Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean far from the southeast coast of Africa, was originally known as the Malagasy Republic. It is thought to be the fourth largest island in the world, measuring 1600 km in length and 570 km in width. Madagascar, which is located in the Indian Ocean and is divided from Africa by the Mozambique Channel, is referred to by most ecologists as the “eighth continent.”

It is believed to have broken off Africa spontaneously some 65 million years ago. There are two seasons in Madagascar: the hot, rainy season (November–April) and the cooler, dry season (May–October). The southeast trade winds that originate from the Indian Ocean anticyclone are the primary cause of the climate’s distinctiveness. Discover all of Africa’s Madagascar trips and vacation packages.

The Tsaratanana Massif, the central highlands, the west coast, the east coast, the southwest coast, and the southwest coast are the five geographical zones that make up Madagascar’s diverse terrain. The capital and largest city of Madagascar, Antananarivo, is home to 24.89 million people (2016 World Bank), and the two primary languages spoken there are French and Malagasy. Madagascar is a member of the African Union.

Numerous animal species can be found in Madagascar, including the ring-tailed lemur, which is unique to the country and has over 103 extant species and subspecies. To put it another way, 90% of the animals are exclusive to Madagascar and cannot be found elsewhere. This island is home to the nation’s beaches, stunning rain forests, and reefs, including the third-largest coral reef in the world. The “Avenue of the Baobabs,” a gravel road surrounded with enormous old trees, is another distinctive feature of Madagascar. The top sights and things to do in Madagascar are listed below.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE: Primates of Madagascar

Antananarivo
Previously known as the French Tananarive, Antananarivo is the capital and largest city of Madagascar. It serves as the primary gateway to the country. One of the most fascinating cities in Africa is Antananarivo, where visitors may explore and enjoy cultural attractions such as the various churches and palaces located around the city, as well as architectural and historical landmarks. The city is divided into three areas, each of which has its own attractions.

The upper town’s old city, also called “Haute Ville,” is home to a number of cathedrals, historic residential neighborhoods, and palaces, including the Queen’s Palace, the ancient Justice Palace, the pink baroque Andafiavaratra Palace, and the former prime minister Rainilaiarivony Place. The intermediate level is also known as the Plateau du Colbert, and the down town level is called the ancient swamp.

The Rova of Antananarivo palace complex (with its royal tombs and wooden houses), the Avenue de l’Independence, the Tsimbazaza Zoo house and animals, Lake Anosy encircled by Jacaranda trees, the museum containing the extinct elephant skeleton, the market, the lemur’s park, and other locations are just a few of Antananarivo’s other must-see attractions.

The Parc de Tsarasaotra wetlands, which are home to several rare bird species, are another fantastic destination for birdwatchers. All of these attractions work together to provide Antananarivo with beautiful scenery and a plenty of things to offer tourists.

For those who are already in the nation, Antananarivo can be reached by road; for those arriving by plane, it can be reached by air at the Ivato Airport (TNR). There are plenty of reasonably priced, traditional, and cozy lodging options in Antananarivo. When you visit Antananarivo today, make memories that will last a lifetime!

Be Nosy
Nosy Be, which translates to “Big Island” in Malagasy, is located roughly 8 kilometers from the country’s northwest coast. Andoany is the main town here. This island, which is roughly 320.02 square kilometers in size, has gone by several names over the years. Assada was one of them. This island has a tropical climate, with humid summers in December, January, and February.

The busiest and biggest tourist destination in Madagascar is Nosy Be, which is a popular destination for hiking and trekking vacations because of its ideal climate and location. There are many things to do in Nosy Be, such as swimming, relaxing, and chilling on the beaches; swimming with turtles on Nosy Sakatia island, which is an incredible experience; and Mount Passont, which offers good views of the island and surrounding areas and is a great place to watch sunsets.

Additional activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, cultural excursions of the towns, and a visit to the Lokobe nature reserve, where you may observe lemurs, panther chameleons, and other creatures. There are a number of beachside eateries that offer food, drinks, and other refreshments. Sakatia Lodge, Le Zahir Lodge, and many other lodging options are also available.

