​Wildlife & Animals – Madagascar

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Insight guide to Madagascar.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Insight Guide to Madagascar.

Philip is the author of the Insight Guide to Madagascar.

Madagascar has a big variety of animals, most of them endemic to the island, even though it isn’t a typical wildlife destination. Lemurs, chameleons, geckos and frogs are easily seen throughout the country but different parks are home to different species. The island is also a good base for marine wildlife viewing, in particular the seasonal migration of thousands of humpback whales.

Abundant
Common
Occasional
Rare
None
Indri Occasional
Chameleons Abundant
Frogs Abundant
Fossa Very Rare
Aye-aye Very Rare

Wildlife Highlights

Madagascar doesn’t have many predators. The biggest carnivore on the island is the secretive fossa. Although widespread, it is rarely seen, except in Kirindy Forest where several habituated individuals are easily spotted. Much smaller but equally evasive is the spotted fanaloka, only seen at night. Most parks have several lemur species, but the sought-after indri, known for its eerie call, reminiscent of a wailing baby, is restricted to a small patch of eastern rainforest.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing in Madagascar is good throughout the year. In theory, the Wet season from November to April is best as some animals are more active during this period. January to March is the height of the Wet season and some lodges close over this time. Taking into consideration general travel conditions, the shoulder months, April, May, October and November, are overall the recommended months for viewing wildlife.

Wildlife Rating

Recommended Wildlife Books

  • Wildlife of Madagascar (Wildlife Explorer Guides)
    Ken Behrens and Keith Barnes
  • Madagascar Wildlife (Bradt Travel Guides)
    Nick Garbutt and Daniel Austin

Wildlife Photos

Want To Visit Madagascar?

39 Madagascar Tours

Wildlife Rating

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (25)