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Last Update: 16 Dec 2010

Riding Holidays | Madagascar

Madagascar is located off the southern African coast near Mozambique and South Africa. Horse riding holidays in Madagascar are not yet very readily available. While native ponies can be found in a number of villages there are few professional riding stables offering riding lessons and trail rides. Some pony trekking is possible in Southern Madagascar and there is one horseback riding safari in the centre of the country.

Madagascar itself is the fourth largest island in the world. The landmass split off from the Indian subcontinent around 80-100 million years ago and due to its long isolation the country has a unique biodiversity. 90% of its plant species are not to be found anywhere else in the world. Divided into areas of rich tropical rainforest and open savannah, with a coast of white sandy beaches and azure waters, Madagascar is a stunning and captivating destination. Eco tourism is very important with a number of organisations trying to raise awareness and preserve this fragile rainforest habitat, home for many animals including lemurs and fossa (mammal related to the mongoose) as well as six baobab tree species. Unfortunately many animals have become endangered due to de-forestation.

Visitors to rural parts of Madagascar are advised to join organised tours as travelling independently around the country is not easy due to the poor transport system and condition of the local roads. The main language is Malagasy, although in cities French and increasingly now English is also spoken. There are two main seasons, a dry cooler season from May to October and a hot rainy season from November to April. The best time to go is September to November, just before the rainy season starts.

We are always looking for new riding destinations and regularly update the information on this site. If you have information about horse riding or trail rides in Madagascar please do contact us.