Madagascar Holidays

About Madagascar

The world’s fourth-largest island, Madagascar is a vast magical land just waiting to be discovered. 

A former French colony, it offers a beguiling range of things to do and sights to see as well as an array of areas to be explored. This beautiful destination is rich in flora and fauna, much of which is found nowhere else on earth, making Madagascar holidays a truly special experience for any traveller. 

A typical trip to Madagascar includes the opportunity to spot the lemurs of the Perinat Reserve, the baobab trees of Morondava and the whales of Sainte Marie, while also allowing time to explore the narrow streets and alleyways of charming Antananarivo and the remarkable, rocky Isalo National Park.

A Madagascar tour would be incomplete without a visit to the Great Reef, which is the fifth-biggest coral reef in the world. Sitting on the island’s south-west coast, it offers over 450 kilometres of vibrant sea life, including over 750 species of fish, as well as a number of turtles, and sharks.

The jewel in Madagascar’s crown, however, is the offshore island of Nosy Be and its outlying neighbours. This picturesque island boasts some superb sandy hideaways, making it a dream destination for a beach holiday.

Featuring pristine white sands, crystal clear seas and more dramatic settings and sunsets than any of its Indian Ocean rivals, the idyll is completed by the serene virgin beach, which is home to nesting turtles and playful dolphins.

Interesting things to do in Madagascar

Travellers are drawn to Madagascar holidays because they offer so much in relation to experiences, adventures and activities. Enjoy an experience which compares to no other; watch groups of humpback whales emerge from the ocean, dipping in and out of the clear waters, providing breathtaking views to write home about. 

However, whale watching is just one of the many activities travellers can embark on during their trip to Madagascar. This spectacular holiday destination is also filled with unique surprises, such as its deserted beaches and remote islands. 

Choose to relax and unwind in paradise, or enjoy an adrenaline fix with the exciting water sports available; the scope of activities suits all travellers which is why it is such a sought-after holiday destination.

For more information, why not speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk
 

 

Seasons

• Dry – April to November
• Green – January to March
• Point to notice – South west can get extremely hot in the summer, but is cool with blue skies and minimal rain in the winter. The central highlands from May to October can become cold, windy and unpredictable showers.

In The Know

• Capital – Antananarivo
• Currency – Ariary
• Point of Entry – Antananarivo
• Airlines – Air Madagascar & Air France via Paris, Kenya Airways via Nairobi, South African Airways via Johannesburg
• Flying Time – 3 hours 10 minutes from Johannesburg
• Time Zone – GMT +3
• Visa on arrival
• Medical Requirements – Malaria prophylaxis recommended 

Insider Tips

• If travelling from Nosy Be back to the UK consider breaking your journey in The Comoros – home to turtles, lemurs and extraordinary fruit bats
• Take a travel neck pillow for lengthy overland journeys as the roads can be poor
• Swot up on your school French, English is rarely spoken in remote areas
• Don’t try to cram too much into a trip – it is a very large island and road journeys can be long
• Try to include a stay on Tsarabanjina; the sea is clearer, the sand whiter and the sky bluer than anywhere else in the Indian Ocean