Safari in Madagascar
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    Safari in Madagascar

    Indian Ocean Islands
    7 regions
    64 parks

    Madagascar is the world's greatest natural laboratory, with 90% of its wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Over 100 species of lemur, extraordinary chameleons, the fossa, baobab forests, and unique birds make this island the ultimate destination for nature enthusiasts seeking the truly unusual.

    Parks
    64
    Visa
    See details
    Malaria
    High risk

    Madagascar Safari Regions Map

    Explore safari areas across Madagascar

    Safari Regions

    Madagascar Safari Regions

    Explore safari areas in Madagascar

    Madagascar is a year-round destination, but we find the dry season from April to October offers the most comfortable travel conditions and excellent wildlife viewing. For lemur enthusiasts, the 'baby...

    January

    Now
    low

    Green Season

    Expect hot and humid conditions with frequent heavy rainfall, especially in the afternoons. Cyclones are possible, particularly in the east.

    This is baby season for many lemur species, offering incredible opportunities to see mothers with their newborns. Birding is also excellent with resident birds in full plumage.

    We love spotting the tiny new lemur babies clinging to their mothers' backs during this lush, green time.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

    February

    low

    Green Season

    Still very hot and wet, with the highest rainfall typically occurring this month. Roads can become impassable in some areas.

    Lemur infants are growing, and the rainforests are teeming with life. It's a prime time for observing chameleon activity as they are very active.

    We recommend embracing the humidity for unparalleled access to the vibrant, post-rainy season jungle and its active inhabitants.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Masoala National Park

    March

    low

    Green Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though it remains warm and humid. The landscape is incredibly verdant and beautiful.

    The island is at its greenest, making for stunning photographic opportunities. Lemur activity is high, and many species are still seen with their young.

    We find March offers a perfect blend of lush scenery and accessible wildlife viewing before the main tourist season begins.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Isalo National Park

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather starts to dry out, becoming more pleasant with less humidity and rainfall. Temperatures are still warm.

    Lemurs are active and easier to spot as vegetation thins slightly. It's a good month for seeing the iconic baobab trees in bloom in the west.

    We love the transition to drier weather, making trekking more comfortable and wildlife spotting more rewarding.

    Isalo National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Pleasant and dry with cooler temperatures, especially at night. This is generally considered one of the best times to visit.

    Lemur spotting is excellent as they are very active. The dry conditions make it easier to traverse parks and observe wildlife.

    We highly recommend May for its comfortable climate and the ease with which we can find lemurs and other unique creatures.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve
    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

    June

    high

    Dry Season

    Cooler and dry, particularly in the highlands. The west remains warmer. This is peak dry season.

    Excellent visibility for spotting wildlife, including the elusive fossa. Birding is good, though some migratory species may have departed.

    We adore the crisp, dry air of June which makes exploring the Tsingy formations an absolute joy.

    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
    Ankarafantsika National Park

    July

    peak

    Dry Season

    Cool and dry, with temperatures dropping further in the highlands. The west is still warm and dry.

    This is prime time for whale watching off the coast, particularly humpback whales. Lemur spotting remains excellent.

    We recommend July for the incredible spectacle of humpback whales breaching off the coast of Sainte Marie.

    Sainte Marie Island
    Kirindy Forest Reserve
    Ankarafantsika National Park

    August

    peak

    Dry Season

    Still cool and dry, with minimal rainfall across the island. The highlands can be quite chilly in the mornings and evenings.

    Humpback whale migration continues. Lemur activity is high, and the dry conditions aid in spotting them.

    We find August offers fantastic opportunities for both terrestrial wildlife and marine encounters, especially with the whales.

    Sainte Marie Island
    Ranomafana National Park
    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather remains dry and pleasant, with temperatures starting to warm up again. It's a shoulder month before the rains return.

    Lemur breeding season begins, with males becoming more active and vocal. Birding is good as resident species prepare for nesting.

