Madagascar Holidays & Safari Tours | Africa Travel

Interesting things to do in Madagascar

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 holiday 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 beaches, which are home to nesting turtles and playful dolphins.

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 breath-taking 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, yet widely remote holiday destination.

The best places to stay in Madagscar

Where you stay on your Madagascar holiday is crucial, and so at Africa Travel we have rounded up a selection of our top accommodation picks. Holidays in Madagascar are all about the beach, and the island is proud to be home to two of Africa’s, if not the world’s finest beach retreats.

First up is Anjajavy L’Hotel, an extraordinary hotel with its own nature reserve – 550 hectares where some of the rarest species of lemurs, chameleons, birds of paradise and over 1,800 flora species can be found. Described as the peninsula at the end of the world, it is remote and romantic and can only be accessed by light aircraft. A Relais & Chateaux property, accommodation is in 25 rosewood villas, all with spacious living and sleeping space, large terrace and relaxation area on the top floor.

The second super-luxe hotel is the newcomer to the Madagascar beach scene – Miavana, an ultra-luxurious lodge located on Nosy Ankao island, a spectacular 30 minute helicopter flight from the town of Diego Suarez. Strung out along the island, each of the lodge's 14 vast villas has direct access to the white sandy beaches, turquoise water and coral reefs. The wild beaches and bountiful waters are a playground for a terrific range of activities & water sports - from incredible diving, kite surfing & fishing, to helicopter adventures and tracking the turtles which come ashore each year to lay their precious eggs. Included in every stay are all meals, drinks, laundry, guided lemur treks, forest walks, scuba diving, snorkelling, boat cruises, half day fishing trips, kayaking, paddle boarding, kite surfing and bicycling – this is a genuine, once-in-a-lifetime hotel.

Another fine beach option is the Constance Lodge Tsarabanjina, located on an island close to Nosy Be that boasts three unspoilt beaches framed by lush vegetation and azure waters, all of which can easily be explored on foot or by boat. The simple but elegant thatched rosewood bungalows all sit directly on the white sands, and are the perfect base from which to play a leisurely game of tennis, have a massage, and enjoy the water sports and superior cuisine.

Beach-lovers can also head to the island of Sainte-Marie, which lies off the east coast of Madagascar and is home to Princesse Bora Lodge and Spa. Accommodation is in spacious villas each with large stone bathtubs, king size beds and large terraces & verandahs, and the hotel also has two private beaches surrounded by coconut forests – Coco Bay and Clipper Bay.

Far off-the-beaten-track, the intrepid traveller to Madagascar can enjoy a unique experience in the largely unexplored region of Ifotaka – home to lemurs, unique burial tombs and the Antandroy tribe, - with a stay at Mandrare River Camp. There are only six large luxury en-suite tents, all spaced out under the shade of vast tamarind trees and high above the river bank with spectacular views of the mountains beyond.

Whichever areas you wish to visit, for a once in a lifetime experience, book your Madagascar holidays today to indulge in a combined trip of nature and adventure. Contact Africa Travel for your dream holiday to Madagascar and let our experts help create your perfect Madagascar holidays.