Trekking through the rainforests, visiting villages, watching the lemurs and snorkelling made visiting Madagascar one of my favourite African experiences.
Aisha Battersby, Madagascar Specialist, 01993 838521
165 million years ago Madagascar broke free from Africa and drifted 400 kilometres out into the Mozambique Channel. Geological forces thrust up dramatic mountain ranges along the spine of an island a thousand miles long. Isolated from the rest of the world, there were no large predators: here wildlife evolved on its own distinct path. Of Madagascar’s 200,000 species, more than 80% are endemic.
The most famous are the lemurs. This is the place to hear the eerie wail of the indri echo across misty rainforests and see sifakas leap across ochre earth. Walks through the forests will reveal more than lemurs though. Pushing past wild ginger ferns and over buttress roots you will see a kaleidoscope of chameleons, frogs and butterflies. Birds screech in the trees and uncharted insects march through the leaf litter.
Man arrived late: only 2,000 years ago, on small boats from Indonesia. Today, there are many different tribes, each with their own languages, beliefs and customs and each amongst the most spiritual you’ll find anywhere. Finally, Madagascar is surrounded by a halo of small islands. The beaches are long and sandy with pirogues moored in the shallows. Kick off your walking boots, lie back and watch the frigate birds soar overhead.
Browse places of interest and view details of our selected accommodation.
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Read about the climate and find out the best time to travel to this destination.
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Our trips are 100% tailor-made but here are some suggestions to provide inspiration.
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Selected Highlights
Our specialists have travelled the length and breadth of the country to research the best places to stay and things to do. Here they list a few of their favourite “unmissables”.
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Charter a private yacht around Madagascar's northern islands
Whilst most people flock to Nosy Be to relax, we have found something much better. Instead of staying in a hotel charter your own yacht and set off...
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Discover the Upper Town in Tana
The Upper Town (Antaninarenina & Isoraka) in Tana is a lovely place for a stroll, with art shops, craft boutiques and the President's Palace. We...
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Hear the indris call in Andasibe National Park
The best way to hear and see the indri is on a morning walk in the Andasibe National Park. There are three paths through the dense rainforest and you can...
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