Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, is a treasure trove of unique wildlife, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures. As 2025 approaches, planning a tour to Madagascar promises an adventure like no other. Here, we’ll explore some of the most popular tour routes, destinations, and must-see attractions that will make your trip unforgettable.
Some of our favourite 2025 Madagascar tour routes
1. The Classic Tour Route – RN7 to the southwest
A classic tour to Madagascar often starts in the bustling capital city of Antananarivo, before heading southwest down the Route Nationale 7 (RN7) to the southwest. This is one of the easier Madagascar travel itineraries as it relies on a well-maintained, popular tourist route, but it still has a lot to offer with incredibly varied terrain, lots of wildlife, and many cultural highlights. Most travelers take 8-12 days to do this route.
You will fly into the capital city, Antananarivo, which is served by several international airlines (see how to get to Madagascar here). From there, you can visit local artisans in Ambatolampy and the famous wood carvers in Ambositra. After that, many travelers head to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, a sanctuary for Madagascar’s iconic lemurs. This park is perfect for spotting the Indri, the largest lemur species, whose haunting calls can be heard echoing through the forest. There are several other parks in the same area, including some great community-based ecotourism initiatives.
Next, head on to Isalo National Park. An otherworldly landscape of sandstone formations, deep canyons, and natural pools, Isalo is one of the hiking highlights of Madagascar, but is also home to an incredible variety of bird life.
After a few days in Isalo, carry on into southern Madagascar through the distinctive dry landscape which characterizes the south, with baobab trees, sapphire seekers and the beautiful traditional tombs of the Mahafaly and Antandroy peoples.
The tour ends in one of the beach resort towns of Madagascar – Tulear, Anakao or Ifaty. All have their charms, but discerning travelers may want to opt for one of the quieter options like Ifaty or Anakao, where you can find yourself in a beachfront lodge with a totally empty white sand beach at your front door!
2. Northern Madagascar: Amazing wildlife, French cuisine and stunning beaches
Another popular route when traveling in Madagascar is a northern circuit. This takes in several national parks (including some remarkable tsingy rock formations), the colonial architecture and cuisine of regional capital Antsiranana (formerly known as Diego Suarez), and the stunning Emerald Sea. This route takes 11-14 days, depending on how long you want to spend in each place and regional flights.
Starting again from Antananarivo, you can take a morning flight to Mahajunga, followed by a drive to Ankarafantsika National Park. Enjoy an afternoon hike to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, spotting endemic bird species like the Van Dam’s vanga. Night walks to spot nocturnal wildlife are also possible.
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We are just back from a fantastic trip to Madagascar with Dadamanga. Throughout the whole process, from initial contact to the end of our trip, Dadamanga (and Madagascar) thoroughly exceeded our expectations!
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After Ankarafantsika, travel back to Mahajunga, before flying to Diego Suarez. This vibrant coastal city was a major colonial port, and retains a lot of the distinctive architecture and cuisine. Take some time to tour the city and check out the markets. A trip to the north would not be complete without a day trip to the Emerald Sea, one of the most beautiful spots in Madagascar, known for its crystal-clear waters, snorkelling, swimming and of course white sand beaches.
After a day or two of relaxing, its back on the wildlife trail and over to Montage d’Ambre national park. This popular reserve is home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians and birds, but also a good place to spot the extremely cute tenrec – Madagascar’s answer to the hedgehog. A full day hike is ample to see this park.
Moving on to Ankarana national park, you can experience the otherworldly tsingy rock formations (the smaller cousin of the world-famous Tsingy de Bemaraha on the southwest coast). Take at least a full day to explore this excellent park, and don’t miss the bat caves in particular, where you can see hundreds of bats roosting and chittering away to each other in the darkness. From Ankarana it’s back to the capital and home.
3. 2025 Madagascar Legends Tour – Baobabs, Tsingy, Riverboats and Indri lemurs
If you have two weeks to spare and want to get in as much variety as possible, the legends tour takes in the most famous sights and experiences in style. As always we start in the capital, Antananarivo, where you can handle practical matters like getting a SIM card, changing money and learning your first few phrases of Malagasy.
From Tana, your English-speaking Dadamanga tour guide will take you on the road south, through Merina highlands and the artisan town of Ambatolampy. There’s a lot to enjoy in this lush green landscape of rice paddies and spectacular eroded hills. Following stops in Antsirabe and Miandrivazo where you can stay in excellent eco-lodges and some surprisingly luxurious hotels, its on to an adventurous dirt track before we reach the start of the river.
The journey along the Tsiribihina river takes 3-4 days, during which you’ll be able to take in the stunning scenery of the gorge of Bemaraha at a relaxed pace from the riverboat deck. Full-board camping on the riverbank overnight is an unforgettable experience with millions of stars visible, and morning showers in waterfalls.
In time we reach Tsingy de Bemaraha national park, the emblematic stone jungles for which the area is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A day visit to this park is recommended, during which you have the chance to spot up to 11 lemur and 100 bird species.
Onward via road and ferry to Kirindy Reserve, where you enjoy night walks looking for the smallest lemur on earth, Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur, and the elusive Fossa, Madagascar’s largest predator. Kirindy is also a haven for 70 bird species, extremely rare tortoises and the shortest-living chameleon.
After Kirindy the next stop is the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs. The stunning spectacle of these towering, unusual trees forming a grand avenue of colossal columns is a must-visit for any photographer at sunset.
To complete the legends tour we travel back to Antananarivo via Antsirabe, covering the better part of 1,000km over several days. While some of these can be long travel days, the scenery is every changing, and stops at reserves including Andasibe, Analamazaotra and Vakona are recommended to stretch your legs and top up on wildlife.
Of course, these are just a handful of the many tour options and things to see in Madagascar. Contact Dadamanga, the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winners for 2024, and let us plan your dream Madagascar vacation.
The Unique Wildlife of Madagascar
Madagascar is often referred to as the “eighth continent” due to its incredible biodiversity. The island is home to thousands of species of animals, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Here are some of the extraordinary creatures you might encounter on your tour to Madagascar:
Lemurs
Lemurs are perhaps the most iconic animals of Madagascar. With over 100 different species, these primates come in various shapes and sizes. From the tiny mouse lemur to the large Indri, lemurs are a highlight for any wildlife enthusiast. Don’t miss the chance to see the dancing Sifaka lemurs, known for their unique way of moving on two legs. Lemurs can be found throughout the island in just about every habitat!
Chameleons
Madagascar is a chameleon paradise, boasting over half of the world’s chameleon species. These color-changing reptiles can be found in various habitats across the island. The Parson’s chameleon, one of the largest in the world, is particularly impressive with its vivid colors and distinctive appearance. In recent years, ever-smaller species of chameleon have been found in the north and east of the island, with some small enough to fit on the tip of your finger.
Fossa
Contrary to the impression some people have from the Dreamworks films, Madagascar is not home to any lions or other large land mammals. The fossa is Madagascar’s top predator, resembling a mix between a cat and a mongoose. Elusive and primarily nocturnal, spotting a fossa in the wild is a rare and exciting experience. They are known for their agility and ability to hunt lemurs.
Birds
Madagascar is a birdwatcher’s dream, with over 250 species of birds, including the strikingly beautiful Madagascar paradise flycatcher and the peculiar-looking vanga. This may not sound like very many species, but bear in mind that 120 of those are endemic – more than any other country in Africa. The island’s diverse ecosystems provide habitats for a wide range of avian life. Top parks for birdwatching include Andasibe and Ranomafana in the centre, Ifaty and Zombitse-Vohibasa in the southwest, and Ankarafantsika in the north.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Apart from chameleons, Madagascar is home to a variety of other reptiles and amphibians, including geckos, frogs, and snakes. The island’s rainforests are particularly rich in these species, offering ample opportunities for herpetologists and more general nature lovers alike. National parks in the central highlands or on the east coast are the best for herpetofauna, such as Masoala, Montagne d’Ambre, Andasibe and Ranomafana.
Practical Tips for Your 2025 Tour to Madagascar
For more tips on travelling to Madagascar, why not check out this article all about the practicalities of visiting Madagascar in 2025.
- Travel time: Although Madagascar is enjoyable at any time of year, the best time to visit Madagascar is during the dry season, from April to November. The rainy season (December to March) is not as predictable as it once was, but some years cyclones can cause considerable damage to roads or flooding, making traveling around Madagascar a lot harder and closing some parks.
- Health: Ensure you have all necessary vaccinations and take precautions against malaria. Coronavirus vaccinations are not currently mandatory, however make sure you check the latest vaccination and health precaution guidance before travelling.
- Take it easy: Madagascar is not the easiest place to travel if you’re in a hurry. Things often move at a slower pace than you might be used to, flights can change at the last minute, and vehicles break down. Rather than stressing, try to relax and enjoy the journey.
- Guides: Hiring local guides enhances the experience, providing in-depth knowledge about the flora, fauna, and culture. Dadamanga is a Malagasy travel agency and we always hire local guides who speak fluent English (alongside French and Malagasy). As a result, we’ve won the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice in 2020, 2023 and 2024!
Book your 2025 tour to Madagascar now
A tour to Madagascar in 2025 promises an unforgettable journey through some of the world’s most unique and diverse ecosystems. Whether you’re exploring the eerie landscapes of Tsingy de Bemaraha, lounging on the beaches of Nosy Be, or hiking through the lush forests of Ranomafana, Madagascar offers something for every type of traveler. Start planning your adventure today, and get ready to discover the magic of this extraordinary island.
Banner photo by karimjy LOULOUA on Unsplash
