Unusual Things to do in Madagascar
Top Things to do in Madagascar
From dreamy soft-sand beaches to intriguing wildlife, twisty-branched baobab and flickering palms, nature tops the list of things to do in Madagascar.
But there’s more. So much more.
Let me show you a look at the best things to do in Madagascar, with links to in-depth articles andplenty of resources to help you plan your trip.
Quick note! Some of the links on this page earn this website money at no cost to you.All earn their place by being useful, relevant links I’d be happy to use and recommend to my family. See thesmall print below for thrillingly exciting details.
Baobab trees in Madagascar-looming overhead via @Inisdetravellab
Walk in the shadow of the baobab tree
With sturdy trunks and stumpy branches that twist, childlike into the air, the silhouette of a baobab has almost become the symbol of Madagascar.
The most famous line-up, the Grand Avenue of the Baobabs steals all the headlines. But the truth is, you can find baobabs almost anywhere, not just in Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in the Menabe region of western Madagascar..
These magnificent works of natural art can grow up to 30 metres tall and11 metres wide. They store thousands of gallons of water within their trunks to allow them to survive through the dry periods.
And although six species hail from Madagascar, not all of them do. There are three more: found in Africa, Arabia and Australia.
Did You Know?
Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world. The hot rainy system runs from November to April before the slightly cooler, drier weather sets in. Travel distances are large and travel times are long due to the amount of wild and natural areas on the island.
The trees of Madagascar
But these absolute beauties, scratching ink in the skylit sun, do come from Madagascar.
They stand tall, they stand proud and they can survive for over one thousand years.
That’s pretty impressive enough to be getting on with.
Getting There: Finding Flights
Many travellers fly to Ivato International Airport in the capital, Antananarivo. That also works well if you want to see UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga.
But if you’re short on time, there are many international flights that land straight in the north.
It’s a good idea to use an online flight comparison tool to help you find the right flight to Madagascar, such as Kayak.
Tsingy Bemahara National Park
Sharp and spiky rock formations build up to form peaks in Madagascar. Painful to walk on (that’s the literal translation of the word Tsingy,) a decent pair of hiking boots or a swinging roped bridge can help you across.
The Tsingy Bemahara National Park is the largest and most famous area to go exploring. But you’ll find grey tsingy elsewhere, such as the Amber Mountain National Park in the north.
Together with the nearby Tsingy Bemahara Nature Reserve, the Tsingy Bemahara National Park forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top tip: pack decent walking boots with ankle support for hiking on the tsingy
Tsingy Rouge Park
One step grander than the standard tsingy are the tsingy rouge, or red rocks. Found strikingly in the Tsingy Rouge Park, two hours from Antsiranana (Diego Suarez,) it’s a rough and bumpy drive but one that rewards with a majestic, silk and silt view.
Top travel tip: take plenty of sunscreen and a hat if you travel here in the middle of the day. It’s a pretty exposed place.
Whale watching from Tsarabanjina in Madagascar
Whale Watching in Madagascar
Making their way up from the South Pole in June, humpback whales travel through the St Marie channel near Madagascar.
We spotted this beauty on an impromptu trip from Tsarabanjina Island near Nosy Be in the north. Two whales swam together. This photo catches the moment just after one returned to the deep…
Top tip: check the whale migration patterns before setting your heart on this activity. If it’s crucial to you, plan your holiday around this first.
Look for Lemurs
Bright eyed and bushy tailed, leaping and lolloping, once you’ve seen lemurs it’s easy to understand why people fall in love with them.
Something of a cross between a cat, a squirrel and a monkey, they’re one of the best reasons to visit Madagascar: it’s the only country in the world that has them as native creatures.
A great spot involves climbing the tsingy in the Ankarana Reserve just before sunset. Lemurs are typically nocturnal and aroboreal (live in trees) but they do love to leap. And there’s no better place to see them than here.
Top tip: be ready to move fast! Lemurs do. So have your camera at the ready and the shutter speed raring to go.
Getting Around: By Air and Road
Madagascar is a big place and infrastructure often needs some work. To get from Tana to Nosy Be in the north will likely require an internal flight. Bear in mind that internal flights frequently change at very short notice. This is definitely a situation where having a travel agent on the ground back home can work wonders. We travelled to Madagascar with Audley, who were fantastic at rearranging accommodation details, airline tickets and airport transfers on our behalf. While we slept…
Traditional Malagasy Fisherman Boat in Madagascar
Beautiful Sandy Beaches
Powder-sugar soft white sand. Coral. Turquoise sea. Luxury cabins decked out in natural timber and stone with uninterrupted views of the ocean.
