Things to do in Madagascar
Look for Lemurs
Look for Lemurs
High up on any list of things to do in Madagascar are the irresistible lemurs. Their ancestors are believed to have floated across to Madagascar some 65 million years ago on natural "rafts" of vegetation, and evolved into over 100 species. The name comes from the Latin 'lemures', meaning ghost, and many Malagasy fady taboos involve lemurs, with some seen as benevolent ancestors, and others as bringers of bad fortune. Different lemurs inhabit different regions, and more are expected to be discovered. Sought-after species include the ring-tailed lemur and the sifaka, which appears to dance around on its back legs. The indri is the largest living lemur, and its eerie, whale-like song sung is by several individuals each morning to communicate with other groups. Take a guided night trek to spot nocturnal species, including one of Madagascar’s most bizarre-looking lemurs – the aye-aye, with its freakish, long, skinny finger.
Sadly, at least 17 species are known to have become extinct since humans arrived on the island, all of which were larger than the surviving lemurs, including some as big as gorillas.
Our Madagascar Vacations
Small group vacations to Madagascar
Experience the best of this enigmatic island continent
From
£2495 to £2675
17 days
ex flights
Madagascar in depth, small group tour
Madagascar's unique wildlife and off the beaten track gems
From
£2875 to £2899
21 days
ex flights
Southern Madagascar vacations, Lemurs, baobabs & beaches
taking in its most diverse environments at comfortable pace
From
US $2925
11 days
ex flights
Trekking vacation in Southern Madagascar
Amazing trek through the mountains and valleys of Madagascar
From
US $2995
14 days
ex flights
Madagascar small group vacation
Endemic species & truly incredible scenery
From
US $4495 to US $4645
15 days
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Trekking and rafting expedition in Madagascar
Unique expedition exploring the little visited regions of Madagascar
From
US $2595 to US $2795
12 days
ex flights
Madagascar North Coast adventure vacation
Action packed expedition through wild north east Madagascar
From
US $3650
14 days
ex flights
Madagascar north coast nature vacation
A Nature Guided adventure to Northern Madagascar
From
US $2850
12 days
ex flights
Madagascar vacation, Lemurs, canals & mountains
Stunning adventure inc. Mada's rivers, forests & mountains
From
US $2695
14 days
ex flights
Highlights of Madagascar vacation, tailor made
Explore the incredible wildlife of the island continent
From
£1950
14 days
ex flights
Eastern Madagascar trekking vacation
Climb majestic mountains, dense forest, waterfalls and more
From
US $3450
14 days
ex flights
North Madagascar adventure and wildlife vacation
Explore the amazing north and its incredible flora and fauna
From
£2645
18 days
ex flights
Madagascar tailor made tour
Discover the biodiversity, nature and wildlife of Madagascar
From
£1888
12 days
ex flights
Madagascar family adventure vacation
Unique family adventures in Madagascar
From
US $3250 to US $3625
14 days
ex flights
Madagascar family adventure vacation, canoes & camping
Exciting family adventure combining activities and nature
From
US $1850 to US $2150
13 days
ex flights
Madagascar tour, rainforest & beaches
United Kingdom based independent tour operator.
From
£3490 to £3900
14 days
inc UK flights
Madagascar tour, small group
The Madagascar experience is a unique slice of paradise.
From
US $2329 to US $3260
16 days
ex flights
Southern Madagascar photography vacation
Taking great pictures and discovering an amazing country
From
£2975
14 days
ex flights
Madagascar and Seychelles honeymoon
Honeymoon with difference. Be unique, expore Madagascar
From
£3890
16 days
inc UK flights
Southern Madagascar family vacation, wild country & whales
Fantastic family explore adventure in South Madagascar
From
US $2595 to US $2850
14 days
ex flights
Madagascar off the beaten track vacation
Madagascar vacation with canal tour. Wildlife and culture
From
£2610 to £2910
13 days
inc UK flights
Madagascar Luxury tour, 12 days
Pure luxury with wildlife, culture and private charters.
