Madagascar Holiday Activities

Surfing in Madagascar

Surfing is becoming more and more popular in Madagascar… The island boasts some breath-taking and secluded surf spots and some of the breaks are world-famous: Flame Balls and Jelly Babies! For all the surfer enthusiasts out there Madagascar is an exciting, untouched and affordable place to go…Tulear and Fort Dauphin are the most popular spots for surfing in Madagascar.

Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing in Madagascar has become extremely popular for all the adventure seekers out there as Madagascar boasts the perfect sea and wind conditions that are needed to make a Kitesurfing holiday fantastic! Travel with the wind, waves and currents as you explore the waters of Madagascar… the best places to kitesurf in Madagascar are Fort Dauphin and Diego Suarez (May to Nov).

Diving and Snorkelling

Diving or snorkelling in Madagascar with the tropical fish and the rare turtles are one of the highlights when coming to Madagascar on holiday. The best times to snorkel and dive in Madagascar are between Dec and April. For snorkelling in Madagascar Nosy Tanikely is great and for diving in Madagascar Tulear, Nosy Be and Sainte Marie are ideal! Either way snorkelling or diving in Madagascar is something that should not be missed!

Sailing – Dhow and Yacht Charters

Madagascar sailing can be done two ways; aboard of a traditional dhow or on a comfortable yacht charter. Sailing around Madagascar is a lovely way to explore the little islands and the beaches! One of the most popular areas to go sailing in Madagascar is the Nosy Be archipelago with its tropical waters and picture-postcard-like secluded beaches. Sail around Madagascar to see its beauty… 

Madagascar Fishing

Fishing in Madagascar is becoming very popular especially on our own private Turtle Bay Camp!  Fishing is also popular near Nosy Be, Diego Suarez and Ile Sainte Marie which boasts some of the best fishing spots in Madagascar! Fly-fishing, deep-sea fishing and catch and release fishing are very popular in Madagascar…

Sea Kayaking

The two only bases for sea kayaking in Madagascar are presently around the Masoala peninsula and in Nosy Be. The season is short (September to December) and it does rain quite a bit in the Masoala area, though the scenery of Madagascar makes up for it. Be aware that this is a spectacular region for eco-tourists and adventure travellers alike, but that it lacks infrastructure in the form of roads or even dirt tracks.

Trekking and Hiking

Possibly the best area for hiking in Madagascar - certainly the most mountainous area - is around the Andringitra Mountains (south of Fianarantsoa). Alternatively, canyon hikes can be done in the Isalo and Makay range. The Tsaratanana traverse (Mada's highest) is a long 13-day trek; an exceptional but very remote mountain trek. A Madagascar vacation to this area provides adventurous paths and routes & is fun for couples and enthusiasts.  

Mountain biking

Biking through Madagascar is a very challenging way to explore the Madagascar areas, towns, mountains and even beach areas. The best Madagascar biking tracks are found on the Central highlands. Be aware that no really decent bikes are available to rent anywhere in Madagascar, so it's best to bring your own bike and kit… Madagascar biking can always be organised in conjunction with any other travel to Madagascar! 

Canoeing, rafting and river kayaking

For river-kayaking, rafting and canoeing, western rivers like Mangoky, Manambolo, and the Tsiribinha and her tributaries are best. There's also excellent rivers on the eastern side (Onibe and Sahatandra), but the weather can be problematic. Lily Falls, about 100 km south-east of Tana, has been a popular white-water rafting spot for over 10 years, with excellent rapids and beautiful scenery.

Quad-biking

Quads are available in Tana, Morondava, Tulear and Diego Suarez. You can also rent quads on Nosy Be and Ile Sainte Marie from the bigger hotels, but usually for day tours only. Quad-biking in Madagascar is an adventurous way of exploring the stunning Indian Ocean Island terrain… ride amongst forests, road-side pathways and hills… see parts of Madagascar that you wouldn’t dream of seeing normally…

Motorbiking

Professional accompanied tours are available from Tana and from Tulear… for all those motorbike enthusiasts who want to explore the Madagascar countryside in a totally different manner than normal. Some more remote spots near Ankarana in the far north, also offer off-road biking for the more intrepid adventurer.

Bird Watching

Madagascar will be of great interest to any ornithologists, with over 250 species of bird, including many water bird species. Some of the best spots to observe these water birds are along the remote areas of the western and south-western coasts, such as Lac Tsimanampetsotsa. For anyone who loves bird-watching then Madagascar is truly a terrific destination!

Whale Watching

Baie d'Antogil and the channel separating Ile Sainte Marie from the mainland are considered among the best whale watching sites in Madagascar. It's estimated that close to 1000 whales visit Madagascar each season, with up to several hundred of these in Baie d'Antogil at any given time. Whale watching in Madagascar is a very special experience and if you have the time it’s highly recommended! 

Tailor-made activities

One of your best options when embarking on an activity-filled holiday is to consult the experts. Allow Jenman Island Safaris to tailor make the perfect island getaway for you, catering to your budget, group size and special requirements. From fishing to kayaking… whatever you wish to do in Madagascar on holiday we can help make it happen!