Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Madagascar

The fourth-largest island of the world, Madagascar, has everything so special that even filmmakers can’t resist capturing its beauty. But don’t just take pleasure in the animated version of this island via movies. Take a flight and discover all the beautiful tourist attractions in Madagascar. Since it is a whole new place for many and popular only for the flora and fauna, many might face problems while planning their journey. Don’t worry you will get all the necessary info here at Yatravelo.

Travel Through Nature At The Top 10 Tourist Attractions In Madagascar

1. Masoala National Park
2. The Blue City
3. Tsingy of Bemaraha
4. Ifaty and Tulear
5. Avenue of The Baobabs
6. Ranomafana National Park
7. Ile Sainte Marie
8. Diana
9. Zahamena National Park
10. Antananarivo

1. Masoala National Park

On their travel, one must discover the extreme flora and fauna of the island. The fauna and flora of Madagascar are exceptionally rich. The names of some of the species present are unheard of even by the locals. Aye Aye, Uroplatus Geckos, Weasel Lemur, Fosas, and many more are there. So, head to Madagascar’s largest protected site Masoala National Park and capture all those in your camera. Besides watching birds and animals, the park also allows trekking, camping, hiking, and other adventurous activities.

How to Reach: Take a taxi or motorboat either from Antalaha or Maroantsetra City to the park.

Opening Times: 7:30 am to 6 pm.

Entry Fees: 25,000 Ar/person and 200 Ar/child.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Egypt

2. The Blue City

Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is popularly known as the Blue City because of its unique cultural identity. It is a sacred place preserving the 500 years old tradition, ritual, and culture of the Malagasy people. One of the weird facts about the Rova Palace is that egg white was used to paint the walls and gate. Whether it is true or not, one can find out only after visiting and talking to locals.

How to Reach: Antananarivo airport is the closest to where you can get a taxi to Royal Hill.

Opening Time: 9 am to 4 pm

Also Read: Most Beautiful Islands in India

3. Tsingy of Bemaraha

Call it the wonderful creation of nature. The unique shape landscape and limestone rocks at Tsingy of Bemaraha are natural attractions. They are formed by fossil deposits thus holding a unique identity. This UNESCO World Heritage site is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Madagascar. But if you think there are only stones and rocks to see, you are wrong. The place has specific wildlife and a natural reserve that is inaccessible to outsiders.

What To Do At Tsingy?

• Hike at popular trails- Andadoany, Ranotsara, and Anjohimanintsy.
• Enjoy camping with friends and no need to carry any camping equipment. Parks provide everything you need.
• Capture landscapes and birds with your camera. The blue-eye Coquerel’s Coua and Madagascan fish eagle are rare but if you stay longer you may see them.

How to Reach: Arrive at Bekopaka village via RN8 road from Morondava. You can also take a direct RN1 road from Antananarivo.

Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Dubai

4. Ifaty and Tulear

If you want to taste Madagascar’s food, come to this small island in Tulear city. The resorts and restaurants serve authentic food such as Romazava, Mofo Gasy, Lasary, and more.

Things to Do

• Snorkeling and Scuba diving at Andavadoaka
• Walkthrough nature at Mangily Village
• Horse riding at Ambotsibotskike Village
• Explore more wildlife at the Reniala Nature Reserve
• Go fishing in Ifaty

Where to Stay: You can’t do all these activities in one day at Ifaty and Tulear and proper rest is also necessary. So spend your Madagascar holiday peacefully while relaxing at any of these budget hotels:

• The Mora Mora
• The Chez Micheline
• The Chez Cecile

5. Avenue of The Baobabs

The western part of Madagascar has unbelievable trees. It seems that someone has planted artificial trees but they are real. The tall Baobab trees enhance the beauty of Morondava, especially during sunset. One of the unique facts that make it one of the famous tourist attractions in Madagascar is that these trees have been standing tall for 1000 years. Therefore, the place is called ‘Queens of the Forest’.

How to Reach Morondava: Take a flight from the capital city of Madagascar, Antananarivo to Morondava and by public transport to reach this unique place.

Things to Do

• Fishing at Piroque – The fishing village of Morondava
• Kirindy Forest Reserve
• Visit Berokoka Sud Bemanonga where lies the rare black baobab tree but leave your shoes in the car. This will offend the locals.
• Take time for twisted baobab, a rare species of baobab which is also known as Baobabs in Love.
• Relax at Morondava Beach.

Our Best Picks of Accommodation

• Laguna Beach resort
• Trecicogne
• Cap Kimony

6. Ranomafana National Park

Though the title of this park means hot water, the park is one of the coolest places to visit in Madagascar. It is home to the golden bamboo lemur, the rarest of all, and a few more endangered species.

• How to Reach: Unfortunately there are no other means to reach the park except via road. So pick the route number RN25 and get to the park either via taxi or your private vehicle.
• Opening Times: 24 hours a day.
• Entry Fee: 55,000 AR/person and almost half for kids (as per 2017 records).

7. Ile Sainte Marie

To the east lies a private pirate island famous for its calm beaches and palm trees lined across the shore. Few tourists come to Ile Sainte Marie but that doesn’t reduce its beauty. The island offers various fun activities, luxurious resorts, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Couples should come here.

Where To Go And What To Do?

• Go to Idylle Beach
• Nosy Nato is the famous viewpoint on the island
• July month is highly recommended to visit this island due to its popular ‘Whale Festival’. It is an event of fun, and games, and all about whales
• Crazy Lemur café is the ideal spot to taste some delicious food
• Pizza Mama Santa offers the best wood-fired pizza

Recommended Hotels

• Hotel Club Paradise
• Libertalia Hotel
• Les Tipaniers Lodge

8. Diana

There are lots of tourist attractions in the Diana region of Madagascar. The famous Nosy Be Island, Manongarivo reserve, Antsiranana Bay, and more. You can spend your time in Diano exploring these places or indulging in water sports.

How To Reach: The city is situated in the northeast part forming borders with Sofia and Sava region. You can reach there either by road or sea route. Visitors can also reach via a flight to Nosy Be Airport.

Where To Stay

• Eden Lodge
• Anjiamarango Beach Resort
• Kite Paradise Madagascar

9. Zahamena National Park

Unlike other parks and reserves, this one is quite special and has a background that will give you a feel of Hollywood. The place is perfect for scenic photos whilst capturing unusual birds with your camera. The largest lake in Madagascar also lies here.

How To Reach: Trains from Moringa Circa run every 5-6 hours to Ambatondrazaka which is close to the park.

Best Time To Visit: April to October.

Opening Time: Open all time but tourists are advised not to stay after sunset.

10. Antananarivo

Do not miss the cultural hub of Madagascar. The largest city, Antananarivo is also the capital of this island country.

Places To Visit In Madagascar’s Capital City

• Lemur’s park
• Croc Farm
• Analakely Market
• Tsimbazaza Zoo
• APrc Tsarasaotra
• Is’Art Galerie
• Open-Air Markets

Best Hotels In Antananarivo

• Sakamanga Hotel
• Downtown Hotel
• Hotel Carlton

Fully enjoy the Malagasy atmosphere, the endemic nature, and the charismatic landscapes. Don’t forget to go to the places mentioned in our list of tourist attractions in Madagascar.