Planning a trip to Madagascar and wondering about the best places to visit? Madagascar is a unique island country in the Indian Ocean, just 400 kilometers off the coast of East Africa. It’s the fourth largest island and the second largest island country in the world. Known for its unique wildlife, especially lemurs and baobab trees, about 90% of its plants and animals are found nowhere else. This makes Madagascar a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts!
So, what else does Madagascar offer? Stunning landscapes, lush cloud forests, beautiful beaches, and charming islands. If that sounds appealing, it might be time to pack your bags and explore this incredible place. Here’s a guide to some of the best things to do in Madagascar to help you plan your trip.
Isalo National Park
Located in Southern Madagascar, Isalo National Park is famous for its diverse terrain that includes cliffs, grasslands, waterfalls, gorges, and canyons up to 200 meters deep. There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from a few hours to several days. As you hike, you might encounter some of the 100 bird species or the various lemur species that live there.
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
In northwest Madagascar, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, along with the adjacent Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for its limestone pinnacles that create an extraordinary landscape. Hiking here is quite demanding, involving steep, craggy sections, slippery slopes, and suspension bridges. The park’s unique geological formations also support many endemic plant and animal species, including various lemur species like the Von der Decken’s sifaka and the Red-fronted brown lemur.
Nosy Be
Off Madagascar’s northwestern coast, Nosy Be is one of the top destinations in Madagascar. It boasts clear turquoise waters and numerous seafood restaurants. The island is also home to luxurious, family-friendly resorts. Activities on Nosy Be include relaxing on the beaches, snorkeling, diving, and whale watching. Between July and November, humpback whales come to Nosy Be to breed and give birth, with the best chances of spotting them between August and October. You may also see dolphins and whale sharks.
Île Sainte-Marie (Nosy Boraha)
Once a pirate hideout, Île Sainte-Marie off the east coast of Madagascar is now a small tropical paradise with deserted beaches lined with coconut palms. The island features the world’s only pirate cemetery, an interesting spot to visit. Don’t miss the natural pools called Piscine Naturelle d’Ambodiatafana in the north of the island. Like Nosy Be, Île Sainte-Marie is great for whale watching, with humpback whales visiting between July and October to mate and give birth.
Avenue of the Baobabs
Madagascar is famous for its Grandidier’s baobabs, unique to the island. The most impressive collection is found about 18 kilometers from Morondava, along a road known as the Avenue of the Baobabs. These trees, some of which are up to 30 meters tall and 2,800 years old, make for a stunning sight.
Ranomafana National Park
Situated in the southeastern part of the country, Ranomafana National Park is a vast expanse of tropical rainforest featuring densely forested hills, streams, and waterfalls. It’s one of Madagascar’s most popular parks and home to several rare species, including the endangered golden bamboo lemur.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Located in eastern Madagascar, this protected area homes numerous rare and endangered species, including the indri, the largest lemur. The indri can grow up to 70 centimeters tall and weigh between 6 to 9.5 kilograms. Andasibe-Mantadia is one of the most accessible national parks from Antananarivo, the capital city.
Take these tips along to make the most of your Madagascar adventure!