    We love September for the energetic lemur courtship displays and the comfortable, warming weather.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The first rains begin, bringing humidity and warmer temperatures. Showers are usually short and localized.

    The landscape starts to green up. Chameleons become very active, and it's a great time for birdwatching as many species start nesting.

    We recommend October for the vibrant colours returning to the landscape and the exciting activity of chameleons.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Masoala National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm and humid conditions with increasing rainfall, though it is generally less intense than the main rainy season.

    Lemur infants start to appear, marking the beginning of baby season. The island is lush and vibrant, with excellent photographic conditions.

    We adore November for the return of the baby lemurs and the incredibly lush, green scenery.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Ranomafana National Park

    December

    low

    Green Season

    Hot and humid with frequent, often heavy, afternoon rains. Cyclones are possible, especially in the east.

    This is peak baby season for lemurs, offering unparalleled viewing opportunities. Birding is excellent with resident birds in full breeding plumage.

    We find December to be magical for witnessing the very first moments of new lemur life amidst the vibrant, rain-kissed forests.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Green Season

    Expect hot and humid conditions with frequent heavy rainfall, especially in the afternoons. Cyclones are possible, particularly in the east.

    This is baby season for many lemur species, offering incredible opportunities to see mothers with their newborns. Birding is also excellent with resident birds in full plumage.

    We love spotting the tiny new lemur babies clinging to their mothers' backs during this lush, green time.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

    February

    low

    Green Season

    Still very hot and wet, with the highest rainfall typically occurring this month. Roads can become impassable in some areas.

    Lemur infants are growing, and the rainforests are teeming with life. It's a prime time for observing chameleon activity as they are very active.

    We recommend embracing the humidity for unparalleled access to the vibrant, post-rainy season jungle and its active inhabitants.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Masoala National Park

    March

    low

    Green Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though it remains warm and humid. The landscape is incredibly verdant and beautiful.

    The island is at its greenest, making for stunning photographic opportunities. Lemur activity is high, and many species are still seen with their young.

    We find March offers a perfect blend of lush scenery and accessible wildlife viewing before the main tourist season begins.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Isalo National Park

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather starts to dry out, becoming more pleasant with less humidity and rainfall. Temperatures are still warm.

    Lemurs are active and easier to spot as vegetation thins slightly. It's a good month for seeing the iconic baobab trees in bloom in the west.

    We love the transition to drier weather, making trekking more comfortable and wildlife spotting more rewarding.

    Isalo National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Pleasant and dry with cooler temperatures, especially at night. This is generally considered one of the best times to visit.

    Lemur spotting is excellent as they are very active. The dry conditions make it easier to traverse parks and observe wildlife.

    We highly recommend May for its comfortable climate and the ease with which we can find lemurs and other unique creatures.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve
    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

    June

    high

    Dry Season

    Cooler and dry, particularly in the highlands. The west remains warmer. This is peak dry season.

    Excellent visibility for spotting wildlife, including the elusive fossa. Birding is good, though some migratory species may have departed.

    We adore the crisp, dry air of June which makes exploring the Tsingy formations an absolute joy.

    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
    Ankarafantsika National Park

    July

    peak

    Dry Season

    Cool and dry, with temperatures dropping further in the highlands. The west is still warm and dry.

    This is prime time for whale watching off the coast, particularly humpback whales. Lemur spotting remains excellent.

    We recommend July for the incredible spectacle of humpback whales breaching off the coast of Sainte Marie.

    Sainte Marie Island
    Kirindy Forest Reserve
    Ankarafantsika National Park

    August

    peak

    Dry Season

    Still cool and dry, with minimal rainfall across the island. The highlands can be quite chilly in the mornings and evenings.

    Humpback whale migration continues. Lemur activity is high, and the dry conditions aid in spotting them.

    We find August offers fantastic opportunities for both terrestrial wildlife and marine encounters, especially with the whales.

    Sainte Marie Island
    Ranomafana National Park
    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather remains dry and pleasant, with temperatures starting to warm up again. It's a shoulder month before the rains return.

