Discover Madeira’s wild east by 4x4 with Safari Madeira. This full-day off-road tour takes you from mountain peaks to coastal cliffs, blending adventure with culture and local flavor.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for individuals with basic mobility; long day demands moderate stamina for occasional short walks and standing.
Wildlife
History
Machico, visited on the tour, was Madeira’s first capital and played a key role in early Portuguese settlement in the 15th century.
Conservation
Safari Madeira operates with a focus on sustainable tourism, respecting protected natural areas and promoting responsible interaction with Madeira’s fragile ecosystems.
Safari Madeira
Discover Madeira’s wild east by 4x4 with Safari Madeira. This full-day off-road tour takes you from mountain peaks to coastal cliffs, blending adventure with culture and local flavor.
Safari Madeira operates from Funchal, Madeira, offering guided 4x4 safaris and private tours that showcase the island’s dramatic coastlines, plateaus and laurel forests.
Safari Madeira runs a fleet of Land Rover Discovery vehicles, including the Discovery III SE TDV6 used on select private tours, to provide comfortable off-road access to viewpoints and trails that standard vehicles cannot reach. Tours range from half-day excursions to full-day and extended 8-hour private experiences, with customizable itineraries to suit families, groups, and friends.
Popular highlights on Safari Madeira itineraries include Câmara de Lobos and Boca dos Namorados, the Cabo Girão sea cliffs, the Paul da Serra plateau, the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest and Fanal, the Veu da Noiva waterfall, Ponta do Pargo lighthouse, Santana’s traditional houses, Calheta beaches, and the island’s red cliffs and vineyards. Several full-day routes include a nature-focused lunch and short guided walks.
Safari Madeira emphasizes local guiding and off-road expertise to reach scenic viewpoints and hidden trails. The company offers both open-top and closed 4x4 experiences depending on the route and season. Booking includes clear pickup instructions, meeting points and practical details to ensure smooth departures from Funchal. Safari Madeira focuses on safe, well-equipped vehicles and experienced drivers to create memorable, scenic island explorations for visitors to Madeira, for comfortable, efficient tours always.
Location
Funchal, Madeira
Base for all departures
Vehicle
Land Rover Discovery
Luxury 4x4 fleet including Discovery III
Tour Lengths
3–8 hours
Half-day and full-day options
Tours Offered
8 tour options
Private and guided 4x4 safaris
Check availability for private and group tours departing from Funchal. Flexible itineraries and private options available.
Wear sturdy footwear
Uneven off-road terrain requires good hiking shoes or boots to stay comfortable and secure.
Bring a light jacket
Higher elevations like Pico do Arieiro can be chilly and windy, even in summer.
Carry sun protection
Expect strong sun exposure on open ridge lines and coastal stops; sunscreen and a hat are recommended.
Pack a refillable water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the seven-hour trip by bringing water, as refreshment options are limited between stops.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides necessary support and traction on uneven off-road paths.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Protects from intense sun exposure during exposed ridge and coastal stops.
summer
Light rain jacket
Keeps you dry and comfortable during sudden showers or mist at altitude.
spring|fall|winter
Reusable water bottle
Ensures hydration throughout the day with limited water access between villages.