Madagascar, an exceptional island nation nestled off the coast of East Africa, boasts a unique allure. Its reputation is built upon breathtaking landscapes, an abundance of diverse wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage. For luxury travellers in search of an unforgettable African expedition, Madagascar stands as an ideal destination.
Why November?
Well, November marks the onset of the dry season in Madagascar. During this period, the weather takes a turn for the better, with warm and sunny days, along with a minimal chance of rain. These conditions are perfect for exploring the island’s remarkable outdoor attractions, including lush rainforests, captivating national parks, and pristine beaches.
In essence, Madagascar is a hidden gem that caters to luxury travellers seeking adventure and natural beauty. Whether you’re fascinated by remarkable landscapes, intrigued by unique wildlife, or eager to explore a rich cultural heritage, Madagascar promises an experience that will remain etched in your memory. And November, with its favorable weather conditions, provides an excellent opportunity to embark on this extraordinary journey.
Places to Visit
Here are some of the best places to visit in Madagascar:
- Andasibe National Park: Imagine stepping into a realm where lemurs rule the treetops. Andasibe National Park, located in Madagascar, is your ticket to this extraordinary experience. Here, you’ll encounter the indri, the largest lemur species globally, among various other lemurs. The lush rainforest and enchanting wildlife make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
- Morondova: If you’re a fan of unique natural wonders, Morondova should be on your list. This charming town is renowned for its mesmerising Baobab Avenue. Picture a road flanked by colossal baobab trees, creating an otherworldly scenery. It’s a sight that’s nothing short of magical, especially during sunrise or sunset.
- Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park: Prepare to be awed by nature’s artistry. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Tsingy, a geological masterpiece. These sharp limestone pinnacles form a surreal landscape that feels like something out of a sci-fi movie.
- Diego Suarez: Located in northern Madagascar, Diego Suarez is a charming port city that serves as an ideal base for adventurers. From here, you can explore gems like the Amber Mountain National Park and the tropical paradise of Nosy Be Island. It’s a blend of coastal beauty and natural wonders.
- Ankara Tsingy: For a twist on the Tsingy experience, head to Ankara Tsingy. Here, you’ll also encounter the Red Tsingy, characterised by its reddish rock formations. It’s a geological marvel akin to Tsingy de Bemaraha but with a unique hue.
- Nosy Be: Off the coast of Diego Suarez lies Nosy Be, an island known for its postcard-worthy white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s a paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Nosy Be is the main island of the archipelago and this offers many options for excursion or hotels to stay at.
- Míavana, Anjanjavy, Tsarabinja, Tsarakomba: If you seek remote tranquility and the essence of luxury in Madagascar, these four remote luxury beach lodges are everything you need for that special luxurious escape.
- Fort Dauphin and Fianarantsoa: In the southern reaches of Madagascar, you’ll discover Fort Dauphin with its French colonial architecture and stunning beaches. Fianarantsoa, on the other hand, offers a deep dive into traditional Malagasy culture and easy access to Ranomafana National Park.
These are just a few highlights of Madagascar’s diverse and captivating landscape.
Things to Do
In addition to visiting the places listed above, there are a number of other things to do in Madagascar, including:
Wildlife Adventure: Madagascar is like a treasure chest of unique and endangered wildlife. Imagine getting up close and personal with lemurs, chameleons, and even the elusive fossa! Guided tours will lead you into their natural habitats, making it an adventure you won’t forget.
Hiking and Trekking Extravaganza: If you’re a nature enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. Madagascar boasts a range of stunning national parks with hiking and trekking trails for all levels of experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll through nature, Madagascar has it all.
Beach Bliss: Madagascar’s beaches are nothing short of paradise. Think powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and swaying palm trees. It’s the perfect setting for beach-combing, water sports, or simply soaking up the sun. Beach lovers, this is your haven.
Cultural Immersion: Beyond its natural wonders, Madagascar has a rich tapestry of culture waiting to be explored. Step back in time by visiting traditional villages, bustling markets, and insightful museums. It’s a journey through history and tradition that will leave you enriched.
So, whether you’re seeking thrilling wildlife encounters, embarking on a nature hike, basking on pristine beaches, or delving into the island’s cultural heritage, Madagascar has it all. Your adventure here will be as diverse as the island itself.
