Experiences

The highlands around Antananarivo are the perfect introduction to Madagascar. From the haunting calls of Indri lemurs in Andasibe to the volcanic landscapes of Ampefy, from the serene Lake Mantasoa to the hidden rainforests of Anjozorobe — day trips from the capital offer a rich taste of the island's extraordinary biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Nosy Be is Madagascar's premier island escape, a fragrant paradise of ylang-ylang plantations and turquoise waters. Island-hop to meet friendly lemurs on Nosy Komba, snorkel pristine coral reefs at Nosy Tanikely, swim with giant sea turtles off Nosy Sakatia, or walk the legendary white sandbank of Nosy Iranja — each island offers its own magic.

The far north is a land of dramatic contrasts. Sail the emerald lagoons of the Emerald Sea, hike through the cool rainforests of Amber Mountain, explore the razor-sharp tsingy of Ankarana, the fiery Red Tsingy, and camp on the pristine islands of the Nosy Hara archipelago — this is Madagascar at its most adventurous.

The west is where Madagascar's most iconic images come to life. Track the fossa in Kirindy Forest, watch the sunset paint the Avenue of the Baobabs in gold, discover the remote Vezo village of Belo sur Mer, climb the limestone pinnacles of Tsingy de Bemaraha, or drift for days down the mighty Tsiribihina River.

The Zafimaniry people are master woodcarvers whose craft is recognised by UNESCO. Reach their remote villages by electric fat bike through forests and rice terraces from Ambositra, trek for days through the highlands from Antoetra, or venture deep into the countryside to the isolated community of Sahanato — experiences that connect you with one of Madagascar's most remarkable living traditions.

The Andringitra massif rises dramatically from the southern highlands, crowned by Pic Boby at 2,658 metres. The trek to Madagascar's second-highest peak is challenging but deeply rewarding, offering breathtaking panoramas across granite peaks, high-altitude grasslands, and some of the island's most dramatic scenery.

The wild east coast feels like a different world. Journey along the legendary Canal des Pangalanes by boat past traditional villages and dense rainforest, ride the historic Fianarantsoa-Manakara train through misty highlands, and breathe in the vanilla-scented air of one of Madagascar's least-tamed regions around Manakara.

The south is a land of stark beauty and unique ecosystems. Wander through the ancient spiny forest of Reniala, explore the mangrove waterways of Honko, discover hidden cave pools at Sarodrano, visit traditional Vezo fishing communities, and watch pink flamingos gather in coastal lagoons — all from the vibrant coastal city of Toliara.

In the far northeast, Marojejy National Park rises from dense rainforest to dramatic granite peaks. This four-day trek takes you through one of Madagascar's most pristine wilderness areas, home to the rare silky sifaka and an astonishing diversity of wildlife found nowhere else on earth.