Who is MadagasCaT?
We are Madagascar travel experts with over 18 years of hands-on experience in the region.
Whilst based in Cape Town, South Africa we’ve personally visited every hotel, every island, and every reef we recommend.
We don’t just sell trips—we live them.
We’ve:
Pioneered luxury catamaran charters in Nosy Be since 2008
Partnered with Airlink to launch the direct flight route from Johannesburg to Nosy Be
Contributed to 4 editions of the Bradt Guide to Madagascar
Been consulted by top travel magazines, radio and TV shows including HOT102.7 Mal Kamper, Inside Angling, Expresso Show, Cape Talk, Getaway, Skyways and more
Assisted other travel agents with less knowledge of the destination to plan their clients Madagascar trips including Pentravel, Sure Travel and many independent agents.
Harriet Millson - owner and founder
Founder and owner of MadagasCaT Travel, Harriet Millson is one of Madagascar’s most passionate destination specialists. With over a decade of on-the-ground experience exploring the islands, reefs, rainforests and remote archipelagos of northern Madagascar, she has built close relationships with local lodges, yacht owners, and conservation guides — creating seamless, bespoke journeys that few others can match. Her philosophy is simple: authentic experiences, meaningful connections, and meticulous attention to detail. Whether arranging a private yacht charter through the Mitsio Islands, a family escape to Nosy Be, or a corporate incentive trip with a twist, Harriet ensures every MadagasCaT journey captures the wild, unfiltered beauty of Madagascar — and the warmth of the people who call it home.
Contact Harriet directly on +27 (0) 84 524 9706
Lucilia Cronje-Gomes - Personal Assistant
Lucilia serves as Harriet’s Personal Assistant with outstanding professionalism, reliability, and warmth. Drawing on her diverse background in administration, travel coordination, and client communication, she ensures that every aspect of our business operations run smoothly and efficiently. Highly organized and proactive, she manages complex scheduling, correspondence, procurement, and logistics with precision and discretion. Her prior experience across aviation, education, construction, and real estate has given her exceptional interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills — assets that make her invaluable in liaising with clients, suppliers, and partners. Lucilia combines initiative with a strong service ethic, consistently anticipating needs and maintaining the calm efficiency that keeps our fast-paced environment on track.
Contact Lucilia directly on + 27 (0) 76 612 1392.
Why Travel with Us?
Every journey we plan is tailored to you—your pace, your passions, your preferences. We blend local knowledge with global standards, ensuring a seamless mix of authenticity, comfort, and adventure.
Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, with kids, or with a group of friends—we have the expertise to turn your Madagascar dreams into unforgettable memories.
Visit our fantastic Madagascar Holiday Packages!
Where do our clients come from?
We Do Not Load Prices
We are paid a commission by the suppliers and not by you.
We quote the same rates that you would get direct from the suppliers and then stitch together all the pieces of your trip to ensure a seamless holiday.
MadagasCaT — because the best adventures don’t come packaged.
About to board the first direct flight between Johannesburg and Nosy Be on the 20th of March 2016 with the South African Ambassador to Madagascar, the Madagascar Minister of Tourism and the Madagascar Consul to South Africa.
“The direct flight between Johannesburg (JNB) and Nosy Be (NOS) by Airlink was made possible through a private partnership with MadagasCaT Charters & Travel.
MadagasCaT played a pivotal role in the introduction and success of this route. Without their efforts and collaboration, this direct flight would not have been operational. They acted as private partners, helping to facilitate logistics, promote the route, and ensure its viability from a tourism and travel standpoint.
This partnership significantly boosted accessibility to Nosy Be, making the island far more reachable for South African and international travelers.” Google
“MadagasCat travel has a very intimate knowledge of the accommodation options available. Harriet put together the most amazing package with a bit of fishing and excursions. It was an unforgettable trip and we enjoyed our stay on Sakatia island.”
MadagasCat travel has intimate knowledge of the Lodges and accommodation options, Harriet put together the most amazing 2 week package for us and our only regret is that we didn’t book for 3 weeks as there’s so much to do and experience on this colorful Island with its friendly creative people.
Harriet from MadagasCat travel truly delivered with a well-planned itinerary. We enjoyed all of the activities; fishing was awesome and the trips to various islands was amazing!!! Griselda and Adrian from Sakatia Beach Villas were very friendly, food was delicious and the service and staff exceptional. Our whole group is already planning our next trip to Sakatia with the guidance of Harriet. Definitely recommend booking through Harriet & MadasCat Travel and also going to Sakatia beach Villas.
Looking forward to our next adventure in Madagascar!!!
Harriet was a super star , you can see she has been planning holidays in Madagascar for over 18years ! I gave her my brief and budget and she worked her magic and organised everything from flights to each and every little boat trip and shuttle to and from the numerous islands with meticulous detail . She made our trip amazing on top of the beautiful islands Madagascar has to offer .
We had the best holiday in Madagascar June/July 2024. Harriet was super-efficient, all the planning was done for us right up to the taxi to and from the airport.
Sakatia Villas will definitely see us again. The du Toits go above and beyond and the food is fabulous. Rooms very comfortable. The lodge is personal and very special.
MakiCat was such a wonderful experience for a week. It takes you to islands that beyond expectations. The crew, Toni, Marc and Angelo were fantastic. Nothing was too much hassle.
Madagascar is a stunning country. The people are gentle and friendly. We will certainly return.
Mora Mora (slowly slowly).
Yvonne Gilbert
Travel in Madagascar is made easy, accessible and seemless by Harriet of MadagasCat Travel. Do not venture there without their advice and expertise! We had a great 2 week Island trip.
Trip to Exora Hotel Resort, Nosy Be, Madagascar.
