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 fifteen 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 progressive democratic president, 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.

Of great appeal to those wishing to travel in a high degree of comfort at a gentle pace without too much driving, Diverse Madagascar in Considerable Comfort comes highly recommended; 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, The De Luxe Grand Tour of Madagascar will hold great appeal; 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; if a reason for getting married was ever needed A Marvellously Natural Madagascar Honeymoon is it, combining the most exclusive coastal resort in the country with the many natural history marvels to be found in Madagascar’s forests, and a lovely private island resort; Northern Madagascar for the Actively Adventurous includes some of the most exciting locations in all of Madagascar resulting in a varied journey mostly well off the beaten track; for active individuals who relish good hiking, stunning landscapes, varied wildlife viewing, unusual flora and friendly encounters with interesting tribes Adventure Overland: From Hauts Plateaux to Spiny Forest will greatly appeal; Madagascar’s Delightful Diversity – On a Budget is 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; whilst Perinet, Mantadia and Anjajavy – In Style and Comfort gives 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; and finally The Wildlife of the Dry South and West has been 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.

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.