Know Before You Go: Madagascar Tours

Accommodations in Madagascar vary widely, from remote rainforest ecolodges to coastal reserves accessible only by boat or private plane. For wildlife travelers, location matters more than luxury. Staying close to national parks or private conservation areas ensures early access to trails, night walks and spontaneous sightings just outside your door. 

While comfort levels range from rustic to refined, Madagascar’s best lodges prioritize sustainability and proximity to nature. Electricity may be solar-powered, food is often locally sourced, and some properties actively support reforestation or species protection. You won’t find safari-style tented camps like in Africa, but you will stay in bungalows, chalets or villas nestled in native habitat. 

What Types of Wildlife Lodges Are Found in Madagascar? 

• Rainforest Ecolodges: Located near places like Andasibe and Masoala, these lodges immerse guests in thick jungle, where indris, mouse lemurs and chameleons are steps away. 

• Dry Forest & Spiny Desert Lodges: Near Isalo and Zombitse, these offer access to rugged trails and dry-adapted species like sifakas and baobabs. 

• Coastal Nature Reserves: Set on Madagascar’s remote western or northern shores, these lodge stays combine forest walks with marine exploration—think lemurs by day, flying foxes at dusk, and coral reefs offshore. 

What Can I Expect in Terms of Comfort and Amenities? 

Accommodations in Madagascar vary widely, but travelers can expect comfortable, well-designed eco-lodges that blend with the island’s natural landscapes. While Madagascar is not a traditional luxury safari destination, many Madagascar lodges and nature-focused accommodations offer a high level of comfort for wildlife travelers. Typical amenities include:

• En suite bathrooms with reliable hot water

• Mosquito-netted beds for a restful, insect-free night

• Locally crafted décor that reflects Malagasy culture and natural materials

• Onsite nature trails, ideal for birding, wildlife viewing and independent exploration

• Guided night walks or direct beach access, depending on the region

• Fresh, simple Malagasy cuisine, often featuring local produce, seafood and island spices

Because many of Madagascar’s best wildlife regions are remote, Wi-Fi can be limited or completely unavailable. This is part of the experience: travelers enjoy full immersion in one of the planet’s most biodiverse and biologically unique environments. 

Why Are Internal Flights So Common in Madagascar? 

Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island, and its terrain is rugged and slow to traverse by road. Internal flights are essential to avoid days-long drives, especially between the east and west coasts. Many top lodges—particularly in coastal or rainforest zones—are only accessible by private plane, boat or both. 

• Chartered flights allow travelers to maximize time in the field instead of on the road. 

• Some remote reserves (especially those in the far north or west) have private airstrips or require boat landings, which make logistics more complex but offer true wilderness immersion. 

Nat Hab Tip: On small-group adventures, we use private chartered flights to reach Madagascar’s most remote wildlife hotspots efficiently—avoiding delays and gaining exclusive access to hard-to-reach regions.