Harriet from MadagasCat arranged our entire trip from Jnb to Nosy Be Exora Resort most efficiently. Everything was exactly as arranged, from flights, airport transfers to and from Hotel, Hotel facilities etc. The Resort was really great, with excellent service from a very attentive team. No request was too much trouble, and we really enjoyed ourselves. Highly recommended!!!
William Wakefield
We had an amazing experience from start to finish after being referred to Harriet by a friend.
We had no experience of the island and were nervous before booking. She assured us and we followed her recommendations.
The process and communication was fast and simple and we got an incredibly detailed itinerary which really assisted us. The cost was also good value, even the flights were arranged by her.
The accommodation Harriet recommended was fantastic and we were well looked after and thoroughly spoilt.
She also followed up with us to check all was in order when we arrived, when we left and after we arrived home. Great service and attention to detail.
We will definitely return and book through MadagasCat Travel again.
JOE DE VILLIERS
We booked a week on Nosy Be, Madagascar through MadagasCaT Charters and Travel. Harriet was incredibly efficient and helpful and I am sure we got the best deal possible by asking for her assistance to plan our holiday. From the booking to general tips for our trip, excellent recommendations for excursions to courtesy follow-ups during our trip, it was all exceptional. If anyone is planning a trip to Nosy Be and the surrounding islands, MadagasCaT is the place to start. Oh - and Nosy Be is incredible: we cannot wait to go back. It is safe, the people are friendly and the food is superb. We went in June and the weather was perfect every single day!
Harriet arranged a perfect week for us in Nosy Be. We just wanted to relax and dive and she booked us into the Ravintsara Wellness Hotel where we had a very spacious bungalow surrounded by lush tropical gardens and beachfront, of course.
The dive centre that was recommended was just along the beach and were professional, friendly and well equipped. We dived almost every day! And swam with Whale sharks on 2 occasions - an absolutely awe inspiring life event for us.
We really want to do it again Harriet and will be in touch again without a doubt.
We had an amazing trip to the Nosy Be archipelago of Madagascar. The islands are beautiful with classic white beaches and turquoise waters, and interesting variety of creatures on land and when snorkeling. Harriet from MadagasCaT is extremely responsive, answering any questions quickly and sorted out a great family holiday including a week of kayaking and then of leisure on Sakatia Island. Everything went so smoothly from the airport and other transfers to meeting the teams who would take care of us - both the boat and lodge crews were friendly, cooked great meals and took care of all our needs. A highly recommended trip and also team to book and arrange everything through!
We had the most fantastic holiday near Nosy Be, Madagascar, organised by Madagascat Charters and Travel. Our family of 6, (including 4 adult children) snorkelled and walked on and around the islands in the area. We were hosted on a yacht where the crew were always friendly and professional and catered for our every need. Harriet from Madagascat was fully engaged with us from our very first enquiry. It was a pleasure working with MadagasCat again - we traveled with them 9 years ago too.
We had the most incredible time in Madagascar and it was definitely worth going through MadagasCaT. I don't usually use an agency but MadagasCaT had such reasonable packages on offer and provided so much valuable information about a country I really knew nothing about. Harriet answered all my questions so that by time we went I felt ready to completely relax, knowing there was nothing left to plan or organise. Hope to go to Madagascar again, and will definitely book through MadagasCaT
Great advise on where and when to stay in Madagascar. Attention to detail in all planning ensures an itinerary that leads to a perferfectly crafted holiday experience. Harriet is a fountain of knowledge and very personable to deal with going the extra mile to ensure a memorable and hassle free holiday.
Harriet helped us to organise an unforgettable trip to and around Nosy Be. We spent 1 week on the MakiCat yacht which was the highlight of our trip and I would highly recommend doing. Harriet was always very responsive via Whatsapp and helped us change our plans last minute to stay one day longer at our Airbnb rental.
The exceptional efficiency and phenomenally quick response to any enquiry from Harriet proved to set the standard for our whole holiday. Each and every aspect of the holiday and our magical stay at Sakatia Villas displayed true excellence.
Thank you Harriet.
Absolute love Sakatia!! Harriet and her team at Madagacat Travel and charters were absolutely amazing!!! I highly recommend them. Everything was planned for you and ran smoothly. Definitely doing this trip again.
Harriet gave us a seamless, easy to book experience.
Harriet replies so quickly to any queries.
Madagascar is a special place that I highly recommend, and to book through Harriet who is so knowledgeable about the country.
I needed help finding a suitable place to stay after an itinerary changed at the last moment, and Harriet from MadagascCat Charters & Travel was incredible. With me in South Africa, her in Portugal and Marcine Cooper of 293 Komba in Madagascar, we had accommodation sorted in less than 15 minutes! And 293 Komba should be a first-choice option for anyone visiting Nosy Be or Nosy Komba - warm, authentic hospitality, eclectic decor, wonderful food and a phenomenal location, right on the doorstep of the bulk of Nosy Komba's attractions.
Harriet went over and beyond her call of duty. She literally made this dream holiday, which seemed impossible in the time-frame I had given her a reality. Within a few days she organised and planned our entire holiday, all we had to do was pack our bags. She arranged everything, and our entire journey, stay and excursions went well without a glitch. Harriet, we will be forever grateful for all you did and your personal attention to every detail. Because of you we ticked every box from beginning to end of this entire holiday.
we have just had the most amazing week here, perfect place to switch off & relax.
really great food made by the awesome Alex the chef.
great people, we felt at home from the minute we arrived.
good diving around the island, would highly recommend this place for a magical week away.
Our trip exceeded ALL our expectations. The people, the food, the environment and the whole experience was incredible. We will be back. Tsangana charter arranged by MadagasCat was a perfect breakaway for family and friends. Highly recommended.