Madagascar’s beaches are so beautiful that some people visit them and leave it at that.
Nosy Be (pronounced nosy BAY) is one of the most popular spots, with boat rides taking travellers out to visit smaller islands.
We stayed at Tsarabanjina in the Mitsio archipelago and it remains in my heart one of the best places I have ever stayed in my life.
Top tip: leave enough time to do absolutely nothing. It’s good for the soul. Science says so (well, the mind and body at least.)
Ankarana Natural Reserve
Towering limestone rises out of the water at sunrise and sunset like a theatre curtain, emerging and then sinking back into the shadows as the night falls.
Founded in 1956, Ankarana hosts lemurs and ring-tailed mongoose but amid the excitement about the primates, the brilliance of the birds is often overlooked. Almost 100 species live here and if you sleep at the neighbouring Iharana Bush Camp, you can watch many of them from your cabin overlooking the water – and feel a sense of peace.
Ankarana also attracts hikers and botanists, with many paths ready for laced boots (although it’s a good idea to travel with a guide.)
Top tip: spend dusk and dawn still and looking across the water to see as many wild birds as you can.
The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Within a day trip of capital ‘Tana, the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is just one of Madagascar’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Madagascar’s population, of around 25 million, includes around 20 different ethnic groups and results from a blending of peoples and cultures that makes geographical sense.
Influences from mainland Africa, influences from Borneo and Indonesia.
The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga represents a combination of a sacred site and royal palace. In a relatively small space, amid the sticky heat, you can learn about ancestor worship, terraced irrigation and the various interactions with various European powers that took place here over the centuries.
Top tip: it can be difficult to understand the significance of many of the parts of the complex without a guide. So it’s a place I’d highly recommend you see as part of a tour.
The Capital: Antananarivo or “Tana
OK. Personally, just personally, I didn’t love my time in Tana. There were a number of reasons. Not all of them likely to happen to anyone else again.
Antananarivo is a vast, crowded city with a capital’s take to international relations. I spent most of my time in the north, a slower, more laid back place and perhaps that’s why Tana jarred so much.
But how can you appreciate a country without knowing her capital?
Antananarivo mixes cathedrals with palaces, cobbled streets with colourful street food but it’s here that Madagascar’s extreme poverty becomes clear (expect to see children queueing by crowded water pumps, for example.)
Top tip: as with any major city, allow plenty of time for sitting in traffic jams.
Antsiranana Madagascar
Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)
Coastal and cool, Antsiranana is, to my mind, the antithesis of Antananarivo.
Broad, wide avenues of low slung buildings and stately ones too, vacant with faded grandeur and tropical decline, and a sense that reminded me of Cartagena in Colombia or Havana, Cuba.
Antsiranana also has manicured graveyards, a curious stop but one that illustrates a deeply disturbing part of human history. The role of Madagascar in World War Two and Hitler’s initial plan not to exterminate Jews but to send them to Madagascar instead.
But despite its historic role, the ambiance is easy-going, the weather sublime.
Top tip: hire a private boat to explore the secluded islands and coastline around Antsiranana.
Chameleon Spotting
Chameleons. Can I make it to the end of this paragraph without singing the song? I think I can. I think…
However catchy the song is, searching for chameleons is even more addictive. They so beautifully match their surroundings. Plus, they’re slow moving when you find them, allowing you to appreciate the fruits of your wildlife-spotting labours all the more.
And they move their feet in a rhythmic, hypnotising clip-clop, clip-clop. Big chameleons, leaf-size chameleons, muddy-tree-bark chameleons and beautiful, shimmering rainbow chameleons…
Madagascar has them all and more. They come and go. They come and go…Sorry. Nearly pulled it off.
Top tip: keep your eyes peeled. Chameleons are (no joke!) hard to spot but beautiful to look at.
Top Things to do in Madagascar: In Summary
Lemurs. Chameleons. UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Humpback whales and white-sand beaches.
Any one would be reason enough to go.
Put them together, and throw in another few centuries of culture, and you’re just getting started with exploring the best things to do in Madagascar.
Madagascar is a country with so much to offer yet so much to contend with. I hope to go back. And to write more and cover more. And I hope you get to travel there as well.
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FAQs
What do people in Madagascar do for fun? ›
The people of Madagascar enjoy playing many sports, six of which form the core of the country's school- and amateur team-based competitive system: football (soccer), boxing, athletics (track and field), judo, women's basketball, and women's tennis.
What is the best part of Madagascar? ›What is the best part of Madagascar? Antananarivo, Avenue Of The Baobabs, Tsingy Of Bemaraha, Zahamena National Park are some of the best parts of Madagascar, that you must visit on your next trip.
