madagascar wildlife tours

Wildlife Tours in Madagascar

• Choose from 49 Madagascar tours
• 150+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

10 best Madagascar wildlife tour packages

Compiled by

Nadine Madagascar travel expert at TourRadar

Madagascar Baobabs & Beyond

Madagascar 9 days baobabs and lemurs tour, madagascar wildlife tour 14d/13n, madagascar: the lost continent, whale discovery, 12 days south of madagascar, exploring malagasy bird life in andasibe, highlights of madagascar, unique madagascar, 15 days details madagascar ( comfort).

• Hiking & Trekking

“He went above and beyond his job. Always extremely helpful and had a friendly and helpful attitude.”

• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

“The perfect trip with a really professional tour operator.”

“We saw more wildlife than we imagined was possible. It was a bucket list trip for us and we came away amazed.”

“This was my 5th and best Explore trip. We saw so many animals and different landscapes.”

“The trip was fantastic, also in terms of excursions and accommodations. Be prepared for a long car journey through a beautiful varied landscape.”

• Explore Andasibe-Perinet National Park
• Search for the rarely seen blue boa
• Relax in countless natural swimming pools

“I enjoyed the tour. The experience was positive and worthwhile.”

• Explore the markets of Antsirabe
• See the rock formations of Isalo Massif
• Pass by lush rice fields

“The landscapes are breathtaking and the animals are amazing. Even simple hotels had a nice touch.”

“Great way to get around and see a lot of Madagascar, excellent organization.”

Travel Styles

Discover TourRadar

• You are here:
• Madagascar Tours

Your Safari

Tour length, rates in usd $ – change currency, starting from.

• Antananarivo (29)
• Nairobi (0)
• Entebbe (0)
• Johannesburg (0)
• Zanzibar (0)
• Dar es Salaam (0)
• Victoria Falls Town (0)
• Kampala (0)
• Cape Town (0)
• Windhoek (0)
• Addis Ababa (0)
• Livingstone (0)
• Hoedspruit (0)
• Mombasa (0)
• Port Elizabeth (0)
• Bujumbura (0)
• Hazyview (0)
• Pretoria (0)
• Blantyre (0)
• Diani Beach (0)
• Vilankulo (0)
• Lalibela (0)
• Lilongwe (0)
• Upington (0)
• Nelspruit (0)
• Bulawayo (0)
• Fort Portal (0)

Comfort Level

• Luxury+ (0)
• Mid-range (0)

Private or Shared Tour

• Private tour (0)
• Shared tour (0)

Safari Type

• Lodge, tented camp or hotel (0)
• Camping (0)

Operator Rating

• & up (0)

Specialized Tours

• Fly-in safaris (0)
• Beach time (0)
• Honeymoon (0)
• Gorilla trekking (0)
• Photographic safaris (0)
• Mountain climbing (0)
• Walking safaris (0)
• Self-drive (0)
• Guided self-drive (0)
• Chimp trekking (0)
• Overland tours (0)
• Cycling safaris (0)
• Canoe safaris (0)
• Horseback safaris (0)
• Birding tours (0)
• Accessible safaris (0)
• Golf & Wildlife (0)

Other Tour Features

• Airport transfer is included (0)
• Itinerary can be customized (0)

Filter by Operator

Filter by accommodation, operators from.

• South Africa (0)
• Tanzania (0)
• United Kingdom (0)
• United States (0)
• Australia (0)
• Belgium (0)
• Botswana (0)
• Comoros (0)
• Denmark (0)
• Ethiopia (0)
• Eswatini (0)
• Germany (0)
• Ireland (0)
• Lesotho (0)
• Madagascar (0)
• Mauritius (0)
• Mayotte (0)
• Mozambique (0)
• Namibia (0)
• Netherlands (0)
• New Zealand (0)
• Nigeria (0)
• Portugal (0)
• Reunion (0)
• Seychelles (0)
• Singapore (0)
• Switzerland (0)
• United Arab Emirates (0)
• Zimbabwe (0)

Madagascar Tours & Safari Packages

There is no other place like Madagascar. That might sound like brochure talk, but it is true. Madagascar is unique. Of roughly 200,000 known animal species found in Madagascar, 150,000 are endemic, meaning they occur nowhere else in the world. The same applies to the island’s weird and wonderful flora. How this incredible biodiversity came about is much up for debate. But there is nothing debatable about the sense of wonder one experiences when setting foot on this magnificently intriguing country, often referred to as the eighth continent.

