Madagascar - Main Attractions
A variety of family holidays, tours and wildlife vacations are possible in Madagascar depending on which wildlife parks and luxury lodge retreats you choose. We have listed a brief resume of some of the Madagascar wildlife highlights below including luxury island retreats with private wildlife reserves and even (at the right time of year!) whale watching...
Parc National de Montagne D'Ambre - Striking scenery with plentiful rainforest and waterfalls and presents one of the best opportunities to see the crowned lemur. Other lemur species present are the aye-aye, rufous mouse lemur and the dwarf lemur.
Choice of accommodation is limited with camping being the only realistic option.
Parc National Masoala - Offers some of the best trekking on the island in a rugged landscape and one of the best rainforests in the country at the same time as encompassing 3 of the 4 marine parks of Madagascar.
Parc National D'Andasibe - One of the most popular parks on the island, this is the best opportunity to see the Indri, the largest of the lemur species. Choice of accommodation is varied with the most upmarket option being Vakona Forest Lodge which is located near the park entrance. A cosier option is the Hotel Feon 'ny Ala, set in a quiet forest setting overlooking the Lac Rouge where you can hear the calls of the Indri through the early morning mists!
Parc National de Ranomafana - Protecting a large tract of rainforest in the east of the island where if you are lucky you will see the rare golden bamboo lemur! Choice of accommodation includes Hotel Domaine Nature a back to nature lodge consisting of ensuite wooden chalets perched on the hillside overlooking the river. Centre Est is the newest addition with clean and comfortable doubles.
Parc National D'Isalo - Fantastic opportunity for some trekking through impressive canyons and along dramatic bluffs; Isalo's topography has been sculpted over the years by wind and water and now lends itself to some quite fanciful shapes! Although fauna and flora is not the parks strongest attribute there are a number of species of lemur including the acrobatic Verreaux's sifaka. Choice of accommodation is limited to Le Relais de la Reine or Jardin du Roy superbly comfortable lodges set in the midst of dramatically sculpted rock formations with a natural swimming hole to refresh in after a long day trekking!
Reserve Privee de Berenty - Home to one of the last gallery forests on the island, Berenty offers the opportunity to observe ringtail and Verreaux sifaka lemurs at close range and is a good location for nocturnal walks in the hope of seeing a variety of nocturnal wildlife. Choice of accommodation is limited to Berenty Lodge which consists of comfortable spacious wooden chalets set alongside the gallery forest.
Ifaty - Renowned for its laid back atmosphere and long beach with a high standard of offshore coral reef diving amongst a variety of sharks in deep blue water. Travellers may be able to spot migrating whales passing by in July and August. Choice of accommodation varies from budget to luxurious; the Hotel le Paradisier is the most upscale option with spacious, comfortable bungalows with stunning views out to sea.
Nosy Tsarabanjina - An idyllic private island located amidst an archipelago off the coast of Nosy Be. Pristine white beaches and excellent diving make this a perfect spot to relax after trekking through the rainforests of the mainland. Accommodation consists of Tsarabanjina Lodge with eighteen thatched roofed bungalows built using indigenous precious timber, ensuite bathrooms with wooden patios overlooking the ocean.
Ile Sainte Marie – 50km long and 7km wide Ile Sainte Marie is the perfect tropical island with numerous deserted beaches, coconut palms and lush green vegetation; a great place to explore at the end of your Madagascan holiday. The best way to get there is by plane and Air Madagascar offers regular flights although you will need to book early as these are regularly fully booked.
One of the main attractions of Ile Sainte Marie aside from the white sand beaches is joining one of the whale observation teams. The best place to be based in order to take part in this is the stunning Princess Bora Lodge which to our knowledge is the only location to add a scientific element to the whale observation as clients accompany scientists on data collecting missions…
Anjajavy – Located on the west of the island Anjajavy provides the perfect base for both beach relaxation and further exploration of Madagascar wildlife. Encompassing a large area of Madagascar’s ever decreasing dry deciduous forest Anjajavy is home to a variety of wildlife from chameleons and lemurs to leaf nosed bats! Anjajavy Lodge is the best place to stay and possibly the most luxurious lodge in Madagascar.
Best time to visit: Madagascar can be visited at any time of the year although the months of December - March should be avoided as this is when there is the majority of rainfall and a higher risk of cyclones. Please note that climate does differ in various regions and as one is often visiting rainforest the traveller should come expecting rain at some stage during their travels.
