2 trips
Discover the magic of Madagascar with an incredible gap year adventure in this unique destination. With 5% of all known animal and plant species on Earth found here, including its world-famous baobab trees, Madagascar is a paradise for nature lovers. Get up close with some of its amazing animals like lemurs, sharks, turtles and mongoose on Madagascar tours. Explore its remarkable landscapes featuring dramatic limestone karts and cascading rice paddies to unspoiled stretches of white sand. And don’t forget to immerse yourself in Madagascar’s melting-pot culture, with music as memorable as the scenery itself. Adventure sport fans will feel like they’re in the seventh heaven, as there’s unparalleled opportunities for hiking, diving and rock-climbing... And that’s not even all of it. If you want to make a positive impact abroad and support the local wildlife, then volunteering at a conservation project is a spectacular way to make Madagascar trips extra special. What are you waiting for?
Read more in our Madagascar Travel Guide.
Found 2 trips
2-6 weeks
from £749 £712
Help protect critically endangered sea turtles
Volunteer to protect hawksbill and greensea turtles on beautiful Nosy Komba, Madagascar. Stay for 2 weeks minimum in this remote and beautiful region.
4-6 weeks
from £2,199 £2,089
Help protect this unique marine environment
Stay on an unspoilt island in stunning Madagascar and live and work on an amazing marine conservation project for 4 - 12 weeks.
Crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches and a laid-back island life - Nosy Be is paradise! Discover turquoise bays to unwind between snorkelling in the ocean, full of vibrant coral reefs and marine life. There’s so much to experience as you trek through epic volcanic landscapes or wander along beachside markets!
Neighbouring Nosy Be, the hidden gem of Nosy Komba is a special island in its own right. The dense forest comes alive with the sounds of the island’s famous residents, adorable black lemurs! Hidden coves and tropical beaches create a dreamy coastline, and the perfect location to volunteer on marine life projects.
The ancient, giant Baobab tree is one of Madagascar's most awe-inspiring sights, and wandering the Avenue of the Baobab is a memorable moment. Framing the most stunning sunset, the red landscapes illuminate into a kaleidoscope of orange hues as the trees cast incredible silhouettes. This is a photographer's dream come true!
Ampohana is a relaxing, rural village, where travellers can experience Madagascar's authentic charm, whilst getting off the beaten track. Lush forests, sandy beaches and rolling farmland create a memorable natural escape. Ampohana is also an amazing place to volunteer with endangered turtles.
The vast majority of Madagascar's wildlife exists only on the island, giving you exceptional chances of spotting animals you can see nowhere else in the world in their natural habitat. So, if you want to see some movie stars, like King Julien (a ring-tailed lemur) and Mort (a mouse lemur), this is the destination for you.
Madagascar has a tropical climate, with a dry season and a wet season. The dry season, between May and October, is sunnier and cooler. Meanwhile, the wet season, between November and April, brings sunny mornings and afternoon showers.
The climate varies per region. Popular tourist destinations, such as Nosy Be and the Avenue of Baobab, are located on Madagascar’s west coast, which is typically drier.
Madagascar is a year-round destination, so the best time to visit depends on preference. You may want to plan your trip around which wildlife you most want to see! On our Madagascar trips, you can experience turtle nesting season between October to March, and between April to September, you’ll witness the turtles in the sea.
You’ll probably have Madagascar’s most iconic wildlife on your bucket list - Lemurs! You can even see them with their babies between September and December. Meanwhile, Nosy Be is a hotspot for snorkelling near whale sharks between September to December.
Madagascar’s culture is so unique, a rich blend of African, Asian and French Influences. You will feel whisked away from the moment you arrive, from the wildlife, to the nature, to the cultural experiences! Wandering the local markets offers a window into everyday life, with homemade crafts and fragrant street food. You will find yourself slowing down and embracing island time. Remember to keep your beachwear for the beach, and dress respectfully.
On our Madagascar trips, your group leader and local team will be able to advise you on any cultural customs.
Entry requirements and visa regulations are different for every destination and your purpose of travel. We recommend staying updated on the latest official information before you go travelling. Your passport should be undamaged and have enough blank pages for stamps and visas. Many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months of validity beyond the date of entry.
For more information and resources regarding entry requirements, check out our Visa Advice page.
At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help. .
We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for Madagascar as it's regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information, and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.
Madagascar is an island country in East Africa, in the Indian Ocean. It is separated from mainland Africa near Mozambique.
Madagascar is famous for its amazing biodiversity and unique wildlife, making it a bucket list destination for nature lovers! The vast majority of the wildlife you can find on the island can be found nowhere else in the world, guaranteeing the most memorable experience as you see lemurs, chameleons and more. Madagascar is also incredible for snorkelling and diving, thanks to thriving coral reefs and breathtaking marine life.
Yes, Madagascar is a fantastic place to volunteer! Get involved with conservation projects, making a real difference in one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots. On our Madagascar trips, you can help protect endangered turtles or get involved in marine conservation.
Madagascar's two official languages are Malagasy and French. English will be spoken in popular tourist areas and by your tour leaders on our Madagascar trips.
Gap 360 has partnered with Masta and Nomad Clinics, one of the UK’s largest networks of private travel clinics. Through Masta, you can arrange a Travel Telephone Consultation, an in-person Consultation, and book your vaccinations at your nearest clinic.
A flight from the UK to Madagascar takes approximately 13 hours, with at least one stop.