17-Day Highlights of Madagascar

$11,550 to $13,276 pp (USD)

Madagascar: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Andasibe-Mantadia NP, Isalo NP, Toliara (City) , Ifotaka Forest, Nosy Komba, Antananarivo (End)

4.8 /5  –  156 Reviews

9-Day Authentic North of Madagascar

$2,290 pp (USD)

Madagascar: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Antsiranana (City) , Ankarana SR, Ankify (Village) , Nosy Be (End)

Malagasya Travel   Tour operator has an office in Madagascar

4.8 /5  –  13 Reviews

13-Day Tsingy De Bemaraha - Baobab Alley - Nosy Be

$2,911 pp (USD)

Madagascar: Shared tour (max 60 people per vehicle) Mid-range Hotel

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Antsirabe (City) , Morondava (Town) , Bekopaka (Town) , Bemaraha NP, Allee Des Baobabs (Highlight) , Nosy Be, Nosy Komba, Nosy Iranja, Antananarivo (End)

Soul Of Madagascar Tours   Tour operator has an office in Madagascar

5.0 /5  –  24 Reviews

12-Day Madagascar 1000 Views Tour

$3,135 pp (USD)

Madagascar: Private tour Budget Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Andasibe-Mantadia NP, Andasibe-Mantadia NP, Antsirabe (City) , Ranomafana NP, Isalo NP, Isalo NP, Ifaty (Town & Beach) , Antananarivo (End)

Safari With Us

5.0 /5  –  223 Reviews

8-Day Trekking - in the Ridges and Canyons of Isalo

$1,157 pp (USD)

Madagascar: Private tour Budget Camping & Guest House

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Antsirabe (City) , Fianarantsoa (City) , Ranohira (Town) , Isalo NP, Ambositra (City) , Antananarivo (End)

Go Travel Madagascar   Tour operator has an office in Madagascar

5.0 /5  –  1 Reviews

8-Day Trip from Antananarivo to Morondava & Tsingy

$1,676 to $1,916 pp (USD)

Madagascar: Private tour Mid-range Hotel

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Miandrivazo (Town) , Morondava (Town) , Allee Des Baobabs (Highlight) , Bemaraha NP, Antsirabe (City) , Ampefy (Village) , Antananarivo (End)

Explorer MDG

Not yet rated

6-Day Time + Tide Miavana

$4,070 pp (USD)

Madagascar: Private tour Luxury+ Resort

You Visit: Antsiranana (Start) , Nosy Ankao, Antsiranana (End)

East Cape Tours

5.0 /5  –  61 Reviews

7-Day Exploring Madagascar

$2,757 pp (USD)

Madagascar: Private tour Mid-range Resort & Hotel

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Analamazaotra NP, Palmarium Reserve, Toamasina (Town) , Antananarivo (End)

Tourgy Tourz

4.9 /5  –  30 Reviews

12-Day Classic Madagascar Tour

$10,382 to $12,705 pp (USD)

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Andasibe-Mantadia NP, Fort Dauphin (Town) , Masoala NP, Antananarivo (End)

5-Day Andasibe Luxury Tour

$1,722 pp (USD)

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Andasibe-Mantadia NP, Antananarivo (End)

14-Day North Nosy Be - Ankarana - Amber Mountain - Diego

$2,814 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nosy Be (Start) , Nosy Komba, Nosy Iranja, Ankarana SR, Amber Mountain NP, Antsiranana (City) , French Mountain, Nosy Be (End)

10-Day Trekking - High Peak of Andringitra

$1,522 pp (USD)

Madagascar: Private tour Budget Camping & Lodge

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Ambositra (City) , Ambalavao (City) , Andringitra NP, Antsirabe (City) , Antananarivo (End)

9-Day Unique Adventure Trip from Antananarivo to Tulear

$1,796 pp (USD)

Madagascar: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Resort

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Antsirabe (City) , Ranohira (Town) , Toliara (City) , Anakao (Town & Beach) , Isalo NP, Antananarivo (End)

11-Day Madagascar Family Adventure Tour

$7,789 to $8,568 pp (USD)

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Andasibe-Mantadia NP, Morondava (Town) , Kirindy Forest, Anjajavy Reserve, Antananarivo (End)

24-Day Tsingy - Baobab - Andasibe - Ranomafana - Nosy Be

$4,023 pp (USD)

Madagascar: Shared tour (max 60 people per vehicle) Mid-range Hotel & Bungalow

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Antsirabe (City) , Morondava (Town) , Kirindy Forest, Bekopaka (Town) , Bemaraha NP, Ranomafana NP, Andasibe-Mantadia NP, Palmarium Reserve, Nosy Be, Nosy Komba, Nosy Iranja, Ivato Airport (Antananarivo) , Antananarivo (End)

