Madagascar

Madagascar is a world unto itself. Separated from the African mainland for 88 million years, it has developed into a “living laboratory” where evolution has taken a different path. It is a land of whimsical lemurs, prehistoric baobabs, and “Tsingy” stone forests that look like they belong on another planet. From the fragrant vanilla plantations of the north to the turquoise lagoons of the Mitsio Archipelago, Madagascar is a sensory journey into the extraordinary.

For the traveler who seeks the luxury of the rare, Madagascar offers an experience that is both wild and profoundly soulful. It is a place where you don’t just see nature—you encounter a version of it that exists nowhere else on Earth.

Why we love Madagascar

We love Madagascar for its “alien” beauty. It is a country of staggering contrasts: emerald rainforests that spill into the sea and parched deserts of red soil. It is the haunting, whale-like song of the Indri lemur echoing through the mist and the sight of a thousand-year-old baobab standing guard over the savanna. Most of all, we love the blend of Malagasy culture—a unique heritage with roots in Southeast Asia and Africa—expressed through vibrant music, intricate weaving, and legendary hospitality.

The Most Beautiful Places in Madagascar

From the “Grand Canyon” of the South to private island paradises:

1. Avenue of the Baobabs

The most photographed location in the country. Located near Morondava, this natural cathedral of giant “upside-down” trees is a sacred landscape. At sunrise or sunset, the massive trunks glow with a deep copper hue, creating a scene of prehistoric majesty that is truly humbling.

2. Nosy Ankao & The Mitsio Archipelago

The pinnacle of Madagascan luxury. Miavana by Time + Tide, located on the private island of Nosy Ankao, is the country’s premier eco-luxury retreat. Here, you can “heli-surf,” track lemurs in the forest, and dive among untouched coral reefs in total seclusion. The surrounding archipelago offers white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters that rival the Maldives.

3. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

The best place to hear the song of the Indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur. This mist-shrouded rainforest is home to a dizzying array of orchids, chameleons, and birds. Staying at a nearby luxury lodge allows for early morning treks when the forest is at its most magical and the lemurs are most active.

4. Isalo National Park

Often called the “Grand Canyon of Madagascar.” This Jurassic landscape of wind-carved sandstone, deep canyons, and palm-fringed oases is a hiker’s dream. Natural swimming pools of turquoise water are hidden within the rock formations, offering a refreshing reward after a trek through the sun-drenched plateau.

5. Tsingy de Bemaraha

A UNESCO World Heritage site and a geological wonder. The “Tsingy” are vast fields of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles created by millions of years of erosion. Navigating the suspension bridges and narrow passages of this “stone forest” is one of the most thrilling and visually spectacular adventures in the world.

Highlights of a Tour Through Madagascar

  • Whale Watching in Île Sainte-Marie: Between July and September, humpback whales migrate to the calm waters of this former pirate stronghold to mate and give birth.
  • The Vanilla Coast Safari: Visit the SAVA region in the northeast to see where the world’s finest vanilla is grown. The scent of drying beans fills the air of sleepy coastal towns like Antalaha and Sambava.
  • Night Walks for Micro-Wildlife: Many of Madagascar’s most curious inhabitants, like the tiny mouse lemur and the leaf-tailed gecko, are nocturnal. A private guided night walk reveals a hidden world of biological marvels.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: The ideal time is the dry season from April to November. October and November are particularly special for seeing baby lemurs and flowering jacarandas. Avoid the cyclone season from January to March.
  • Getting around: Madagascar is massive and road infrastructure is challenging. We highly recommend using private charter flights or domestic hops to maximize your time and comfort between remote regions.
  • Language: Malagasy and French are the official languages. In luxury lodges, English is widely spoken, but a warm “Salama” (Hello) will go a long way.
  • Currency: The Malagasy Ariary (MGA) is the local currency. While top-tier resorts accept credit cards, Madagascar remains a cash-heavy society; carry Ariary or Euros for local markets.