Madagascar tours & holidays

With such a unique ecosystem and environment, going on holiday to Madagascar at different times of the year offers a variety of challenges and benefits. September to November is considered one of the best times to visit, as these months sit right in between the cool, dry winter and the hot, rainy season. This time is also considered the best time to view birdlife.

July to August offers cooler temperatures and the best chances for whale watching on the coast.

January to March is cyclone season, but this is also the best time to see flowering orchids.

Learn more about the best time to visit Madagascar.

Madagascar is a relatively young country with inhabitants only traced back 1,300 years. Throughout its history, multiple nations and peoples have influenced the culture and customs of modern-day Madagascar. While some of this history can only be speculated, it's known that much of it has come from Indonesian origins, alongside neighbouring African and Arab cultures.

The official languages of Madagascar are Malagasy and French. French is still widely spoken across the country due to the nation being a former French colony.

Today, about 90% of the population identifies as Malagasy, further split into 20 ethnic groups. The largest of these groups is known as the Merina, who lived on the plateau. The country's religious practices are split between Christianity and the traditional beliefs of the Malagasy people.

This iconic island nation sitting off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean is home to one of the most precious and unique natural environments in the world. Its isolated location means that a distinct variety of animal and plant species have been able to thrive without outside genetic influences.

Possessing extinct volcanoes, hidden waterfalls, cool highlands, grassy plains, pristine beaches and islands, Madagascar was once completely covered in forest - but due to high levels of deforestation, most forest cover has been lost. Some tracts of rainforest do endure today, but it's estimated that the current level of forest cover is only 1-2 per cent of what it once was. Despite this loss, hundreds of species of plants and trees thrive all over the island, from huge, ancient baobab trees to thorny cacti and resplendent ferns.

Malagasy cuisine is highlighted by its fresh and tasty homegrown exotic produce alongside its unique local livestock, such as the zebu (a species of cow) and a variety of seafood. Many cultures across the world have contributed to the Malagasy cuisine of today including French, Indonesian, Indian and nearby African nations.

Food to try in Madagascar

1.Romazava

This national dish is made of cubed zebu meat (a local type of cow) and served with a light broth, tomato sauce and rice. With all the bright colours, it resembles the Malagasy flag.

2. Henakisoa sy Ravitoto

This dish is made up of braised pork and pounded cassava leaves with an assortment of spices.

3. Malagasy chocolate

Because of the unique environment it's created in, Madagascan chocolate has a unique fruity, citrusy and even forest flavour profile.

4.Henakisoa sy Amalona

One of the seven royal dishes, this traditional meal is made of pork and eel. While an unusual duo to most, this dish is a delicacy in Madagascar.

5.Tsaramaso Malagasy

A slow-cooked white bean and tomato dish cooked with zebu or pork as a stew.

Avenue of the Baobabs

Arguably one of Madagascar's most famous icons is the baobab tree. Walk under the towering trunks of the Adansonia Grandidieri variety, the tallest of the species, at the Avenue of the Baobabs, found near the coastal town of Morondava.

Andasibe National Park

If you were hoping to see lemurs in Madagascar, Andasibe National Park is the place to be. Home to 11 species of lemur alongside many other native birds, reptiles and frogs, the park feels alive with activity.

The Small Tsingy and Great Tsingy

Come across the forest of rocks known as the Tsingys, roughly translated to ‘place where one cannot walk barefoot,' and you can definitely see why. Found in the Bemaraha National Park, these spiky natural limestone formations jut out from the ground. But don't worry; there are rope bridges to get you through.

Ranomafana National Park

A government-protected park, the Ranomafana is home to a huge variety of wildlife, from the world's smallest chameleon and striped civet to the famous golden bamboo lemur. Alongside the rare species, walk among stunning forestry and even some carnivorous plants.

Ambositra

Stop by the country's arts and crafts capital to see the beautiful creations handmade by the local people. See a woodcarver demonstration when you stop by a workshop to learn more about the region's crafts.

Chocolate-making demonstration

Learn the secrets to the famous Madagascan chocolate during a hands-on demonstration class led by a local chef in Antananarivo.

Madagascar is popular around the world for its specialty produce items such as coffee, chocolate and vanilla, but there are many other unique souvenirs to find while on the Great Red Island.

It's also a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in Madagascar

Vanilla

Vanilla is arguably one of the most famous exports to come out of Madagascar. Shop around for vanilla beans, paste, essence and more.

Silk shawls (lambas)

Silk weaving is an important part of culture, especially in certain parts of Madagascar. In Sandrandahy villages, generations of mothers have passed the craft of making lambas to their daughters.

Wood carvings

Madagascan wood carvers are known for their woodwork. Find artwork, chess sets, wooden figures and more.

Chocolate

Madagascan chocolate is shipped all over the world due to its rich and flavourful profile.

Coffee

Just like chocolate, Madagascan coffee is world-famous and highly sought after.