Madagascar offers numerous good possibilities even though it is not traditionally a classic hiking or trekking destination. Examples of trekking routes: trekking near Parc National de Ranomafana, or on the Masoalo Peninsula, or the Route des Contrebandiers. These involve some mud, stream crossings, leeches and slogging through or around rice paddies, especially during the rainy season. The main challenge in the more dry areas of the south and the west, such as  Parc National de l'Isalo, is the heat.

The more adventurous routes are those across the Masoalo Peninsula on the Eastern side of Madagascar. Other good options include the areas around Ranomafana, Andringitra and Isalo National Parks, the Reserve Speciale d l'Ankarana, and the east of Lac Alaotra. Possibilities for village-to-village walking include the Hauts Plateaux region, and the north-east coast, including around Mananara.

You will need to be self-sufficient with water, food and camping equipment for all hikes and treks, and in almost all cases you will need a guide as well. Please remember that you should have a topographical map and a compass for those routes “off the beaten track”.

Night Hiking

During the night a whole different world comes to life in the forests of Madagascar. A large variety of Malagasy mammals, birds and herptile species (reptiles and amphibians) are nocturnal, so most reserves offer very rewarding guided night strolls. These strolls are most interesting during the spring and summer months (October to March) as the many species that hibernate in winter are easily observed. You can find various lemurs, and the very lucky might see the aye-aye (the world’s largest nocturnal primate) in rainforests such as Perinet, Ranomafana and Nosy Mangabe. Other mammals to be seen at night are the fossa and the giant jumping rat. Endemic night birds include the Madagascar long-eared owl, Madagascar scops owl, white-browed owl and the Madagascar and collared nightjars.

Tip: It's a good idea to pack a strong flashlight with spare batteries.