Madagascar travel guide
Having parted ways with mainland Africa over 160 million years ago,
most of Madagascar's flora and fauna is found nowhere else on earth,
including several species of baobabs, most of its 1,000 orchids and
– of course – the much-loved lemurs.
Even the Malagasy people – descended from seafarers from Borneo and Polynesia as well as East Africans – are one of a kind, a distinction that is evident in their phenomenal, French-influenced food, infectious music, and deep respect for their ancestors. But uniqueness comes at a cost. Over 90 percent of the island has been deforested to make way for rice fields and livestock, resulting in landslides, flooding, and the extinction of megafauna, including several giant lemurs. Political instability has resulted in this impoverished nation becoming even poorer in recent years, and ever more dependent on the diminishing forests for survival.
All destinations are unique, but Madagascar is more unique than most
However, everyone who enjoys a Madagascar holiday is said to leave a piece of themselves there, having fallen in love with the landscapes, the wildlife and the warmth of the Malagasy culture. It’s well worth a visit – especially now that well-managed tourism is one of the keys to the future of Madagascar’s wildlife – and its people.
Madagascar is/isn't...
Madagascar is...
... full of cultural taboos which have protected its lemurs for centuries.
Madagascar isn't...
... like going to the zoo. You need to work for your wildlife here!
What we rate & what we don't
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Our Madagascar Holidays
Small group holidays to Madagascar
Experience the best of this enigmatic island continent
From
£2495 to £2675
17 days
ex flights
Madagascar in depth, small group tour
Madagascar's unique wildlife and off the beaten track gems
From
£2875 to £2899
21 days
ex flights
Southern Madagascar holidays, Lemurs, baobabs & beaches
Taking in its most diverse environments at comfortable pace
From
£2250
12 days
ex flights
Madagascar North Coast adventure holiday
Action packed expedition through wild north east Madagascar
From
£2650
14 days
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Trekking holiday in Southern Madagascar
Amazing trek through the mountains and valleys of Madagascar
From
£2475
14 days
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Madagascar holidays, The lost continent
Experience the culture and wildlife of Madagascar
From
£2725 to £3235
17 days
inc UK flights
Madagascar holiday, Lemurs, canals & mountains
Stunning adventure inc. Mada's rivers, forests & mountains
From
£2250
14 days
ex flights
Madagascar north coast nature holiday
A Nature Guided adventure to Northern Madagascar
From
£2250
12 days
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Madagascar small group holiday
Endemic species & truly incredible scenery
From
£3649 to £4299
17 days
inc UK flights
Trekking and rafting expedition in Madagascar
Unique expedition exploring the little visited regions of Madagascar
From
£1895
12 days
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Madagascar tailor made tour
Discover the biodiversity, nature and wildlife of Madagascar
From
£1888
12 days
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Highlights of Madagascar holiday, tailor made
Explore the incredible wildlife of the island continent
From
£1800
12 days
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Madagascar family adventure holiday, canoes & camping
Exciting family adventure combining activities and nature
From
£1975
13 days
ex flights
Madagascar family adventure holiday
Unique family adventures in Madagascar
From
£2495
14 days
ex flights
Eastern Madagascar trekking holiday
Climb majestic mountains, dense forest, waterfalls and more
From
£2450
14 days
ex flights
Lemur conservation project in Madagascar
Work alongside an award-winning NGO in Madagascar
From
£795 to £2495
14 days
ex flights
North Madagascar adventure and wildlife holiday
Explore the amazing north and its incredible flora and fauna
From
£2645
18 days
ex flights
Trekking holiday in Madagascar
Explore the incredible diversity of Madagascar
From
£2979 to £3479
16 days
inc UK flights
Madagascar wildlife and beaches holiday
Private Madagascar tours by a UK based operator
From
£3940
20 days
inc UK flights
Madagascar rafting expedition
Explore a remote area of Madagascar on this unique trip
From
£2695
13 days
ex flights
Madagascar small group tour
Discover Madagascar's treasures on this unique safari trip.
From
£2545
11 days
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Madagascar diving & nature holiday, Nosy Be
Discover a natural paradise away from mass-tourism!
From
£1692
8 days
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Madagascar wildlife tour with hiking
Unique and amazing tour. Off the beaten path Madagascar.
From
£3960
22 days
inc UK flights
Madagascar luxury private tour
Luxury private retreat with stunning wildlife
From
£3023
5 days
ex flights
Madagascar tour with North or South Extensions
Highlights of Madagascar with options to extend into luxury
From
£2766
10 days
ex flights
Madagascar tour, rainforest & beaches
United Kingdom based independent tour operator.
From
£3490 to £3900
14 days
inc UK flights
Private Madagascar tour
Explore Madagascar with private driver. Flights are included!
From
£2700
15 days
inc UK flights
Madagascar Lemurs safari, tailor made
A short, sharp safari visiting the lemurs of Madagascar.