11-Day The Classic South

$2,436 pp (USD)

Madagascar: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Antsirabe (City) , Ranomafana NP, Isalo NP, Ifaty (Town & Beach) , Antananarivo (End)

7-Day Nature and Little Paradise

$1,000 pp (USD)

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Andasibe-Mantadia NP, Palmarium Reserve, Antananarivo (End)

19-Day Andasibe - Baobab Alley - Kirindy - Tsingy - Ifaty

$3,307 pp (USD)

Madagascar: Shared tour (max 60 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Andasibe-Mantadia NP, Antsirabe (City) , Morondava (Town) , Kirindy Forest, Bemaraha NP, Allee Des Baobabs (Highlight) , Ranomafana NP, Isalo NP, Ifaty (Town & Beach) , Ivato Airport (Antananarivo) , Antananarivo (End)

15-Day Baobabs, Lemurs and Rainforest

$2,228 pp (USD)

Madagascar: Shared tour (max 20 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Antsirabe (City) , Miandrivazo (Town) , Kirindy Forest, Morondava (Town) , Ambalavao (City) , Isalo NP, Ranomafana NP, Andasibe-Mantadia NP, Antananarivo (End)

12-Day Madagascar off the Beaten Track

$21,503 to $24,229 pp (USD)

You Visit: Antananarivo (Start) , Bemaraha NP, Morondava (Town) , Isalo NP, Ifotaka Forest, Andasibe-Mantadia NP, Antananarivo (End)

Related Searches

• Madagascar Tour Operators
• Andasibe-Mantadia Tours
• Bemaraha Tours
• Isalo Tours
• Nosy Be Beach Packages
• Kirindy Forest Tours
• Ranomafana Tours
• Palmarium Reserve Tours
• Congo (Brazzaville) Safari Companies
• Mayotte Safari Companies
• Angola Tour Companies
• Réunion Tour Companies

6 Questions About Madagascar Tours

Answered by

Ariadne van zandbergen.

Why should I go to Madagascar?

“There are many good reasons to go to Madagascar. The immense tropical island of Madagascar is a special destination. For some people it’s the idyllic white sandy beaches and turquoise waters that are the main attractions. Others are lured by the fascinating animal world. There are cuddly lemurs, chameleons ranging from tiny to huge, slinky fossas, leaf-tailed geckos (the ultimate masters of camouflage), and much more. The wildlife is protected in a network of about 50 parks and reserves. These natural places are as diverse as the animals that live in them. Habitats range from pristine rainforest to dry spiny forest, dominated by the weird-looking octopus trees. Then there are oddities, such as the serrated limestone formations known as tsingy, and picture-perfect landmarks, such as the Avenue of the Baobabs.”

Where should I go on a Madagascar trip?

“Madagascar is a very big island and there is a surprising number of places to visit. When going on a road trip, you’ll probably need to choose between highlights of the north or the south. You can’t really do it all in one tour. If you incorporate one or more flights, your options to mix and match increase. Most tours start in Antananarivo. A popular tour takes you to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, the best place to see the world’s largest lemur, the indri. From there you follow the N7 south, spending time in Ranomafana National Park to see a large variety of lemurs and reptiles, and Isalo National Park for some hiking in spectacular sandstone formations. The tour ends on the west coast at Toliara or Ifaty, which are great places to relax on the beach. Highlights of the north include the rainforest of Amber Mountain National Park with its waterfalls, crater lakes and abundance of chameleons. Ankarana Special Reserve with its tsingy landscapes is another not-to-be-missed destination up north. Both parks can be visited from Madagascar’s most popular beach destination, Nosy Be. A great bush-and-beach combo is a tour combining time in two properties run as all-inclusive bush lodges: Mandrare River Camp at Ifotaka Community Forest and Manafiafy Lodge at Sainte Luce reserve. You’ll be spoiled for choice of guided activities on this tour. There’s lemur watching, night walks, cultural tours, whale watching, kayaking and much more.”

How long do I need in Madagascar?

“Unless you’re mainly going on a beach holiday in Madagascar, you’ll ideally need at least 12 days to visit some of the highlights. Many roads are in bad condition and the driving time between parks is often long. You might have to overnight in small towns along the way. Luckily, this is never wasted time. You’ll learn about the traditional cultures and the many crafts and arts the Malagasy people are known for. To take in the main highlights of the north and the south of the country, you’ll need about 20 days, even when making use of a couple of domestic flights. With limited time available, a return trip from the capital city, Antananarivo, to Andasibe-Mantadia NP is a great option. The driving time each way is three hours, and you can see a lot on a 4-day tour to this popular park. You’ll have a chance to see different lemur species and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. A night walk is a great opportunity to see some nocturnal species. This tour is a great introduction to Madagascar or a possible stopover on an Africa trip of a lifetime covering highlights of different countries.”

What is the best time of the year for a Madagascar safari?

“Madagascar can be visited at any time of the year. However, the wettest months of January, February and March are perhaps best avoided. September to November is a lovely time for a beach holiday, but the cool, dry months from May to October are better for hiking. The coldest months aren’t ideal to see some animals. Therefore, the best wildlife-viewing months are the shoulder months of April, May, October and November. These months are warm enough for all animals to be active, but not too wet. Having said all this, you have to keep in mind that there are wide regional variations. The east of the island sees the most rain, so avoiding the peak of the Wet season is more important here than in drier parts of the country.”

Do I need to be physically fit for a Madagascar safari?

“As all wildlife viewing in Madagascar is done on foot, you will need to have a reasonable level of fitness for a safari on the island. The rainforest parks tend to be wet and the paths can be very muddy and slippery. Walking in the dry parks in the southeast of the country is usually easier. There are different trails with different lengths and difficulties available in all the parks. Even the short trails are very rewarding and give great opportunities to see lemurs and other wildlife. There are also many sanctuaries and private reserves in the country where it is sometimes possible to see animals within the immediate vicinity of the lodge. So, while you’ll get the most out of a Madagascar safari with a level of fitness allowing you to take on some of the longer hikes, you can in fact see a lot without having to walk very far. However fit you are, it is important to come well prepared with good shoes, a hat and rain gear. A walking stick can also come in handy to keep you steady on slippery slopes.”

How much will this tour cost?

“There are many variables determining the price of a Madagascar tour. However, as a guideline, you can expect a 12-day mid-range package to start at around US$2,000 per person. The level of accommodation is a big factor. Taking a few local flights can save valuable time otherwise spent driving long distances, but it also increases the overall cost. Another variable is the choice between a private or group tour. Spending time on the beach is usually cheaper than moving around on tour. Taking all these variables into account makes for a wide range of prices.”

Madagascar Holiday Reviews

Anthony is a photographer and writer for travel magazines and Lonely Planet, including the guides to Kenya and Botswana & Namibia.

Madagascar: land of lemurs

Often referred to as the ‘Eighth Continent’, Madagascar is epic in scale, a unique world that I love for its wildness, vast tracts of wilderness, and wildlife. Separated from Africa for millions of years, its wildlife is found nowhere...

Full Review

Philip is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many guidebooks, including the Bradt guides to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa.

A world apart

Madagascar is, in a word, strange. Mind-bogglingly so, in certain respects. The world’s fourth-largest island, it is sometimes referred to as the Eighth Continent on account of its unique biodiversity and high level of endemism. Home to...

Wonderful Wildlife!

I thought my trip to Madagascar was amazing. I went for 2 weeks with Natural Habitat Adventures in the Summer of 2013. We saw 21 species of lemurs, an endless number of birds, with many endemics, and lots of chameleons. Our accommodations...

Great place for close ecounters with wildlife

We had a 8 days trip to Madagascar in November 2019. We spend the time on east cost of the island - Andasibe & Palmarium Reserve. The wildlife was very good - lemurs are close and provide excelent opportunites for photography. Birds in...

The smile island

Go to Madagascar for the smiles! They have nothing but they are all smiling and friendly. Hotel of quality with ready good food, this is the secret destination where you have to go to enjoy meeting peoples.

Madagascar : country of landscape and light !

Wildlife is unique and amazing, sceneries are exceptionnal ! Wheater, let's say : hot in september , accomodations are at the opposite : you can get high level comfort as well poor with sanitaries very very ... simple (forget hot water !). ...

Discovery Tours

Adventure tours, active holidays, featured tours, madagascar private tours & tailor-made holidays.

Experience Madagascar at your own pace & with the rythm of the seasons!

Welcome … tonga soa.

If you are planning to visit Madagascar, we are here to help. We are an award-winning Malagasy incoming tour operator, based in Antananarivo with over 24 years experience as a Destination Management Company – DMC. We are providing wildlife and cultural tours as well as beach holidays. With Cactus Tours, you will be able to choose among a wide range of flexible guided tours and vacation programs, either alone or in a group. Off-the-beaten track or on classical tours, we can propose the best combinations matching your interests, budget and trip length anytime.

Hand-crafted tours by natives

Every trip is personalized and handled by local native experts. Through our guided tours and custom trips, you will take advantage of the most beautiful spots and corners of the island.