    Lemur breeding season begins, with males becoming more active and vocal. Birding is good as resident species prepare for nesting.

    We love September for the energetic lemur courtship displays and the comfortable, warming weather.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The first rains begin, bringing humidity and warmer temperatures. Showers are usually short and localized.

    The landscape starts to green up. Chameleons become very active, and it's a great time for birdwatching as many species start nesting.

    We recommend October for the vibrant colours returning to the landscape and the exciting activity of chameleons.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Masoala National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm and humid conditions with increasing rainfall, though it is generally less intense than the main rainy season.

    Lemur infants start to appear, marking the beginning of baby season. The island is lush and vibrant, with excellent photographic conditions.

    We adore November for the return of the baby lemurs and the incredibly lush, green scenery.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Ranomafana National Park

    December

    low

    Green Season

    Hot and humid with frequent, often heavy, afternoon rains. Cyclones are possible, especially in the east.

    This is peak baby season for lemurs, offering unparalleled viewing opportunities. Birding is excellent with resident birds in full breeding plumage.

    We find December to be magical for witnessing the very first moments of new lemur life amidst the vibrant, rain-kissed forests.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Green Season

    Expect hot and humid conditions with frequent heavy rainfall, especially in the afternoons. Cyclones are possible, particularly in the east.

    This is baby season for many lemur species, offering incredible opportunities to see mothers with their newborns. Birding is also excellent with resident birds in full plumage.

    We love spotting the tiny new lemur babies clinging to their mothers' backs during this lush, green time.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

    February

    low

    Green Season

    Still very hot and wet, with the highest rainfall typically occurring this month. Roads can become impassable in some areas.

    Lemur infants are growing, and the rainforests are teeming with life. It's a prime time for observing chameleon activity as they are very active.

    We recommend embracing the humidity for unparalleled access to the vibrant, post-rainy season jungle and its active inhabitants.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Masoala National Park

    March

    low

    Green Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though it remains warm and humid. The landscape is incredibly verdant and beautiful.

    The island is at its greenest, making for stunning photographic opportunities. Lemur activity is high, and many species are still seen with their young.

    We find March offers a perfect blend of lush scenery and accessible wildlife viewing before the main tourist season begins.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Isalo National Park

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather starts to dry out, becoming more pleasant with less humidity and rainfall. Temperatures are still warm.

    Lemurs are active and easier to spot as vegetation thins slightly. It's a good month for seeing the iconic baobab trees in bloom in the west.

    We love the transition to drier weather, making trekking more comfortable and wildlife spotting more rewarding.

    Isalo National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Pleasant and dry with cooler temperatures, especially at night. This is generally considered one of the best times to visit.

    Lemur spotting is excellent as they are very active. The dry conditions make it easier to traverse parks and observe wildlife.

    We highly recommend May for its comfortable climate and the ease with which we can find lemurs and other unique creatures.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve
    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

    June

    high

    Dry Season

    Cooler and dry, particularly in the highlands. The west remains warmer. This is peak dry season.

    Excellent visibility for spotting wildlife, including the elusive fossa. Birding is good, though some migratory species may have departed.

    We adore the crisp, dry air of June which makes exploring the Tsingy formations an absolute joy.

    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
    Ankarafantsika National Park

    July

    peak

    Dry Season

    Cool and dry, with temperatures dropping further in the highlands. The west is still warm and dry.

    This is prime time for whale watching off the coast, particularly humpback whales. Lemur spotting remains excellent.

    We recommend July for the incredible spectacle of humpback whales breaching off the coast of Sainte Marie.

    Sainte Marie Island
    Kirindy Forest Reserve
    Ankarafantsika National Park

    August

    peak

    Dry Season

    Still cool and dry, with minimal rainfall across the island. The highlands can be quite chilly in the mornings and evenings.

    Humpback whale migration continues. Lemur activity is high, and the dry conditions aid in spotting them.