What is the best thing about Madagascar? ›Madagascar is perhaps best-known for its lemurs—of which nearly 100 different species and sub-species live on the island—and for its massive baobab trees. The island is also home to the Tuléar reef, the world's third-largest coral reef system, making Madagascar one of the top scuba diving destinations in Africa.
What things is Madagascar known for? ›As the biggest island in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is famous for its unique wildlife and biodiversity. With breathtaking views of nature, white sand beaches, stunning rainforest and delicious local food, this spot offers an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Is it safe to go to Madagascar? ›Madagascar - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to crime. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as armed robbery and assault, may occur throughout Madagascar and particularly in: Antananarivo, Nosy Be, Toamasina (Tamatave), and Mahajunga.
As half of the Malagasy population is less than 20 years old, the nightlife is very lively on the island! Numerous parties are organized in town, in the bars and clubs of Madagascar. Nosy Be, Diego Suarez and Tananarive are particularly renowned for their festive atmosphere!
How many days do you need in Madagascar? ›How many days do you need for Madagascar? Based on our experience, we would say you need at least 2 full weeks. Three to four weeks would be better since you can take your time and stay longer on places you really like. And a big plus, if you stay longer than 2-weeks you can visit Ile Sainte-Marie too!
Is Madagascar cheap to travel? ›Madagascar is one of the world's cheaper countries for travellers. Prices for hotels, transport, meals and basic commodities are low and more comparable with Southeast Asia than with continental Africa.
When should I visit Madagascar? ›July to December is the best time to visit Madagascar for wildlife, with baby lemurs on display from October, birds breeding between September and December, and humpback whales arriving at Ile St Marie in July and August. Rainy season in Madagascar is January to March, with cyclones likely in February.
What do people do in Madagascar? ›What are the fun things to do in Madagascar? Diving with whale sharks, visiting the Crocodile Farm, watching the humpback whales, paragliding and hiking are some of the fun and adventurous things in Madagascar.
Is divorce common in Madagascar? ›
Divorce is a common thing among people in Madagascar. At the age of forty most Malagasy would have been in several marriages. The reasons for the divorce could be many different things.
Are there sharks in Madagascar? ›Madagascar and the Western Indian Ocean is a global hotspot for shark and ray biodiversity. However, as is the case globally, sharks and rays are under extreme threat throughout the region.
Is Madagascar a beautiful country? ›Madagascar boasts mind-blowing landscapes that vary across the country. From lush rainforests and arid plains to pristine beaches and sweeping canyons and gorges, you'll be in awe of the country's distinct beauty everywhere you look.
Is Madagascar a good holiday destination? ›The world's fourth largest island, Madagascar is situated just off the east coast of Africa, home to a wealth of unique flora and fauna. Madagascar's tropical climate, sun-kissed beaches, friendly locals and diversity of wildlife and flora make it a must-see destination for travellers and wildlife-enthusiasts alike.
Do and don'ts in Madagascar? ›| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Stick to the “fady”, local customs and taboos to show respect for especially ancestors. | Refuse to eat or drink something offered to you |
| Be careful, drive at walking pace in a village where there is a market. | Give money or sweets to begging children |
The majority of people in Madagascar live in extreme poverty. Currently, 75% of the population of Madagascar lives on less than $1.90 per day. This means that three-fourths of the 25.6 million inhabitants of Madagascar live beneath the international poverty line as defined by the World Bank.
What is the safest country to vacation in? ›- Iceland. Ranked as the world's safest countries to travel to, Iceland is a top tier destination for a stress-free trip. ...
- Switzerland. ...
- Denmark. ...
- New Zealand. ...
- Canada. ...
- Spain. ...
- Portugal. ...
- Ireland.
A typical Madagascan dish consists of a plate of rice (vary), served with an accompaniment (laoka). The two “national” accompanying dishes are romazava, a meat stew with green leafy vegetables that have a very distinctive taste (brèdes) and ravitoto, stewed pork with shredded manioc leaves.
What is the capital of Madagascar? ›Antananarivo is the capital and the largest city of Madagascar. It is located in the highlands region, very near to the geographic center of the island. In 2010, the population of Madagascar was estimated at around 20 million, 85% of whom live on less than two dollars per day.
Is Madagascar safe for solo female Travellers? ›Unless you're visiting with a guide or tour, Madagascar can get really sketchy for solo female travellers. Visiting and having a safe trip is possible, but it'll require a lot of research and preparations.
