Where to see the famous creatures of Madagascar
Discover the incredible wildlife of this famous island, from lemurs and chameleons to fossas and even ant lions
Madagascar is a dream destination for wildlife lovers. Over 90% of its species are found nowhere else, making it one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. This isn’t a place where you tick off the Big Five. Instead, expect curious-looking lemurs, neon-bright chameleons, bug-eyed frogs, and forests that feel genuinely otherworldly.
Wildlife holidays here are all about variety. In the eastern rainforests of Andasibe and Ranomafana, you can spot iconic species like the indri and sifaka, as well as dozens of reptiles and birds. In the dry west, you’ll find ring-tailed lemurs among giant baobab trees, and in the far south, spiny forests hide weird and wonderful creatures adapted to desert life. For something special, travel between July and September and head to Île Sainte-Marie, where humpback whales migrate past the coast.
Because the wildlife is so location-specific, we’ll design your trip to include a mix of ecosystems and expert-guided walks in the best reserves. Madagascar’s animals are active and often easy to spot, which makes this a fantastic option for patient families and curious travellers who want something a little different to a classic safari.
Madagascar Wildlife
- Andasibe-Mantadia
- Kirindy Forest
- Berenty
- Antananarivo
Encounter extraordinary wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, from tree-dancing lemurs and colour-shifting chameleons to creatures so rare they’ve only just been discovered.
Madagascar Trip Inspiration
Our Madagascar specialist, Ruth, says:
“What I love most about a wildlife trip to Madagascar is how completely different everything feels, from the calls of the lemurs in the early morning to spotting tiny chameleons no bigger than your thumb. My favourite part is seeing how people react to it all, that mix of surprise when a lemur jumps across the path or a gecko suddenly comes into focus on a tree trunk. No matter how many times I go, it still feels like a privilege.”
Best places to stay in Madagascar
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Alistair
