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Guide to luxury Madagascar wildlife holidays for couples
Madagascar is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, the likes of which are not to be found anywhere else on Earth. Whether it’s a wedding anniversary or an impromptu getaway, a romantic safari trip to Madagascar ticks off all the boxes.
For couples, Madagascar honeymoons are tailored to provide a unique opportunity to have an immersive and unforgettable experience with some amazing animals in this beautiful natural island paradise.
This heavenly luxury Madagascar wildlife adventure will take in the best the country has to offer, from playful lemurs in the misty forests of Andasibe, where you wake to the call of the indri to ending the day at an ultimate beach destination.
The places, accommodations,safaris and guides are carefully hand-picked to fulfil each and every expectation of a newly wed couple seeking to experience something that is extra bit different from their honeymoon.
A bit about Madagascar
Madagascar is not only the fourth largest island in the world but is home to the Toliara Coral Reef, the third largest coral reef system in the world as well.
This amazing island destination is popular the world over for its vivid natural parks and game reserves and quaint cottages against the backdrop of mountains.
Some travel tips
- A few hotels and small establishments are exclusively childfree. For an uninterrupted romantic escape it is worth seeking these out.
- Be aware that most luxurious and up market lodges charge accommodation on per person basis as against room basis in standard hotels in Madagascar.
When to go
The weather in Madagascar between April and December is out of the world and the right time to catch the untarnished beauty of the country.
For beach buffs, the second half of the year, between July to September, is the best to spot humpback whales, while playful baby lemurs and colourful chameleons are best seen from September to December in the dry weather.
Seven day luxury Madagascar honeymoon
Madagascar offers numerous options for exploration, far from the madding crowds. This is a major reason why the country is a favourite with couples and honeymooners. A typical week long luxury safari itinerary is detailed below.
Day one: Arrival in Antananarivo
Upon arrival at the international airport your guide will transfer you to your upscale hotel for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay. Overnight at the perfectly located Relais des Plateaux near Ivato airport.
This 46 rooms property has large and neat air-conditioned rooms and is best for guests who arrive late night or need early morning departures.
Day two: Antananarivo to Nosy Be
Transfer to Antananarivo airport for your flight to Nosy Be. On the way you will make a short stop at the ylang ylang plantations, which offer some of the most romantic views of the island.
You will also pass through the capital, Hellville, and the coastal Village of Dzamanzary. Your flight time to Nosy Be will be approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. A 90 minutes speedboat ride will take you to the honeymooner’s favorite lodge Constance Tsarabanjina. Overnight at Mitiso island in the best barefoot luxury lodge north of Nosy Be.
Day three: Nosy Be
You will spend the day soaking up the sun on the pristine white sand beaches of Nosy Tsarabanjina, the principal tourist attraction of Madagascar. The Nosy Be region has a unique and wealthy sea bed which is home to the whale shark.
During the three months of the migration season, you can spot this largest shark in the world almost daily in the waters of Nosy Be. Overnight at the Constance Tsarabanjina lodge.
Day four: Head for the rainforests
Fly back to Antananarivo and on arrival set off for the beautiful Malogosy rainforest located on the eastern escapement. The trip will easily take up most of the day by the time you arrive at the opulent Vakana Rainforest Lodge, your abode for the next two nights. Take a walk around the beautiful place and then pay a visit to lemur island
As the name suggests, this island lies just off the coast of Madagascar very near the village of Andasibe. The small reserve located close to the village holds several species of lemurs, including the most recognisable one, the ring-tailed lemur.
Apart from lemurs, there are some more animals you can spot on the island like crocodiles and the Fossa, a creature that resembles a mongoose and is the only predator of the lemurs. In all, the total experience lasts one hour.
Day five: Andasibe rainforest
On the fifth morning you will explore the low altitude Andasibe rainforest in the company of local guides who are well-versed with the wildlife of the region. The region is home to an astounding variety of flora and fauna and a well laid out network of jungle trails.
Walk hand in hand with your loved one and try to locate some of the iconic species found here including the Indri and the Parson’s chameleon. Indri is a fabulous species of lemurs and visitors are practically guaranteed of a close encounter.
Day six: Mantadia National Park
The Mantadia National Park lies in the vicinity of the Andasibe rainforest, just 20 km northwards. This is another vast track of rainforest, with a steeper terrain and fewer established trails. The forest, though, here is rather very impressive. Visitors, however, will be rewarded with two endemic species of lemurs, the black and white ruffed lemur and the stunning diademed sifaka.
Besides the furry lemurs the park holds a large number of frog species,a record for any place in the world. Most of these frogs and other reptiles can be seen during night walks. Apart from this, there have been more than 100 bird species recorded here, including some endemic ones like the Madagascar falcon and the Madagascar green sunbird.
Visitors can opt for a walk in the rainforest area under the protection of VOIMMA guides association or choose the rainforest concession under the care of the NGO Association Mitsinjo.
Day seven: Meander back to Antananarivo
On the last morning head to the rainforest once more to listen to the magical dawn chorus as the mists rise slowly above the canopy. Hear the Indris calling loudly to each other for the last time before you wind your way back to Antananarivo.
On your route you will be visiting Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a Royal Village. Enjoy panoramic views of the highland vistas with your partner from this tranquil place. You will be spending the night at the regal Relais des Plateaux before your transfer back to your next destination the following morning.