Madagascar’s extraordinary diversity has been wonderfully captured on BBC2’s current Sunday night series. Narrated by David Attenborough, the three episodes explore the unique wildlife and distinct scenery of this ecologically distinct island.

Aardvark Safaris has been planning holidays to Madagascar for over 16 years and our travel experts have visited the island on numerous occasions. To give a flavour of what’s on offer on a holiday on the world’s fourth largest island we’ve chosen some of our favourite Madagascar photos here:

Amazing wildlife

Many of the extraordinary animals are endemic to the island making wildlife holidays the number one reason visitors from the UK travel to Madagascar.

Lemur at Mandrare River Camp

Ring-tailed lemur at Mandrare River Camp

Lemur at Mandrare River Camp,

While lemurs are the big tick for many on holiday in Madagascar, a good guide will talk you through the whole ecosystem, pointing out many other species, including some particularly colourful forest-dwelling reptiles.

Chameleon at Manafiafy

Chameleon at Miavana

Stunning Scenery

Madagascar sits in the Indian Ocean, separated from mainland African by the Mozambique Channel. Given its size and the fact it has a ‘wetter’ and a ‘drier’ side it’s no surprise the scenery is wide-ranging. You’re unlikely to see it all on one visit, but these pictures provide some idea of what you might find.

Drive through the baobab trees at Mandrare River Camp

Boat trip at Manafiafy

We plan holidays where you can travel through Madagascar by car, boat and helicopter, experiencing a mix of habitat as you go. It’s not all wildlife either and many will end a Madagascar safari with time on one of the island’s beautiful beaches which range from the new Miavana private island in the north on Nosy Ankao to Manafiafy in the south.

Helicopter transfers to Miavana private island

White sand beach at Anjajavy Hotel

Seascape at Manafiafy

Luxury Holidays Madagascar

Until recently a wildlife holiday in Madagascar would have meant pretty rustic accommodation, but our experts have unearthed a number of small smart lodges and camps to rival those in other parts of the world. A luxury holiday in Madagascar is perfectly possible as these photos prove.

Desert island luxury at Tsarabanjina, Nosy Be

Ocean view luxury at Tsarabanjina, Nosy Be

Pool overlooking the sea at Anjajavy Hotel

Beach properties lead the way with Tsarabanjina and Anjajavy at the forefront of the luxury holiday revolution on Madagascar, but Mandrare River Camp is catching up quickly and has given all the wildlife properties something to aspire to.

Bedroom tent at Mandrare River Camp

Delicious Dining

Visitors can enjoy cuisine that has improved dramatically over the last decade or so. Still with some influence from its French past you can find great food including freshly made croissants, locally grown vegetables, fresh fish straight from the sea, and delicious deserts using local vanilla.

Starlit dinner by a baobab, Mandrare River Camp

Dinner in a forest setting, Mandrare River Camp

It’s not just mealtimes that are luxurious, some camps have adopted the African tradition of sundowners – pick a beautiful spot and enjoy a G&T while the sun sets.

Enjoying a wine sundowner at Mandrare River Camp

Local Culture

Madagascar’s size means there’s as much of a mix of tribal groups as there is of wildlife. Many camps offer those on holiday here the chance to meet local people as they go about their daily lives.

Colourful markets at Mandrare River Camp

Fisherman at Tsarabanjina

Local fishermen at Tsarabanjina

There’s plenty of cultural interest too, with many traditional activities still in evidence today.

Cultural traditions at Mandrare River Camp

Male dancers at Mandrare River Camp

Amazing activities

Wildlife in Madagascar is typically viewed on foot on fairly well made forest paths. That said, those looking for an active holiday are well catered for with boat trips, watersports, whale watching and deep sea fishing.

Nature walk with guide, Manafiafy

Boat trip with guide, Manafiafy

Stand up paddle boarding at Princesse Bora Lodge and Spa

A whale breaching, Manafiafy

Big game fishing, catch Marlin, Sailfish, Trevally, Dorado, King mackerel, on holiday at Tsarabanjina

It’s worth repeating that Madagascar is the world’s fourth biggest island, similar in size to France. It’s not a place you can rush and we would recommend you spend at least a couple of days in each place.

We’ve put together an example of a holiday to Madagascar if you’d like an idea of what’s possible in 10 days on the island. This itinerary was designed with the viewer of the BBC programmes in mind and covers many of the areas the tv team visited and is simple an example of what is possible.

What Next?

If David Attenborough, the BBC series, or these photos have inspired you to visit this fascinating destination do give us a call or email us. Our Madagascar experts can take your ideas and help plan luxury holidays to make the most that Madagascar has to offer.

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