Best Places to Visit in Madagascar

Published June 10, 2019 · Updated September 12, 2020

Today I am going to tell you why should you add Madagascar places to visit in your bucket list?? Well, this is going to be interesting as a traveler like me who always wanted to see unexplored parts of the world even though the country or a city is not very famous or not blessed with beautiful nature or rich history but I must say every part of the world is unique and it always has something unique which other parts of the world don’t have.

Madagascar welcomes every traveler to the land of wilderness and sparkling sands of the wonderful ocean. Without any doubt, you will find plenty to explore in this magnificent jewel of nature. If you want to know reasons why Madagascar tourist attractions impress such a large crowd from different parts of the world then here we have listed key highlights of this splendid place.

So here a is a list of top things to do in and best places to visit in Madagascar which should not be neglected. So just pack your bags to start your journey of this beautiful place called Madagascar, so let’s start!!!!!!!!!

Malagasy Time:

If you have been to any Southeast Asian country before then it’s quite well versed to the Island time. It is preferred to say ‘Malagasy Time’ and it’s not just a saying, it’s a way of life. Malagasy time means things are a little slower on the earth’s 4th largest island, hurry is not the part of a local people, they tend to be little slower in their daily dealing, A visit to the tourist attractions of Madagascar means you will get to experience phenomenal culture on the first hand.

Flora: –

For most of the people, knowledge of Madagascar of flora begins and ends with the worlds famous Baobab trees, the countries magnificent natural skyscrapers, the tower over the landscapes, however, the country is home to more than 12000 plant species, making one of the biodiverse places on the planet. It’s been estimated that 96% of Madagascan trees and shrubs are endemic, this means many of the plants found on the planet cannot be found anywhere else on the earth. Entire plant families are endemic to the island making a uniquely diverse place of natural beauty that you need to see to believe.

Fauna: –

Similar to its flora, Madagascar’s wide array of wildlife consists primarily of endemic species. Both can be attributed to the fact that landmass has been isolated from its continental neighbors for roughly 70 million years popular species of animals that are native to Madagascar include the Fossa the Malagasy giant rat, Lemurs, and hundreds of species of birds. Reptiles amphibians and freshwater fish lemurs have become synonymous with the country and a trip to Madagascar isn’t complete without visiting lemurs park in the city of Antananarivo, all species of lemur are endemic to Madagascar.

Food: –

Malagasy cuisine is the by-product of its French colonial history, geography, trade, and migration. These four pillars have shaped the country’s diverse culinary scene which will both shock and delight your test buds. Popular staples include zebu meats made from the distinctive cows that of Madagascar’s landscape which is often served in stews or grilled on a skewer and Roma Sava, a braised meat dish typical with tomatoes mixed greens, garlic, and ginger. You will find plenty of spices, coconut rice cassava, and beans peppered throughout Malagasy cuisine, making a national culinary culture that’s diverse and tasty as well. Also, for those of you hoping to snap the perfect Instagram pic of your meal, don’t worry Malagasy dishes are as visually vibrant as they are delicious. Tasting local dishes is one of the top things to do in Madagascar with your family and friends.

Adventure Gateway: –

If you are making the journey to tourist attractions in Madagascar and you want to make the most of your time, that means exploring its natural wonders. Adventure holiday is becoming increasingly popular nowadays and to keep up, Madagascar now offers multiple tour options for adrenaline junkies those who are looking to get off the beaten path from trekking and rafting. Expedition through the Perronnette Nature Reserve to a 14-day off-roading tour that takes you deep into the heart of the country’s diverse landscape. Madagascar has no shortage of options for your adventure holiday, with so many endemic species of flora and fauna, getting up close and personal with them should be on everyone’s Madagascar places to visit bucket list.

Malagasy culture: –

Years of trade and migration with its East African Arab and Southeast Asian neighbors as well as decades of French colonial rule have diversified Malagasy culture, making it unique yet strangely familiar in some regards, while the major cities have seen a shift towards more western-style food and clothing. In recent years tradition is still alive in the rural areas, you will find men and women wearing Lambos a wrap around the waist, eating Roma Sava. Throughout the country, the sport remains an important part of everyday life in the country as well with meringue II, a form of hand-to-hand combat, and the boardgame fan Aronia both being immensely popular.