From
£1600
7 days
ex flights
Complete tour of Madagascar, tailor made
We are based in U K. Discover amzing wildlife of Madagascar
From
£3870
19 days
inc UK flights
Food, shopping & people
Eating & drinking in Madagascar
Madagascar’s diverse, delicious cuisine has Malayo-Polynesian, East African and French influences.
Rice – called vary – is eaten at every meal, with an accompaniment known as laoka. Laoka contains seafood, pork or beef, along with veg such as shredded leaves, sweet potato, nuts or maize.
Highland laoka often has a tomato-based sauce, while coastal laoka uses coconut – seasoned with clove, vanilla, mild curry or ginger.
Zebu cattle are a Malagasy status symbol. They produce a phenomenally tasty steak.
People & language
Greet someone in a rural area: "Salama!”
Although Madagascar’s people speak one language and are all known as Malagasy, there are 18 main subcultures and numerous dialects. The Malagasy split broadly into two main groups: the highland people, typically of more Asian descent, and the coastal people, who look more East African. The main highland group is the Merina, who are descendants of Madagascar’s monarchs.
Tell your host your meal was delicious: “Matsiro be”
If you hear “Tonga sao!”: when entering a village, you are being welcomed.
The Malagasy revere their ancestors. People live in simple wooden houses, but are buried in elaborate concrete tombs. Their remains are periodically paraded around the village, and reburied in a "bone turning" ceremony.
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about Madagascar or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
01273 823700 (UK)
Our top Madagascar Holiday
Small group holidays to Madagascar
Experience the best of this enigmatic island continent
From
£2495 to £2675
17 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 17 May, 21 Jun, 2 Aug, 11 Oct, 14 Dec
2019: 16 May, 20 Jun, 2 Aug, 5 Sep, 19 Sep, 13 Oct
2018: 17 May, 21 Jun, 2 Aug, 11 Oct, 14 Dec
2019: 16 May, 20 Jun, 2 Aug, 5 Sep, 19 Sep, 13 Oct
Gifts & shopping
Wood carving is highly skilled with regional specialities, including panels, ornaments, trays and furniture. Be sure not to buy illegal hardwoods, such as rosewood and ebony.
Enjoyed the zebu? Buy a bangle, spoon or cup carved from zebu horn as a souvenir.
Raffia is native to Madagascar. It is used throughout the island to weave bags, baskets and mats.
The French encouraged a rich tradition of embroidery, including colourful, intricate tablecloths, cushion covers and purses. Take a look at Stitch Sainte Luce’s online shop for examples – the project has trained embroiderers and created employment in some of the poorest communities.
More about Madagascar
The best time to visit Madagascar will depend on where you're visiting as the north is hot and humid, the east is generally wet and the south is often arid.
Responsible tourism in Madagascar is not all about volunteering with communities or planting native trees.
Which reserve is best for ring tailed lemurs? And what about the Indri? Where can I indulge in some intrepid trekking? And can I kayak inland or around the coast? Check out our interactive map of highlights, national parks and cultural hotpots, and piece together your ideal Madagascar itinerary.
If you're wondering how to plan your itinerary, how to get around, what it's like for hiking or how to choose a responsible tour operator, then look no further for top Madagascar travel advice.
We share our best selection of things to do in Madagascar, for the active, adventurous and altruistic travellers.
Travelling in Madagascar with kids is undoubtedly tough - but for well-travelled families, it is also extremely rewarding.
Any trip to this hugely biodiverse island will include a selection of Madagascar’s national parks, introducing you to the incredible scenery and unique wildlife that it is famous for.
If you’ve ever wondered where to see lemurs in Madagascar, you’ve come to the right place.
Euros are the most widely exchangeable currency in Madagascar, and higher value notes obtain a better exchange rate.
How much does it cost?
Bottle of Three Horses Beer: £1.10
Zebu steak in a restaurant: £2.90
Rice dishes on the street: 75p
1kg of lychees: 25p
One zebu: £100
A brief history of Madagascar
Traditionally ruled by the Merina – highland people of Indonesian descent – Madagascar fell under French rule in the 1880s, leaving a lasting legacy on the island’s cuisine, architecture and textiles industry. After decades of discontent and rebellion, Madagascar finally gained independence in 1960. Military rule, a coup d’état, and accusations of rigged elections plagued the island, with the political elite and the army fighting it out at the top as the rest of the nation endured a lack of infrastructure, inadequate healthcare and devastating cyclones which left hundreds of thousands homeless.
Widespread and violent political unrest followed another suspected military coup. The international community imposed sanctions against Madagascar, severing trade agreements and withdrawing aid. The result on the population has been rising food prices, increasing poverty and child mortality, reduced access to education and the clearing of yet more forests, to make more space for growing food. Few outside the main cities are aware of the complexities of political events and international policy – but everyone has been severely affected by them.
Widespread and violent political unrest followed another suspected military coup. The international community imposed sanctions against Madagascar, severing trade agreements and withdrawing aid. The result on the population has been rising food prices, increasing poverty and child mortality, reduced access to education and the clearing of yet more forests, to make more space for growing food. Few outside the main cities are aware of the complexities of political events and international policy – but everyone has been severely affected by them.
