The following list highlights some of the best places to visiting in Madagascar. So if you are in Madagascar, I recommend visiting the following:
- Nosy Sakatia, Ambanja, Madagascar
- Nosy Tanikely, Ambanja, Madagascar
- Ile aux Nattes, Analanjirofo, Madagascar
- Lake Anosy, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- The Rova, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Zahamena National Park, Atsinanana, Madagascar
- Antsiranana Bay, Diana, Madagascar
- Amber Mountain National Park, Diego Suarez, Madagascar
- Tsingy Rouge, Diego Suarez, Madagascar
- Andringitra Massif, Fianarantsoa, Madagascar
- Ranomafana National Park, Fianarantsoa, Madagascar
- Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Melaky, Madagascar
- Avenue of the Baobabs, Menabe, Madagascar
- Isalo National Park, Toliara, Madagascar
- Masoala National Park, Sava, Madagascar
- Tritriva Lake, Vakinankaratra, Madagascar
1. Nosy Sakatia, Ambanja
The beaches are great and the island’s waters are the most beautiful places to dive or snorkel, but the main interest of the island lies inland, on land. You can discover the island’s countless natural treasures: orchids, coffee trees, traveller’s palms, pepper trees, fruit tree plantations; don’t forget the chameleons and lemurs.
2. Nosy Tanikely, Ambanja
This is the best place to dive in an underwater sanctuary where all kinds of colourful fish await you, not to mention turtles. The lighthouse offers a fantastic view of the surrounding islands, you can visit a small marine museum and watch cat sharks. You can also snorkel and there are some good fish such as dolphins, whale sharks.
3. Ile aux Nattes, Analanjirofo
The island can be easily explored by taxi or bicycle. It is a quiet and safe place. You can visit a beach, a natural swimming pool, a pirate cemetery or a lighthouse. Another popular activity is hiking around the island. The route is suitable for everyone as the island is very flat. It should be noted that many of the beaches are not suitable for swimming due to the constant currents or reefs.
4. Lake Anosy, Antananarivo
This man-made heart-shaped lake was once a swamp but was replaced by a lake during the Radam I era. It’s located in the capital Antananarivo and is surrounded by purple flowers in September. The jacaranda trees around the lake look ordinary until they bloom, when they are covered with lush purple flowers and become a beautiful sight.
5. The Rova, Antananarivo
A palace complex that was the residence of the monarchs of the Kingdom of Merina in the 17th and 18th centuries and of the ruler of the Kingdom of Madagascar in the 19th century. It was restored in 2012 after a fire destroyed much of the complex; the interior of the Rein Palace is unfinished, but a visit is a must if you go to Antananarivo.
6. Zahamena National Park, Atsinanana
It is located in the Diana region, where successive erosion has amazingly carved the limestone rock into a fascinating landscape called “tsingy”. There are deep caves, underground rivers and beautiful canyons. The park is home to a large number of lemurs, various birds and cave crocodiles. One of the main attractions of the park is the great Tsingy de Benavony suspension bridge. As it is closed for most of the year, it is best to check before you go.
7. Antsiranana Bay, Diana
This is a natural bay that stretches for about 20 kilometres and is better known as Diego Suarez. You can visit Mount Amber National Park and admire its cool climate through the forests, Cape Diego, Courrier Bay, the Ankaran Special Reserve with its impressive caves and countless caves and rivers. Go to Diego Suarez and you will definitely see the magnificent Sugarloaf Mountain, the French Mountains, the town of La Men and its stunning beaches.
8. Amber Mountain National Park, Diego Suarez
It is famous for its waterfalls and picturesque crater lake, while its trees are home to countless endemic animals and birds. Routes range from easy one-hour hikes to challenging eight-hour treks, and if you want to spend more time in the park, you can combine several trails for an overnight adventure.
9. Tsingy Rouge, Diego Suarez
It is a red laterite rock formation formed by the erosion of the river Elodo in the Diana region. It will be most memorable for enthusiastic and patient visitors. Carved by wind and rain, it is unique in Madagascar. The sandy path through the “satran” palms is difficult to access during the rainy season, but the beauty here, a real hidden treasure, is worth a visit.
10. Andringitra Massif, Fianarantsoa
The mountain has many steep cliffs and towers, as well as several volcanic rock formations. The Andringitra massif has many spectacular granite erosion sites formed over millions of years. Recently, many tourists and adventure seekers have flocked to the area because it offers many hiking and backpacking opportunities, as well as breathtaking views and geological formations.
11. Ranomafana National Park, Fianarantsoa
It was created to protect two rare lemurs: the giant bamboo lemur and the golden bamboo lemur. The flora of the park is also attractive, the dense forest has a lot of vegetation such as bamboo, ferns and many orchids due to the humidity. It is important to note that the park is not free; as in other parks in Madagascar, a guide must be hired at the park entrance to complete the tour.
12. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Melaky
It is famous for its limestone peaks called tsingy. These “spires” have irregular outlines similar to cathedrals, and some are hundreds of metres high. Not only that, but the park offers beautiful forested canyons. It is recommended to visit this park on a 3-day organised tour. Remember that from December to March it rains a lot and the park is closed.
13. Avenue of the Baobabs, Menabe
It is a path of reddish earth that acquires this colour due to its high iron content. On both sides there are about 25 baobabs, an endemic species of astonishing age. The best time to visit this amazing avenue is at sunrise and sunset. During this time you will be able to observe a whole play of lights and colours created by the sun and the light it transmits.
14. Isalo National Park, Toliara
It is one of the most visited national parks in Madagascar, where you can find canyons, gorges, waterfalls, natural pools, valleys, tombstones, tropical forests, palm oases, lemurs and chameleons all in one place. Tickets are available from the Tourist Office in the town of Ranohira and guides are hired in advance, as entry to the park requires an official guide.
15. Masoala National Park, Sava
This is one of the national parks where the most diverse flora and fauna can be observed. Tourists can enter Masoala Park through the towns of Antaraha and Maroantsetra. It can be reached by motorboat, but from Antaraja it can be reached by taxi or mountain bike.
16. Tritriva Lake, Vakinankaratra
In addition to the beautiful surroundings and crystal clear water, this place holds an incredible and sad legend. A loving couple, committed suicide there. Legend has it that they loved each other, but their parents did not accept their union because they were from different social classes. Their souls would be represented in a tree whose trunk is wrapped around the rocks on the shore. Finally, it has a rare feature: the water level drops in the rainy season and rises in the dry season.
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