Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Madagascar

Eco-Luxury Adventures

A different kind of Africa adventure

Madagascar answers the intrepid travelers' primal call for the unknown. Rare endemic species characterize this otherworldly landscape where guests can walk amidst giant baobab trees, meet Betsileo farmers during a guided hike, search for ring-tailed lemurs, and discover hot springs that flow from the earth in Ranomafana. Enjoy sustainable activities designed to give you a rich experience with minimal impact on the natural environment.

What makes a trip to Madagascar so memorable is the chance to step into a space where cultures and traditions dating back centuries thrive. At the mangrove’s edge, experience a slice of village life while learning about the customs and traditions of a local community, or get an insight into their culture by sharing lunch with a local Malagasy family in their home. Madagascar's beaches are one of Africa's best-kept secrets — exclusive and deserted stretches of white sand and remarkable sea life will capture your imagination.

We are committed to giving you a transcendent experience while maintaining a connection to the natural world. We believe that by protecting resources and supporting local communities, we can use travel as a force for good.

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Sample Itineraries

Inspiration for your custom adventure

What our travelers are saying

  • “It was just an amazing adventure offering an experience unequalled and something that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. I’d recommend Elevate for the personal service, the wonderful itinerary, and their intimate knowledge of each lodge and conservancy.”

    –Lisa Warren, Kenya

  • A family stands in front of a safari vehicle, smiling and holding drinks, with dry grass and trees in the background.

    “Your selection of our 3 camps was excellent. Saw a multitude of wildlife and the guides and staff at the camps were enjoyable to be around and well qualified and accommodating. Always love the Sundowners. We can never get enough of seeing the wildlife of Africa. ”

    –Gene Hardy, Botswana

  • A group of eight people stand in a row outdoors, silhouetted against a sunset sky, with grass visible in the foreground.

    “It was truly our trip of a lifetime! Couldn't have been better!! The only downside of the trip was the 19 hour air travel from Cape Town to Detroit and then the recovery time! Wonderful trip!!! ”

    –Ken Green, South Africa

  • Two people riding camels in a desert landscape with clear blue sky and sandy hills in the background.

    “Our Morocco trip was the best one I have ever taken. Dominique and her team did an exceptional job with the hotels, drivers, and our guides. The Riads, Kasbah and glamping we experienced were amazing!”

    –Jay Pollit, Morocco

  • Six people in outdoor clothing and hats stand in a row on a dirt path beside a rhinoceros in Kenya, with trees and bushes in the background under a blue sky with clouds.

    “Lana, Emily, and the Elevate team provided extraordinary service from the planning through the execution. Every question or concern was answered promptly with great attention to detail. The trip firmly placed Kenya in our hearts and souls.”

    –The Patterson Family, Kenya

  • A giraffe leans its head through a large window into a dining room in Kenya, eating from the table as a smiling family of four enjoys their meal and watches the animal.

    “It felt like Kenya and the perfectly curated trip encouraged true connection with our kids—no screens, no distractions, just a deeper understanding of the world and of nature. At every turn of our trip, my husband and I witnessed our young children absorb their new surroundings and were in awe as we saw them become young travelers themselves. ”

    –The Baird/Ryan Family, Kenya

  • Rwanda: Two people wearing masks and outdoor gear take a selfie in a lush, green forest with a group of gorillas sitting on the ground in the background.

    “Thanks for planning such an amazing journey for us! Visiting chimps, gorillas, and monkeys was thrilling. The chimpanzee experience was fantastic—we were able to watch a baby and family playing on the ground for quite some time. Overall one of our best trips yet!”

    –Ben Kahrl and Connie Mao, Rwanda

  • A group of zebras graze near an acacia tree in the grassy savanna of Kenya, with a dirt road curving through the landscape and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

    “An adventure of a lifetime. The highlights were the people and the animals. Elevate Destinations made all connections seamless. Itinerary design was catered to all of our interests and abilities. All accommodations were diverse but wonderful.”

    –Bonnie Cauffman, Kenya

  • South Africa: A vibrant garden with clusters of red and yellow flowers in the foreground, green and orange bushes in the middle, and a mountain under a blue sky with few clouds in the background.

    “The safaris were the best! Each camp was wonderful, the guides were excellent and all exceeded my expectations! Every guide we had was excellent! Being in such close contact with nature is really a spiritual experience — very grounding and helps one put things in perspective.”

    –Judy Szor, South Africa

  • Kenya: A giraffe with a distinct pattern stands among tall grass and green bushes in Kenya, with flat-topped trees and mountains in the background under a clear sky.

    “It not only fulfilled a dream of mine to go on a safari in Africa, but it exceeded any expectations I ever had of the experience. Elevate designed the perfect trip for a first time safari. ”

    –Cindy Watson, Kenya

  • Tanzania: A group of impalas stands alert in tall grass, surrounded by green trees in a savanna landscape.

    “It was a great experience for our daughter. You clearly alerted the staff that we were traveling with a kid that was special needs and it showed. They were outstanding, really sensitive, caring, open, accepting, and engaging with her. She had a great time. Thank you for all you did to make that happen. I know I'll be asking again to do a trip with her. I loved it.”

    –Kahrl Family, Tanzania

  • A herd of elephants, including adults and calves, grazes on green grass under a large, leafy acacia tree in the Tanzanian savanna, with blue sky and distant trees in the background.

    “It was a delightful trip, the best of the ones that I have taken. Each day had more than one highlight to remember. So thank you for such a fine itinerary. I have complete confidence in recommending you to others.”

    –Julia Kahrl, Tanzania

Your Questions Answered

What to know about Madagascar

When is the best time to visit Madagascar?

The best time to visit Madagascar is during the dry season, from May to October. If you'd like to see lemurs and reptiles, consider traveling to Madagascar in April, May, or June. Humpback whale watching is best between July and September.

What are the best things to do in Madagascar?

Some of the best things to do in Madagascar include engaging with local communities through craft workshops and visiting markets, hiking and wildlife watching in the beautiful reserves and national parks, learning about the Betsileo culture through village visits, and water-based activities on the beaches of Morondava and Ifaty. Visiting national parks and seeking out some of the best sites for stunning landscapes, baobab trees, along with lemurs and other endangered wildlife species, is a must.

Will we see lemurs in Madagascar?

Yes, you can see lemurs in Madagascar, especially during April, May, and June, when the lemurs are most active. Many national parks and reserves, such as Ranomafana, Isalo, Kirindy Forest, and the private reserve Anja, are excellent places to observe various lemur species in their natural habitats.

What does a typical Madagascar itinerary look like?

A typical Madagascar itinerary typically begins in Antananarivo (commonly known as Tana) before traveling to towns such as Antsirabe and Fianarantsoa. National parks such as Ranomafana and Isalo are perfect for trekking and spotting endemic species before concluding your journey in a coastal destination like Tulear, Ifaty, or Morondava.

Will we visit any national parks while we’re in Madagascar?

Yes, you will visit several national parks in Madagascar. Ranomafana National Park and Isalo National Park are among the most popular destinations for hiking and scenic landscapes. These parks feature dramatic sandstone canyons, unique rock formations, and natural pools. Kirindy Forest is renowned for its dry deciduous forest and is home to unique species, including the fossa and the giant jumping rat.

Why should I choose Elevate Destinations as my Madagascar travel guide?

Elevate Destinations is an excellent choice for a Madagascar travel guide due to our commitment to socially responsible travel and community engagement, combined with a touch of luxury. Our team specializes in crafting personalized travel experiences that immerse you and your family in Madagascar's unique ecosystems while supporting local conservation and community initiatives.

Where are the best places to visit in Madagascar?

The best places to visit in Madagascar are Antsirabe, with its colonial architecture and vibrant markets, and Ranomafana National Park, renowned for its eleven species of lemurs. Fianarantsoa has rich cultural and historical sights, and Isalo National Park is known for dramatic sandstone formations and natural pools. Tulear has beautiful beaches and a rich marine biodiversity, while Ifaty is perfect for snorkeling over coral reefs. Morondava is famous for the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs, and Kirindy Forest is ideal for spotting elusive wildlife, such as the fossa.
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