Madagascar Holidays

While the East of Madagascar may not have the North's diversity, Eastern Madagascar holidays' combination of National Parks in the interior and the stunningly beautiful coastline and island paradise of Ile Sainte Marie make this difficult place to reach well worth the effort. The undisputed star of the inland show is Andasibe-Mantadia National Park with its primary forests home to fourteen species of lemur including the largest of the lot, the Indri Lemur. Twitchers should note there are also over 100 species of bird for you to spot. Heading to the coast, the Palmarium Reserve is another good place to spot Indri Lemurs, but in a more open setting next to the Pangalan Channel. Alternatively, or as a lovely combination, just a short flight from Antananarivo lies the laid back island of Il Sainte Marie off the east coast. The island has shed its gritty pirate past (they would plunder ships carrying the profits of the spice trade) and is now an extremely friendly place where you'll find sandy beaches lined with coconut palms, wonderful coral reefs and small, intimate hotels. It feels a lot like the Caribbean, basically. The channel between the island and the mainland is also a hot spot for whale watching as large groups of humpbacks make their way from the Antarctic to breed in warmer waters between June and September.

Madagascar is massive, and unless you're looking at a sabbatical then it's unlikely you'll have time to take in the entire island. That's where we come in, because we know the island well and can suggest a holiday itinerary to fit your brief exactly. One quick win? Should you want the perfect combo of adventure and beach action, consider a northern Madagascar holiday because this region is home to some of the country's most dramatic landscapes (which is really saying something) and also the best luxury beach hotels in Madagascar.

There is no better way to explore every nook and cranny of this fascinating country than by car, and your private driver and guide will ensure your Southern Madagascar holiday is a memorable one. Working your way from Tana down to Tuleur in the southwest, discover a puzzle of landscapes, vegetation and ethnic groups, from the rice producing terraced highlands and the tropical forest of Ranomafana to the mountains of the Tsaranoro Valley and the semi desert canyons of Isalo National Park. Along the way, visit National Parks rich in endemic flora and fauna, encounter countless species of lemur and other fantastical creatures, discover local cultural traditions and be welcomed by the incredible hospitality of remote villages which have yet to embrace the 21st century. Spend half a day relaxing on one of the country's most scenic train journeys or go riding in the Isalo National Park, Madagascar's equivalent of the Rockies. With lovely new accommodation options springing up all the time, you can stay in comfortable hotels each night making this a great first foray into Madagascar. After travelling the length of the country, or half of it at least, relax on one of the many pristine beaches scattered along the coast.