It’s affordable:

Madagascar is slowly becoming more accessible to travelers despite its limited infrastructure. There are now regular flights to and from the country with a round trip flight during the low season, costing you approximately INR 25K from Mumbai. Within the country your money goes much further, renting a private car and driver for the day will only set you back 50 dollars while the average cost of a meal is four dollars, you can typically get a hotel room for as little as 20 to 60 dollars a night but there are luxury resorts where you can easily spend considerably more, that being said Madagascar is a very affordable place to visit considering all things.

Antananarivo:

Madagascar’s capital city is a vibrant microcosm for the entire country. It’s a place where you can experience history, culture, nature, and culinary delights all in a single day. From the Magnificent Trova of Antananarivo, a royal palace built in the 17th century and the eclectic mixture of French colonial and Malagasy architecture to the musty tradition of here Agassi an all-day event comprised of music and dancing Antonina Revo is the beating heart of Madagascar. The previously mentioned lemurs park is a must-visit, as is the croc farm where you’ll get to see the Nile crocodile and countless other animal species. For the sights and smells of the country’s culinary scene, be sure to visit on the market, it’s a fun and somewhat chaotic experience that will dazzle your senses.

Most of the travelers prefer to start their journey from Antananarivo which is surrounded by several hills. When compared with other places to see in Madagascar, you will find this destination significantly developed. This is the reason why you will experience to see a perfect blend of traditional and modern culture at such an extraordinary place on the Island.

National Parks:

National parks from the undeceived mountain and its lemur population to Amber Mountain national park and its plethora of picturesque waterfalls, Madagascar is teeming with places of immense natural beauty. In 1992 historic Nature reserve and the national park were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to part to its unique limestone cliff formation which is as stunning as they are dangerous. One of the best places to go in Madagascar for a hike is a silo national park covering an area of 314 miles. The park is noted for its arid landscape’s canyons unique rock formation and of course for its sizable lemur population.

Masoala National Park:

Spread over an area of more than 250 miles, it gives you an opportunity to enjoy some of the breathtaking views of Rainforests. It covers three different marine parks under it where you can spot rare animal species such as leaf-tailed geckos and Falanouc. Besides, the park also features several unique species of reptiles and birds that are hard to find anywhere else. No wonder it is one of the best places to visit in Madagascar with your family and kids.

Ranomafana National Park:

They say if you want to enjoy the best flora and fauna on this earth then there is no place better than Madagascar and Ranomafana National Park has set a perfect example of this saying. Here you will get an opportunity to see trails of several wildlife species that you haven’t seen before. Here you can spot chameleons and leaf-tailed geckos which are difficult to find out anywhere else in the world. Besides, during your voyage through this park, you can spot several hot waterfalls where people enjoy taking bath.

Nosy Be:

For adventure travelers, it is one of the top places to visit in Madagascar. Located only around 10kms away from the mainland, it is recognized for its exotic hotels and secluded beaches. If you are a water-sports lover then you can enjoy scuba diving and many other activities here.

Avenue of The Baobabs:

If you want to experience the raw beauty of Madagascar then check out Avenue of The Baobabs where you will find several trees symmetrically lined up. The weird shaped trees have been there for more than 1000 years and they are referred as ‘Queens of the Forest’. Moreover, it is worth capturing some unique scenes of sunset at this place which is also considered as one of the top things to do in Madagascar.

Itafy:

Being referred as a coastal gem of Madagascar, it is a safe haven for tourists traveling from anywhere. If you want to taste different kinds of seafood dishes then you will get lot of opportunities here. Moreover, you can also stroll to old reed villages here or stay at the beach to enjoy water sports activities such as snorkeling.

It’s off the beaten track:

Madagascar is a remote island that is slowly becoming a tourist hotspot however the country’s tourism boom is still very much in its infancy which means that many of the best sites have yet to be overrun by selfie-stick waving tourist jostling for the best profile picture.

What’s next waiting for you?

There is a purity to visiting this far-off land of lemurs and baobab trees an experience in the not so distant future for now. There is limited infrastructure spotty Wi-Fi and you will not find a McDonalds anywhere on the island if that not the priority of your travel then this is your place of the year so just get ready to take a trip of this phenomenal place, I am sure you won’t regret it !!!

Tourist attractions in Madagascar boast about its multicultural society that comprises over 22 million people. Every resident of this island is contributing to preserve such a wonderful heritage gifted to them by nature. Add these best places to visit in Madagascar in your journey and enjoy its incredible ecosystem showing different perspectives of constantly changing the environment.

About Author: Snehal Khairnar

I love to explore new places and cultures. For me Travelling is the way to searching a meaning for life. I believe God has sent everyone on some purpose and we should find it by doing what we good at.