Do I need a visa to go to Madagascar? ›
All travelers to Madagascar need a visa. Tourist visas are valid for up to 90 days. Business visas are valid for up to 5 years. Business visas for stays longer than 90 days must be obtained through the Madagascar embassy in the US.
How much money do you need in Madagascar? ›How much Malagasy Ariary should I have for one week in Madagascar? If you want to spend a week in Madagascar the cost of your stay will be: 338 USD (1,438,000 MGA) - a cheap stay for 7 days in Madagascar. 465 USD (1,980,000 MGA) - a budget travel for 7 days in Madagascar.
How much money do I need to go to Madagascar? ›How much money will you need for your trip to Madagascar? You should plan to spend around MGA299,858 ($70) per day on your vacation in Madagascar, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Do you tip in Madagascar? ›In Madagascar, the tip, a former French colonial tradition, is as widespread as the fady. It is given in exchange for any service provided. The amount given increases, of course, according to your level of satisfaction, and depends entirely on how much you're willing to give.
Does Madagascar have nice beaches? ›The expansive island nation of Madagascar off the coast of East Africa boasts some truly stunning beaches along its 5,000km (3,100 miles) of Indian Ocean coastline and surrounding islands.
Is Madagascar hot in April? ›April and May tend to be bright and dry, with days that are pleasantly warm but cool enough to go hiking and sightseeing. The west coast and north of Madagascar tend to be hottest, with the mercury dropping the further south you head.
How hot does it get in Madagascar? ›The average annual temperatures vary between 23°C and 27°C along the coast and between 16°C and 19°C in the central mountains. The identified sub-national units with the highest and lowest mean temperatures reflect the latest climatology, 1991-2020.
What is the main type of tourist attraction in Madagascar? ›Madagascar's tourist attractions include its beaches and biodiversity. The island's endemic wildlife and forests are unique tourist attractions. However, historical sites, craftsmen communities, and relaxed cities make it a favorite with return travellers.
What sports do they play in Madagascar? ›The people of Madagascar enjoy playing many sports, six of which form the core of the country's school- and amateur team-based competitive system: football (soccer), boxing, athletics (track and field), judo, women's basketball, and women's tennis.
What do Madagascar people wear? ›A lamba is the traditional garment worn by men and women that live in Madagascar. The textile, highly emblematic of Malagasy culture, consists of a rectangular length of cloth wrapped around the body.
What country has highest divorce rate? ›
Maldives, the country with the highest divorce rate, has 5.52 divorces per 1000 people. This is almost two times higher than the US with 2.3 divorces per 1000 people.
What country has lowest divorce rate? ›Guatemala (0.3%): Today, this country has the lowest rate of divorce out of all the countries of the world in that it boasts only 0.3% divorces per 1,000 people. This means that among 1,000 people together in this country, only 0.3 people have experience divorce in marriage.
Which country has most divorce rate? ›Due to the particularly abundant marine wildlife, swimming, water sports and diving are forbidden within a perimeter of 300 m around the Reunion Island coastlines. The Reunion Island lagoons are protected by a coral reef.
Are there tiger sharks in Madagascar? ›In the western Indian Ocean, the shark ranges from South Africa to southern Mozambique, but excluding Madagascar. The sand tiger shark has also been sighted in the Red Sea and may be found as far east as India.
Are there great white sharks in Madagascar? ›... Among Lamnidae, great white sharks are mostly confined to southern Africa but occasionally make incursions into tropical waters. Large adults have been recorded in the tropical western Indian Ocean, including Zanzibar, northern Madagascar, Mauritius, Kenya (Cliff et al.
How do you say hello in Madagascar? ›Hello,Hi, Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening: Manao ahoana! Goodbye: Veloma!
How did Madagascar get its name? ›The island's name, Madagascar, is of uncertain origin but historical documents suggest that the Venetian merchant Marco Polo, who did not even visit Madagascar, confused the island with the kingdom of Mogadishu in Somali, East Africa (located slightly north of the Equator), and named it based on mispronunciation and ...
Why Madagascar is called the Red island? ›Due to the permanently reddish tint of its bare earth, Madagascar has earned the nickname Great Red Island. Madagascar's major rivers rise in the highlands near the eastern coast and flow west through valleys to the Mozambique Channel (left).
Is it safe to travel to Madagascar 2022? ›Madagascar is mostly safe to visit since the overall crime rate here is fairly lower than in many other African countries, so many consider this country a safe one to visit.
Can you stay in Madagascar? ›
From remote camping in undiscovered parks, to luxury beach hideaways and jungle lodges, Madagascar now has a great selection of truly diverse places to stay.