The Island of Sainte Marie/Nosy Boraha
Although most tourists still refer to it as Ile Sainte Marie, its current name is Nosy Boraha. Ambodifotatra is the main town on this 222-square-kilometer island, which is located 8 kilometers off the east coast of Madagascar.

One of Madagascar’s most popular tourist destinations, it offers a variety of beaches with lush flora, stunning coconut trees, bays and coves encircled by coral reefs, and several settlements where visitors may explore and learn a lot. It’s a fantastic experience to observe humpback whales migrate in the early fall and winter, take in the fresh air, and take in the many scenery views while you’re here.

The island is home to the Ambodena forest, which is home to frogs, chameleons, lemurs (including white-fronted brown and mouse lemurs), and geckos. Cycling, touring villages, diving, snorkeling, canoeing, and swimming in the beaches and blue lagoon are among the activities offered in Nosy Boraha (although swimming there is difficult). Although rainfall is possible throughout the year, the island’s climate is most hospitable from September to December. The island is home to several well-established service providers, including hotels and restaurants.

Bemaraha Tsingy
One of Madagascar’s newest parks is Tsingy de Bemaraha; the word “tsing” means “walking on tiptoes” in Malagasy. The park, which spans 1,575 square kilometers and was established in 1998, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although it is located in a secluded area far from Antananarivo in the southern part of Madagascar, the distance does not negate the fact that you will have an unforgettable time there.

It is well-known for its about 150-foot-tall, jagged limestone pinnacles. There are plenty of sights to view here, including the seven species of lemurs, including the Red-fronted Brown Lemur and the Decken’s Sifaka, as well as the stunning and abundant foliage, gorges, waterfalls, and canyons (including the magnificent Manabola River Canyon).

Numerous mammals, including ring-tailed mongooses, more than 100 bird species, including the endangered Madagascar fish eagle, Crested Ibis, and Madagascar wood-rail, as well as roughly 45 reptiles and frogs, may be found in this Madagascar Tours Park.

The park can be reached by vehicle, which is challenging because it takes a long time to cross the river (which is an experience in and of itself). Charter flights are another option. Three camping sites provide pleasant and reasonably priced lodging, restaurants offer excellent food, and there are readily available local English-speaking guides. Birds of Madagascar

River Tsiribihina
The Tsiribihina River flows through Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in western Madagascar, where it is encircled by mangroves. You will never forget taking a boat or canoe tour along the river, where you can unwind and take in the stunning scenery, wildlife, and many bird species. When you visit Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, this canoe might be a fun addition to your journey.

Ranomafana National Park
One of Madagascar’s most well-known national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is Ranomafana National Park. It was established in 1991 and is located in the southeast Madagascar town of Ranomafana. The park has a rain forest that covers more than 41,600 hectares and is home to a variety of lemur species, including the Golden Bamboo Lemur, which was found in 1986.

Particularly in the eastern part of Ranomafana National Park, where numerous streams of water meander through the hills and forests, one can enjoy breathtaking picturesque vistas. Golden bamboo lemurs, who primarily eat bamboo shoots, may be seen here. However, if you move farther into the park, you can observe a lot more creatures, birds, and scenery.

Road access to Ranomafana National Park is also possible, and there are many of reasonably priced housing options, so visitors need not worry about where to stay while in the park.

The Avenue of Baobabs
The Avenue of the Baobabs is a stunning and amazing scene with numerous trees lining a dirt road in the Menabe district of western Madagascar. Visitors from all over the world go to this avenue or alley to enjoy this breathtaking natural setting. Since it is not a national park, the remaining 20–25 Baobab trees, which have been there for more than 800 years, can be taken down at any time due to nearby farmers’ encroachment. Other trees thrive in rice fields, sugarcane plantations, and meadows. These trees are more akin to the remnants of Madagascar’s once-thousand-strong forests, many of which were felled for farming.

