Below is a curated selection of ten locally based Madagascar tour operators, each offering unique ways to explore the island’s extraordinary biodiversity, rich cultures, and dramatic landscapes. You’ll find companies specializing in everything from birding and wildlife safaris to beach‑and‑bush itineraries, all staffed by Malagasy experts.
Cactus Tours Madagascar
Cactus Tours Madagascar has been welcoming visitors since 1998 and stands out as one of Madagascar’s longest‑established, fully Malagasy‑owned inbound tour operators. Based in Antananarivo, they craft fully tailor‑made journeys that range from rainforest treks in Andasibe‑Mantadia to baobab‑lined drives through Morondava and whale‑watching cruises off Sainte‑Marie Island. Their multilingual team—including French, English, German, and Russian speakers—designs custom wildlife safaris, cultural tours with local artisans, and beach holidays on the tropical isles. Cactus Places a strong emphasis on sustainable practices: they partner with community projects, support local schools, and reinvest in environmental conservation. Accommodations span eco‑lodges, luxury camps, and boutique hotels, each selected for authenticity and environmental sensitivity. Their network extends from the dry forests of Ankarafantsika to the marshlands of Mananara, making Cactus Tours a go‑to for fully supported exploration of Madagascar’s ecological wonders.
Website: https://www.cactus-madagascar.com
Remote River Expeditions
Remote River Expeditions specializes in small‑group, hands‑on adventure travel deeply rooted in riverine exploration. Founded by Gary Lemmer—an American naturalist with decades of experience on African waterways—they pioneered floating river safaris in Madagascar’s Tsiribihina and Manambolo rivers. Operating out of Morondava, their signature itineraries blend multi‑day canoe journeys, overnights on sandbank camps, and guided game drives to encounter baobabs, lemurs, endemic birds, and crocodile‑studded waterways. RRE’s small‑scale approach (max 12 guests) ensures personalized attention: professional Malagasy guides teach river navigation, bird identification, and local ecology, while chefs prepare bush breakfasts and dinners over wood fires. Logistics—from light aircraft transfers to 4×4 pickups—are managed seamlessly, allowing adventurers to focus on wildlife spotting and starlit river evenings. Remote River Expeditions remains one of the few operators offering true wilderness immersion via Madagascar’s iconic river corridors.
Website: https://www.remoterivers.com
Zà‑Tours Madagascar
Zà‑Tours Madagascar has served as a leading Antananarivo‑based ground handler for nearly 25 years, delivering bespoke, all‑inclusive packages across Madagascar’s diverse regions. Their in‑house team of Malagasy specialists handles everything—airport transfers, domestic flights, private 4×4 logistics, expert guides, and accommodations from eco‑camps to luxury lodges. Zà‑Tours’ portfolio includes classic circuit tours along RN7 (Antananarivo–Ranohira), beach and primate combos on Nosy Be and Lokobe, and custom northeast expeditions into Masoala and Maroantsetra. Their “complete service” philosophy ensures travelers enjoy seamless hand‑offs between road, air, and boat segments, while local partnerships guarantee community‑based excursions to villages and conservation projects. With 24/7 local support, Zà‑Tours offers both set‑departure group journeys and fully private tailor‑made adventures designed to match each traveler’s pace and interests.
Website: https://www.zatours-madagascar.mg/
Madagascar Touring
Madagascar Touring, founded in 2004 by three Malagasy brothers, combines car rental and guided tour services under one roof, making them a versatile choice for both self‑drive explorers and fully guided groups. Based in Antananarivo, they maintain a modern fleet—from sedans to 9‑seat 4×4 vehicles—to tackle island road networks, including the famous Tsingy shuttle between Morondava and Bekopaka. Their expert guides, all Malagasy nationals fluent in French and English, craft circuits that span the lemur‑rich rainforests of Andasibe, the red dunes of Sossusvlei, and coastal wildlife‑watching at Sainte‑Marie. Madagascar Touring also offers specialized itineraries—photography workshops, trekking excursions in Andringitra, and whale‑watching charters—backed by in‑country support offices. Their combination of local ownership, ground‑handling expertise, and broad destination knowledge makes Madagascar Touring a reliable partner for customized islandwide discovery.
Website: https://www.madagascartouring.com/
Discover Madagascar
Discover Madagascar is a locally owned DMC with over 30 years of experience delivering fully bespoke, high‑touch journeys around the island’s four major regions. Their team of Malagasy travel designers specializes in crafting “your story” itineraries that integrate wildlife safaris in Ranomafana and Isalo, cultural immersions in highland villages, and beach‑and‑whale‑watch packages on the Nosy Be archipelago. They emphasize responsible tourism: 100% of their tours include conservation levies, community development contributions, and partnerships with local NGOs. Discover Madagascar’s services span private charter flights, multi‑day trekking expeditions, marine biodiversity cruises, and VIP helicopter transfers to remote lodges. Their client‑centric approach—detailed pre‑trip planning, real‑time support, and carefully vetted supplier network—ensures seamless logistics and authentic encounters with Madagascar’s endemic wildlife and cultures.