An island of Marvels

“Here is your dream destination”

A lifetime experience

The wildlife of Madagascar is one of the most amazing on the planet as 80% of them are unique to the Island and found nowhere else. With Cactus Tours, you will be able to choose among a wide range of flexible guided tours and vacation programs, either alone or in a group. Off-the-beaten track or on classical tours, we have the best combinations matching your interests, budget and trip length anytime.

Social responsibilities

We are acting decisively to benefit the local community and to preserve the natural environment of Madagascar, providing our Guests with innovative hand-crafted trips and tours, and ever more personalized services and creating social values.

We are specialising in:

• Custom journeys
• Ecotourism vacations
• Community based tours
• Wildlife tours
• Cultural Tours
• Incentive & seminars
• Educational tours
• Cycling tours & holidays
• Trekking expeditions
• Honeymoon trips

Tours by categories

• Custom tours

• Discovery tours

• Adventure tours

• Active holidays

• Featured tours

• Beach holidays

What are lemurs ?

Why use Cactus Tours ?

A multiple award-winning company and ranked amongst the best tour operators on the island, Cactus Tours Madagascar is a reliable partner and holiday maker. The company is composed of a Malagasy expert team, committed to offer quality services and the best experience possible to the Guests.

As a local tour company, we are here to provide you the necessary guarantee and safety for your trip. We also have the best logistics, expertise and reactivity to make your lifetime trip the most successful.

Madagascar tours & beach destinations by areas

• Diego Suarez – Mountain d’Ambre
• Tsingy of Ankarana – Nosy Be
• Andringitra National Parks
• Kinkony Lake
• Ankarafantsika – Ampijoroa
• Fort Dauphin – Berenty
• Nosy Be archipelago
• Nosy Iranja
• Sainte Marie Island
• Morondava – Belo sur Mer – Ifaty
• Nosy Mangabe – Masoala Reserve
• Marojejy National Park
• Perinet – Mpangalanes
• Ranomafana – Isalo – Tulear – Ifaty
• Anakao – Tsimanapetsotsa
• Tsiribihina – Tsingy de Bemaraha
• Baobab Avenue – Kirindy
• Fort Dauphin – Lavanono – Anakao

Madagascar vacation ideas & inspirations

Which airlines fly to Madagascar?

From Europe and America

• Turkish Airlines
• Kenya Airways via Nairobi
• Ethiopian Airlines

From Asia and Australia

• Air Mauritius via Mauritius
• Emirates via Dubai
• Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa

From the Middle-East

• Emirates (starting from September 2024)

From Africa & Indian Ocean

• South African Airlink
• Kenya Airways
• Air Mauritius
• Emirates from the Seychelles

Contact us: +261-341-505-757 /+261 -202-201-825 – E-mail: [email protected]

Cactus Tours Madagascar Head office: 146 B – Antanetibe Ivato P.o. Box 206 Ivato Airport – 101 Antananarivo – Madagascar

AFFILIATIONS:

• [email protected]

Travel information

• 1-800-990-4376

• Catalog Request
• SPECIALS SIGN-UP
• reserve a trip
• Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife 14-day
• Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife 9-Day
• Every Paddler's Dream Trip
• Browse All Trips
• South Africa
• Exploritories
• Award Winning Trips
• Custom Trips
• Family Trips
• Travel with Our Director
• WILDLIFE GALLERY
• Request Info
• Vietnam & Cambodia
• Insider's Asia
• Insider's Africa
• Small Ship Cruises
• Travel with our Director

Madagascar Lemurs & Wildlife EcoTours

A wonderland of biodiversity, Madagascar's 1,000 endemic species include dancing sifaka lemurs, wailing indri lemurs, colorful chameleons and stealthy fossa cats. Nearly all of its reptile and amphibian species, half of its birds, and all of its lemurs are unique to the island.  

Our Madagascar itineraries carefully combine rainforest, dry spiny forest, Tsingy “stone forest”, rivers, islands and marine ecosystems to deliver unparalleled wildlife sightings – including up to 40 lemur species and countless chameleon species possible! We avoid the small, commonly-visited touristy parks with overly habituated animals that trap even the most informed travelers. Instead, our itineraries offer the best possible selection of national parks for travelers who seek a more pristine, authentic, biodiverse, uncrowded and non-commercial wildlife adventure, packed with our legendary wildlife expertise. And you won’t have to sacrifice comfort! We’ve included some of Madagascar’s most outstanding lodges and carefully arranged the majority of travel by charter flights and scheduled flights to avoid the long, rugged drives of 12-24 hours that Madagascar is notorious for. This is truly Madagascar’s ultimate weird and wonderful wildlife eco-tour!

Madagascar Lemurs & Wildlife EcoTours & Safaris - Select Your Adventure:

Madagascar - Bizarre & Beautiful: Lemurs, Chameleons & Endemics 18-Day EcoTour

Explore 5 of Madagascar’s most pristine, biodiverse and distinctly different national parks including Masoala, it’s crown jewel with 50% of Madagascar’s species, Ankarana with the highest density of primates in the world, Amber Mountain for rare animals, Andasibe-Mantadia with the world’s record for frog species, and a unique segment on the Mandrare river with insider access to the Antandroy tribe and the wildlife of their sacred spiny forest. Up to 40 lemur species! Learn More>

2024 - $13,598 2012 - $4,398 2013 - $4,598 -->

Madagascar - Bizarre & Beautiful: Lemurs, Chameleons & Endemics 12-Day EcoTour

A shorter version of our most popular itinerary featuring Masaoala, Andasibe-Mantadia and the Mandrare River, but without Ankarana and Amber Mountain. Explore a combination of rainforest, river and dry spiny forest ecosystems for a huge variety of wildlife. Travel mostly by scheduled and charter flights to avoid the small, commonly-visited touristy parks with overly habituated animals. Learn More>

2024 - $10,598 2012 - $4,398 2013 - $4,598 -->

Madagascar - Whales & Whale Sharks – 5-Day Extension

Extend your trip 4 nights to Nosy Be Island with its famous vanilla and ylang-ylang infused air. Enjoy thrilling encounters with humpback whales (July-Sept) or snorkel with gentle, giant whale sharks – the world’s largest fish (Sept-Dec) as well as dolphins and turtles.  Participate in collecting observational data for scientific research.  Learn More>

2024 - $1,998 2012 - $4,398 2013 - $4,598 -->

Madagascar - Tsingy de Bemaraha & Kirindy - 7D/6N Extension

Explore the famous limestone pinnacle “forests” of Tsingy de Bemaraha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, plus Kirindy National Park and a canoe trip on the Manambolo river. Home to a combined 17 lemur species including Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur, the world’s smallest primate, plus cat-like fossa, gorgeous Labord’s and Oustalet’s chameleons. Learn More>

2024 - Call for Pricing 2012 - $4,398 2013 - $4,598 -->

Madagascar Gallery

Featured Guide

Madagascar Tours

Where natural history abounds without limits.

Cast adrift from the planet’s other land masses nearly 90 million years ago, Madagascar is one of Earth’s last frontiers, and an irresistible destination for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts. The country’s long isolation from the rest of the world has created an evolutionary workshop where you’ll encounter many species found nowhere else: 80% of Madagascar’s wildlife is endemic! We’ve crafted several journeys take you inside the best locations this island-nation has to offer.

All Trips to Madagascar

Small Group Adventure

Madagascar: Off the Beaten Path

From $7,795

Magical Madagascar

From $6,795

Private Journey

Madagascar Private Journey

From $6,995

Cruise Collection

Sailing the Islands of Madagascar

Kenya, Seychelles, Mozambique, Madagascar

From $12,280

Everything You Need to Know

From lush, green rainforests to stark limestone tsingy formations to the dry spiny desert, Madagascar has a huge range of ecosystems, geography, and microclimates—and every area supports its own endemic species. Berenty, in the south, is the best place to see dancing sifaka lemurs, while Ankarana, in the north, is home to crowned lemurs. See below to compare the differences between the major National Parks and know what to expect from each.

Madagascar has a tropical climate with many microclimates, so the weather can vary greatly depending on the time of year and region of the country. The north and south tend to be warm and dry, while the highlands, including the capital, Antananarivo, are cooler. The east is mostly rainforest, where wet weather is always a possibility.

The ideal time to visit is between April and November (there are heavy rains from December to March, so travel during that time is not recommended). Each season is unique and offers its own attractions. See below to understand the differences between each month and what to expect with each.

Madagascar has a wide array of things to see and do when you visit, and our itineraries make sure you get to experience the best of it all. We put together a list of the top things you have to do when you visit.

Each park in Madagascar is home to endemic species and fauna unique to that particular environment. To understand where to find what you’re looking for and when the best time of year is to see it, read more below.

There’s so much to see and experience in Madagascar that the design of your trip is especially important. You’ll need enough time in each park to take full advantage of opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and spending time with locals. We provided a sample day itinerary so you can know when to expect before you arrive.

Wilderness Travel’s long-term relationships in Madagascar give you the privilege of insider access and authentic cultural exchanges. Depending on the adventure you choose, you can visit a school that has been a success story for nearby families, travel to a fishing village by outrigger canoe, talk with local female weavers and see their hand-loomed designs, visit with traditional wood carvers and paper makers, dance to live Malagasy music, and visit a wildlife research center. See below to learn more about each of these experiences.

Not sure which Madagascar adventure is best for you? See below for a side-by-side comparison of each of our itineraries to help make your decision easier. Still unsure? Our Area Specialists are happy to answer any questions and explain the journeys in greater detail.

Experience Madagascar

Extend Your Trip

Anjajavy Extension

From $2,890

Ankarana and Amber Mountain National Parks Extension

From $2,690

Isalo National Park Extension

From $2,990

Whale Sharks of Madagascar Extension

From $2,590

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

The trip was excellent; I’d highly recommend it. Really fun…the local guides and Trip Leader were all wonderful. I am so glad Wilderness Travel took care of everything.

Our Trip Leader was amazing. We couldn’t figure out how he timed everything so perfectly! He’s a treasure and a fabulous representative of WT and Madagascar.

A wonderful experience that exceeded my expectations—and I’m picky! I like the small group size, and there was ample opportunity both to hike and to mingle with locals at markets and in villages.

Amazing! High quality outdoor experiences, lodgings, and cuisine—then listening to the haunting calls of the indri echoing through the jungle.

This was our first experience with a group tour—what a great introduction! We did this trip to see wildlife, and were delighted with what we got to see. Beautiful country, wildlife, and people—thank you for making our first group trip unforgettable!

Our local guides clearly loved their country, and were amazing at finding and showing us the birds and animals.

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. There was a great mix of experiences in Madagascar. Obviously a lot of planning went into making it so memorable. Thank you!

It was a true adventure! The country was gorgeous to see and experience, the people of the country were friendly, and the experience with the lemurs was off the charts!

Our Trip Leader and local guides’ depth of knowledge was unbelievable. That’s one reason I chose a tour company for Madagascar—it would be very difficult to obtain such quality guiding on ones’ own.

Talk to an Expert

Our Africa Specialists know every detail about our Madagascar trips. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

• +44 (0)1803 866965
• Destinations
• Travel Themes
• Holiday Types

Wildlife Tours to Madagascar

Often referred to as the Eighth Continent, Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest and oldest island and, after millions of years of isolation, is truly unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Reef and Rainforest is the United Kingdom’s longest established and most experienced specialist tour operator for Madagascar, having first offered tours there over thirty years ago. It takes a long time truly to know the island, which is bigger than France and hides many attractions. Our unsurpassed knowledge of Madagascar results in superlative itineraries for you to enjoy.

We first went to Madagascar in 1992. The country was under a rigid communist dictatorship: it had terrible hotels and few visitors. Now there is improved infrastructure and a good range of medium- to high-quality accommodation. And of course, its unique wildlife is as wonderful as ever and a visit by you will help preserve it for the future.

Natural history travel has emerged over the past 30 years as a vital source of income for Madagascar. By visiting Madagascar, you contribute directly to the conservation of its precious remaining forests with their unique wildlife, and the welfare of its people who are among the poorest (and friendliest) in the world. Your presence facilitates the hiring of park rangers who guard the precious reserves from illegal logging, slash-and-burn farmers and bush-meat hunters. Fees paid to local guides and hotel staff salaries percolate down through local communities. Isolated lodges such as Anjajavy and Eden Lodge fund local schools and clinics. It all adds up.

Wildlife-wise, Madagascar must be one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world. The three main ecosystems comprise tropical rainforest, dry tropical deciduous forest and the unique spiny forest found only in Madagascar’s far southwest. There are healthy coral reefs and stunning white sand beaches to enjoy along the coast, plus huge unique karst limestone outcrops known as tsingy and fascinating cultures to discover.

Nearly all Madagascar’ staggering biodiversity is found nowhere else on the planet, much of it threatened with extinction. Wildlife highlights undoubtedly include the mysterious nocturnal aye aye, iconic ring-tailed lemur, the beautiful sifaka lemurs, large tailless indri, tiny mouse lemurs, charismatic fossa, giant and miniature chameleons, cunningly camouflaged leaf-tailed geckos, colourful frogs and fantastically varied endemic birds, many families of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Our expert English-speaking guides are tried and trusted to deliver a marvellously memorable journey through a country that really could be the Eighth Continent. Come with us to Madagascar and you will see – in the best possible way – what makes the The Big Red Island so special.

Have a look at our short video for some further inspiration: Wild Madagascar Film

Ranomafana National Park

Montagne d’Ambre

Masoala National Park

Marojejy National Park

Nosy Mangabe

Andohahela National Park

Mandrare River

Kaleta-Amboasary-Sud

Tsimanampetsotsa National Park

Berenty Reserve

Ankarafantsika National Park

Travel & climate, when to visit madagascar.

Travel between the end of April and end of November is preferable to avoid the wet season, with September, October and November being the very best months for animal activity. Notwithstanding some geographical variations, June to September normally offers dry, cooler weather. From September to November, many bird species are displaying, nesting and in breeding plumage, and baby lemurs can be seen clinging to their mothers. Try to avoid late December to early April – wet season.

Flight Time

Our featured madagascar ,, wildlife holidays.

The Wildlife of Northern Madagascar’s Magical Forests and Reefs

Madagascar Wildlife Highlights

Madagascar Family Holiday- Easy Going

A Magical Overland Journey in Madagascar: Small Group

Short Tour to Marojejy National Park

Quest for the Aye Aye and Undiscovered Masoala

Beaches, Tsingy and Wildlife of Northern Madagascar for Families

Madagascar’s Endemic Birds

Madagascar in High Comfort for Families and Couples

Wild Madagascar in Comfort

Highlights of Madagascar for the Active and Adventurous

Best of Northern Madagascar and Andasibe

Madagascar’s Whale Sharks, Lemurs and Tsingy

Accommodation, where to stay.

Betsileo Country Lodge

A wonderful lodge, in close proximity to both the town of Ambalavao and the Anja Community Reserve.

Domaine de Fontenay

Colonial style lodge on the edge of Montagne d’Ambre National Park and with access to a private forest reserve.

Marojejy Campsites

Simple park run campsites at different elevations in Marojejy National Park.

Sahamalaza Campsite

Very simple tented campsite in the remote Sahamalaza-îles Radama, famous for its blue-eyed black lemurs.

Destination Map

Guide to Wildlife Watching and Photography in Madagascar

Your very own, madagascar specialist.

There is one main bugbear when travelling to Madagascar – Domestic Flights. The main domestic airline, now called Tsaradia has in the past and to a lesser extent these days had a habit of frequently changing its schedules. Sometimes these changes are last minute, which can potentially cause disruption to an itinerary. The good news is that we are so experienced in sorting out the ensuing problems that most tours still run very smoothly. It takes years to “know” Madagascar, and you can be 100% sure that we do.

If you have any questions regarding travel to Madagascar, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965

Client Experiences

Madagascar reviews.

“It was a fab trip. Everything went very well in Madagascar. All the local guides were really good but special praise goes to [our guide] at Andasibe – so knowledgeable and interesting. He, like all the guides, showed a real love for the wildlife and environment. Excellent wildlife: highlights – fosas in daylight within 10 mins of the first rainforest walk, diademed sifakas, golden bamboo and ringtailed lemurs and giraffe necked weevil.

Embark on a Madagascar wildlife tour with Naturalist Journeys to discover an island so isolated from the rest of the world, that every land mammal is endemic and nearly half the birds are, too — wow! Search for endearing lemurs, bizarre chameleons, otherworldly flora, and so much more. Madagascar is one of the world’s greatest destinations for birdwatchers and naturalists, alike; a Madagascar birding and wildlife tour is truly an experience of a lifetime. Our Madagascar nature tours focus on birding, general wildlife, and natural history. We also offer other exciting African wildlife tours and African wildlife safaris.

Guided Group Tours

Group travel is rewarding and fun! With more eyes you see more species. Travel Planners of Naturalist Journeys have been creating memorable journeys for 40+ years. We offer you small-group birding and nature tours, limited to just 8-13 persons led by expert guides. Learn and explore with like-minded people, enjoy local food and culture, and immerse yourself in birding and nature.

Conservation Corner

We value conservation – it is at the heart of our work. All Naturalist Journeys’ tours support local conservation projects. Browse the links below to learn more about positive local work to save and conserve the wildlife and landscapes we visit.

Asity Madagascar Asity Madagascar works with local communities to preserve, manage, and protect key ecosystems as habitat for threatened and endangered species of birds and wildlife. Deforestation Deforestation is one of the biggest threats birds and mammals of Madagascar face. Rosewood and ebony are two key tree species targeted by illegal logging operations, which are driven by international demand, extreme poverty in country, and government corruption. The country is currently under an international embargo by the Standing Committee of Convention on International Trade and Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Illegal Wildlife Trade The illicit wildlife trade particularly impacts lemurs, chameleons, snakes, lizards, tortoises, and other charismatic species in Madagascar. TRAFFIC works to stem the trade.

Like what we do?

Sign up for our weekly enews to stay up to date, get to know our favorite destinations each week. we promise no spam..