The well-known Baobab Amoureux, which is a few kilometers away from the Avenue of Baobab trees, is made up of two Adansoniza trees that have been twisted together. The local legend around this twist is fascinating and not to be missed. This location can be reached by road, and February through March is the ideal time to visit because that’s when they flower. You can take as many pictures as you like during this time, but if you plan to take pictures of people, ask them first because it’s considered impolite to do so. There are reasonably priced and accessible lodging options close by. Take a look at the Avenue of Baobabs now!

Isalo National Park
Located in Ihorombe in Madagascar’s center southern area, Isalo National Park was established in 1962 and has been under the management of the Madagascar National Parks Authority since 1997. Madagascar’s Isalo National Park is renowned for its stunning scenery, which includes deep valleys, palm-lined oasis, wide grasslands, fire-resistant tapia woods, and sandstones.

It is also home to about seven different kinds of lemurs, including the ring-tailed lemur. More than 33 kinds of reptiles, 82 bird species, including the Madagascar Ibis and the Knob-billed duck, 14 animal species, and 15 frog species may be found in Isalo National Park.

Depending on your preferences, treks in Isalo National Park can last anywhere from a few hours to several days or weeks. To ensure that you enjoy your tour, it is best to have a local guide who is knowledgeable with the park. With a tropically dry environment, Isalo also experiences seasonal rains. Additional things to do here include going to the natural swimming pools and taking cultural tours that allow you to see the local communities, particularly the Bara people who have lived here for centuries.

Andasibe Mantadia National Park
About 150 kilometers east of Antananarivo is Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. Due to its proximity to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, Andasibe National Park is a park that is easily accessible. It is located between elevations of 900 and 1250 meters and spans an area of 155 square kilometers. The average temperature in this region is 18°C, and the climate is cool and humid. The park is separated into two sections: Mantadia National Park and the Analamazaotra Reserve, which is home to the largest lemur, the Indri.

As a rain forest, Andasibe National Park is home to a number of endemic and endangered species, including around eleven species of lemurs as well as diverse reptiles, frogs, birds, batrachians, and insects. The park’s splendor is enhanced by the variety of flora present here, including ferns, orchids, tiny palm trees, and terrified creepers.

As previously stated, this park is easily accessible; it takes approximately three to four hours to drive there from the capital. Visitors are advised to have a local guide when they enter the park, and there are several motels close to the park entrance.

The Royal Ambohimanga Hill
Ambohimanga’s Royal Hill is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ambohimanga, which translates to “Blue Hill,” is a royal hill located around 25 kilometers from Antananarivo in northeastern Madagascar. The Madagascar royals once stayed atop this hill, which is revered by the Malagasy people. The hill’s wall was built in 1847, and there are many things to see here, including the previous King’s house and crafts like drums, talismans, and weaponry.

Ifaty
The two fishing villages of Madio Rano and Mangily, which make up Ifaty, are situated on Madagascar’s southwest coast. With beaches where one can unwind and unwind, as well as diving, fishing, and snorkeling, this is the perfect destination. Spending time at Ifaty is fantastic. A collection of bungalow lodgings is available for overnight stays.

Masoala National Park
Founded in 1997, Masoala National Park is overseen by the Madagascar National Parks Association. It is situated in the Sava area of northeastern Madagascar and includes 2,300 square kilometers of rainforest and 100 square kilometers of marine parks. This national park is home to more than ten species of lemurs, as well as a variety of reptiles and birds that are not to be missed, like the helmet vanga, tomato frog, and red owl. Activities like kayaking and snorkeling are offered by the marine parks in this area. You can also see the Madagascar serpent-eagle and the magnificent day-flying sunset moth when you’re in Masoala.

When is the best time to visit Madagascar?

Fall to spring (May to October) is the ideal time of year to take a tour vacation to Madagascar because the weather is usually dry, cool, and ideal. In addition to enjoying excellent weather, traveling in early July offers you the opportunity to see whales. Budget travelers are not advised to visit at this time of year, which is often referred to as the peak tourist season, because of the huge volume of visitors and the generally high cost of trips. However, it’s also important to note that your vacation plans will also influence the ideal time to visit Madagascar.