available in Best Time to Visit
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More than 90% of Madagascar’s flora and fauna, including lemurs and other primates, aren’t found anywhere else in the world. It also promises its visitors a memorable safari experience with adventures such as whale-watching, snorkelling, diving, and hiking. To plan a successful visit to the island, you need to know the best time to visit Madagascar. We’ll start by sharing the ideal times to visit four of Madagascar’s renowned national parks.
Best Time To Visit Madagascar – National Parks And Game Reserves
The table below denotes the best months to visit some of Madagascar’s popular safari spots.
| National Park/Game Reserve | Best time to visit Madagascar |
|---|---|
| Amber Mountain National Park | April-May, October-November |
| Andasibe-Mantadia National Park | April-May, October-November |
| Isalo National Park | May-October |
| Ranomafana National Park | April-May, September-November |
Madagascar through the Months
March to May ( Autumn) – shoulder season, warm and dry weather
In May, visitors can enjoy the Zegny Zo Art Festival in Antsiranana with dancing and traditional music. At this time of the year, the days are very dry and sunny. April is great for hiking and scenic safaris while between April and May is a good time for wildlife viewing in Madagascar’s national parks such as Amber Mountain, Andasibe-Mantadia, and Ranomafana National Park. The game drives will usually be planned for the morning or evening when the temperatures are pleasant. This time of year it is the best time to watch one of Madagascar’s primary attractions, Lemurs running across the vegetation.
June to September (winter ) – high season, balmy weather, cooler nights, colder in the highlands
The central highlands, also known as the Central High Plateau, are a mountainous region in central Madagascar. In June, the people of central highlands celebrate the festival of Famadihana for 120 days. It is a traditional funeral festival during which the locals exhume their ancestors bodies and re-wrap their bones in fresh clothes with their ancestors names on them. These reburial ceremonies include feasts, dancing, and music. Although it is a bit spooky to spend your safari celebrating a funeral tradition, it is a unique experience.
From June to September, you can enjoy whale watching. The east coast is the best place to watch humpbacks as they move north and continue with their migration pattern. In addition, the humpback whales mate and give birth between July and September in the waters near Masoala National Park. You can watch the mating dance where the males try to impress the females with their fin strikes, jumps, and rising above the water. Furthermore, you could get lucky and witness the incredible phenomenon of the whale birthing its calf.
Although it may not be the best time for wildlife viewing, it is a great time for adventures such as diving and snorkelling in the clear Madagascar waters.
September to December (Spring) – shoulder season, warm weather
Every year in October, the country holds Madajazzcar Antananarivo, the annual jazz festival, so music lovers should plan their trip accordingly to enjoy this wonderful music festival.
Apart from the April to May period, October to November is one of the best times to visit Madagascar’s national parks to see the wildlife.. The start of the rains may close some of the parks in November. With rainfall comes the mating and birthing of reptiles, amphibians, and bird species.
January to March (summer) – Low season, Rains
In Madagascar, the summer rains ) aren’t as welcoming as the rest of the year. Whereas in some semi-arid regions of the west and south, the heavy rainfalls are rejuvenating, turning the dull landscape into a bountiful inviting oasis, in other places cyclones are a possibility.
Madagascar Safaris
7-Day Madagascar Road and River Adventure
- 7 Days
Embark on an exhilarating journey along Madagascar's National Road N° 7, beginning in Antananarivo (Tana)...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:7 Days
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Start/end:Start in Antananarivo, end in Antananarivo
5-Day Wildlife Safari from Andasibe Park to Palmarium Reserve
- 5 Days
This adventure journey takes you through Andasibe Perinet village, a 4-hour drive along the N°2 national...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:5 Days
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Start/end:Start in Antananarivo, end in Antananarivo
10-Day Tsiribihina River Trip & Tsingy of Bemaraha
- 10 Days
On this safari discover the famous Tsiribihina River as well as many highlights which include beautiful...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Array
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Length:10 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Antananarivo
Wildlife Heritage of Madagascar
- 11 Days
See Madagascar's fascinating lemurs; the indri lemur (babakoto) in Andasibe National Park, golden bamboo...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:11 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Antananarivo
6-Day Madagascar Coral & Forest Safari
- Days
Explore three beautiful islands in Madagascar's north-western tropical waters, Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Year Round
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Start/end:Start/end in Antananarivo
6-Day Madagascar Masoala Wildlife Tour
- 6 Days
Located in the northeast of Madagascar, Masoala National Park is an important bio diverse wilderness...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:6 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Antananarivo
Wild Luxury Experience
- 10 Days
Visit canyons, discover the Antandroy culture, see Madagascar's unique wildlife including lemurs and...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:10 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Antananarivo
10-Day Madagascar Baobabs, Lemurs & Saint Marie Island
- 10 Days
On the magical island of Madagascar discover lemurs and the famous avenue of baobabs as well as the paradise...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:10 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Antananarivo
Deep South – Majestic Lemurs
- 10 Days
In the extreme south of Madagascar, almost inaccessible by car, discover a region rich in stunning landscapes...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:10 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Antananarivo
14-Day Madagascar Wildlife Tour
- 14 Days
This safari offers the very best chance to see the spectacular wildlife of Madagascar. Highlights include...
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Country:Madagascar,
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Departures:Array
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Length:14 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Antananarivo