Madagascar Family Holidays
Family travel focused on nature, safety and meaningful experiences
Madagascar is a rewarding destination for families who want to travel more slowly, spend time outdoors and give children meaningful exposure to nature and wildlife. Rather than busy resorts or theme-park travel, family holidays here are built around calm beaches, gentle wildlife encounters and small, well-managed lodges.
As we primarily work with South African families, our Madagascar family holidays are designed around direct flight schedules from Johannesburg. Flights into Nosy Be operate weekly, so island-based family stays are planned in 7-night blocks or longer, while mainland journeys — accessed via daily flights into Antananarivo — are designed for 7 nights or more to ensure realistic pacing and minimal fatigue for children.
For a broader overview of travel styles, you can also explore our full range of Madagascar holiday packages →
Why Madagascar works for families
Madagascar offers a rare combination of safety, simplicity and discovery that suits family travel particularly well.
What families value most:
Calm beaches with shallow swimming areas
Gentle, close-up wildlife encounters
Friendly local culture and welcoming lodges
Educational experiences rooted in nature
Types of Madagascar family holidays
Island-based family holidays
Island-based family holidays are centred around the Nosy Be region, where calm seas, short transfers and relaxed lodges make travelling with children straightforward.
These holidays are designed around 7-night stays, in line with weekly flights, and focus on beach time, snorkelling, boat trips and simple island exploration.
Highlights include:
Easy travel days and minimal packing
Safe swimming and snorkelling conditions
Flexible days with plenty of downtime
Island and wildlife family holidays
For families wanting a broader experience, we design itineraries that combine a 7-night mainland journey with a 7-night island stay.
Children are introduced to wildlife gradually, through short forest walks, lemur encounters and gentle canal journeys, before finishing the trip with relaxed beach time.
Private and flexible family travel
Some families prefer greater flexibility, space and privacy. In these cases, we recommend private villas, small lodges or customised itineraries that allow days to unfold at a child-friendly pace.
These holidays are particularly well suited to multi-generational families or those travelling with younger children.
Sample Madagascar family itineraries
7-night island family holiday
Suited for children aged 9 and upwards
Based in the Nosy Be archipelago
Beach time, snorkelling and lemurs
Includes excursions to 5 islands
Ideal for first-time family travel to Madagascar.
Health & safety for families travelling to Nosy Be
Nosy Be is one of Madagascar’s most established and family-friendly regions, chosen for its calm beaches, short transfers and well-managed accommodation.
Malaria and children
Malaria is present in Madagascar, including Nosy Be, but the risk in resort and lodge areas is generally low when sensible precautions are followed. Families should consult their GP or travel clinic for age-appropriate advice. In practice, family stays focus on screened or air-conditioned accommodation, coastal locations and simple measures such as insect repellent and evening clothing.
Many families continue to choose Nosy Be because it combines gentle nature experiences with a relaxed, low-stress environment that works well for children.
General health considerations
Family itineraries are designed at a comfortable pace, with minimal travel days, flexible activities and plenty of downtime. We always provide pre-departure health guidance and recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
Sakatia Beachfront Villas
Suited for children aged 4 and upwards
Based on Nosy Sakatia
Beach time, snorkelling, lemurs, turtles and boat excursions
Optional visits to nearby islands and reserves
14-night island and wildlife family holiday
The East
7 nights mainland Madagascar
Antananarivo
Andasibe region
Pangalanes Canal
7 nights on Ile Sainte Marie or Ile Aux Nattes
7-night liveaboard charter
Gentle liveaboard charters
Beach time, snorkelling and island excursions
Plenty of beach stops
Crew of Maki Cat especially good with kids
14-night island and wildlife family holiday
The North
7 nights mainland Madagascar
Antananarivo
Diego Suarez
Montagne D’Ambre National Park
Tsingy of Ankarana National Park
7 nights in the Nosy Be region
Best time for a family holiday in Madagascar
April to November offers the most comfortable conditions for family travel.
July to October: Cooler temperatures and excellent wildlife viewing
School holiday periods: Limited availability — early planning advised
December to Mid January: Hotter and more humid; suitable with careful regional planning
Mid January to end March: Airlink does not fly to Nosy Be over this period and many lodges do not operate either.
We always advise on timing based on children’s ages and travel style.
Why families travel with MadagasCaT
Every family holiday is designed using lodges we know well and routes we have tested ourselves. We prioritise safety, pacing and accommodation that genuinely works for families rather than adapting adult itineraries for children.
Many families first travel with us on our broader range of Madagascar holiday packages before returning with children or extended family.
Frequently asked questions
Is Madagascar safe for children?
Yes. When routes are planned carefully and accommodation is chosen appropriately, Madagascar is a safe and rewarding destination for family travel.
What is the ideal age for children?
Families with children aged 6 and older tend to travel most comfortably, although younger children can be accommodated with the right itinerary planning.
