Experience the extraordinary wildlife and one-of-a-kind landscapes of Madagascar with our expertly guided small group tours.
Madagascar tours take you to one of the world's most extraordinary wildlife destinations — an island that split from mainland Africa millions of years ago and evolved entirely on its own terms. The result is a place unlike anywhere else: over 100 lemur species, ancient baobab forests, limestone tsingy formations, lush rainforests and remote coastline, all within a single country that remains well off the mass-tourism trail.
Our small group Madagascar tours explore the island's most compelling landscapes and reserves — from the UNESCO-listed rainforests of the Atsinanana and the wildlife-rich forests of Andasibe to the dramatic sandstone scenery of Isalo National Park and the remote Tsingy de Bemaraha. Whether you're tracking rare golden bamboo lemurs in Ranomafana, searching for the elusive fossa at Kirindy Reserve, or travelling through the remote north to find critically endangered species, each Madagascar holiday is built around genuine discovery in a destination that continually surprises.
Madagascar
Small-group departures led by local experts, plus private tailor-made itineraries shaped around your interests, pace and dates.
Madagascar's long isolation from the African mainland created an extraordinary level of endemism — over 90% of its wildlife exists nowhere else on earth. From lemurs and fossas to jewelled chameleons and the aye-aye, a Madagascar holiday delivers wildlife encounters that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.
Within a single tour itinerary, Madagascar shifts from UNESCO rainforests and limestone tsingy formations to sandstone canyon parks, dry deciduous reserves and remote coastline. Few destinations on the planet pack this much geographic diversity into one trip.
Despite its extraordinary appeal, Madagascar remains far from mainstream tourism. Its reserves, roads and reserves reward travellers who come prepared for adventure — with small group sizes of up to 12 people, the experience stays personal and unhurried throughout.
Over 18 ethnic groups with Malay, African, Arab and Indian heritage have shaped a culture rich in tradition, ritual and warm hospitality. Visiting communities such as the Zafimaniry adds real depth to any Madagascar tour package.
See itinerariesMadagascar rewards travellers who slow down — the best stories are found off the tour-bus route.
From the field
Sweet spot: May
Our Madagascar tours and holidays depart between May and October — a period that covers the island's cooler, drier months and offers the most comfortable conditions for travel and wildlife spotting. May, June and July bring mild temperatures and lower humidity across much of the country, making jungle walks and long overland journeys far more enjoyable. August and September are ideal for wildlife encounters at reserves such as Kirindy and Andasibe, when animals are active and vegetation is less dense. October rounds out the season with warm, dry conditions and guaranteed departures across all three itineraries. Madagascar's weather varies considerably by region and altitude, so conditions can differ even within a single trip.
Dispatches, field notes and practical advice from our specialists.
Reviews from across our small-group programme. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.
“Everything was excellent, from the assistance received during the booking process to the local guides to the accommodations to the adventure itself.”
Kat
Madagascar
“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”
Anna
“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”
Grete
“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”
Frank
“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”
Cathy
“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”
Lynn
“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”
Andy
“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”
Jennie
“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”
Debbie
“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”
Alexis
“Everything was excellent, from the assistance received during the booking process to the local guides to the accommodations to the adventure itself.”
Kat
Madagascar
“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”
Anna
“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”
Grete
“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”
Frank
“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”
Cathy
“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”
Lynn
“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”
Andy
“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”
Jennie
“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”
Debbie
“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”
Alexis
Every one of our Madagascar journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.
We’ll build one around you.
Madagascar is a destination that rewards those who go deeper. If our group Madagascar tour packages don't quite fit your dates or interests, we can design a tailor-made Madagascar holiday built entirely around you. Whether you want more time in Andasibe's rainforests, a longer stay at Isalo National Park, or a coastal extension at Ifaty, we'll create an itinerary that works at your pace. Contact our team to start planning your Madagascar travel package.
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Travel consultant and Tailormade Specialist
I have been fortunate enough to travel to almost 100 countries across every continent except Antarctica—which remains firmly at the top of my bucket list.
What I love most about travel is the sense of freedom and the anticipation of the unexpected. You never quite know what lies around the next corner. It might be waking in a remote Guyanese rainforest to the deafening chorus of Howler Monkeys, discovering a rare frog species found only on the summit of a Venezuelan tepui, chatting about cricket with passionate locals aboard a train in India, or joining an impromptu game of badminton with young monks in Bhutan. I also enjoy connecting with a destination through its food, discovering the stories, traditions, and people behind the local cuisine—most recently while travelling through Georgia.
Choosing favourite places is almost impossible, but a few experiences stand out. Marojejy National Park in north-eastern Madagascar is a breathtaking rainforest that feels as though it has been lifted straight from Jurassic Park, home to the critically endangered Silky Sifaka, one of the world's rarest primates. More recently, I treasured a rail journey through Romania with my son, lying in our sleeper compartment with the window open on a warm evening as we watched the golden landscapes of Transylvania drift by. Another unforgettable highlight was trekking through Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a truly humbling encounter with the magnificent Mountain Gorillas.
More recently, exploring the incredible biodiversity of Panama and the lush coffee-growing region of Colombia provided yet more memorable experiences, each offering a wonderful combination of spectacular scenery, fascinating wildlife, and warm local hospitality.
Next on the horizon is Kazakhstan, where I am developing an exciting new itinerary. I'm looking forward to discovering the immense landscapes, rich nomadic heritage, and hidden treasures of this remarkable Central Asian nation.
For me, travel is far more than simply visiting new places—it's about meaningful experiences, genuine human connections, and moments that stay with you long after you've returned home. It is a privilege I never take for granted, and one that continues to fuel my curiosity and passion for exploring the world.
With more than 25 years of experience helping travellers turn their dream journeys into reality, I'd feel privileged to help you plan your next adventure. Whether you're looking to join a carefully curated small-group tour or would prefer a bespoke tailor-made itinerary, I can help create an unforgettable travel experience almost anywhere in the world.
Our Madagascar tour packages start from £3,550 per person for an 18-day small group itinerary. Our 23-day Wild Madagascar tour is priced from £4,395 per person. All tours include accommodation, overland transport, domestic flights where shown, and the services of an expert guide throughout. Single room supplements apply — from £450 depending on the tour. Contact us for a full breakdown of what's included in each Madagascar holiday.
Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.
We constantly monitor official travel advice, including the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Madagascar Travel Advice, and will always advise clients of any warnings before departure. At the time of writing, there are no specific warnings against travel to the parts of Madagascar that we visit on our tours.
Please contact us if you have any specific concerns or would like to understand what measures are in place to ensure your trip remains safe and trouble-free.
For additional official guidance, travellers may also refer to:
- US Department of State — US State Dept Madagascar Travel Advisory
- Australian Government — Smartraveller Madagascar Advice
- Government of Canada — Canada Travel Advice for Madagascar
Please note this information applies primarily to British citizens — nationals of other countries should check the current position with their respective government travel authority.
Join a small-group departure, or let our Madagascar specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.
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