A wide-eyed lemur peers from behind a tree, full of curiosity and mischief—Madagascar’s playful icon watching the world unfold.

Travel to Madagascar

Wide-eyed lemur keeping watch behind a tree. Madagascar’s playful icon watching the world unfold.

© Meno De Jong

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Travel to Madagascar

Madagascar, off Africa’s southeastern coast, features diverse landscapes, endemic wildlife, and a rich cultural history.


Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is known for its population of indris, the largest living lemurs. Nearby, Vakona Private Reserve offers close-up encounters with rescued lemurs.


In the west, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is recognized for its limestone pinnacles, accessible via hanging bridges and pathways. Close to Morondava, the Avenue of the Baobabs showcases ancient baobab trees lining a dirt road.


The south includes Isalo National Park, which has canyons, rock formations, and natural swimming pools. Along the coast, Ifaty and Anakao offer access to coral reefs and traditional Vezo fishing communities. Nearby, Reniala Reserve is home to spiny forests and baobabs.


For marine experiences, Nosy Be and its nearby islands provide snorkeling, diving, and whale-watching opportunities. Lokobe Reserve on Nosy Be protects black lemurs, while Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely feature coral reefs and coastal trails. On the east coast, Île Sainte-Marie is known for its pirate history and seasonal whale migrations.


In the central highlands, Antananarivo, the capital, features historical sites such as the Rova of Antananarivo and vibrant markets. Further south, Antsirabe has thermal springs, and Fianarantsoa serves as a gateway to the wine region and the scenic Fianarantsoa-Côte Est railway.


Ranomafana National Park offers a rainforest environment where lemurs, chameleons, and amphibians can be seen, with guided night walks available.


Madagascar offers wildlife viewing, cultural heritage, and coastal activities, making it a destination with diverse experiences.

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Must Visit in Madagascar

Madagascar, the island of the Tsingy, Baobabs, and Lemurs. A place where wildlife exists nowhere else, rainforests meet coral reefs,

and ancient traditions shape a culture found only on this island.


Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

A protected rainforest area in eastern Madagascar. It includes the Analamazaotra Reserve, home to the indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur, along with chameleons and orchids. Guided walks offer close wildlife encounters, including night tours to spot nocturnal species.

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

In northwest Madagascar, the park centers on two geological formations: the Great and the Little Tsingy. A UNESCO-listed landscape of sharp limestone pinnacles, hanging bridges, and deep canyons. Home to lemurs, rare birds, and unique vegetation.

Avenue of the Baobabs

Also named the Alley of the Baobabs, is a prominent group of Grandidier's baobabs lining the unpaved Road No.8 between Morondava and Belon'i Tsiribihina in western Madagascar. It is best visited at sunrise or sunset for striking silhouettes against the sky.

Isalo National Park

One of Madagascar's most visited natural parks located in the southwest of the country. The park is a mix of rugged sandstone formations, deep canyons, and natural swimming pools. Known for diverse wildlife, including ring-tailed lemurs, and hiking trails.

Nosy Be

A tropical island off Madagascar’s northwestern coast. Known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. Activities include snorkeling, diving, and visiting the Lokobe Reserve to see black lemurs in a protected rainforest.

Île Sainte-Marie

Known by locals as Nosy Boraha, the île St Marie is set off the east coast of Madagascar. A historically rich island once frequented by pirates, now famous for whale-watching between June and September. It also features quiet beaches, coral reefs, and the remains of a pirate cemetery.

Ranomafana National Park

Located on the eastern side of the island country, the park is a lush rainforest ecosystem home to several lemur species, rare reptiles, and amphibians. Guided hikes through dense vegetation offer sightings of bamboo lemurs and other endemic wildlife.

Antananarivo

Madagascar’s capital in the Central Highlands, features the historic Rova palace complex, colonial architecture, bustling markets, and royal tombs. A cultural hub, it offers traditional Malagasy cuisine, local crafts, and a vibrant blend of history and daily life.

