Madagascar is a magical place and there are so many great places to visit in Madagascar. I will tell you about some of the best attractions, from the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park to Antananarivo, so that you can decide which ones are right for your trip!
Anakao
Anakao is a small town in the south of Madagascar. It’s popular for its diving and snorkeling, but it also has a quaint atmosphere with many restaurants, cafes and shops. The town is quite expensive compared to other parts of Madagascar so make sure you bring enough cash with you!
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Madagascar’s most popular natural attractions. It’s home to the tsingy, sharp limestone pinnacles that rise from the rainforest floor like giant teeth jutting out of the earth. The park also has a wide variety of wildlife including lemurs, as well as many endemic plants and birds.
It’s easy enough to visit Tsingy de Bemaraha on your own by taking public transportation from Antananarivo or Tamatave (Toamasina) up into the mountains where you’ll find a variety of accommodations within walking distance of each other as well as guides who can help you navigate through this stunning landscape safely and without getting lost!
Diego Suarez
Diego Suarez is the capital of Madagascar and a port city. It’s also a good place to see lemurs in the wild, whales and dolphins, or even scuba dive.
- Lemurs: Visit Nosy Mangabe Island, which has a protected reserve for lemurs. The island is accessible by boat from Diego Suarez (1 hour). You can stay overnight at one of its eco-lodges if you want to get up close with some of these adorable primates while they’re active during the day time!
- Whales & Dolphins: Take advantage of Madagascar’s location on an ocean current that brings humpback whales here each year between July and October–you’ll find them swimming right off shore near Analalava Bay!
Nosy Be
Nosy Be is a popular island, known for its beautiful beaches and seafood. It’s also home to one of Madagascar’s National Parks, which makes it an ideal place for nature lovers. The island has more than just beaches though; it also has an impressive hippopotamus population that lives in the waters around the island (the largest population in the world).
Nosy Be is home to many different types of birds including endemic species like Madagascar Fody, Red-headed Coua and Blue Pigeon Oeucrida cinereocapilla
Ambohimanga
Ambohimanga is a sacred site and the capital of Imerina, one of the three kingdoms that ruled Madagascar during its golden age. It’s also an important pilgrimage site for the Malagasy people; many visit on their way to Antananarivo (Tana), the modern capital city.
The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 due to its historical significance as well as its natural beauty: it contains several waterfalls, forests and meadows where you can hike or ride horses through.
Antananarivo
Antananarivo (or Tana) is the capital and largest city in Madagascar. It has a population of 1.6 million and is the nation’s political, economic, cultural and educational center. The city is known for its French colonial architecture which can be seen all over the city, especially in its churches and mansions built during the late 19th century by wealthy Europeans who resided here at that time.
Fianarantsoa
Fianarantsoa is the capital of the Vakinankaratra region in Madagascar. It’s a major centre for coffee production and also known for its crafts, especially woodcarving.
The city has two museums: The Museum of Art and Archaeology and The Ethnographic Museum. There are also some interesting churches to visit including St Paul’s Cathedral (built in 1878), Notre Dame de Lourdes Church (built in 1894) and St Nicolas Church (built in 1952).
Majunga (etang Zavaro)
If you’re looking to explore Madagascar’s best attractions, then a visit to Majunga (etang Zavaro) is a must. Located in the south-west of Madagascar and just south of the capital city Antananarivo, this little-known national park is home to some of the country’s most impressive natural wonders.
We hope this has helped you decide where to go in Madagascar. If it’s still a little overwhelming, we recommend starting with Nosy Be or Antananarivo. These two cities have the most to offer and are great places to get your feet wet before venturing off into the wilderness!
