Things to do in Madagascar
Look for Lemurs
Look for Lemurs
High up on any list of things to do in Madagascar are the irresistible lemurs. Their ancestors are believed to have floated across to Madagascar some 65 million years ago on natural "rafts" of vegetation, and evolved into over 100 species. The name comes from the Latin 'lemures', meaning ghost, and many Malagasy fady taboos involve lemurs, with some seen as benevolent ancestors, and others as bringers of bad fortune. Different lemurs inhabit different regions, and more are expected to be discovered. Sought-after species include the ring-tailed lemur and the sifaka, which appears to dance around on its back legs. The indri is the largest living lemur, and its eerie, whale-like song sung is by several individuals each morning to communicate with other groups. Take a guided night trek to spot nocturnal species, including one of Madagascar’s most bizarre-looking lemurs – the aye-aye, with its freakish, long, skinny finger.
Sadly, at least 17 species are known to have become extinct since humans arrived on the island, all of which were larger than the surviving lemurs, including some as big as gorillas.
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Described as 'a living museum'
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Family wildlife luxury tour in Madagascar
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Madagascar off the beaten track vacation
Madagascar vacation with canal tour. Wildlife and culture
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Madagascar's various landscapes, wildlife, and culture.
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Endemic species & truly incredible scenery
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World-class hiking
World-class hiking
To really experience it, you’ll have to leave the 4x4 behind and set out on foot. Hikes take anything from a couple of hours to several days. Stop by some of the little villages along your route to add a cultural element to your nature tour, and enjoy a warm Malagasy welcome. Trekking vacations are popular .
Madagascar is quilted with montane forest, rain forest, waterfalls, limestone karsts, sweeping cliffs, baobab-dotted savannah and jagged peaks.![]()
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Madagascar vacations, The lost continent
Experience the culture and wildlife of Madagascar
From
US $3220 to US $3560
15 days
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Small group travel:
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River canoe expeditions
River canoe expeditions
Laurenne Mansbridge, from our supplier Pioneer Expeditions, recommends a river expedition to get to the heart of Madagascar:
"My favourite things to do in Madagascar are definitely the river journeys, because they allow you to get into the middle of nowhere, to places where there’s no roads in and no roads out.
You trek to the departure point and then go out on the inflatable canoes – it could be for one day or three days – but you have to complete the full journey. You see a lot of Malagasy life that way – you might come across a village right on the bank and see the people who live off the river – sapphire miners, people panning for gold – and they’re always pleased to see you and interested in the weird tourists in the canoe."
More Madagascar articles
The best time to visit this island is between July and October for the wildlife and weather.
Which reserve is best for ring tailed lemurs? Where can I trek? And can I kayak inland?
We've picked out key lemur species - from dancing sifakas to gremlin-like aye-ayes...
Any trip to Madagascar will include a selection of its sublime and wonderful national parks.
Separated from the mainland, Madagascar has its own unique cultural traditions to explore.
If you want to really appreciate Madagascar's vibrant diversity, then the best way is definitely by going on foot.
Wildlife in Madagascar – and the tourism it brings – plays a key part in reducing poverty on the island.
Traveling in Madagascar with kids is extremely rewarding, but best wait til they are a bit older.
Prepare for potholed roads, a lack of tourism infrastructure and a language barrier.
If you're wondering how to plan your itinerary, how to get around or what it's like for hiking - look no further.
Traveling responsibly is better for the lemurs and better for the Malagasy.