Antsirabe

Capital city of the Vakinankaratra region, in the central highlands of Madagascar, it is a popular spa town, known for its thermal spring, colorful rickshaws and volcanic lakes. A good stop for exploring rural landscapes, local handicrafts, and traditional agriculture.

Fianarantsoa

City in south central Madagascar built in the 19th century. It is a gateway to Madagascar’s wine region and the starting point of the scenic Fianarantsoa-Côte Est railway. A cultural and historical center with old town charm and surrounding tea plantations.

Southwestern Coast

This strech of Madagascan coast, from Anakao to Morombo via Tulear and Ifaty, offers white beaches, baobab-dotted thorny forests, Vezo fishing villages, and a dry climate. Ideal year-round for diving, snorkeling, fishing, or relaxing by the Mozambique Channel.

Reniala Reserve

A protected spiny forest near Ifaty, home to ancient baobabs, endemic birds, and unique desert flora. Ideal for guided walks focusing on Madagascar’s arid-adapted plants and wildlife.

Madagascar in Video

Nothing documents a destination better than a short video and that applies to Madagascar, the Treasure island, as well.

Take a look at our Inspiration Africa YouTube Channel where you will find many travel related videos about Africa; don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to be kept up to date with new posts.


Must Do in Madagascar

Each destination offers its own experiences and here are some "must do" activities to experience in Madagascar!


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Best Time to visit Madagascar

Madagascar’s seasons shape the best travel experiences, with varying conditions across its diverse landscapes.


The Dry Season (April – October) is the best time for most travelers, with cooler temperatures and little rainfall. Wildlife is active, making it ideal for spotting lemurs, birds, and chameleons in national parks like Andasibe-Mantadia and Ranomafana. It is also perfect for hiking in Isalo and visiting the Tsingy de Bemaraha, which becomes accessible after the rainy season.


The Wet Season (November – March): Heavy rains, especially from January to March, make some areas difficult to reach. However, this is the best time for lush landscapes, baby lemurs, and birdwatching. The eastern rainforests are particularly vibrant.


Whale-Watching Season (June – September): Île Sainte-Marie offers incredible sightings of humpback whales migrating along the coast.


Overall, Madagascar is a year-round destination, but the dry season provides the best conditions for wildlife viewing and travel logistics.


Bear in mind that each season has its own particularities, and that a non-advised season may well correspond perfectly to your specific needs. 


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Madagascar Travel Tips

By default, since we only work on a tailor-made basis, each of our travel projects will always be accompanied by our travel tips on the destinations to be visited. These will of course be adapted to the type of trip envisaged and the reality of the activities and places visited. If you would like general travel advice for Madagascar, please don't hesitate to contact us via the "contact us" button.

Where to Stay in Madagascar

Madagascar offers a diverse range of accommodations, from eco-lodges in rainforests and beachfront resorts to boutique hotels and rustic bungalows. Whether seeking luxury, adventure, or cultural immersion, travelers can find unique stays that blend comfort with the island’s natural beauty. Our mission is to help you select what you like best. While inviting you to explore new options.


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Madagascar Combines Well With

Madagascar, with its vast size and diverse landscapes offers a pretty complete travel experience. However, it combines well with

nearby destinations for a beach extension or a safari . For example:.


  • An aerial view of Le Morne reveals its dramatic peak surrounded by turquoise waters, coral reefs, and the breathtaking illusion of an underwater waterfall—a mesmerizing natural wonder off the coast of Mauritius.
  • Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa offers a wildlife-rich safari experience, where rhinos roam freely across vast landscapes, providing incredible sightings in a malaria-free setting near the Botswana border.
  • Praslin Island in the Seychelles offers pristine tropical beaches, where the dappled shade of palm trees creates a tranquil retreat along soft white sands, with turquoise waters gently lapping the shore.
  • EXPLORE MORE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS