MADAGASCAR
THE ISLAND OF A THOUSAND COLORS

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Madagascar Safari

Meet Magical Madagascar!

Few have visited Madagascar without hailing it as one of the most unique and memorable destinations on Earth. Travel to Madagascar to see lemurs, wild landscapes, stretching beaches and vibrant village cultures.

Located off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is an absolute dream for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. The fourth largest island on Earth, it is home to an amazing array of wildlife and the highest biodiversity on the planet!

Madagascar Luxury Safari made by Atelier Africa

Natural Splendour

At 144 million acres, Madagascar is almost the size of Texas. Much of the island consists of beautiful lush rain forests, tropical dry forests, plateaus and even deserts. What’s more, the over 3,000 miles of Madagascan coastline is home to some of the world’s largest mangrove areas and most spectacular coral reef systems in the Western Indian Ocean.

The amazingly diverse natural landscape of Madagascar is home to over 11,000 endemic plant species and a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and other fascinating wildlife. Madagascar’s natural life is so full of surprises that no fewer than 615 new species (including 41 mammals and 61 reptiles) were discovered there between 1999 and 2010!

Conservation

It comes as no surprise that conservation in Madagascar is of critical importance. Madagascar is home to the Silky Sifaka, a lemur that is one of the rarest mammals on earth. Its name literally translates to ‘angel of the forest’, and anyone who sees the cute creature with its gorgeous white fur will immediately understand why. Another threatened species in Madagascar is the rare Ploughshare tortoise, with as few as 1,000 of them left in the area.

With wildlife protection at the top of the priority list in Madagascar, the main highlight of most travellers’ visit to the island is the national parks and reserves, which boast thousands of species of plant and animal life. What blows most travellers away is the fact that about 80% of the flora and fauna of Madagascar can’t be found anywhere else on Earth!

Where to go on a Madagascar Safari?

Five regions that are well worth visiting in Madagascar are Antananarivo, Andasibe, Ankarana Tsingy, Mandrare and Manafiafy, and Nosy Be and Nosy Komba.

Antananarivo highlights

The capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo (or Tana, as it is popularly known) is a colourful hub with endless opportunities for eating, shopping, and cultural and historical immersion.

Although the crazy traffic and pollution of the city centre can put some visitors off, Tana is well worth exploring for its historical significance, colonial architecture, bustling markets and surprisingly fine dining.

Designed for Queen Ranavalona I by Scottish missionary James Cameron, Tana’s Manjakamiadana is a beautiful fortified palace that overlooks the bustle of the city from its highest hill. Although much of the structure was destroyed by a fire in 1995 and it is still under restoration, the compound remains well worth a visit. Ruins of a number of other palaces built by succeeding rulers are scattered about, and the site is the resting place of the country’s greatest monarchs. Just make sure that you don’t point your finger directly at the palace or royal tombs, as this is considered highly taboo by the locals!

The Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie in Antananarivo offers a fascinating overview of archaeological digs from around Madagascar, including grave decorations, rotating exhibits on Madagascan life, and some objects used in traditional ceremonies.

For those looking to do a bit of local shopping, the Marché Artisanal de La Digue is a popular place to find local curios, souvenirs, artwork, spices, gemstones, and the like. Just make sure that you remember to use your bargaining power, as the vendors will always start with a price at least three times more expensive than the object’s worth!

If you’re looking for a real culinary treat, La Varangue restaurant in Antananarivo serves renowned French gastronomy infused with Madagascan flavours.

For birding enthusiasts, Tana’s Lake Alarobia is a vital refuge and nesting site for 14 threatened endemic bird species in Madagascar. Although the key wetlands site is located at the heart of the city’s industrial area, it’s still a great highlight for keen birdwatchers.

Few people visit Madagascar without the expectation (or at least hope) of seeing a lemur or two. Quite surprisingly, nine species of lemur can already be spotted right in the capital city! Tana’s Lemurs’ Park is a good place to visit if you haven’t been able to spot the furry friends elsewhere, or if you need one final fix before you leave! Most of the lemurs are former pets or were threatened in their natural habitat, and the park runs a breeding program in conjunction with other sanctuaries.

Andasibe Highlights

Situated in the foothills of the eastern escarpment of Madagascar, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park oozes natural beauty, boasting untouched forest and almost all of the endemic species of the eastern rainforests.

The park is most famous for its population of Indri Lemurs, which are the largest living lemurs. It is also a sanctuary for birdlife, serving as a home to 112 species. These, along with the 39 reptile species, 36 frog species and other fascinating endemic mammals, make a visit to the park an absolute must for wildlife enthusiasts.

Ankarana Tsingy Highlights

Ankarana National Park is a beautifully eroded limestone fortress comprised of patches of dense tropical jungle, deciduous forest, deep caves and canyons and rushing rivers.

The park is especially popular amongst hikers, offering fantastic trails, unique and awe-inspiring landscapes, and an amazing array of animals.

Ankarana explorers are usually most delighted by the fact that its dense forests are home to one of the largest and least disturbed lemur populations. Add almost 100 bird and 50 reptile species (including the world’s only known cave-dwelling crocodiles!) to the mix, and you’ve found yourself yet another natural paradise in Madagascar.

Mandrare

A glamper’s delight, Mandrare River Camp offers luxury tented camping in the midst of unique wildlife, local culture and innovative ecotourism.

Set on the banks of the Mandrare River, the luxury en-suite tents are spread out beneath the shade of tamarind trees and offer breathtaking views of the river and the sacred mountains beyond. Campers enjoy easy access to the spiny forest, where an abundance of wildlife as well as the fascinating Antandroy tribe can be respectfully observed in their otherworldly natural habitat.

Manafiafy

Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge is Mandrare’s equally spectacular sister camp. Tucked away in a forested cove, it offers luxury thatched bungalows just inches from the sea.

Guests at Manafiafy can enjoy the golden sands and azure waters of the Indian Ocean, feast on all manner of fresh seafood, adventure out on a motorboat to spot a majestic humpback whale, snorkel through the spectacular coral reefs, go on a bird-watching kayaking expedition, and more.

Nosy be and nosy komba highlights

Situated off the north-west coast of Madagascar, the Nosy Be Archipelago boasts a tropical climate and superbly beautiful location that make it Madagascar’s most famous beach destination.

Think ylang ylang bushes, lounging lemurs, amazing snorkelling and diving opportunities, and forests filled with incredible wildlife.

A highlight on the idyllic island escape is the chance to spot migrating whale sharks (from mid-July to late November), humpback whales (from mid-August to the end of October), and turtles and dolphins(all year round).

Located between Nosy Be and the mainland of Madagascar, Nosy Komba is another beautiful island covered in dense tropical forest and surrounded by volcanic rocks that protect its shores from rough waters.

Nosy Komba is known for its emerald waters and all-round natural beauty. It’s home to many Makis, a variety of lemurians also called Macaco. The island’s small beaches are nothing less than charming, and the fact that there are no cars or electricity (most hotels and restaurants are serviced by solar power or generators) makes it an incredibly tranquil escape.

FAQ Madagascar

When is the best time to go?

The end of December and the first three months of the year can be very hot and wet in Madagascar. The rain also makes the roads less accessible, so this time of the year is best to be avoided. But all other months are perfect to visit this stunning island on a Madagascar Safari!

What is the best way to travel around

A Madagascar Safari can be very diverse, the island has so many amazing regions one can visit. We supply you with a guide & driver to take you around. To cover longer distances you can make use of Air Madagascar or we can charter a flight for you!

How to get to Madagascar?

Fly from Paris directly to Antananarivo with Air France, or use Kenya Airways via Nairobi, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Abeba or South African Airways via Johannesburg to start you Madagascar Safari!

Our favorite places to stay in Madagascar

Anjajavay Lodge

Mantadia Lodge

Miavana

Tsara Komba Luxury Beach & Forest Lodge

An example of a Safari we have undertaken?

Lemurs, Baobabs, Tsingy, Beaches, Diving, French Food, Vanilla, Chameleons, Orchids, Jungle, Spiny Forrest,.. and much more, that is the ultimate Madagascar Safari!

Sample Safari
Luxury Fly-in Madagascar

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