madagascar’s wildlife being native, this island offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness species that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or a curious traveler, Madagascar is home to more than 13,000 plant species and 849 animal species, including 39 endemic bird genera. Here’s what you can expect to spot on your Madagascar adventure.
Madagascar is synonymous with lemurs, with over 100 species native to the island. These captivating primates come in various shapes, sizes, and personalities, making them a must-see for visitors:
Madagascar is a haven for reptile lovers, with a variety of species that are as bizarre as they are beautiful. The island is especially famous for its chameleons, which range from the massive Parson’s chameleon to the minuscule Brookesia species, small enough to sit on your fingernail.
The best time to see Madagascar’s reptiles and amphibians is during the rainy season from January to March, when they are most active.
Explore other best times to visit madagascar
Among Madagascar’s rarest animals is the fossa, a cat-like carnivore that dominates the island’s forests. Known for its intelligence and agility, the fossa is a skilled hunter, using its long tail to balance as it leaps through the trees in search of prey. With a rich brown coat and muscular body, the fossa is related to the mongoose family and travels up to 16 miles a day, often spotted in Madagascar's more remote and wild regions.
In this safari you can experience a vast amount of wildlife in a short amount of time. Head into Andasibe National Park and Mantadia Reserve to offer you a truly unique insight into the initial fauna and flora of Madagascar.
From 6000 per person
This exhilarating adventure through some of Madagascar’s most biodiverse regions showcases the best of its wildlife and natural splendour.
From 12500 per person
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.
From 54000 per person
Madagascar is chameleon paradise, with over half of the world's chameleon species found here. Species like the Panther Chameleon and Parson's Chameleon are known for their vibrant colors and unique features.
Insects and spiders are here in abundance, from massive millipedes to beetles and the remarkable yet bizarre Giraffe Weevil. Male giraffe weevils’ necks are 2-3 times the size of females’, and they live in forests, spending almost their entire lives on the “giraffe beetle tree” and feeding on the leaves of that tree. Madagascar’s list of about 100,000 creepy crawlies is growing daily, including over 300 beautiful butterfly species.
Giant land birds such as the elephant bird may have been driven to extinction, but there is so much more in the way of incredible flora, fauna and birdlife to this magical island that has escaped interference from the outside world. Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot and home to a remarkable array of unique and endemic bird species. Due to its isolation as an island for millions of years, Madagascar's avian fauna has evolved in splendid isolation, resulting in a high level of endemism.