    We find August offers fantastic opportunities for both terrestrial wildlife and marine encounters, especially with the whales.

    Sainte Marie Island
    Ranomafana National Park
    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather remains dry and pleasant, with temperatures starting to warm up again. It's a shoulder month before the rains return.

    Lemur breeding season begins, with males becoming more active and vocal. Birding is good as resident species prepare for nesting.

    We love September for the energetic lemur courtship displays and the comfortable, warming weather.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The first rains begin, bringing humidity and warmer temperatures. Showers are usually short and localized.

    The landscape starts to green up. Chameleons become very active, and it's a great time for birdwatching as many species start nesting.

    We recommend October for the vibrant colours returning to the landscape and the exciting activity of chameleons.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Masoala National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm and humid conditions with increasing rainfall, though it is generally less intense than the main rainy season.

    Lemur infants start to appear, marking the beginning of baby season. The island is lush and vibrant, with excellent photographic conditions.

    We adore November for the return of the baby lemurs and the incredibly lush, green scenery.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Ranomafana National Park

    December

    low

    Green Season

    Hot and humid with frequent, often heavy, afternoon rains. Cyclones are possible, especially in the east.

    This is peak baby season for lemurs, offering unparalleled viewing opportunities. Birding is excellent with resident birds in full breeding plumage.

    We find December to be magical for witnessing the very first moments of new lemur life amidst the vibrant, rain-kissed forests.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

    47 species recorded in Madagascar10 threatened

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    Visa Requirements for Madagascar

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    Health & Vaccinations for Madagascar

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    Madagascar offers an unparalleled natural adventure, but it demands careful preparation. Prioritizing your health and safety with proper vaccinations, malaria prevention, and comprehensive insurance ensures you can fully immerse yourselves in its unique wonders without unnecessary worries. We find that a well-planned trip allows for the most rewarding exploration of this extraordinary island.

    Vaccinations

    Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. We always carry our vaccination certificate.
    Hepatitis A - Strongly recommended for all travellers. This is a fundamental safeguard for any international travel.
    Typhoid - Recommended, especially if you plan to eat outside major hotels or in more rural settings. We find it offers peace of mind.
    Tetanus-Diphtheria-Polio - Ensure your boosters are up-to-date. This is standard good practice for any adventure travel.
    Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) - Ensure you are fully vaccinated. We always advise checking your childhood immunizations.
    Rabies - Recommended for those spending extended time outdoors, especially if you anticipate contact with animals or are visiting remote areas where medical care might be delayed. Given the unique wildlife, it's a sensible precaution.

    Visa Requirements

    Most nationalities, including those from the US, UK, EU, and Australia, can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa beforehand. We always recommend checking the latest requirements with the Malagasy embassy or consulate in your home country well in advance of your trip, as regulations can change.

    Malaria

    Malaria is a significant risk throughout Madagascar, particularly in rural areas and coastal regions, including popular destinations like Nosy Be and Sainte Marie. We strongly recommend discussing appropriate anti-malarial prophylaxis with your doctor before your trip. Beyond medication, always use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk and dawn, and sleep under mosquito nets, which most reputable lodges provide. We find these combined measures are highly effective.

    Travel Insurance

    Comprehensive travel insurance is non-negotiable for a trip to Madagascar. We insist on policies that include robust medical cover, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation. Given the remote nature of some of the island's most incredible spots, an air ambulance might be your only option in a serious medical emergency, and you absolutely want that covered. Always read the fine print and ensure your policy covers all your planned activities.

    Emergency Numbers

    police: 999
    ambulance: 112

    Travel Advisory

    While Madagascar is generally safe for tourists, we advise exercising common sense precautions. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in urban areas like Antananarivo and around markets. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in dimly lit areas, and do not display valuables. We recommend arranging airport transfers and inter-city travel through reputable tour operators. Road conditions can be challenging, and night driving is best avoided due to poor lighting and livestock. Political stability has improved, but it's always wise to stay informed about current events through your embassy or local contacts.

    Planning & reference

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