From
£9875
12 days
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Madagascar Lemurs safari, tailor made
A short, sharp safari visiting the lemurs of Madagascar.
From
£1600
7 days
ex flights
Madagascar vacation, overland adventure
Experience fascinating people, wildlife & landscapes
From
£3995
22 days
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Northern Madagascar private tour
Wildlife Madagascar - private and bespoke tour to the North
From
£3170 to £3670
15 days
inc UK flights
Highlights of Madagascar vacation
Described as 'a living museum'
From
US $3335 to US $3405
14 days
ex flights
Private Madagascar tour
Explore Madagascar with private driver. Flights are included!
From
£2700
15 days
inc UK flights
Madagascar trekking and rafting expedition
Explore a remote area of Madagascar on this unique trip
From
US $3795
13 days
ex flights
World-class hiking
World-class hiking
To really experience it, you’ll have to leave the 4x4 behind and set out on foot. Hikes take anything from a couple of hours to several days. Stop by some of the little villages along your route to add a cultural element to your nature tour, and enjoy a warm Malagasy welcome. Trekking vacations are popular .
Madagascar is quilted with montane forest, rain forest, waterfalls, limestone karsts, sweeping cliffs, baobab-dotted savannah and jagged peaks.
Our top Madagascar Vacation
Small group vacations to Madagascar
Experience the best of this enigmatic island continent
From
£2495 to £2675
17 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2018: 30 Oct, 14 Dec
2019: 16 May, 20 Jun, 2 Aug, 5 Sep, 19 Sep, 13 Oct
2018: 30 Oct, 14 Dec
2019: 16 May, 20 Jun, 2 Aug, 5 Sep, 19 Sep, 13 Oct
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about Madagascar or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
River canoe expeditions
River canoe expeditions
Laurenne Mansbridge, from our supplier Pioneer Expeditions, recommends a river expedition to get to the heart of Madagascar:
"My favourite things to do in Madagascar are definitely the river journeys, because they allow you to get into the middle of nowhere, to places where there’s no roads in and no roads out.
You trek to the departure point and then go out on the inflatable canoes – it could be for one day or three days – but you have to complete the full journey. You see a lot of Malagasy life that way – you might come across a village right on the bank and see the people who live off the river – sapphire miners, people panning for gold – and they’re always pleased to see you and interested in the weird tourists in the canoe."
Getting involved in volunteer projects
Getting involved in volunteer projects
Madagascar volunteer vacation placements include school building, reforestation, English teaching and marine conservation. Alternatively, ask your tour company to stop by some of the villages and projects on your way round the country – donations are always welcome, whether it’s cash, toys or school supplies.
Many leave Madagascar wishing they could have contributed more; volunteering is a worthwhile way to leave a little part of yourself on the island.
More about Madagascar
The best time to visit Madagascar depends on where you're visiting. The north is hot and humid, the east is generally wet and the south is often arid...
Every country is unique, but Madagascar is more unique than most with flora, fauna and culture unlike anywhere else in the world...
Which reserve is best for ring tailed lemurs? Where can I trek? And can I kayak inland or around the coast? Our interactive map reveals all...
We've picked out key lemur species - from dancing sifakas to gremlin-like aye-ayes - and explored which forests, reserves and parks they inhabit...
Any trip to Madagascar will include a selection of its national parks, introducing the incredible scenery and unique wildlife that it is famous for...
Traveling in Madagascar with kids is extremely rewarding, but best wait til they are a bit older to make the most of this life changing experience...
If you're wondering how to plan your itinerary, how to get around or what it's like for hiking - look no further for top Madagascar travel advice...
Traveling responsibly is better for the lemurs, better for the Malagasy, and - we believe - a much more memorable vacation for you...
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: BMR & MAM] [Lemur - Sifaka : nomis-simon]
[World class hiking: Kat Maddams, Frontierofficial]
[River expeditions: Dormiveglia]
[Volunteering projects: Cleo Dane Legge, Frontierofficial]
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