After more than 30 years designing journeys across Africa, it takes something truly special to make us pause mid-sentence and say, “Now this is exciting.” So it gives us enormous pleasure to share that Madagascar is officially a new destination we are exploring for African Portfolio travelers.
Madagascar has long fascinated us. It’s the kind of place that feels almost mythical—an island where forests look prehistoric, wildlife seems invented by a particularly imaginative storyteller, and landscapes shift from sandstone canyons to baobab plains to tropical islands in a matter of days. But as you know, we never offer destinations we haven’t experienced ourselves. That’s why this May, Vanessa will be leading a small exploratory journey across the island to check it all out, spend time with our new partners on the ground to create the best possible adventures for you.
As always, our goal is not simply to add another destination to a list. It’s to understand how Madagascar works on the ground—how to move comfortably between regions, which lodges truly deliver exceptional experiences, and how best to combine wildlife, landscapes, and coastline into journeys that feel seamless and rewarding.
Why Madagascar (and Why Now)?
Madagascar has always occupied a special place in the imagination of adventurous travelers. Nearly 90% of its wildlife exists nowhere else on earth. There are chameleons the size of your thumb, forests filled with singing indri lemurs, towering limestone formations that look like stone cathedrals, and coastlines that feel wonderfully untouched by time. And did we mention beaches?
It is not a traditional safari destination—and that’s precisely what makes it so compelling. This is a journey for travelers who love Africa but are ready for something different. It’s for those who appreciate remote beauty, unusual wildlife, and landscapes that feel genuinely undiscovered. It’s also a destination where careful planning makes all the difference, which is exactly where our approach shines.
Vanessa’s itinerary has been designed to explore the island in comfort while minimizing long overland travel by making use of private charter flights between regions—a game-changer in a country where distances are large and roads can be slow. Utilizing flights does make the itinerary a little more pricey but it absolutely enables the traveler to see more of this fascinating island.
Vanessa’s journey is our first step to creating unique custom Madagascar itineraries for our clients, that will suit a variety of interests and budgets.
Stay Tuned …
Over the coming months, Vanessa will be sharing impressions, discoveries, and practical insights from her trip. We fully expect stories involving cute prosimians (fancy name for lemurs), extraordinary landscapes, and at least one moment where she quietly wonders why she didn’t come here sooner.
Madagascar has been on our wish list for a long time. We’re delighted that it’s finally becoming part of the African Portfolio story—and we can’t wait to begin designing journeys there with the same care and attention we bring to every safari we plan.
Watch this space. Madagascar may just be your next great adventure! Contact us if you are interested.
