19°S · 47°E
Island destination

Madagascar

Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island and one of the most biodiverse places on earth, often called the eighth continent. Our island-safari journeys combine the Nosy Be archipelago with unique wildlife, pristine beaches and rich Malagasy culture. Getting to the islands is half…

◷ Best time May to October ◎ 7 to 14 nights ☼ Wildlife lovers, divers, honeymooners, families and adventurous travellers who want something rarer than a standard resort holiday.
Best timeMay to OctoberDry season, ideal weather
Ideal length7 to 14 nightsRecommended stay
Best forWildlife lovers, divers, honeymooners, families and adventurous travellers who want something rarer than a standard resort holiday.Nature, adventure and relaxation
RegionNosy Be, Nosy Komba, Nosy Ankao, Lokobe and mainland MadagascarMadagascar / Indian Ocean
Accommodation

Sakamanga Hotel

📍 Antananarivo, Madagascar

Atypical architecture and traditional decor Malagasy handicrafts and fair-trade shop Malagasy and French cuisine…

From€ 90per night
View accommodation
Accommodation

Ankazberavina Ecolodge

📍 Ankazoberavina, Madagascar

Snorkelling on pristine coral reefs Sea turtles nesting on the beach Lemurs chameleons and…

Adventure and Nature
From€ 200per night
View accommodation
Accommodation

L’Heure Bleue

📍 Nosy Be, Madagascar

Waterfront with two swimming pools Award-winning eco-construction Renowned seafood restaurant Direct beach access on…

Diving EscapesWellness Retreats
From€ 150per night
View accommodation
Wildlife

Lemur Trekking

📍 Nosy Komba and Lokobe

Meet Madagascar's famous lemurs up close, from the friendly black lemurs of Nosy Komba…

Black Lemurs OnGuided Rainforest WalksChameleons And Geckos
FromOn request
View experience
Marine

Snorkelling at Nosy Tanikely

📍 Nosy Tanikely

The marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely is one of the best snorkelling spots in…

Protected Marine ReserveTurtles And ReefEasy Beach Entry
FromOn request
View experience
Marine

Whale Watching

📍 Nosy Be channel

Between roughly July and September, humpback whales pass the channel between Nosy Be and…

Seasonal Humpback MigrationBreaching Whales AndDolphin Sightings
FromOn request
View experience
7 Nights

Yacht Charter Safari

📍 Nosy Be Archipelago

It is the island factor that makes this 7-day Madagascar yacht charter safari so…

Adventure and Nature
FromOn request
View package
7 Nights

Island Hopping

📍 Nosy Be, Lokobe and Nosy Komba

Journey through Madagascar's aquamarine bays and lagoons, mixing a rustic tented camp with island…

Adventure and Nature
FromR 17 499per person sharing
View package
7 Nights

Dive Safari

📍 Nosy Be Archipelago

Turquoise waters and coral reefs with plenty to marvel at underwater in the Nosy…

Diving Escapes
FromR 14 995per person sharing
View package
Climate & quick facts

When to go to Madagascar

Warm and tropical year-round. The dry season (May-Oct) is ideal for wildlife and diving; January-March is wet with a cyclone risk on the coast.

Rainfall & temperature Rainfall Avg high °C
350mm rain320mm rain290mm rain100mm rain30mm rain10mm rain8mm rain8mm rain10mm rain20mm rain80mm rain250mm rain 31°31°31°31°30°29°28°29°30°31°32°32°
JFMAMJJASOND
Best time to travelMay to October (dry season)

Indicative monthly averages. Sea temperature ranges 26-29°C; daytime highs 28-32°C.

Flight timeApprox. 3h from Johannesburg (+ light aircraft to the islands)
Time zoneUTC+3 (EAT)
LanguageMalagasy & French
CurrencyMalagasy Ariary (MGA)
VisaVisa on arrival (30-90 days)
Best monthsMay to October (dry season)
Sea temperature26-29°C year-round

Overview

Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island and one of the most biodiverse places on earth, often called the eighth continent. Our island-safari journeys combine the Nosy Be archipelago with unique wildlife, pristine beaches and rich Malagasy culture. Getting to the islands is half the adventure, taking you through volcanic landscapes, endemic species found nowhere else, and historic sites steeped in pirate lore.

Why visit Madagascar

Madagascar works well for guests who want a more unusual island journey rather than a standard resort stay. It can combine wildlife, rainforest, beach time, marine life and small island lodges into one carefully routed itinerary shaped around your season, transfers and lodge availability.

Island hopping across the Nosy Be archipelago See memorable landscapes and wildlife.
🏝 Endemic lemurs and wildlife found nowhere else Every route can feel different.
World-class diving and snorkelling Local expertise shapes the journey.

Best time to go

The dry season from May to October is the easiest travel window, with stable weather and good road conditions. July to September is best for whale watching. December to March carries cyclone risk on the north-east and east coasts and is best avoided.

Dry seasonMay to October
Green seasonLush landscapes and fewer crowds
Travel noteMatched to lodge availability

How to get there

Most journeys start via Antananarivo or fly direct to Nosy Be (Airlink from Johannesburg on Sundays, or daily flights to Antananarivo). Domestic flights, road transfers and boat transfers then connect you to your islands and lodges. Airport transfers are arranged for you. A visa is available on arrival at about 10 euros per person, and self-drive is not recommended.

FlightsMain gateway routing
ConnectionsDomestic or island transfers
TransfersPrivate or shared options

Explore Madagascar

Nosy Be, the Big Island and main gateway, is known as Perfume Island for its ylang-ylang, with 11 extinct volcanoes and easy access to diving and island hopping. Nosy Komba is a lush volcanic island famous for its black lemurs and slow, barefoot pace. Nosy Sakatia is a small island prized for scuba diving. Lokobe Forest is a nature reserve on Nosy Be with the best walking trails for lemur spotting. Nosy Ankao is a remote private-island setting in the north-east. The mainland north-west offers pristine peninsulas, Tsingy limestone and Relais & Chateaux lodges.

Start planning
Madagascar map

Ready to plan your Madagascar safari?

Tell us your dates, travel style and budget. We will shape the right accommodation, activities, transfers and routing around you.

Start planning