Types of Travel in Madagascar

Travel Themes

Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★★; Adventure ★★★★; Culture ★★; Relaxation-holidays ★.

Nature-Adventure

If there’s one destination synonymous with nature, it’s Madagascar! The country is incredibly rich in exceptional natural areas, home to 18 national parks and around thirty terrestrial or marine reserves. Add to that a diverse wildlife that includes both whales and the famous lemurs that have made the island renowned, and nature lovers should find plenty to enjoy. As for "adventure," even a journey through the country off the beaten path counts as one...

Culture

The history and local cultures are rich in traditions and, incidentally, in testimonies—not always easily accessible to the vahaza. Meeting the local people, ideally "guided" by those who know the area, remains the best way to discover Malagasy society.

Relaxation-Holidays

Madagascar has beautiful, even stunning beaches, but very few seaside resorts given its hundreds of kilometers of coastline, which, admittedly, isn’t always easily accessible. It’s mainly in the north, particularly in Nosy Be and on the island of Saint Mary's Island, that you can enjoy the sea and its activities. Still, the "Red Island" isn’t Mauritius, and it may not be the ideal choice if you’re only looking for a relaxing holiday.

Independent Travel

If you’re traveling independently, Madagascar is a destination for experienced travelers due to limited infrastructure, challenging (public) transport, and necessary precautions regarding health and, especially, safety. The further you venture off the beaten path, the more difficult the journey can become.

Organized and All-Inclusive Travel

Traditionally, the Red Island has always inspired tour operators with its richness and diversity, including the range of possible activities. So, even if the island’s socio-political situation sometimes reduces the offerings, you’ll still find plenty of circuit proposals of all kinds—from "generalist" to themed (trekking, motorbiking, 4x4, photography...)—as well as a few well-located all-inclusive stays.

Family

To Do

To Avoid

Senior Travelers

Women Travelers

Gay and Lesbian Travelers

Traveling with a Disability

Nothing is really set up in terms of transport, accommodation, etc., for reduced mobility when visiting Madagascar, especially for independent travelers. The best option is to go through a reliable local provider who can organize the trip, though this won’t always be easy or may require a certain budget.

In another area, local infrastructure—especially regarding healthcare—is very limited, sometimes almost nonexistent in certain places. In short, emergency care or evacuation options can rarely be "guaranteed," which is something to be aware of based on your needs before venturing into the country.