Madagascar Explorer

Duration
13 days
Price
£3,515 pp.
Location
Madagascar, Africa
Whale Watching Princesse Bora

Trip Highlights

  • Encountering wildlife
  • Explore Rainforests and Parks
  • Phenomenal Whale-watching views

What's Included

  • Internal flights and transfers
  • Excursions, guides and activities
  • 12 nights accommodation

Rainforest, wildlife, reef and whales

Wildlife, whales, rainforest and beach

This popular two-centre Madagascar itinerary entails a three-night stay in the wildlife-rich rainforest of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, followed by a relaxing week at lovely Princesse Bora Lodge on the holiday islandf Ile Sainte Marie. In season (July to early September), the waters around Ste Marie offer world-class whale-watching - Humpbacks migrate to these waters to calve and mate (they don't feed there).

Begin the trip with a night in the vibey capital Antananarivo, after which an easy 3hr,30 minute drive with your dedicated, personable and professional Malagasy guide will take you to the eastern escarpment. Aside from wonderful lemur-watching for iconic species like Indri, you'll be able to learn about inspiring conservation initiatives in place to preserve the rainforest and its fascinating wildlife. You can visit the Association Mitsinjo nursery and plant an endangered, endemic tree as part of their reforestation programme - what better way could there be to literally put something back into Malagasy soil?

Return to the capital and fly to idyllic Ile Sainte Marie, once a notorious pirate hangout and site of the world's sole Pirate cemetery. Offshore, the chilled Ile Aux Nattes makes for an essential day excursion. Princesse Bora Lodge is definitely our accommodation of choice on Ste Marie - the staff are welcoming and the lodge has all it takes for an enjoyable stay. There's a spa, watersports centre and a variety of activities on offer.

This sample itinerary - ideal also for families and for honeymooners, can be tailored to suit your individual requirements and travel schedule. Ask us for details.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Fly to Madagascar

Board your international flight to Antananarivo. On arrival in the late evening, you'll be welcomed and transferred to Bois Vert Hotel near the airport for an overnight stay with breakfast.

Day 2 Head to the rainforests: Andasibe-Mantadia

Staying at Andasibe Hotel

Enjoy a lie-in today. After breakfast, your professional guide and driver collect you at the hotel. Set off on the easy 5 hour drive east to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park aka 'Perinet', which is Madagascar's number one protected rainforest site. Stay 3 nights in either Andasibe Hotel or Mantadia Lodge (or similar), with dinner and breakfast.

Take an exploratory rainforest walk with your guides.

Days 3 - 4 Malagasy rainforest magic at its best: Andasibe-Mantadia

Day 5 Back to Antananarivo

Day 6 Fly to Ile Sainte Marie

Days 7 - 12 Sainte Marie - rest & relaxation time

Day 13 Fly to Antananarivo and depart

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When to go to Madagascar

Find out the best time to visit Madagascar with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

The cyclone season in Madagascar is between January and March, which means it's hot and wet and isn't the best time of year to travel. The east coast is generally wetter than the west or south.

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February

February is the wettest month, with heavy downpours and the risk of cyclones making travel difficult, and wildlife hard to spot.

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March

March remains hot and wet, with high humidity making travel uncomfortable. The south is generally a bit drier and the roads more manageable than the north.

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April

There are still heavy rain showers during April, May and June, but they don't disrupt too many activities, and the sun often shines in between. Parks are now open to visitors and it's a great time to visit Andasibe and Berenty, with the greenery lush and the wildlife coming out of hiding.

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May

The rains have left the landscapes looking green and lush, and now is a great time to try and spot the famous lemurs. The tourists haven't yet arrived en-masse so accommodation is cheaper and easier to find. There are still a few rain showers, but sun prevails, making May an excellent overall choice for travel.

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June

With the rain finally subsiding, the air becomes fresh and cool, with sunshine and just a few showers punctuating the day. It's a great time to travel across much of the country, and still outside of peak season it's easier to find accommodation at good prices.

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July

July is the beginning of the peak season, with dry weather and lower temperatures meaning this is a great time to go trekking or explore the rainforests. Lemurs and other forest dwellers have come out of hiding, and humpback whales gather to calve offshore, with sightings frequent between now and September. July is one of the best times to visit Madagascar.

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August

August is similar to July, with comfortably cool temperatures and sunny skies. It's another good month for whale watching, and for exploring Madagascar's many regions.

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September

Want to see a baby lemur? Now is the time to visit, when lemurs give birth. The cooler weather is at an end, and temperatures begin to rise, bringing with them a few showers in anticipation of the approaching rainy season. It's quieter than July and August, and therefore an ideal month to visit Madagascar. Whale watching is still on the cards too.

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October

Baby lemurs are still hopping around during October, and the warmer weather means it's an excellent time for the beaches and snorkelling in the turquoise ocean. Keep an eye out for the blooming purple jacarandas, and see if you can spot fossas in the western forests.

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November

Increasing temperatures around Madagascar mean hot days, but the arrival of short rain showers helps cool things down. Wildlife is very active during November, so it's a great time for lemur spotting, as well as birds during their breeding season.

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December

December is the start of the wet season in Madagascar, with high temperatures (the hottest of the year) and short, sharp rain showers. It's a bit cooler and drier in the south west of the island. It's a quieter time to travel, and if you visit at the beginning of the month, the beaches will still be glorious.

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