Seychelles vs Madagascar, which is best?
You can’t go wrong with either choice, but the two experiences are quite different and will be suited to different types of travellers. Here is what a group from New Zealand, who travelled to Madagascar with Leopard, had to say about their experience:
“Madagascar was a very exciting surprise. We were four (70 years +) intrepid travellers from New Zealand who had not travelled together before and Madagascar was a random choice, as between us, we had covered most of the world. It turned out to be exceptional with its landscape, wildlife and people; and the organisation from Diana. We had a superb driver joined by local guides, stayed at good accommodation and had 10 days of fun, laughter and education. Absolutely recommend for those that enjoy slow travel, fun and a different experience with comfort thrown in.” – Ali
Landscape and wildlife
The Seychelles is an archipelago of legendary beauty. It is famed for its postcard-perfect granite inner islands, framed by powdery white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. The lush, jungle-covered interiors of islands like Mahé and Praslin offer a beautiful contrast to the coastline. While the inner islands of the Seychelles are known for their steep topography, the outer islands are flatter and sandier, similar to the Maldives.
In contrast, Madagascar boasts a staggering variety of landscapes, from dense rainforests and towering baobab forests to semi-arid deserts and long stretches of unspoiled coastline. Its vast and untamed terrain offers a sense of raw, wild beauty that is entirely unique. Except for the charismatic ring-tailed lemurs, the country was nothing like my family and I imagined. The wildlife is more remarkable than you can imagine and the people are the kindest I’ve met.
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll find both islands remarkable, but in very different ways. Seychelles is home to giant Aldabra tortoises, vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, and a rich bird population, especially on islands like Cousin and Aride. Seychelles has made significant strides in marine protection, with nearly a third of its waters designated as marine protected areas. Diving the coral reefs around Alpohonse Island is an incredible experience. At one point, my husband and I were surrounded by turtles! The diversity of marine life found here is just astounding.
Madagascar, however, is a biodiversity hotspot like no other, with thousands of endemic species found nowhere else on earth. From the bizarre and playful lemurs and colourful chameleons to the iconic baobab trees, the island offers an extraordinary window into a unique and ancient ecosystem. A staggering 90% of Madagascar’s wildlife is endemic. It is home to around 200,000 species, of which more than 150,000 are found nowhere else.
Activities and adventure
Seychelles is ideal for a laid-back tropical escape, offering world-class snorkelling and diving, fishing, scenic sailing between islands and indulgent spa treatments. Madagascar, on the other hand, caters more to adventurous travellers, with experiences like trekking through dense rainforests, searching for lemurs, spotting humpback whales off the coast of Île Sainte-Marie, diving in remote marine parks, and engaging in cultural tours that reveal the island’s rich heritage and diverse communities.
Accommodation and costs
In Seychelles, travellers can expect a high level of comfort and exclusivity, with a range of luxury resorts, private island retreats, and stylish boutique hotels. The emphasis is on elegant, barefoot luxury with impeccable service, making it ideal for honeymoons, special occasions, or indulgent beach escapes. Properties like those on North Island, Desroches, and Praslin offer a seamless and refined experience in stunning natural surroundings. Madagascar, while more rustic, offers charming eco-lodges and boutique accommodations that focus on immersion in nature, such as Masoala Forest Lodge. The style is often “rustic chic” rather than polished luxury, with an emphasis on authenticity and connection to the local environment. There are very few five-star resorts to be found in Madagascar.
Seychelles is generally a more premium destination, with prices reflecting its luxury focus and remote location. Travellers should expect a higher overall cost (similar to costs in major European cities) for accommodation, dining, and activities. Madagascar, by contrast, is more affordable in terms of lodging and day-to-day costs, but comes with more logistical complexity, which adds cost to the overall trip. Distances are long, infrastructure is less developed, and internal travel can be time-consuming, though for adventurous travellers, the rewards of exploring Madagascar’s unique biodiversity and landscapes are well worth the effort.
Weather and logistics
Madagascar is a huge island, and weather will vary depending on where you plan to go. They have a cyclone season which is generally from January to March/April and is best avoided. The Seychelles has two seasons, distinguished by the winds that blow during each period. The northwest season is an eight-month season, running from October to May. It has less wind, calmer seas and higher rainfall. The southeast season is the windier season with a drier climate and very little rainfall.
Air access into both Seychelles and Madagascar is relatively straightforward, though Seychelles is generally better connected internationally. Seychelles is served by Seychelles International Airport on Mahé, with regular direct flights from major hubs like Dubai, Doha, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Johannesburg. Madagascar’s main entry point is Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, with flights from Paris, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Johannesburg.
If you are still struggling to decide which might suit you better, why not do both, as I did (over two different years)! You can read my newsletter about my trip to Madagascar here, and the one I did to the Seychelles, here.
Happy Travelling,
Diana
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