Written by Haley Beham

Africa is a jewel of a continent. Whether it’s the Big Five of South Africa, the dunes of Namibia, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania, or the gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda, every country offers travelers something unique and special. 

For those intrepid enough to travel there, Madagascar is also a rewarding destination. The world’s fourth-largest island is a world of its own, both geographically and experientially. You won’t find mass tourism here. Instead, you’ll find miles of solitude on sandy beaches and forests alive with the sounds of birdsong, rustling leaves, and the haunting calls of the rare indri lemurs. 

Wild, Raw, Untamed 

To call Madagascar a naturalist’s paradise is an understatement; it is one of the world’s most remarkable biological treasures. Ninety percent of Madagascar’s flora and fauna exist nowhere else on earth. In fact, nearly all of Madagascar’s mammals are endemic to the island, including its iconic lemurs, the world’s smallest chameleons, and the fossa. What is perhaps even more fascinating is that scientists continue to discover new species each year. And of Madagascar’s more than 285 bird species, about 100 can only be found on the island. This level of endemism rivals that of the Galapagos Islands and has earned it the recognition as the “eighth continent” among biologists and conservationists.

This biological richness stems from Madagascar’s variety of ecosystems. In the east, the rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park are draped in orchids and ferns. The park is home to some of Madagascar’s most famous creatures, including chameleons the size of your thumb and the indri lemur, known for their teddy-bear faces, black-and-white markings, and haunting calls. Mouse lemurs, endemic frogs, leaf-tailed geckos, and night-blooming orchids can all be seen on a night walk through the rainforest.  

Meanwhile, the spiny forests of the south are an otherworldly landscape, dominated by massive baobab trees and forests of octopus trees. The arid wilderness is home to wildlife such as ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifaka. For the Antandroy and Mahafaly people, these forests are situated near sacred sites with numerous ancient tombs in the vicinity.  

Along the coasts, mangrove forests and coral reefs add a marine dimension to Madagascar's biological richness. The waters surrounding Nosy Be off the northwest coast are alive with color. Whale sharks glide through the waters, while reef sharks patrol the coral gardens. From July to September, the waters off Île Sainte-Marie serve as a highway for humpback whales, which arrive from the Antarctic feeding grounds to give birth in the warm coastal waters.  

Where Luxury Meets the Wild 

Madagascar is raw and wild, but that doesn’t mean you’re roughing it. The island nation boasts a wealth of luxury properties nestled among lush trees, on secluded private islands, and along tranquil rivers. Our favorite properties in Madagascar share a common thread: they are designed to immerse you in the island’s magic while delivering impeccable comfort and service. The lodges range from castaway chic to the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity, but all are intimate in scale, offer personalized service, and are seamlessly integrated into the natural environment. Things like overwater hammocks, kayaking quiet coves, and dining on a private sandbank under a starry sky are just some of the experiences you can expect.  

Take, for example, Miavana by Time + Tide. The ultra-luxury lodge is located on the largest of five islands in a remote archipelago off the northeastern coast of Madagascar. It is accessible only by helicopter from Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) and Nosy Be airports. The island sanctuary offers spacious villas with infinity pools and curated adventures like snorkeling with sea turtles, reef diving, and helicopter safaris over the baobab forests and tsingy formations. With a high staff-to-guest ratio, you can expect a highly personalized stay with staff who anticipate your every need.

Masoala Forest Lodge, accessible only by boat, is situated on the densely forested Masoala Peninsula, where the “rainforest meets the ocean.” Located in a private reserve within Masoala National Park, guests have the unique opportunity to take a night walk, which is usually banned in national parks, giving them a chance to spot nocturnal wildlife. During migration season, humpback whales can also be spotted off the coast of the lodge’s pristine beaches.  

​​Anjajavy Lodge embodies sophisticated safari luxury on the Great Red Island's northwest coast. Set within a pristine private reserve spanning ​1,112 acre​s, this remote sanctuary is accessible only by private aircraft, ensuring complete exclusivity. Guests can venture out on a traditional dhow sailing excursion to nearby beaches or take a guided walk in search of the rare golden-crowned sifaka lemur. ​ 

In the south, Mandrare River Camp provides an authentic safari experience along the banks of the seasonal Mandrare River. This eco-luxury camp consists of spacious canvas tents elevated on wooden platforms, offering panoramic views of the spiny forest landscape. The property serves as an ideal base for encountering Madagascar's signature wildlife, including ring-tailed lemurs, radiated tortoises, and over 100 bird species. At the same time, the knowledgeable naturalist guides share insights into the unique Antandroy culture. 

Perfect Itinerary Pairings 

While Madagascar is a standalone destination, it also combines seamlessly with other mainland destinations in Africa. Pair it with South Africa for a wine and wilderness journey. Spend time in the Winelands, enjoy a Big Five safari, and explore the wild lands of Madagascar on one epic trip. Similarly, pair it with a safari to Kenya and Tanzania to enjoy some beach time at the end of a safari. 

PRO TIP | Island-hop through the Indian Ocean for a beach-meets-the-wild adventure, with stays in Mauritius, the Seychelles, and concluding in Madagascar. -Haley Beham, Lead Content Strategist