Madagascar

A holiday in Madagascar is wild, intoxicating, and altogether otherworldly. This island is the only Afro-Asiatic landmass on the planet, a fascinating blend of Indo-Malayan culture and ancient African landscapes. Here, rice paddies are just as important as zebu cattle. Meanwhile, ancestral traditions continue to thrive alongside modern Christian beliefs.

A Standalone Destination

Separated from Africa and India some 88 million years ago, Madagascar stands today as a unique destination. It is renowned for its biodiversity, much of which exists nowhere else in the world. In fact, five percent of all known animal and plant species only exist in Madagascar. Half of the bird species, 80% of the flora, 90% of the reptiles, and every mammal—including the beloved lemurs—are endemic. Therefore, to call Madagascar a naturalist’s paradise is an understatement. Many of these wonders can be discovered on our Madagascar travel packages.

Madagascar is the fourth largest island on Earth, more than twice the size of Great Britain. Its massive scale and equatorial position in the Indian Ocean create dramatic climates and astonishing landscapes.

A Diverse Landscape

In the north, tropical islands with white beaches and coral reefs dazzle visitors. However, they soon yield to the dry tsingy peaks, limestone forests, and iconic baobab trees of the West. Around Antananarivo, affectionately called “Tana,” the highlands open into lush rice paddies. Beyond them lie woodland trails and secret streams to the east, while mystical tombs and tribal reserves await in the south.

Some national parks in Madagascar see fewer than 100 visitors annually. Indeed, certain resorts are so remote they require a private plane or boat to reach. As a result, Madagascar is ideal for travelers seeking seclusion and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Moreover, its endless sunshine makes it one of the most appealing tropical escapes in the world.

Indigenous Culture

Culturally, Madagascar is a true melting pot. The first arrivals came between 350 BCE and 550 CE from Borneo. A few centuries later, Bantu migrants crossed the Mozambique Channel. Arab, Indian, and Chinese settlers also made their mark. Consequently, Malagasy culture developed into a rich blend, one that Marco Polo noted in 1500.

United under the British crown in the 19th century and colonized by France in 1896, Madagascar eventually gained independence in 1960. Today, around 22 million Malagasy people divide into 18 ethnic groups. The people are renowned for their exquisite handicrafts and for speaking a melodic, poetic language.

Luxury Madagascar Travel Packages with Ker & Downey

Our curated Madagascar travel packages offer more than just a journey—they provide authentic encounters and luxury experiences across this extraordinary island. Contact a Ker & Downey Travel Designer to personalize your own luxury Madagascar tour packages. In the meantime, read more about the seasons and pricing in Southern Africa. For even more travel inspiration, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X.