Madagascar

Reef and Rainforest Tours is the first, longest-established and most experienced specialist tour operator in the United Kingdom for Madagascar. Our director, Alan Godwin, first went to Madagascar over eighteen years ago, when it was still a communist dictatorship with very few visitors and the only vehicles on the roads were clapped out Citroen 2CVs and Dianes, held together with rubber bands.

Now Madagascar has a much improved infrastructure and a small but good range of high quality hotels, island resorts and forest lodges. We visit Madagascar at least annually to keep abreast of developments and expand our already profound knowledge of the country in order to design and facilitate excellent natural history tours for all our clients.

Natural history tourism is becoming one of the major sources of income for the country: by visiting Madagascar, you contribute directly to the conservation of its precious remaining forests and wildlife.

The fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar broke from continental Africa 65 million years ago, leaving its flora and fauna to evolve in isolation. Nearly all Madagascar’s mammals and reptile species and almost eighty per cent of its plants are endemic; that is, to be found nowhere else on Earth.

The best known animals are the attractive tree-dwelling lemurs: other favourites include the chameleons with their independently swivelling eyes (said by the Malagasy to be keeping watch on the past and the future), countless species of insects, spiders, and butterflies, and many endemic birds of special interest to ornithologists.

Of note botanically, the eerie spiny forests of the southwest are unique to Madagascar, the lush eastern rainforests harbour many endemic species, and in the west are found species-rich dry deciduous forests. There are seven species of baobabs - put into context, Africa and Australia have only one species apiece – and other interesting plant families such as aloes, euphorbias and pachypodiums, well adapted to arid environments.

With such an extensive coastline, Madagascar has miles of beautiful beaches, palm-fringed shoreline, numerous offshore islands and coral reefs providing wonderful snorkelling and diving.

A unique mix of African and Asian ethnicity yet united by one language, the Malagasy are friendly and well-mannered, characteristics which even the abject poverty of many of the people has failed to lessen. Each of the eighteen tribal groups has its own unique customs, taboos and traditions, often pertaining to the wildlife present in their area.

To visit Madagascar is to experience a land like no other.

Please note, we offer combination tours to SOUTH AFRICA & MADAGASCAR for a mindblowing mix of wildlife worlds - with lemurs, wildlife walks and other-worldly adventure in Madagascar to the 'Big Five' and out-of-this-world safari lodges of South Africa!

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

	Diverse Madagascar in Considerable Comfort Of great appeal to those wishing to travel in a high degree of comfort at a gentle pace without too much driving. From £4985.

	The De Luxe Grand Tour of Madagascar For a well-paced overland journey escorted by private guide and driver experiencing panoramic landscapes and unwinding at Anjajavy Resort, the most exclusive luxury coast resort in the country. From £5185.

	Wildlife-Rich Reserves and Charming Tropical Isles Combines the exceptional wildlife and scenery found in the most important reserves of the north and west with a beautiful tropical island for pure beach relaxation. From £4355.

	A Marvellously Natural Madagascar Honeymoon If a reason for getting married was ever needed, this is it! Combining the most exclusive coastal resorts in the country with the many natural history marvels to be found in Madagascar’s forests. From £4895.

	Northern Madagascar for the Actively Adventurous This tour includes some of the most exciting locations in all of Madagascar resulting in a varied journey mostly well off the beaten track. from £4745.

	Adventure Overland: From Hauts Plateaux to Spiny Forest For active individuals who relish good hiking, stunning landscapes, varied wildlife viewing, unusual flora and friendly encounters with interesting tribes will greatly appeal. From £3635.

	Madagascar’s Delightful Diversity – On a Budget Designed for the budget-minded traveller with limited time who wishes to enjoy a good spread of Madagascar’s manifold attractions at an affordable price. From £3155.

	Perinet, Mantadia and Anjajavy – In Style and Comfort Giving those with limited time the chance to gain an excellent insight into what makes Madagascar such a special holiday destination whilst enjoying luxury lodge and boutique resort comforts. From £4125.

	The Wildlife of the Dry South and West Designed for those wishing to visit Madagascar from December to April when rain is more frequent, and includes prime wildlife locations which normally receive the least precipitation. From £4355.

	A Deservedly Deluxe Honeymoon to Madagascar & South Africa A mix of highly contrasting exotic worlds - Madagascar's forest, Indian Ocean beaches and lemurs, and South Africa's bushveld with elephants, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalos and more on luxury safari. An altogether wonderful wildlife honeymoon. From £5160.

	Madagascar & South Africa Wildlife Spectacular! Combining the weird and wonderful wildlife, forests and landscapes of Madagascar with luxury African safari game drives in South Africa. Experience two very different wildlife destinations in one holiday. From £4425.

SMALL GROUP TOURS & SET DEPARTURES

We offer Small Group Tours / Set Departures to Madagascar for those who enjoy travelling together with like-minded people.

When to Go

Travel between the end of April and end of November is preferable to avoid the wet season, with April/May and October/November being best for animal activity. Notwithstanding some geographical variations, June to September normally offers dry, cooler weather.

Madagascar Tours From September to November, many bird species are displaying, nesting and in breeding plumage, and baby lemurs can be seen clinging to their mothers. Try to avoid late December to early April – wet season.