Madagascar Attractions
Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, separated from the continent of Africa about 88 million years ago. Since then, flora and fauna species on the island have begun to evolve independently. This is how Madagascar has become home to numerous species of unique animals and plants, among which lemurs and baobabs are the most famous. Along the long coastal line of Madagascar, scenic islands featuring soft white beaches, azure sky, and pure seawater are your unmissable choices to spend your leisure time. In addition, the country's profound history has left palaces, royal mausoleums, and museums for you to explore.
Top Attractions in Madagascar
As the capital city of Madagascar, Antananarivo integrates both natural scenery and historical sites. Royal palace sites including the
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga and
Rova, also called the Queen's Palace, record the history of Madagascar’s first kingdom and collect precious historical relics. In addition to learning about history and culture, you can visit the Tsimbazaza Zoo and Botanical Gardens to observe the most flora and fauna species in Madagascar. The
Lemurs’ Park is home to 9 species of lemurs that are endemic to the country. For crocodile lovers, the
Croc Farm is unmissable. Wandering around the city, you can buy local species and fruit in the Analakely Market and feel the friendly atmosphere here.
Animal enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Andasibe, a paradise for lemurs, crocodiles, chameleons, lizards, and many other animals. With a distance of about 140 kilometers (87 miles), it takes about 3 hours by car from Antananarivo to Andasibe. In the
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, you can walk in tropical rainforests and interact closely with Indri-Indri, one of the largest lemurs in Madagascar. Representative amphibians and reptiles including more than 20 species of chameleons can be observed in the
Peyrieras Reserve Madagascar Exotic. Lemur Island and Vakona Crocodile Valley in
Vakona Reserve are two fantastic locations where you can view lemurs and crocodiles closely, and many more reserves await you to explore.
Nosy Be, the largest island in Madagascar, is an ideal resort to spend your leisure time. Spectacular island scenery is the most exciting charm of Nosy Be. You can find white and soft sand beaches on
Nosy Iranja, visit the most primitive jungle of the island in Lokobe National Park, enjoy the breathtaking sunset on Mount Passot, and swim underwater on Nosy Fanihy. Besides, Nosy Be is home to abundant species of animals and plants. Cute sea turtles and fragrant orchids on Nosy Sakatia will impress you, and lemurs and chameleons on
Lemuria Land and
Nosy Komba will enrich your tour. The long coastal line and comfortable environment further make hiking, picnics, and seaside barbecues possible.
For tourists worldwide, thick and massive baobabs are the most famous plant in Madagascar. Gathering 7 species of baobabs in Madagascar, Morondava becomes a popular destination to appreciate these marvelous trees. The
Avenue of the Baobabs offers marvelous baobab scenery. With hot-air balloons or against the stunning sunset, you can take gorgeous pictures on the avenue. Besides, many more species of plants and animals can be viewed in
Kirindy Mitea National Park. What’s worth a visit in Morondava further contains the
Bemaraha National Park where you can see the unique stone forests, steep valleys, and dense vegetation.
Antsirabe Attractions
Antsirabe is at the highest elevation in Madagascar and possesses rich crystal resources. You can buy cheap sparkling crystal here and enjoy hot spring bathing, another feature of the city. The Thermes Hotel, once the imperial palace for the governor, still shows its dignity and majesty. Going hiking around the Andraikiba Lake, you can find many stalls and handicraft works. Another famous lake in Antsirabe is the Tritivia Crater Lake, a volcanic lake located on a mountain with lush jungles.
Sainte Marie Attractions
Located off the east coast of Madagascar, Sainte Marie is another island that features tropical scenery and typical plant and animal resources. With a stable climate, the island provides a suitable environment for primitive forests, Mangrove trees, and orchids, especially in the Kalalao and Ankarena forests. Besides, humpback whales are special guests who migrate to nearby waters of Sainte Marie from July to September every year. They mate, give birth to humpback whale babies, and blow a jet of seawater more than 10 meters (33 feet) high. Take a local boat, and start your incomparable whale-watching journey. Hiking in forests, cycling around the island, diving underwater, and many more interesting activities await you on Sainte Marie.