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Places to Stay
Madagascar has a number of luxury resorts and lodges located throughout the island. These resorts offer stunning accommodations, world-class amenities, and personalised service.
Here are a few of the best luxury resorts and lodges in Madagascar:
- Mantadia Lodge: Nestled in the heart of Andasibe National Park, this lodge not only offers plush accommodations but also treats you to breathtaking views of the rainforest right from your window.
- Palissandre Cote Ouest: If you’ve ever dreamed of living amidst giant baobab trees, this resort in Morondova can make it come true. Plus, it’s your direct ticket to exploring the mystical Baobab Avenue.
- Iharana Bush camp: For those craving a taste of adventure along with luxury, this lodge in Ankarana National Park offers both. You’ll wake up to mesmerising views of the Tsingy formations.
- Miavana: Imagine being on your private island off the coast of Diego Suarez. Miavana is where luxury takes on a new meaning. Besides lavish accommodations, it offers a world-class experience like no other.
- TsaraKombo: This one’s only 5 minutes from Nosy Be island and it’s luxury at it’s best. You can choose any of their rooms because they all have incredible beach views, each promising a delightful stay.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a secluded island retreat or want to be right in the heart of Madagascar’s natural wonders, the accommodation options here make sure your stay is as unforgettable as the island itself.
Navigating Your Madagascar Adventure
Now that you’re gearing up for an unforgettable Madagascar adventure, let’s dive into some practical tips to make your journey as smooth as a glassy sea:
Plan Early: First things first, Madagascar is a coveted destination, especially during peak seasons. To secure your slice of paradise, start planning at least six months in advance. This will give you the upper hand when it comes to booking accommodations and activities.
Travel with a Pro: Madagascar’s rugged beauty is part of its allure, but it can also be a puzzle to navigate. This is where travel experts shine. They can craft the ideal itinerary, handle flights and lodging, and ensure you’re well-prepared for your journey, especially if you’re venturing off the beaten path.
Ready for the Ride: Let’s chat about the roads. They might not always be smooth as silk, but that’s part of the adventure. Embrace the unexpected and enjoy the journey, especially if you’re planning to explore remote corners.
Pack Wisely: Last but not least, packing. Madagascar’s weather can vary widely depending on when and where you visit. Sunblock, hats, and comfy clothing are must-packs. Depending on the season, you might also need rain gear and items to combat the humidity. Be ready for anything Mother Nature throws your way.
So, while Madagascar’s infrastructure might not be the slickest, it’s entirely manageable with the right attitude and a pinch of planning.
Madagascar is a truly unique and unforgettable destination for luxury travellers. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich culture, Madagascar has something to offer everyone. If you are looking for an African adventure that is off the beaten path and different, Madagascar is the perfect destination for you.
Are you ready to escape to Madagaascar?
Schedule a free planning session with me, and together we will create a personalized itinerary that fits your interests and budget. I’ll help you choose the perfect lodge, plan your activities, and book your transportation.
