Madagascar Wildlife Holidays

Holidays and safaris to Madagascar to see the bizarre wildlife of this tropical island

Madagascar was once part of a gigantic supercontinent, Gondwanaland, which split into Africa, India, Antarctica, South America and Australia whilst dinosaurs were still roaming the earth. Unfortunately dinosaurs are not still living on in this remote island off the coast of Africa (!!) but that doesn’t mean this mini-continent isn’t impressive. Over 80 percent of wildlife here is endemic, making a safari all the more special and unique. It is thought that after its isolation from Africa and the other continents, the wildlife uniquely adapted to survive in its diverse range of habitats. So if we think about it, not only are we going to find remnants of species found in Africa and South America, but they are going to have changed and evolved solely to survive in the spectacular and diverse habitats of Madagascar alone…

Lemurs, perhaps the most well known of Madagascar’s endemic species, may not appear as impressive as gorillas and Orang-Utans for their sheer size and power, but they do have an edge when it comes to cuddly appeal. Although about 16 species of lemur (some thought to be a huge as gorillas) have now been wiped out by mans appearance in Madagascar about 2,000 years ago, there are still approximately 51 species living on the island. Ranging in size from the tiny pygmy mouse lemur, which could sit in an egg cup, to the 7kg Indri, the lemur species cover a great diversity of different shapes, colours and sizes. The appeal of lemurs soon becomes obvious, their soft brown fur, large bright eyes and gloved hands make them one of the most bewitching primates in existence. Spread throughout Madagascar, they are all adapted to live in different parts of the country, some widespread like Verreaux’s Sifaka, others so specifically adapted that they can only live in the tiniest of regions, such the Lac Alaotra reed lemur which lives above water in the, now dwindling, reed beds.

You can see a large selection of these lemurs throughout your safari in Madagascar, whether you are looking to spot more well known species such as the adorable ring-tailed lemur, or something a little more bizarre, perhaps the Aye Aye. If one does have specific species that you would like to see this must be specified upon requesting an itinerary in order that we can tailor your Madagascar wildlife holiday suitably.

For further information on which lemurs can be found in which parks please see our Madagascar tours or contact us to discuss this in person.

When it comes to reptiles, Madagascar has them in abundance, from chameleons to geckos. Despite the beliefs of many, chameleons do not change colour to match their environment, but they do use it as sort of a language to defend territories as well as regulating temperature. Madagascar has a huge range of chameleons, ranging in colour and size, from over 60cms down to the tiny Pygmy Stump-Tailed Chameleon which grows up to just 35mm! That’s smaller than the Giant Millipede which can grow to over 15 centimetres long. Some gecko’s actually do change colour to match their surroundings, blending with the trees and the leafy floor to hide from predators. The intriguing leaf-tailed gecko does a splendid job of this, becoming obvious to us only after it opens its mouth wide to reveal a bright orange interior.

As amphibians can’t go in salty water due to their permeable skin, those present on the island when it separated from the mainland have lived in splendid isolation ever since. In fact, the only amphibians that live here are frogs, and 99 percent of those are endemic. In frogs, such as the Green-backed mantilla, there have been similarities found with those living in South and Central America, a fantastic example of wildlife filling the same niche’s as others elsewhere, yet being totally unrelated.

Madagascar is also home to some spectacularly beautiful birds as well as intriguing mammals, such as the Fossa and a variety of Mongooses. Please contact us for any more details, with such a huge diversity in wildlife and a high rate of endemic species, its hard to fit them all on one page!

Beaches and islands of Madagascar - Madagascar is encircled by a variety of beautiful beaches and islands from the south west coastline of Ifaty to luxury islands such as Nosy Be, Ile Sainte Marie and Nosy Tsarabanjina, giving the traveller the perfect opportunity to break up their itinerary with some days of relaxation on the beach and maybe a bit of diving or even whale watching! The perfect end to your Madagascar holiday can be enjoyed at a number of stunning lodges including, Princess Bora Lodge and Anjajavy.