Where are the best places to visit in Madagascar?
The tropical island, which is the world's fourth largest off mainland eastern Africa, is one of our planet's most biodiverse countries. In a single trip, you can comfortably explore a variety of habitats, including everything from humid rainforests to seasonally dry woods, sunny coastlines and limestone 'tsingy' landscapes.
These areas of natural habitat are home to extraordinary, often locally endemic assemblages of plants and animals. The iconic lemurs come in all different shapes and sizes, humpbacks and whale sharks can be seen seasonally and the herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) is off the charts. For natural history enthusiasts, Madagascar is truly in a class of its own.
So, which popular places to visit in Madagascar could included in your list?
The Top 10 Places to Visit in Madagascar
In no particular order, here are our top 10 places to visit in Madagascar:
1. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
2. Kirindy Forest & Avenue of the Baobabs
4. The Southwest Spiny Bush (Ifaty & St Augustin Bay)
7. Isalo National Park & Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park
1. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
One of the best places to visit in Madagascar for observing habituated groups of the critically endangered indri, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is an excellent choice for your tailor-made itinerary.
Hearing the haunting, whale-like calls of indri emanating as the morning mist lifts off their rainforest home, is Madagascar magic at its best. Due to complex dietary needs, indri exist only in their natural home, which is dense mid-altitude montane evergreen rainforest. Protected parcels within Andasibe-Mantadia include Analamazaotra Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park, as well as Maromizaha Experimental Reserve. Other lemurs in the area include the spectacular – and also critically endangered – diademed sifaka, diurnal common brown lemur and eastern lesser bamboo lemur.
While on a night walk here, you could encounter eastern woolly lemur and Goodman's mouse lemur. This is best done from September to April, when the nocturnal lemurs of the area are more active. Herpetofauna is also rich; the impressive, two-foot-long Parson's chameleon – heaviest of all the world’s chameleons – is the flagship reptile.
Our Madagascar Rainforests, Wildlife, Tsingy & Beach sample tour includes three nights in Andasibe-Mantadia, which is enough for you to notch up some sightings of these fascinating endemic species. Truth be told, Andasibe-Mantadia is included in almost all our Madagascar sample itineraries as its popularity comes with good reason.
2. Kirindy Forest & Avenue of the Baobabs
Kirindy Forest is home to about 10,000 hectares of tropical dry deciduous forest on flat, sandy terrain. The key attractions are its endemic baobab trees: the gigantic Grandidier’s baobab (Adansonia grandidieri), fony baobab (Adansonia rubrostipa) and the large southern baobab (Adansonia za).
Additionally, there are eight lemur species from the tiny mouse lemur to the acrobatic Verreaux's sifaka.
To get to Kirindy, you pass through the Avenue of the Baobabs, a national monument. Most visitors choose to make a photo stop here among the Grandidier's baobabs which preside over the savoka (secondary bush) and bozaka (grassland) like silent sentinels.
Further Reading: Kirindy Forest Travel Guide
3. Ankarana National Park
In Northern Madagascar, Ankarana National Park (formerly Ankarana Special Reserve) is readily accessible with good accommodation options and wildlife-watching opportunities.
Expanses of the razor-sharp, jagged peaks (tsingy) extend for 35km, pierced by caves and canyons, and, between sheer cliffs, sunken moist deciduous forests harbour rare wildlife. As well as lemurs, search for mammals like the northern ring-tailed vontsira or birds such as crested coua and blue vanga. Ankarana East can be visited year-round. But Ankarana Ouest can be reached only from May to November. During November, please keep in mind that the heat can be oppressive.
Our Madagascar Endangered Icons with Daniel Austin small group tour includes time at Ankarana. Ultra-rare and localised Perrier's baobab is found in a discreet location on the periphery of Ankarana, where we can take interested clients to see it.
4. The Southwest Spiny Bush (Ifaty & St Augustin Bay)
On the south-west coast, discover the otherworldly spiny forest of Ifaty. While visiting, a birdwatching excursion may reward you with sightings of extremely localised endemic birds such as long-tailed ground roller and sub-desert mesite. Wildlife here has adapted to the harsh, semi-desert conditions in a place severely threatened by habitat destruction.
St Augustin Bay is situated further south. The village is set in a bay between two huge rocky walls plunging vertically into the ocean. It's a relaxing coastal spot you can use as a break between exploring.
Alternatively, why not spend time in Anakao? This charming Veso fishing village is about an hour by speedboat to the south of Tulear. Nearby, Tsimanampetsotse National Park offers a remarkable day trip. Clear pools in chalk caves are home to blind cave fish and, on rocky formations in the area, you may see flagship mammals such as the ring-tail lemur.
5. Nosy Be Archipelago
Nosy Be Archipelago is the best place to visit in Madagascar for a variety of nature-based experiences, such as swimming with whale sharks and marine turtles, scuba diving and humpback whale watching.
Humpback whales inhabit Malagasy waters from July to September. For a chance to see them, head out on a boat trip with a reputable and responsible excursion operator. Attention is given to the speed of the boat when approaching, as well as to minimum distances, especially when observing mothers with their calves.
You may also be drawn by the white sand beaches of Nosy Tsarabanjina, Nosy Iranja and Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve. This is in addition to the pink sunsets over the eleven crater lakes, lemur-watching at Lokobe Reserve and the prospect of snorkelling and scuba diving – all the ingredients needed for a relaxing holiday in Madagascar.
There are good quality lodges on various islands in the archipelago and on Baobab Beach on the mainland opposite Nosy Be.
Africa Travel Specialist
"Most visitors see green and hawksbill turtles and dolphins while snorkelling here. In season, from October to December, we can arrange well-managed excursions to swim with whale sharks."
6. Masoala National Park
In remote north-eastern Madagascar, Masoala National Park is the island's largest protected area (230,000ha).
The extraordinary biodiversity of Masoala National Park was recognised when it was declared part of the Atsinanana Rainforests UNESCO World Heritage Site. It encompasses rainforest, coastal rainforest, marsh and mangrove habitats and is home to ten lemur species, most notable of which is the red-ruffed lemur.
If you're a keen birder, this site is very rewarding. Sought-after endemics like the helmet and Bernier's vangas, red-breasted coua and scaly ground-roller can all be potentially found with the help of a talented and experienced birding guide.
Are you interested in exploring? Speak with our Travel Specialists to add it to your tailor-made itinerary.
Madagascar and Alternative Africa Product Manager
"Because there are no large, dangerous predators in Madagascar, the way to explore its forests are on foot. Always be sure you’re accompanied by an experienced guide, as they’ll know where active territories of oftentimes very rare, or cryptic, species can be located."
7. Isalo National Park & Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park
One of the highlights of dry Southern Madagascar is Isalo National Park. Popular with nature lovers for its striking rock formations, this is a wonderful place for walking and hiking. There are fascinating endemic plants, such as the squat and increasingly scarce ‘elephant’s foot’ pachypodium, the Bara cultural aspect and some sought-after mammals.
Also hidden away in this vast sandstone massif are a number of canyons with cool streams and waterfalls surrounded by thick vegetation for you to discover during your hike.
Only an hour away from Isalo is Zombitse Forest, which has long been praised for its wildlife. Acrobatic Verreaux's sifaka can be encountered in addition to birdlife 'specials', which include Madagascar white-browed owl, giant and crested couas, and Appert's tetraka, one of the flagship species of this 21,000 ha forest.
8. Ranomafana National Park
Created in 1991 to protect the critically endangered golden bamboo and greater bamboo lemurs, Ranomafana National Park is a particularly rich and beautiful mid-altitude montane rainforest reserve.
You might find other mammals during your time here, which includes seven species of the insectivorous tenrec and eastern ring-tailed vontsira. Heading out after dark may also treat you to sightings of nocturnal creatures. The colourful painted (Madagascar) mantella can be found on the forest floor, while the leaf mimicking satanic leaf-tailed (Uroplatus) gecko is a reptile many visitors hope to see. Across the 41,600 hectares of mid-altitude montane forest, you're bound to enjoy plenty of memorable wildlife watching moments.
Our Madagascar Wildlife Discovery small group tour includes three nights in Ranomafana, giving you enough time to seek out remarkable lifeforms and enjoy the beautiful upland rainforest scenery.
9. Anjajavy Reserve & Ankarafantsika National Park
In the north-west is the wildlife-rich Anjajavy Private Reserve, home to lemurs like the flagship, critically endangered Coquerel’s sifaka, rare birds such as the critically endangered Madagascar fish eagle, and interesting reptiles such as the giant hog-nosed snake and enormous Oustalet’s chameleons. Guided day and night walks are taken from Anjajavy Le Lodge, located on a remote peninsula covered in dense, seasonally dry forest that includes numerous baobabs. Each day, a troupe of Coquerel's sifaka comes into the landscaped ‘L’Oasis’ gardens. At night, you can spot grey and Danfoss’ mouse lemur species in the beam of your torch.
Alternatively, if you're a keen wildlife fancier on a tighter budget, Ankarafantsika National Park isn't too far from Anjajavy geographically and has almost identical wildlife. It's a perennial highlight in its own right, offering effortless wildlife viewing as soon as you enter the park. As well as Coquerel’s sifaka, common brown lemurs and the rare, crepuscular mongoose lemur, expect many reptiles including the rhinoceros chameleon and collared iguanid lizard. Birders come to Ankarafantsika to look for a host of rare, western dry forest endemics such as white-breasted mesite, red-capped coua and Van Dam’s vanga.
10. Ifotaka Community Forest & Berenty Private Reserve
Some of the best places to visit in Madagascar for easy sightings of ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifaka are in the dry Tamarind gallery forests and spiny or euphorbia-didieraceae bush of Ifotaka Community Forest and Berenty Private Reserve in the sub-arid south.
Ifotaka is explorable from April through to November. Search for the critically endangered Verreaux's sifaka and discover the large southern Malagasy baobab species, Adansonia za. Nature’s 'Botanical Lunatic Asylum', as the spiny bush habitat has aptly been called, includes bloated baobabs and pachypodiums amid much bushy euphorbia, endemic aloes and tall, spiky finger, octopus and money trees (Didiereaceae).
Berenty is only about 45 minutes away from Ifotaka. At both sites, when darkness falls, wildlife such as grey mouse lemurs and lesser hedgehog tenrecs emerge from their daytime hideouts. You can visit Berenty almost year-round and enjoy fruitful nature excursions.
Our Madagascar Contrasts in Style sample tour includes time at Ifotaka. Enter the spiny forest for an early walk, witnessing the sunlight break through the Didieraceae trees while looking out for endemic birds.
How to Plan a Route Around Madagascar
Speak with our Travel Specialists to begin planning your tailor-made Madagascar holiday.
If you're a first-time visitor, aim to explore at least one key eastern rainforest site (Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is pivotal). The direct opposite can then be experienced by visiting the sub-arid south. Finally, to complete your overview, add one of the tropical deciduous forests in the island's western half.
Your itinerary can also include any other popular places to visit in Madagascar, like Montagne d'Ambre National Park (Amber Mountain National Park) in the far north, Anja Community Reserve in the southern highlands or Tsingy de Namoroka in the western lowlands.
Why Book with Rainbow Tours?
As the UK's leading tour operator to Madagascar, we know this destination more than anyone else. Our experts have unrivalled, first-hand knowledge you can use to tailor-make the most enriching experience.
To start planning, discover our Madagascar trips from the UK. Then, when you have an idea of what you'd like to see and do, speak with our Travel Specialists to create your bespoke, personalised itinerary.
FAQs About Visiting Madagascar
"When is the best time to visit Madagascar?"
If we had to choose, we would say that the best time to visit Madagascar is September to November.
"How long do you need in Madagascar?"
The average trip length for people visiting Madagascar from the UK and US is 15 - 17 nights, which allows for one to explore a reasonable spectrum of the country’s diverse ecosystems, and in so doing, see plenty of rare wildlife. It’ll also allow for a 2-3 night stint at the coast, should this be desired.
"What’s the best area for wildlife/beaches/culture?"
99% of visitors head to Madagascar for its wildlife. The best areas are covered in the above synopsis. While Madagascar is generally not a beach destination like some of the other Indian Ocean islands, it does have some attractive beaches, for instance in the Nosy Be archipelago. The complex, layered culture of the Malagasy people can be explored across the country; your professional guide will be pleased to share information about this aspect during your travels.
"Can you visit Madagascar as a family?"
Yes, but due to the nature of its modest infrastructure, difficult geography and health requirements, the country is best suited for active, adventurous families with teenagers. Discover our Madagascar family holidays, which are suitable for active children older than ten.
){kind=icon}