Highlights of Madagascar tour

Planet

We are committed to responsible values, which are echoed in all elements of our tours and vacations. We work with accommodation providers and local suppliers who share this dedication to responsible travel by focusing on environmental, conservation and community initiatives.

You will visit several national parks and reserves on this Highlights of Madagascar itinerary, including Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Perinet Reserve, Zombitse National Park, Toliara National Park and Sacred Forests at Mandrare River. In our detailed pre-departure travel pack we have included a note to remind you not leave any litter in the national parks and reserves – everything you carry in, you must carry out. Aside from the environmental damage, litter can be harmful to the wildlife.

By visiting these sites (all entrance fees are included in your luxury tour), you are supporting the preservation and conservation of these areas, and indicating to authorities that tourists are interested in protecting Madagascar's incredible natural environments.

We have also chosen accommodations which are dedicated to sustainability, conservation and responsible travel. In Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, you’ll stay at Mantadia Lodge which uses local materials such as natural wood and stone to decorate the rooms rather than importing materials.

In Isalo National Park, you’ll stay at Jardin du Roy, a eco-friendly lodges which uses natural materials like granite in its construction. Their excellent restaurant uses ingredients that are locally sourced from their organic farm of fruit trees, vegetable patches and beehives.

You’ll also stay at Mandrare River Camp which is fully solar powered. You’ll go on sunrise and night walks with local guides, who will help you to view the wildlife in a responsible way (for example, keeping a safe distance and turning off your camera flash).

Our UK office takes a leading role in setting the standards for an environmentally friendly work environment. We work with local government to recycle our waste and continually look for new ways to be greener, including encouraging travelers to bring reusable water bottles on their vacation.

We recognise that flying is damaging to the environment, however these flights are included in this trip to allow our customers to visit more remote areas that benefit from the economic results of tourism, including Isalo National Park and Mandrare River.

People

During your time in Madagascar, we encourage you to support the local economy by buying authentic handmade products such as embroidery and jewellery at markets, villages and small-scale souvenir shops, rather than hotel tourist shops or on organised shopping trips. When you buy products at markets, villages and small-scale souvenir shops you are helping to support a fragile economy and supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive.

We also select accommodations which have their own community projects or initiatives, such as Mandrare River Camp, where 90% of employees are Madagascan. They provide training and development to Madagascan employees to give them the opportunity of management positions, rather than hiring foreign employees.

They also make contributions to community projects to help local school rebuild roads and protect local forests through community levies. They work closely with the local population to promote environmental protection and pride in local traditions, and you’ll have the chance to learn about these local cultures on your vacation.