Top 10 Things to Do in Madagascar

Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, is a beautiful island country located off the southeast coast of Africa. It comprises of the main island of Madagascar and several other smaller peripheral islands. It is the world's fourth-largest island and the second-largest island country in terms of land area. Dotted with vast stone forests, tranquil beaches, and lush green hills, Madagascar is immensely popular for its breathtaking natural beauty. However, this country has a lot more to offer than its stunning natural landscapes. With diverse cultures, fascinating history, and unique traditions, this island nation ticks all the boxes of being the ultimate holiday destination. Whether you’re a nature lover, a thrill seeker, or a history enthusiast, you can find plenty of activities to do in Madagascar to match your interests.

Best Things to Do and See in Madagascar

Known for its rich biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and cultural heritage, Madagascar is a land of striking contrasts. People from all over the world visit Madagascar to explore its unique natural attractions and diverse experiences.

Are you also planning a trip and wondering what to do in Madagascar? For your convenience, here is a list of the top 10 things to do in Madagascar: -

• Get Up Close with Lemurs
• Spot Whale Sharks
• Admire the Beauty of Baobabs
• Try the Malagasy Cuisine
• Explore Antananarivo
• Visit the Isalo National Park
• Visit the Stone Forest
• Indulge in Birdwatching
• Have Fun under the Sun
• Enjoy Scuba Diving

Get Up Close with Lemurs

Another thing that Madagascar is known for is its rich fauna. Here, you can find several different species of wild animals and birds, with lemurs being absolutely one of the most popular ones. This island country is known for being home to nearly 100 different species and sub-species of lemur, and all of them are endemic. Although there are plenty of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Madagascar where you get a chance to spot lemurs, Anja Community Reserve is the best option. This environmental and cultural preservation site protects the diverse flora and fauna native to this country. You can book a guided tour of this reserve to know more about the place and these wonderful creatures.

Spot Whale Sharks

The stunning water vistas Madagascar offers are not the only thing that makes it a swimmer’s paradise. Adorned with corals, the crystal-clear ocean waters are also known for their rich biodiversity. And what can be a better experience than having an encounter with the world’s largest fish while swimming. Yes, you read it right! If you’re planning a trip between September-December, this is one of the best things to do in Madagascar. During these months, a large number of whale sharks gather near the northwestern island of Nosy Be. You can go for a refreshing dip, and there are chances that you’ll spot a whale shark feeding on blooming plankton.

Admire the Beauty of Baobabs

Madagascar is home to six out of nine known species of baobab trees found around the world. It is believed that indigenous African people used to rely on baobabs for survival. This is also the reason why these trees are often called the “Tree of Life.” If you want to spend some quiet time in nature, visiting a place where you can admire these uniquely beautiful trees is just the right thing to do in Madagascar. Although these trees can be found all over the island, the most famous place for baobab worshipping is the Avenue of the Baobabs. Located in the Menabe region of the western part of the country, this place has close to 25 trees, some of them being more than 30 meters tall.

Try the Malagasy Cuisine

Trying authentic, local food is one of the easiest ways to know more about a place and its culture. Especially when you’re visiting a country as vibrant as Madagascar, your trip is incomplete without a planned culinary adventure. The flavourful Malagasy cuisine is diverse and does a great job of reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and natural resources. Whether you’re a food lover or not, you should definitely try a few famous local dishes like laoka, romazava, and ravitoto.

Explore Antananarivo

Although Madagsacar is home to a number of places with a glorious past, Antannarivo, the Malagasy capital, is one of the places that you cannot miss even if you have limited time at hand. This city was founded in the 17th century and served as the capital for French colonialists in the 19th and 20th centuries as well. Often referred to as Tana, this is also the largest city in Madagascar. Dotted with several iconic monuments, Antananarivo is undoubtedly a must-visit place for every history enthusiast. And if you have more time to spend here, you can also visit a few of the art galleries and museums this city is home to.

Visit the Isalo National Park

Covering a total land area of approximately 190,000, Isalo National Park is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. From thick forests of pandanus trees to natural swimming holes, plateaus and gorges to canyons and pinnacles, you can find everything here. In addition to this, you can also spot several different species of animals and birds in this national park. To explore this national park in a better way, you can also book a safari tour. Isalo National Park in Madagascar is known to offer the best safari in Africa, leading to a more fun-filled and adventurous experience.

Visit the Stone Forest

If you’re looking for some extraordinary stuff to do in Madagascar, you should definitely plan a trip to the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Often referred to as stone forest, this place is known for being home to unique geological formations. Approximately 200 million years ago, the limestone seabed in the region was pushed upwards which resulted in the formation of a large plateau. Over time, this plateau turned into a large bunch of jagged limestone structures due to erosion and weathering. In 1990, the area was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At present, it looks like a dense forest of these rocky structures and also serves as a popular tourist spot.

Indulge in Birdwatching

The island nation of Madagascar is home to approximately 280 different bird species, which also gives it a status as a prime birding destination. More than 100 of these species are exclusive to Madagascar and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. So, if you’re someone who loves to indulge in birdwatching, this trip will give you an excellent opportunity. Mainly, there are three different places where you can find these endemic birds: the eastern rainforest, the southern spiny bush, and the deciduous forests in the west. Or, you can also plan a visit to the Ranomafana National Park, where you can easily spot some rare bird species like the short-legged ground roller and the yellow-bellied sunbird.

Have Fun under the Sun

With long stretches of sand set against refreshing, turquoise waters and dotted with palm trees, Madagascar is definitely on the travel bucket list of every beach lover. This country is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whether you’re looking for a lively place to enjoy a fun beach party or a secluded spot to admire the natural beauty in peace, Madagascar has it all. Nosy Be, Nosy Kumba, Nosy Boraha, and Ile Aux Nattes are among the best things to see in Madagascar.

Enjoy Scuba Diving

Boasting a coastline of approximately 4,800 kilometres, Madagascar is considered one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world. Here, you'll find the world’s third largest coral reef system - the Tuléar reef as well, which is home to over 6,000 marine species. Some of these include whales, dolphins, sharks, and manta rays. Whether you’re someone with prior diving experience or planning to take a plunge for the very first time, you can find a spot suitable to your expertise level. With balmy water temperatures and excellent visibility, you’re sure to have plenty of fun in the water.

With this detailed list of places to visit and things to do in Madagascar, Africa, you can make the most of your time here. To avoid the hassle that comes with planning a trip, choose Veena World as your travel partner. We have an extensive collection of all-inclusive Madagascar tour packages that you can choose from.