Does Madagascar belong to Africa? ›Madagascar is the world's fifth largest island, situated in the Indian Ocean off the coast of southern Africa. Despite considerable natural resources, however, its population of about 28 million (2020) has one of the world's highest poverty rates.
What is the crime rate in Madagascar? ›| Level of crime | 73.86 | High |
|---|---|---|
| Problem people using or dealing drugs | 47.73 | Moderate |
| Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft | 69.32 | High |
| Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery | 69.32 | High |
| Problem corruption and bribery | 82.95 | Very High |
Taxi Apps Unfortunately neither Uber nor Bolt are available in Madagascar.
How long can you stay in Madagascar? ›The 30 days Madagascar Visa is valid for 30 days after arrival. This is a Single Entry visa, and the maximum stay is of 30 days Per Entry. The 60 days Madagascar Visa is valid for 60 days after arrival. This is a Single Entry visa, and the maximum stay is of 60 days Per Entry.
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Madagascar Travel Guide | Places to Visit in Madagascar
Top 15 Best Things to See & Do in Madagascar – SafariBookings
What are the fun things to do in Madagascar? Diving with whale sharks, visiting the Crocodile Farm, watching the humpback whales, paragliding and hiking are some of the fun and adventurous things in Madagascar.
What is the main culture in Madagascar? ›The culture of Madagascar is rooted in diverse tribal heritages and customs, with ancestor respect and traditional festivals at its heart. Although Islam and Christianity are the dominant religions, most villages defer to a soothsayer and healer to predict the future and cure illness.
Is Madagascar a good place to live? ›Madagascar has a high rate of poverty and is, overall, an impoverished country. While their average income places them in the top 60 countries globally, it's only $400-$520 per month before taxes.
What is the main type of tourist attraction in Madagascar? ›Madagascar's tourist attractions include its beaches and biodiversity. The island's endemic wildlife and forests are unique tourist attractions. However, historical sites, craftsmen communities, and relaxed cities make it a favorite with return travellers.
When should I visit Madagascar? ›
July to December is the best time to visit Madagascar for wildlife, with baby lemurs on display from October, birds breeding between September and December, and humpback whales arriving at Ile St Marie in July and August. Rainy season in Madagascar is January to March, with cyclones likely in February.
What sports do they play in Madagascar? ›The people of Madagascar enjoy playing many sports, six of which form the core of the country's school- and amateur team-based competitive system: football (soccer), boxing, athletics (track and field), judo, women's basketball, and women's tennis.
Is divorce common in Madagascar? ›Divorce is a common thing among people in Madagascar. At the age of forty most Malagasy would have been in several marriages. The reasons for the divorce could be many different things.
How do you say hello in Madagascar? ›Hello,Hi, Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening: Manao ahoana! Goodbye: Veloma!
How did Madagascar get its name? ›The island's name, Madagascar, is of uncertain origin but historical documents suggest that the Venetian merchant Marco Polo, who did not even visit Madagascar, confused the island with the kingdom of Mogadishu in Somali, East Africa (located slightly north of the Equator), and named it based on mispronunciation and ...
Is Madagascar rich or poor? ›The majority of people in Madagascar live in extreme poverty. Currently, 75% of the population of Madagascar lives on less than $1.90 per day. This means that three-fourths of the 25.6 million inhabitants of Madagascar live beneath the international poverty line as defined by the World Bank.
Do and don'ts in Madagascar? ›| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Stick to the “fady”, local customs and taboos to show respect for especially ancestors. | Refuse to eat or drink something offered to you |
| Be careful, drive at walking pace in a village where there is a market. | Give money or sweets to begging children |
Madagascar exports coffee, vanilla, sugar, cloves, Ylang-Ylang oil (from Cananga odorata); livestock products; textiles; seafood products (including shark-fins); exotic pets (reptiles and amphibians); minerals and gemstones.
Is crime high in Madagascar? ›Crime is widespread in Madagascar. Armed gangs are known to commit home invasions and kidnappings, and to stalk areas where foreigners congregate. Robberies and break-ins, often violent, occur, especially in and around Antananarivo, but also in rural and isolated areas.
How much does a Coke cost in Madagascar? ›...
Cost of Living in Madagascar.
| Restaurants | Edit |
|---|---|
| Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) | 6,500.00Ar |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 5,111.11Ar |
| Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) | 3,519.71Ar |
Can I use US dollars in Madagascar? ›
The Malagasy Ariary (MGA) is the local currency of Madagascar. The most accepted foreign currency is the Euro, but US dollars and GBP are easily changed. You can exchange money at banks or make withdrawals from local ATMs.
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