Madagascar: Photography Travel at Its Best

Madagascar is a country like no other, as the fourth largest island in the world it is inhabited by some of the most peculiar species and endowed with diverse landscapes that sometimes appear to be straight out of an alien film. And speaking of films, unlike the blockbuster of the same name, Madagascar does not have indigenous species of penguins, hippo, lions, or giraffes. 

This, however, does not mean that the island nation is not a wildlife haven; for the photography enthusiast with a fascination for the unusual, peculiar, and mystifying, Madagascar is the perfect destination.

On our photo tour in Madagascar, you’ll travel to this enigmatic island in the month of May; just after the rainy season. This period is characterized by lush greens and captivating cloud filled sunsets and sunrises; the perfect backdrop. The tour is led by the renowned photographer Emil von Maltitz, who, having traveled extensively around Madagascar, knows all the ins and outs of this uniquely beautiful country. Read on to get a full panoramic picture, straight from the (photography) horse’s mouth, of what makes the Great Red Island so special for photography enthusiasts.

A Typical Day In Madagascar

As mentioned before, the conclusion of the rainy season is characterized by spectacular skies at dawn and dusk. In light of this, Emil revealed that “during this trip, we will be taking advantage of these views by rising early on some days to capture sunrise shots. One of Madagascar’s well-known locations is best witnessed and captured in the pre-dawn light; the Allee De Baobab (Baobab Alley) appears enchantingly other-worldly when seen under the cascade of waning star-light sky – a photographic opportunity we cannot miss! After shooting, there would be time to rest, refuel, and really start the day. We may either set aside some time for editing, or traveling between locations.” 

This photo tour presents a comprehensive itinerary of Madagascar, and we always visit a diverse array of locations; from the stunning salt flats in Belo, to the mangroves of Ifaty, each location is a well of photographic inspiration. “It is not just the destinations themselves that make this adventure,” says Emil, “the journey between locations – often through mountainous terrain, crossing swollen rivers, and traversing through soft sand – makes for unforgettable memories.” 

We spend our nights at some of Madagascar’s most authentic accommodations. A favorite of this tour is the Laguna Blu Hotel, perfectly situated along a shoreline of limestone features; it is an ideal location for photographing the diversity of subjects available within a relatively small area. Here, we spend the time at Laguna Blu photographing the local fishing village, the coastline, stands of baobabs, as well as the iconic spiny desert. When asked about a highlight of the daily itinerary, Emil noted that “as the day winds down, we have the opportunity to practice nighttime photography and capture the milky way as it cascades over towering rows of Madagascar’s national tree; the baobab.”

Memorable Encounters

Emil has guided photography tours of Madagascar a bunch of times, with each trip drawing out his love for this incredible country even more. He recalls of a special photographic moment when “standing atop a large granite rock outcrop in the early morning light while a troop of ring-tailed lemurs run past and throw themselves into the trees around us”, perhaps Madagascar’s most famous inhabitant, the lemurs make for very interesting wildlife photography subjects. 

With their bizarre appearance and charismatic behavior this endemic species is sure to be a highlight of the adventure as we trek through Anja Park, one of the best places in Madagascar to see and photograph the ring-tailed lemur. This park is community run, and, unlike other parts of the country, the people in Anja consider it fady (taboo) to harm the lemurs. As a consequence, the lemurs of Anja have no fear of humans and it is possible to get right up close to them for photography.

Aside from the 100 different species of lemur, Madagascar’s is also home to a myriad of other weird and wonderful flora and fauna, 90% of which are endemic to the island. Its geographic isolation creates a distinct ecosystem that is home to extraordinary wildlife that can be seen nowhere else on the planet. Even the baobab, which is somewhat ubiquitous in Southern Africa, has at least seven species that are unique to Madagascar. “I love capturing the Fony Baobab trees in the early hours of the morning,” says Emil, “as the Milky Way sinks towards the horizon. It is such a colorful experience.”

Madagascar is more than its renowned wildlife and picturesque landscape; you can’t get to the essence of Madagascar without getting to know its people. The Malagasy, many of whom are farmers and fishermen, hold a rich culture that is an amalgamation of influences from Southeast Asia, India, Africa, and the Middle East. They are warm, welcoming, and keen to embrace travelers into their way of life. Emil recalls of “the time a farmer tracked us down in Betavo, asked us to follow him to his home to meet his wife and photograph them together,” a not-unusual interaction with a Malagasy, where the tour took a delightful turn and created space for a meaningful cross-cultural exchange.  

Hidden Gems

When travelers think of Madagascar, many envision lemurs, chameleon, traversing through Allee De Baobab, and diving at Nosy Be, and although we will be exploring all this quintessential Madagascar (save for Nosy Be), this photography tour is an intentional pursuit of the ‘off-the-beaten’ track adventures that birth incredible shots. 

One of these hidden gems is the Kirindy Forest. “With its towering rows of baobab that are best seen (and photographed) by drone, the forest presents a novel photographic challenge for some and a chance to explore wide-angle photography,” says Emil. The forest is also the best location for spotting nocturnal wildlife; it is home to the fosa, Madagascar’s largest carnivore, and the endangered giant jumping rat, endemic to this area.

The itinerary for our photo tour to Madagascar coincides with the cattle market at Ambalavao, a town on the edge of Madagascar’s southern highlands. Every Wednesday, herders from all over the country gather here to sell their zebu. The cacophony of life is rife at the cattle market, and it is a sight (and sound) to behold. “We may also witness the Zebu rodeos,” mentions Emil, “where young cowboys compete in bull rides to the electrifying cheer of market goers.” Although known for the cattle trading, the market is a one-stop shop for almost anything you’d want from Madagascar, from spices and medicinal herbs, to nuts and intricately handcrafted buttons – so saddle up your lenses and your wallets for this leg of the adventure!

Madagascar is not only visually stunning; a trip through the country presents an enlivening of all the senses. “The soft sounds of the waves lapping on the beach (synonymous with the first week of our travels) to the almost meditative ding-dong of the zebu cattle’s bells as they roam around the countryside,” says Emil. “And cities like Fianarantsoa and Antsirabe are a hive of human activity, which may be quite jarring compared to the wild and rural locations, but the city comes with its own unique photographic delights.”

Final Thoughts

A tour through Madagascar offers an unparalleled assortment of photographic opportunities, each more captivating than the last. From the otherworldly landscapes and the fascinating wildlife to the vibrant culture and riveting traditions, this island destination is photography travel at its best. 

Imagine capturing the mesmerizing Allee De Baobab at dawn, witnessing ring-tailed lemurs in their natural habitat up close, or navigating the bustling cattle market at Ambalavao. Madagascar’s allure lies not only in its iconic wildlife and picturesque landscapes but also in its composition of culture, from the warmth of the Malagasy people to the rhythms of daily life that pulse through its bustling cities and tranquil villages.

So, why wait? Join our Madagascar photo tour and let the rare beauty of the Great Red Island move your lens.