Madagascar
Visit Madagascar
For lovers of wildlife, Madagascar is every bit as enticing as the savannah of Tanzania and Kenya. With almost all of its plant and animal species being endemic to the island, visitors to Madagascar can expect to see wildlife the likes of which you can’t see anywhere else on earth.
The fifth largest island in the world and twice the size of Great Britain, sparsely populated Madagascar is a nature-lover’s paradise. Six different microclimates – from dry forest to humid rainforest to savannah to temperate highlands to beautiful beaches and secluded lagoons, Madagascar packs a lot of diversity into a small package.
Madagascar Holidays
Madagascar’s biggest appeal is undoubtedly the island’s unique wildlife, with its iconic and adorable lemur population being especially popular. Madagascar is home to 90% of the world’s lemur species, and it is far and away the best place on earth to see these curious creatures in their natural habitat.
Bird-watchers are similarly spoiled by Madagascar, with a huge variety of birds including more than 70 species of songbird calling the island’s forests, plains, and waters home.
The island’s unique wildlife extends beyond birds and animals, with more than 10,000 species of plant on the island – many of them unique. This number includes more than a thousand species of orchid, six varieties of the gigantic baobab, and a variety of other uniquely beautiful plants.
The island is home to a colossal 22 national parks and preserves, and is one of the world’s leaders when it comes to conservation.
Madagascar Wildlife
Madagascar’s 22 national parks and reserves are its most popular destinations, with parks like Ranomafana, Isalo, and Andasibe being especially popular due to their colourful local residents. Many parks are home to a specific species of lemur, meaning you can visit multiple parks and see an entirely different side of these intriguing creatures.
The landscapes of Madagascar are every bit as diverse as its animal and plant life, with beautiful sandstone canyons, dense tropical rainforest, white sand beaches, and much more to be discovered by the intrepid explorer.
Other unique activities on Madagascar include the stunning Avenue of the Baobabs, the opportunity to explore the island’s interior on a river cruise, and the bustling capital, Antananarivo.
Madagascar Activities
Madagascar’s 22 national parks and reserves are its most popular destinations, with parks like Ranomafana, Isalo, and Andasibe being especially popular due to their colourful local residents. Many parks are home to a specific species of lemur, meaning you can visit multiple parks and see an entirely different side of these intriguing creatures.
The landscapes of Madagascar are every bit as diverse as its animal and plant life, with beautiful sandstone canyons, dense tropical rainforest, white sand beaches, and much more to be discovered by the intrepid explorer.
Other unique activities on Madagascar include the stunning Avenue of the Baobabs, the opportunity to explore the island’s interior on a river cruise, and the bustling capital, Antananarivo.
Madagascar Culture & Customs
Formerly a French colony, Madagascar still retains much of its French heritage. French is the official language of the nation, French style breakfasts are still very much in vogue, and it is customary to kiss people on the cheek when you see one another.
Despite this European influence, Madagascar still very much maintains its own local flavor – both in terms of customs and in terms of traditional dress. The recognizable lamba (a wraparound sheet with everyday designs of slogans) and straw hats are examples of this.
One unique element of Madagascan culture that people find intriguing is that of fady – a large assortment of taboos that vary from village to village. These can be as seemingly unusual as it being bad luck to sing while eating to more straightforward ones like staying away from burial sites. While foreigners are not expected to know and abide by all of the fady, many find it a fascinating insight into local culture and seek to learn more about it.
Honeymoon in Madagascar
While Madagascar does not boast the high-end resorts that make islands such as the Maldives or Seychelles popular honeymoon destination, for those looking to do something a little different, it’s a wonderful choice.
Whether you crave peace and relaxation at one of the island’s beach resorts or would prefer an adventurous exploration of the island’s many parks and reserves, there’s something for all tastes.
Madagascan honeymoons can be difficult to plan without assistance, but our specialized team can arrange every facet of your unforgettable first trip together as partners.