What Our Clients Say
Brendan Magauran2024-04-14Incredible! Beyond expectations. German guided us on an absolutely amazing trip to Cape Town, Franschhoek, Hermanus and a safari at Thornybush game reserve. Every recommendation was spot on from a restaurants to a guided tour of Cape Point, the Hop on hop off bus, where to visit in the wine country, lodging in a beach front suite in Hermanus. As for the safari at Thornybush - WOW! More than we could have ever imagined in terms of luxury and game sightings. Thank you German. Looking forward to our next trip with you as our guide. And yes, we have told all family and friends, this is the man to contact for their travels.Ellen H.2024-04-12We feel beyond lucky to have found Nanan Travel! We are from the USA and are DIY-ers, used to making our own travel arrangements. When planning for our bucket-list trip to S. Africa, it quickly got overwhelming and stressful to differentiate among the innumerable safari options on the internet, figure out domestic flights, assess safety concerns, find a private driver to tour Cape Point, etc. We did not want to travel with a tour group, nor use a global internet travel agency, so I looked for a travel agent actually based in Cape Town so that we could deal with just one person who really knew the area. I found Nanan based on location and reviews, then was sold by their individualized approach and willingness to help with as much or as little of the planning as one wants. We reached out to German de la Melena and he answered immediately, even though it was a Sunday evening in Cape Town, wanting to hear all about our wishes so that he could work on things promptly and have a suggested itinerary by the time we woke up the next morning! He was thoughtful, conscientious, friendly, worked within our budget and did not try to upsell us, gave us options and even incorporated some specific requests we had. From that initial contact on, all the stress and worry about our upcoming trip went away! After designing a fantastic itinerary for us, the true test of an amazing travel agent came when my husband injured himself the week before our trip and couldn’t travel, requiring us to postpone for 4 weeks. While we were dealing with stressful health issues, we gave German our medical documentation and he took care of the rest. He had to change all of our reservations and domestic flights, and went above and beyond to do so without our incurring more expense. What a huge relief! German remained remarkably responsive before and during our trip, able to advise on any question and troubleshoot any problem, reachable by What’s App in minutes. Between the great itinerary and the peace of mind, working with German and knowing he had our back truly made all the difference in our experience being the trip of a lifetime!! Thank you, German! You deserve more than 5 stars and I will refer everyone I know to you!Pablo Berenbaum2024-03-17Exclente organización. Hoteles, tours, impecables !!! Gracias Germán x las sugerencias, el viaje fue INCREIBLE !Faisal Alaali2024-03-13I cannot say enough great things about Nanan Travel. He organized a spectacular trip to South Africa for me, and every detail was absolutely perfect. From the boutique hotels to the incredible safari stays, everything was top-notch and exceeded my expectations. The entire trip was seamlessly planned, and I never once had to worry about a thing. The accommodations were luxurious, the guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and the overall experience was truly unforgettable. Last part was the stay in Cape Town before heading back home. The city is absolutely stunning, and I was able to explore all it had to offer thanks to the amazing recommendations from German. I highly recommend Nanan Travel for anyone looking to plan a trip to South Africa or any other destination. Their attention to detail, personalized service, and overall expertise make them the best in the business. Thank you German for an incredible journey that I will never forget!Manuel D2024-03-08Hemos pasado días espectaculares en Sudáfrica y Zimbabue, toda la organización de nuestros hijos con German funcionaron perfectamente. Todas las actividades, lodges, tours, safaris, fueron perfectos, así como el trato recibido en cada lugar fue muy personalizado, haciendo que este viaje sea inolvidable. Cada detalle funcionó a la perfección. Nanan Travel es 100% confiable y recomendable.Monica C2024-03-08Acabamos de llegar a Lima después de un viaje soñado a Africa. Mi hija y su esposo, que habían hecho Safari el año pasado por su Luna de Miel, querían que los cuatros papas viviéramos y sintiéramos toda la adrenalina y experiencias que ellos habían vivido, así que no lo pensaron dos veces y nos invitaron a este viaje único y maravilloso. Gracias Nanan Travel, gracias German, hemos vivido lo que realmente quisieron transmitirnos los Manuela y Rodrigo, los lugares visitados, las atenciones, los hoteles y su staff, todo, y la experiencia de estar con los animales asi de cerca es única. Si quieren hacer un viaje soñado, no dejen de contactar a German, escriban a Nanan Travel, y no se arrepentirán. Gracias por Todo!!Gustavo Rivera2024-03-05Fue espectacular, desde el momento en que llegamos a Cape Town hasta que llegamos a Lima de vuelta estuvimos súper engreídos, los lugares escogidos para descansar , los guías, todo lo conocido !!, realmente un viaje de ensueño, recomendado a mil !!! Gracias Germán, eres un capo !!!Violeta Rivera2024-03-05Espectacular ! hemos pasado unos días increíbles con un servicio de primera Volvería hacer el mismo viaje mañana mismo !!!Lizbett Arevalo2024-02-26If you want to sit back, relax and enjoy… German is the way to go! My 16 YO son and I had the best dream trip came true to South Africa thanks to him! I can’t thank you enough German! Starting from Cape town then Safari and meeting my best friend in Johannesburg… I call it an OVER THE TOP kind of vacation🤩🤩🤩🙌🙏❤️🐆🐘🇿🇦🦁 🦏