Website: https://madagascar-touroperator.com/
Boogie Pilgrim
Boogie Pilgrim has been operating since 1988 as one of Madagascar’s pioneering incoming tour operators, now certified by Fair Trade Tourism® for its community and conservation commitments. Founder Sonja Gottlebe has built a reputation for “off‑the‑beaten‑track” adventure tours, combining hiking and camping expeditions in Ankarana, Tsingy de Bemaraha, and Makay with stays at their own Bush House and Tsara Camp lodges in remote regions. Boogie Pilgrim’s multilingual guides (English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Japanese) customize each itinerary—whether wildlife walks for lemur sightings, sea kayak trips around Nosy Be, or cultural village homestays. Their social‑impact model supports local schools, women’s artisan cooperatives, and reforestation efforts, ensuring travel revenues directly benefit Malagasy communities. Boogie Pilgrim remains renowned for personalized service, deep local connections, and sustainable adventure.
Website: https://www.boogiepilgrim-madagascar.com/en/
Rainbow Tours Madagascar
Rainbow Tours, part of a UK‑based group with 25 years of African expertise, serves as a specialist Madagascar division offering tailor‑made and small‑group safaris. Their Madagascar team curates wildlife discovery tours—spanning Andasibe rainforests, baobab avenues in Morondava, and whale‑watching at Ile Sainte‑Marie—paired with cultural activities like Malagasy drumming ceremonies. As a licensed ABTA member, Rainbow Tours guarantees financial protection and operates with a “responsible by nature” ethos: they donate to Money for Madagascar, partner with local conservation NGOs, and employ Malagasy guides and trackers. Their bespoke service includes 24/7 emergency support, expert trip‑planning consultations, and sustainable travel practices, making Rainbow Tours a top choice for UK travelers seeking Madagascar’s natural wonders with reliable logistics and ethical commitments.
Website: https://www.rainbowtours.co.uk/madagascar
ASISTEN Travel
ASISTEN Travel is an award‑winning, 100% Malagasy‑owned DMC and luxury tour operator established in 2009 in Antananarivo. Specializing in high‑end bespoke packages, they provide VIP handling—private charter planes, helicopter transfers, premium vehicles—and curate immersive experiences: photography safaris in Ranomafana, expeditions to remote Northern Tsingy, and beach retreats on Nosy Iranja. ASISTEN’s “Malagasy Expertise” promise leverages local guide networks, exclusive lodge partnerships, and insider access to conservation projects. Their all‑inclusive services cover every detail—permits, insurance, private meals, and custom‑built itineraries shaped around guest preferences. With a strong focus on sustainability, they support community development, train local guides, and adhere to rigorous safety standards, positioning ASISTEN Travel among Madagascar’s premier luxury tour providers.
Website: https://asisten-travel.com/
Madagascar Green Tours
Madagascar Green Tours is a family‑run agency based in Antananarivo since 2003, focusing on private and small‑group tours that showcase the island’s varied ecosystems—from the wild highlands of Andringitra to the baobabs of Menabe and the coral gardens off Nosy Be. Their “Jungle Train” and RN7 circuits combine wildlife safaris in Ranomafana, trekking in Isalo, and scenic rail journeys to Manakara, with stays in locally owned guesthouses and eco‑camps. Madagascar Green Tours prides itself on flexible, customer‑driven packages, expert driver‑guides, and transparent pricing that includes car rental, fueling, and park fees. Their commitment to client satisfaction and authentic Malagasy hospitality has earned them a loyal following among repeat travelers seeking mid‑range comfort and value.
Website: https://madagascar-green-tours.com/
Fosa Travel
Fosa Travel, headquartered in Antananarivo, delivers fully personalized itineraries for adventure seekers, honeymooners, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. They specialize in modular packages—such as the 9‑day “Baobabs & Lemurs” tour linking Andasibe, Antsirabe, and Morondava—with custom pick‑up and drop‑off, expert English‑speaking guides, and accommodation spanning bush camps to lakeside bungalows. Fosa’s core philosophy embraces deep traveler‑guide relationships: before each trip, a dedicated consultant collaborates on every detail, from dietary needs to off‑route detours for local craft markets. They offer complementary services—car rental, domestic flights, and visa assistance—ensuring door‑to‑door support. Fosa Travel’s commitment to quality, coupled with budget‑conscious options and rigorous safety protocols, has made them a standout among Madagascar’s emerging mid‑range operators.
Website: https://www.fosatravel.com/
These ten companies showcase Madagascar’s diverse tour‑operator landscape: from established, fully Malagasy outfits to small‑group specialists and luxury DMCs, each delivering authentic encounters with the island’s endemic wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant cultures. Whether you’re seeking rugged river expeditions, baobab avenue road trips, remote island escapes, or bespoke luxury, one of these operators will tailor the perfect Malagasy adventure.
