Madagascar, the world's fourth-largest island, is a destination that promises cruisers an unparalleled adventure through ecosystems and landscapes found nowhere else on Earth. Floating off the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, its wildlife, forests, and even some of the beaches seem like they're from another planet.
Cruising here means you'll wake up to the smells of Nosy Be, known as “Perfume Island” thanks to the abundance of fragrant ylang-ylang, vanilla, and jasmine. In cities like Antananarivo, the capital, you'll find a bustling atmosphere, colourful markets, and historical sites that tell the story of the island's past and present.
When in Madagascar, you can explore coral reefs to your heart’s content, or set off on an excursion to see the island's famed baobabs and diverse species of lemurs, possibly Madagascar’s most famous indigenous animal thanks to the movie of the same name! Don't miss Lokobe Reserve, a slice of preserved rainforest home to endemic species like the black lemur, or the chance to witness the awe-inspiring humpback whale migrations between July and October.
Madagascar's cuisine is as diverse as its landscape. You’ll find foods which reflect the country’s African roots but which are infused with French, Indian, and Southeast Asian influences, similarly to Mauritian cuisine. Seafood is a staple, freshly caught and often grilled to perfection, served with fragrant rice seasoned with local spices. For a true taste of the island, try Romazava, a traditional stew made with zebu (local cattle) and mixed greens, or tuck into vanilla desserts with pods grown right here on the island. Street food markets are the best spots to grab quick eats, including mofo gasy (Malagasy bread), a perfect snack as you explore.
- What can I see on a Madagascar cruise?
Madagascar's unique biodiversity is a wonder to behold. The islands of Madagascar are home to many endemic species such as bulbous baobab trees, lemurs and fossa. Although a number of resorts dot the coastline, Madagascar's beaches are remote and beautiful and its landscape is a diverse range of lowland and high-altitude rainforests, mountains, grassland, limestone formations and desert. One of its most popular destinations is Nosy Be - known as “Perfume Island” due to the abundance of fragrant ylang-ylang, vanilla, and jasmine flowers. In cities like Antananarivo, the capital, you'll find a bustling atmosphere, colourful markets, and historical sites that tell the story of Malagasy culture.
- Are there eco-tourism cruises to Madagascar?
While there are no eco-tourism cruises to Madagascar as such, land-based eco-tourism tours of the Madagascar islands' many national parks are popular for anyone seeking encounters with Madagascar wildlife. These allow you opportunities to see the islands' unique biodiversity up close through tours of the famed baobab trees and lemur tours.
- What types of cruises go to Madagascar?
Several cruise lines offer cruises that include Madagascar in their itineraries. Ponant offer luxury expedition cruises that circumnavigate the entire country stopping in several of its ports as part of an Indian Ocean adventure. Seabourn Cruise Line offers yacht-like ultra-luxury cruises that include stop-offs at the Madagascar island of Nosy Be in its Grand Africa circumnavigation of the continent and several other cruises that explore Africa's east coast departing from Cape Town. Regent Seven seas offers Oceania Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines offer family-type larger cruise liner visits to Nosy Be.
- Can I learn about Madagascar's biodiversity on my cruise?
While most cruises to Madagascar make only short visits to the island of Nosy Be, a Ponant expedition cruise with its many stops in ports around the country will offer you the best opportunities to experience the unique biodiversity of Madagascar and encounter Madagascar wildlife up close.
- How long are cruises to Madagascar?
How long cruises to Madagascar are, depend very much on the type of cruise. These range from multi-week or multi-day cruises that include a single stop-off at the Madagascar island of Nosy Be as part of journeys around the African coast, to dedicated explorations of the country lasting about 15 days.
- Are Madagascar cruises family-friendly?
The larger entertainment-orientated ships of Norwegian Cruise Lines would be the most family-friendly cruises stopping off in Madagascar.
- What’s included in a Madagascar cruise package?
What's included in your cruise package will very much depend on the type of cruise and your cruise itinerary. In Madagascar, these could include visits to national parks, wildlife reserves, cultural sites, and opportunities for activities like snorkelling, diving, or hiking.
- What packing essentials do I need?
Essential clothing to take to the tropical climate of Madagascar includes; short sleeve t-shirts, shorts, skirts, sunhat, reef shoes (for beach areas where there's coral) and comfortable walking shoes for excursions. Essential documents you may need in Madagascar include your passport/I.D, insurance documents, copies of prescriptions, and local currency (the Malagasy Ariary [MGA]).
- Do I need a visa for Madagascar?
Citizens of South Africa, like citizens from every other country, require a visa to enter Madagascar. You must obtain a valid travel document from the Embassy of Madagascar prior to visiting the country. Tourist visas are valid for up to 90 days.
- How can I book a cruise to Madagascar?
You have 2 options. You can simply navigate to our 'Book Now' section, select your desired cruise, and follow the on-screen instructions. If you prefer to contact one of our knowledge consultants to book you can click enquiry or call on the product that interests you and if you need assistance, our customer service is here to help.