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Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world and following the prehistoric breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana, split from the Indian peninsula around 88 million years ago, allowing native plants and animals to evolve in relative isolation. Consequently, Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot; over 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth. The island's diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife are under immense pressure so responsible tourism is key to protecting the remaining areas.
More than 80 percent of Madagascar's 14,883 plant species are found nowhere else in the world, including five plant families. The family Didiereaceae, composed of four genera and 11 species, is limited to the spiny forests of southwestern Madagascar. Four-fifths of the world's Pachypodium species are endemic to the island. Three-fourths of Madagascar's 860 orchid species are found here alone, as are six of the world's eight baobabspecies. The island is home to around 170 palm species, three times as many as on all of mainland Africa; 165 of them are endemic. Many native plant species are used as herbal remedies for a variety of afflictions. The drugs vinblastine and vincristine, used to treat Hodgkin's disease, leukemia and other cancers, were derived from the Madagascar periwinkle. The traveler's palm, known locally as ravinala and endemic to the eastern rain forests, is highly iconic of Madagascar and is featured in the national emblem as well as the Air Madagascar logo.
Lemurs have been characterized as "Madagascar's flagship mammal species" and in the absence of monkeys and other competitors, these primates have adapted to a wide range of habitats and diversified into numerous species. As of 2012, there were officially 103 species and subspecies of lemur, 39 of which were described by zoologists only recently, between 2000 and 2008. They are almost all classified as rare, vulnerable, or endangered. At least 17 species of lemur have become extinct since man arrived on Madagascar, all of which were larger than the surviving lemur species. A number of other mammals, including the cat-like fossa, are endemic to Madagascar.
Over 300 species of birds have been recorded on the island, of which over 60 percent (including four families and 42 genera) are endemic.
The few families and genera of reptile that have reached Madagascar have diversified into more than 260 species, with over 90 percent of these being endemic (including one endemic family). The island is home to two-thirds of the world's chameleon species, including the smallest known, and researchers have proposed that Madagascar may be the origin of all chameleons.
Endemic fish of Madagascar include two families, 15 genera and over 100 species, primarily inhabiting the island's freshwater lakes and rivers. Although invertebrates remain poorly studied on Madagascar, researchers have found high rates of endemism among the known species. All 651 species of terrestrial snail are endemic, as are a majority of the island's butterflies, scarab beetles, lacewings, spiders and dragonflies. (Info - Wikipedia)
If this doesn't tantalize your exploratory tastebuds then throw in warm ocean waters, eco-lodges, active experiences and a good dose of adventure...
OUR MADAGASCAR SAFARIS
We have narrowed down our Madagascar safari offering to a select destination that we feel encapsulates what Madagascar is about - wildlife, forest and ocean, staying in an off-grid eco camp with quality guides. Please see below.
FORESTS AND BEACHES OF MADAGASCAR
13 DAYS
USD11 750.00
This Madagascar journey blends adventure, wildlife, and relaxation, starting with a night in Antananarivo before exploring the lush rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park from Mantadia Lodge. A stop at Nosy Manga Hotel precedes an immersive four-night stay at Mandrare River Camp, where you'll discover the unique spiny forests and Antandroy culture. Another night in Antananarivo at Nosy Manga Hotel serves as a transition to the pristine beaches and rich biodiversity of Anjajavy Lodge, where you'll spend three nights enjoying coastal beauty and nature.
MADAGASCAR TRIPLE FORESTS SAFARI
13 DAYS
USD10 600.00
This Madagascar safari begins with a night in Antananarivo before heading to Mantadia Lodge for two nights, where you'll explore the rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and encounter iconic wildlife like the Indri lemur. A stop at Nosy Manga Hotel precedes four nights at Mandrare River Camp, offering deep cultural immersion with the Antandroy people and exploration of the spiny forest. After another night in Antananarivo, you’ll journey to Namoroka Tsingy Lodge for three nights, discovering the dramatic limestone formations, caves, and unique wildlife of Tsingy de Namoroka.
BEST OF MADAGASCAR SAFARI
10 DAYS
USD11 680.00
This Madagascar itinerary offers a diverse experience, combining coastal and rainforest environments. The core of the trip is split between three nights at Anjajavy, a coastal location known for its unique dry forest and tsingy formations, and four nights at Masoala Forest Lodge, nestled within the biodiverse and lush Masoala National Park, a haven for rainforest exploration and wildlife viewing. This journey blends relaxation on the coast with immersive nature experiences in the rainforest.
ESSENTIAL MADAGASCAR SAFARI
10 DAYS
USD5 250.00
This Madagascar journey begins with a night in Antananarivo, followed by two nights at Mantadia Lodge provide the perfect base for exploring Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, home to the famous indri lemurs and lush rainforest trails. A night at Novotel Hotel Antananarivo offers a comfortable pause before heading north to Joffreville. Here, two nights at Nature Lodge allow for exploration of Amber Mountain National Park, known for its waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and stunning scenery. The adventure continues with three nights at Iharana Bush Camp, an eco-lodge near the dramatic Tsingy formations, where guests can enjoy guided walks, canoeing, cave visits, and breathtaking sunsets in a remote and wild setting.
MADAGASCAR BLUE LAGOON EXPEDITION
11 DAYS
EURO6 070.00
The Blue Lagoon Expedition is a 10 night adventure that takes travelers to the remote and pristine northeast coast of Madagascar, combining the lush rainforests of Masoala National Park with the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon. This exclusive experience offers a mix of terrestrial and marine exploration, with guided forest walks to discover Madagascar’s unique wildlife, including lemurs, chameleons, and rare birds. Guests also enjoy marine activities such as snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, sea kayaking along the picturesque coastline, and boat excursions to secluded beaches and islets. Accommodation is in eco-lodges that blends comfort with nature.
MASOALA FOREST LODGE - MADAGASCAR
8 DAYS
EURO4 920.00
Masoala Forest Lodge is an eco-friendly retreat nestled between the pristine rainforests of Masoala National Park and the coral-rich waters of the Tampolo Marine Reserve in Madagascar. Accessible only by boat, the lodge offers seven elevated, thatched treehouses that provide guests with an immersive experience in the heart of nature. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including guided forest walks to spot endemic wildlife, sea kayaking along the forested coastline, snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, and seasonal whale watching.