Madagascar holidays: Q&A with the experts

When is the best time to visit Madagascar?

You can visit Madagascar year-round, though we generally do not recommend visiting in February, as this month marks the peak of the rainy season, and traditionally, cyclones occur then. (That said however, it is the time when many cruise ships stop around the country so is by no means without tourists). 

Autumn and Winter are from April to August, while Spring and Summer are from September to March.

Two regions are highly seasonal:

* Central-west: rainy weather and consequently impassable roads, render parts of the West inaccessible from December to early April. In the Menabe region; we now ensure clients complete visits to Tsingy de Bemaraha by late October.

* the far North-east (Masoala and Marojejy National Parks) is really only suitable from end of August to end of November, as well as a short window during April and earlier May. 

The South can be visited year round as it has a semi-arid climate. With a more or less temperate climate, the Central Highlands too, may be visited year round. 

Best seasons for wildlife?

• Many of the true lemurs have their young between September and November.
• The breeding season for much of the birdlife, is at its best from the very end of August/beginning September to December.
• Migrating Humpback whales pass through the coastal waters from July to September. 
• For 'herps' (reptiles and frogs), try to visit from November to March - the later keen 'herping' fans go during that period, the more they stand to see as critters are in force during hot, wet weather.

Is Madagascar a good place to take the family?

Yes! Provided the kids are older, absolutely. It can be a wonderful destination for active families who enjoy the outdoors. In particular, the beautiful offshore islands like the Nosy Be archipelago; Ile Sainte Marie are home to some excellent lodges which are well-equipped to cater for families. Upscale properties like Anjajavy and Miavana make Madagascar a great destination for the most discerning of travellers who have a taste for something out of the ordinary with a little light adventure.

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Where's the best place to see...

Lemurs:

* In the Eastern rainforests. Andasibe-Mantadia and Ranomafana national parks offer excellent lemur-watching opportunities. Andasibe's resident indris never fail to impress, while at Ranomafana highlights include three species of Bamboo lemur.

* In the North, you can visit Ankarana and Lokobe national parks for lemurs confined to far Northwest and the Sambirano Domain.

* In the South, set your sights either on Berenty Reserve or the nearby Ifotaka Community Forest, as well as Zombitse Forest National Park's wonderful transition forest and Isalo nearby. Flagship Southern lemurs include Verreaux's sifakas and Ring-tailed lemurs.

* If you're visiting the West, head to Kirindy Reserve (especially its various nocturnal lemurs), or to Anjajavy Forest Reserve.

Birds:

* Rainforests: all birding itineraries include visits to the Eastern rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia and Ranomafana, where one can seek the majority of the island's rainforest-dependent endemics. A 3-night stay at both of these places, is suitable. Some birders add a few nights on at remote Masoala National Park, where certain endemics, such as Helmet vanga, are easier to locate. 

* The dry South-western quarter including Ifaty for its Spiny bush habitat; Zombitse Forest National Park's marvellous transition forest and the dry mountains of Isalo, are also included in all specialist birding trips. 

* Keen birders mostly then tend to complete their itineraries with a visit to Ankarafantsika in the North-west; a wonderful site at which to tick off the island's Western endemics. 

Reptiles and frogs (Herps): Montagne d'Ambre, Masoala National Park and Andasibe-Mantadia National Park are especially highly praised for 'herping' (observing frogs and reptiles).

Montagne d'Ambre is notable for protecting various species of Uroplatus (leaf-tailed) geckos, while Andasibe-Mantadia, Ranomafana and Masoala are home to an impressive variety of Chameleons and Frogs.

Baobabs: 

Key sites for the island's endemic Baobabs include Kirindy Reserve and the nearby 'Baobab Alley' for the three 'Southern' species (Adansonia za, A. grandidieri and A. rubrostipa); Montagne des Francais for the Suarez baobab (A. suarenzis) and Anjajavy Forest Reserve or Montagne des Francais for the large Northern species A. madagascariensis.  Ask us if you wish to include a stop in your itinerary to see the Critically Endangered Perrier's baobab, found only in a few discreet locations in the the far North.