Madagascar

Overview

About Madagascar

Madagascar Tours, Safaris, and Visit

Madagascar tours – Madagascar is the world’s 4th biggest island. Surrounded by the calm blue water of the Indian Ocean, it has stunning beaches, endowed with over 80 endemic magnificent species of flora and fauna including the popular lemur specie. The island is a perfect destination for calm nature lovers and travelers. It is necessary to plan for a safari to Madagascar because there are a variety of activities in the parks and reserves, at the impressive beaches alongside hiking at Amber mountain, camping, nature walks, and more.

Regardless of Madagascar’s location, the island is one of Africa’s most destinations richly gifted with many national parks and reserves to protect and conserve the endemic wildlife. Parks and reserves to visit on a Madagascar safari include Amber Mountain National Park, Masaola National Park, Isalo National Park, Ankarafantsika National Park, Andasibe and Mantadia National Parks, Berenty private reserve, Ankarana national park, Andohahela national park, Andringitra National Park, Berenty reserve, Mikea National Park, Kirindy private reserve, Anjajavy private National Park, Ronamafana National Park, and Palmarium National Park among others. Some of the wildlife in these animals include lemurs, chameleons, frogs, bats, and many other reptiles, birds, mammals, and a wide range of plant species. The best time to visit Madagascar to see this wildlife is from October to December.

They’re much more destinations not for wildlife but are extra exciting; Ifaty beach, Nosy Be, Sainte-Marie beach.

Madagascar can be accessed by using flights through different Airlines such as Air Madagascar, Kenya Airways, Air France, and others.

Best Time To Visit

Best time to visit Madagascar

The climate of Madagascar varies with location. The best time to travel to Madagascar is dependent on the activities to be done but generally, travel to the island is better from April to December when there is no or very little rain. This is when most wildlife can easily be sighted; Humpback whales from July to September, baby lemurs in October and November. From April, there are no cyclones. September to December are hotter months and perfect for beach lovers as well as

Safari Parks & Reserves

Madagascar Safari Parks and Reserves

Top national Parks in Madagascar which you can visit while on your Madagascar safaris

Isalo National Park

This is located in the southwest of Madagascar with hiking as the major activity. It has dense forests and plains which are habitats of varieties of birds, reptiles, lemurs, frogs among others. It also gives beautiful views of Jurassic terrains featured with amazing endemic species of plants.

Masoala National Park

Masoala national park is located in the northeast of Madagascar. It is one of the most biodiversity parks on the island with a variety of flora species, 19 species of lemur, chameleon, geckos, butterflies, and other animals. The main activity is a forest walk in the pristine rain forest. Swimming is one of the activities at its beaches.

Amber Mountain Reserve

This is one of the parks with magical attraction in Africa. It is located in the northwest of Madagascar, with a great biodiversity of wildlife including lemur, amphibians, bats, and more. Scenic viewing is perfect because it is mountainous. It has 3 waterfalls, volcanic lakes, and rainforest.

Andasibe and Mantadia National Park

In the east of Madagascar, the park is home to lemurs, chameleons, leaf tail geckos and birds. It is famously known for the indri and diadem sifaka species of lemurs, has a stunning waterfall, and a lake where you may go for swimming.

Andohahela National Park

This park is located in the south of Madagascar and is home to over 120 bird species, over 60 species of reptiles, a variety of plant species, amphibians, and over 10 lemur species including the southern lesser bamboo lemur, collared brown lemur, Fleurette’s sportive lemur. Besides wildlife viewing, it is exciting to hike through any of its trails.

Andringitra National Park

The Andringitra Mountains that attract tourists to this park are a granite outcrop that forms stunning highlands with deep valleys, over 50 mammal species, more than 1000 plant species, and a variety of bird species. The main activity is hiking which can be done in any of the many trails in the park; Imarivolanitra, this trail starts from Namoly to Pic Boby which is 2660m high and Madagascar’s 2nd highest peak. Diavalana, Asaramanitra, Imaitso, and Isahavato trails expose you to more of the park’s wildlife and scenic views.

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

The park was named after the magnificent mineral forest of Tsingy de Bemaraha. It is hard to reach the area because of bad roads but if you make it there, it offers a lot including lemurs, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mongoose, and bats. It also boasts of having a Manambolo gorge with spectacular waterfalls and a view of forests.
Tsingy national park is inaccessible during the rainy season from mid-November to May and is therefore opened for visitors in the dry season from April to November.

Ranomafana National Park

The park is one of the most visited destinations in Madagascar because of its location and easy access. It has over 10 species of lemurs, carnivores, a variety of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 300 bird species. It is well-drained with multiple streams of water running through the park and has stunning sceneries of the densely forested hills.
There are well-maintained circuits through which you trek to explore the park. They include; Sahamalaotra circuit, Varijatsy circuit, Varibolomena circuit, Soarano circuit, and Vohiparara circuit.

The best time to visit the park is during the months of May, September, October, and November.

Wildlife

Wildlife and Birds in Madagascar

Madagascar’s rich biodiversity ranks it one of the world’s best destinations for wildlife viewing. It boasts for housing a variety of animals where 97% are endemic. It has about 300 species of buffer flies, up to 260 reptile species, 150 kinds of frogs, 28 types of bats, and a variety of bird species. The destination boasts for housing 50 species of lemurs including grey mouse lemur, red-fronted brown lemur, sambirano lesser bamboo lemur, to mention but a few.

Safaris Lodges

Madagascar Safari Lodges

Munafiafy beach and rainforest lodge
Tsara Kombra
Eden lodge
Masoala forest lodge
Anjajavy le lodge

Weather & Climate

Madagascar Weather & Climate

The climate of Madagascar varies with regions; north, south, west, and east coasts. The island generally has a subtropical climate with summer from November to April and winter season from May to October. Due to differences in the levels of altitude, the east coast is cooler than the west and the south and southwest coasts are semi-desert because of high temperatures and little rainfall. The east coast receives more rainfall. Madagascar has numerous highlands where temperatures are cooler.

Safety

Is Madagascar safe for tourists?

Madagascar is a safe place for travelers. The rate of crimes is low in the country and violent crimes are common in busy cities like Antananarivo, Toliara, Fianrantsoa. You are advised not to move and drive and night and avoid crowded areas.

Madagascar Visa

Madagascar visa on arrival

All visitors must have a visa to enter Madagascar. Travelers will need to provide a return plane ticket, have a passport valid for at least six months after the intended date of return, and one free page in the passport for the visa stamps. Visas of up to 90 days can be purchased at the airport upon arrival. Madagascar visa on arrival

The 30 days Madagascar Visa is valid for 30 days after arrival. This is a single entry visa, and the maximum stay is of 30 days per entry. The 60 days Madagascar Visa is valid for 60 days after arrival. This is a single entry visa, and the maximum stay is of 60 days per entry.

Tours

Madagascar Safaris and tours