Madagascar with the family: a practical guide to travelling with children
Madagascar is a destination that fascinates young and old alike. With its idyllic beaches, its forests home to lemurs and its picturesque villages, the ‘Red Island’ offers a wide variety of experiences to enjoy as a family. Travelling with children does, however, require good organisation, particularly to avoid excessively long journeys and to prioritise activities that are suitable for them.
Here is a comprehensive guide to organising a stress-free and unforgettable trip to Madagascar with your family.
Why is Madagascar ideal for a family holiday?
Madagascar is a country where nature and culture can be discovered at a leisurely pace, making it the perfect destination for families seeking a stress-free adventure. Far from mass tourism, children can observe animals up close, explore unique landscapes and meet a warm and welcoming local population.
Whether you want to relax on a paradise beach, go and meet the lemurs or go for a ride in a traditional canoe, anything is possible. The important thing is to choose regions that are suitable for children and to find a pace that suits everyone.
Which are the best tours to take with children?
With only a few days to spend there, it’s essential to avoid long journeys and to opt for accessible and varied regions. Here are three itineraries suitable for families, depending on their interests and the children’s ages.
1. Nosy Be and its Emerald Islands: beaches, wildlife and relaxation
If you’re travelling with young children, Nosy Be is a perfect destination. Easily accessible by plane, the archipelago offers safe beaches, calm seas and plenty of water-based activities suitable for young children.
On Nosy Komba, nicknamed ‘the island of lemurs’, children can watch these adorable primates in semi-wild conditions and even feed them. For a day of nature and discovery, Nosy Tanikely is a little marine paradise where the coral reefs can be explored whilst snorkelling.
And for a magical experience, head to Nosy Iranja, a paradise island connected by a white sandbank where children can run around to their heart’s content whilst their parents enjoy the idyllic setting.
2. Andasibe and the Highlands: An adventure in the land of the lemurs
If your family loves nature and animals, Andasibe is a must-see. Located just a 3½-hour drive from Antananarivo, this national park offers an easy and accessible way to immerse yourself in Madagascar’s biodiversity.
At dawn, the calls of the Indri-Indri, the largest lemurs in Madagascar, echo through the forest. An easy walk through the park allows you to observe them up close – a fascinating experience for children.
The Vakona Reserve, for its part, offers a fun way to discover Madagascar’s wildlife, with a lemur island where visitors can interact with these curious little primates. A night-time excursion also offers the chance to spot chameleons, fluorescent frogs and amazing insects.
As they continue on towards Antsirabe, families can explore the terraced rice fields, visit craft workshops and try a rickshaw ride, which is great fun for the little ones.
3. Southern Madagascar: A blend of adventure and idyllic beaches
For families looking for varied landscapes and unique experiences, the south of Madagascar is an excellent choice. Combining the Isalo National Park and the Tulear lagoon, this tour offers hiking, swimming and cultural exploration.
Isalo National Park, often likened to a ‘Malagasy Wild West’, is easily accessible with children. It offers walks suitable for all ability levels, with spectacular scenery featuring canyons and natural pools where you can swim. Children love spotting Catta lemurs, recognisable by their black-and-white striped tails.
After this adventurous interlude, it’s time to relax on the beaches of Ifaty and Mangily, where the turquoise waters and coral reefs are a delight for snorkelling enthusiasts. A canoe trip with the Vezo fishermen is also a wonderful way to discover the local way of life.
Conseils pratiques pour un voyage réussi avec des enfants
Transport: Prioritise comfort
Distances can be long in Madagascar, so it’s best to avoid journeys lasting more than four hours at a stretch with children.
- Opt for a 4x4 with a driver rather than bush taxis, which are not particularly suitable for families.
- Use domestic flights to avoid long journeys (e.g. Antananarivo → Nosy Be or Tulear).
- Opt for short boat trips to avoid seasickness.
Health: Be prepared and take preventative action
As Madagascar is a tropical destination, a few medical precautions are necessary.
- Protect yourself against mosquitoes: insect repellent spray, mosquito nets, long-sleeved clothing in the evening.
- Avoid tap water: always opt for bottled water. (Included in our service)
- Bring a well-stocked first-aid kit: anti-diarrhoea medication, antiseptics, and basic medicines.
Diet: Making a gradual transition
Malagasy cuisine is varied, but can be spicy or unusual for children.
- Opt for simple dishes such as rice served with vegetables and grilled chicken.
- Bring some snacks (cereal bars, biscuits) for the journey.
- Choose tourist restaurants and hotels to avoid any food-related risks.
A magical journey to enjoy with the family
Aurélien M.
Local agent
A family holiday in Madagascar is guaranteed to offer unique experiences, ranging from exploring nature and unforgettable encounters to relaxing on paradisiacal beaches.
By choosing the right regions, opting for suitable transport and balancing activities with rest, young and old alike will return home with lasting memories.
