Why should you go on a safari in Madagascar?

A safari in Madagascar offers exceptional wildlife experiences in one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating countries.

Here, you have the opportunity to see wildlife up close as experienced guides lead you on a walk through some of the country’s numerous national parks.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Located east of Madagascar’s capital, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is one of the country’s best-known and most popular national parks. The park consists of two protected areas: the Analamazaotra Reserve, established in 1970, and Mantadia National Park, opened in 1989.

On safari in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, you might encounter some of the 11 different lemur species, including mouse lemurs, bamboo lemurs, and brown lemurs. However, the park’s most famous resident is undoubtedly the Indri lemur, the largest of the lemur species. The Indri is especially known for its distinctive call, echoing melodiously throughout the forests.

The park is also home to many other fascinating creatures, ranging from stick insects and frogs to chameleons and birds.

Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana National Park is located in the southeastern part of Madagascar and is one of the country’s most biodiverse parks. Ranomafana is part of the lush Atsinanana rainforest, where towering ferns and soft mosses grow wild on the many trees.

In the national park, you can experience an impressive array of plant species, including rare orchids, and a rich wildlife including chameleons, frogs, and colourful butterflies.

Additionally, you can discover as many as 12 different lemur species in Ranomafana National Park, with one in particular standing out: the golden bamboo lemur. This small, brown lemur is rare and is considered one of the world’s most endangered lemur species.

Isalo National Park

Isalo National Park, located in the southern part of Madagascar, is arguably the country’s most famous. The landscape, spreading over 800 square kilometres, is utterly mesmerizing and features everything from rugged sandstone formations and deep canyons to vast grasslands and palm-fringed lakes.

While hiking here, you can witness the park’s unique wildlife, which includes over 100 different bird species and a multitude of reptiles, such as lizards and frogs.

The park is also home to six different lemur species. Its most renowned residents are Madagascar’s national animal, the ring-tailed lemur, known for its distinctive black-and-white tail, and the sifaka lemur, celebrated for its remarkable leaping abilities.

Combine your safari holiday in Madagascar with…

You have the opportunity to combine your safari holiday in Madagascar with even more safari in Africa and a beach holiday on Mauritius.

Read more about your combination options below.

Safari in Kenya

Combine your tour with a safari in Kenya and look forward to exploring some of Kenya’s impressive national parks. Classic safari experiences with elephants, hippos, lions, giraffes, and zebras await.

In particular, you can look forward to experiencing Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya’s smallest. Here, you can see elephants, giraffes, and zebras while enjoying views of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, majestically gracing the landscape in the background.

Safari in South Africa

Combine with a safari in South Africa and have the chance to explore Kruger National Park, the country’s largest and most renowned national park. The park is home to a plethora of African animals, including giraffes, hippos, and zebras, providing fantastic opportunities to encounter “The Big Five” – the elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros.

Beyond the safari holidays, South Africa boasts some breathtaking natural experiences, such as along the Panorama Route, where you can explore fascinating rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and stunning vistas.

Beach holiday in Mauritius

Combine your safari with a beach holiday in Mauritius, where pure relaxation awaits in exotic and picturesque surroundings. This idyllic tropical island showcases pristine white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush nature that harbours a fascinating wildlife.

For adventurers, a hike to Le Morne is a must. This iconic mountain is almost always featured in photographs from Mauritius. The trek will take you to the summit, where you can enjoy a spectacular view over the blissfully beautiful landscapes.

Frequently asked questions about going on safari in Madagascar

How does a safari in Madagascar work?

Unlike our other African destinations, where safaris are conducted in jeeps as classic game drives, a safari in Madagascar is typically on foot. This is partly because the wildlife in Madagascar is less dangerous compared to that on the African mainland, giving you the chance to get up close with nature and its many fascinating creatures. Additionally, the dense nature in many parts of Madagascar makes it difficult for vehicles to navigate.

When you embark on a safari in Madagascar with TourCompass, you will always be accompanied by an experienced guide, who will share insights about Madagascar’s fascinating wildlife and assist you in spotting the many intriguing animals.

When is the best time to go on safari in Madagascar?

The best time to go on safari in Madagascar depends on what you wish to experience.

Most travellers prefer to visit during the dry season (May to October), when you can see baby lemurs, among other things. This period is also the season to spot humpback whales along the coast (June to September).

During the rainy season (November to April), the wildlife becomes more active, the landscape becomes lusher, and you can witness wild orchids in bloom. However, you should expect more rain.

It’s not possible to go on safari in the northern and eastern parts of the country during the cyclone season, which occurs from January to March.

Read more about the weather in Madagascar here.

Where is the best place to go on safari in Madagascar?

Generally, the best places for safari are in Madagascar’s beautiful national parks and reserves.

For example, you can encounter Madagascar’s wildlife in

• Isalo National Park
• Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
• Ranomafana National Park
• Zombitse National Park
• Anja Reserve
• Tsimanampetsotsa National Park

Here, you can discover the island’s various lemur species, reptiles, chameleons, birds, and many more fascinating species.

If whale watching is what you dream of, head to the coasts, such as Anakao, Ifaty, or islands like Nosy Be and Sainte Marie.

What animals can one encounter?

The wildlife in Madagascar is undoubtedly some of the most unique in the world, with 90% of the country’s species being endemic.

However, the most iconic animal you can encounter in Madagascar is without a doubt the lemur, which roams freely only in this environment. The island boasts over 100 species of lemurs, including the country’s national animal, the ring-tailed lemur, which is one of the most famous.

In Madagascar, you also have the opportunity to witness a plethora of other species, such as chameleons, frogs, turtles, and colourful birds. Visit the coast between June and September, and you might also experience whales on an exciting whale safari.

Fancy going on safari in Madagascar?

Would you like to experience Madagascar’s spectacular wildlife up close?

All of our tours to Madagascar include safaris in some of the country’s most captivating natural areas, allowing you to get close to lemurs, chameleons, and the island’s unique landscapes.

At TourCompass, our travel specialists are ready to assist you – before, during, and after your tour. If you need help selecting the tour that best fits your dreams, please contact us today.

Take the first step towards your next big adventure – we’re with you all the way!

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller