Where to go on a Madagascar adventure

“Be prepared for some long drives and get fit as the walks are terrific but you need to be up to doing them.” – Barry Theobald

“A great experience all round but the most memorable part was the river experience. We canoed for two days, negotiated rapids and camped at night on the sandy banks beside the river. The locals were intrigued by these strange foreigners who chose to sleep in tents rather than a hotel but readily came to our rescue when our cooking pots sank to the bottom of the river! Take waterproof bags to put all your clothes and equipment into for the canoe trip. No need to take pillows or sleeping mats as these are provided by the local company. Make sure you have a good torch as electricity supplies in hotels are unpredictable. No need for water purifying tablets as bottled water is available everywhere even in the back of beyond!” – Rosemary Llewellin

“Take clothes for all seasons! We went in the early-spring season, and it ranged from being very chilly (especially in the evenings) to very hot in Tsarasoa and the drier regions. Also, take some gifts for the local people and children. We took pens and football items, and they went down very well. Go with a relaxed and embracing attitude - the pace of life is very different in Madagascar. Our guide Hery, could not have been better and his boundless enthusiasm and passion for the country made our trip even more special.” – Cara Roberts

“I loved the fact that we were off the beaten track - we saw no other tourists after we left Tana for the first 8 days or so, and we were buying provisions from local people and often eating in small local restaurants. If you decide, like me, to add on some extra time in Madagascar, allow PLENTY of time (24 hours plus!) between any domestic flight and your international flight home. Air Madagascar, the only domestic airline, has a whimsical and unpredictable approach to timetables and will delay, cancel or (almost more frustratingly) bring flights forward by many hours without notice.” – Catherine Nursaw

“It is physically demanding so those going need to be prepared to trek in rivers and battle the conditions, wet & hot. Take immodium and plenty of it.” – David Phillips

“Be prepared to start early in the morning when the lemurs are more active. We did so and saw much more than some other groups in our hotels who set off later and came back disappointed. You need a reasonable level of fitness. Be prepared for some moderate hiking- nothing extreme but walking boots are essential. Also you need to squeeze through some narrow gaps in the Grand Tsingy, where in places you also need to be clipped onto safety wires during some ascents/descents.” – Stephen Osgerby