Madagascar
A colourful, crazy world of its own
Summary
Step into a lost world where chattering lemur swing through a lush canopy, bats fly between ghostly silhouettes of baobab trees and tiny jewel-coloured frogs dart along the rainforest floor. Most of what you’ll find in Madagascar can’t be seen anywhere else on earth. It’s a truly incredible African country to visit.
For its unique and vulnerable ecosystem, Madagascar is known as the Galapagos of Africa and most of the plants, animals, birds and reptiles you’ll see here are like nothing you’ve ever seen before. This African island is a beautiful, colourful, crazy world all its own. If travelling with kids, they will be charmed and entertained while spotting their favourite characters from the much-loved movie ‘Madagascar’.
Highlights
- Experience incredible animal life that is endemic to the island, about 75 percent of the species found in Madagascar live nowhere else on the planet.
- Come face to face with the much loved and world-famous lemur.
- Swim, dive or snorkel around more than 250 islands and one of the world’s largest coral reef systems.
- See thousands of humpback whales calving in the waters off Ile Ste Marie.
- Immerse yourself in the unique Malagasy culture that is a blend of east African and Southeast Asian influences.
- Dine every day on fantastic fresh seafood including fish, lobster and prawns.
- Contribute to ecological conservation, and economic and political stability through tourism.
$USD 350-950 Per person, per day
General inclusions: accommodation, ground transfers, some activities and meals. Seasonality affects the price of accommodation and travelling in low season may reduce the price. Single supplements may also apply.
Understanding the story of lemurs – their diversity, origins, and the way they exist in their environment – helps us understand our own evolution.
Steig Johnson, University of Calgary
When to travel
Madagascar’s long dry season stretches from April to December and promises hot, sunny days with not a cloud in the sky. In April and May, at the end of the wet season, the jungle is at its lushest. Humpback whales will be frolicking off the coast from July to September. In October and November you’ll spot newborn baby lemurs clinging to their mothers. Heavy rains and cyclones make Madagascar a no-go from January to March. Discover the best time to travel to Madagascar. The monthly average temperatures and rainfall below are for the capital city Antananarivo. .
- 30°c
- 25°c
- 20°c
- 15°c
- 10°c
- 5°c
- 0°c
- 300 mm
- 240 mm
- 180 mm
- 120 mm
- 60 mm
- 0 mm
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sept
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Whale Watching
- Newborn Lemurs
- Dry Season
FAQ
1. How do I get to & around Madagascar?
Mauritius, Reunion Island, South Africa and Kenya all provide direct services into the capital city, Antananarivo. Madagascar is a large African island country and charter flights are the main transportation once you arrive. Private transfers will be arranged to places such as Andasibe-Mantadia National Park to experience the spectacular Lemurs in their natural habitat.
2. How long should I spend in Madagascar?
The duration of you stay really depends on your appetite for true wilderness, low impact tourism and unique flora and fauna. Up to 10 days can provide a fleeting visit to 2 or 3 highlights, but allow 2 weeks or more to immerse yourself in the beauty of this remote part of the world.
3. Will Madagascar suit my travel style?
Anyone seeking incredible flora and fauna will find it here, many of which is found nowhere else in the world. Great for families, the little ones will love seeing the real Madagascar.
4. What attractions and experiences can I find in Madagascar?
Amber Mountain National Park, Isalo National Park, Marojejy National Park, Avenue of the Baobabs, Humpback Whales.
5. What is the overall vibe of Madagascar?
Expect friendly and welcoming people. The unique Malagasy culture is a blend of east African and Southeast Asian influences and on its colonial legacy you will find French meals at affordable prices in the capital Antananarivo.
Contribute to ecological conservation, and economic and political stability through tourism. It is a large island so if you plan to move around and don’t like long drives on somewhat bumpy roads, this might not be the best destination for you.
6. What essential information should I know before visiting Madagascar?
Visas: Australian citizens require an entry visa for Madagascar. You can obtain a 30-day visa at the port of entry for free, however there may be some “fees” requested. Alternatively arrange your visa advance at an embassy.
Health: Anti-malarial’s are required. We recommend visiting your travel doctor for the latest information on travel vaccinations.
Language: Malagasy, French.
Capital: Antananarivo.
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